BusinessMirror March 09, 2022

Situation ‘fluid,’ growth goals stay for now

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SM Seaside City Cebu celebrates International Women’s Day with the display of National Costumes worn by Miss Universe 2021 Top 5 Finalist, Beatrice Luigi Gomez. The creator of these masterpieces is Cebuano Fashion Designer Axel Que who tells a Philippine Mythology story through art and fashion as well as showcasing an exemplification of a woman’s evolving beauty and strength. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

HE national government intends to keep its economic growth targets for now despite the surge in commodity prices, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda).

Ned a Undersecretar y for Policy and Planning Rosemarie G. Edillon said the situation remains “very fluid” and that it may still be early to adjust the government’s assumptions.

The latest spike in global oil prices recently sent local pump prices soaring by P3 to P5 per liter. On Tuesday, Shell Philippines said fuel prices are set to increase by P12.80 for diesel and P8.30 for gasoline.

“The situation is still very fluid,

“Russia is the largest exporter of natural gas and wheat. Ukraine is a major exporter of corn. So the impact of all this on us will be big. Although we do not really trade with them directly, this will set off a tightening in supply for the world market, so there will be competition.”

–Neda Undersecretary Rosemarie G. Edillon

hence it would not be good to revise targets this early. Rest assured that we are closely monitoring the situation,” Edillon told the

BusinessMirror on Tuesday.

Based on the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) assessment as of February 17, Dubai crude oil price for this year is projected to average at $83.3 per barrel and expected to slow to $79 per barrel by the end of this year based on the latest oil futures.

These assumptions are higher than the $68 to $80 per barrel estimate made by the Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) in December 2021 when it set a growth target of 7 to 9 percent for this year.

On Tuesday, Reuters reported that Russia already warned Western countries that oil prices could reach $300 per barrel or more with the possible closure of the main

Russia-Germany gas pipeline.

“Russia is the largest exporter of natural gas and wheat. Ukraine is also a major exporter of corn.

So the impact of all this on us will be big. Although we do not really trade with them directly, this will set off a tightening in supply for the world market, so there will be competition,” Edillon explained, partly in Filipino, in a Palace briefing on Tuesday.

On Monday night, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick T. Chua bared 14 key measures that the Economic Development Cluster (EDC) recommended to address the rising cost of fuel and food.

See “Fluid,” A2

BusinessMirror BusinessMirror

OF MANILA JOURNALISM AWARDS ROTARYROTARY CLUB OFCLUB MANILA JOURNALISM AWARDS

2006 National Newspaper the Year 2006 National Newspaper of theofYear 2011 National Newspaper the Year 2011 National Newspaper of theofYear 2013 Business Newspaper of the 2013 Business Newspaper of the Year Year 2017 Business Newspaper of the Year 2017 Business Newspaper of the Year 2019 Business Newspaper of the Year 2019 Business Newspaper of the Year 2021 Pro Patria Award 2021 Pro Patria Award PHILIPPINE STATISTICS AUTHORITY 2018 Data Champion PHILIPPINE STATISTICS AUTHORITY 2018 Data Champion

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BUSINESS NEWS NEWS BUSINESS SOURCESOURCE OF THE YEAR OF THE YEAR

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Wednesday, March 9, 2022 Vol. 17 No. 152

P25.00 nationwide | 2 sections 22 pages | 7 days a week

GOLD PRICE SURGE LIFTS GIR TO $107.98B AT END-FEB n

JAPANESE Ambassador Koshikawa Kazuhiko, Transportation Secretary Arthur P. Tugade and Defense Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana and other officials inspect the tunnel boring machine cutterhead that will be used for the country’s first underground railway system, at the stockyard on Mindanao Avenue in Quezon City. Funded with official development assistance from Japan, the Metro Manila Subway Project will use cutting-edge Japanese tunneling technology, stretching 36 km and connecting the northern city of Valenzuela and the southern city of Parañaque. NONOY LACZA

By Cai U. Ordinario

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@caiordinario

HE surge in gold prices in the international market increased the country’s dollar reserves in February, according to preliminary data released by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) on Tuesday.

The data showed the country’s gross international reserves (GIR) level increased to $107.98 billion as of end-February 2022 from the end-January 2022 level of $107.69 billion.

This GIR level is equivalent to 10.2 months’ worth of imports of goods and payments of services and primary income.

See “Gold,” A2

WOMEN MAKE UP MOST OF OFW RANKS, BUT CAN ONLY SEND HOME LESS

W

OMEN O versea s Filipi no Work e r s (OFWs) may comprise the majority of the Filipino diaspora but their remittances account for less than half the total inf lows that reach Philippine shores—a proportion traced to the fact that many of them are in lowsalary jobs.

Data from the Survey on Overseas Filipino Workers for

2020 of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed 59.6 percent of OFWs in 2020 were women. However, they only accounted for 44.47 percent of total remittances.

PSA noted that 70.3 percent of women working abroad are working in elementary occupations and do not receive high salaries.

See “Women,” A2

LGU curbs could tilt table eggs, chicken meat supply balance

By Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas

F

@jearcalas

ILIPINO consumers in Luzon and Visayas may face spikes in prices of table eggs and chicken meat with the imposition by certain local government units (LGUs) of inter-island movement restrictions on poultry products due to bird flu concerns.

Poultry industry leaders warned of a supply imbalance after four separate LGUs, mostly in Visayas, imposed entry bans for poultry products, including eggs and dressed chicken, coming from Luzon—a

move deemed “over-and-above” the guidelines of the Department of Agriculture (DA).

The province of Aklan banned the entry of all domestic poultry and poultry products from other regions for 30 days from March 2 until April 1, with only properly documented “domesticated” poultry and poultry products from Region 6 allowed to enter the province.

Cebu imposed a total ban on all poultry products from Luzon for 45 days starting March 8 while Negros Occidental imposed a total

PESO exchange rates n US 52.0610 n japan 0.4516 n UK 68.2311 n HK 6.6579 n CHINA 8.2362 n singapore 38.2380 n australia 38.0878 n EU 56.5174 n SAUDI arabia 13.8759

See “Eggs,” A2

Source: BSP (8 March 2022)

A2

Wednesday, March 9, 2022

BusinessMirror

Owwa urged to ‘immediately’ settle ₧1.5B in arrears to hotels

By Ma. Stella F. Arnaldo @akosistellaBM

Special to the BusinessMirror

O

PER ATIONS of quarantine hotels are getting affected by the slow payment by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (Owwa) for quarantine stays of Filipino overseas workers.

In a letter to Owwa Administrator Hans Leo J. Cacdac dated March 8, a copy of which was obtained by the BusinessMirror, Philippine Hotel Owners Association (PHOA) president Arthur M. Lopez expressed concern: “As of March 5, 2022, the total amount of Accounts Receivables of our members has already reached approximately P1.5 billion. It is in this regard that we request you to immediately settle all Accounts Receivables of our hotels.”

Lopez added, “Even though Owwa

Gold. . .

Continued from A1

“The month-on-month increase in the GIR level reflected mainly the upward adjustment in the value of the BSP’s gold holdings due to the increase in the price of gold in the international market and the BSP’s net income from its investments abroad,” BSP said in a statement.

has been paying us in trickles, our member hotels nevertheless continue to operate and help the government service the needs of our returning OFWs by providing them safe and comfortable accommodations. However, the delay in payments is severely affecting our operations and already hurting the hotel owners and operators.”

Since the start of pandemic, he said PHOA has met with the Owwa’s team several times “to discuss the procedure for Owwa in settling the Accounts Receivables. We have complied with all requirements for collection including the Statements of Accounts which were received by your office.”

PHOA Executive Director Benito C. Bengzon Jr. declined to say, however, what was the largest amount owed any of its member-hotels. Lopez’s letter was copy-furnished to Labor Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III, Finance Secretary

Carlos G. Dominguez III, Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo Puyat, and PHOA members.

Previously, it was the sales and marketing directors of quarantine hotels, which kept Owwa’s Cacdac on his toes so their establishments would be paid immediately. Christine Anne U. Ibarreta, the late president of the Hotel Sales and Marketing Association, once threatened Owwa that their hotels would stop hosting OFWs unless the agency’s arrears are paid. She never let Owwa’s debts pile up to more than P250 million before badgering Cacdac for payment.

It was also Ibarreta who proposed to the Department of Tourism (DOT) to allow hotels to be used as quarantine facilities, enabling them to earn, while global travel restrictions kept tourists from arriving in the Philippines.

Recently, PHOA publicly asked for a lifeline from the government as they

were losing the quarantine business with the reopening of the country to international tourism. This was publicly turned down by Romulo Puyat, who later said she “never received” a formal letter from PHOA about the lifeline proposal.

It was only last December that PHOA defended Owwa on its delayed payments, attributing it to the government agency’s “administrative problem.” Lopez even said PHOA was in constant communication with Cacdac, “who has been very, very supportive and very efficient, and he is really pushing his people to process the payments.” (See, “Owwa funds for quarantine hotels running out at year-end,” in the BusinessMirror, December 14, 2021.)

Of the 308 members of PHOA nationwide, 89 hotels in Metro Manila have been hosting quarantining OFWs.

Broken down, the country’s gold holdings grew to $9.585 billion, the highest since May 2021 when gold holdings reached $9.907 billion.

The country’s GIR consisted predominantly of foreign investments, which hit $93.107 billion in February—up from $92.9 billion in January.

“It [GIR] is also about 8.4 times the country’s short-term external debt based on original maturity and 5.8 times based on

residual maturity,” the BSP added.

The BSP also said the net international reserves (NIR) increased by $0.29 billion to $107.97 billion as of end-February 2022 from the end-January 2022 level of $107.68 billion.

The NIR refers to the difference between the BSP’s reserve assets (GIR) and reserve liabilities or short-term foreign debt and credit and loans from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Fluid. . .

Continued from A1

Fuel subsidy

The measures include increasing the fuel subsidy program for public utility vehicles (PUVs) to P5 billion from P2.5 billion. The first tranche will be distributed in March and the second, in April.

The government, Chua said, intends to continue promotional discounts of oil firms of P1 to P4 per liter for PUVs and provide fuel vouchers for agricultural producers by increasing the budget to P1.1 billion from the current P500 million.

Chua said the government wants to increase the buffer stock of oil to 45 days from 30 days. This, however, would require legislation—possible if the President calls for a special session of Congress.

The government also intends to promote energy conservation; suspend or remove pass through fees in LGUs, industrial parks, and subdivisions; implement service contracting and expand it for all public transport routes; promote the use of e-vehicles and expand charging stations; and aggressively promote active transport such as bicycles.

“We need to shift the entire country to Alert Level 1 at the soonest possible time and to open all the schools for face-to-face learning. This can increase the productivity of our domestic economy and offset the external risks. While we cannot prevent the risks coming from the global perspective, we can strengthen our domestic economy to provide the people with more jobs and opportunities,” Chua said.

For energy generation and electricity, the EDC proposed expanding the supply of coal and temporarily removing the commodity’s most favored nation (MFN) tariff rate of 7 percent until December 2022. This will ensure sufficient inventory and lower power charges for consumers.

The Neda chief pitched energy conservation, including the use of sensor technologies for energy savings, and welcomed agreements with private electric companies to stagger future increases in generation charges.

Chua listed as well recommendations to increase supply and ensure lower prices of rice, corn, pork, fish, chicken, sugar, and wheat by generally lowering tariff rates, expanding the sources of imports, and removing all non-tariff barriers for importation.

He repeated the need to pass the livestock and dairy bills to help farmers increase productivity and competitiveness, and ensure domestic food supply.

The inclusion of agriculture and renewable energy in the draft Strategic Investment Priority Plan, Chua said, will improve efforts to attract more investments in these sectors which can help increase the supply of food and energy. Cai U. Ordinario

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Women. . .

Continued from A1

“OFWs abroad will not realize that the salaries they earn abroad may not be worth it given that such salary [e.g., P15,000] may be earned here. Note however the type of occupation that gives such a salary; they may think that for such a job, they cannot earn that amount here at home—even if the cost of living back home is lower,” Institute for Migration and Development Issues Executive Director Jeremaiah Opiniano told BusinessMirror.

But the tendency to bite the bullet in terms of getting “higher” salaries does not necessarily mean that many women working abroad came from relatively poorer regions, according to former Ateneo Center for Research and Development (ACERD) Director Alvin P. Ang. Based on the PSA data, some 15.9 percent of female OFWs come from Calabarzon and 11.6 percent come from Central Luzon, two regions which together account for about 30 percent of the country’s GDP. Ang said the idea of working abroad remains attractive even for professionals if it means higher wages or a better standard of living. In many instances, he said, these professionals are willing to de-skill in exchange for working abroad.

“People have the mindset that this is still better than what they can get working here in terms of money terms. The social costs are imputed as absorbed and translated as better performance in school and better life compared to theirs and in the future,” Ang said.

“Women and their family must be aware of the complete circumstances behind overseas work, not just the pay. It must include risks, liquidity and governance. Once made, all labor rights and protection must be clear to the whole family,” he stressed.

Ang and Opiniano agree that the social costs of migration have been well documented.

Despite this, all migrants, not just women OFWs, should be made aware of the risks they face.

This is especially the case, Opiniano said, since women migrant workers are often exposed to abuse, especially in Middle East and East Asia countries.

Romulo A. Virola, former head of the defunct National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB), noted that the top destinations of female OFWs are in the bottom half of the Best

Eggs. . .

Continued from A1

ban on all poultry products from all regions outside the province from February 28 until March 15. Pangasinan banned the entry of all quails and ducks coming from outside the province from February 25 until March 31.

The LGUs issued the movement restrictions to protect their domestic poultry industries from the threats of bird flu or avian influenza (AI). This, after the national government confirmed highly pathogenic AI type A subtype H5N1 outbreaks in quail and ducks farms in Pampanga, Bulacan, Laguna and Camarines Sur.

Supply disruption

United Broiler Raisers Association President Elias Jose Inciong said the LGUs’ rules are “over and above” the DA guidelines issued on March 7 on the movement of live poultry and poultry products.

“If you prohibit the entry of dressed chicken and table eggs, then it will flood the supply in Luzon. There will be temporary supply disruptions,” Inciong told the BusinessMirror.

“Prices could collapse due to artificial local oversupply as caused by the disruptions. And by the next production cycle, we might see less supply,” Inciong added.

Inciong said Visayas and Mindanao could also have problems with their supply of day old chicks (DOCs), since transport of these live birds from Luzon to the other two regions have been restricted by national government rules.

Philippine Egg Board Association President Irwin M. Ambal warned that certain provinces and areas in Visayas, including Boracay island, may suffer from reduced egg supply since they depend on stocks from Calabarzon region, particularly Batangas province.

“We are feeding practically Central Visayas, the Panay Island Group, Bacolod and Aklan.

And then you suddenly shut us down,” Ambal complained to the B usinessMirror.

“There is an increasing demand for eggs in these areas since their alert levels have been lowered and there is revenge spending and holidays in areas like Boracay. So where will they get their egg supply?”

Ambal added.

He noted that Calabarzon

Countries for Women in 2021 of CEOWORLD Magazine.

Saudi Arabia, the top destination for OFWs, ranked 89th out of 156 countries on the list while the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait, other top OFW destinations, ranked 100th and 111th in the index, Virola pointed out.

The Philippines also ranked better than these destination countries. In the index, Virola said, the country ranked 57th out of 156 countries.

“Note that three of the top destinations of women OFWs are ranked even below the Philippines. So why go there? Then maybe we would not have to hear and read the many sad stories about our OFWs,” Virola said in a public post on Facebook.

Apart from the abuse, Opiniano said social costs include broken families. The physical separation of migrant workers from their families is justified by a need to provide for families.

Opiniano said while technology can somehow “bridge the distance,” there is also a need to implement better financial management to prevent family-related concerns.

“Overseas Filipina workers are more than just workers in these usual occupations that subject them to trouble, abuses and diminishing well-being. The Philippines has been doing its best to take care of them, no matter the varied behaviors of employers—from formal and informal employment—from various countries,” Opiniano said.

“The country has to continue to press for better systems in host countries to manage the plight of women migrant workers This is while the Philippines tries to determine steps to improve migrant family life, remittance financial management, and even providing social protection [e.g., insurance, pensions] to female and male OFWs,” he added.

The PSA data showed the number of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) or Filipino workers who worked abroad from April to September 2020 was estimated at 1.77 million.

Overseas Contract Workers (OCWs) or those with existing work contracts comprised 96.4 percent, equivalent to 1.71 million of total OFWs in the same period.

Other OFWs who worked abroad without working visa or work permits such as tourist, visitor, student, medical, and other types of non-immigrant visas, but were presently employed and working full time in other countries had a 3.6-percent share. Cai U. Ordinario accounts for at least 80 percent of the egg supply of Boracay Island, now enjoying an influx of tourists as the economy further opens up with Covid-19 cases declining.

Ambal urged LGUs to base their bans and movement restrictions on science and existing rules of the national government.

“We saw this coming. I cannot blame the LGUs for being overprotective, but the bans could have been more calibrated or targeted without sacrificing food security. There’s really a huge possibility that they will have a shortage in supply,” he said.

DA rules

The DA issued on Tuesday Memorandum Circular (MC) 6 that outlined the guidelines on movement of domestic and captured wild birds and poultry products and by-products during the AI outbreak.

Under the rules, the movement of all species of live birds—including DOCs, day-old pullets—from Regions 1, 2, 3, 4-A and 5 and CAR (collectively as mainland Luzon) to Region 4-B, Visayas and Mindanao is temporarily suspended for 30 days.

The government also suspended the movement/transport of pigeons and game fowls within mainland Luzon and from mainland Luzon to Mimaropa, Visayas and Mindanao for 30 days. The operation of live bird markets in Bulacan, Pampanga, Laguna, Camarines, which all have confirmed bird flu outbreaks, is also suspended for one month.

“The transport of live ducks within mainland Luzon and from mainland Luzon to Mimaropa, Visayas and Mindanao for the purpose of grazing are hereby suspended for 30 days,” MC 6 read.

“Inter-regional movement of live ducks and quails within mainland Luzon is suspended for 30 days. Transport/movement of live ducks and quails from Bulacan, Pampanga, Laguna and Camarines Sur to any destination in the Philippines is suspended for 30 days,” it added.

Under DA rules, the transport/movement of table eggs, salted egg, quail eggs and embryonated eggs or balut from mainland Luzon to Mimaropa, Visayas and Mindanao is allowed, provided that certain risk mitigation measures are applied by farmers, traders and shippers.

The transport of poultry meat from mainland Luzon to Mimaropa, Visayas and Mindanao is also allowed provided shipments have a meat inspection certificate for domestic meat products and a certificate of meat inspection for imported meat products.

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Court upholds validity of MMDA’s deal on Metro passenger stations

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HE Supreme Court (SC) has affirmed the validity of the compromise agreement between the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and a private firm involving the improvement and maintenance of all existing MMDA-owned passenger stations in all major streets in the metropolis, among others.

In an 11-page decision penned

by Associate Justice Ramon Paul Hernando, the SC’s Second Division denied the petition filed by then MMDA chairman and now senator Francis Tolentino, seeking the reversal of the ruling issued by the Court of Appeals in 2013.

The 2013 CA decision affirmed the resolution issued by the Regional Trial Court of Quezon City Branch 95 upholding the validity of the compromise agreement dated June 16, 2010 between the MMDA and High Desert Stop Overs Inc. (HDSOI).

Tolentino argued that the compromise agreement entered into by the MMDA and HDSOI without the participation of the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) is null and void.

He stressed that the Solicitor General represents the government, its agencies and instrumentalities in any litigation, investigation, or matters requiring the services of a lawyer.

Since the compromise agreement was not reviewed, approved and signed by the OSG, Tolentino said it should be declared void from the beginning.

He added that the CA failed to address their arguments that the compromise agreement should have been declared null and void for being grossly disadvantageous to the government.

Tolentino pointed out that former MMDA Chairman Oscar Inocentes and HDSOI managed to extend the agreements, which were about to expire at the time for another 15 years in the form of the compromise agreement with the approval of the OSG. However, the SC ruled the government is now bound by the MOA due to its failure to question the same on time.

“At the very least, even if the OSG had no prior knowledge of the MOA, it was duly notified on November 10, 2010 when it received a copy of the assailed judgment dated July 2, 2010 together with other orders issued by the trial which approved the MOA. Notwithstanding such knowledge, the OSG failed to file an appeal or resort to other remedies to contest the validity of the MOA,” the Court declared.

“That being so, an action for annulment of judgment is an improper remedy to belatedly question the rental rate of the passenger station built by HDSOI under the MOA. Af-

ter a decision is declared final and executory, vested rights are acquired by the winning party,” it added.

It can be recalled that the MMDA and HDSOI signed three agreements giving the latter the authority to construct, finance, operate and maintain 250 passenger stations under the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) Law within Metro Manila starting 1992.

But in 2006, former MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando decided to rescind the agreements, prompting HDSOI to file a complaint for injunction and damages with prayer for the issuance of a temporary restraining order and/ or writ of preliminary injunction.

In 2010, the Metro Manila Council issued a resolution allowing Inocentes to enter into an amicable settlement with HDSOI. The MMDA and HDSOI entered into a memorandum of agreement for and in consideration of dropping all outstanding legal suits against the former.

Thus, while the civil case was ending, the MMDA and HDSOI on June 16, 2010 entered into a compromise agreement.

Aside from the maintenance and improvement of MMDA-owned passenger stations, the agreement also tasked HDSOI to repair worn-out passenger stations, install lighting facilities and replace existing passenger stations to conform to the uniform design.

The MMDA also grants HDSOI exclusive right to install, operate and maintain advertising displays on all passenger stations and to charge fees for its sole benefit.

The MMDA also committed to respect the provisions of the MOA regardless of any changes in administration.

Under the agreement, the MOA will take effect for a period of 10 years and be automatically renewed for additional 5 years.

It further states that the MMDA will get exclusive ownership of the passenger stations.

But the MMDA under its new chairman Francis Tolentino opposed the motion filed by HDSOI before the trial court seeking to compel the agency to implement the agreement.

The MMDA argued that the agreement was entered into without prior notice, consultation and approval of the OSG. It also questioned the imposition of P2,500 rental fee per passenger stations being used by HDSOI for advertising purposes indicating that the amount is advantageous to the government.

The trial court, however, granted HDSOI’s motion for the issuance of a writ of execution directing the MMDA to comply with the provisions of the compromise agreement, which prompted the latter to elevate the case before the CA. Joel R. San Juan

SC halts Comelec’s ‘Oplan Baklas’ vs oversized campaign materials

By Joel R. San Juan @jrsanjuan1573

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HE Supreme Court issued on Tuesday a temporary restraining order (TRO) enjoining the Commission on Elections (Comelec) from dismantling or confiscating election materials that are privately owned and funded and installed within private properties under its “Oplan Baklas.”

The Court issued the TRO during its regular en banc session, according to the SC-Public Information Office.

“The Supreme Court, during its En Banc deliberations today, March 8, 2022, issued a temporary restraining order against the Commission on Elections and Comelec Director and Spokesman James Arthur Jimenez in connection with the poll body’s Oplan Baklas,” the SC announced.

The SC also directed the Comelec and Jimenez to comment on the petition filed by several supporters of Vice President and presidential candidate Ma. Leonor “Leni” Robredo within a non-extendable period of 10 days from receipt of notice.

In their petition filed through their lawyer Ray Paolo Santiago, the petitioners also asked the Court to declare as unconstitutional the acts of the Comelec based on its wrongful interpretation and implementation of Sections 21 (o), 24 and 26 of Comelec Resolution No. 10730.

They argued that the disman-

M

the decision to celebrate it face-toface,” he said.

Magbalot, once a Covid patient himself, added that the event was aimed at moving past the challenges thrown by the pandemic.

“This is our contribution in helping permeate optimism and as we move forward from the pandemic as may be gleaned in our fiesta theme this year,” said Magbalot.

Fiestang Caragan 2022 Chairperson and City Councilor WinWin Garbo said that the committee has enforced measures that uplifts adherence to governmentmandated public health standards, including vaccination.

“It has always been a challenge to hold a grand festivity in a regular set-up. It’s a good thing that our local government placed high importance on vaccination. Now, we are reaping the benefits of having a substantial number of vaccinated persons who were allowed to watch the festivities,” the young Garbo said.

PHOTO COURTESY OF COMELEC

tling of election materials such as tarpaulins and posters, according to the petitioners, violate their constitutional right to freedom of speech and expression.

Likewise, they insisted that these acts of the Comelec were done in violation of their right not to be deprived of property without due process of law.

Section 21 (o) bars the installation of election propaganda material outside the common poster areas except on private property with the consent of the owner and must comply with the allowable 2 feet by 3 feet requirements for posters.

Section 24 of the Comelec Resolution provides that only one signboard, not exceeding 3 feet by 8 feet in size, identifying the place as the headquarters of the party of candidates is allowed to

be displayed.

On the other hand, Section 26 states that “any prohibited form of election propaganda shall be stopped, confiscated, removed, destroyed or torn down by Comelec representatives at the expense of the candidate or political party for whose apparent benefit the prohibited election propaganda materials have been produced, displayed and disseminated.”

The petitioners asserted that Comelec Resolution 10730 applies only to candidates and political parties, and not to private individuals.

The petitioners noted that its position is consistent with the Court’s ruling Diocese of Bacolod vs. Comelec where it held that the regulation of the posting of campaign materials and the definition of lawful election propaganda under Section 9 and E,

French Navy eyes closer, stronger cooperation with PHL counterpart

By Rene Acosta @reneacostaBM

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HE French Navy has expressed its keen interest to work with the Philippine Navy in enforcing and defending freedom of navigation even in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), a move that could potentially anger China.

Rear Admiral Jean-Mathieu Rey, commander of both the Joint Forces in Asia-Pacific (ALPACI) and the French Armed Forces in French Polynesia, delivered the French Navy’s position during his meeting with Philippine Navy chief Vice Admiral Adeluis Bordado.

Rey’s visit to the Philippine Navy was made on the eve of Tuesday’s docking in Manila of the French Surveillance Frigate Vendémiaire (F734).

Vendémiaire’s port call was part of the French Navy’s deployment in Asia to contribute to regional stabil-

Mabalacat City’s Fiestang Caragan first to hold F-to-F festival in PHL ABALACAT CITY—The city government here under the leadership of Mayor Crisostomo Garbo marked another history in the country with the celebration of Fiestang Caragan being one of the first festivals in the Philippines to be held in a face-to-face set-up as the Covid-19 pandemic slowed down.

This was disclosed by Dionisio “June” Magbalot, the Overall Director of Fiestang Caragan 2022, following the culmination of the weeklong celebration last March 6, 2022. Magbalot, who is considered one of the culture and arts pillars in Mabalacat City, has been in charge of the annual merriment since the 1990s. The event is in honor of the Aeta heritage of this city founded in 1712.

“While we understand that some of our peers in the creative and events industry have been limited to virtual celebrations online, the recent downgrading of alert levels and zero new cases in our place served as bases in

Editor: Vittorio V. Vitug • Wednesday, March 9, 2022 A3

As part of the measures in protecting the spectators, the main fiesta events were held outdoors. It has also deployed event marshals to remind the public to wear their facemasks, observe safe distancing, and use sanitizing solutions at all times. Checking of body temperatures and vaccination cards is also mandatory prior to entering the main venue. Handwashing areas were also mounted at the main event area.

For his part, Mayor Garbo said that the celebration of Fiestang Caragan this year is a manifestation of Mabalaqueños—triumph and resilience over any adversity.

“Just like in the Pinatubo days, we are glad that our city has shown once again that Mabalaqueños are resilient and triumphant, and that we all can move forward despite the uncertainties caused by the pandemic. It showed one common aim in not just becoming overcomers but also a in being firm and resolute to bounce from challenges,” Mayor Garbo said.

ity, promote international rule of law and develop cooperation among Asian countries.

“We are ready to work with your forces at sea…we need to protect; we need to defend the freedom of navigation including [on] the West Philippine Sea,” Rey said during the meeting according to the Navy.

French Ambassador Michele Boccoz, Non-Resident Defense Attaché of France to the Philippines Col. Emmanuel Peltriaux and military assistant Lt. Eric Grauliere, also attended the meeting.

As part of the effort to secure freedom of navigation in the WPS, which is being contested by Beijing, the French Navy official cited the possibility of even “command patrols” not only with the Philippines but also with partner navies in the region.

France has been an active partner of the Philippines, especially in the area of security, with Paris being

eyed as the source of the Philippine Navy’s initial two submarines.

The French Navy has also provided training to the Philippine Navy in its submarine program and has helped in the latter’s creation of its submarine force.

Navy spokesman Cmdr. Benjo Negranza said that during the meeting, Rey and Bordado also discussed other issues, including maritime security, protection of “natural resources at sea” and possible future exercise engagements, which Rey declared as “good opportunities to improve the Philippine and French navies’ knowledge and interoperability.”

“As regards future exercises between the two navies, Rear Adm. Rey expressed the French Navy’s intention to increase their level of cooperation with the PN [Philippine Navy], particularly with the deployment of the former’s amphibious and training task force in 2023,” he said.

Booster shot not a requirement to enter malls, commercial spots

By Samuel P. Medenilla @sam_medenilla

P

EOPLE who do not yet have booster shots against Covid-19 shall not be barred from entering malls and other commercial establishments, the government said Tuesday.

In an online news briefing on Tuesday, Presidential Adviser for Covid-19 Response Secretary Vince Dizon said the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Disease (IATF) is not inclined to make booster shots mandatory for any activities for now due to the low booster shot coverage in the country.

“If we require booster shots, many will not be able to go to malls or eat at restaurants, or go shopping etc. It adversely affects our efforts to prime the economy, which we desperately need,” Dizon explained. “The economy will greatly suffer if we do that.”

National Vaccination Operation Center (NVOC) Chairman and Health Undersecretary Myrna C. Cabotaje said currently only 10.5 million of the 54.9 million fully vaccinated individuals aged 18 and above have availed of their free booster shots.

“So we still have a long way to go to providing booster shots,” Cabotaje said.

Cabotaje said they are still unable to focus their efforts on encouraging people to get their boosters, since a considerable number of the population—particularly those with high risk from Covid-19 like senior citizens—are still unvaccinated.

She said they are trying to further increase the vaccination rate in the country by mounting their fourth National Vaccination Days (NVD) on March 10 and 12, 2022.

At least 1.8 million people are expected to be vaccinated in the latest NVD this month.

respectively of RA 9006, only apply to candidates, political parties and party-list groups.

In the same ruling issued in 2015, the Court declared that the poll body “has no power to regulate the free expression of private citizens, who are neither candidates nor members of political parties” and that its action “violated the rights of free speech and expression of the petitioner.”

Among the petitioners are Dr. Pilita de Jesus Liceralde, one of the convenors of Isabela for Leni; Dr. Anton Mari Hao Lim, one of the convenors of Zamboangueños for Leni; and St. Anthony College of Roxas City.

The petitioners filed the petition in their capacity as owners or co-owners of the tarpaulins, posters, murals and other election materials displayed in their respective properties and were forcefully dismantled by the Comelec under Oplan Baklas.

The petitioners are also seeking to permanently prohibit the respondents from implementing Sections 21 (o), Section 23, and Section 26 of the Comelec Resolution No. 10730 in pursuant to the Comelec’s interpretation that these also cover private individuals and properties.

They are also seeking the return and/or restoration of all tarpaulins, posters, billboards, murals and other election materials that have been dismantled from private properties by the Comelec.

Masbate’s rival political leaders unite behind BBM-Sara UniTeam

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OCAL political leaders in Masbate have set aside their rivalries to rally their constituents behind presidential candidate Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and his running mate Inday Sara Duterte for the May 9 elections.

The leaders led by incumbent Gov. Antonio Kho signed a manifesto of support on Saturday in favor of Bongbong and Sara’s candidacies, to show their commitment.

Marcos visited the province on Saturday and led a caravan heading to Freedom Park in front of the Masbate Provincial Hall, where the grand rally was held.

Joining him in the motorcade were Kho and Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP) provincial chairman Ruben Jude Lim, who were political rivals but opted to both support the BBM-Sara UniTeam.

At the rally, Lim said the province must support Marcos’s advocacy of a unifying leadership to effect change and progress in Masbate and the country.

“Tulad ng panawagan ng ating president [Bongbong] na dapat magkaisa tayo, dapat magkaisa buong Pilipino kaya mga Masbateño isapuso natin ‘yan, ang layunin ng ating president para tayong mga Masbateño mas madali ang pag-unlad ng ating probinsya,” said Lim. “Sa mga Masbateño ipakita natin ang ating suporta hanggang sa May 9 2022, maraming salamat sa inyo sa pagsuporta niyo kay BBM at kay Inday Sara,” he added.

In the same program, Kho formally declared BBM and Sara as their candidates in the upcoming election.

“As your governor, with this forging of alliances and with his great promises, I will declare Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. as our official candidate as president,” Kho declared.

Kho said that despite disagreements with Lim, and other provincial officials, they were united in their support for the tandem.

Economy BusinessMirror

A4 Wednesday, March 9, 2022 • Editor: Vittorio V. Vitug

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Guidelines on subsidy distribution to farmers, fishers issued

By Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas @jearcalas

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LIGIBLE Filipino corn farmers and fisherfolk could get a maximum fuel discount of P3,000 under the government’s P500-million fuel subsidy program for the agriculture sector, guidelines

released by the Department of Agriculture (DA) showed.

The DA issued Memorandum Circular (MC) 7 that outlined the implementing guidelines on the provision of fuel discount to farmers and fisherfolk.

The P500-million fuel subsidy to the agriculture sector is part of this

year’s General Appropriations Act (GAA) to mitigate the impact of rising global oil prices on farmers and fisherfolk.

“We are confronted with constant increase in prices of oil and oil products, which affects agricultural and fishery operations,” the DA said in the document that was made public on Tuesday.

“To cushion the negative impacts of high fuel prices in ensuring food security, the DA instituted several measures and one of which is the fuel discount,” it added.

Under the MC 7, DA said the fuel discount would cover corn farmers who use farm machinery from land preparation to post-harvest activities as well as fisherfolk using motorized boats for fishing operations.

The beneficiaries for the fuel discount program would be individual farmers or farmers’ cooperatives and associations as well as individual fisherfolk and members of fishermen cooperatives and associations.

Eligible corn farmers must be registered under the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture Sector and must own and operate a functional machinery.

Eligible fishermen, meanwhile, must be registered under FishR and are using motorized bancas with three gross tons or below and registered under BoatR. They should also be using legal fishing gears.

“Farmers and fisherfolk shall be given a 30 percent fuel discount upon purchase of gasoline or diesel fuel from a designated

fuel station,” DA said.

“The maximum fuel discount is P3,000per farmer or fisherfolk,” it added.

The discount cards will be issued by the DA in partnership with the Development Bank of the Philippines and will be distributed to eligible recipients by the DA’s regional field offices, according to MC 7.

“The farmers and fisherfolk shall present the fuel discount card to designated/contracted oil companies/ fuel stations to avail [of] the fuel discount,” DA said.

The DA said P492.5 million of the P500 million would be used for the fuel discount program, while the remaining P7.5 million will be used by the government for administrative and other operational expenses.

The DA-Bureau of Agricultural and Fisheries Engineering (BAFE) shall serve as the oversight agency of the fuel discount program while the National Corn Program (NCP) and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) will be the main implementing agencies of the program.

The NCP and BFAR will get an equal share of the P500 million for the implementation of their respective fuel discount programs.

“For the effective monitoring and utilization of the fuel discount, the Implementing Agency shall submit a Utilization Report on a monthly and quarterly basis to the Office of the Undersecretary for Field Operations Service [FOS] copy furnished to the BAFE Director,” MC 7 read.

DAR turns over French-funded bridge project in Ilocos Sur

By Jonathan L. Mayuga @jonlmayuga

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HE Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has formally turned over a P6.8-million bridge project funded by the Government of France to local officials of Sta. Maria, Ilocos Sur. The 34.2 linear meter bridge was completed on December 18, 2021, and was constructed by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) under the Tulay ng Pangulo Para sa

Kanularang Pang-Agraryo or TPKP Project being implemented by DAR. DAR Secretary Bernie Cruz who led the turn over rites said hundreds of residents, particularly farmers will greatly benefit from the project, as it will make the transport of their agricultural products much easier.

He urged local officials and the community to preserve and keep the project in good condition for the benefit of the next generation.

“We always remind you that at the end of each construction, you will be

the one who will be in charge of the project. We know that it will help the community in the progress of the town,” Cruz said.

DAR Undersecretary for ForeignAssisted Projects Virginia Orogo said members of the Macati agrarian reform beneficiaries’ organizations in the area, which has a total of 287 members will greatly benefit from the project.

“The bridge will benefit not only the farmers but also the more than 1,500 residents of the area,” Orogo added.

Municipal Mayor Brigido Camarillo

Salceda identifies beneficiary sectors of proposed ‘Katas ng TRAIN’ program

By Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz @joveemarie

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AWMAKERS on Tuesday said their proposed P68.8-billion “Katas ng TRAIN” subsidies would cover power, fertilizer, relief program, social pension and fuel subsidies.

Albay Rep. and House Committee on Ways and Means Chairman Joey Sarte Salceda said the “Katas ng TRAIN” program, alluding the “Katas ng VAT” programs conducted by the Arroyo administration, will be funded by excess VAT revenues due to rising oil prices.

Salceda said the proposed P68.8billion subsidy program will include monthly lifeline rate and middle class power subsidies worth P29.3 billion, fertilizer subsidies for farmers with farms under 3 hectares worth P20 billion and relief programs for Typhoon “Odette” victims worth P8 billion.

He said it would also include social pension increases worth P3.3 billion and fuel subsidies for small fisherfolk worth P3.2 billion.

Salceda said the program would also include the Pantawid Pasada program for drivers, under the 2022 budget’s unprogrammed funds for P5 billion.

The Pantawid Pasada program will include tricycle operators and drivers.

“We may realize some P75.2 billion in incremental VAT subsidies if prices continue to rise. We could use [P68.8 billion of the fund] that to fund the Katas ng TRAIN programs,” he said.

For his part, House Committee on Energy Chairman Juan Miguel Arroyo said the loss for the suspension of fuel excise tax could actually be compensated by the windfall profit the government earned through the extra collections it made on VAT and excise tax brought about by the spate of fuel price increases in recent weeks, similar to that of what happened during in the latter years of his mother, former President Gloria MacapagalArroyo’s term.

“Before my mother’s term ended, there was also a spate of fuel price increases. To mitigate its impact, then President Arroyo utilized the windfall profit the government collected in excess of its projected revenue through the VAT and excise tax imposed on fuel,” Arroyo said.

Marikina Rep. Stella Luz Quimbo also agreed that subsidies for producers, such as farmers and fisherfolk, could be considered as

Aklan farmers get farm machines, equipment from DAR chief Cruz

F

We may realize some P75.2 billion in incremental VAT subsidies if prices continue to rise.

BM

Rep. Joey S. Salceda

a possible solution.

“However, there is no assurance that this would lead to a decrease in prices, since producers will not be obligated to lower prices for their products,” she said, adding, “each policy proposal has its pros and cons. It is important that government interventions balance providing immediate relief to the affected sectors, while keeping inflation in check and minimizing losses in much-needed government revenues.”

“There was a proposal for a wage hike as well. But the risk with this policy is that higher wages increase demand for all goods, thus causing an upward pressure on prices. Hence, such a policy can stoke inflation even more,” Quimbo pointed out.

Last Monday, several measures were raised during the Fuel Crisis Ad Hoc Committee Hearing to address the problem of rapidly rising fuel prices.

“There have been calls for the outright suspension of all excise taxes, even if certain oil price thresholds have yet to be breached. While this would bring immediate relief to certain affected sectors, this would also translate to a significant loss of government revenue—revenue that we are in dire need of in order to recover fast from the effects of the pandemic. The DOF [Department of Finance] earlier estimated that the country stands to lose P131.4 billion from the suspension of all excise taxes,” she said.

“Another suggestion was to introduce a fare hike, considering that the transportation sector is one of the largest and most affected sectors of the continuing increase in oil prices.

This will obviously grant relief to our drivers and operators, but that would entail that the passengers will bear the brunt of transportation costs,” Quimbo added.

Quimbo said the passage of House

Jr., for his part, expressed his thanks to DAR and DPWH project that will also boost the mobility in the locality for the commuting public.

The river in the area overflows when it rains making the road impossible to cross. With the bridge project, people can cross the river faster and safer, says Punong Barangay Bernard Peralta.

“Before, it is very scary and dangerous to cross the river. With this bridge, we can travel safe and fast,” Peralta said.

Bill 10488, which decreases tax rates for gasoline from P10 to P7 for fuels above RON 91, and P4.35 for fuels at RON 91 or below, could be a “reasonable middle-ground.”

The bill also removes the P6 additional excise tax on diesel. These rates shall remain for as long as the average Dubai crude oil price (MOPS) is above $65 per barrel.

“By reducing tax rates for select oil products, we are able to both provide relief for many income groups and still retain significant revenues which can be used for other economic aid and recovery. This measure will also not stoke inflation more in coming months,” Quimbo added.

Expanded

MEANWHILE, House Committee on Appropriations Chairman Eric Yap called for an expanded fuel subsidy program to the transport sector to widen the reach and provide assistance to those in the provinces and countryside areas.

“With the tight global oil supply given the geopolitical tension between Russia and Ukraine and with the increasing demand for fuel as the general public goes back to ‘normal,’ we are on the verge of crisis. The most affected group here are those in the transport and agricultural sector,” said Yap, ACT-CIS Party-list and Benguet lawmaker said.

“Our farmers in the province have to transport their produce from the farm to the market through a mountainous terrain, which requires the vehicle to consume more fuel and oil. If oil prices continue to spike, the profit of our farmers will further diminish due to the significant increase in hauling costs from farm to market. Inevitably, the country’s food supply will also be at stake,” Yap said.

ARMERS from Western Aklan District got the much-needed boost with the recent turn over of P2.7 million worth of farm machinery and equipment, the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) announced on Tuesday.

The farm machinery and equipment went to selected agrarian reform beneficiaries organizations (ARBOs) in Western Aklan District to boost their economic condition, improve the timeliness of agricultural operations and enhance market access.

Eligene Tayco, chairman of Aparicio Agrarian Reform Cooperative, in Aparicio, Ibajay thanked the national government for the farm machinery and equipment they have been receiving.

“DAR and the national government have continuously helped us in our marketing activity through the use of common service facilities in the delivery of our products to the market,” Tayco said.

Agrarian Reform Secretary Bernie F. Cruz, with Western District of Aklan Rep. Teodorico T. Haresco Jr., officially turned over the farm and machinery equipment at Naisud covered court, Barangay Naisud, Ibajay, Aklan.

“I hope you will take good care of the farm machinery and equipment we have provided for the benefit of all members of the cooperative,” Cruz said in a news statement.

Regional Director Atty. Sheila B. Enciso said the provision of FME amounting to P2,698,688.00 was made possible through the efforts of Haresco, with the project sourced out from the Climate Resilient Farm Productivity Support (CRFPS).

“The project aims to increase agricultural productivity and household income of the 950 agrarian reform beneficiaries [ARBs] and sustain the ARBOs’ marketing activities through the use of common service facilities in delivering their products to the market,” she said.

Turned over the farmers, according to Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II Ma. Teresa C. Valencia, were four units of delivery/ cargo tricycles, two units of mobile rice mills, one unit of rice reaper mills/harvester, and two units of irrigation pumps. Jonathan L. Mayuga

News BusinessMirror

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Duterte names new Comelec chairman, commissioners

By Samuel P. Medenilla @sam_medenilla

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HE former governor of Lanao del Sur and head of the National Commission on Muslim Affairs (NCMF) has been appointed by President Duterte as the new chairman of the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

In a virtual news briefing on Tuesday, Acting Presidential Spokesman Martin M. Andanar confirmed the new designation of Saidamen Balt Pangarungan as head of the poll body.

He also said the President also appointed former assistant justice secretary and Bureau of Immigration deputy commissioner Aimee Torrefranca-Neri and election lawyer George Erwin Garcia as new Comelec commissioners.

The three new Comelec officials will replace former Comelec Chairman Sheriff M. Abas and Comelec Commissioners Antonio T. Kho Jr. and Rowena V. Guanzon, who retired last month.

Andanar said Pangarungan, Neri, and Garcia would serve in an ad interim capacity pending the approval of their appointment by the Commission of Appointments.

Faster disposition

COMELEC spokesman James Jimenez said they have already reached out to the three new poll officials to determine when they will assume their new positions.

“They’re the ones who tell us when they’re going to assume. Now, once they assume the next step would be to introduce them to the Commission en banc formally so that they will now start to divide up the work among them because that will need some discussions,” Jimenez said in a separate online news briefing.

Also to be decided by the Comelec en banc upon the assumption of the three Comelec officials will be their assignment in the two Comelec Divisions.

The poll body welcomed the appointments from Malacañang with only around three months before the

May 9, 2022 polls.

“This will make the disposition of cases and settlement of policy issues faster,” Jimenez said.

Questionable appointments

ELECTION watchdog Kontra Daya immediately criticized the new appointments in the poll body.

It claimed Neri has “little to no clean election advocacy or lawyering track record” during her stint in several government agencies.

The group also called out the appointment of Garcia, who is reportedly known for representing prominent candidates in their election cases, including presidential candidate Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. In the case of Pangarungan, Kontra Daya expressed alarm over the former head of NCMF for being also an alumnus of San Beda University College of Law where the President also graduated.

“The three new Comelec appointees should prove their worth and ensure that they will live up to public expectations at a time when the commission’s credibility is affected by controversies,” Kontra Daya said.

Vetted appointees

ANDANAR defended the appointment of Pangarungan, Neri and Garcia by stressing they went through a stringent screening process.

“They went through the long vetting process. You know, it’s not easy to choose an appointee in the quasijudicial independent body like the Comelec,” Andanar said.

For his part, Jimenez urged the public to give the three new members of the Comelec en banc the opportunity to prove their “impartial and neutral exercise of their duties” as poll officials.

“We are very confident that new appointees will be able to navigate that, they’ll be able to act impartially and fairly in all matters before that,” Jimenez said.

“If it happens that there is a possible conflict of interest then certainly they will deal with that appropriately,” he added.

Group issues ‘green scorecard’ on rights, envi to natl poll bets

By Jonathan L. Mayuga @jonlmayuga

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NVIRONMENTAL and Human rights groups under the Green Thumb Coalition (GTC) launched on Monday the Green Scorecard to determine the positions and commitment of selected electoral aspirants on various environmental concerns.

“GTC hopes that this survey results will serve as a tool to help voters to decide which candidates to vote [for] in the upcoming elections on May 9,” Anjelica Dacanay of Bantay Kita said.

The candidates will be assessed through their response to the scorecard along with a comprehensive review and analysis of their academic credentials and track record, policy pronouncements stated in interviews, debates, and other fora, and linkages to individuals or organizations that can influence or have strong relevance to GTC’s agenda. Six out of 9 presidential-vice presidential tandems will be given the scorecard.

The scorecard covers urgent issues such as Climate Justice, Sustainable Agriculture, Waste Management, Mining Extractives, Mineral Resource Management, Biodiversity Preservation, Ecosystem Integrity, Energy Transformation and Democracy, Natural Resources, Land Use Management, and Governance, and People-centered Sustainable Development. Each topic contains questions that candidates will answer in their survey questionnaire.

“The GTC is [the] widest environmental and human rights coalition.

We came together from different organizations, realizing that it is

only through collective action that we can actually make a dent,” Atty.

Aaron Pedrosa of Sanlakas said.

“From 2015, it is an understatement to say that we are only making a dent—we have been making history. We want that history to continue in the 2022 elections… we urge everyone na samahan ang ating laban, sapagkat ang laban para sa kalikasan ay laban ng lahat—‘ang boto para sa kalikasan, ay boto para sa kinabukasan,’” he said, ending his segment with a quote from the late Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Gina Lopez, a staunch advocate against mining and environmental destruction.

GTC also states that any candidates’ refusal to answer the survey will reflect on their final scorecard.

Pedrosa said the refusal of candidates to answer the scorecard will “not be a loss for us, but a loss for them,” and that their refusal becomes an unfortunate sign that they “do not take environmental issues seriously.”

Jaybee Garganera of Alyansa Tigil Mina said that the Green Scorecard is necessary for candidates to clarify their stand on environmental issues, and allow the public to choose which candidates would look after the best interests of our current climate crisis.

The deadline for candidates’ responses to the GTC scorecard is on March 27. After which, their responses will be assessed and analyzed, then released to the public on April 8—almost a month before the national elections. All senatorial candidates will be asked to respond as well, with a response turnover of 72 hours from the March 7 sendout date.

Wednesday, March 9, 2022 A5

LTFRB eyes ₧1 provisional minimum fare hike for PUJs

By Lorenz S. Marasigan @lorenzmarasigan

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HE Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) plans to approve a P1 provisional adjustment of the minimum fare for public utility jeepneys (PUJ) amid the continuous increase of the price of fuel.

Tina Cassion, executive director of the LTFRB, said Chairman Martin Delgra III “manifested that the request for the grant of provisional adjustment to increase the minimum fare for PUJ service from P9.00 to P10.00.”

“The manifestation has been submitted for resolution of the board,” she said in a Viber message. “The board is considering a lot of things for the petition and the board has signify its intent to resolve the petition as early as they can, especially knowing the importance of this and that they are waiting for this.”

The LTFRB conducted the hearing of the positions of several transport groups for the increase in jeepney fares on Tuesday.

Petitioners 1-UTAK, PASANG MASDA, ALTODAP AND ACTO were asking for a P5.00 increase on the minimum fare, an increase of 55 percent, as well as a provisional increase of P1 while the board is hearing the main petitions.

LTOP, on the other hand, asked for a P3 adjustment.

The main petitions will be subject to another hearing on March 22. They are asked to submit “several documentary requirements” to back their main petitions.

The petitioners cited the increasing price of gas and diesel as their basis for the request.

Fuel pump prices have been on a steady increase over the last few weeks due to the rising price of Brent crude and Dubai crude in the global market, as demand for oil rose due to

the reopening of the global economy coupled with the low supply because of the pandemic.

Experts also partially blame the rising prices of oil in the international market to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

According to the latest price monitor of the Department of Energy, as of March 1 Dubai crude has increased by around $3 per barrel, while the Mean of Platts Singapore gasoline and diesel rose by $2.50 per barrel and $2.10 per barrel, respectively.

Oil firms announced Monday a price increase of P5.85 per liter for diesel, P3.60 per liter for gasoline, and P4.10 per liter for kerosene. The new round of oil price hike will be implemented at 6 a.m. for most oil firms such as Petron, Shell, Seaoil, PTT, Phoenix, Caltex, Total, Unioil, among others. For Cleanfuel, the price hike takes effect at 4:01 p.m.

“In resolving both petitions for fare hike, the LTFRB said it has to

carefully scrutinize all aspects, especially the inflationary impact it will have on the economy, its effect on the commuters and the expected domino effect on the price of goods and services,” Cassion said.

While the board has yet to resolve the main petitions, Cassion said the agency will start the release of fuel subsidy to over 377,000 beneficiaries, covering drivers from PUJs, buses, UV Express, taxis, transport network vehicle services, tricycles, and delivery services “before the end of March.”

It is also targeting to relaunch the service contracting program this month, pending the downloading of funds from the Department of Budget and Management.

“The two programs of the DOTr [Department of Transportation] and LTFRB are intended to cushion the adverse effect to the PUV operators and drivers on the series of oil price hikes,” Cassion said.

BCDA turns over modern facilities to Army officials “These new facilities of the Army Support Command will certainly enable us in the Philippine Army to accomplish our mission of defeating our nation’s adversaries, and maintain our operational

DEFENSE Secretary Delfin Lorenzana (left) receives from BCDA OIC President and CEO Atty. Aristotle B.Batuhan (right) the ceremonial key for the turnover of replicated facilities to the Army Support Command of the Philippine Army. Witnessing the symbolic turnover are (from left): AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Andres Centino, NOLCOM Commander Lt. Gen. Ernesto Torres Jr., Defense Asec. Josue Gaverza Jr., BCDA Director Lt. Gen. Glorioso Miranda (retired),ASCOM Commander Maj. Gen. Glenn Cruz, and Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. BCDA PHOTO

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HE Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) on Monday turned over modern facilities to the Army Support Command (ASCOM), bringing the Philippine Army (PA) unit a step closer towards relocating its headquarters to a new site in Camp Servillano Aquino in Tarlac this year.

BCDA Officer-in-Charge President and CEO Atty. Aristotle B. Batuhan, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Andres Centino, Army Chief Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., and ASCOM Commander Maj. Gen. Glenn Cruz led the turnover ceremony for Phase 1A of the P1.59-billion project.

The event was held in time for the 30th anniversary of the BCDA on March 13.

“We at the BCDA are very honored to present to our soldiers these new and state-of-the-art facilities for the Army Support Command. As we celebrate our 30th anniversary this year, the BCDA is committed to continue delivering projects like this and maintaining its strong partnership with the Armed Forces of the Philippines in order to move forward with the modernization of the military,” Batuhan said.

T he t h re e - ph a se de ve lop ment plan for ASCOM facilities involves the construction of 44 structures within a 29.8-hectare lot in Camp Aquino.

With an overall completion rate of 70 percent as of end-January, the BCDA was already able to turn over 15 of these facilities to the Army unit during the ceremony.

These include the Service Support Training Center headquarters, two classrooms, student mess hall, two student barracks, commander’s

quarters, deputy commander’s quarters, chief of staff’s quarters, three security barracks, senior officers’ quarters, junior officers’ quarters, and sergeant major’s quarters.

Phases 1B, 2 and 3 of the project are expected to be completed by August this year.

“ASCOM’s transfer to its new home here in Camp Aquino and the replication here of its existing facilities from Fort Bonifacio signify a fusion of the new and the old. Certainly, this will empower the ASCOM to become a more reliable logistical hub that is capable of improving its logistics management system to make its services more proactive and timely.

As a result, its efficiency and effectiveness in fulfilling the demands of all Army units will be greatly enhanced,” Lorenzana said.

Pursuant to its mandate under Republic Act 7227 to generate funds for the AFP Modernization Program, BCDA, together with its joint venture partner SM Prime Holdings Inc., is gearing up for the development of the 33.13-hectare Bonifacio South Pointe Property in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

To pave the way for the implementation of this project, BCDA and the Department of National Defense/ Armed Forces of the Philippines signed a memorandum of agreement in 2017 for the relocation of ASCOM, as well as the Special Services Center and the Division Administrative Command Center, all under the Philippine Army. These units currently occupy 11.5 hectares of the Bonifacio South Pointe property inside Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

The DND and AFP identified Camp Aquino as the relocation site for ASCOM given its strategic location.

tempo against the prevailing challenges of insurgency, terrorism and secessionism, as well as against the adverse effects of the Covid-19 pandemic in the country,” Brawner said.

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BusinessMirror

Wednesday, March 9, 2022

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

No.

A-LINK STEEL MANUFACTURING CORP. Unit 1403-1404 14/f Bdo Equitable Bank Tower, 8751 Paseo De Roxas, Bel-air, City Of Makati GONG, WENQI Fitter Specialist 1.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for fitting, fabricating, and assembling the structural components that make up mechanical systems.

SHUI, SHAOBING Hydraulic Pressure Technical 2.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for overseeing and implementing the instillation, maintenance, and repairs for the hydraulic components of equipment.

WU, JUNFENG Hydraulic Pressure Technical 3.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for overseeing and implementing the instillation, maintenance, and repairs for the hydraulic components of equipment.

ZHANG, YUANKUN Hydraulic Pressure Technical 4.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for overseeing and implementing the instillation, maintenance, and repairs for the hydraulic components of equipment.

WEI, CONGCAN Mechanics Supervisor 5.

Brief Job Description: Directly supervise and coordinate the activities of mechanics, installers, and repairers.

MA, LIN Roller Machine Specialist 6.

Brief Job Description: Set up, operate, or tend machines to roll steel or plastic forming bends, beads, knurls, rolls, or plate or to flatten, temper, or reduce gauge of material.

HU, YOUZHEN Warehouse Supervisor 7.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for the day to day management of people within the warehouse function.

WU, MEILING Warehouse Supervisor 8.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for the day to day management of people within the warehouse function.

Basic Qualification: College graduate; at least 1-2 years of working experience in the related field; fluent in mandarin/ basic english

PERGHER , CLAUDIO Contract Specialist

11.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate; at least 1-2 years of working experience in the related field; fluent in mandarin/ basic english

9.

Brief Job Description: Provide a dynamic services identifying and solving issues within multiple components of critical business systems. Use problem solving skills to keep our world class systems delivering value to our clients by maintaining custom and/or software application code. Work in challenging and dynamic environments. Increase efficiency by optimizing work across one or more clients.

Brief Job Description: Assist with managing clients in a manner that maximizes value for Accenture and our clients.

Capable of managing contracts, including subcontracts in accordance with company policies and procedures, applicable laws and client business requirements. Generally co-located with Accenture business/client units and project teams (often on Client premises) and are expected to maintain a high level of visibility on the account as they perform their contract management responsibilities. Direct the work activities of junior contract management professionals and other related engagement staff allocated to a business or client unit, acting as a role model for contract management staff and a trusted partner to the business.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate; at least 1-2 years of working experience in the related field; fluent in mandarin/ basic english

FERRAO, AJIT SALVANIUS Delivery Excellence Associate Director

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate; at least 1-2 years of working experience in the related field; fluent in Mandarin/ basic English

12.

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

Brief Job Description: Improve organizational effectiveness by working with an extended team to provide process, tools, methods, operational excellence practices and training across the organization. Verify that work is consistently and effectively performed according to established procedures, processes, guidelines and/ or best practices. Monitor and take corrective actions around budget, scheduling, risk, scope and quality projects/programs.

Basic Qualification: College graduate; at least 1-2 years of working experience in the related field; fluent in Mandarin/ basic English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

TRUONG BAO VAN Order To Cash Operations Analyst

Basic Qualification: College graduate; at least 1-2 years of working experience in the related field; fluent in Mandarin/ basic English

Brief Job Description: Perform data entry and research in various systems and tracking tools. Apply knowledge of processes and related systems to assist in identifying, assessing and resolving issues/problems. Assess and resolve non-standard and standard issues or problems. Responsible for managing and processing collections and disputes, manage sales orders as well as authorize and manage credits. Seek advice and escalate issues when faced with tasks/problems outside the scope of the work.

13.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate; at least 1-2 years of working experience in the related field; fluent in Mandarin/ basic English

14.

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

Basic Qualification: Can manage medium-small sized teams and/or work efforts (if in an individual contributor role) at a client or within Accenture.

Highly organized and can prioritize work effectively to facilitate resolution of problems and system continuity. Knowledgeable in monitoring the budget by providing estimatedtime-to-complete (etc) and actuals for assigned tasks. Knowledge in creating operational documentation for the application.

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

No.

Basic Qualification: bachelor’s degree required. Membership.

Member of international association for contract and commercial management (iaccm) or national contract management association (ncma) and/ or professional certification considered a plus. Work requirements. Travel may be required.

Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999 Basic Qualification: Complexity (degree of difficulty of an assignment or the level of problemsolving assessment and resolution required, as measured by degree of problem-solving, strategic vs. Routine focus, and stakeholder interactions (e.g. – executives, supervisor, etc.)): •requires proactive identification, definition and solving of complex problems that have impact on the direction of the business or work effort, where analysis of situations requires an in-depth knowledge of Accenture. •requires development and execution of strategy to achieve key business objectives in area of responsibility.

Brief Job Description: Develop and execute activities related to end-toend project management, including project plans and estimates, scoping and requirements through implementation and deployment. Proactively monitor, manage, and report on execution of deliverable. Project manage multiple small to medium scale projects from scoping through to implementation and roll out. Partner with crossfunctional partners internally and externally such as markets, policy, quality, training and WFM to enable outsourcing operations that help improve our community experience and support. Identify potential risks or issues with project implementations, and proactively drive communication with internal and external stakeholders during projects. Translate business requirements into implementation plans, furthering our mission of protecting and supporting client community. Play an active role by contributing to improving policies, product, process, and support system solutions. Keep sited and teams up to date on project timelines.

17.

KIM, YOUN JUNG Tech Writing & Translation Assoc Manager

18.

AVERY, LANA MIRIELLE Service Delivery Operations Executive

15.

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

Brief Job Description: Manage f&a client in different industries and have the ability to manage across towers viz – order to cash, record to report, accounts payable. Managing client engagements /contracts across geographiesoperations support for establishing processes, metrics identifications and reporting. Engage with various existing support teams (analytics / block chain / ai / robotics automation) that will help us achieve the final result. Pick opportunities where large transformations can be applied keeping in mind the strategic and visionary business outcomes.

Ability to drive innovation initiatives with a focus on business outcomes/goals. Manage relationships with customers

Basic Qualification: 12-15 years driving core F&A and 6-10 years driving transformation. Well aware of the different F&A domains - PTP, RTR, OTC. Must have done multiple projects on driving process improvements, &change management. Experience is heavy on client facing / stakeholder management.

Hands on experience in driving robotics projects.

Ability to be to influence; someone who is a driver; analytical; ability to get detailed into data. People manager – must have lead teams already. Black belt and/or master black belt certified.

SON, MOONJIN Collections Support Analyst

10.

Brief Job Description: Collect and recover customer receivables and debt. Ensure cash collection activities meet the requirements of the client by reducing debt aging, maximizing cash collection and collecting highquality dispute information, while maintaining a professional relationship with the client and their debtors.

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

HAMADA, MARIKO Service Delivery Senior Analyst

16.

Brief Job Description: Provide support in monitoring and evaluation of performance gap in relation to language skills; working with the operations, project, training and quality team to identify action or recommendation to meet target metrics and develop communication assessment tools to measure effectiveness. Prepare reports and data analysis for business review.

Basic Qualification: Jlpt n3 certified or equivalent; knowledge in using Microsoft office tools with minimum 2-3 years’ work experience; bachelor’s degree in any field is preferred; BPO/ finance and accounting experience is an advantage; a team player who can deliver results and has fundamental coaching skills; has the ability to communicate well at all levels in the organization including clients and third-party contacts.

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

Brief Job Description: Provide language translation support services across technology programs and projects using strong verbal and written communication skills; translate critical documents and materials to ensure our global business can run without issue; contribute to overall cultural awareness and diversity through their understanding of language.

DHALIWAL, VISHAL Workplace Director

Basic Qualification: 1-2 years experience in an analytical or customer service role. Strong, effective written and oral english/language communication skills.

Impeccable attention to detail ability to multitask under pressure in an ever changing environment professional knowledge of android os, ios and mac os desired. Ability to keep up to date in a very fast paced environment, staying on top of policy

Brief Job Description: The gu/country workplace managing director is accountable for implementing the strategic direction and vision for workplace within a geography/ region. They are also responsible for the delivery of all geographic services within their area of responsibility and ensuring that all the service level/ customer requirements are met within corporate standards and goals. The role establishes short and long term goals, which substantially impact budget and operations for many years. This role sets the direction for achieving operational targets and budgets within the geography/region.

Basic Qualification: Complexity and risk: •complexity of client / market needs - e.g. (geographic, language, culture, infrastructure, client relationship, market maturity etc: limited - typically single country. •scope: specialist are - single tower, single function. •consequences for accenture’s people, finances, reputation and operation in the event of failure: moderate to low. •risk: identifies risk exposure and recommends mitigation controls.

Salary Range: Php 500,000 and above

ACQUIRE ASIA PACIFIC PHILIPPINES INC. 32nd Floor, Robinsons Cyberspace Gamma, Topaz And Ruby Roads, Ortigas Center, San Antonio, City Of Pasig KOUAKOU, EMMANUELLA FLORE Partner Account Manager 20.

Brief Job Description: Manage partners in designated territory to help them succeed in selling ring central to prospective customer

ASSEMIEN, AMON RAOUL PARFAIT Professional Services Project Manager 21.

Brief Job Description: Monitors project completion from initiation thru delivery to meet revenue and cost projection

NGANKO TCHAMDA, NABI Supervisor 22.

Brief Job Description: Motivates and coaches team members to improve their overall productivity and performance

Basic Qualification: Manage relationship of partner and subject matter expert to ensure success of sales opportunities Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999 Basic Qualification: Familiar with sales force service cloud or similar CRM systems, knowledge base systems and customer support portals for case management Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999 Basic Qualification: At least 6-year experience in a technology, related field or technical support position for UCAAS products Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

ALL OUT MULTI-MEDIA SOLUTIONS CORP. Unit 2302-a West Tower, Pse Centre, Exchange Road, Ortigas Center, San Antonio, City Of Pasig

Salary Range: Php 500,000 and above Basic Qualification: Solution oriented.

Collaborative and skilled in building strong relationships within team and with clients.

2 - 3 years operations experience, with 1 year of experience in collections desired. Customer service experience is a plus. Proficient english business communication skills; verbal and written.

Language proficiency: efficient in korean language

Basic Qualification: Complexity (degree of difficulty of an assignment or the level of problemsolving assessment and resolution required, as measured by degree of problem-solving, strategic vs. Routine focus, and stakeholder interactions (e.g. – executives, supervisor, etc.)): •requires identifying and assessing complex problems for area of responsibility. Creates solutions in situations in which analysis requires an in-depth evaluation of variable factors.

•requires adherence to strategic direction set by senior management when establishing nearterm goals. •interaction is with senior management at a client and/or within Accenture, involving matters that may require acceptance of an alternate approach.

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

19.

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

Brief Job Description: Technology master craftsmen using all tools in the arsenal, solution planners use their robust delivery skills, deep understanding of the competitive landscape and unparalleled knowledge of Accenture offerings to create win/win solutions for our clients and Accenture. Sales understanding and financial acumen allow them to empower our clients with creative solutions and advocate Accenture offerings within the market and our business. Solution architect for application outsourcing for anz and sa region. Responsibilities include solution planning and solution excellence with end to end focus across sales and delivery life cycle.

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

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

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

Basic Qualification: Service management governance, program and project management.

Extensive it experiences.

Has senior management experience, including technical skills. Good experience in handling EU clients. German language skill is a plus for the role’s requirement.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

TUPAKULA, GANGA BHAVANI Tech Solution Planning Manager

Basic Qualification: Graduate of 4 year course in business, finance or management preferred; computer literate and proficient in use of ms office.; good oral and communication skills in English and must be fluent in Vietnamese.

DREYFUSS, FRANCOIS RENE Program, Project, & Service Management Associate Director

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate; at least 1-2 years of working experience in the related field; fluent in Mandarin/ basic English

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

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

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

MELUPALLEPPA KRISHNAPPA, SAGAR App/cloud Support Associate Manager

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

www.businessmirror.com.ph

KOO, HWIWEON Technical Support Specialist 23.

Brief Job Description: Installation & configuration of a company’s computer hardware operating systems and publications LEE, SEUNGMIN Technical Support Specialist

24.

Brief Job Description: Installation & configuration of a company’s computer hardware operating systems and publications

SONG, JUN YONG Technical Support Specialist 25.

Brief Job Description: Maintenance and monitoring of computer networks and systems

Basic Qualification: proficient in speaking, reading and writing Korean and English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing Korean and English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing korean and english Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

No.

ALLIANTPRIME SERVICES INC. Unit No. Unit 2c Flr. No. 4f, One Ecom Center Building, Ocean Drive St., Moa Complex Subd., Barangay 76, Pasay City NAN, HAI Mandarin Site Technical Officer 26.

Brief Job Description: Diagnosing equipment malfunctions and performing repairs

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

BAUER FOUNDATIONS PHILIPPINES, INC. Unit A To K 12/f Cyberone Bldg., 11 Eastwood Ave., Eastwood City Cyberpark, Bagumbayan, Quezon City FERDINANDUS SAKTI JAYAJATI Site Manager 27.

Brief Job Description: Effectively applies methodology, enforces and lives project safety and quality standards

Basic Qualification: With civil engineering background

KAGIE, ANTON Production Analyst 28.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for all aspects (also on site) of Production and optimization from preparation to evaluation

HENDRIK PETER Works Manager 29.

Brief Job Description: Manages, monitors, and supervises the execution, according to the contract of a part of the Dredging and Reclamation project, often under the general supervision of the package manager. This function may be performed both on-shore and off-shore SLAGBOOM, TEUNIS MARIUS Works Manager

30.

Brief Job Description: Manages, monitors, and supervises the execution, according to the contract of a part of the Dredging and Reclamation project, often under the general supervision of the package manager. This function may be performed both on-shore and off-shore

Basic Qualification: Must have work experience of at least 4 years on international dredging, land reclamation or construction project

40.

Basic Qualification: Extensive Project management experience of at least 5 years in an international Dredging and Land reclamation project environment Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999 Basic Qualification: Extensive Project management experience of at least 5 years in an international Dredging and Land reclamation project environment

41.

42.

43.

44.

45.

46.

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

FOGO ATSAGO, CHRISTIANE Service Delivery Manager

Basic Qualification: Language proficient

Brief Job Description: To support multilingual service desk

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

47.

48.

CLICKPLAY SPORTSGAME CORP. 3/f, #119, Dr. Lazcano St., Laging Handa, Quezon City LIN, YUNG-HSUAN Technical Support 32.

Brief Job Description: Installing and configuring computer systems, diagnosing hardware and software faults and solving technical and applications problem TAI, YI-JO Technical Support

33.

Brief Job Description: Installing and configuring computer systems, diagnosing hardware and software faults and solving technical and applications problem

Basic Qualification: Degree in computer science or information technology Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Degree in computer science or Information Technology

CHOI, HEYJIN Senior Process Executive 34.

Brief Job Description: Helpdesk supports Korean speaking patients enrolled in the customers clinical trials; Will be handling Korean patient calls regarding the customer’s product visa phone using the Portuguese language and vice versa

Basic Qualification: Written Korean Communication skills; Verbal Korean language expertise; Experience in dealing with clients’ complaints using the Korean Language

35.

36.

37.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for handling service support calls

KAO, YU-WEN Mandarin Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Responsible for handling service support calls NGUYEN THI THU HA Vietnamese Speaking Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Immediately Escalating Serious Complaints or issues that you are not equipped

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

50.

LI, MAODIE Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Assisting clients by providing information on services LI, ZHENXIN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Assisting clients by providing information on services QIAO, TIANQI Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Assisting clients by providing information on services SHAN, JIPENG Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Assisting clients by providing information on services WANG, ENJIE Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Assisting clients by providing information on services WANG, HUAIJIE Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Assisting clients by providing information on services WANG, JIAWEI Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Assisting clients by providing information on services WANG, XIN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Assisting clients by providing information on services YANG, HAN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Assisting clients by providing information on services

ZENG, HUACHUN Call Center Agent Mandarin Speaking Brief Job Description: Mandarin speaking

DENG, FEI Chinese Speaking Customer Financial Officer 51.

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

LI, GUOXIONG Chinese Speaking Customer Financial Officer 52.

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

ZHAO, XINYI Chinese Speaking Admin Financial Officer 53.

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

38.

Brief Job Description: Operational lead of CU Project Management Office. Line management responsibility for Project Management and Business Operations units. Drive and steer the project governance implementation across the CU.

PATTNAIK, AROP KUMAR VP, Non-financial Risk, Recs And Fee Billing, MSS OPS 54.

Brief Job Description: Control team within markets and securities services (MSS) operations; focused on improving and strengthening MSS operations control environment with global and local initiatives driven out globally, regionally or from operational hub

ZHAO, HE People Business Partner Specialist 39.

Brief Job Description: Analyzes trends in metrics in partnership with the group to develop solutions, programs and policies

Basic Qualification: Job-relevant degree/5-10 yrs. supervisor/managerial experience in logistics or operations/multilingual Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

No.

ZHONG, YUE Project Assistant For Software Development 56.

57.

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

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

58.

Basic Qualification: Know to read write Chinese Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months customer service experience/good in oral communication and written

59.

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

55.

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

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

Basic Qualification: A Chinese and fluent in Chinese writing and speaking language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

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

Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months customer service experience/good in oral communication and written Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

CHEN, ZHIJIE Mandarin Customer Service Representative 60.

Brief Job Description: Manage large amounts of incoming phone calls, generate sales leads XIE, TIAN Mandarin Speaking Quality Support

61.

Brief Job Description: Manage large amounts of incoming calls, handle customers concern HY CHUNG SAU Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

62.

Brief Job Description: Manage large amounts of incoming calls, handle customers concern LE PHUONG TRINH Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

63.

Brief Job Description: Manage large amounts of incoming calls, handle customers concern

Basic Qualification: College graduate, at least 6 to 1 year experience in related field Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: At least 6 months to 1-year related experience, proficient in computer Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: At least 6 months to 1-year related experience, proficient in computer Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: At least 6 months to 1-year related experience, proficient in computer Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

LOGICDOSE INC. 36f Robinsons Summit Center, 6783 Ayala Ave., Bel-air, City Of Makati

LAI WEI MING IT Support Specialist (Malaysian Speaking) 64.

Brief Job Description: Installing and configuring computer hardware, software, systems and networks.

Basic Qualification: Can speak Malaysian language and knowledgeable in information technology system Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

LS SYSTEMS (PHILIPPINES) INC. Tower 12adb Avenue Cor., Ortigas, Wack-wack Greenhills, City Of Mandaluyong

65.

MALTHUNGA, MILINDA PRASAD Lead System Engineer

Basic Qualification: Min. 5 years in related field

Brief Job Description: With good oral and communication skills

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

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. 4th-11th Flr. Nexgen Tower, C4 Rd. Edsa Ext., Barangay 76, Pasay City 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: Investment banking operational experience and delivery track record, combined with a sound knowledge of risk management processes.

The role requires a proactive and articulate individual, able to deliver results in multi-matrix organization; 5-10 years relevant experience in operations or risk controls, assurance roles within a markets or security services team

I-PLEX MARKETING INC. 24/f Bgc Corporate Center, 30th Street Corner 11th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

LOH SENG YEE Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk

Basic Qualification: Atleast 10 yrs experience in a financial constitution, Academic background on mathematics and signal processing is prepared

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

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months customer service experience/good in oral communication and written

Brief Job Description: The Chinese IT Support Specialist (CITSS) is an integral member of the company infrastructure, Application Support, and of the IT Division and is responsible for providing quality IT support of enterprise systems throughout the Chinese clientele.

XU, WEIYU Chinese Speaking Digital Marketing Specialist

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

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

KAISER DYNASTY TRADING CORP. Unit 25d 2/f Zeta Ii Bldg., 191 Salcedo St., San Lorenzo, City Of Makati

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

Brief Job Description: Monitoring the implementation and embedding of ING Bank-non financial risk management framework policies and minimum standards

CHEN, YAWEI Chinese IT Support Specialist

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

Basic Qualification: Associate or bachelor’s degree in a relevant field required and able to thrive in a high-volume, deadline-driven work environment.

ITECHNO SPECIALIST INC. 9/f 100 West Building, Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., Pio Del Pilar, City Of Makati

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

Brief Job Description: Perform administrative tasks according to the instructions of their project managers and ensure smooth communication between all relevant parties.

MARIE, MATHIAS Head Of Non-financial Risk

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

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

ING BUSINESS SHARED SERVICES B.V. BRANCH OFFICE 27th Floor World Plaza Building, 5th Avenue, E-square Zone Cresent Park West, Bonifacio Global City, City Of Taguig

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

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

INFINITECHNOLOGIES VENTURES INC. Room 506 Estuar Building, #41 Timog Ave., South Triangle, Quezon City

JIANG, LONGHAI Chinese Customer Service 66.

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries JIANG, ZHIXING Chinese Customer Service

67.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries LU, BEICHUAN Chinese Customer Service

68.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries LUO, LICHENG Chinese Customer Service

69.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries PENG, JIE Chinese Customer Service

70.

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

Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999 FLASH EXPRESS SOFTWARE (PH) CO., LTD. INC. 11/f Cybersigma, Lawton Ave., Mckinley West, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Oral and Written Mandarin and English

HSBC ELECTRONIC DATA PROCESSING (PHILIPPINES) INC. Filinvest One Building, Alabang Zapote Road, Northgate Cyberzone, Filinvest City, Alabang, City Of Muntinlupa

ERICSSON TELECOMMUNICATIONS, INC. 22/f Two/neo Bldg., 3rd Ave. Cor. 28th St. Crescent Parkwest, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

ALI, MIR SAHAD Head Of Project Office And Business Operations

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

GRAND PREMIUM CREST HOLDING INC. 16/f Tower 6789, 6789 Ayala Ave., Bel-air, City Of Makati

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

Basic Qualification: Bachelors’ Degree in Telecommunications Engineering, Electrical Engineering or related major. At least 12 to 15 years of experience in telecommunications industry. 10+ years’ experience in Project and Delivery Management

Basic Qualification: Job-relevant degree/ 5-10 yrs. Supervisory/ managerial experience in logistics or operations/ multilingual.

GRAND EVEREST HOLDING INC. 16/f Tower 6789, 6789 Ayala Ave., Bel-air, City Of Makati

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in Speaking , Reading and Writing in Vietnamese

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

GOLDENSKY INTERNATIONAL GROUP INC. Midas Hotel, 2702 Roxas Blvd., Barangay 76, Pasay City

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

DIGICHROM INC. Unit 2602 & 2603 26/f Pbcom Tower, 6795 Ayala Ave., Bel-air, City Of Makati CHIU, LI-HSIN Mandarin Customer Service Representative

49.

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

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

Brief Job Description: Monitor all aspects of a product lifestyle, including long/short-term product development and marketing.

A7

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

FLYING DRAGON NETWORK PHILIPPINES INC. Malate Bayview Mansion, 1781 M. Adriatico Street. 076, Barangay 699, Malate, City Of Manila

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

CGI IT UK LIMITED INC. 2/f One World Square Bldg., Mckinley Hill, Pinagsama, City Of Taguig

31.

SUN, ZHENG Product System Specialist

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

BOSKALIS PHILIPPINES INC. Unit 3701, 3801 The Orient Square, F. Ortigas Jr. Road, Ortigas Center, San Antonio, City Of Pasig

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Wednesday, March 9, 2022

71.

72.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries CHIENG SIU DI Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service

NGUYEN THI TRANG Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service

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 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 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: College graduate level and fluent in mandarin / basic english Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate level fluent in mandarin / basic english Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

BusinessMirror

Wednesday, March 9, 2022

A8

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

73.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION VU THI HOA Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: College graduate level and fluent in mandarin / basic english

74.

Brief Job Description: Assist/Help Customers, Give Customers Information about products and services

91.

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

NEO INCORPORATED North Tower Centrum Bldg., Aseana Avenue, Entertainment City, Baclaran, City Of Parañaque

ZHANG, XIN Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk

No.

Basic Qualification: With At least 6 Months Customer service experience Good in Oral Communication and Written

92.

93.

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

PROCTER & GAMBLE PHILIPPINES, INC. 10f Seven/neo, 5th Ave., Crescent Park West, Bonifacio Global City, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig RAMDHANI, SHIVEER Director-sales Finance (gtm & Ms&p) Philippines 75.

Brief Job Description: Build go-to-market capability of local finance corporation

Basic Qualification: 5+ years of experience in selling and market operations Salary Range: Php 500,000 and above

94.

GUO, JINLU Chinese Customer Service Representative 76.

Brief Job Description: Answering inquiries, resolving problems, fulfilling requests and maintaining data base

95.

HONG, RONGHUA Chinese Customer Service Representative 77.

Brief Job Description: Answering inquiries, resolving problems, fulfilling requests and maintaining data base

SHEN, LINCONG Chinese Customer Service Representative 78.

Brief Job Description: Answering inquiries, resolving problems, fulfilling requests and maintaining data base

ZHANG, WEIWEI Chinese Customer Service Representative 79.

Brief Job Description: Answering inquiries, resolving problems, fulfilling requests and maintaining data base

80.

81.

82.

83.

84.

85.

86.

Brief Job Description: Customer support and database services

FENG, JIAJUN Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

HA THI HUONG LY Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

HU, XIANG Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer support and database services

HUANG, TAO Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

JENEVER DANIEL KOYONGIAN Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer support and database services LING, YIZHONG Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer support and database services LIU, TENG Customer Service Representative

87.

88.

89.

90.

Brief Job Description: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills

LUO, YUANCHANG Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

MONALISA Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

NGUYEN THI LOC Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer support and database services

NGUYEN THI XUAN Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer Support and Data Base Services

PHAM QUANG TUAN Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

PHAM THI XUAN Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer support and database services

Brief Job Description: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills

96.

97.

Brief Job Description: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills

SUN, JUNXIANG Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate, fluent in English, preferably 6mos1year customer service experience

98.

SUN, WENHAO Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate, fluent in English, preferably 6mos1year customer service experience

99.

TO BA TAN Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

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

SA RIVENDELL GLOBAL SUPPORT, INC. 2/f Star Cruises Ce Bldg., Andrews Drive, Newport City St., Barangay 183, Pasay City 9-11 Flr., The Biopolis Bldg., Macapagal Blvd., Barangay 76, Pasay City CHERDNAIMUANG, THANAPOL Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description: Customer support and database services

SONG, LIANGLONG Customer Service Representative

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate, fluent in English, preferably 6mos1year customer service experience

NGUYEN THI NGA Customer Service Representative

SHI, RUYU Customer Service Representative

RIGHT CHOICE FINANCE CORP. 5e-1 Electra House Bldg., 115-117 Esteban Street, San Lorenzo, City Of Makati Basic Qualification: College graduate, fluent in English, preferably 6mos-1year lending development experience

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

100.

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

101.

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

102.

Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

ZHANG, XING Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

ZHOU, JIANGTAO Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

NGO VAN QUANG Vietnamese Customer Service Representative 103.

Brief Job Description: Attracts Potential customers by answering product and service questions suggesting information about other products and services

104.

KRITHIVASAN, MAHESH Country Manager Brief Job Description: Overall head of the country

Basic Qualification: Customer support and data base services

HU, SHIXUE Technical Specialist 105.

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

Brief Job Description: Monitored materials for replacements and defect.

Responsible for checking the operation and maintenance of equipment, guiding operators to standardize operation.

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

Basic Qualification: Has knowledge in computer applications Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

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

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

106.

Brief Job Description: Lead customer success team in Retail Intelligence of the Nielsen Company (Philippines) Inc.

108.

109.

110.

111.

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

112.

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

Basic Qualification: fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and Written Skills)

113.

Basic Qualification: Graduate of any four year business course

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

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

Brief Job Description: Assigned to the company for planning and implementing recruitment marketing strategy.

Basic Qualification: Can speak Chinese language and with extensive experience in recruitment marketing.

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

VPC CORPORATE SOLUTIONS INCORPORATED 11/f 100 West, Sen Gil Puyat Ave. Cor., Washington St., Pio Del Pilar, City Of Makati LEONG FOOK WENG Bilingual Finance Support Specialist 114.

Basic Qualification: Foreign language speaking

Brief Job Description: Perform routine calculations to produce analyses and reports as requested by the finance director NGUYEN THI NGOC THU Vietnam -speaking Customer Service Officer

115.

116.

Brief Job Description: Prepares product or service reports by collecting and analyzing customer information

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Foreign language speaking

Brief Job Description: Prepares product or service reports by collecting and analyzing customer information NGUYEN LE CHAU Vietnam-speaking Customer Service Officer

117.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Foreign language speaking

GIP SANG DIN Vietnam-speaking Customer Service Officer

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Foreign language speaking

Brief Job Description: Prepares product or service reports by collecting and analyzing customer information

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

W.E.W RESOURCE MANAGEMENT, INC. 50/f Pbcom Tower, 6795 Ayala Ave. Cor. V.a. Rufino St., Bel-air, City Of Makati

118.

119.

120.

Salary Range: Php 500,000 and above

Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer applications and other systems related to assigned area *Able to maintain records, files, and prepares reports *Able to accurately perform mathematical computations*Has communication, interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, management, the general public*Able to work effectively with clients, co-workers, employees and supervisors from diverse backgrounds Specialist. Outstanding research skills.

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

DUAN, TIANYAO Recruitment Marketing Specialist (Chinese Speaking)

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

Basic Qualification: Experienced in handling international business pharma branded generic segment

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

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

VISSIONARIES INC. 16/f Tower 6789, 6789 Ayala Ave., Bel-air, City Of Makati

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

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

BUI THI PHUONG HANH Vietnamese Customer Support Representative

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

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

WANG, YUANHENG Mandarin Customer Support Representative

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

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

LIU, JING Mandarin Customer Support Representative

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Customer support and data base services

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

KANG, TIANCHANG Mandarin Customer Support Representative

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Customer support and data base services

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

CHEN, YONGJIE Mandarin Customer Support Representative

Basic Qualification: Has knowledge in computer applications

THE NIELSEN COMPANY (PHILIPPINES), INC. 24/f & 25/f Wynsum Corporate Plaza, Don F. Ortigas Jr. Rd., Ortigas Center, San Antonio, City Of Pasig RUJUTA PUSHPAHAS, JOSHI Analytics Insights Director

107.

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

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION JONATHAN HII BOON WEE Malaysian Customer Support Representative

Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in Computer Applications

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

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

No.

Basic Qualification: Has knowledge in computer applications

TAISHAN EQUIPMENT RENTALS INC. 5f Dy International Bldg., 1011 Gen. Malvar St., 075, Barangay 695, Malate, City Of Manila

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

SUN PHARMA PHILIPPINES, INC. U-604 Liberty Center Bldg., 104 H.v. Dela Costa, Bel-air, City Of Makati

Basic Qualification: Has knowledge in computer applications

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

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

SOMI UNLIMITED SOLUTIONS, INC. 10/f Tower 2 Double Dragon Plaza Bldg., Edsa Corner Macapagal Ave. St. Zone 10, District 1, Barangay 76, Pasay City

Basic Qualification: Has knowledge in computer applications Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

YANTI Customer Service Representative

www.businessmirror.com.ph

121.

FENG, CHUNTAO Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer Support for Mandarin Speaking Client

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

HUANG, ZHI Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer Support for Mandarin Speaking Client

Basic Qualification: With Knowledge in Computer Application Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

LI, DI Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer Support for Mandarin Speaking Client

Basic Qualification: With Knowledge in Computer Application Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

WANG, MUFEI Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer Support for Mandarin Speaking Client

Basic Qualification: With Knowledge in Computer Application

Basic Qualification: With Knowledge in Computer Application Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

WISHLAND SOFTWARE TECHNOLOGY INC. 28/f Techzone Condo Corp., 213 Buendia Ave., San Antonio, City Of Makati

122.

TSAN CHAN PHUC Vietnamese Language-customer Service Staff

Basic Qualification: Foreign language speaking

Brief Job Description: Deal with and help resolve customer complaints

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 *Date Generated: Mar 8, 2022

In the ad material of Notice of Filing of Application for Alien Employment Permits published on March 2, 2022, the name of O’KEEFE, HOLLY ALEXANDRA under THE ANDRES SORIANO FOUNDATION, INC., should have been read as O’KEEFFE, HOLLY ALEXANDRA, and not as published.

In the ad material of Notice of Filing of Application for Alien Employment Permits published on March 2, 2022, the name of CHUNG HONG under LOGICDOSE INC., should have been read as MAN CHUNG HONG, and not as published.

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

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

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

TRIVES TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION Tower 4 Bayport West, Naia Garden Residence, Naia Road, Tambo, City Of Parañaque

ATTY. SARAH BUENA S. MIRASOL REGIONAL DIRECTOR

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Wednesday, March 9, 2022

A9

Republic of the Philippines

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT

Name and Address of Employer: SIIX COXON PRECISION PHILS., INC. CIP1-SEZ, Canlubang, Calamba City, Laguna

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

Name and Citizenship of Foreign Position and Job Description National

March 09, 2022 14.

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

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

Name and Address of Employer: PETVALUE PHILIPPINES CORPORATION GBP, Brgy. Javalera, General Trias, Cavite Name and Citizenship of Foreign National 1.

2.

15.

Position and Job Description

MANIVANNAN CHAKRAPANI Indian

PRODUCTION HEAD Schedule and plan plant production based on budget and customer requirements

SANJAYPAL SINGH PUNDIR Indian

ENGINEERING HEAD Develop a preventive maintenance plan, troubleshooting mechanical/electrical breakdown and administer all electrical / mechanical issues.

3.

4.

Position and Job Description VICE PRESIDENT Plan, develop and improve operating policies in production

JEONG OH HONG Korean

YOUNG KWON KIM Korean

SUPPORT TEAM LEADER Manage semphil support team

5.

Position and Job Description MANDARIN CUSTOMER RELATIONS OFFICER Handle the concerns of the people who buy the company’s products or services.

CHANGFA HU Chinese

6.

Position and Job Description ADVISER FOR SALES DIVISION Ensure effective and efficient sales division operations

MISA KINO Japanese

16.

Monthly Salary Range

7.

DIRECTOR Shall perform such duties as may from time to time be assigned to him by the Board of Directors or by the President

KEIZO IWASAKI Japanese

Php150,000.00 – Php499,999.00

Monthly Salary Range

17.

8.

ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGER Serve as assistant and support to the President in the administration and direction of the daily business affairs of the Corporation especially of the HR and Administration Department

TOSHIKI MIYAZAKI Japanese

9.

10.

MUHAMMAD QASIM TAZEEM Pakistani

FAROOQ HASSAN Pakistani

18.

Monthly Salary Range Php90,000.00 – Php149,999.00

11.

12.

XINYUAN CHEN Chinese

Php60,000.00 – Php89,999.00

YAN REN Chinese

Monthly Salary Range

Php90,000.00 – Php149,999.00

Monthly Salary Range

MANAGER ACCOUNTS Ensure smooth operation of SAGE 50 Peach Tree Enterprise

Php30,000.00 – Php59,999.00

LOGISTICS MANAGER Oversee and manage the Logistics Department

13.

ZAOYAN HUANG Chinese

Position and Job Description SEWING TECHNICIAN Mentor and coach sewers with basic technique on garment operation breakdown both for simple to intricate designs; initiates line balancing-manpower and machine layout on the sewing workshop.

ASSISTANT MANUFACTURING MANAGER Check and observe on work process control, coordination and management within the company

Monthly Salary Range

Php150,000.00 – Php499,999.00

Position and Job Description

Monthly Salary Range

CONSULTANT Offer advice and expertise to help improve business performance

Php30,000.00 – Php59,999.00

Name and Citizenship of Foreign National

KOJI MORI Japanese

Position and Job Description

LEADFRAME DEPARTMENT MANAGER In-charge of the leadframe department

Monthly Salary Range

Php60,000.00 – Php89,999.00

Name and Address of Employer: ASIAN TRANSMISSION CORPORATION CIP1-SEZ, Canlubang, Calamba City, Laguna

20.

HIROYUKI FUNAO Japanese

Position and Job Description EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT – ENGINEERING Responsible for the installation of additional machineries and equipment

Monthly Salary Range

Php150,000.00 – Php499,999.00

Name and Address of Employer: DENSO TEN PHILIPPINES CORPORATION Laguna Technopark-SEZ, Sta. Rosa City, Laguna

21.

RYO NISHIDA Japanese

Position and Job Description

PCD Adviser/CPS Adviser General management, supervision and administration of the Production Control Dept. & Corporate Planning Section

Monthly Salary Range

Php60,000.00 – Php89,999.00

Name and Address of Employer: JAE PHILIPPINES INC. Linares Extension Gateway Business Park, Javalera, General Trias, Cavite Name and Citizenship of Foreign National

MASANORI NEGISHI Japanese

Monthly Salary Range

Php30,000.00 – Php59,999.00

Php30,000.00 – Php59,999.00

Position and Job Description ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGER FOR ACCOUNTING DEPARTMENT Direct and control all company financial matters, such as financial accounting, management accounting cost accounting, investments and internal accounting

Monthly Salary Range

Php500,000.00 above

Name and Address of Employer: LMTP CORPORATION CPIP, Brgy. Batino, Calamba City, Laguna Name and Citizenship of Foreign National

Name and Address of Employer: LEADING SUCESS (PHILS.) GARMENTS INC. Bldg. 1, 2 & 3 Golden Mile Ave., Brgy. Maduya, Carmona, Cavite Name and Citizenship of Foreign National

TA-JEN CHOU Taiwanese

Name and Citizenship of Foreign National

Php30,000.00 – Php59,999.00

FINANCE SUPERVISOR Check and audit the finances of Schlemmer Philippines and act as a representative of Ningbo Schlemmer

Position and Job Description

Monthly Salary Range

ASSITANT GENERAL MANAGER INVESTMENTS Bring new foreign investments in the Philippines from Pakistan

Position and Job Description

Php150,000.00 – Php499,999.00

Name and Address of Employer: ROHM MECHATECH PHILS., INC B5 L 4 & 5, PTC-SEZ, Carmona, Cavite

22. of

CHAIRMAN Leader in developing company’s short term and long term strategies

NAOYA MURAKAMI Japanese

Name and Citizenship of Foreign National

Position and Job Description

Monthly Salary Range

Php30,000.00 – Php59,999.00

Name and Address of Employer: SCHLEMMER PHILIPPINES, INC. GAP-SEZ, Sta. Rosa City, Laguna Name and Citizenship Foreign National

HAG GYU LIM Korean

Name and Citizenship of Foreign National

Name and Address of Employer: ROYALE LIFE PHARMA INC. B8 L2 San Antonio Heights, Sto Tomas, Batangas Name and Citizenship of Foreign National

Position and Job Description

Name and Address of Employer: SIMA TECHNOLOGY (PHILIPPINES) INC. Laguna Technopark-SEZ, Biñan City, Laguna

Name and Address of Employer: COVAC PHILIPPINES INC. SME Park, JP Rizal Ave., Lima Technology Center, Lipa City, Batangas Name and Citizenship of Foreign Position and Job Description National

Php150,000.00 – Php499,999.00

Name and Citizenship of Foreign National

19.

Position and Job Description

TOOLING ENGINEER Oversee the tooling section and evaluate operations of assigned subordinate’s responsibilities

Name and Address of Employer: NANBU PHILIPPINES INCORPORATED Lot 7 Block 5 Road D, Cavite Economic Zone, Rosario, Cavite

Php150,000.00 – Php499,999.00

Name and Address of Employer: ICHIKAWA KOGYO PH INC. Lot 15 Block 20 Phase 4, CEZ, Rosario, Cavite Name and Citizenship of Foreign National

KOK SENG WONG Malaysian

Php30,000.00 – Php59,999.00

Name and Address of Employer: HONDA CARS PHILIPPINES, INC. Laguna Technopark-SEZ, Sta. Rosa City, Laguna Name and Citizenship of Foreign National

Php150,000.00 – Php499,999.00

Name and Citizenship of Foreign National

Name and Address of Employer: BRICKHARTZ TECHNOLOGY, INC. Lot 4044 Molino Blvd., Niog III, Bacoor, Cavite Name and Citizenship of Foreign National

GENERAL MANAGER Coordinate business operations to accomplish goal

Name and Address of Employer: BAEK GEUM PHILIPPINES CORP. Bldg. 1 B4 L1, CPIP, Brgy. Batino, Calamba, Laguna

Name and Address of Employer: SAMSUNG ELECTRO MECHANICS PHILS. CORP. CPIP, Brgy. Batino, Calamba City, Laguna Name and Citizenship of Foreign National

BALU RENGANATHAN Malaysian

Monthly Salary Range

Php30,000.00 – Php59,999.00

Monthly Salary Range

23.

TAKAO WATANABE Japanese

Position and Job Description

FACTORY MANAGER Analyze production data to identify and resolve any production issue

Monthly Salary Range

Php30,000.00 – Php59,999.00

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 the DOLE Regional Office within 30 days from the date of publication.

Please inform the DOLE Regional Office if you have an information of any criminal offense committed by the foreign nationals.

Monthly Salary Range

Php60,000.00 – Php89,999.00 To avail of free job referral, placement, and employment guidance services, visit the nearest Public Employment Service Offices (PESO) or log on at http://www.philjobnet.gov.ph

A10 Wednesday, March 9, 2022

The World BusinessMirror

US assures nervous Baltic nations of Nato protection against Russia

By Matthew Lee

R

AP Diplomatic Writer

IGA, Latvia—US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Monday assured Lithuania and Latvia of Nato protection and American support as he made quick visits to two of the three Baltic States that are increasingly on edge as Russia presses ahead with its invasion of Ukraine.

A long w ith Estonia, which Blinken will visit on Tuesday, the former Soviet republics are Nato members, and the Biden ad m i n i st rat ion i s a i m i ng to calm any fears they have about their security in the event Russia chooses to expand its military operations.

In the Latvian capital of Riga, Blinken said the Baltics have “formed a democratic wall that now stands against the tide of autocracy” that Russia is pushing in Europe. “The United States is more committed than ever to standing with you as our democracies rise to the challenge,” he said.

“We are bolstering our shared defense so that we and our allies are prepared,” Blinken said. He stressed that the US commitment to Nato’s mutual defense pact is “sacrosanct” and that Nato and the United States were discussing the permanent basing of troops in the Baltics.

“We will defend every inch of Nato territory if it comes under attack,” he said. “No one should doubt our readiness. No one should doubt our resolve.”

Leaders in both countries expressed grave concerns about Russian President Vladimir Putin’s intentions as it relates to former Soviet bloc countries that are now allied or otherwise linked to the West.

“We have no illusions about Putin’s Russia anymore,” Latvian

Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkevics said after meeting Blinken in Riga. “We don’t really see any good reason to assume that Russia might change its policy.”

Rinkevics said that the Russian invasion of Ukraine had shown the Baltic countries in particular the need to bolster air and coastal defenses and that Latvia would like its security cooperation with Nato to be “more efficient.”

“Unfortunately, the worsening security situation in the Baltic region is of great concern for all of us and around the world,” Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda told Blinken earlier in Vilnius. “Russia’s reckless aggression against Ukraine once again proves that it is a long-term threat to European security, the security of our alliance.”

Memories of Soviet rule are still fresh in the Baltics and since the invasion of Ukraine last month, Nato has moved quickly to boost its troop presence in its eastern f lank allies while the US has pledged additional support.

Blinken opened his Baltic tour in Vilnius, where Lithuanian support for Ukraine’s resistance to the Russian invasion was palpable as signs of solidarity with Ukrainians are evident in many businesses and on houses, public buildings and buses. He later traveled to Riga, which has been similarly festooned with blue and yellow Ukrainian flags.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, left, and Latvia’s Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkevics hold a press conference at the National Art Museum in Riga, Latvia, on March 7, 2022. Blinken is on a lightning visit to the three Baltic states that are increasingly on edge as they watch Russia press ahead with its invasion of Ukraine. The former Soviet republics of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia are all members of Nato and Blinken assured them of the alliance’s protection in the event Russia expands its military operations. Olivier Douliery/Pool via AP

Lithuania’s Nauseda said a policy of deterrence was no longer enough and that “forward defense” was now needed. He predicted that “Putin will not stop in Ukraine if he will not be stopped.”

“It is our collective duty as a nation to help all Ukrainians with all means available,” said Nauseda.

“By saying all, I mean, indeed all means all, if we want to avoid the Third World War. The choice is in our hands.”

Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis called for a surge in assistance to Ukraine, noting that the Nato allies “are doing a lot, but we cannot stop.” He also called for an immediate halt to imports of Russian energy. “We cannot pay for oil and gas with Ukrainian blood,” he said.

Lithuania is also dealing with pressure from another large power—China—for its relationship with Taiwan, the island China regards as a renegade province.

China has taken actions, including halting imports of certain products, against Lithuania for allowing Taiwan to open a de facto embassy in Vilnius.

Blinken said the Ukraine situation was relevant to Lithuania’s Taiwan situation, as all countries

should have the right to pursue their own foreign policies. “Every nation is free to associate with whom it chooses,” he said. “The United States continues to stand

by Lithuania and every nation to choose its own path.”

Blinken arrived in the Baltics late Sunday from non-aligned Moldova, which is also warily watching the war on its doorstep, and Poland, where he visited the Polish-Ukrainian border and met with refugees from Ukraine.

After his meetings with senior Latvian officials and Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid in Riga, Blinken will visit Tallinn, Estonia on Tuesday and then go on to Paris for talks with French President Emmanuel Macron.

Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett met with Putin over the weekend and Macron has been in frequent contact with the Russian leader. Both Israel and France sought meetings with Blinken to discuss those interactions.

Blinken declined to discuss those meetings in detail before they have been held but said: “There is certainly no change in our message to Moscow, our message to Russia and to President Putin: End the war. End it now.” AP

US gasoline prices rise again on talk of banning Russian oil

G

asoline p r i c e s a r e p u s h i n g even farther above $4 a gallon, the highest price that American motorists have faced since July 2008, as calls grow to ban imports of Russian oil.

Prices at the pump were rising long before Russia invaded Ukraine and have spiraled faster since the start of the war.

The US national average for a gallon of gasoline has soared 45 cents a gallon in the past week and topped $4.06 on Monday, according to auto club AAA. “I am looking at the possibility of walking to work,” said Asiya Joseph, who had just paid $4.29 a gallon at a BP station in Brooklyn, New York. “This is the first time that I am filling up my tank in like, 10 days.”

In Huntington Beach, California, Julian Mesa earns $15 an hour cleaning offices.

On Monday, he paid $92 to fill his pickup at $5.79 a gallon.

“It’s very expensive, high for people who are earning the minimum,” Mesa said. His family had already scaled back on eating out to cut their spending during the pandemic.

The price of regular broke $4 a gallon on Sunday for the first time in nearly 14 years and is now up nearly 50 percent from a year ago.

The price is even higher in Europe, averaging 1.75 euros per liter last week, according to the European Commission, the equivalent of $7.21 per gallon.

GasBuddy, which tracks prices down to the service-station level, said Monday that the US was likely to break its record price of $4.10 a gallon, but that does not account for inflation. In today’s terms, the record price would be equal to about $5.24 after accounting for inflation.

“Forget the $4 per gallon mark, the nation will soon set new all-time record highs and we could push closer to a national average of $4.50,” said GasBuddy analyst Patrick De Haan. “We’ve never been in this situation before, with this level of uncertainty....

Americans will be feeling the pain of the rise in prices for quite some time.”

Energy prices are contributing to the worst inflation that Americans have seen in 40 years, far outpacing higher wages.

Consumer prices jumped 7.5 percent in January, compared with a year earlier, and analysts predict a 7.9 percent increase when the government reports February figures later this week.

Oil prices soared early Monday before retreating. Benchmark US crude surged to $130 a barrel overnight, then moderated to around $119, a 3 percent gain, in afternoon trading. The international price skyrocketed to $139 before falling back to about $123 a barrel. US stocks tumbled, with the S&P 500 falling 3 percent, its biggest drop in 16 months.

Crude prices plummeted in early 2020 as economies around the world shut down

because of Covid-19—the price of futures even turned negative, meaning some sellers were paying buyers to take oil.

Prices rebounded, however, as demand recovered faster than producers pulled oil out of the ground and inventories dried up.

Still, few forecasters saw this week’s surge coming. Just a month ago, the Energy Department predicted oil would average around $80 a barrel this year.

That was before Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24.

The United States is the world’s largest oil producer—ahead of Saudi Arabia and Russia—but it is also the biggest oil consumer, and it can’t meet that staggering demand with domestic crude alone.

The US imported 245 million barrels of oil from Russia last year—about 8 percent of all US oil imports—up from 198 million barrels in 2020. That’s less than the US gets from Canada or Mexico but more than it imported last year from Saudi Arabia.

The increasingly violent Russian attack on Ukraine has raised calls to cut off Russia from the money it gets from oil and natural gas exports. Europe is heavily dependent on Russian gas.

President Joe Biden has been reluctant to ban Russian oil, fearing it could further fuel inflation heading into the midterm elections this November.

Many Republicans and a growing

number of Democrats in the House and Senate, including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., have endorsed banning Russian crude as a way to put more pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the shelling of Ukraine. On Monday, a bipartisan group of committee chairmen reached agreement on legislation to ban Russian oil imports and suspend normal trade relations status with Russia and its ally, Belarus—the latter move could lead to steep tariffs on other goods from the two countries.

The White House hasn’t ruled out a ban, and Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Sunday that the United States and its allies were discussing a ban “while making sure that there is still an appropriate supply of oil” on the world market.

Talk of a ban on Russian oil has led US officials to consider other sources that are currently limited. In what was supposed to be a secret trip, senior US officials traveled to Venezuela over the weekend to discuss the chance of easing oil sanctions on the major crude-exporting country.

Ronnie James, an Uber driver in Brooklyn, wants the government to do something to bring prices down—get oil from Venezuela or tap more from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.

“The folks who are every day building the wealth of this nation could use a break,” he said. AP

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

Crisis deepens, Ukraine hits Moscow’s ‘medieval tactics’

By Yuras Karmanau The Associated Press

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VIV, Ukraine—The humanitarian crisis in Ukraine deepened Monday as Russian forces intensified their shelling and food, water, heat and medicine grew increasingly scarce, in what the country condemned as a medieval-style siege by Moscow to batter it into submission.

A third round of talks between the two sides ended with a top Ukrainian official saying there had been minor, unspecified progress toward establishing safe corridors that would allow civilians to escape the fighting. Russia’s chief negotiator said he expects those corridors to start operating Tuesday.

But that remained to be seen, given the failure of previous attempts to lead civilians to safety amid the biggest ground war in Europe since World War II. Well into the second week of the invasion, with Russian troops making significant advances in southern Ukraine but stalled in some other regions, a top US official said multiple countries were discussing whether to provide the warplanes that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been pleading for.

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s forces continued to pummel cities with rockets, and fierce fighting raged in places. In the face of the bombardments, Zelenskyy said Ukrainian forces were showing unprecedented courage.

“The problem is that for one soldier of Ukraine, we have 10 Russian soldiers, and for one Ukrainian tank, we have 50 Russian tanks,” Zelenskyy told ABC News in an interview that aired Monday night. He noted that the gap in forces was diminishing and that even if Russian forces “come into all our cities,” they will be met with an insurgency.

In one of the most desperate cities, the encircled southern port of Mariupol, an estimated 200,000 people—nearly half the population of 430,000—were hoping to flee, and Red Cross officials waited to hear when a corridor would be established.

The city is short on water, food and power, and cellphone networks are down. Stores have been looted as residents search for essential goods.

Police moved through the city, advising people to remain in shelters until they heard official messages broadcast over loudspeakers to evacuate.

Hospitals in Mariupol are facing severe shortages of antibiotics and painkillers, and doctors performed some emergency procedures without them.

The lack of phone service left anxious citizens approaching strangers to ask if they knew relatives living in other parts of the city and whether they were safe.

In the capital, Kyiv, soldiers and volunteers have built hundreds of checkpoints to protect the city of nearly 4 million, often using sandbags, stacked tires and spiked cables.

Some barricades looked significant, with heavy concrete slabs and sandbags piled more than two stories high, while others appeared more haphazard, with hundreds of books used to weigh down stacks of tires.

“Every house, every street, every checkpoint, we will fight to the death if necessary,” said Mayor Vitali Klitschko.

In Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, with 1.4 million people, heavy shelling slammed into apartment buildings.

“I think it struck the fourth floor under us,” Dmitry Sedorenko said from his Kharkiv hospital bed. “Immediately, everything started burning and falling apart.” When the floor collapsed beneath him, he crawled out through the third story, past the bodies of some of his neighbors.

Klitschko reported that fierce battles continued in the Kyiv region, notably around Bucha, Hostomel, Vorzel and Irpin.

In the Irpin area, which has been cut off from electricity, water and heat for three days, witnesses saw at least three tanks and said Russian soldiers were seizing houses and cars.

A few miles away, in the small town of Horenka, where shelling reduced one area to ashes and shards of glass, rescuers and residents picked through the ruins as chickens pecked around them.

“What are they doing?” rescue worker Vasyl Oksak asked of the Russian attackers.

“There were two little kids and two elderly people living here. Come in and see what they have done.”

In the south, Russian forces also continued their offensive in Mykolaiv, opening fire on the Black Sea shipbuilding center of a half-million people, according to Ukraine’s military.

Rescuers said they were putting out fires caused by rocket attacks in residential areas.

At The Hague, Netherlands, Ukraine pleaded with the International Court of Justice to order a halt to Russia’s invasion, saying Moscow is committing widespread war crimes.

Russia “is resorting to tactics reminiscent of medieval siege warfare, encircling cities, cutting off escape routes and pounding the civilian population with heavy ordnance,” said Jonathan Gimblett, a member of Ukraine’s legal team.

Russia snubbed the court proceedings, leaving its seats in the Great Hall of Justice empty.

Efforts to set up safe passage for civilians over the weekend fell apart amid continued Russian shelling. Before Monday’s talks began, Russia announced a new plan, saying civilians would be allowed to leave Kyiv, Mariupol, Kharkiv and Sumy.

But many of the evacuation routes headed toward Russia or its ally Belarus, which has served as a launch pad for the invasion. Ukraine instead proposed eight routes allowing civilians to travel to western regions of the country where there is no shelling.

Later, Russia’s UN Ambassador, Vassily Nebenzia, told the UN Security Council that Russia would carry out a cease-fire Tuesday morning and appeared to suggest that humanitarian corridors leading away from Kyiv, Mariupol, Sumy and Chernigov could give people choice in where they want to go.

The UN humanitarian chief, Undersecretary-General Martin Griffiths, addressed the Security Council and urged safe passage for people to go “in the direction they choose.”

Zelenskyy’s office would not comment on the Russian proposal, saying only that Moscow’s plans can be believed only if a safe evacuation begins. The office said Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk planned to make a statement on the issue Tuesday morning.

The battle for Mariupol is crucial because its capture could allow Moscow to establish a land corridor to Crimea, which Russia seized from Ukraine in 2014.

The fighting has sent energy prices surging worldwide and stocks plummeting, and threatens t he food supply and livelihoods of people around the globe who rely on crops farmed in the fertile Black Sea region.

The UN human rights office reported 406 confirmed civilian deaths but said the real number is much higher. The invasion has also sent 1.7 million people fleeing Ukraine.

On Monday, Moscow again announced a series of demands to stop the invasion, including that Ukraine recognize Crimea as part of Russia and recognize the eastern regions controlled by Moscow-supported separatist fighters as independent. It also insisted that Ukraine change its constitution to guarantee it won’t join international bodies like NATO and the EU. Ukraine has already rejected those demands.

Zelenskyy has called for more punitive measures against Russia, including a global boycott of its oil exports, which are key to its economy.

“If (Russia) doesn’t want to abide by civilized rules, then they shouldn’t receive goods and services from civilization,” he said in a video address.

He has also asked for more warplanes. Deputy US Secretary of State Wendy Sherman said officials are “trying to see whether this is possible and doable.”

While the West has been rushing weapons to Ukraine such as anti-tank and anti-aircraft missiles, some officials fear that sending warplanes could be seen by Moscow as direct involvement in the war.

One possible scenario under discussion: Former Soviet bloc nations that are now NATO members could send Ukraine their own Soviet-era MiGs, which Ukrainian pilots are trained to fly, and the US would then replace those countries’ aircraft with American-made F-16s.

Russia’s invasion has nearby countries terrified the war could spread to them.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken began a lightning visit to the Baltic states of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia, former Soviet republics that are NATO members. Blinken hoped to reassure them of the alliance’s protection.

NATO has shown no interest in sending troops into the country and has rejected Zelenskyy’s pleas to establish a no-fly zone for fear of triggering a wider war.

The World Wednesday, March 9, 2022 A11

China warns US over forming Pacific Nato, backing Taiwan

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hina warned the US against trying to build what it called a Pacific version of Nato, while declaring that security disputes over Taiwan and Ukraine were “not comparable at all.”

Foreign Minister Wang Yi told his annual news briefing Monday that the “real goal” of the US’s Indo-Pacific strategy was to form Asia’s answer to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. China has often accused the US of trying to form blocs to suppress its growth, a complaint that’s likely to attract greater attention after President Vladimir Putin cited similar grievances before his invasion of Ukraine.

“The perverse actions run counter to the common aspiration of the region for peace, development, cooperation and win-win outcomes,” Wang added. “They are doomed to fail.”

Complaints about US efforts to strengthen its alliance network in Asia were among several points of contention raised by Wang in the almost two-hour briefing on the sidelines of the National People’s Congress in Beijing. The senior diplomat repeatedly alluded to the US as the source of problems with countries around the globe and issued some of China’s most pointed warnings yet against calls to expand US ties with Taiwan.

“This would not only push Taiwan into a precarious situation, but will also bring unbearable consequences for the US side,” Wang said on the sidelines of the National People’s Congress in Beijing, later adding: “Taiwan will eventually return to the embrace of the motherland.”

Several Asian nations—like their counterparts on Russia’s European frontier—have sought closer security ties with the US to keep from being dominated by the region’s biggest player. China has active border disputes with neighbors including Japan, India and Vietnam and has stepped up military, diplomatic and economic pressure on Taiwan, sending warplanes on some 960 forays through the island’s air defense identification zone last year.

The Biden administration outlined efforts to push back against growing Chinese clout in its Indo-Pacific strategy released last month. The US has sought to build a coalition of democracies around the world, including both traditional treaty partners such as Japan and new grouping such as the Quad, including also Australia and India.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken criticized China in a news conference Monday hosted by Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis, whose Baltic nation has been embroiled in a dispute with Beijing over Taiwan opening a representative office in its capital.

“Beijing talks a lot about the importance of upholding international order, stability, respecting sovereignty,” Blinken said. “But from its coercion of Vilnius to its failure thus far to condemn Moscow’s flagrant violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, today and in 2014, Beijing’s actions are speaking much louder than its words,” he added, referring to Moscow’s earlier seizure of Crimea.

Russia’s attack on Ukraine has undermined confidence that world powers would be able to prevent a crisis from similarly erupting over Taiwan, a democratically governed island of more than 23 million people and key global source of semiconductors. Wang dismissed the comparisons, arguing that Taiwan is part of Chinese territory—a claim President Tsai Ing-wen in Taipei has rejected.

“Some, while being vocal about the principle of sovereignty on the Ukrainian issue, have kept undermining China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity on the Taiwan question—this is a blatant double standard,” Wang said.

Russia launched its action in Ukraine weeks after President Xi Jinping hosted Putin in Beijing and publicly declared their friendship had “no limits.” China has sought to avoid taking a position in the conflict, as it attempts to balance support for Russian efforts to challenge US dominance with its interest of being regarded as a responsible major power.

‘Rock solid’

Wang passed up another opportunity to criticize Russia’s military action or call it an “invasion,” instead saying that ties between the two countries remained “rock solid.” Russia is growing more reliant on Chinese support as it faces a barrage of US-led sanctions over bloodshed in Ukraine.

“No matter how precarious and challenging the international situation may be, China and Russia will maintain a strategic focus and steadily advance our comprehensive strategic partnership and coordination,” he said.

Wang said that China would soon offer humanitarian assistance to Ukraine. The briefing comes as Russian forces continue their bombardment of Ukrainian cities, raising fears of mass casualties and a broader humanitarian crisis.

“China is prepared to continue playing a constructive role to facilitate dialogue for peace and work alongside the international community when needed to carry out necessary mediation,” Wang said, stopping short of clarifying whether Beijing would mediate between Kyiv and Moscow.

While both Russia and Ukraine would see China as a “credible mediator,” its ability to bring the two nations together “is uncertain,” and Beijing was unlikely to “involve itself unless it sees a negotiated solution as either close or urgent,” Eurasia Group Ltd. analysts including Neil Thomas wrote in a note.

“Chinese-mediated talks would likely accommodate Russian interests in ways that are anathema to the West,” they wrote, adding: “China’s relations with the West look set to deteriorate further unless Beijing puts more pressure on Moscow.” Bloomberg News

A12 Wednesday, March 9, 2022 • Editor: Angel R. Calso

Opinion BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

editorial

Time to promote wheat substitutes

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ven before Russian tanks started rolling into Ukraine, the price of wheat has already been rising (See, “Soaring wheat prices are raising bread costs,” in the BusinessMirror, November 3, 2021). Bloomberg reported in November that key exporters of the crop, which is processed into flour, were hit by droughts, frost and heavy rains in 2021. This made flour-based products more expensive, particularly in countries where noodles and bread are considered as staple food.

As Russia and Ukraine are key exporters of the crop, the faceoff between the two countries further tightened wheat supplies, sending prices to unprecedented levels. Reuters reported that wheat prices rose over last week, as the two countries remain unable to ship their crop to their top buyers. The need to look for other wheat sources is putting pressure on global suppliers. Other wheat producing countries could put in place export restrictions to safeguard domestic supplies, according to a Reuters report.

The scramble for supplies will hurt countries like the Philippines that rely on the imported grain. While the Philippines imports most of its wheat requirements from the United States, supply curbs caused by the war in Eastern Europe could send wheat prices to unprecedented levels (See, “War to make noodles, bread more expensive,” in the BusinessMirror, February 28, 2022). Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed that the country imported nearly 3.29 million metric tons of food-grade wheat and 2.734 MMT of feed wheat last year valued at $988.75 million and $742.76 million, respectively.

As the volatility in commodity prices is expected to continue, unless Russia soon pulls out of Ukraine, local policymakers must push for expanding the use of alternatives in making bread products. Filipino bakers had been using malunggay and sweet potato in recent years. The Department of Science and Technology had even developed Sagip-Nutri Flour, a blend of powders made from nutritious and indigenous crops, such as cassava, sweet potato, moringa (malunggay), squash, and mungbean or munggo.

The resulting products from flour alternatives would boost efforts of the government to prevent stunting among children and improve maternal health. Expanding the use of alternatives would reduce the country’s reliance on imported food items like wheat and cushion the impact of global price swings on domestic food supply. An increase in the demand for flour alternatives would also mean higher income for planters cultivating indigenous crops, like malunggay and squash.

These alternatives to flour have been around for more than a decade, but Filipinos have yet to develop a taste for products that make use of wheat substitutes. Policymakers should now put in place the necessary measures that would promote the use of wheat substitutes. The crisis in Eastern Europe is also underscoring the importance of hiking spending for research and development to create food items that will not rely so much on imported raw materials.

Until the guns fall silent in Ukraine, food-importing countries like the Philippines would have to pay more for commodities, such as wheat, corn and fuel. And higher food prices would hurt the poor the most, as they spend a bigger part of their income for fuel and food, according to the International Monetary Fund.

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Asia-Pacific countries poised to transform agrifood systems through innovation and digital technologies

By Qu Dongyu

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he current nutrition situation in Asia and the Pacific is difficult in many areas across the region. About 40 percent of its inhabitants cannot afford a healthy diet, and in some areas the fight against hunger has seen reversals rather than advances. Progress toward meeting the Sustainable Development Goals of defeating both poverty (SDG 1) and hunger (SDG 2) has been thrown off track amid the Covid-19 pandemic, which has devastated both lives and livelihoods.

Luckily, the picture is not all bleak and there are signs of optimism and dynamism. Advances in the region’s agrifood systems are changing the ways in which food is sustainably produced, marketed and consumed.

This transformation reflects a greater awareness by Asia-Pacific producers and a growing demand from consumers for healthier, more nutritious foods.

Crop and livestock farmers, fishers, pastoralists, other producers and retailers—large and small—are successfully turning to innovative ideas and digital technologies. These improvements in production and sustainable resource management keep more money in their pockets, while also helping to reverse environmental degradation.

All this is helping to create a paradigm shift that is taking shape in other parts of the world too. In Asia and the Pacific, there is a clear and growing movement toward innovation and digitalization along the entire agrifood value chain.

Retail grocery and food shopping is an important example. This is not only a phenomenon of welldeveloped economies, with four out

of five sales of online food and grocery purchases taking place in the Asia-Pacific region.

This is just one aspect of the agrifood systems overhaul that is reshaping countries rapidly across Asia and the Pacific, from West Asia, all across South Asia, Southeast Asia and East Asia to the Pacific island countries.

In the Pacific’s Small Island Developing States, grassroots entrepreneurs are increasingly stepping forward. Their innovative smart phone apps help producers and consumers to make informed, nutritious choices. The private and development sectors are also leveraging increasingly available data to make the supply chain of agricultural commodities to markets more efficient and timely, and to map areas vulnerable to extreme weather events. Several of these innovations were showcased at the ‘SIDS Solutions Forum,’ the first of an event to be held biennially, co-convened in August 2021 by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the government of Fiji.

There are still some challenges in accessing data on demand and without interruption, as we saw when

Working with our members in Asia and the Pacific, we will create even stronger partnerships with academic and research institutions, civil society organizations, cooperatives, parliamentarians and the private sector, with the inclusion of women and youth, as part of our commitment to the global efforts to build back better.

Tonga’s undersea communications cable was severed during the eruption of the Hunga Tonga–Hunga Ha‘apai volcano. But these setbacks will bring forth the new ideas needed to overcome them!

At FAO, we are working with our members across Asia and the Pacific region to transform agrifood systems to be more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable—to the benefit of all. Through the Hand-in-Hand Initiative, we are assisting policy makers in their plans to further leverage data, technology and innovation to meet the SDGs targets by 2030.

We are proactively identifying and supporting digital villages across the region as part of FAO’s 1,000 Digital Villages Initiative. We are continuing to nurture and promote country-led SIDS solutions and Hand-in-Hand partnerships, which include advising on climate event mitigation and adaptation, and helping to overcome the damage caused to lives and livelihoods by the pandemic and the climate crisis.

These are among the topics that will be discussed at the 36th Ses-

‘A sustainable feminist recovery’

By António Guterres

A

S the world moves ahead to mark International Women’s Day, the clock on women’s rights is moving backwards. All of us are paying the price.

The cascading crises of recent years have highlighted how women’s leadership is more crucial than ever.

Women have heroically confronted the Covid-19 pandemic as doctors, nurses, and public health and social care workers.

But at the same time, women and girls have been the first to lose out on jobs or schooling, taking on more unpaid care work, and facing skyrocketing levels of domestic and cyber abuse and child marriage.

The pandemic has highlighted even more starkly an age-old truth: the roots of patriarchy run deep. We still live in a male-dominated world with a male-dominated culture.

As a result, in good times or bad,

women are more likely to fall into poverty. Their health care is sacrificed and their education and opportunities are curtailed.

As we look to the future, a sustainable and equal recovery for all is only possible if it is a feminist recovery— one that puts progress for girls and women at its center.

We need economic progress through targeted investments in women’s education, employment, training and decent work. Women should be first in line for the 400 million jobs we are called to create by 2030.

We need social progress through investments in social protection systems and the care economy. Such in-

In societies where women’s rights movements are vibrant, democracies are stronger. When the world invests in expanding opportunities for women and girls, all of humanity wins. vestments yield huge dividends, creating green, sustainable jobs, while supporting members of our societies that need assistance, including children, older people and the sick.

We need financial progress, to reform a morally bankrupt global financial system, so all countries can invest in a woman-centered economic recovery. This includes debt relief and fairer tax systems that channel some of the massive pockets of wealth around the world to those who need it most.

We need urgent, transformative climate action, to reverse the reckless increase in emissions and gender inequalities that have left women and

sion of the FAO Asia and the Pacific Regional Conference in Dhaka, Bangladesh, from March 8 to 11. FAO members from the region—46 in total—will come together to build on the transformational agenda and actions under the FAO Strategic Framework 2022-2031, along with the recommendations of the UN Food Systems Summit 2021.

FAO is leading in hosting the recently established Coordination Hub for the follow up of the Summit, which will support countries in further developing and implementing national pathways towards agrifood systems transformation in line with national priorities.

Working with our members in Asia and the Pacific, we will create even stronger partnerships with academic and research institutions, civil society organizations, cooperatives, parliamentarians and the private sector, with the inclusion of women and youth, as part of our commitment to the global efforts to build back better.

FAO is supporting the region to think big and act concretely. We are providing a constructive hand, but we need many more hands to reach our collective goals. For a better world with a better future for our children, we need better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life for all—leaving no one behind.

For this, we need strong political will and efficient, effective and coherent multilateral actions.

Qu Dongyu is the Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

girls disproportionately vulnerable.

Developed countries must urgently deliver on their commitments on finance and technical support for a just transition from fossil fuels. The successful, stable economies of the future will be green, gender-inclusive and sustainable.

We need more women in leadership in government and business, including finance ministers and CEOs, developing and implementing green and socially progressive policies that benefit all their people.

We know, for example, that having more women in parliaments is linked with stronger climate commitments and higher levels of investment in health care and education.

We need political progress through targeted measures that ensure women’s equal leadership and representation at all levels of political decision-making, through bold gender quotas.

See “A sustainable,” A13

Opinion BusinessMirror

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Ukraine war highlights internal divides in Mideast nations

By Qassim Abdul-Zahra & Zeina Karam The Associated Press

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AGHDAD—In a neighborhood of Iraq’s capital, a gigantic poster of Vladimir Putin with the words, “We support Russia,” was up for few hours before a security force arrived and hurriedly took it down. Then came the security directive: All public displays of Putin’s pictures shall be banned.

In Lebanon, the powerful Hezbollah militia railed against the government’s condemnation of Russia’s attack on Ukraine, calling for neutrality.

Such wrangling shows the deep divisions over the Ukraine war in the Middle East, where Moscow has embedded itself as a key player in recent years, making powerful friends among state and non-state actors while America’s influence waned.

Political elites closely allied with the West are wary of alienating Russia or the US and Europe. But other forces—from Shiite militia factions in Iraq, to Lebanon’s Hezbollah group and Houthi rebels in Yemen—vocally support Russia against Ukraine.

These groups are considered to be Iran’s boots on the ground in the so-called anti-US “axis of resistance.” Putin won their backing largely because of his close ties with Tehran and his military intervention in Syria’s civil war in support of President Bashar Assad.

They see Putin as a steady, reliable partner who, unlike the Americans, does not drop his allies. In their circles, they even have an affectionate nickname for Putin—“Abu Ali”—which is a common name among Shiite Muslims and meant to portray certain camaraderie.

Meanwhile, governments are walking a tightrope.

“Iraq is against the war but has not condemned it nor taken a side,” said political analyst Ihsan Alshamary, who heads the Political Thought Think Tank in Baghdad.

Iraq needs to remain neutral because it has shared interests with both Russia and the West, he said.

He said Iran’s allies in the region are outspokenly with Russia “because they are anti-American and anti-West and believe that Russia is their ally.”

Russia has invested up to $14 billion in Iraq and the northern Kurdish-run region, mainly focusing on the energy sector, Moscow’s ambassador Elbrus Kutrashev told the Iraqi Kurdish news agency Rudaw in a recent interview.

Among the major oil companies operating in the country are Russia’s Lukoil, Gazprom Neft and Rosneft.

Iraq also maintains close ties with the US, but Western companies have steadily been plotting to exit from Iraq’s oil sector.

Iraq’s strongest move so far came after its central bank advised the prime minister against signing new contracts with Russian companies or payments in light of US sanctions. The decision will impact new Russian investment in the country, but little else, Russian industry officials said.

Last week, Iraq was among the 35 countries that abstained from a UN General Assembly vote to demand that Russia stop its offensive and withdraw troops from Ukraine.

Lebanon voted in favor, while Syria, where Russian ties run deep, voted against. Iran also abstained.

In Lebanon, an unusually blunt Foreign Ministry statement denouncing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine caused an uproar and upset the Russians, forcing the minister to clarify that Lebanon did not intend to take sides and would remain neutral.

“They distance themselves and claim neutrality where they want, and they interfere and condemn where they want,” Hezbollah law-

Political elites closely allied with the West are wary of alienating Russia or the US and Europe. But other forces—from Shiite militia factions in Iraq, to Lebanon’s Hezbollah group and Houthi rebels in Yemen—vocally support Russia against Ukraine. maker Ibrahim Moussawi wrote on Twitter, taking aim at the Foreign Ministry. “What foreign policy does Lebanon follow, and what is Lebanon’s interest in that? Please clarify for us, foreign minister.”

Hezbollah, which also sent thousands of fighters to neighboring Syria to shore up Assad’s forces, has seized on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine to portray it as an inevitable result of US provocations and yet another betrayal by the United States of its allies—in this case, Ukraine.

In Syria, where Russia maintains thousands of troops, billboards proclaiming, “Victory for Russia” popped up in areas of Damascus this week. In opposition-held areas, which still get hit by Russian airstrikes, residents hope pressure will ease on them if Russia gets bogged down in fighting in Ukraine.

In Iraq, the Ukraine war is highlighting divisions in an already fractured landscape during stalled efforts to form a new government, five months after parliament elections were held.

The huge billboard in support of Putin was briefly put up in a Baghdad neighborhood considered a stronghold of powerful Iranianbacked militias. After it was removed, the Russian Embassy in Baghdad tweeted an image of it.

“The poster was provocative, I am against it,” said Athir Ghorayeb, who works at a nearby coffee shop.

Iraq is only just emerging from decades of war and conflict, he said.

“Why do they insist on involving us in new problems?”

Many Iraqis see in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine echoes of Saddam Hussein’s invasion of neighboring Kuwait and subsequent years-long economic sanctions placed on Iraq. It was only a few days ago that Iraq finished paying reparations to Kuwait, which totaled more than $52 billion.

On social media, Iraqi pages on Facebook with millions of followers have posted news of what is happening in Ukraine, sharing their views. “Our hearts are with the civilians, as those who have tasted war know its catastrophes,” posted one user, Zahra Obaidi.

“We have tents for refugees and internally displaced people, so you’re welcome to come use them,” Hafidh Salih posted.

Toby Dodge, a professor of International Relations at the London School of Economics, said Iraq’s moves—abstaining from the U.N. vote while limiting economic activity—were prudent, managing the short-term risks without taking an ideological stance.

But the longer the war drags on, the harder it will be to maintain this strategy.

“Iraq is deeply divided politically amongst players between pro-Iran and those that are anti-Iran trying to assert autonomy. The Ukraine becomes another performance, another example of where either side can burnish their credentials,” he said. Karam reported from Beirut. Associated Press writer Samya Kullab in Kabul contributed to this report.

Wednesday, March 9, 2022 A13

A modern Churchill? Zelenskyy praised as war communicator

By David Bauder & Jocelyn Noveck | The Associated Press

T

O a watching world, his message is this, in both his words and his resolute, sometimes haggard appearance: He stands as a mirror to the suffering and spirit of his people.

It appears to be getting through.

Just days into the war engulfing his nation, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is drawing historical comparisons as an effective and stirring wartime communicator— yet with a distinctly modern touch inflected by the sensibilities of live television and the personal feel of social media.

His baby-faced complexion is now usually puffy and pasty, with a faint growth of beard. Suits and dress shirts have been replaced by olive military-style garb. His raspy voice betrays exhaustion. Together, these help form a narrative of personal courage, of David fighting mighty Goliath and refusing safe passage out of his homeland—embodied by his line that he needed “ammunition, not a ride.”

It’s all quite a development for a former TV actor and comedian who weeks ago was disdained in some corners as a political novice too eager to seek compromise with Moscow.

“Here’s a guy who was basically considered to be a lightweight, out of his element, about to be crushed by a major superpower next door.

And it didn’t happen,” says Andrew J. Polsky, a professor of political science at Hunter College in New York and author of a book on wartime US presidents. “I think people really expected that he would flee...and I think he surprised people by sharing the danger that they were sharing.”

That, Polsky says, has created “a reciprocal relationship between Zelenskyy and the Ukrainian people. I think they have gotten energy from each other and confidence from each other. That’s an impressive communications accomplishment for a leader, to be that much in touch with his people in the middle of a crisis.”

Winston Churchill, who rallied Britons during World War II’s darkest days, is a name frequently invoked— even by Churchill’s biographer. One analyst compared Zelenskyy to

Benjamin Franklin and his success in soliciting French support for the American Revolution.

Through interviews and appearances via video link from hidden locations, Zelenskyy has sought to rally the world to Ukraine’s side. When he told the European Parliament “we’re fighting just for our land and for our freedom,” the translator struggled not to cry.

Speaking the other day at a San Francisco fundraiser, US first lady Jill Biden said that “I just have to turn on the TV every morning and pray that Zelenskyy is still alive.”

Some of Zelenskyy’s appearances seem designed to deliver that simple assurance. Shortly after Russia invaded, he was seen in what appeared to be mobile phone video from a darkened street in Kyiv, four grim-faced colleagues standing behind him.

“We are all here,” he said. “Our soldiers are here, the citizens of our country are all here protecting our independence, and we are going to continue to do so. Glory to the defenders of Ukraine.”

Zelenskyy’s insistence on staying, along with his wife and children, was a turning point, says Orysia Lutsevych, a research fellow and manager of the Ukraine Forum in the Russia and Eurasia Program at Chatham House, a London-based think tank. “People saw he had courage,” she says.

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin has appeared detached and distant, speaking to aides via videoconference or the end of an almost absurdly elongated table, with speeches that Polsky says display a self-created sense of history.

The Ukraine president’s words have projected a mixture of defiance and an escalating desperation, and he seems unafraid of alienating those whose help he might need. For example, he told NATO officials they would bear responsibility for civilian deaths if they didn’t enforce a no-fly Zone over Ukraine.

Zelenskyy’s insistence on staying, along with his wife and children, was a turning point, says Orysia Lutsevych, a research fellow and manager of the Ukraine Forum in the Russia and Eurasia Program at Chatham House, a Londonbased think tank. “People saw he had courage,” she says.

Through those messages, he’s not just speaking to Nato leaders, but directly to the citizens who may put pressure on them to do more, says Kenneth Osgood, professor of history at the Colorado School of Mines and an expert on propaganda and intelligence.

Zelenskyy’s pleas remind one analyst of Benjamin Franklin’s trip to France in 1776 to elicit French support for the American Revolution— a trip that ultimately proved pivotal to history.

“The British had military superiority,” says Kathleen Hall Jamieson, a specialist in political communication and director of the Annenberg Public Policy Center at the University of Pennsylvania. “Had France not joined the war in 1778, the outcome may have been different.”

The Ukrainian leader’s persona, message and delivery are mutually reinforcing, Jamieson says. “His delivery straight to camera in closeup is effective social media—unscripted, clear, straightforward and brimming with resolve.”

His messages don’t necessarily all have the same impact, she notes. Saying “Don’t let them exterminate us” is a more effective frame, she says, than “calling a Nato summit weak and confused.”

Jamieson says TV networks have magnified the power of Zelenskyy’s appeals with potent visuals, “overlaying evocative images of damaged buildings, fleeing mothers and children, menacing Russian tanks, empty store shelves and the like.” What’s more, she says, the specter of his demise always looms: “His increasingly unshaven look, the flak jacket when in public and the repeated reminders to world leaders that this may be the last time they see him alive add

immediacy to his appeals.”

That same message—it might be the last time they see him alive—was delivered to members of the US Congress via Zoom over the weekend.

US Rep. Mike Quigley of Illinois told ABC News that he took notes when Zelenskyy talked. “Calm,” heroic” and “unprecedented” were among the words he wrote. “I don’t think you can sit there with human emotions and not be moved, not be motivated,” Quigley said.

He cited the Churchill comparison.

So did Andrew Roberts, author of the 2018 biography “Churchill: Walking with Destiny”: Speaking on a Commentary magazine podcast, he noted both Zelenskyy’s personal bravery and his refusal to sugarcoat things.

Zelenskyy doesn’t possess the same rhetorical prowess as Churchill did in radio messages as German bombs rained down upon London, says Osgood, the propaganda expert.

“Zelenskyy is much blunter—sort of, ‘Here’s the story. I’m just going to give it to you straight.’ So there’s not the same poetry to it. But there’s the same desperation.”

Indeed, in style, the more formal Churchill and Zelenskyy could not be more different. But each man, Polsky says, mastered the media of his era.

“Churchill made good use of radio, the written word as well,” he says.

“And Zelenskyy makes excellent use of casual social media. He walks through the streets and holds his cell phone up, and he talks to people.” His off-the-cuff remarks, with no time to prepare a long speech, add to the genuine nature of his presentations, he and others say, and resonate with a younger generation.

Not many people in Ukraine saw Zelenskyy as a great leader before the war, says Lutsevych, at the Ukraine Forum in London. Now, though, he has become the voice of the nation.

“He has a personal quality, especially being sensitive to your environment, to be able to play different roles, to be sensitive to your audience,” she says. “He’s quite empathetic as a leader.” Correspondent Barry Hatton in Lisbon, Portugal, contributed to this report. David Bauder is the media writer for The Associated Press. Jocelyn Noveck is an AP national writer.

Kudos to SMNI for organizing the series of debates Dr. Jesus Lim Arranza

MAKE SENSE

I

would like to congratulate the Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI) for organizing the series of debates among the presidential, vice presidential and senatorial candidates in the May elections. In a democracy, debates help voters get information about those seeking public office as these forums allow voters to learn more about the candidates.

The SMNI debates gave voters a chance to assess the candidates’ knowledge on issues and policies, to gauge their qualifications, and to see if they have the desired characteristics that voters are looking for. For the undecided voters, the debates could help them make up their minds and choose candidates based on their debate performance. The SMNI debates are important because they help voters make informed choices.

Here’s my take: First, the debates were amazingly well organized.

From site preparations to sending out the invitations, to assisting the guests to their assigned tables where dinner was served at Hotel Okada, the executions were perfectly done.

Second, the debates provided a level playing field to all candidates, regardless of their fame, political experience, resources and party affiliation. The forum gave the candidates the opportunity to show their competence, sensitivity to issues and readiness for the job, among others, without having to pay the extremely

expensive rates of political advertisements.

Third, the debates allowed the Filipino voters to hear and rate the candidates based on their knowledge of issues and, more importantly, their platforms. It gave the audience a chance to perceive the sensitivity of the candidates to the problems of the Filipinos. The debates gave the candidates a chance to inform listeners about their concrete plans on how they intend to address or solve the most pressing issues. Most of all, the debates expowed the candidates’ competence and, of course, their sincerity to serve.

Fourth, although at one particular instance, I recall that some debate participants got into a heated argument and became personal in their attacks, propriety still reigned. What is important is that this kind of engagement among debate participants was corrected in the succeeding episode when SMNI reminded the candidates about the debate rules. It did well for the organizer to take control of the proceedings, and the succeeding debates were successfully staged.

Generally, the debate’s flow of discussions were orderly and objective.

Lastly, the debates opened aware-

A sustainable. . .

in senior management at headquarters and around the world. This has dramatically improved our ability to better reflect and represent the communities we serve.

Every step of the way, we can take inspiration from women and girls pushing for progress in every sphere and every corner of our globe.

Young women climate campaigners are leading global efforts to pressure governments to live up to their

commitments.

Women’s rights activists are bravely demanding equality and justice, and building more peaceful societies as peacekeepers, peacemakers and humanitarians in some of the world’s trouble zones and beyond.

In societies where women’s rights movements are vibrant, democracies are stronger.

When the world invests in ex-

continued from A12

Gender inequality is essentially a question of power. Uprooting centuries of patriarchy demands that power is equally shared across every institution, at every level.

At the United Nations, we have achieved—for the first time in the organization’s history—gender parity

ness among listeners, as it created an issue-based discussion that, to my opinion, became useful for Filipino voters to choose whom to vote. In a sense, the opinions and respective stand of candidates that were articulated in these debates will ultimately dedound to the benefit of a healthy democracy.

Political experts have found that giving voters access to information through debates between rival candidates can significantly improve their knowledge and increase democratic participation. The SMNI debates gave voters a chance to assess the candidates’ knowledge on issues and policies, to gauge their qualifications, and to see if they have the desired characteristics that voters are looking for. For the undecided voters, the debates could help them make up their minds and choose candidates based on their debate performance. The SMNI debates are important because they help voters make informed choices.

Dr. Jesus Lim Arranza is the chairman of the Federation of Philippine Industries and Fight Illicit Trade; a broad-based, multisectoral movement intended to protect consumers, safeguard government revenues and shield legitimate industries from the ill effects of smuggling.

panding opportunities for women and girls, all of humanity wins.

As a matter of justice, equality, morality and plain common sense, we need to turn the clock forward on women’s rights.

We need a sustainable, feminist recovery centered around—and driven by—women and girls.

António Guterres is the Secretary-General of the United Nations

A14 Wednesday, March 9, 2022

With pump prices possibly hitting ₧100/liter, DOE weighs options

E

By Lenie Lectura

@llectura

NERGY Secretary Alfonso Cusi on Tuesday said his agency is weighing the pros and cons of proposals raised by the private sector even as he concedes that the steady rise in world oil prices, fueled by the UkraineRussia crisis, could propel local pump prices to P100 per liter.

Cusi, at a virtual news conference, said pump prices are projected to rise after this week’s P5.85 per liter increase for diesel, P3.60 per liter hike for gasoline, and P4.10 per liter adjustment for kerosene.

“Of course, if prices in the world market increase then our pump prices will also go up. We are very dependent on the world market

price because we are just a small importer compared to the other countries. It’s not yet the last [increase]. We are all victims of this happening,” said Cusi.

If oil prices in the world market hit $200 per barrel, Cusi said this might further push local pump prices up to P100 per liter. “It depends on how much it will go up in the world market. Now, the price is

BEST TIME TO BUY NEW SMARTPHONE? CHOOSE A NON-SALES DAY–STUDY

By Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas @jearcalas

A

“Of course, if prices in the world market increase then our pump prices will also go up. We are very dependent on the world market price because we are just a small importer compared to the other countries.

It’s not yet the last [increase]. We are all victims of this happening.”

ALFONSO CUSI

BM

Energy Secretary

$125 per barrel. If this goes up to $200 per barrel, [we will really hit] P100,” he said.

The agency, he said, is currently reviewing the proposals raised by the Philippine Independent Power Producers Association (PIPPA). These include the suspension of the secondary price cap in the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM); DOE’s endorsement to the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) for the possible recovery of the impact of fuel price increases, even on a staggered basis; providing government subsidies for electricity end-users through the Malampaya Fund; and the possibility of relaxing the 30-day coal inventory requirement for generation companies to better manage

the scheduling of their coal delivery schedules.

Cusi said he is open to staggering the implementation of power rates hikes, if any. His office is also reviewing the suspension of WESM secondary price cap and the suspension of Biofuels law as proposed by the Independent Philippine Petroleum Companies Association (IPPCA).

“For the 30-day requirement, I’m not inclined to be flexible. While I understand when the price of coal has doubled and they want to manage their capital requirement, we have to balance,” he said.

Of primary importance to PIPPA is the removal or adjustment of the secondary price cap which, it believes, should not be re-examined only when there are events beyond anyone’s control, such as the Russia-Ukraine crisis.

“The Electric Power Industry Reform Act (Epira) created the WESM as a market that provides proper and accurate price signals which determines future investments in the power industry. The Secondary Price Cap only distorts the true cost and is not reflective of the real situation of the energy sector. As early as 2014, PIPPA has been advocating the removal of the Secondary Price Cap to provide proper price signal for additional investments in the generation sector,” said PIPPA.

RE you planning to replace your smartphone this year? Then buy on a non-sale day.

That is the recommendation of the study by iPrice Group, an ecommerce aggregator, that showed smartphones sold online in the Philippines are cheaper on non-sales day compared to days with sale. iPrice Group explained that it collected the price data of smartphones from July 16 to December 31, the period when a lot of online sales and promos were held. iPrice Group claimed that it has a database of more than 7 billion products and 8 million sellers across Southeast Asia.

“The study revealed that in each month, the cheapest median price falls on a normal day rather than a sales day,” the group said in a statement on Tuesday.

“For instance, the median price of smartphones in the Philippines was at its cheapest just a few days after the big 11.11 sale, costing about P17,000 on November 17.

Smartphone prices during all sales days were actually higher than this particular day,” it added.

Based on the data released by iPrice group, the median price of smartphones on sales day was higher by 0.92 percent to as much as 9.47 percent compared to their non-sales day price tags.

The median price of smartphones during the 8.8 sale in August last year was at P18,694.22 while its average cost on a nonsales day was at P18,311.75, according to iPrice Group. The highest discrepancy was recorded in September when average price of smartphone during the 9.9 sale was at P20,212.80, P1,914.38 higher than its median quotation on a non-sales day of P18,298.42.

“According to the average of all median prices, December is actually the best month to buy a smartphone.

The average price of a smartphone during the last month of the year is P18,300, while October’s average price is the highest, reaching about 20,600,” iPrice group said.

“Thus, if shoppers are going to purchase a smartphone during an online sales event, 12.12 is the best online sales day to do so (P17,600).

As always, December is filled with clearance and holiday sales as it is one of the most exciting months for Filipinos,” it added.

The iPrice group pointed out that smartphone prices were also marked up a few days before the promo or sales period, particularly in the lead up to the 10.10, 11.11 and 12.12 sales.

“October (including the 10.10 sale) was the worst time to buy a smartphone. In 2021, prices started marking up by September 30 until the median price reached P22,100 on October 2.

It then dropped by 8 percent during the 10.10 sale (P20,500) when in fact, the price was even 15 percent lower on September 25 (P18,300),” it said.

The iPrice group said the pattern was observed during the last quarter of the year “wherein the prices receive markups during the end of the month then drop on the online sales day.”

“Prices on October 27 bloated, then dropped around November 3 until the 11.11 sale. A similar trend was seen from late November to early December as well, building up to the 12.12 sale,” it said.

The iPrice group also claimed that the Philippines had the second-highest median smartphone price in Southeast Asia at P19,100, behind Singapore’s P23,400. The group added that Indonesia had the cheapest median price for smartphones at P13,000; followed by Thailand and Malaysia at P15,400 and P15,500, respectively.

“Given that the Philippines has one of the lowest wages and the highest smartphone prices in the region, Filipinos need the best deals they can get,” it said.

‘Spirit of TRAIN’: No need for new law halting oil tax–Drilon

By Butch Fernandez @butchfBM

E

VEN without new legislation, the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law allows the Department of Finance (DOF) to suspend collection of excise taxes on petroleum to cushion the impact of surging world oil prices, Senate Minority Leader Frank Drilon asserted on Tuesday.

Drilon said the spirit of the TRAIN is to allow the DOF and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to “suspend collection of excise taxes on fuel products” when needed.

Drilon, a former Justice Secretary, said he “does not see any legal impediment” to DOF and BIR doing this.

“There is no stopping the executive, specifically the Department of Finance and the Bureau of Internal Revenue, from suspending the collection of excise taxes on petroleum products, if they really want to mitigate the impact of high oil prices on the cost of goods and living expenses of the ordinary Filipino,” said Drilon.

Meanwhile, Drilon said, “the provision of the TRAIN Law should be interpreted liberally, not just in light of suspending the increases in excise taxes but also its imposition.”

“We are in an extraordinary situation. It is a situation,” Drilon said, adding: “We are not seeking

an exemption from taxes here and, therefore, a strict construction of the law is misplaced. Filipinos are suffering.”

The senator added: “We cannot wait for the law to be amended before we act. The situation is changing rapidly by the day and we need to act fast.”

The DOF and BIR will be blameless if they act proactively to suspend the excise taxes on oil. “They implement the law. Who will blame DOF and BIR if they suspend the excise taxes on fuel products? Who will file a case against them? Whose rights will be violated if the taxes are suspended?”

Drilon pleaded: “Please stop hiding behind the law. The TRAIN law does not intend to tie the hands of the government and prevent it from responding to shocking increases in oil prices to the detriment of consumers.”

On the contrary, he stressed, the law clearly recognizes that if the price of oil per barrel exceeds $80 (USD), the government has the power to intervene to cushion its impact on the economy and the consumers.

The lawmaker said, “the intention of the TRAIN law is to give the DOF power to arrest possible inflation. The law recognizes that if the price of oil per barrel exceeds 80USD, then it is bad for the economy and the consumers. This is the spirit of the law.”

He recalled that when Congress passed the TR AIN, neither the government nor Congress anticipated that a crisis such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict could take place. “Inflation was a key concern when the TR AIN Law was being discussed,” he said, recalling that “based on plenary debates, it was the understanding of the senators that if inflation hits the top end of the DBCC estimate or the world price of crude oil exceeds $80/barrel, the operation of the excise tax would be suspended.”

The TRAIN Law provides for the suspension of the excise hikes during the period 2018 to 2020 when the price of oil per barrel exceeds 80USD. The last increase on fuel excise tax was completed in 2020 but the price of oil has continued to rise since.

When the TRAIN Law was being discussed, the price per barrel of crude oil was only at $60.9USD to 73.4USD. “It is now at $102 per barrel, the highest in more than seven years, and is expected to continue rising,” he added. “Clearly, the spirit of the law is to give the government elbow room to address situations where the price of crude oil in the world market exceeds 80USD. The law acknowledges that such a scenario will drive inflation to unconscionable levels—a scenario which we want to prevent, mitigate and arrest,” Drilon said.

Companies

Editor: Jennifer A. Ng

Wednesday, March 9, 2022

B1

DMCI net income surges on commodity price rally

E

By VG Cabuag

@villygc

ngineering conglomerate DMCI Holdings Inc. said it booked a core net income of P17.4 billion in 2021, more than double the P6.6 billion it gained the previous year on surging commodity prices and the recovery of its construction activities.

Net income for the year tripled to P18.4 billion from P5.9 billion during the previous year. This included a nonrecurring income of P1 billion mostly from deferred tax remeasurement under the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises Act and a nonrecurring loss of P708 million mainly from sales cancellations for a real estate project in 2020.

“Nearly all of our subsidiaries grew triple digits in 2021 because

of higher productivity and what we believe is the start of a commodities supercycle,” DMCI Holdings Chairman and President Isidro A. Consunji said.

Commodities, or raw materials such as coal and nickel, are said to be in a supercycle when their prices trade above their long-term price over a prolonged period.

In 2021, Newcastle coal prices reached an all-time high of $269.50 in October while LME nickel hit a 10-

year high of $22,145 in September.

“This year, we expect extreme volatility in coal and nickel prices because of the ongoing crisis in Ukraine, economic sanctions on Russian and possible policy interventions of China and Indonesia,” Consunji said.

For the fourth quarter alone, DMCI Holdings posted a 145-percent rise in core earnings to P5 billion from the previous P2 billion.

Semirara Mining and Power Corp. contributed P9.2 billion, four times higher than the previous year’s P2 billion following a 16-percent increase in coal sales, 71-percent jump in average coal selling prices and 49-percent hike in average electricity selling prices.

Net income contributions from DMCI Homes more than doubled to P4.4 billion from P1.9 billion on higher revenue recognition from accelerated construction accomplishments.

DMCI Mining recorded a 150-percent boost in contributions to P1.2 billion from P483 million on record-

high shipments of nearly 2 million wet metric tons and a 40-percent increase in average nickel selling prices.

Contributions from DMCI Power hit P580 million, an 8-percent increase from the previous P537 million due to the combined effect of higher electricity sales and lower fuel costs because of the commercial operation of its 15-megawatt Masbate thermal plant.

D.M. Consunji Inc., the construction firm, grew its contributions more than three times to P378 million from P109 million owing to higher construction accomplishments and marginal pandemic-related expenses.

Lower billed volume by 3 percent and average effective tariff reduction of 1 percent because of Covid-19 restrictions translated to flat contributions from affiliate Maynilad Water Services Inc. at P1.6 billion.

Income from parent and others recovered by 122 percent from a net loss of P51 million to a net income of P11 million on the absence of expenses related to Covid-19.

PAL to offer more flights–exec

By Lorenz S. Marasigan @lorenzmarasigan

F

lag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) is beefing up its commercial passenger operations, announcing the addition of 1,500 more flights this month.

PAL Acting President and COO Stanley K. Ng said the carrier is implementing a “major expansion of PAL’s overseas and local network as international borders reopen and domestic travel restrictions ease.”

“We are seizing the opportunity to intensify our efforts to promote international tourist travel to the Philippines, as well

as to respond to rising demand for flights to serve overseas Filipinos and a recovering economy,” he said in a statement.

The additional flights represent a 52-percent rise in regular scheduled operations, a figure that Ng said demonstrates the carrier’s confidence in the revitalization of the travel and tourism industry.

“We are reasonably optimistic that air travel will rebound in the months ahead, signaling a resurgence for Philippine tourism,” he said.

The expanded international operations of PAL for March include non-stop flights to Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, Vancouver, Ho-

nolulu, Toronto, and Guam.

It also includes more flights to Singapore, Jakarta, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Phnom Penh, Ho Chi Minh, Hanoi, Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka, Haneda, and Narita.

PAL said it is adding flights to Riyadh, Dammam, Dubai, Doha, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Macau.

On the domestic side, PAL is increasing its flights from Manila to the following destinations: Cebu, Davao, Bacolod, Legazpi, Iloilo, Cagayan de Oro, Boracay, and Tacloban.

It will also operate flights to Coron, Tagbilaran, Dumaguete, Butuan, Zamboanga, Puerto Princesa, Kalibo, Roxas, Cotabato, Ozamiz

City, Pagadian and General Santos City. The carrier is also strengthening its Cebu hub with linkages to “13 airports in Mindanao, Luzon and the rest of the Visayas, including Clark, Siargao, Butuan, Davao, Boracay and Coron.”

Davao will see regular flights to Iloilo and Tagbilaran, in addition to Manila.

PAL will continue serving Antique, Basco, Laoag, Catarman, Calbayog and Siargao.

“We congratulate our government partners and other industry stakeholders for paving the way for a revival of air travel to, from and throughout the Philippines,” Ng said.

CEB plane PSEi drops on concerns over oil prices skids off S runway

B

udget carrier Cebu Pacific (CEB) confirmed that a plane carrying 42 passengers and four crew members on its Naga-Manila flight “had a runway excursion” at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) on Tuesday.

The aircraft, which seemed to have landed on its belly, was towed just an hour after.

“All 42 passengers and four crew safely deplaned with no reported injuries. All the affected passengers have been assisted accordingly and have left the airport,” the advisory read.

The incident cause flight delays not only for Cebu Pacific, but also to other airlines using the runway. Some flights were reported to have been diverted to Clark due to the runway mishap.

“We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience this has caused and we thank you for your kind understanding,” the airline said.

Citing an initial report from the Philippine National Police Aviation Group (AVSEGROUP), PNP public information office chief Brig. Gen. Roderick Augustus Balba, said the incident happened at around 11:45 a.m.

“Cebupac (Cebu Pacific) flight DJ16112 from Naga to Manila skidded on runway 24, no reported injuries,” said Balba.

Balba said he will provide full details once the AVSEGROUP files its complete report. Rene Acosta, Lorenz S. Marasigan

hare prices dropped for the third straight session on Tuesday, with the main index returning to the 6,900-point level, as rising oil prices caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine rattled investors.

The benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) fell 310.34 points, or about 4 percent, to close at 6,977.73 points.

Tuesday’s session also saw PSEi recording one of its biggest losses since the pandemic began. It was comparable to the 312.42 points, or 4.8 percent, it lost on June 15, 2020.

“Philippine stocks plunged yet again on worries that the rising energy crisis by the Russia-Ukraine war would slow the economy and drive inflation hotter,” Luis Limlingan, managing director at Regina Capital

and Development Corp., said.

The last time the index fell below 7,000 points was on December 1, 2021, when it closed at 6,947.06 due to the spread of the Omicron variant of Covid-19 in other countries.

All other sub-indices fell with the exception of the Mining and Oil index that continued its rally, as it added 514.39 points to close at 14,713.61 points. The broader All Shares index fell 127.46 to 3,739.52, the Financials index declined 86.23 to 1,584.22, the Industrial index shed 368.13 to 9,462.71, the Services index was down 64.75 to 1,890.37 and the Property index plunged 142.67 to 3,350.94.

Total volume of trade was high at 2.35 billion shares valued at P12.16 billion. Decliners led advancers 178

to 57 and 21 shares were unchanged.

Ayala Land Inc. was the day’s most active, with its shares losing P0.90 to close at P36.90 apiece. SM Prime Holdings Inc. fell P2.10 to P37.40, BDO Unibank Inc. declined P6 to P124, SM Investments Corp. retreated P39 to P890 and Metropolitan Bank and Trust Co. was down P2.80 to P52.50. Apart from the economic ramifications of the hostilities in Eastern Europe on global energy supply, Limlingan said investors are also awaiting the inflation data.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas earlier said its inflation forecasts indicate that price increases will average at 3.7 percent for 2022 and 3.3 percent for 2023, both within the government’s target range of 2 percent to 4 percent. VG Cabuag

RINGING THE BELL FOR GENDER EQUALITY

The Philippine Stock Exchange Inc. (PSE) Board and Management together with the women leaders of the company opened trading on March 8, International Women’s Day, with a bell ringing event in support of the global Ring the Bell for Gender Equality program. The Ring the Bell for Gender Equality initiative aims to raise awareness on gender issues, including women empowerment in the workplace, market place and the community. Photo shows (from left, by row): Capital Markets Integrity Corporation President Daisy P. Arce and Securities Clearing Corporation of the Philippines COO Renee D. Rubio; PSE General Counsel Veronica V. Del Rosario; PSE Treasurer Omelita J. Tiangco, PSE President and CEO Ramon S. Monzon, PSE Corporate Secretary Aissa V. Encarnacion and PSE Issuer Regulation Division Head Marigel B. Garcia; PSE Technology Division Head Philip A. Driz, PSE Capital Markets Development Division Head Mark Frederick V. Visda and PSE COO Roel A. Refran. Contributed photo

SBMA keeps Hanjin deal under wraps

The Hanjin shipyard in the Subic Bay Freeport in its heyday. Photo by Henry Empeñot

By Henry Empeño Correspondent

S

ubic Bay Freeport—The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) is not divulging details of the impending takeover of the Hanjin shipyard here by American investment management company Cerberus Capital.

This despite the reported announcement by newly-installed SBMA Chairman and Administrator Rolen Paulino Sr. on Monday about the takeover of the bankrupt South Korean-owned shipyard.

A well-placed source in the SBMA Business and Investment Group told BusinessMirror on Tuesday that the Subic agency won’t disclose arrangements between the national government and Cerberus and its supposed takeover vehicle Agila NY Naval Inc./ Agila South Inc. pending the signing of a contract and the finalization of an incentives scheme for the operation of the Hanjin shipyard.

“No, let’s wait until Cerberus gives its consent that we can already release information. They are so sensitive about these matters,” the source said when asked about details of the contract. “We have been told by Agila to treat everything as confidential.”

News about the shipyard takeover broke Tuesday in some national newspapers, as well as an international financial paper.

The national broadsheets reported that Paulino announced the shipyard takeover by Cerberus during the SBMA turnover rites last Monday, when he formally took over the Subic agency from resigned Subic chief Wilma T. Eisma.

The international financial paper Nikkei, however, merely said that Cerberus “is poised to take over the bankrupt Hanjin shipyard” and that it is “finalizing documentation and plan to close the deal by April 15” with shipyard owner Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction.

SBMA employees present in the SBMA turnover rites said Paulino

only mentioned Hanjin in the context that Agila will be replacing it as shipyard operator—a deal he attributed to the Eisma administration.

However, a source privy to the negotiations to find a “white knight” for the bankrupt Korean shipyard told BusinessMirror on Monday that the lease contract with Agila would most likely be signed within the week, as well as an agreement with the Philippine Navy for the operation of the part of the shipyard at Subic’s Redondo Peninsula.

Meanwhile, final signing for the takeover will be made in the United States later this month, the source added.

The negotiation for the Hanjin shipyard in Subic involves the takeover of assets worth $2 billion and some P400 million in loans from Philippine banks that Hanjin defaulted on in 2018.

The former shipyard operator, Hanjin Heavy Industries & Construction Philippines, went to court in January 2018 to initiate voluntary rehabilitation under Republic Act 10142, which provides for the rehabilitation or liquidation of financially distressed enterprises, sending massive financial shockwaves in the country and abroad.

As BusinessMirror reported at the time, Hanjin’s mother firm in South Korea reported that its Subic affiliate filed for insolvency following “a drop in new orders amid the protracted slump in the global shipbuilding sector.”

The South Korean firm started operations here in 2006 and initially invested $1.7 billion to complete its 300-hectare shipyard in record time.

In 2016, the company’s foreign direct investment stood at $2.3 billion, the biggest in Subic since the free port was established in 1992.

Hanjin also became the single biggest employer in the Subic Bay Freeport since 2015, with its 30,000-strong workforce at its Redondo facility making up almost 40 percent of the total Subic workforce.

LRWC to raise ₧2B via share issuance

T

he board of Leisure and Resorts World Corp. (LRWC) has approved the issuance of shares to several firms, which would allow the gaming site operator to raise some P2.09 billion in fresh funds.

In its disclosure, LRWC said it issued 1.27 billion common shares from its unissued capital stock to several firms at an issue price of P1.65 per share.

LRWC shares were last traded at P1.34 apiece.

It issued 100 million shares to Colonial Group Holdings Corp.; 230 million, Euphonious Holdings Inc.; 340 million, Euhatan Holdings Inc.; 187 million, Leisure Advantage Inc.; 90 million, Globalist Technology Co. Ltd.; 225 million, Catchy Solutions Ltd.; and 100 million, XII Capital Inc. “The subscription agreements expressly reserve the right of the subscribers to assign its right to subscribe to its affiliates, associates or other third parties,” the company said in its disclosure.

Earlier this year, LRWC’s shareholders approved the issuance of up to 1.55 billion common shares from its unissued shares through private placement.

LRWC earlier said its newest gaming brand, BingoPlus, has been given an online traditional bingo license, or OTB, by government regulators.

The said game will be operated

by LRWC subsidiary, AB Leisure Exponent Inc. It claims to be the first online traditional bingo licensed by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp.

“One of the company’s major strategies is to strengthen online platforms to provide more and better playing opportunities to customers during the pandemic and beyond,” LRWC newly appointed president Andy Tsui said.

“OTB is a great way to enjoy bingo from the comfort of one’s home without having to miss out on social interaction and have the chance to win huge prizes.” VG Cabuag

B2

Companies BusinessMirror

Wednesday, March 9, 2022

Petron income hits ₧6.14B on easing of tough curbs

P

By Lenie Lectura

@llectura

etron Corp., the country’s lone refiner, booked P6.14 billion in net income last year, a reversal of the P11.4-billion net loss it posted in 2020.

The company said Tuesday that it sold 82.24 million barrels in 2021, up by 5 percent from a year ago brought about by the easing of restrictions and the resumption of economic activity, which improved overall demand during the period.

In the Philippines, retail volumes went up 6.4 percent despite the implementation of granular lockdowns. Performance on industrial sales grew by 2 percent as travel restrictions eased and more industries reopened.

Also, Petron’s lubricant sales

recorded the highest growth at 11 percent, highlighting the strong performance and presence of its locally produced engine oils and other lubricant products in the market.

Driven by the increase in international prices and higher local demand, Petron’s consolidated revenues for the year reached P438.06 billion, up 53 percent from 2020’s P286 billion.

Dubai crude prices breached the $80 per barrel level in the fourth quarter due to recovering oil demand and tighter supply. As a result,

it averaged nearly $70 per barrel in 2021, 64 percent higher than 2020’s $42 per barrel. This is Dubai crude’s highest annual average in the past three years, Petron said.

The oil firm said the recovery in demand, along with OPEC’s managed approach in increasing crude supply, paved the way for refining margins to improve during the year. Petron was able to avail of this market improvement as it resumed refinery operations in the second semester of 2021.

Petron President Ramon S. Ang said the company wants this momentum to continue until the end of the year.

“To say that we’ve come a long way since the start of this pandemic would be an understatement. We have recovered significant volumes in key market segments, and more importantly, we have returned profitability to our business.

This allowed us to follow through on our expansion programs, bring

our products and services to more consumers, and contribute to our country’s progress. We hope to carry on with this momentum and thrive further in 2022,” said Ang. Petron did not mention its net income in the fourth quarter of 2021. It, however, booked a net income of P4.99 billion in January to September last year. This meant that the oil firm raked in P1.15 billion in net income from October to December 2021.

In 2021, the company continued to invest in refinery enhancements, service station expansion, and supply chain management. Construction on its new 184megawatt (MW) power plant in its refinery complex in Bataan is nearing completion.

Additional stations were also built in 2021, adding to its already expansive reach, alongside the construction and upgrades of its terminal facilities all over the country to accommodate higher product demand. It has more than 2,000 service stations nationwide.

‘Dito on track to achieve coverage target’ D ito Telecommunity Corp. needs only 300 more towers to meet its commitments to the government before its audit set for

July, a ranking official said.

Rodolfo Santiago, the company’s CTO, said the group now has 4,100 towers and the remainder of 300 will be delivered before its technical audit on July 8, allowing the telco to deliver a minimum average download speed of 55 Mbps to 70 percent of the population.

“To achieve our third year commitment of 70 percent population coverage, we just need about 300 more. We’re almost there.

We’re very, very confident that come July 8, we will be able to exceed our target,”

Santiago said during a press briefing.

Currently, Dito’s network is available to 64 percent to 65 percent of the population. Dito celebrated on Tuesday its first anniversary since its commercial launch last year. It introduced new packages that will allow users to advance their payments for a 40-percent discount on published rates.

Santiago noted that Dito is aspir-

ing not to be branded simply as “the third telco.”

“It’s not enough for us to become the third telco. But our mandate is to have a viable, stable, and strong competition that will be introduced in the local telecoms industry because without this, we will not achieve better service at more affordable prices,” he said. Lorenz S. Marasigan

mutual funds

March 8, 2022

NAV

One Year Three Year

Five Year

per share Return*

Y-T-D Return

Stock Funds ALFM Growth Fund, Inc. -a

233.02

6.21%

-3.94%

-1.69%

-0.03%

ATRAM Alpha Opportunity Fund, Inc. -a

1.5455

18.94%

-1.09%

2.1%

-7.13%

7.27%

-7.72%

-4.29%

ATRAM Philippine Equity Opportunity Fund, Inc. -a 3.2347

-0.1%

Climbs Share Capital Equity Investment Fund Corp. -a 0.755 -1.77%

-6.91% n.a.

-0.2%

First Metro Consumer Fund on MSCI Phils. IMI, Inc. -a 0.7171 4.06%

-5.91% n.a.

-6.98%

9.94%

-1.64%

0.34%

0.9%

First Metro Save and Learn Philippine Index Fund, Inc. -a

First Metro Save and Learn Equity Fund,Inc. -a

5.2294

0.7789

11.48%

-3.72%

-3.23%

MBG Equity Investment Fund, Inc. -a

92.92

-7.17%

-9.52% n.a.

PAMI Equity Index Fund, Inc. -a

47.689

5.57%

-2.71%

-0.28%

-0.91%

Philam Strategic Growth Fund, Inc. -a

500.26

6%

-2.68%

-0.64%

-0.09%

Philequity Dividend Yield Fund, Inc. -a

1.3838

22.81%

1.89%

2.47%

2.03%

Philequity Fund, Inc. -a

36.6598

9.08%

-1.68%

0.92%

0.18%

Philequity MSCI Philippine Index Fund, Inc. -a

-2.59% n.a.

Philequity PSE Index Fund Inc. -a

0.9502

8.26%

4.9383

6.81%

-1.94%

0.46%

-0.45%

Philippine Stock Index Fund Corp. -a

821.6

6.21%

-2.04%

0.36%

-0.83%

0.93%

Soldivo Strategic Growth Fund, Inc. -a

0.749

7.29%

-6.24%

-2.6%

-0.48%

Sun Life Prosperity Philippine Equity Fund, Inc. -a 3.7533

7.48%

-4.46%

-0.92%

-0.59%

Sun Life Prosperity Philippine Stock Index Fund, Inc. -a

0.9358

5.74%

-2.37%

0.11%

United Fund, Inc. -a

6.89%

-2.07%

1.22%

0.29%

3.4472

-0.56%

-1.6%

-0.92%

Primarily invested in Peso securities (units) Philequity Alpha One Fund, Inc. -a

1.2064

Philippine Stock Index Fund Corp. -a

15.37% n.a. n.a.

3.76%

1005.14 n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a.

Exchange Traded Fund (shares) First Metro Phil. Equity Exchange Traded Fund, Inc. -a,c

110.737

6.66%

-1.79%

0.84%

-0.66%

Primarily invested in foreign currency securities (shares) ATRAM AsiaPlus Equity Fund, Inc. -b

$1.0334

Sun Life Prosperity World Voyager Fund, Inc. -a $1.6206

-18.6%

0.76%

2.76%

-8.26%

-3.24%

9.08%

8.19%

-12.23%

Balanced Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities (shares) ATRAM Dynamic Allocation Fund, Inc. -a

1.6666

ATRAM Philippine Balanced Fund, Inc. -a

2.2695

First Metro Save and Learn Balanced Fund Inc. -a 2.7057

1.04%

-0.89%

-0.6%

-1.5%

2.13%

-0.44%

-0.03%

-0.53%

5.92%

0.92%

1.6%

0.55%

First Metro Save and Learn F.O.C.C.U.S. Dynamic Fund, Inc. -a 0.2134

11.2% n.a. n.a.

NCM Mutual Fund of the Phils., Inc. -a

1.71%

2.0062

3.28%

PAMI Horizon Fund, Inc. -a

3.7365

1.78%

0.65%

-0.76%

Philam Fund, Inc. -a

16.7585

1.76%

0.62%

0.63%

-0.52%

2.1187

3.2%

-0.29%

0.54%

-0.13%

Sun Life of Canada Prosperity Balanced Fund, Inc. -a 3.6229 3.69%

-1.83%

0.07%

-0.66%

-0.65%

0.56%

-0.24%

0.9519

9.92%

2.11%

-0.52%

Solidaritas Fund, Inc. -a Sun Life Prosperity Dynamic Fund, Inc. -a

0.9%

1.82%

Primarily invested in Peso securities (units) Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2028, Inc. -a

0.9689

-1.47%

-0.72% n.a.

-2.11%

Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2038, Inc. -a

0.929

2.5%

-1.97% n.a.

-1.64%

2.97%

-2.25% n.a.

-1.52%

Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2048, Inc. -a

0.9197

Primarily invested in foreign currency securities (shares) Cocolife Dollar Fund Builder, Inc. -a

$0.03581

-6.04%

0.1%

0.33%

-5.61%

$1.028

-10.61%

1.49%

2.32%

-3.66%

-3.7%

6.35%

6.01%

-9.33%

2.75%

2.65%

-6.85%

PAMI Asia Balanced Fund, Inc. -b

Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Advantage Fund, Inc. -a $4.3543

Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Wellspring Fund, Inc. -a,2 $1.1165 -4.46%

Bond Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities (shares) ALFM Peso Bond Fund, Inc. -a ATRAM Corporate Bond Fund, Inc. -a

374.3

1.03%

2.65%

2.46%

0%

1.8859

-1%

0.37%

0.03%

0.06%

Cocolife Fixed Income Fund, Inc. -a

3.2453

0.86%

2.69%

3.72%

Ekklesia Mutual Fund Inc. -a

2.2291

-1.03%

1.19%

1.28%

-0.99%

First Metro Save and Learn Fixed Income Fund,Inc. -a 2.4206 -0.43%

2.7%

1.8%

-0.22%

Philam Bond Fund, Inc. -a

4.3399

0.04%

-3.46%

3.23%

1.33%

-1.27%

.3157

-0.41%

3.42%

2.76%

-0.26%

Philequity Peso Bond Fund, Inc. -a

3.9454

-0.52%

3.18%

2.58%

-0.51%

Soldivo Bond Fund, Inc. -a

-0.49%

Philam Managed Income Fund, Inc. -a 1

1.0232

0.15%

3.95%

2.04%

Sun Life of Canada Prosperity Bond Fund, Inc. -a 3.1684

-0.54%

3.67%

3.11%

-0.6%

Sun Life Prosperity GS Fund, Inc. -a

-1.37%

2.81%

2.4%

-0.82%

1.7164

Primarily invested in foreign currency securities (shares) ALFM Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -a

$486.47

0.86%

2.48%

2.25%

-0.63%

ALFM Euro Bond Fund, Inc. -a

Є216.69

-1.19%

0.28%

0.65%

-1.51%

ATRAM Total Return Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -b

$1.1377

-5.11%

-0.5%

First Metro Save and Learn Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -a $0.0252 -2.33% PAMI Global Bond Fund, Inc -b

$0.9704

Philam Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -a

-8.66%

0.46%

-5.5%

0.27%

0.24%

-3.08%

-2.62%

-1.77%

-5.12% -5.39%

$2.3706

-3.9%

2.19%

1.63%

$0.0612914

-1.95%

2.08%

1.52%

-1.61%

Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Abundance Fund, Inc. -a $2.9844 -4.05%

0.6%

0.4%

-6.63%

Philequity Dollar Income Fund Inc. -a

Money Market Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities (shares) ALFM Money Market Fund, Inc. -a

131.52

1.22%

2.54%

2.55%

First Metro Save and Learn Money Market Fund, Inc. -a

1.0599

1.02%

1.83% n.a.

Sun Life Prosperity Peso Starter Fund, Inc. -a,1

1.52%

2.42%

2.52%

1.3193

0.25% 0.21%

0.28%

Primarily invested in foreign currency securities (shares) Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Starter Fund, Inc. -a $1.0618

0.69%

1.33% n.a.

0.11%

Feeder Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities (units) ALFM Global Multi-Asset Income Fund Inc. -a

45.6509 n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a.

Sun Life Prosperity World Equity Index Feeder Fund, Inc. -a 1.2766

9.22% n.a. n.a.

-7.69%

Primarily invested in foreign currency securities (units) ALFM Global Multi-Asset Income Fund Inc. -a

$0.905

-7.65% n.a. n.a.

a - NAVPS as of the previous banking day. b - NAVPS as of two banking days ago.

c - Listed in the PSE.

-6.7%

d - in Net Asset Value per Unit (NAVPU).

1 - Renaming was approved by the SEC last July 8, 2021 (formerly, Sun Life Prosperity Money Market Fund, Inc.).

2 - Adjusted due to stock dividend issuance last November 25, 2021.

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

www.businessmirror.com.ph

PSE STOCK QUOTATIONS

March 8, 2022

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

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

43.9 123.9 91 26.7 6.96 8.5 52.5 8.81 19.62 55.55 20.65 106.8 94.3 2.03 3.96 0.78 962 0.64 202 2,502

44.5 124 91.1 26.75 8.44 8.62 52.8 9.5 19.64 57 21.75 106.9 95 2.14 4.02 0.82 995 0.71 204.8 2,586

44.15 127.6 98 27 6.93 8.95 55.2 9.36 19.82 56.5 21.7 110 95 2.21 3.98 0.79 955.5 0.64 205 2,500

44.15 130 98 27.1 6.93 8.95 55.2 9.36 19.82 56.6 21.7 111 96 2.21 4.02 0.79 955.5 0.64 205 2,588

44 124 90.5 26.75 6.93 8.5 52.5 9.36 19.64 56.5 20.6 106.2 93 2.08 3.96 0.78 955.5 0.64 200 2,500

44 124 91 26.75 6.93 8.5 52.5 9.36 19.64 56.6 20.65 106.9 95 2.19 4.02 0.78 955.5 0.64 202 2,588

2,800 5,006,660 4,010,280 129,600 100 1,777,900 10,410,220 2,000 423,500 7,560 18,000 645,080 243,040 97,000 230,000 62,000 10 2,000 3,930 110

123,435 627,814,117 377,195,446.50 3,475,435 693 15,277,521 554,029,394 18,720 8,351,388 427,816 378,695 69,739,820 23,027,128 207,060 916,740 48,520 9,555 1,280 791,430 275,440

INDUSTRIAL

AC ENERGY 7.63 7.64 7.9 7.98 7.64 7.64 30,194,500 234,882,596 ALSONS CONS 1.08 1.09 1.07 1.09 1.06 1.08 325,000 348,410 ABOITIZ POWER 33.5 33.75 34.2 34.45 33.3 33.5 2,708,700 91,490,735 0.495 0.5 0.51 0.52 0.49 0.495 18,920,000 9,470,455 BASIC ENERGY 26.15 26.7 26.05 27.2 25.95 26.7 768,100 20,225,345 FIRST GEN 70 70.15 70.35 70.35 70 70 43,220 3,030,540 FIRST PHIL HLDG MERALCO 360 360.4 355 361.6 353 360 415,930 149,519,772 MANILA WATER 18.92 18.98 19.98 19.98 18.9 18.98 1,546,300 30,036,172 PETRON 3.93 3.94 3.84 3.99 3.8 3.94 16,615,000 64,849,800 5.15 5.16 5.2 5.2 5 5.15 179,400 907,497 PETROENERGY 10 10.68 10.68 10.68 10.1 10.68 68,200 722,116 PHX PETROLEUM 12.16 12.2 12.02 12.24 12 12.2 8,152,800 99,124,068 SYNERGY GRID PILIPINAS SHELL 19.82 19.9 20.6 20.6 19.8 19.82 913,500 18,189,638 SPC POWER 14.02 14.2 14.34 14.34 14 14.02 167,500 2,380,746 SOLAR PH 1.84 1.85 1.99 1.99 1.85 1.85 149,947,000 284,649,450 5.39 5.53 5.6 5.61 5.37 5.53 3,024,400 16,658,883 AGRINURTURE 2.5 2.52 2.53 2.53 2.52 2.52 370,000 933,730 AXELUM 21.35 21.4 22.9 22.9 21.1 21.4 1,530,200 33,006,260 CENTURY FOOD DEL MONTE 15.28 15.52 15.7 15.92 15.28 15.28 231,700 3,580,528 DNL INDUS 7.27 7.29 7.56 7.56 7.17 7.29 6,667,900 48,700,793 EMPERADOR 15.76 15.8 18 18 15.52 15.8 9,758,700 164,466,006 63.2 65.95 65.5 65.95 63.2 65.95 47,120 3,046,118.50 SMC FOODANDBEV 0.57 0.58 0.62 0.62 0.57 0.57 45,438,000 26,682,430 FIGARO COFFEE 0.58 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.6 59,000 35,400 ALLIANCE SELECT FRUITAS HLDG 1.13 1.14 1.19 1.19 1.14 1.14 3,970,000 4,597,020 GINEBRA 109.9 110 108 110 107 109.9 26,020 2,815,751 JOLLIBEE 222.6 226.4 237 237.6 222.6 222.6 1,086,240 248,941,254 1.19 1.2 1.2 1.22 1.18 1.2 6,227,000 7,468,140 KEEPERS HLDG 6.05 6.14 6.35 6.35 6.04 6.14 268,700 1,662,414 MAXS GROUP MG HLDG 0.146 0.149 0.15 0.15 0.148 0.148 460,000 68,450 MONDE NISSIN 13.78 13.8 14.4 14.4 13.8 13.8 13,021,000 181,517,988 SHAKEYS PIZZA 7.92 7.98 8.3 8.3 7.9 7.91 146,500 1,175,886 0.71 0.72 0.72 0.75 0.69 0.71 3,701,000 2,644,950 ROXAS AND CO 4.4 4.45 4.45 4.45 4.45 4.45 10,000 44,500 RFM CORP 1.31 1.38 1.31 1.31 1.31 1.31 31,000 40,610 ROXAS HLDG SWIFT FOODS 0.104 0.108 0.106 0.116 0.105 0.108 2,690,000 292,730 UNIV ROBINA 110.2 110.3 114.6 114.6 110 110.3 2,612,760 290,406,173 VITARICH 0.6 0.63 0.64 0.64 0.6 0.63 1,533,000 936,370 45.35 48.9 45.15 45.15 45.15 45.15 100 4,515 CONCRETE A CEMEX HLDG 0.95 0.98 0.98 1 0.94 0.99 5,435,000 5,251,520 12.7 12.98 13.4 13.4 12.7 12.98 224,200 2,942,720 EAGLE CEMENT EEI CORP 5.8 5.81 5.9 5.9 5.8 5.8 43,900 257,971 HOLCIM 5.34 5.62 5.81 5.83 5.2 5.62 2,474,500 13,764,578 MEGAWIDE 5.02 5.08 5.18 5.28 5 5.08 506,900 2,573,866 19 19.7 19.7 19.7 19 19.7 18,000 352,722 PHINMA TKC METALS 0.94 0.95 0.85 0.97 0.85 0.94 896,000 830,950 1.43 1.44 1.22 1.48 1.18 1.44 48,513,000 64,499,060 VULCAN INDL CROWN ASIA 1.7 1.74 1.77 1.77 1.74 1.75 46,000 80,750 EUROMED 1.25 1.3 1.26 1.31 1.25 1.31 115,000 144,200 PRYCE CORP 5.6 5.74 5.71 5.77 5.6 5.6 270,100 1,518,279 21.05 21.5 21.5 21.5 21 21.5 10,000 214,220 CONCEPCION GREENERGY 1.76 1.77 1.8 1.81 1.65 1.77 7,800,000 13,574,990 8.27 8.3 8.25 8.36 8.11 8.27 610,200 5,030,443 INTEGRATED MICR IONICS 0.71 0.74 0.7 0.76 0.7 0.76 5,000 3,620 PANASONIC 6.02 6.16 6.16 6.16 6.15 6.16 4,000 24,620 1.11 1.12 1.08 1.12 1.06 1.12 809,000 880,240 SFA SEMICON 3.3 3.31 3.5 3.62 3.26 3.31 5,311,000 17,932,070 CIRTEK HLDG

HOLDING & FRIMS ABACORE CAPITAL AYALA CORP ABOITIZ EQUITY ALLIANCE GLOBAL ANSCOR ANGLO PHIL HLDG ATN HLDG A ATN HLDG B COSCO CAPITAL DMCI HLDG FILINVEST DEV FJ PRINCE B FORUM PACIFIC GT CAPITAL HOUSE OF INV JG SUMMIT KEPPEL HLDG A LODESTAR LOPEZ HLDG LT GROUP METRO PAC INV PACIFICA HLDG PRIME MEDIA SOLID GROUP SM INVESTMENTS SAN MIGUEL CORP SEAFRONT RES TOP FRONTIER WELLEX INDUS ZEUS HLDG

0.81 800.5 58.7 12.62 8.56 1.05 0.68 0.68 4.93 9.23 6.73 2.5 0.24 523.5 3.6 57 6.54 0.58 2.93 9.19 3.71 2.77 1.38 0.94 890 100 2.41 118.2 0.295 0.171

0.82 815 60.2 12.7 8.8 1.06 0.7 0.69 4.94 9.24 7.09 3.89 0.27 526 3.65 58.5 7.04 0.59 2.97 9.2 3.72 2.97 1.44 1 913 103 2.81 119.9 0.31 0.178

0.83 820 60.6 12.6 9.2 1.07 0.72 0.69 5 9.7 7.1 2.5 0.24 555 3.5 59 6.89 0.59 2.93 9.4 3.74 2.84 1.24 1 902 106.7 2.77 119 0.3 0.173

0.83 824.5 61.65 12.78 9.2 1.08 0.74 0.74 5 9.85 7.1 2.5 0.24 555 3.6 59.8 6.89 0.59 2.94 9.5 3.74 2.99 1.43 1 938 106.7 2.78 119.9 0.3 0.173

0.81 800.5 58.7 12.3 8.38 1.04 0.69 0.69 4.93 9.1 6.62 2.5 0.24 522.5 3.5 57 6.89 0.58 2.93 9.2 3.7 2.83 1.24 1 890 98.95 2.77 119 0.295 0.171

0.82 800.5 58.7 12.7 8.56 1.06 0.69 0.69 4.94 9.23 7.09 2.5 0.24 523.5 3.6 57 6.89 0.58 2.93 9.2 3.72 2.99 1.43 1 890 103 2.78 119.9 0.295 0.171

3,541,000 341,480 1,178,130 7,033,900 57,300 6,069,000 19,650,000 691,000 1,621,000 24,195,400 78,700 1,000 30,000 582,200 62,000 1,846,930 12,500 596,000 17,000 3,518,100 42,070,000 17,000 1,065,000 28,000 476,770 724,740 75,000 1,850 340,000 760,000

2,892,330 276,792,110 70,026,699.50 89,015,538 492,087 6,415,120 13,994,520 486,310 8,048,209 229,704,529 527,636 2,500 7,200 310,094,745 221,600 106,883,211 86,125 347,480 49,860 32,594,023 156,547,460 48,560 1,437,770 28,000 435,742,210 73,067,480 208,350 221,311 101,400 130,420

PROPERTY

ARTHALAND CORP 0.55 0.56 0.55 0.56 0.54 0.56 2,144,000 1,179,230 AYALA LAND 36.85 36.9 37 37.65 36.4 36.9 22,701,000 840,487,540 AYALA LAND LOG 4.4 4.6 4.6 4.6 4.35 4.6 7,518,000 33,650,580 1 1.04 1.05 1.05 1.04 1.04 66,000 68,680 ARANETA PROP AREIT RT 47.05 47.1 50.5 50.9 46.7 47.1 2,223,200 107,479,654.50 0.91 0.93 0.9 0.93 0.89 0.93 1,075,000 974,940 A BROWN CITYLAND DEVT 0.7 0.71 0.71 0.71 0.69 0.7 544,000 381,870 CROWN EQUITIES 0.094 0.098 0.098 0.099 0.095 0.095 230,000 22,220 CEB LANDMASTERS 2.78 2.79 2.85 2.85 2.75 2.79 926,000 2,594,430 0.38 0.39 0.4 0.4 0.38 0.38 7,420,000 2,893,550 CENTURY PROP 2.55 2.56 2.61 2.62 2.55 2.55 37,439,000 96,061,280 CITICORE RT 10.38 10.4 11.04 11.2 10.36 10.4 2,750,700 29,599,508 DOUBLEDRAGON DDMP RT 1.71 1.72 1.76 1.77 1.7 1.71 15,594,000 27,066,690 DM WENCESLAO 6.98 7 6.88 6.99 6.87 6.98 208,800 1,459,246 EMPIRE EAST 0.241 0.245 0.245 0.245 0.241 0.241 40,000 9,680 0.275 0.28 0.28 0.285 0.27 0.275 6,550,000 1,806,500 EVER GOTESCO 7.14 7.15 7.22 7.3 7 7.15 4,536,300 32,383,180 FILINVEST RT 1.07 1.08 1.08 1.08 1.07 1.08 12,963,000 13,950,220 FILINVEST LAND GLOBAL ESTATE 0.88 0.93 0.88 0.93 0.88 0.93 351,000 310,390 8990 HLDG 13.4 13.78 13.9 13.94 13.4 13.78 83,500 1,155,640 GOLDEN MV 627 645 640 645 630 645 900 574,900 0.96 0.99 1 1.01 0.95 0.99 431,000 418,770 PHIL INFRADEV 0.82 0.83 0.85 0.85 0.8 0.8 87,000 71,510 CITY AND LAND 3.02 3.04 3.09 3.09 2.99 3.02 34,733,000 105,231,190 MEGAWORLD MRC ALLIED 0.241 0.245 0.26 0.265 0.245 0.245 20,660,000 5,217,950 MREIT RT 18.56 18.58 19.28 19.28 18.48 18.58 4,821,700 90,402,056 OMICO CORP 0.34 0.35 0.34 0.34 0.34 0.34 30,000 10,200 0.415 0.425 0.435 0.435 0.42 0.425 4,170,000 1,762,950 PHIL ESTATES PRIMEX CORP 2.16 2.19 2.26 2.26 2.11 2.19 1,818,000 3,954,340 RL COMM RT 7.15 7.19 7.76 7.79 7.15 7.15 15,143,500 112,681,011 ROBINSONS LAND 18.86 19 19.6 19.6 18.74 19 4,776,500 90,974,146 PHIL REALTY 0.223 0.236 0.233 0.233 0.223 0.223 4,000,000 910,980 1.4 1.49 1.41 1.41 1.4 1.4 30,000 42,180 ROCKWELL SHANG PROP 2.53 2.61 2.58 2.61 2.56 2.61 53,000 135,820 STA LUCIA LAND 2.72 2.8 2.87 2.87 2.72 2.72 146,000 398,470 SM PRIME HLDG 37.4 38 38.5 39.65 37.4 37.4 19,672,300 764,693,390 SOC RESOURCES 0.58 0.62 0.57 0.62 0.57 0.62 15,000 8,800 VISTAMALLS 3.36 3.4 3.4 3.4 3.4 3.4 22,000 74,800 1 1.02 1 1.08 1 1.02 133,000 134,620 SUNTRUST HOME VISTA LAND 3.02 3.1 3.04 3.1 2.95 3.1 1,566,000 4,746,240

SERVICES ABS CBN 12 12.26 12.38 12.4 11.9 12.26 130,100 1,577,750 GMA NETWORK 15.06 15.1 15.2 15.4 14.9 15.08 1,298,000 19,625,404 MANILA BULLETIN 0.41 0.42 0.425 0.425 0.425 0.425 20,000 8,500 9.37 9.99 9.37 9.99 9.37 9.37 4,200 39,416 MLA BRDCASTING GLOBE TELECOM 2,456 2,460 2,538 2,538 2,460 2,460 64,805 161,041,100 1,841 1,842 1,842 1,870 1,820 1,842 180,690 334,475,860 PLDT APOLLO GLOBAL 0.063 0.064 0.072 0.072 0.064 0.064 568,420,000 38,252,210 CONVERGE 24.9 24.95 25.5 25.6 24.8 24.95 6,534,900 163,265,525 DFNN INC 2.29 2.31 2.36 2.43 2.3 2.31 245,000 567,680 5.07 5.08 5.25 5.26 5.05 5.07 11,933,600 61,537,760 DITO CME HLDG 1.6 1.64 1.6 1.6 1.6 1.6 5,000 8,000 JACKSTONES NOW CORP 1.17 1.18 1.22 1.22 1.16 1.17 1,990,000 2,348,370 TRANSPACIFIC BR 0.33 0.335 0.34 0.345 0.33 0.335 6,550,000 2,208,650 2GO GROUP 7.3 7.39 7.4 7.4 7.3 7.3 4,600 33,653 ASIAN TERMINALS 14.02 14.1 14.1 14.1 14 14 1,000 14,010 1.6 1.63 1.63 1.63 1.6 1.6 362,000 581,400 CHELSEA CEBU AIR 42 42.2 43.35 44.05 42 42 520,500 22,277,905 218 219 221 225 216 219 2,158,090 473,509,536 INTL CONTAINER LBC EXPRESS 23 23.3 23.3 23.3 22.05 23 21,700 498,350 LORENZO SHIPPNG 0.85 0.91 0.86 0.86 0.85 0.85 17,000 14,550 MACROASIA 5.23 5.25 5.5 5.5 5.21 5.25 5,424,800 28,717,629 1 1.04 1.04 1.04 1 1 133,000 135,270 METROALLIANCE A HARBOR STAR 0.79 0.8 0.78 0.82 0.76 0.8 70,000 57,040 DISCOVERY WORLD 1.46 1.53 1.67 1.67 1.43 1.43 1,047,000 1,641,040 GRAND PLAZA 10.86 14.5 14.5 14.5 14.5 14.5 400 5,800 WATERFRONT 0.455 0.46 0.46 0.46 0.455 0.455 590,000 269,400 CENTRO ESCOLAR 6.52 6.85 6.52 6.52 6.52 6.52 3,300 21,516 535.5 536 536 537 536 537 370 198,330 FAR EASTERN U STI HLDG 0.35 0.36 0.36 0.36 0.35 0.36 1,080,000 387,300 BELLE CORP 1.28 1.29 1.29 1.29 1.26 1.28 536,000 682,820 BLOOMBERRY 6.86 6.89 7.15 7.15 6.86 6.89 13,819,900 96,022,183 PACIFIC ONLINE 1.71 1.84 1.7 1.7 1.7 1.7 9,000 15,300 1.34 1.36 1.4 1.45 1.33 1.36 1,926,000 2,680,070 LEISURE AND RES MANILA JOCKEY 1.84 2.25 1.85 1.85 1.85 1.85 15,000 27,750 PH RESORTS GRP 1.23 1.24 1.3 1.34 1.16 1.24 10,805,000 13,263,780 PREMIUM LEISURE 0.435 0.44 0.45 0.45 0.435 0.44 8,650,000 3,821,600 PHILWEB 2.22 2.29 2.37 2.37 2.21 2.22 169,000 377,070 ALLDAY 0.435 0.44 0.48 0.48 0.435 0.435 80,790,000 36,145,250 5.66 5.8 5.67 5.67 5.65 5.65 33,700 190,939 BERJAYA ALLHOME 8.63 8.72 8.66 8.95 8.6 8.63 594,200 5,189,501 1.42 1.43 1.42 1.43 1.42 1.43 3,358,000 4,768,760 METRO RETAIL PUREGOLD 33.7 33.8 34.6 34.6 33.6 33.8 1,377,900 46,558,415 ROBINSONS RTL 53.9 53.95 57 57 53.8 53.95 1,595,930 87,409,075 PHIL SEVEN CORP 66 67 70 70 66 66 8,930 607,052.50 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.07 1.04 1.05 2,175,000 2,289,720 SSI GROUP 26.3 27 27.75 27.75 26.3 26.3 1,836,100 50,132,085 WILCON DEPOT 0.26 0.27 0.27 0.27 0.265 0.27 1,540,000 414,050 APC GROUP IPM HLDG 6.4 7 6.5 6.5 6.3 6.3 5,900 37,570 MEDILINES 0.96 0.97 0.99 1 0.97 0.97 4,313,000 4,226,080 PRMIERE HORIZON 0.61 0.62 0.64 0.65 0.6 0.61 16,337,000 10,169,510 3.75 3.8 3.8 3.8 3.8 3.8 2,000 7,600 SBS PHIL CORP

MINING & OIL ATOK 5.76 6.1 5.9 6.32 5.9 6.1 82,800 495,202 APEX MINING 1.98 1.99 1.94 2.01 1.89 1.99 42,550,000 83,471,790 8.38 8.4 8.29 8.4 8 8.4 5,954,300 49,003,147 ATLAS MINING 6.05 6.08 6 6.05 6 6.05 92,900 558,407 BENGUET A BENGUET B 6 6.09 5.72 6.09 5.72 6.09 125,200 742,270 COAL ASIA HLDG 0.29 0.3 0.29 0.305 0.28 0.3 2,360,000 685,100 CENTURY PEAK 2.61 2.75 2.75 2.75 2.75 2.75 10,000 27,500 DIZON MINES 5.42 5.8 5 5.99 5 5.87 43,900 251,309 3.46 3.47 3.45 3.5 3.25 3.47 91,015,000 310,634,350 FERRONICKEL 0.21 0.22 0.22 0.22 0.205 0.22 600,000 126,500 GEOGRACE LEPANTO A 0.18 0.184 0.187 0.187 0.172 0.18 51,090,000 9,204,630 LEPANTO B 0.18 0.184 0.186 0.186 0.18 0.18 1,790,000 322,530 MANILA MINING A 0.01 0.011 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 28,800,000 288,000 MANILA MINING B 0.011 0.012 0.011 0.012 0.011 0.012 25,300,000 285,300 2.43 2.44 2.3 2.5 2.22 2.44 29,246,000 69,350,430 MARCVENTURES 1.36 1.39 1.24 1.39 1.24 1.36 4,208,000 5,622,700 NIHAO 9.52 9.55 9.25 9.77 9.25 9.52 45,116,300 427,812,393 NICKEL ASIA ORNTL PENINSULA 1.28 1.29 1.2 1.31 1.19 1.29 26,349,000 32,936,270 PX MINING 6.75 6.76 6.69 6.8 6.6 6.75 6,300,500 42,267,692 SEMIRARA MINING 33.6 33.65 34.2 35 32.55 33.65 8,628,100 293,926,340 0.0084 0.0086 0.008 0.0086 0.008 0.0084 107,000,000 884,300 UNITED PARAGON 26 26.3 28.85 28.85 25.5 26.3 445,900 11,935,110 ACE ENEXOR 0.012 0.013 0.012 0.013 0.012 0.012 104,900,000 1,259,500 ORNTL PETROL A PHILODRILL 0.01 0.011 0.01 0.011 0.0099 0.011 181,900,000 1,832,300 PXP ENERGY 6.67 6.7 6.78 6.99 6.4 6.7 3,539,300 23,874,185

PREFFERED HOUSE PREF A 98.4 100 101 101 100 100 310 31,045 AC PREF B1 510 515 510 510 510 510 2,950 1,504,500 ALCO PREF D 512 520 513 513 512 512 6,600 3,379,465 508 514 505 508 505 508 290 146,720 AC PREF B2R CEB PREF 42.65 42.7 45.45 45.45 42.65 42.65 86,300 3,855,485 CPG PREF A 102 103 102 103 102 103 16,980 1,732,160 DD PREF 100.3 100.6 100.4 100.6 100.2 100.2 21,480 2,155,920 EEI PREF B 107 109.5 107.1 110 107 109.5 101,810 10,901,425 FGEN PREF G 102.5 104 102.5 102.5 102.5 102.5 6,030 618,075 1,020 1,043 1,020 1,020 1,020 1,020 50 51,000 GTCAP PREF B JFC PREF A 990 1,000 991 991 991 991 15 14,865 JFC PREF B 1,000 1,013 1,000 1,000 1,000 1,000 10 10,000 MWIDE PREF 2B 100 101.9 101.5 101.7 101.5 101.7 6,830 694,071 MWIDE PREF 4 100 100.4 100.4 100.4 100.4 100.4 50 5,020 PNX PREF 4 977 986 980 988 975 986 970 948,700 1,060 1,088 1,051 1,060 1,051 1,060 315 331,645 PCOR PREF 3A PCOR PREF 3B 1,080 1,087 1,085 1,090 1,080 1,087 1,565 1,701,790 SMC PREF 2F 77 78 78.8 78.8 78 78 12,120 954,960 SMC PREF 2H 76.75 77.4 76.75 77 76.75 77 7,000 537,750 SMC PREF 2I 77 78.75 78.9 78.9 76.4 78 86,350 6,651,896.50 SMC PREF 2J 76.6 77.25 76.4 76.6 76.4 76.6 99,810 7,627,484 76.05 76.95 76.05 76.05 76.05 76.05 1,120 85,176 SMC PREF 2K TECH PREF B2D 52.15 54.95 55 55 55 55 1,000 55,000

PHIL. DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS ABS HLDG PDR 11.5 12.08 11.92 11.92 11.5 11.5 600 7,110 GMA HLDG PDR 14.14 14.24 14.78 14.78 14.08 14.14 91,600 1,299,476

WARRANTS TECH WARRANT 0.7 0.72 0.76 0.77 0.69 0.72 4,026,000 2,894,390

-153,308,764 -112,519,898.50 686,120 -9,279,367 -170,127,265 451,658 5,650 346,145 7,047,196 12,450,070.50 -135,280 9,555 -16,160 250,000 5,221,900 -5,997,820 53,000 5,311,000 189,845 27,355,398 3,193,016 9,560,570 51,500 -74,760 -37,974,882 -9,941,890 -104,390 944,170 169,925 -348,320.00 -2,539,455 -9,288 -13,948,138 -19,247,542 -38,116 308,010 -521,183 -10,664,828 423,470 623 -20,860 22,731,842 24,968 56,250 -44,500 12,859,052 640 812,830 116,902 -16,900 87,326 770 26,100 -794,890 21,240 25,000 -17,500 -23,072 117,960 -680,050 1,176,310 -10,854,090 -9,323,821 -20,958,488 16,880 690 -694,921 10,774,216.00 1,400 -87,849,730 -39,175,859.50 -1,919,416 377,290 54,239,615 1,237,429.50 34,400 -53,900 -4,651,240 18,285,910 -7,415,747 95,900 113,340 -3,250 -2,480,380 -727,546 474,550 0 -305,850 -1,292,544 3,108,240 -41,254 -1,280 26,000 8,157,400 -12,422,814 -1,385,800 28,460,206 -8,671,324 218,251,035 1,398,820 -9,134,140 33,654,350 -4,730,960 5,066,995 -158,190 -2,452,701 453,635 -4,446,374 5,950 1,564,588 14,660 100,450 -7,200 -156,090 34,496,732 29,960 261,400 -22,100 -1,014,100 3,406,317 8,823,925 24,196,695 -314,370 -132,000 9,947,010 16,200 414,790 -949,910 -63,720 16,292,970 -1,265,422.00 143,760 -103,950 27,500 -5,122 8,856,110 3,600 65,600 -3,472,940 -356,910.00 19,995,662 70,140 -9,646,988 -36,920,125 25,400 -223,160 310,000 530,460

SMALL & MEDIUM ENTERPRISES

ALTUS PROP HAUS TALK ITALPINAS MERRYMART XURPAS

15.8 0.96 0.98 1.83 0.375

15.98 0.97 1 1.84 0.39

EXHANGE TRADE FUNDS

FIRST METRO ETF

107.8

107.9

16.3 1 1.02 2.1 0.395

16.3 1 1.03 2.1 0.4

15.7 0.97 0.97 1.83 0.36

15.8 0.97 1 1.83 0.39

40,900 790,000 1,041,000 19,826,000 5,180,000

648,982 769,100 1,038,740 38,031,770 1,975,650

853,860 19,540 -1,150 -66,330 -22,680 126,400 -8,730 31,000 166,250 98,800

109.9 110 107.9 107.9 36,020 3,921,323 502,290

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Banking&Finance BusinessMirror

Editor: Dennis D. Estopace • Wednesday, March 9, 2022

B3

Treasury not biting as investors seek high rates

T

By Bernadette D. Nicolas

@BNicolasBM

HE drought in the Bureau of the Treasury’s auction extended on Tuesday, marking the fourth consecutive day since last week that it has been rejecting all bids for debt papers.

During the auction, the Treasury chose not to award the P35-billion new 7-year Treasury Bonds (T-bonds) on offer as investors continued to demand higher bid rates given fears inflation would zoom past government targets.

High bids drove the coupon for the new 7-year T-bonds to 6.5 percent, trending higher than the secondary

market benchmark.

The auction was barely oversubscribed with total bids for the security reaching P36.3 billion, relative to the P35-billion offering.

National Treasurer Rosalia V. De Leon told reporters there was “not much demand” during the auction “with amount tendered just more than a billion in excess of offer” for

the new debt papers.

“Markets still roiled by rising inflation fears from surge in oil and commodity prices,” De Leon added.

On top of this, the National Treasurer said investors are still awaiting the next move of the US Federal Reserve in its meeting this month.

Despite the rejection streak in the auctions since last week, both Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III and De Leon said the government is still well-positioned to meet its disbursements given the P457.8billion proceeds of the recent Retail Treasury Bond offering.

‘Excess revenues’

DE Leon added the government will also have “excess revenues”

by April to finance the additional P2.5 billion fuel subsidy recommended by economic managers to the President to cushion the impact of rising oil prices. The proposed

amount would be on top of the P2.5-billion appropriated for the fuel subsidy program under the 2022 national budget if the Dubai crude averages or exceeds $80 per barrel for three months.

Under the proposal of economic managers, the first tranche of the amount will be given this month and the second tranche will be doled out in April. “[I] understand extra fuel subsidies will be in April,” De Leon said.

“We have the excess revenues by then to finance.”

Apart from the fuel subsidy, the economic managers also proposed increasing the budget for fuel vouchers for agricultural producers from P500 million to P1.1 billion. Just like the fuel subsidy, they recommended that the first tranche of the amount be given in March and the second tranche next month.

Meanwhile, Dominguez said they

are “watching the markets very carefully” when asked whether the Philippines will push through with its maiden “green bond” issuance given that borrowing rates are expected to further rise as Russia grapples with sanctions from Ukraine-friendly economies.

‘Collateral damage’

IN his presentation to President Duterte and the Cabinet members on Monday night, Dominguez said that the Philippine economy will “likely be collateral damage” of the ongoing war as it may suffer “indirect shocks” in the commodity market, the financial market, investments and fiscal health.

While the Finance Secretary said the Philippines is not directly involved in the war, he said the country will still be affected because the conflict will likely spur an increase in oil and food prices, surge in inter-

est rates and decline in investments amid risk-off environment.

Moreover, Dominguez pointed out the economic impact will likely require government support to protect the citizens and the critical sectors and this will further stretch the country’s budget.

For this month, the Treasury aims to borrow a total of P250 billion from the local debt market, slightly higher than the P200 billion programmed in February.

The government is also set to borrow this year a total of P2.2 trillion, of which around 75 percent is expected to come from domestic sources.

As of end-January this year, the government’s outstanding debt has already hit a new record-high of P12.03 trillion as the country needed to borrow more to cover a wider budget deficit given the bigger expenses as the economy teetered after a recession in 2020.

Investor bares profits, pitfalls in cryptocurrency bet

By Rizal Raoul S. Reyes @brownindio

I YOUNG PRESIDENTS Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Benjamin E. Diokno (top left) emphasized that the economy is on the mend during the Philippine Economic Forecast 2022 organized by the Young Presidents’ Organization Philippines, Inc. Diokno shared the positive macroeconomic indicators that strengthen his confidence in the ongoing recovery. With the central bank governor in the photo are officers and members of the YPO. CREDIT: Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas

Two women bankers join EastWest Board

G

OTIANUN-led East West Banking Corp. (EastWest) has officially announced the appointment of top Filipino bankers Imelda Capistrano and Cristina Orbeta to its Board of Directors last January.

“In addition to bringing the wisdom and strength of women to top positions in the bank, Capistrano and Orbeta also deliver crucial experience in governance and banking as EastWest continues to navigate the industry through the challenges posed by the global Covid-19 pandemic and the expectations of an economic rebound,” the bank said in a statement last Tuesday.

Capistrano, who has 40 years of experience in the industry, served as the director and country manager of American bank Wells Fargo for nearly 11 years.

“She has extensive expertise in various specializations in banking, including business development, governance and offshore bank and representative office management,” the statement read. “She has also had stints in Wachovia Bank, Standard Chartered Bank Australia, First Interstate Bank of California and Unionbank.”

Orbeta has over 42 years of valu-

able experience in banking and governance. According to EastWest, Orbeta is currently a World Bank consultant for deposit insurance.

“She was Executive Vice President of PDIC [Philippine Deposit Insurance Corp.] for nine years until she assumed the top post as President and Vice-Chairman of the Board from 2014 up to her retirement in 2017,” the bank said. “She was previously a member/advisor to the Boards of UCPB [United Coconut Planters Bank], UCPB Savings Bank and UCPB Leasing. She brings with her expertise in various fields of banking such as borrowing and lending operations, loan negotiations, credit analysis and risk management.”

The bank added that Orbeta’s 5-year stint with Credit Lyonnais Manila Offshore branch “familiarized her with banking operations in an international setting.”

“We at EastWest are glad about the addition of Capistrano and Orbeta to our Board of Directors,” EastWest Chairman Jonathan T. Gotianun was quoted in the statement as saying. “We truly look forward to their guidance as we aim to propel the bank to greater heights this year and for many more years to come.”

T was through cryptocurrency that Jose Gabriel A. Arboleda achieved his goal upon turning 30: earning his first million.

Arboleda told the BusinessMirror it was fulfilling and worth the effort. Nevertheless, the full-time coach of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at the academy of Singapore-based The Gentle Art Pte. Ltd. believes he still has a lot to learn in the investing horizon.

It was six years ago when Arboleda began working for his goal: by buying a $300 smartphone as investment tool. He used a portion of his monthly salary to buy cryptos; treating this as a savings habit.

“It was all through curiosity and seeing the potential of the market.

I learned it through a podcast about how the banking system works and how it can be improved,” Arboleda narrated to the BusinessMirror. “I remember multiple times when bank

ATMs [automated teller machines] would not function for hours because of various reasons.”

Aside from having an open mind, he said investing in cryptocurrency requires a lot of hard work and long hours of research to arrive at the right investment decision.

Market volatility

JUST like in any investing platform, you have to reckon with the volatility of the market. It’s not always upwards, according to Arboleda.

“One should have a strong gut to take the punches of the market.

Being open minded also means we should take any criticisms and translate it to be better,” he added.

Recalling his early days in cryptocurrency investing, Arboleda said Bitcoin was not enjoying a huge popularity compared to its luster today. He said people considered it as a scam and even utilized it for illegal trading.

This did not deter him and Arboleda instead focused on how cryptocur-

rency can be an effective cushion against inflation and a safety haven against a rising dollar.

Arboleda said his efforts bore fruit in 2020 during the start of lockdowns to contain the spread of Covid-19.

The turning point was when digitalization accelerated in retail shopping, health, banking and other sectors, he explained.

“That is when cryptocurrencies started to enter the mainstream and major banks and big companies started acquiring and the price of crypto also went up,” Arboleda told the BusinessMirror.

Martial arts

HE compares investment shocks to the pain and injuries acquired in martial arts.

Just like in sports, discipline also plays a huge role in investments as you have to get the right actions and information to be able to execute with high efficiency, according to Arboleda.

“Cryptocurrency is very volatile and markets do go up and down on a fast moving scale. It could look scary to some but if you have your goals and vision set, those price actions shouldn’t bother you,” he told the BusinessMirror.

Equally important is that investing in cryptocurrency is not a flash in the pan, according to him citing it took him a decade to get familiarized with cryptos.

“Just put a small amount from your monthly salary and treat it as savings so you don’t have to look at those confusing red and green charts that you see on businessTV channels,” Arboleda told the BusinessMirror. “Another advice I learned is only invest the amount of money that you could afford to lose. Do not sell your house or car just to invest.”

This Filipino cryptocurrency investor also has these final words: “Zoom out, think long term and you will see the bigger picture.”

GCash can’t stop e-sabong users, Pagcor asked to do so

By Lorenz S. Marasigan @lorenzmarasigan

& Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz @joveemarie

G

LOBE Fintech Innovations Inc. (GFII) admitted in a statement it has no power to “completely prevent individuals with criminal intent” in engaging minors to participate in e-sabong.

A lawmaker, however, has and asked those with that power to pull the plug on the online cockfight gambling platform.

GCash-operator GFII, however, emphasized in a statement issued last Tuesday that the company strictly complies with regulations concerning e-Sabong. The firm added it complies with the guidelines set by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) “in promoting safety and security among users.”

The company also emphasized it adheres to the know-your-customer (KYC) process to verify the legitimacy of GCash users.

This, it said, helps in the prevention of the participation of minors in Pitmasters or e-Sabong. However, GCash noted that minors “can possi-

bly use GCash” for e-Sabong if they gain access through rented, illegally sold, or falsified accounts.

“Unfortunately, even with the best technology and security measures in place, we cannot completely prevent individuals with criminal intent from selling, renting out or allowing others to use their identities or their GCash accounts,” the statement from GFII read.

The company also asked users “to protect their identities and accounts and report any incident of misuse” to authorities.

The lucrative cockfighting betting game was recently made online, after e-money license holders like GCash allowed the facilitation of bets through their platforms.

Halt operations

GFII’s statement was issued the same day a lawmaker has filed a resolution urging the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) to immediately halt the operations of online cockfighting or e-sabong.

In his House Resolution (HR) 2512, Deputy Speaker Bienvenido M. Abante Jr. urged Pagcor “to immediately suspend e-sabong operations until concrete measures can

be put in place to guarantee the safety of e-sabong personnel and participants.”

The Manila 6th District representative also said that Pagcor can already suspend e-sabong operations as it is mandated under its Charter “to regulate, operate, authorize and license games of chance, games of cards and games of numbers, including e-sabong.”

The lawmaker said there are currently seven companies that are licensed to conduct e-sabong operations. These are: Belvedere Vista Corp.; Lucky 8 Star Quest Inc.; Visayas Cockers Club Inc.; Jade Entertainment and Gaming Technologies Inc.; Newin Cockers Alliance Gaming Corp.; Philippine Cockfighting International Inc.; and, Golden Buzzer Inc. According to Abante, there are estimates that e-sabong operators gross as much as P1.5 billion a day from bets placed on the online cockfights.

Missing cockfighters

ABANTE issued his statements after reports of the disappearance of sabungeros (cockfighters).

“Since April 2021, a total of 31

sabungeros have been reported missing, none of whom have surfaced or have been found by law enforcement authorities,” the lawmaker said.

Citing a Senate hearing, Abante said the Philippine National Police confirmed that three additional persons involved in e-sabong have been reported missing, bringing to 34 the total number of online cockfighting personnel that have disappeared since last year.

“As a result of the disappearances, an inquiry into the disappearance of the e-sabong personnel was conducted by the Senate and unearthed various issues with regard to e-sabong, including the questionable legal bases for online cockfighting, allegations of gamefixing to benefit big-time bettors, and the dangers posed by online gambling,” he said.

“In light of the many concerns raised regarding the conduct of online cockfighting operations, 23 Senators signed a resolution urging Pagcor to suspend the e-sabong licenses of the seven e-sabong operators pending the resolution of the missing cockfighters,” he added.

briefs

➜ KPMG fined over ‘misstatements’ in audit

Capistrano (left) and Orbeta

KPMG LLP and one of its former accountants were fined $1.7 million by UK regulators over failures in their audit of an operator of premium bars that led to “misstatements.” The UK audit regulator’s executive counsel said the breaches in their audit of Revolution Bars Group Plc for the financial years ending mid-2015 and mid2016 were serious but not intentional, dishonest, deliberate or reckless. KPMG was ordered

to pay 875,000 pounds and Frankish, who moved to another firm in 2017, a sum of 35,000 pounds. KPMG must also pay the costs of the investigation. KPMG expressed “regret” for the breaches in an emailed statement. Bloomberg News

Dampened Islamic bond sales seen

➜ SURGING crude is expected to lower oil-rich Gulf nations’ need to sell Islamic bonds, according to Moody’s Investors Service. “We expect higher

oil prices will lead to lower sukuk issuance in 2022, largely driven by lower financing needs” in the 6-member Gulf Cooperation Council countries, analyst Ashraf Madani wrote in a report. Sales of Islamic bonds, or sukuk, dropped 12 percent to $181 billion last due lower sovereign funding needs among oil producing countries in the Middle East and Indonesia, according to Moody’s. The rating agency expects issuance to further drop this year to $160 billion to $170 billion. Bloomberg News

B4

Show BusinessMirror

Wednesday, March 9, 2022 • Editor: Gerard S. Ramos

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Today’s Horoscope

THE Batman opened exclusively in theaters in 4,217 locations on over 12,500 screens in North America over the weekend, grossing $128.5 million. AP

By Eugenia Last

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Bow Wow, 35; Brittany Snow, 36; Matthew Gray Gubler, 42; Juliette Binoche, 58.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY: Pay attention to those who can help you get what you want, and nurture relationships that encourage and support your beliefs and efforts.

Stick to the facts, and refuse to let emotions stand between you and the truth. Distance yourself from those who weigh you down and hold you back. Put your energy into changes that make a difference. Your numbers are 5, 18, 24, 29, 36, 45, 47.

FINALLY, HAPPY AND PREGNANT

AFTER many starts and as many stops when it came to her relationships, the feisty actress seems to have found true love and genuine happiness with the non-showbiz guy. Her romance with the guy is quiet but steady. And what’s this we hear that she and the guy will be parents soon? The actress was supposed to be included in a project but at the last minute, her participation was scrapped without any reason.

Well, if the rumors are true, the reason is that the actress is now pregnant. There are reportedly no wedding plans yet for the happy couple. Before the actress met her boyfriend, she was heartbroken over an actor, who kind of made her believe they were together when he was with another woman who he eventually got pregnant.

THE REAL OTHER WOMAN

SOCIAL media has been talking about the alleged break-up of a married couple, an actress and an actor, because of a third party. It’s so strange because the couple had a solid relationship for years before they decided to tie the knot. At first, rumors were pointing to a beauty queen as the alleged third party in the couple’s split but the girl was quick to deny it. Apparently, the real third party is another actress with whom the actor had a fling with even before the couple got married. The actress allegedly can’t forgive her husband for not being honest with her. According to the actress’ close friends, it would take a miracle for the actress to forgive her husband. The actress was reportedly also affected by the rumors that the actor was previously married in another country but never disclosed this to her.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Call on reliable people, and you’ll get things done quickly.

Forming better relationships with individuals who share your concerns and work toward a similar goal will support more input and progress. Romance and selfimprovement are featured. HHHH

‘The Batman’ gives movie theaters a new hope with big launch

ANOTHER BREAK-UP

SPEAKING of break-ups, the actor and his girlfriend, who is known for her beauty, are said to be no longer a couple.

They’ve reportedly split months ago but people are just noticing it now because of the lack of social-media posts seeing them together. They also have not been spotted together for months. The reason for the break-up was simply because the guy grew tired of the girl being very dependent on him financially. The girl has a tendency to do that with her boyfriends. It will be recalled that her ex also supported her until she made it big, after which she left him for the actor.

BEST FORM OF FLATTERY

THE actress has always vehemently denied that she’s had work done on her face but the truth is, she’s had two nose jobs, the last one taking place in late 2021. She’s also had her breasts augmented. The actress has always been beautiful but discontented with her appearance. It doesn’t help that she’s always compared to another actress, who is said to be a natural beauty. The first actress always imitates the second actress, from the clothes and bags she wears and carries to her branding as a celebrity. When the second actress had her nose done recently, she told the doctor to do it so that it would look like the second actress’ nose.

By Lindsey Bahr | The Associated Press

L

OS ANGELES—Batman has his fair share of pressures, from saving Gotham to saving movie theaters. And while they’re both still decidedly works in progress, The Batman, starring Robert Pattinson, managed to give a little glimmer of hope to both by grossing $128.5 million in North America, according to studio estimates Sunday.

The latest relaunch of the 80-year-old comic book character is well above Warner Bros.’ conservative estimates going into the weekend, which had the film pegged for a debut in the $90 million range. It’s the best opening of 2022 and the second best of the

pandemic, though it’s more than $100 million shy of Spider-Man: No Way Home’s still unbelievable $260 million opening weekend in December.

The Batman opened this weekend exclusively in theaters in 4,217 locations on over 12,500 screens in North America. There were some fan events on Tuesday and Wednesday leading into Thursday preshows in about 3,300 locations. All told, by the close of Friday, The Batman had already grossed $57 million. No other major studio dared compete with their own new film.

Internationally, The Batman earned $120 million, bringing its global total to $248.5 million. Warner Bros. halted its release in Russia following the country’s invasion of Ukraine, saying that the company would monitor the situation as it evolves.

Many major studios made similar decisions with their films.

Reviews have been largely positive for this new iteration of the caped crusader. Director Matt Reeves and cowriter Peter Craig set The Batman in Bruce Wayne’s second year of donning the cape. Corruption is rampant in Gotham and some well-known villains are not yet fully formed, but there’s a serial killer afoot and Pattinson’s Batman and Gordon, played by Jeffrey Wright, are on a mission to find the mysterious

Continued on B5

which I am sure our audience will find very interesting. What makes this even more exciting is the Filipino cast that we have put together to bring the characters of Start-Up closer to the Filipino audience.” The cast will be headlined by Alden Richards and Bea Alonzo.

Director of CJ ENM’s global content sales, Sebastian Kim said: “GMA has always been a great partner, and it is great to see them remaking one of my favorite series in the Philippines. Starting with Start-Up, which has a wellestablished storyline and unique characters, we are willing to actively carry out more adaptations of dramas with GMA in the future for the fans in Philippines.”

The network acquired the exclusive rights to produce the remake, which airs this year.

Created and produced by Studio Dragon, Start-Up

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Keep your head down, avoid confrontations and put more effort into physical changes that can help you advance. Be secretive about your plans until you are confident you can reach your goal. Don’t let others’ decisions disrupt your plans. HHH

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Work alone and avoid interference. Distance yourself from people wielding grandiose ideas with little to back the promises they make. Take a practical, intelligent approach to what you are trying to achieve, and you won’t be disappointed. Self-improvement is favored.

HHH

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Do it yourself if you want something done. Don’t rely on others to come through for you. It’s up to you to gather information and physically take control of whatever situation you face. Be the one to make things happen.

HHH

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Take care of meaningful relationships. Listen, respond with compassion and be willing to compromise when necessary. How you treat others reflects how you expect others to treat you. Choose peace and love over discord. Romance is encouraged. HHHH

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Refuse to let your emotions get in the way of a good decision.

Don’t let uncertainty cause you to make an unnecessary move. Stand by and see what unfolds, and you’ll find a convenient path that helps you excel.

HH

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Touch base with people who bring out the best in you and make you think. Network, socialize and discuss your intentions and plans. Personal and home improvements will brighten your day and encourage you to expand your interests and friendships. HHHHH

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Concentrate on something that motivates you to do things differently. Explore the possibilities, but stick to a budget you can afford. Emotional spending will set you back, not help you reach your goal. Take better care of your relationships, health and finances. HHH

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Disregard temptation. Discipline and practicality will take you where you want to go. Set your sights on personal goals and improvements that will lift your spirits. Share with someone you love, and turn your intentions into a reality. HHH

Pinoy adaptation of K-drama hit ‘Start-Up’ coming up K-DRAMA fans are no doubt excited with GMA announcing that it is bringing the romance and all the drama involved in business in its local adaptation of the hit 2020 South Korean series, Start-Up. In partnership with leading entertainment company CJ ENM, GMA is raising the entertainment bar once more, with production going into lock-in taping for the remake next month.

Senior vice president for GMA Entertainment Group Lilybeth G. Rasonable is excited to co-produce the local version with CJ ENM since this will be another milestone for the network: “This is one of my favorite K-dramas because of its inspiring story about reaching for one’s dreams, with all the engaging story elements about love—romantic love, filial love, love between friends, set against a modern backdrop

explores one of the world’s most advanced tech sectors and gives a glimpse into the struggles and challenges one goes through in order to build a successful business from ground up. Starring Korean celebrities Bae Suzy, Nam Joohyuk, Kim Seon-ho and Kang Han-na, the series takes place in the fictional Sandbox Co. where the journey of these young entrepreneurs, all eager to start their own businesses, begins.

Start-Up not only became a massive hit in Korea but also in other Asian countries, becoming one of the most talkedabout series in the country in 2020.

The chief producer of Start-Up, Ryu Sang-won said: “With its sincere story about growth and passion, Start-Up has been loved by many fans not only here in South Korea, but also across the globe. I wish all the best for the successful adaptation of the drama in Philippines.”

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Don’t spend foolishly. You can’t buy love or impress people with lavishness. Focus on the best way to ensure that you look and feel in tiptop shape. Confusion and uncertainty will lead to mistakes. HHH

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Spend more time with the ones you love in the comfort of your home. An upgrade will improve your lifestyle and encourage you to follow through with personal plans. Love and romance are on the rise.

Share your intentions. HHHHH

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Nature walks and getting back to basics will expand your mind and encourage success. Knowing what you want and understanding how best to achieve peace of mind will help you map out a path that takes you where you want to go. HH BIRTHDAY BABY: You are outgoing, energetic and helpful.

You are capricious and fun-loving.

‘spoilers within’ BY JOHN-CLARK LEVIN The Universal Crossword/Edited by Amanda Rafkin

ACROSS 1 Very mean 6 Eve lived with him 10 Camp shelter 14 Grammy winner Mann 15 Australian actor Eric 16 Minimal difficulty 17 Colorfully named political group 19 Eyelid woe 20 “___ Well That Ends Well” 21 High card in a royal flush 22 Flicker of light 23 Up to, informally 24 Chance to settle the score 27 Prefix for “bot” 29 Puts in the overhead bin, e.g.

30 Dangers 32 20/20 33 Pageant wrap 37 Certain matriarch, or a three-part hint to 24- or 48-Across 39 Certain patriarch, or a three-part hint to 17- or 59-Across 41 “Now, about...”

42 Part of a circumference 44 Dark suit?

45 Fancy neckwear 47 Foil alternative, in fencing 48 Comedic brother who said “I’ve had a perfectly wonderful evening. But this wasn’t it.”

53 Insecticide banned in the US 55 Henhouse perch 56 KGB’s Cold War foe 57 Quack doctor’s promise 58 Wood-shaping tool 59 Sheet for geometry homework 62 Foamy brew 63 Something struck on a runway 64 “Como ___?”

65 Installs, as a lawn 66 Averse to 67 Crystal-lined rock DOWN 1 Bother constantly 2 United group?

3 Sense something fishy 4 Free shirts, often 5 Currency in Tokyo 6 Calculator with beads 7 Bravely decided you would 8 Tunneling insect

9 10 11 12 13 18 22 24 25 26 28 30 31 33 34 35 36 38 40 43 45 46

Can, more politely Model 3 automaker Face-plant “Bye Bye Bye” boy band Canines and molars Up to ___ (adequate) MLB execs Alchemist’s target metal Attention-getting instrument Elegant pitchers Spanish for “boy” Sports org. with a Tour Box office sensation Go berserk Collectively signified Finish quickly, like a book Contains Gas brand hidden in “car company” Very top NBC’s owner Charade Capital whose name sounds like a competitive personality 48 Snatches 49 Sport often featuring clowns 50 Gave off, as charm

51 52 54 57 59 60 61

App customers Old-school cheer Far from long-winded Phone protector Transcript stat Apollo 13 director Howard Wooden pin

Solution to today’s puzzle:

Image BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Editor: Gerard S. Ramos

• Wednesday, March 9, 2022

B5

Stepping up to the task and more HOW TO RESPONSIBLY DONATE TO UKRAINIAN CAUSES

By Beth Gazley | Indiana University WHEN Russia invaded Ukraine, I responded like many Americans: by making charitable donations.

I was able to make my gift with confidence because I’m a scholar of nonprofits who has studied giving during disasters and other crises.

Mostly I’ve studied how charities help local communities after events like hurricanes and earthquakes, rather than war zones. But I’m also a human being, with friends and colleagues who are Ukrainian. Empathy and a personal connection to a cause are often what motivates donors to act.

You can wisely choose causes with the potential to do the most good in the middle of this humanitarian crisis by giving with your head as well as your heart. Here are the five guidelines I follow in my own giving decisions: n SEND MONEY TO ORGANIZATIONS, NOT STRANGERS. Crowdfunding and social-media fundraising campaigns have become so common that when I recently searched GoFundMe, it pointed me to 1,008 separate appeals for aid for individuals, families or causes related to Ukraine.

Most were posted by individuals, and I have no doubt that some will turn out to be fake. n VET GROUPS YOU’RE UNFAMILIAR WITH BEFORE DONATING TO THEM. Verifying first that the cause is legitimate will make it easier to avoid funding scams. A useful shortcut is to look for organizations that have been vetted by others. I tried a simple keyword search “Ukraine charities,” and that was enough to turn up some promising lists posted by media outlets. Make sure you’re giving to the right group, rather than another organization with a deceptively similar name. Many scammers abuse the name recognition of established nonprofits, hoping you won’t notice the difference. n GIVE TO CHARITIES WITH A TRACK RECORD IN UKRAINE. Some examples include Razom for Ukraine, which leads a variety of cultural and democratization initiatives. Another is Unicef, a United Nations agency that protects children worldwide and is in a good position not only to provide immediate relief but also to pressure Russia to allow unrestricted humanitarian access.

Because these groups have already built local relationships, trust and infrastructure, they are likely to be more adept at operating in these dire circumstances than the charities popping up now or those that are still mobilizing from half a world away. n DISPATCH CASH, NOT GOODS. Don’t bundle up your spare clothing or other supplies and ship them to Eastern Europe, please. The fragile Ukrainian supply lines need to remain open for medicine and food. And while there is a time and place for restricting a gift to a specific purpose, a humanitarian crisis is not the right time. Trust the people that a charity has on the ground to know which needs are the highest priority. n MAKE GIFTS THAT REFLECT YOUR VALUES. Giving is a deeply psychological act. Effective—and satisfied—donors act on values important to them. If helping refugees is your priority, consider organizations such as Fundacja Ocalenie, which means “the Rescue Fund” in Polish. About half a million Ukrainians had fled to Poland by March 3, 2022. If a free press is what matters most to you, given the strength of the Russian disinformation machine, consider Zaborona or the Kyiv Independent, two Ukrainian media outlets.

In the end, I supported the International Committee of the Red Cross, the winner of several Nobel Peace Prizes. Based in Switzerland, it’s already operating in Ukraine, and can help today.

I hope that you will consider giving as well, and—like me—you’ll stick with your support. The need is going to continue long after Ukraine is out of the headlines. THE CONVERSATION

P

EOPLE who are self-driven will always find ways to improve themselves, either in the way they do work, or how they do work with their colleagues. There will be times when you will be called to step up and do more than what is required of your position—either because your manager trusts that you can do the work, or they are testing if you are willing to take up the challenge.

But even before it comes to that, if you are passionate about your work, you will find ways to initiate improvements in the same.

Taking initiative means doing more than what is expected from your position. If people have to spell out what you need to do based on your position, you are not doing well at all. You take initiative for work that you have the option not to do but out of your own personal motivations, you do them anyway.

This shows to your colleagues that you are a valuable member of the team, and assures your manager that you are dependable and trustworthy. Because if you can be trusted with little things, you can be trusted with more.

So how do you develop that willingness to act and step up to more responsibilities? The first thing you need to do is to find your motivation. Why do you do the things you do? Most people find motivation to go beyond what is required of their position because they want to be promoted and have the financial remuneration that goes with it. There are some who help others because they genuinely want to help, and they understand that all members of the team contribute to its success. And in order to maximize the potential of the team, they know that they need to help others.

Next, look at problems as opportunities for improvement. Some people often give up in the face of issues in the office and just fall back on “that is how it has always been done.” Some, however, look at those issues as opportunities to improve on processes and tools in order to avoid future issues. Look at your work and ask yourself: How can I do this better? That will give you ideas of what you can do to improve your work. You can also observe the top performers in your team and follow their lead. Look at how they make decisions and implement their ideas. Adopt what you can but be mindful that their ways may be based on their personality more than their skill. If you think you are performing as well as the top performers, ask your manager what you can do to improve your skills to become a top performer and, if possible, find a mentor who can show you how it is done. While it is good to have a healthy understanding of your own

skills, you always need another person to validate and objectively evaluate you.

Start participating in discussions and let your voice be heard. Especially in Filipino culture, you need to speak up to be perceived as someone with good ideas. You need to volunteer your ideas and throw in a question or two to challenge assumptions and offer your recommendations. You cannot just say there is a problem and let the team work it out. You need to proactively recommend solutions and, if possible, their concomitant pros and cons.

There are numerous opportunities where you can show initiative. You can ask to be in charge of new projects. You can start small and work your way up to big projects. Just make sure that you are up to the task and your motivations are in the right place because additional work entails more time and effort from you. You can start by orienting new team members.

This helps you fine-tune your understanding of your team’s tools and processes, and can help you find opportunities for improving them.

You can also ask for training opportunities and do an echo session of what you have learned. This helps you develop your skills and at the same time showcases to your supervisor and team that you are willing to learn and use lessons from such training to improve how your team does its work.

Help out when a colleague needs assistance. You do not actually have to wait for your team member to fail and you do not have to put it on paper. A quick chat with your colleague that you are willing to help out

when needed goes a long way in assuring them and shows to your supervisor that you can be depended on during crunch time.

Make your manager look good. Your work is to make your manager seem like they are not doing anything. Of course, this does not mean that you get all the work from your manager. It means taking those that you can do so that your manager can focus on more important things. Just as you are answerable to them, they are also answerable to their bosses who have to deal with more difficult issues and decisions to make. By offloading your manager from some of their work, you are also showing them that you are ready for more responsibilities.

Build your network. Knowing key people in the organization unlocks doors of opportunities for your team to collaborate with other departments.

Volunteer to get involved in cross-functional projects or even ask to tag along with your manager as an observer. Knowing how other departments work in the organization helps you tap others when you need their help, and helps bypass the bureaucracy to get your work done efficiently.

Stepping up does not always mean taking on a new role or position. It can also mean the little things you do everyday to improve the way you do work and how you help others improve what they are doing. It is looking at work as not just your own, but the collective effort of your team. So when you step up, you are not just lifting yourself, but you also improve the lives of those around you. n

‘The Batman’ gives movie theaters a new hope with big launch Continued from B4 Riddler (Paul Dano).

It’s been a long road for The Batman to make it to theaters. The original plan was for it come out in June 2021, but that was pushed several times due in part to Covid-related production shutdowns.

The film cost around $200 million to produce, not to mention the millions spent on marketing and distribution. And a lot is riding on The Batman, with future films and an HBO Max spinoff series both planned. As the Omicron variant surged in December, Warner Bros. was faced once more with a hard decision: Delay the release further or commit to the March opening. Under the advice of epidemiologists, in January they decided to go forward and start spending significant money on marketing.

“We knew the movie was exceptional. We knew

fans would embrace it. But we didn’t know what the pandemic would hold,” said Jeff Goldstein, Warner Bros.’ president of domestic distribution.

“Theater owners really stepped up and showed their showmanship...it was really a collective win.”

The Batman is also the first movie in over a year that Warner Bros. has released exclusively in theaters.

In 2021, the studio adopted a hybrid release strategy debuting films from Dune to Suicide Squad in theaters and on HBO Max simultaneously, which may have helped streaming subscriptions, but not the box office or movie theaters.

“The box office is back with a vengeance,” said Paul Dergarabedian, comScore’s senior media analyst.

“This is a real turning point for the industry. The box office year has been moving in fits and starts.

There have been some solid performances but no blockbuster breakout opener in 2022. This is great for

movie theaters.”

So how does Pattinson’s stack up against his predecessors? It’s the fourth-biggest opening for a Batman movie in North America. As far as lifetime profits, only time will tell, but Batman as a $1 billion franchise is a relatively recent phenomenon.

Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at US and Canadian theaters, according to comScore.

1. The Batman, $128.5 million 2. Uncharted, $11 million 3. Dog, $6 million 4. Spider-Man: No Way Home, $4.4 million 5. Death on the Nile, $2.7 million 6. Sing 2, $1.5 million 7. Jackass Forever, $1.4 million 8. Cyrano, $682,607 9. Scream, $570,000 10. Marry Me, $530,000. n

Why people with comorbidities shouldn’t skip doctor visits—especially now THE situation around the pandemic is rapidly changing, but some things remain the same—people with comorbidities are still at the highest risk. This is why they need proper regular medical attention now more than ever.

Noel Rosas, MD from the Section of Cardiology at Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed, www.makatimed.net. ph) reiterates that the elderly and those with chronic health conditions are more likely to get severe symptoms from Covid-19, increasing their risk of hospitalization and even death. “Since you already have a compromised immune status, it will be more difficult for you to fight this new disease,” he adds. “It’s very important that you continue your treatment plans and medications, and follow your doctors’ advice on managing your disease amid the pandemic.”

Rosas says that people with comorbidities should not hesitate to go to their routine doctor appointments or hospital visits as scheduled, despite the threat of Covid-19. “Delaying

routine medical care can lead to complications that will affect your quality of life and worsen any existing condition, making it difficult for your health-care providers to treat your disease or its complications later on.”

Given the current challenges, Rosas recognizes and understands the hesitation about going to a health-care facility to get checked. This is why hospital has implemented stringent safety protocols including those who are going to outpatient centers and doctors’ clinics. “We know that the current situation can be a bit discouraging. We understand the fear of going out of your homes. That’s why on our part as medical practitioners, we really made it a point to do our best to keep our patients safe while getting medical care,” the doctor says.

For regular checkups or outpatient procedures, patients and their companions need to set an appointment first and answer a screening form online or through MakatiMed OnCall

or the clinic secretary. Only one doctor, one patient, one companion (for pediatric, geriatric, and people with special needs), and one nurse/secretary are allowed inside the clinic at any time. The clinics have been modified with acrylic barriers and others with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters for the mutual protection of the doctor and patient.

Outpatient procedure areas are also disinfected between each patient use. For their utmost protection and peace of mind, MakatiMed has separate areas and pathways for nonCovid-19 patients.

Apart from implementing stringent hospital safety protocols, MakatiMed has also created other safe ways for those with comorbidities to get the proper medical attention.

For those who are immunocompromised, Rosas says that it’s also more practical and safe for people with preexisting conditions to stay at home as much as possible and limit interactions with other people.

Rosas also encourages people with comorbidities to get vaccinated as early as possible. The Department of Health (DOH) has already given people with chronic respiratory disease, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, malignancy, diabetes mellitus, obesity, asthma, and chronic kidney disease early access to the vaccine, explaining that they are the ones who are likely to have severe symptoms or even die if they get infected by Covid-19.

“Getting vaccinated against Covid-19 can give you another layer of protection against the disease. But we are still in the middle of the pandemic. You should remain vigilant.

You should do your best to take care of yourself and remain healthy,” the doctor says. “Keep safe at home, and following health protocols like wearing a mask and practicing social distancing can help prevent Covid-19. Consult with your doctor whenever needed. Delaying so would only do more harm than good.”

PHOTO BY AIRFOCUS ON UNSPLASH

B6 Wednesday, March 9, 2022

Cetaphil gets a major update on its 75th year

BRIA Homes to hold worldwide virtual property expo this March

LEADING real estate developer aims to showcase its well-built developments to prospective homeowners and property investors through its biggest virtual property expo yet.

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RIA Homes, one of the Philippines’ leading property developers, is holding its Worldwide Virtual Property Expo—its biggest yet—on March 18 to 19, 2022, a two-day, 24hour event that will showcase BRIA’s sought-after residential projects in fiftyplus locations all over the country.

The virtual expo, which will be accessible on BRIA’s official website, is primed to reach out to all aspiring Filipino homowners, including legions of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWS) who are looking to purchase BRIA homes for their families or as worthwhile, futureproof property investments.

The Worldwide Virtual Property Expo will precede BRIA Homes’ ongoing ‘Make It Yours’ campaign, wherein online and on-the-ground events will be mounted to pursue BRIA’s primary goal: providing comfortable and well-built, value-for-

money superior homes to all Filipinos.

To date, BRIA Homes touts both horizontal developments and vertical villages that are on preselling and readyfor-occupancy status. All BRIA residential enclaves boast 24-hour safety and security, family-friendly facilities, ecofriendly and sustainable environments, reliable property management, and access to essential services, lifestyle destinations, and vital road networks.

These premium features that make BRIA the home-of-choice of many Filipinos will be liberally displayed in BRIA’s Worldwide Virtual Property Expo, which BRIA Division Head Eduardo T. Aguilar expects to generate massive interest among hardworking Filipinos here and abroad.

“We will happily address all inquiries not only from homebuyers in the Philippines, but also from our

kababayang OFWs who now look at property investments as a means to ensure their families’ future,” says Aguilar, adding that attendees of the BRIA’s Worldwide Virtual Property Expo can register through https://www.bria. com.ph/worldwide-virtual-property-expo/ or click on this link.

Ahead of the much-awaited event, however, interested homebuyers can avail of BRIA’s 360 virtual tours of its properties through www.bria.com.ph or the official BRIA Facebook page. They can also reserve a property online through https://www. bria.com.ph/online-reservation/.

To know more, visit their website at www.bria.com.ph, like and follow “Bria Homes, Inc.” on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, Spotify, Viber Community, Telegram Channel, Kakao Talk, LINE and WhatsApp, or call 0939-887-9637.

SM Hotel Properties, Park Inn by Radisson Iloilo and Bacolod help vaccinate Ilonggos and Bacolodnons

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EW products have the combination of universality, scientific backing, and top-quality ingredients that make a cult favorite. And even fewer can hold their cult status quite like Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, which has remained a staple of beauty magazines and Dermatologists’ prescriptions throughout the decades.

Cetaphil's signature product was invented in 1947 to address the need for gentle but effective skin cleansing. But word-of-mouth spread beyond the medical community, and in a short time it became the bestseller and household name that it is today.

The secret to Cetaphil’s success was its gentle but effective formula, which has remained essentially the same through the years. But as science progresses, even classics need an update—and Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser is getting one after 75 years.

“The challenges faced by people with sensitive skin constantly change, and are no longer the just same ones that we faced 75 years ago,” says Galderma Philippines Business Unit-Head, Jade Silva-netto Ponoc. “Not only do we have to keep up with these challenges—we have to stay ahead and innovate with the latest science in order to address the five signs of skin sensitivity.”

The science-backed formula in the improved Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser now includes Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), which helps strengthen the skin barrier, improve tone and soothe skin; Panthenol

(Vitamin B5), which helps increase skin’s hydration while decreasing overall water loss for a more supple appearance and to soothe skin sensitivity; and Glycerin, which draws water into skin to increase and maintain hydration levels. Together, they help address Skin dryness, irritation, roughness, tightness and weakened skin barrier—with the same gentle effectiveness that has made Cetaphil popular since the ‘40s.

As a nod to the improved formula, Cetaphil is also rolling out a brand new look for its products, including an updated logo and modern packaging with color-coding for specific skin types.

The improved Cetaphil products are now available at Watsons and Mercury Drug stores starting March 1. You may also visit the Watsons online store It will also be available in the flagship stores of Cetaphil starting March 28 in Shopee and Lazada on March 30. To learn more about current and upcoming Cetaphil products, follow Cetaphil Philippines on Facebook and Instagram, or visit www.cetaphil.com.ph.

MIAS set its gear into motions this April

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HERE’S nothing like an on-ground auto show, not only will you see car launches, you can also feel and experience the different cars in real life.

Luckily, Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) will be back on-ground this April 7-10, 2022 at World Trade Center Metro Manila.

Visitors can look forward to seeing the different car models that participating car companies will bring to the event. Unlike the 2020 version, this year’s MIAS will be completely on-ground, allowing visitors to

experience the different event highlights once again: Bringing back some of their most awaited activities such as the stunt show that features jaw-dropping stunts by the Three-time Guinness World Record holder, Mr. Russ Swift!

Car enthusiasts will also enjoy the MIAS Classic and Custom Car Competition which will let the general public choose the cars they like.

MIAS is also bringing back the different car collections, from die-cast cars to cars from car clubs, enthusiasts would enjoy the different things that they can see at the event.

What’s also great about going back onground is that visitors can feel and test drive the car that they’re eyeing. Test drive the different cars at MIAS to know which one suits you best before buying.

Lastly, we will also have the latest car model launches. Get hyped and check out the latest and most innovative cars in the Philippine market.

Don’t miss out and get your MIAS tickets here now: https://register.worldbexevents.com/ and visit https://manilaautoshow.com/home/.

For inquiries and concerns, you may reach WORLDBEX SERVICES INTERNATIONAL at (02) 8656-92-39 or email us at inquire@worldbexevents.com; register.worldbexevents.com

XTREME Appliances gives up to 67% off promo

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N response to the call for solidarity in these uncertain times, Park Inn

by Radisson Iloilo and Park Inn by Radisson Bacolod extended their support to the Visayas region by donating COVID-19 vaccines to their respective cities to help protect the communities from outbreaks and mitigate further economic strain to eventually stabilize the local region.

On March 2, 2022, Park Inn by Radisson Bacolod turned over 430 doses of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines to the Local City Health Unit of Bacolod. Further, Park Inn by Radisson Iloilo endorsed 400 AstraZeneca COVID-19 doses to the Iloilo Health Office on March 3, 2022.

Archie Javellana, Front Office Manager and Reljun Oloroso, Human Resource Manager, formally turned over the vaccines on behalf of Park Inn by Radisson Bacolod.

While Paulynne Sustento, Bacolod City COVAC COVID-19 Vaccination

Control Coldroom Nurse Manager; Jernalyn Marie Bernadas, Department of Health CHD Western Visayas Pharmacist II; and Ma. Reyjoy D. Kwon Bacolod City COVAC COVID-19 Vaccination Control Coldroom Alternate Nurse, accepted the vaccines for Bacolod LGU. Meanwhile, formally turning over the vaccines on behalf of Park Inn by Radisson Iloilo were Jeremy Murga, Front Office OIC; Allan Decena, Executive Housekeeper; Joyce Suniega, Safety and Security OIC and Camille Villones, Cluster Human Resource Supervisor.

Kevin Acla, Cold Chain Manager, and Dariane Joy G. Papa, Cold Chain Member, from Iloilo City Health Office accepted the vaccines.

As part of SMHCC’s brand portfolio, Park Inn by Radisson Bacolod and Park Inn by Radisson Iloilo continue to make waves in the Western Visayas Region, providing more accommodation options at par with international standards to

Ilonggos and Bacolodnons alike.

At the turnover rites in Iloilo City, from left: Dariane Joy G. Papa, Kevin Acla, Allan Decena, Executive Housekeeper, Park Inn by Radisson Iloilo, Camille Villones, Cluster Human Resource Supervisor, Park Inn by Radisson Iloilo, Joyce Suniega, Safety and Security OIC, Park Inn by Radisson Iloilo and Jeremy Murga, Front Office OIC, Park Inn by Radisson Iloilo.

At the turnover rites in Bacolod City, from left: Archie Javellana, Front Office Manager, Park Inn by Radisson Bacolod, Reljun Oloroso, Human Resource Manager, Park Inn by Radisson Bacolod, Paulynne Sustento, Bacolod City COVAC COVID - 19 Vaccination Control Coldroom Nurse Manager, Jernalyn Marie Bernadas, Department of Health CHD Western Visayas Pharmacist II and Ma. Reyjoy D. Kwon Bacolod City COVAC COVID - 19 Vaccination Control Coldroom Alternate Nurse.

TREME Appliances has launched its newest Concept Store located at Divimall, Anabu, Imus. The starstudded event was attended by celebrities, influencers, and media publications who enjoyed a day of fun activities, raffle draws, and appliance shopping.

In line with this, customers got a chance to buy 3.5L XTREME Home Digital Air Fryer for only P999 and 600ML XTREME Home Personal Blender for P199 on its opening day. The said promo ran for three days which gives the first ten customers daily a chance to get the said appliances at

an irresistible price. This was on top of their six-day exclusive promotion last February 16-21 where customers can enjoy up to 67 percent off on select products. Despite the influx of customers, who wanted to have first dibs on affordable yet premium quality home appliances, the management made sure to strictly implement safety health protocols. Staff and customers maintained proper social distancing and wore face masks inside the store.

Find the nearest XTREME Store in your area, visit https://www.xtreme.com.ph/pages/ store-locator

AT the launch of Concept Store in Imus, Cavite, from left: Stephen Cheng, VP for Marketing; Mark Del Mundo, VP for Business Development; Adrian Lim, President; Romeo Melgar, Mobile Head; Paula Dizon, Brand Marketing Manager.

BusinessMirror

Editor: Tet Andolong

Wednesday, March 9, 2022 B7

Future-proofing is the way to go

By Rizal Raoul S. Reyes

continuing consultations among the stakeholders of SMDC. A major part of SMDC’s future-proofing road map is implementing human-centered designs aligned with the vision of the company.

Banzon said SMDC continues to conduct research and consultation to lead them in innovating and developing human-centered designs aligned with the vision of SMDC. In response to the new normal, SMDC also factored the costs and design in their future-proofing road map. “Costs are expected to be much higher considering its design as SMDC reevaluate its projects to further serve our people better, as we future-proof our developments align with the needs of the community and the calls for sustainability,” Banzon said.

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utureproofing is the future of the country’s property sector.

With the effects of climate change manifested by more frequent and stronger typhoons and heat waves, as well as the pandemic which underscored the need for more and widely distributed public open space and easily accessible sources of essential services and goods, I expect the real-estate industry to respond to this “new normal,” Philippine Institute of Environmental Planners (PIEP) Past President Nathaniel von Einsiedel told the BusinessMirror.

As a result, green architecture and green infrastructure will become more popular, according to Einsiedel.

To help local government units affected by the Supertyphoon Odette towards recovery, Einsiedel is mobilizing the United A rchitects of the Philippines (UAP), Philippine Association of Landscape Architects (PALA) and the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE) to formulate their reconstruction measures.

Earlier, he also recommended to the government on the aftermath of Supertyphoon Yolanda to assist disaster-prone LGUs develop their own post-disaster recovery and reconstruction plan to enable them to implement the plans immediately after the disaster hits, with a little bit of tweaking to respond to the specific findings of their Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA). “I am now reviving this recommendation even as recovery activities have already started in several places.

It may be late but it’s better late than never. Besides, most of the affected LGUs are still in the relief operations phase,” he explained.

The SMDC way SMDC President Jose Mari Banzon also told the BusinessMirror the pandemic gave SMDC

An amenity in the Golden Residences

Future-proofing Pampanga

a calm and relaxing atmosphere in the place they call home, regardless of whether they are in the city or in the countryside,” Banzon said.

Banzon recalled that SMDC quickly revisited their design plans and adjusted these according to the changed needs brought about by the pandemic. He noted existing SMDC properties promptly adapted services like an automated property management system for the communities, as a result of

As far as the future-proofing of the Pampanga Megalopolis is concerned, construction of the buildings will be in accordance with the present condition of the site and in consideration of the natural environment. The plan aims to create buildings that have minimal impact on human health and the natural environment.

Pampanga Megalopolis refers to the former president Gloria Arroyo’s vision to develop the 19 municipalities and three cities in Pampanga into the next center of growth in Luzon as a way of decongesting Metro Manila and providing the people with a cleaner and more progressive environment.

She said Pampanga Megalopolis should embrace green urbanism to reduce carbon footprints in communities and destinations by making them more walkable and bikeable. “It ensures that the community achieves a balanced lifestyle where there is work, play, living and worship,” she said in a statement.

The project initially starts with the Pampanga Golden Triangle which consists of Angeles City, San Fernando City, Mabalacat City, Porac, Lubao, Floridablanca and Guagua. The triangle also covers Clark Freeport Zone and Clark International Airport.Urban planner Felino Palafox Jr will draft the development of the Pampanga Golden Triangle.

lishments such as St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, Westin Hotels & Resorts, W Hotels Worldwide, Sheraton Hotels and Resorts, Marriott Hotels, Hilton Hotels, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, The Ascott, Somerset, among others.

Serta is expecting to grow its portfolio in the coming years as it officially launched its products here in the Philippines. Seeing the continuously growing and evolving tourism and hospitality in the country, more and more people are set to experience the Serta comfortable that they deserve.

As a testament to its exceptional

standard, Serta remains committed to innovate and provide new products to continue meeting the growing demands of its growing market.

With the fast-changing lifestyle and evolving need and satisfaction level of its customers, Serta will be there to provide us with something that is “Always Comfortable.”

To know more about Serta, you can catch their display at the 5th floor of Rustan’s Makati beginning February 15 to March 15, 2022. You can also visit http://www.serta.com.ph/ for more info or you can follow them on Facebook and on Instagram for the latest updates, news and promos.

An amenity in the Vine Residences

the chance to tweak around the unprecedented changes to stay afloat. Further, it was also a window to serve the community better through thoughtful planning and designs.

“By keying in on people’s evolving needs, SMDC is considerate of the times, continuing to adapt to deliver comfort and convenience through their properties,” Banzon said.

Development of open spaces is vital for SMDC. Although allotted

spaces vary for each development, SMDC usually dedicates 40 to 60 percent to open spaces. Through the open spaces, the residents are able to pursue their health and wellness activities. Moreover, Banzon said SMDC ensured that these open spaces are big enough to contain lounge decks, manicured gardens, pools, and gardens.

“In matters of human mobility, SMDC does not compromise. It makes sure that residents can have

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SERTA: World’s chosen brand of comfort

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s the world continues to evolve, the aspirations and dreams of every human being develop and grow. The global challenges that we’re experiencing have brought further innovation that champions sustainable comfort to each one of us.

Serta, the number one mattress manufacturer and bedding brand leader across the globe, continues to champion comfort and pioneer of sleep innovation through its highest standard of products and services that provide innovative sleep solutions, optimize manufacturing processes while aiming for environmental sustainability, and seamless partnership with its authorized retail partners.

Serta comfortable

When it comes to comfort, there’s no other brand better positioned to deliver on this promise than Serta.

With more than 90 years of being a top brand in the US, Serta is undeniably a world leader in sleep solutions since its establishment in 1931 cited with awards and recognitions from various international organizations for its deliverance of supreme comfort and sustainable craftmanship.

In the Philippines, along with its official launch in 2021, Serta, through Serta Sleep Center in Ronac Art Center

in Greenhills, San Juan City, as well as in various Rustan’s, Our Home and Habitat Manila outlets, introduces its luxurious mattress collections that embodies that comfort and relaxation that the brand promises. These include the Celestial, iPedic, PerfectSleeper, Perfect Spine and Sleeptrue.

These collections carry Serta’s world-renowned sleep innovations that are set to exemplify one’s expectation of comfort. Serta’s mattresses are highlighted by its Pocket Coil Technology that precisely contours to one’s pressure points and provides a sturdier and more hygienic mattress.

This innovation provides numerous health benefits including stress and pressure relief due to reduced motion transfer and great back support thanks to Serta’s 5-zone and 7-zone pocket spring mattresses that can contours naturally to the body.

Moreover, Serta’s two mattress collections offer Adaptive Cooling and Coolmax Technology that are made perfectly for any climate condition to give that better sleep quality and ideal sleeping temperature that you need deserve every day.

On top of these, Serta mattresses have Latex Foam Layers that are durable and pressure relieving, which absorbs and adjusts to the contours of

one’s body; the Knit Surface that are elastic and breathable, maximizes the convenience and support while providing stylish and luxurious features of each Serta mattress; and the Stable Foam Encasement, that are made to give these mattresses maximum usage and great value for money.

Serta in the Philippines also carries some of the brand’s top-of-theline pillows and bed accessories that provide ultimate comfort and support features to its users. These Serta pillows offers absolute indulgence that creates better sleep quality for everyone. Pillow encasements also come in premium comfort knit to provide a pleasant sleeping surface that you’ll surely indulge.

A true match for comfort

Through these amazing features, Serta products have chosen by global renowned hotel brands that are also known to be top providers of comfort and relaxation in various key location in the world.

A true match for its supreme comfort, Serta has been serving as comfort partner for these establishments for years now with the increasing standard of excellence in service and products. These include various hotels in local and international estab-

AboitizPower units support Fire Prevention Month

By Roderick L. Abad

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N support of the National Fire Prevention Month celebration this March, AboitizPower and its business units reminded the public to secure their homes, offices and properties from faulty electrical wiring-related risks.

“Everyone, especially the owners of these homes and establishments, must play their part in ensuring safe electricity distribution and use,” said AboitizPower Distribution Utilities (DUs) Chief Operating Officer Anton Mari G. Perdices.

The company’s DUs Visayan Electric and Davao Light, which are respectively the second and third largest electricity distributors in the country, as well as Cotabato Light and the Enerzone Group are at the forefront of raising awareness on fire safety in the group since it’s also related to electrical safety.

Based on data from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), it responded to an average of 15,733 fire incidents nationwide each year between 2013 and 2018, the top 3 causes of which were faulty electrical connections, unattended cooking, and lighted candles or cigarette butts. In Metro Manila alone, power connection issues caused over 50 percent of fire incidents recorded annually during the periods in review.

Given this, he underscored their mission to not only bring reliable power supply to homes, businesses and properties but also to ensure this reaches them in the safest way possible.

“We collaborate with the BFP and local fire brigades to enhance our personnels’ skills in handling fire incidents and, more importantly, how to prevent them. However, we need to have a total system safety approach,” Perdices said.

With around one million customers within their franchise areas, the DUs’ initiatives include classroom rewiring projects, wherein outdated electrical systems in public schools located in their respective covered sites are upgraded to mitigate related hazards. Also, they constantly remind their customers to follow the latest electrical safety standards and best practices for electrical safety in their households.

AboitizPower’s generation subsidiaries also play their parts in promoting fire prevention nationwide all year round via regular on-site fire drills, first aid training, and other associated initiatives.

“The observance of fire safety should be everyone’s concern not just for one month every year, but for every waking moment. On our part, we make sure that our facilities and operations are on par with the standards in the Fire Safety Code. We also welcome opportunities to partner with the BFP and local fire brigades to raise awareness and improve capabilities within our host communities,” AboitizPower Vice President for Safety, Health, Environment, and Security Richard A. Cruz said.

Therma Visayas Inc., operator of AboitizPower’s 340-megawatt (MW) baseload power plant in Toledo City, Cebu, supports the local BFP chapter and has participated in all of its Fire Prevention Month motorcades around the city since 2018.

Meanwhile, Therma South Inc., which operates a 300-MW baseload power plant in Davao, conducts virtual fire safety awareness sessions for its employees as well as community members, and is now looking to partner with the BFP to level up its fire drills.

On top of this, AboitizPower’s facilities are installed with stateof-the-art fire suppression and paging systems as well as appropriate signages and evacuation maps such as in the Luzon-based geothermal facilities managed by AP Renewables Inc.

Sports BusinessMirror

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| Wednesday, March 9, 2022 mirror_sports@yahoo.com.ph Editor: Jun Lomibao

GROUNDED TO A HALT

By Jun Lomibao

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HE mediation process to resolve the burning issue between worldclass pole vaulter Ernest John “EJ” Obiena and his federation rolled out after lunch time on Monday and grounded to a halt an hour past sunset.

Grounded to a halt because neither party—Obiena or the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (Patafa)—budged, leaving the Tokyo Olympics pole vaulter who’s the best in Asia at the moment, in limbo if he’ll be able to compete in major international competitions in 2022.

At least for now?

An apology from Obiena could be enough to diminish the flames into embers, according Renato Unso, Patafa’s board member for the National Capital Region and national team training director.

“If EJ makes a public apology to President Popoy [Juico] during the mediation, then everything could be OK,” said Unso, a two-time Southeast Asian Games gold medalist during the

hey days of the Project: Gintong Alay.

Due to strict confidentiality rules governing the mediation process initiated by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), the BusinessMirror couldn’t divulge the identities of sources who described the five-hour mediation as having a cordial start only to wind up sour because Obiena’s camp refused Patafa’s demand for a public apology not only to Patafa and Juico, but to the “Filipino people.”

“EJ did appear to be leaning toward making an apology, but someone from his camp declined Patafa’s demand that the apology be made also to the ‘Filipino people,’” a source told BusinessMirror on Tuesday, adding Obiena has public opinion on his side and Patafa doesn’t.

“That pricked the process and an adjournment was called,” the source said.

The PSC gave both sides a month to “freshen their minds and meet halfway” during the one month window until they meet again on April 8.

But the wait could cost Obiena’s

JAPANESE Ambassador Kazuhiko Koshikawa (right) and Gymnastics Association of the Philippines president Cynthia Carrion-Norton (second from left) seal the grant with International Gymnastics Federation president Morinari Watanabe (left) and Philippine Sports Commission Commissioner Dr. Celia Kiram.

Japan gives gymnastics body P7M grant

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HE Japanese Embassy signed on Tuesday a P7 million grant for the advancement of a training facility that the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines (GAP) will open in Calamba City.

Japanese Ambassador Kazuhiko Koshikawa signed the grant in a

formal ceremony at the Japanese Embassy recently with GAP president Cynthia Carrion-Norton and International Gymnastics Federation president Morinari Watanabe of Japan and Philippine Sports Commission Commissioner Dr. Celia Kiram as guests.

OBIENA bid to defend his gold medal in Hanoi in May. He already lost his chance to become the first full-bred Filipino to compete in the World Indoor Championships after the Patafa refused to endorse him to the Belgrade edition that starts on March 18.

Besides the world indoors and the SEA Games, Obiena requested the Patafa for endorsement to the The grant was made possible through the Grant Assistance for Cultural Grassroots Project (GACGP).

It aims to improve the training environment of the GAP with the facility catering to a new generation of young Filipino champions.

The grant includes apparatuses such as parallel bars, vault, rings, beams, pommel horse and mats some of which were actually used during the Tokyo Olympics.

Following the outstanding performances of Japan-trained Carlos Yulo in the world championships where he won gold medals in floor exercise (2019) and vault (2021) and the Tokyo Games, the collaboration hopes to open opportunities for kids to enjoy gymnastics and necome future champions of the sport.

Also present during the signing ceremony were Department of Education Schools Division Superintendent Susan Oribiana and Calamba General Services Officer Noemi Talatala.

The GACGP was introduced in 2000, expanding the scope of the Cultural Grant Aid that provides carefully planned assistance to directly benefit the so-called grassroots level in developing countries through assistance for non-government organizations and local public bodies.

JUICO world championships in Eugene, Oregon, in July and Asian Games in Hangzhou in September.

The Patafa board, Unso repeatedly said, will endorse Obiena only after the mediation.

“Our boss [Juico] informed us that the mediation is not over yet so there’s still a chance for EJ [Obiena] to be on the SEA Games list,” Unso said. “But the world indoors are out,

yet maybe, by miracle, EJ could still be endorsed for Belgrade as a late entry.”

Monday’s mediation filled up the monitors of each participant. Patafa’s board was in full force, Obiena had four advisers or counsels to negotiate for him and the PSC had at least three representatives—of course, Chairman William Ramirez was there as timon but won’t divulge on the details of the negotiations.

But then, BusinessMirror’s source observed that to resolve the crisis, all the protagonists need to do is to remove their fingers from the triggers.

“They both have one month to resolve the issue,” the source said. “But there’s no need even to consume that entire month if they want to settle their differences once and for all.

“It boils down to attitude, perhaps to character,” the source said. “EJ is a young man full of potential, but he shouldn’t let his success get to his head. The Patafa? It’s an organization, a federation governed by a charter.”

Or does the sponsorship factor smell? With Josef Ramos

MARCIAL ‘MANOK NG BAYAN’

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S the country’s emerging boxing idol, Tokyo Olympian Eumir Felix Marcial will receive a special award in Monday’s San Miguel Corp.-Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Annual Awards Night at the Diamond Hotel.

The 26-year-old pride of Lunzuran in Zamboanga City will be honored with the Fan Favorite “Manok ng Bayan” Award during the event presented by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), Philippine Olympic Committee (POC), and Cignal TV. Marcial is the latest personality to be given the recognition courtesy of Chooks To Go, which in the past also cited Terrence Romeo, Kai Sotto, the national 3x3 basketball team and legendary boxing champion Manny Pacquiao with the same special award.

The middleweight fighter became the heaviest Filipino to win a medal in the Olympics, bagging a bronze in the 75-kg class in Tokyo.

In between his preparations for the Summer Games, Marcial decided to turn pro and won his debut in December 2020 with a unanimous decision over Andrew Whitfield in Los Angeles.

He’s currently

preparing for his next pro fight tentatively set in April.

“It’s an honor to name Olympic bronze medalist Eumir Fekix Marcial as the 2021 Chooks-to-Go Fan Favorite ‘Manok ng Bayan awardee,” Chooksto-Go said in a statement. “We’re aware his Olympic journey is just the beginning of what would be a colorful and successful professional career.”

Other than the “Manok ng Bayan” award, Marcial will also receive a Major Award from the country’s oldest media organization during the ceremony also backed by Milo (official chocolate milk), 1Pacman, Philippine Basketball Association, Philippine Racing Commission, Rain or Shine, ICTSI, Chooks To Go, MVP Sports Foundation and Smart.

Also receiving Major Awards are fellow Tokyo Olympics medalists Nesthy Petecio and Carlo Paalam, pole vaulter EJ Obiena, world pool champion Carlo Biado, tennis star and grand slam winner Alex Eala and world boxing champions Nonito Donaire Jr., Jerwin Ancajas and John Riel Casimero.

The PSA is advising all awardees, athletes, officials, guests and PSA to present their vaccination cards in the awards night.

Leader Magnolia takes on cellar-dweller Blackwater

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OLO leader Magnolia meets cellar-dweller Blackwater on the last day of the elimination round of the Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Game time is 6 p.m.

At 9-1 won-lost, the Hotshots are assured of the top spot with a twice-to-beat incentive heading into the quarterfinal round. The Bossing, on the other hand, are looking for miracles to end a 29-game losing streak since the 2020 Philippine Cup bubble season in Clark, Pampanga.

“It will be the same mindset, same goal and that’s to bring the

W [win] even if this game has no complications for us anymore,” Magnolia head coach Chito Victolero told BusinessMirror. “We want to compete and keep the intensity and momentum heading to the playoffs.”

Import Mike Harris is coming off a 38-points and 10-rebound game in Magnolia’s 118-91 rout of Alaska Sunday. And with a scorching 30.5-point and 13.4-rebound average in his last 10 games, Harris is absolutely the biggest obstacle Blackwater has to tackle.

Paul Lee, one of the Hotshots’ big time scorers, is averaging 15.4 points, 4.0 rebounds and 3.1 assists

in 10 games and is another scorer Blackwater should shut down.

A loss will put Blackwater in league history as the only team which didn’t win a single game in back-to-back conferences.

Shawn Glover is averaging 35.2 points and 13.2 rebounds in five games for Blackwater which is 0-10 in the Governors’ Cup. In the 3 p.m. first game, TNT Tropang Giga (5-4) tries to extend its four-game winning streak when it faces alreadyeliminated Terrafirma squad (2-8).

A win will give the Tropang

Russian aggression hurts sports, too

THE world hates Russia. Include Belarus, a willing stooge of Russia. Both countries are involved in trying to militarily occupy Ukraine starting Feb. 24.

Ukraine’s “sin?”

It wants to join the National Atlantic Treaty

Organization (NATO), a move opposed by Russian president Vladimir Putin.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the comedian turned politician and who got elected president in a democratically-held polls in 2019, is a resolute freedom fighter who has openly defied Putin’s expansionist orchestrations of controlling Ukraine.

Zelenskys’s predecessor, who was ousted in a peoplepowered revolution similar to our bloodless 1986 Edsa People’s Revolt, has sought asylum in Russia.

Politely declining offers of a similar refuge from sympathetic nations, Zelenskyy said he’d rather die fighting “in the company of my compatriots” than live far away “from my beloved Ukraine.”

Listed dead in Russia’s invasion as of this writing, according to United Nations data, are more than 1,500 Ukrainians, including scores of civilians and children.

So brutal and merciless are the Russians that one mayor

NO OBIENA ON PATAFA ENTRY LIST FOR SEAG

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By Josef Ramos

HE Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) expressed disappointment over Ernest John “EJ” Obiena’s exclusion from the national athletics team to the 31st Southeast Asian Games that Vietnam is hosting in May. The POC received on Monday Patafa’s entry by names list composed of 53 athletes and 17 officials (coaches).

None of those athletes was pole vaulter Obiena—the SEA Games defending gold medalist, Asian men’s record holder, Tokyo Olympian and No. 5 in the world rankings.

Without Obiena, it’s one gold medal lost for Team Philippines but, according to Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, is the most damning.

“I can only shake my head, this is horrible,” Tolentino said. “Barring serious injury, EJ will win the gold medal even blind folded in Hanoi.

He’s not only the best in the SEA Games, but in the whole of Asia—not to forget that he’s No. 5 in the world.”

The POC tasked the 39 national sports associations which are fielding athletes to the Vietnam Games to submit their entries by numbers on Monday as the hosts set the deadline for submission of team compositions on Saturday. The SEA Games are set from May 12 to 23 Games is “An NSA relentlessly sanctioning its No. 1 athlete—a guaranteed win and who knows a future world and Olympic champion—I just couldn’t find a logic,” Tolentino said.

Rommel Sytin, one of the country’s business leaders, signed the entry by numbers form as Patafa’s secretary general. The federation ranks second in terms of the number of athletes with esports topping the delegation with 54 entries.

Obiena will also miss the World Indoor Championships scheduled March 18 to 20 in Belgrade after the Patafa turned down his request for endorsement to the event. The World Athletics’s deadline of registration for qualified athletes for the world indoors was last Monday, the same day a Philippine Sports Commissionled mediation between Obiena and Patafa was conducted.

Had Obiena been endorsed by Patafa, he could have been the first full-blooded Filipino to compete in the world indoors, according to Patafa training director Renato Unso.

Obiena won the men’s pole vault gold medal at the 2019 SEA Games at the New Clark City Stadium with a leap of 5.45 meters. Less than two years after on September 12, 2021, he broke the Asian record with 5.93 meters at the Golden Rooftop Challenge, in Innsbruck, Austria.

Obiena was also the only Asian to qualify at the Tokyo Olympics last year.

MAGNOLIA import Mike Harris is again expected to deliver the big numbers.

Giga a chance for one of the four twice-tobeat bonuses in the eight-team quarterfinals. If TNT beats NorthPort in its last assignment on Friday, the team will earn the playoffs privilege along with Magnolia, Meralco and NLEX. A loss will deny the Tropang Giga the incentive. Josef Ramos in Ukraine described them as “not an army but a bunch of animals.” Sadly, that mayor was now listed by CNN as among the casualties.

Also very angry and seething with rage are practically the world’s sports officials, including taekwondo’s moguls who had stripped Putin of his black belt.

On March 3, the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) banned athletes from Russia and Belarus from participating in the Beijing Winter Paralympics starting on Friday.

It was a complete reversal from the IPC’s initial decision allowing Russia and Belarus to participate, which was met with loud boos and a threat from Ukrainian sympathizers to avoid competing against Russian and Belarusian athletes.

Effectively driven out of the Beijing event are some 71 Russians.

“An overwhelming number of members have told us that if we do not reconsider our decision, it is now likely to have grave consequences,” said IPC President Andrew Parsons.

IPC’s initial decision was termed a betrayal as it signaled

agreement on Russia’s premeditated attack of Ukraine, a titanium-rich nation of 44.17 million people.

The about-face made IPC part of many sports like soccer, track & field, basketball, hockey and many more that have imposed blanket bans on Russians and Belarusians.

Earlier, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) exhorted sports bodies to exclude Russian and Belarusian athletes from international events.

Time to speak up, too—as in our sports officials declaring their staunch solidarity with Ukraine?

Unprovoked aggression deserves condemnation in the strongest terms.

THAT’S IT Like Zelenskyy, Ramon Fernandez is undaunted and is set to fly to Hanoi for the Chef de Mission (CDM) March 17 to 20 meeting to discuss matters regarding the SEA Games set May 12-23. This, despite the infection surge in Vietnam where a daily average of 160,000 cases has been recorded the past seven days. “The Games will push through as scheduled. We will be there,” Fernandez said.

Fighting words from El Presidente himself.