BusinessMirror March 24, 2022

‘BSP trigger-pulling rate hike may be too late’ B B C @BcuaresmaBM

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PRIVATE economist said the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is likely to pull the trigger a little too late in its move to hike its accommodative policy rates this year, as inflation is quickly creeping higher in the economy recently.

In an analysis published on Wednesday, ING Bank economist Nicholas Mapa said the BSP is set to “fall behind the curve” in their monetary policy normalization, as the market widely expects BSP Governor Benjamin Diokno to keep all monetary policy settings

on hold in their March meeting.

In recent months, the BSP chief has been firm in his policy guidance of trying to keep rates low “for as long as possible” to help support the recovery of the economy. This is amid the recent Fed rate hike and the rising inflationary pressures coming from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The ING economist said this decision to remain dovish may cause the BSP to lose a grip on inflation expectations throughout the year.

“BSP Governor Diokno has indicated that it need not ‘move in step’ with the Fed and its likely aggressive rate hikes, confident he can wait for the second half before

adjusting policy. However, by the second half of the year, the Fed may have hiked a cumulative 100 basis points with guidance from Jerome Powell suggesting that a 50-basis-points rate hike at the next meeting is very much in play,” Mapa said.

“Should BSP opt to sit out the first half even as inflation surges past target, we could very well see BSP fall behind the curve again as they did in 2018. By then with inflation raging and with Filipinos saddled with astronomically high transport costs, BSP will be losing the most important battle of its inflation targeting mandate: the battle to anchor inflation expecta-

tions,” he added.

Earlier this month, the BSP chief said rising oil prices due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine could kick local inflation upwards 4 percent this year. This breaches their 2-4 percent annual target range for 2022.

The governor said their sensitivity analysis has shown potentially elevated inflation rates for the year, with new forecasts on the table: If average world price of oil is $95 per barrel, local inflation would hit 4 percent; if it is $120 per barrel, it will be 4.4 percent. However, if the global price of oil hits S “BSP,” A

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DBM: 3-MOS’ P1,500 UCT TO BE RELEASED IN APRIL www.businessmirror.com.ph

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Thursday, March 24, 2022 Vol. 17 No. 167

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

2,500 hotel housekeepers needed ASAP in Israel

B J M N.  C @joveemarie

 B D. N

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@BNicolasBM

HE next administration will have to work with the current economic team to ensure that all subsidy programs are properly transitioned and sustained after the Duterte administration, an economist-lawmaker said on Wednesday, as the Budget department revealed plans to release three months’ worth of subsidies in one blow so people can feel their impact in this dire period.

House Committee on Ways and Means Chairman Joey Sarte Salceda said the monthly subsidies spell immediate relief for struggling Filipino households amid the pandemic and the rising oil prices.

Earlier, President Duterte ordered Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III to raise the monthly amount to be given—as additional, but only temporary relief—to already existing UCT beneficiaries from P200 a month to P500.

“I am certain, however, that part of the implementation will spill over to after June 2022. The next administration will have to work with the current economic team,” Salceda said.

“Fiscal space will also remain a foremost concern for the next administration, especially given our pandemic-related fiscal constraints,” Salceda dded.

Department of Budget and Management (DBM) OfficerIn-Charge Tina Canda said on Wednesday the government is now eyeing to release next month UCT of P1,500 that will already cover three months to help cushion the impact of soaring oil prices.

She said providing P500 per month for three months to the 13 million household beneficiaries C  A

PESO EXCHANGE RATES

B M T-B @maloutalosig

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EMPTY water containers line a busy street in Tondo, Manila, a portent of a looming water shortage as state weather bureau the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration warned on Tuesday that the water level at Angat Dam, the reservoir that supplies about 90 percent of raw water requirements for Metro Manila, has been dropping. Angat authorities said that as of Tuesday, the level still remained normal, but warned it is indeed lower than comfortable levels. NONIE REYES

SRAEL is hiring at least 2,500 Filipino hotel housekeepers, and they want them deployed as soon as possible, the Philippine Embassy in Tel-Aviv reported.

“As Israel reopens its tourism industry, allows the entry of both vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers, and eases its travel and health restrictions, its hotel sector will require a full work force to cater to the expected influx of tourists to the Holy Land,” the Embassy said.

In 2020, a month before the pandemic, some 4.5 million tourists all over the world came to Israel during the Holy Week. Half of these tourists were Christian pilgrims.

This is the reason both Manila and Tel Aviv are working doubletime to process the papers of 500 Filipino hotel/hostel workers in the first week of April, ahead of Passover and Holy Week.

Philippine Ambassador Macairog Alberto met with the Israel Hotel Association officials on March 14 and was told the hotels in Israel are ready to hire additional 800 Filipino workers, which will then be increased to 2,000 workers “at the earliest opportunity.”

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‘PHL DEBT NEEDS A DECADE TO CUT; TIME TO SHIFT TO GREEN GROWTH’ B C U. O @caiordinario

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ARING down the country’s pandemic debts could take a decade or more, according to a retired professor from the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB).

In a Freedom from Debt Coalition (FDC) forum on Wednesday, Community Legal Help and Policy Center Science Director Teodoro C. Mendoza said this takes into consideration growth rates of 5 percent to as high as 9 percent.

If GDP growth is at 5 percent, the Philippines can wipe out its pan-

demic debts in 14 years. But if the economy grows at 9 percent, this will allow the country to pay it off in 10 years.

“We have a comatose economy because we have a huge debt of P13 trillion which is equivalent to 68 percent of our GDP. We have a budget deficit of P1.7 trillion,” Mendoza said in the vernacular on Wednesday.

Factors that would make this difficult include the devaluation of the peso. Mendoza said before the Duterte administration assumed office, the peso was at P48 to the US dollar.

However, more recently, the peso

has been devalued further at P51 to the greenback. This is worrisome, Mendoza said, because for every peso devaluation suffered by the exchange rate, the country’s debt service increases by P24 billion.

In this case when the peso has seen a devaluation of P3, following Mendoza’s estimates, this means the country needs to shell out an additional P72 billion to pay its debts.

“Those are the initial calculations I came up with. This wasn’t discussed in any forum involving our presidentiables our candidates for vice president, including S “PHL,” A

■ US 52.4270 ■ JAPAN 0.4339 ■ UK 69.5392 ■ HK 6.6990 ■ SINGAPORE 38.6516 ■ AUSTRALIA 39.1315 ■ SAUDI ARABIA 13.9760 ■ EU 57.8322 ■ CHINA 8.2355

Source: BSP (March 23, 2022)

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News BusinessMirror

Thursday, March 24, 2022

BSP...

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$140 per barrel, local inflation will hit 4.7 percent.

“Should consumers and firms begin to believe that inflation is here and it is here to stay, credibility in the BSP’s inflation fighting capability will fade, leading to Filipinos pricing in even more inflation down the line. Once this happens, the country may fall into a price spiral with the BSP unable to corral runaway inflation expectations. A delay in any form of tightening to the second half runs the very real risk of BSP losing a grip on inflation expectations and will lead to BSP behind the curve, a position not easily addressed by a token rate hike or two,” Mapa said.

Peso factor

THE economist also factored in other factors to inflation aside from oil prices: the Peso and demand side pressures. Mapa said the Peso slid to the third worst depreciation in the region as of Wednesday. The economist noted that a weaker currency will push inflation higher as it forces up the cost of all imports of the country.

“All in all, data shows that inflation will breach the target this year and possibly [the] next, even as growth prospects remain relatively favorable. And yet, the guidance from the BSP remains to be a calendar assessment with BSP pointing to a date [second half] for the start of its normalization cycle,” Mapa said.

The BSP is expected to hold its next monetary policy setting meeting on March 24, Thursday.

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800 applicants seeking records authentication swamp DFA office

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B M T-B

@maloutalosig

ROUND 800 applicants, mostly overseas Filipino workers, have flocked to the Department of Foreign Affairs consular headquarters in Aseana Business Park, Parañaque City in the middle of the night Tuesday, desperate to get a slot in the walk-in application for document authentication.

Aside from passport applications, the DFA is also certifying the authenticity of signatures of public documents such as birth certificates, transcript of records, NBI, police or barangay clearance, and other documents that are required overseas for work, business, study and other legal purposes.

Authenticated documents are called “Apostille,” and were previously referred to as “red ribbon.”

The surge of Apostille applicants took the DFA

and the Parañaque City local government by surprise, as the public had been advised earlier that the Aseana office can only accommodate 300 walk-in applications for Apostille daily.

“Inaalam po namin ngayon ang puno’t dulo ng pangyayaring ito [We are looking into the roots of this],” the DFA said in its tweet.

DFA Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. put the issue of “sabotage” aside as he ordered the DFA staff to attend to these applicants first.

“Suddenly in the night, 800 applicants for Apostile appeared in ASEANA. DFA mobilized to care & feed them. I ordered the deployment of diplomatic staff to man the desks completely in 14 hour shifts. Suspicion of sabotage is irrelevant; they need a public service,” Locsin tweeted.

Television reports said the queue at DFA Aseana stretched past the gasoline station around S&R store. Some have been in camping for three days, as they were not able to make it to the cutoff.

GMA News reported that there were applicants who also came from the provinces in the Visayas regions. They were filmed sleeping in the pavement, social distancing notwithstanding.

“Why are they in Manila when all our consular offices in all the provinces are already in full force this week?” Locsin tweeted. “Please make sure all consular offices are informing their respective publics of this update,” he ordered the DFA Office of Consular Affairs.

Around 7:43am, Wednesday, the DFA OCA announced the suspension of walk-in Apostille services.

The DFA reminded the public that they can only accommodate 300 applicants in Aseana every day. They will start accepting applicants at 7am and applicants don’t need to queue in the middle of the night.

Aside from Aseana office, the DFA can also accommodate Apostille walk-in application for authentication services daily in the following consular offices: ■ NCR Northeast (Ali Mall): 80 applicants ■ NCR West (SM Manila): 150 applicants ■ NCR East (SM Megamall): 100 applicants ■ DFA Consular Office-Pampanga: 80 applicants ■ NCR South (Metro Gaisano, Alabang): 150 applicants ■ Consular Office-Iloilo: 60 applicants ■ DFA Consular Office-La Union: 50 applicants ■ DFA Consular Office-Davao: 90 applicants ■ DFA Consular Office-Cebu: 100 applicants ■ DFA Consular Office-Cagayan de Oro: 37 applicants Applicants are advised to check the requirements first before they proceed to the DFA consular offices so that their time, money and effort won’t be wasted. The requirements can be accessed here: consular.dfa.gov.ph/services/authentication/authentication-requirements/requirements-of-documents-for-authentication.

Applicants who are not in a rush to get their Apostille documents, meanwhile, can book an appointment through the DFA portal co.dfaapostille. ph/dfa/.

DBM: 3-MOS’ P1,500 UCT TO BE RELEASED IN APRIL C  A

from the poorest 50 percent of the population would require an estimated P20-billion budget which will be sourced from government’s

excess revenues.

Returning funds to people

CANDA said it is likely that the financial assistance will be a “onetime” grant and that the excess

revenues may come from either the additional value-added tax collections on fuel, given the higher oil prices and dividends, from government corporations.

“That 500 pesos a month, perhaps what can only be funded at this point is probably a sum good for three months—from the excess revenues the DOF [Department of Finance] can collect,” she said at the Laging Handa Public briefing.

“So, instead of the government using that, that money will sort of be returned to the people—our poorest citizens—as ayuda,” Canda said, partly in Filipino.

According to Salceda, the funding source will probably be some mix of existing budgetary items and augmentation of existing items funded by dividend remittances and other non-tax sources.

“Note also that the budget is fungible, so as long as we can expand fiscal space in general, which we will through higher VAT collections, we can find some source from another item. The election ban may also have caused the discontinuance of some items, so DBM will have to do a sweep of which items can be declared as savings,” said Salceda.

“I am confident that we can afford this relief measure while maintaining our fiscal space. [The lower chamber will] continue to work with the BIR and BOC to ensure that we can close tax loopholes and improve revenue collections using existing tax laws,” he added.

The DOF has allocated P33.1 billion for the UCT program, which aims to help poor families cope with the impact of rising fuel prices, but on the premise of its initial proposal of P200 a month.

The UCT will be allocated for the 12 million Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) recipients, who are already getting P3,000 to P6,000 financial aid.

Fiscal problem

THE DOF said the government can afford the P33.1 billion needed to cover the additional UCT of P200 per month or P2,400 for one year for each household. However, President Duterte ordered Dominguez to hike the additional monthly additional UCT aid from P200 to P500 after drawing criticisms that the cash is “too small.”

When Dominguez expressed reservation over the “fiscal problems” in government finances in six months after it is implemented, Duterte said he brushed this off.

Sought separately by BusinessMirror on why the government decided to go for a three-month duration of the additional UCT, Canda said this is because the Duterte administration is already about to end in June.

“They dont want to tie the hands of the next admin,” she said in a message.

Canda also said in a separate interview with ABS-CBN News Channel that the provision for additional cash for beyond three months may depend on whether the prices of oil would continue to increase.

“Well, I think if the price of oil continues to rise, then we will have additional revenues to cover.

What we want to balance here is really the increase in the prices of oil which affect our poorest of the poor and balancing it with the appropriation or the expenditure side. So hopefully the price of oil would stabilize so that we don’t need to give support financial support to our 50 percent population for the succeeding three months,” she said.

Nonetheless, Canda said they are hoping to release the amount in April once they receive the certification of excess revenues from the Bureau of the Treasury.

PHL...

C  A

senators. How can they grow the economy, with this huge debt overhang and we have automatic debt payment?”Mendoza said, partly in Filipino.

Green growth

IN order to improve the country’s chances of attaining higher growth, FDC President Rene E. Ofreneo cited a need to focus not just on the primary strength of the economy but also on attaining green growth.

Attaining green growth, Ofreneo said, means boosting green consumption that would also improve the country’s response to climate change. This means focusing on the country’s strength, particularly agriculture.

“Let us look inward, let us build our internal strength. Consumption-led [growth] should be qualified, green consumption-led. This means that is the focus. Right now the economy is consumption-led [with] remittances of the OFWs, but how long can we maintain this? So green consumption, going organic, going chemical free with reforestation, climate proofing, Covid-proofing our communities—that shold all be there,” Ofreneo said, partly in Filipino.

Ingredients for growth

MENDOZA said no matter what anybody says about the structure of the Philippine economy today, the Philippines has all the ingredients to grow its own food and be sufficient. He said the Philippines has land to plant in, enjoy 12 months of sunlight, sufficient water resources, plenty of labor, and capital—all keys for a vibrant agriculture sector.

Mendoza said with this strategy, the country would be better off than today. He said food costs are very high not only because of the recent spike in oil and wheat prices due to the Russia-Ukraine war.

Taking into consideration climate change and the ecological costs of growing food, Mendoza estimated that rice prices could actually reach P305 to P316 per kilogram while chicken and meat prices could reach P300 per kilogram and P500 per kilogram, respectively.

These costs increase because of the number of people in the world as well as pets. Mendoza said there are 900 million dogs and about 400 million cats being fed by people worldwide, further increasing demand for food.

Mendoza said it is time to consider a shift in people’s diets. He said it is time for people, including Filipinos, to grow their own food in order to reduce the demand for food items. “A plant-based diet is resource-less intensive. A meatbased diet requires 1.4 hectares. If we all become meat lovers, we need 7 earths [to sustain us],” Mendoza said in a presentation.

He said Filipinos should shift to planetary-health diets, which are good for humans and mother earth. This means consuming more vegetables, fruits, and reducing rice consumption.

It is important, he said, to shift to eating more root crops, maiz, adlai, and sorghum as well as to be more conscious of drinking 8 glasses of water daily. Meat consumption should be reduced to only once a week.

2,500 hotel housekeepers needed ASAP in Israel C  A

“During the meeting, IHA said its members may require up to 10,000 laborers,” the Embassy added.

Filipinos who wish to apply must register at the web site of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) www.poea. gov.ph or www.onlineservices.poea. gov.ph. There will be no recruitment agencies involved, as the project is under the 2018 Philippines-Israel labor agreement for a governmentto-government arrangement for deployment of Filipino hotel workers for Israel.

Minimum wage for a hotel housekeeper is 5,300 NIS (around P86,000), but the worker needs to pay for his/her 10-percent income tax, 125 NIS medical insurance, 568 NIS housing, as well as other expenses like food, telephone and travel. To be able to register, applicants must: have NCII Certification on Housekeeping; be at least 25 years old; physically and mentally healthy; have good command of English; do not have parent, spouse or children working or residing in Israel; and have never worked previously in Israel.

According to the POEA web site, those who have already applied and

were included in the random selection but were not yet given contracts will be given priority. Hotel workers with contracts that were canceled due to Covid-19 need not also re-apply.

“IHA also praised the Filipino workers’ professionalism, English proficiency, and work ethic,” the Embassy said.

Ambassador Alberto proposed that Israeli hotels also take in Filipino students on on-the-job training programs. “The IHA positively received and committed to consider after the initial deployment of Filipino workers have been accomplished,” the Embassy added.

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Palace order updates rules on advertising signs, billboards

PA activates company size unit to boost military’s electronic warfare capability

By Rene Acosta

By Samuel P. Medenilla @sam_medenilla

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RESIDENT Duterte has signed an Executive Order (EO) No. 165 updating and supplementing the rules on non-mobile advertising signs and billboards.

Under the five-page issuance, Duterte said newly constructed billboard structure must have at least 5 meters (m) of setback from the frontage property line, measured perpendicularly from the support structure.

The display surface of the billboard and sign structure shall not exceed 250 square meters (sq m).

For light-emitting diode (LED) billboard display or other electronic signs, the size should be between 55 sq m and 250 sq m.

The freestanding structures shall have a maximum height of 36 m from the established grade, provided such will not obstruct any public utility and fire exits. For roofmounted billboards, such should have a combined height limit of 26 m for urban areas and not more than 36 m for rural areas.

If the rooftop billboards are new, such shall not exceed or occupy one-fourth of the street frontage of the building on which they are attached with the base area of the support skeleton frame structure not more than 10 sq m on any horizontal section.

EO 165 also required wall-mounted billboards to be placed against blank walls and not exceed the area of such walls.

New billboard structures installed or erected at the same side of the road must have a minimum distance of 100 m apart.

Outdoor advertising signs must also not be “obstructed” or be fully visible within 200 m distance from its intended audience.

“Obstruction” of an existing billboard or on-premises sign by an advertising billboard from its intended viewership, no matter how partial is prohibited.

The new issuance signed by President Duterte last Monday gave a two-year grace period for owners and operators of existing sign and billboards as well as local governments to comply with the new surface size and height provisions.

The Department of Public Works and Highways was tasked to come out with the implementing guidelines for EO 165.

EO 165 will take effect immediately after its publication in the Official Gazette or in newspapers of general circulation.

@reneacostaBM

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HE Philippine Army (PA) will activate a new unit to boost its electronic warfare capability, its commanding general said as the command celebrated its 125th founding anniversary on Tuesday.

Army chief Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner said he would activate the

1st Electronic Warfare Company to strengthen the Army’s capability as a ground force.

Brawner mentioned the activation of the unit as he gave an update on the PA’s ongoing modernization in his first 100 days as Army commanding general.

He said PA has already activated an infantry rocket-system and short-range air defense battalions as well as a ground-based

@awimailbox Mindanao Bureau Chief

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AVAO CITY—Solar-powered lights donated by a Filipino foundation would now brighten up rebel-infested AtaManobo villages in the tribal town of Talaingod, Davao del Norte, and the Army expressed hope that the installation of the new lighting facility would somehow help diminish the influence New People’s Army (NPA) insurgents in these areas.

A Philippine Information Agency reporter who covered the ceremonial installation and lighting of solar lights at dusk on Monday said the “Suga para sa Katawhan” (Light for the People) provides lighting facility for 32 indigenous people’s (IP) communities along the 27.2 kilometerstretch of man-made, hand and shovel road locally known among the Ata-Manobo IPs as “pan-pan.”

air defense battery.

The Army chief said the military’s ground force is moving to become a “world-class military force by 2028” as it pursues its various plans and programs, including the acquisition of needed firepower.

“We are guided by the Army Transformation Roadmap. By 2028, I firmly believe that we are already a world-class Army that is a source of national pride,” Brawner said.

The PA obser ved its 125th founding anniversary on Tuesday, with Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana as its guest speaker who commended the unit for its efforts in nation building.

“Indeed, the Army is more than just a military institution. It has become a reliable and responsive partner of the Filipino people during calamities and national emergencies,” Lorenzana said.

“Sustain your fervor in serving the Filipino people with passion and dedication. Continue building your capacities and learn from your experiences. Cultivate your harmonious working relationship with our stakeholders because convergence with them is the key to keeping the trust of the Filipino people,” he added.

Retired and current security officials attended the event.

Gatchalian gripes over DOE and DTI’s Duterte urged to also extend free rides on LRT, PNR trains 5-month delay in enforcing LPG Act

By Butch Fernandez

@butchfBM

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EN. Sherwin T. Gatchalian griped over the extended delay in enforcing the Congress-approved law regulating the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) industry, pinning the blame squarely on the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

The lawmaker lamented the five-month delay and prodded the DOE and DTI to “fast track the promulgation of the law to ensure consumer protection against industry malpractices.”

Citing its relevance in the observance of the Fire Prevention Month, the senator stressed the significance of Republic Act 11592 that, he recalled, took 18 years and seven Congresses, to ensure the removal of unsafe tanks from circulation with the objective of preventing LPG-fire related incidents.

The senator stressed that the new law also institutionalizes the cylinder exchange and swapping program to allow consumers to purchase any LPG cylinder brand of their choice.

Gatchalian griped that “it

has been five months since the signing of the Republic Act 11592, otherwise known as the LPG Industry Regulation Act, and we have yet to hear the release of the law’s implementing rules and regulations [IRR].”

As its principal author and sponsor of the awaited remedial legislation, the senator reminded its timely enactment noting the incoming fire-prone hot summer months.

“Ngayong panahon ng tag-init, hindi maiiwasan ang anumang sunog o pagsabog dala ng depektibong tangke ng LPG kaya kailangang kailangan natin na pairalin ang ganitong batas upang mabigyan ng proteksyon ang publiko,” he said.

Citing official records, Gatchalian noted that a total of 787 LPG-related fire incidents nationwide were recorded last year by the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), six of which were caused by defective tanks.

He added that a similar incident took place last February 20 in Sta. Cruz, Manila, that claimed the lives of at least four individuals.

“Kung masisiguro natin na maayos at hindi depektibo o peke ang mga tangke ng LPG sa

merkado, makakampante tayo na mababawasan o maiiwasan ang mga insidente ng mga pagsabog o pagliyab ng nagiging sanhi ng sunog at pagkasawi ng ilan,” said Gatchalian.

The senator reminded that under the law, the DOE together with the DTI and in consultation with concerned government agencies and stakeholders, including consumer groups, should promulgate the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) within 60 days from its effectivity.

Moreover, Gatchalian affirmed “the IRR for the LPG Cylinder Exchange and Swapping Program and LPG Cylinder Improvement Program of the law, should be in place within six months from the signing of RA 11592.”

As crafted, he said the LPG Cylinder Exchange and Swapping Program also allows consumers to bring any brand of empty LPG cylinder to any retail outlet and use it to purchase another brand of LPG cylinder carried by the retail outlet. The LPG Cylinder Improvement Program, meanwhile, ensures the quality of all LPG cylinders in circulation to protect consumers, he added.

By Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz @joveemarie

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LAWMAKER on Wednesday urged the national government to also give free rides on Light Rail Transit (LRT) and Philippine National Railways (PNR) trains.

Rep. Angelica Co, a member of the House Committee on Economic Affairs, issued the statement after President Duterte announced that the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) 3 would open free rides to the public for a month starting March 28 to April 30, 2022.

“I reiterate my suggestion that the LRTA [Light Rail Transit Authority] and PNR to give their passengers free rides even if only for a limited period,” said Co. According to the lawmaker, these free rides are needed to cushion the impact of rising fuel prices and costs of transport.

“These will immediately benefit workers who commute by rail, including the health-care frontliners and hospital workers,” she added.

“Thesemeasurescouldalsoconvince motorists to keep their cars at home on some days so they could save on gasoline or diesel. There would be less traffic congestion as a result,” Co said.

Welcome relief

FOR his part, House Ad Hoc Com-

mittee on the Fuel Price Crisis CoChairman Joey Sarte Salceda lauded President Duterte’s decision on free MRT-3 rides, saying this is welcome relief for the working Filipino.

“As early as February, we have asserted that increasing public transport supply is one of the most optimal policy approaches to mitigate the effects of the fuel price hikes. Public transport reduces the need for private transportation and eases congestion, which is a leading driver of higher fuel consumption among vehicles. President Duterte’s policy instinct on this matter is correct,” he said.

Together with this move, Salceda said LTFRB also assured the public that it has lifted restrictions on prepandemic bus routes.

“The guidelines from the LTFRB on that matter have been issued. I continue to appeal to the LTFRB to issue similar guidelines for public utility jeepneys,” he said.

“Likewise, I enjoin the DILG [Department of the Interior and Local Government] to issue guidelines lifting pandemic restrictions on tricycles.

As well-ventilated transport options that are essential in provincial areas, tricycles are a lifeblood of rural economies and are also relatively safe from Covid-19. We already allow highly attended political rallies. Restrictions on tricycles no longer make sense,” he said.

Education dept. eyes resumption of Palarong Pambansa school games

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HE Department of Education (DepEd) is mulling over the resumption of Palarong Pambansa and other sporting events in schools as Covid-19 cases in the country continue to decline.

“Yes, ipagpapatuloy ’yan, except that we are adjusting the sports like boxing hindi na natin ’yan papayagan. Kailangan din ang mga playing venues ay nasa mga bukas na lugar [We will continue with that, except

that we are adjusting the sports like for example boxing we may not allow that. Playing venues should also be in open places],” Education Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones said at news briefing Wednesday.

The DepEd chief, however, did not give any definite date for the resumption of the Palarong Pambansa.

DepEd suspended the Palarong Pambansa and other events that draw large crowds in 2020 as a pre-

Into the light: Solar-powered bulbs brighten up rebel-infested IP communities in Davao del Norte

By Manuel T. Cayon

Editor: Vittorio V. Vitug • Thursday, March 24, 2022 A3

Some 15 solar lights were switched on after the initial units were installed at the outskirt sitio of Nasilaban, Barangay Palma Gil. Some tribal leaders and villagers witnessed the ceremony in this off-grid village.

Talaingod is 112 kilometers north of here. It lies at the tri-boundary of Davao City, Davao del Norte and Bukidnon, and has been one of the hinterland areas here with a strong presence of NPA rebels.

Brig. Gen. Consolito Yecla, commander of the Army’s 1003rd Infantry Brigade, told tribal leaders and residents that the road and the solar lights may not provide all the solutions to their concerns that drove them to evacuate for years in the compound of a religious group in Davao City.

“Itong suga ug panpan, di nato masulti nga ito na yong maka-solve sa lahat ng problema ninyo [This light and road would not solve all your problems],” he said, even as he ex-

pressed optimism that the project would open new trails connecting to the other tribal sitios.

“Kung kaya nating bigyan ng kalsada, kaya nating bigyan ng lights, kaya din nating mabigyan ng magandang kinabukasan yong ating mga pamilya at mga anak [So if we can provide roads and can provide lights, we can also provide bright future for our families and children],” he added.

Yecla said a technical team will spearhead the installation of 400 solar-powered lights, adding they would be assisted by villagers and soldiers from the 56th Infantry Battalion stationed in Talaingod.

The PIA dispatch said the Jaime V. Ongpin Foundation Inc. donated 400 units of solar lights and coursed them through the 1003rd Army Infantry Brigade.

Yecla also urged community key leaders and barangay officials to ensure that the installed solar lights would be taken care of and protected.

caution against the spread of the Covid-19 virus.

Aside from sporting events, other DepEd affairs that were put on hold due to the pandemic are talent contests, science fairs and campus journalism events.

It a lso shif ted to blended learning wherein students use modules and the Internet to continue their schooling.

For his part, DepEd Assistant

Secretary Malcolm Garma said a decision on when to hold the Palarong Pambansa would be discussed by the Palaro Secretariat.

“It’s a collegial decision when to start but definitely with the development we are experiencing right now, there are plans to reopen the Palaro, though again, there is no exact date when,” Garma said.

He added t hat aside f rom DepEd, the Department of the In-

terior and Local Government and the Philippine Sports Commission are also a member-agencies of the Palaro Secretariat.

He said the Secretariat would also consult with regions who might want to host the annual sporting event.

“Supposedly, the host before the pandemic was the National Capital Region, in particular Marikina City but because of Covid-19 it was suspended,” Garma explained. Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco

We’re not ready to drop blended learning yet, DepEd chief says

By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco @claudethmc3

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S the Department of Educ at ion (DepEd) gea rs up for the resumption of limited face-to-face (F-to-F) classes with increased number of participating schools, Education Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones said that they are “not letting go” of online learning.

“We are trying to avoid the dichotomy between online and other modalities, that one approach is better than the other. Bini-blend natin ang needs ng schools at mga learners, so, we strongly object to the idea that learning was lost during the pandemic,” Briones said at a news briefing on Wednesday.

Despite the connectivity problem, Briones said DepEd has not been remiss in its duty to provide resources to schools amid the pandemic.

“Of course, connectivity is also relative to other agencies…

This issue is not DepEd’s alone

DEPARTMENT of Education (DepEd) Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones admits DepEd will maintain online learning despite the resumption of limited face-to-face classes. SCREENGRAB

to resolve since it is also national policy because education is really interlinked to society, politics and policies of the government,” Briones said.

For his part, DepEd Assistant Secretary Malcolm Garma said a total of 14,396 public and private schools

nationwide with 2.6 million learners have been nominated by DepEd regional officials to resume limited F-to-F classes.

Garma explained that nominated schools are those that have already passed the School Safety Assessment Tool against Covid-19.

A4 Thursday, March 24, 2022 • Editor: Vittorio V. Vitug

Economy BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

FIRB’s jurisdiction over BPOs in ecozones questioned

By Samuel P. Medenilla @sam_medenilla

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LABOR leader is questioning the jurisdiction of the Fiscal Incentives Review Board (FIRB) to compel Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) offices in economic zones to require their employees to go back physically to office work.

Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipino (BMP) President Luke Espiritu pointed out the order undermines the jurisdiction of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) since it affects employer-employee relationship.

“The order in question, Resolution 19-21 of the FIRB is not a return to office order at all, but a declara-

tion that they will revoke the tax incentives of BPO companies unless they compel their employees to work onsite by April 1, 2022,” Espiritu said.

The affected BPO firms appealed to the FIRB to extend the deadline that will require their workers to return to office work, but the board refused to budge on the issue, saying it will be unfair for BPO firms operating outside of economic zones that are paying taxes.

Establishments are given tax breaks if their operations are based in economic zones.

The FIRB relaxed these restrictions during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic in the last two years, when cases were much more

widespread, and allowed BPO firms to retain their tax perks even if some of their personnel are working from home.

Espiritu said he is supporting the appeal of BPO companies for a longer grace period before they start requiring office duties to their personnel since the country is still under a state of calamity due to the pandemic.

FIRB’s insistence, he said, may put the lives of the affected BPO workers at risk.

“We are one with the 1.3 million workers in the BPO industry in their struggle to reverse the RTO [return to office] order and fight for the right to continue the workfrom-home [WFH] setup, which

S. Cotabato devt council affirms ban on open-pit mining method

By Jonathan L. Mayuga @jonlmayuga

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HE Provincial Development Council (PDC) of South Cotabato has upheld the ban on openpit mining method, a policy that hinders the operation of the Tampakan Copper-Gold Project.

Anti-mining advocates hailed the PDC’s move. This even as the provincial government of South Cotabato is set to make a decision in the coming weeks whether to reverse the ban it had instituted in 2010.

In a resolution approved on March 9, 2022, PDC said, “the environmental and social impacts of the open-pit mining method outweigh economic gains.”

In upholding the ban, the PDC cited the “one health” theory, or “an approach that recognizes that the health of people is closely connected to the health of animals and our shared environment.”

Governor Reynaldo Tamayo Jr.,

who also sits as chairman of the PDC, approved the resolution.

“This resolution is a good sign that the provincial government itself will eventually uphold the open-pit ban enshrined in the landmark environmental code of South Cotabato. We hope that the province will take its cue from the Provincial Development Council, which has chosen to prioritize the environment and well-being of people,” said Maya Quirino, advocacy coordinator of the Legal Rights and Natural Resources Center (LRC).

The Tampakan Copper-Gold Project (TCGP), which covers an area the size of the city of Manila, straddles four provinces. Environmentalists said its operation threatens watershed systems that may have dire consequences to people and the environment in South Cotabato and contiguous areas.

A risk-mapping assessment by the Environmental Science for Social Change (ESSC) and World Resources Institute found that TCGP “belongs

to an area of high ecological values [which comprise protected areas, primary forests, mangroves, and Unesco World Heritage Sites], high groundwater vulnerability [very likely affecting groundwater quantity and quality], medium-high vulnerability to watershed stress, medium social vulnerability [based on functional literacy, welfare and NGO/people’s organization membership], and high seismic risk.”

The mining project covers an area of around 10,000 hectares, portions of which include rainforests and agricultural land that will be cleared for the project. This, according to the same ESSC study, “will remove topsoil and destroy wildlife in an area with high unique biodiversity, with over 1,000 floral species and 280 recorded fauna species, of which 30 percent are endemic to the Philippines, and over 50 species are already under threat of extinction. The excavation itself will break into, disrupt, de-water and degrade the aquifer in the area.”

Think tank to govt: Pursue investment-led growth, shock resilient Philippine economy

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HE Philippines must aim for investment-led growth and create conditions to encourage this environment so that the economy would be resilient to future shocks, business leaders urged the next government leaders in a roundtable discussion organized by think tank Stratbase ADR Institute.

Former Bangko Sentral Deputy Governor for Monetary and Economics Sector Diwa Guinigundo said growth driven by investments has always been the goal of public policy because it promotes sustainability and resiliency.

“Investments could also help prepare economies to transition to the post-pandemic world. In particular, investments help alleviate economic scarring from labor productivity loss by helping people get back to work,” he said.

Guinigundo’s special paper for Stratbase ADR Institute, Pursuing an Investment-Led, More Sustainable Economic Growth, a special publication of Stratbase ADRi, was launched during a forum called Business Agenda for the New Administration held online on March 8.

“Economic and business activities could also make use of higher levels of investments to make them more sustainable and self-sustaining. It is therefore imperative to implement policy measures that would attract domestic investments, both public and private, as well as foreign,” he added.

To achieve this, the main challenge for the next administration is creating an environment that is conducive to investment, whether foreign or domestic.

“Pursuing policies that promote investments could therefore help the Philippines address the health and economic ramifications of the pandemic, and in the process, strengthen the economy’s traction towards early and quick recovery,” Guinigundo added.

In his opening remarks, Ernest

Bower IV, President and CEO, BowerGroupAsia (BGA), pointed out that the Philippines, relative to its neighbors, had traditionally leaned toward a more protective posture, focusing on protecting domestic business instead of enlarging the economy and encouraging national champions to scale and become regional and global leaders.

“A new administration with confidence and a strong partnership with business can change that situation and drive new opportunities, equitable growth…creating jobs and driving more prosperity than ever before,” he said. For Guinigundo, a crucial first step is a strong partnership between the government and the private sector.

“Attracting investments implies the need for a public-private sector collaboration and an interrelated set of policy responses and recommendations that recognizes and cuts through the following: reinvigorating investment performance, role of good institutions, better infrastructure, the digital imperative, green sustainable finance, and the role of legislative measures in attracting investments,” he said.

To achieve this, going digital and going green are pillars of the pivot toward an investment-driven economy.

“The private sector can lead in the innovation of digital products and services that would allow the increase of the breadth and reach of markets even in these difficult times,” he said.

“The challenge to the regulators and operators of these digital platforms is, of course, to ensure integrity in the whole process, ensuring that no operational disruption or hacking would compromise the completion of commercial transactions. Consumer protection should be paramount.”

Meanwhile, a green and inclusive recovery will significantly enhance the resilience of our economies and societ-

ies in the face of both the severe recession and accelerating environmental challenges, he said.

“Introduction of environmental, social, and governance [ESG] considerations in investment decisions is important as they correct for a market failure known as tragedy of the commons. ESG forces firms to consider the real cost to the environment and society that their activities impose,” Guinigundo said.

The Chairman of the Makati Business Club, Edgar Chua, emphasized the role of the private sector in strengthening democratic institutions and liberalizing the economy.

On the other hand, Sharon Dayoan, President and Co-Founder, Filipina CEO Circle (FCC), also said the new administration needs to make the Philippines an attractive investment destination to encourage more foreign direct investments with strong macroeconomic fundamentals and a stable regulatory environment.

Other speakers in the forum were George Barcelon, President of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), Alfredo Pascual, President of the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP), Sergio Ortiz-Luis Jr., President of the Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP).

“We need investments by the private sector because they are integral to national development as these endeavors create jobs, provide income security, and alleviate poverty,” said Stratbase ADR Institute Professor Victor Andres “Dindo” Manhit as he closed the forum.

But to attract these investments, Manhit underscored the importance of transparency and governance.

“Transparency breeds good governance, which in turn creates the public trust needed by a national leadership to bring the country forward to sustainable recovery post-elections and post-pandemic,” he said.

ensures their productivity, health and safety, and greater time with their respective families,” Espiritu said.

Espiritu also criticized Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III, who also chairs the FIRB, for using micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) as an “excuse” to justify Resolution 19-21.

Dominguez earlier said BPO firms in ecozones are actually allowed to definitely implement WFH arrangement, but they will risk forfeiting their tax exemptions.

For its part, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said FIRB Resolution 19-21 is a tax issue and not an issue on the legality of telecommuting.

QC’s pandemic response gets boost from IFC

By Cai U. Ordinario @caiordinario

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HE World Bank Group’s private sector arm, International Finance Corp. (IFC), will provide advisory services to the local government of Quezon City to help “future proof” the city’s vaccination strategy and testing facilities.

IFC aims to enhance the efficiency of the existing program and increase vaccination rates by improving and expanding vaccination centers, bolstering testing facilities, and strengthening vaccine logistics, among other focus areas for improvement.

These efforts will also be undertaken by the IFC together with International SOS, a leading global health and risk-management organization.

“Supporting subnational governments and cities, which are often at the forefront of climate change and pandemic response efforts, is crucial. We look forward to a long term and fruitful partnership with Quezon City and to supporting more cities in the Philippines,” said Jean-Marc Arbogast, Country Manager for the Philippines at IFC. Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte said the project would help the Philippines’ largest city “cover all bases” and strengthen its pandemic response efforts.

“While Quezon City is already considered as ‘very low risk’ for Covid-19, we should not rest on our laurels and there must be no room for complacency. We must not let our guard down until we achieve total victory over this virus,” Belmonte said.

IFC and the Word Bank are also supporting Quezon City in assessing carbon mitigation related investment opportunities with a focus on sustainable, safe, low-carbon, and resilient transport mobility and green corridors.

As a member of the World Bank Group, IFC is uniquely positioned to help mayors and municipal leaders meet the demands of their cities, which drive growth and generate more than 80 percent of global GDP. It also mobilizes commercial financing for priority projects, connects cities with capital markets, and leverages World Bank and private sector expertise to facilitate infrastructure projects.

Since 1962, IFC has invested more than $5.5 billion—of which over $3.5 billion was invested from its own account—in around 160 projects in the Philippines.

Strategic priorities in the country include reducing the impacts of climate change, deepening financial inclusion, promoting sustainable infrastructure, and strengthening the capacity of the private sector that would better support the Philippines throughout the pandemic and help drive inclusive growth during the eventual recovery.

Agriculture/Commodities BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Editor: Jennifer A. Ng • Thursday, March 24, 2022 A5

PCC terminates antitrust probe on PEBA

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By Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas

@jearcalas

HE Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) has terminated its full administrative investigation (FAI) into the Philippine Egg Board Association (PEBA), which sought to determine if anticompetitive behaviors exist within the country’s largest group of layer raisers.

In a letter to PEBA President Irwin Ambal, PCC Enforcement Office Director Orlando P. Polinar said his office terminated the FAI involving the layer raiser group and its members last January 5 “by way closure without prejudice.”

“Please be informed that on 05

January 2022, the Enforcement Office has terminated the FAI by way closure without prejudice,” Polinar said in his letter dated February 8, a copy of which was obtained by the BusinessMirror.

The PCC Enforcement Office conducted the FAI last year to

determine if anti-competitive behaviors, such as price fixing, exist within PEBA since the industry group conducts egg price monitoring by collecting and sharing data on farm-gate prices from respective members.

“However, considering that price information is being exchanged among members of PEBA and collected by PEBA, it is suggested that PEBA adopt certain measures to avoid possible price fixing and other forms of collusive conduct among its members,” Polinar said.

Polinar’s office made six recommendations that PEBA may consider to improve its exchange of price information.

“The management of the collection and dissemination of information [e.g., prices of egg] shall be solely undertaken by the association [i.e., PEBA]. It is likewise suggested that PEBA adopt mechanisms to ensure that the information is not

disseminated or used in a manner that will facilitate collusion or coordinated conduct among PEBA members,” Polinar said.

PEBA was advised to collect more than three months old egg prices from their members and that the data should be “sufficiently aggregated such that no participant can discern the data of any other participant.”

Polinar’s office also recommended to PEBA that at least five participants provide the data underlying each statistic shared and no single provider contributes more than 25 percent of the weight of any statistic.

“The data must be collected per region. The enforcement office notes that there are some provinces with only one representation [i.e., one member from the province]. Thus, to ensure that no participant can discern the data of any other participant, the data should be collected per region,” he said.

PSA approves conduct of household rice, corn stocks survey

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HE Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) has cleared the conduct of a P17.7-million nationwide survey that would determine the volume of rice and stocks in households.

The PSA said it will conduct this year its 2022 Rice and Corn Stocks Survey: Household (RCSS:H), formerly known as the Palay and Corn Stocks Survey.

The survey is part of a bigger data and information collection by PSA that serves as input to the government’s policy-making concerning food supply and price stability in the market.

“The 2022 RCSS:H aims to generate rice and corn stocks inventory held in the household sector,” the PSA said in a recent statement.

“The survey provides information together with stock information from the commercial and government sectors to monitor the rice and corn stocks situation of the food staples to ensure supply and demand equilibrium, access, and price stability. It serves as inputs to the estimation and compilation of the national accounts.”

The PSA will collect data through interviews of 15,535 households (10,880 farming and 5,655 non-

farming) nationwide every first four days of the reference month. The province of Batangas will be excluded from the survey.

“As stipulated on the System of Designated Statistics [SDS], the PSA is scheduled to release the results of the survey 10 days after the reference month,” it said.

“The detailed report of the latest results of the rice and corn inventory can be accessed at https://psa.gov.ph/ ricor-stocks-main,” it added.

The PSA said the 2022 RCSS:H was reviewed and cleared for conduct under the Statistical Survey Review and Clearance System (SSRCS), a mechanism being implemented by the statistical agency by virtue of Rule 28 of Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act 10625.

The review was done to ensure sound design for data collection, minimize the burden placed upon respondents, effect economy in statistical data collection, eliminate unnecessary duplication of statistical data collection efforts and achieve better coordination of government statistical activities, according to the PSA. “In line with this, the PSA enjoins sampled households to sup-

port the 2022 RCSS:H by providing the required information to authorized PSA interviewers who will visit the sampled farming and non-farming households to conduct a personal interview.”

The Federation of Free Farmers (FFF) urged the PSA last week to double-check their estimated rice inventory figures, citing possible discrepancies in the statistical agency’s dataset. (Related story: https://businessmirror.com. ph/2022/03/17/farmers-groupdoubts-accuracy-of-latest-psarice-inventory-stats/) The BusinessMirror earlier reported that the country’s rice inventory declined to a four-month low in January despite a record palay harvest last year, based on PSA data.

Figures from the PSA indicated that the country’s rice inventory as of January 1 fell by a fifth to 1.859 million metric tons (MMT), from the 2.332 MMT recorded a year ago.

“In contrast to the previous month’s rice stocks inventory level of 2.377 MMT, there was a -21.8 percent drop,” the PSA said in its report titled “Rice and Corn Stocks Inventory.”

The PSA data showed that rice stocks in households reached 991,560 MT while those kept in com-

mercial warehouses and National Food Authority (NFA) warehouses reached 659,560 MT and 208,330 MT, respectively.

“Of the total rice stocks inventory, about 53.3 percent were from the households. The remaining 35.5 percent and 11.2 percent were contributed by the commercial warehouses/wholesalers/retailers and NFA depositories, respectively.”

The PSA report showed that rice inventory across all sectors (households, commercial warehouses and NFA) declined both on an annual and monthly basis.

In the same report, the PSA said the country’s total corn inventory as of January 1 declined by 44.51 percent to 507,150 MT, from last year’s 914,070 MT. “As compared with the last month’s corn stocks inventory level of 562,840 metric tons, a drop of -9.9 percent was recorded in January 2022,” the report read.

The PSA said corn stocks for both households and commercial warehouses declined on an annual and monthly basis. Corn inventory in households reached 73,960 MT while stocks in commercial warehouses were at 433,190 MT.

Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas

C. Luzon fishers first to get fuel subsidy

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

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HE Department of Agriculture (DA), through the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), has distributed fuel subsidies to hundreds of fisherfolk in Central Luzon on March 21 following a series of nationwide oil price increase this month heightened by the ongoing Russia-Ukraine crisis.

Out of the 79,365 fisherfolk the DA-BFAR is targeting to provide a fuel discount cash card amounting to P3,000 until next month, the agency has already given cash cards to 222 fishers during the project’s launching at the Subic Fish Port in Zambales. DA-BFAR has identified 6,709 fisherfolk-beneficiaries from Region 3, out of which 3,352 fisherfolk are from the province of Zambales.

“We must continuously promote the agriculture and fisheries sectors.

Fishing must not stop. Farming must not stop because our country is in need of sustenance. Let us not allow the Filipino people to get hungry. In this time of crisis, let us show that we can provide sustainable food security in the Philippines,” Agriculture Secretary William Dar said in Filipino.

The DA implemented the Fuel Discount for Farmers and Fisherfolk Program in accordance with the Special Provision No. 20 of the Republic Act 11639, otherwise known as the General Appropriation Act for the Fiscal Year 2022. The reallocated amount of P250 million to the fisheries sector shall be used to provide fuel discounts that will benefit both producers and consumers.

To avail of the fuel subsidy, eligible fisherfolk and/or members of fisherfolk cooperatives and associations must be registered under

the fisherfolk registration program or FishR, must be using motorized bancas with three gross tons or below and registered under the boat registration program or BoatR, and must be using environment-friendly fishing gears.

The fuel discount cash cards will be distributed to beneficiaries, in coordination with the Development Bank of the Philippines, through the BFAR regional offices. An additional P600 million is set to be injected into DA’s fuel subsidy program in April 2022, totaling up to P1.1-billion budget

for the program. This is in line with President Duterte’s approval of an additional P12-billion budget allocation for food mobilization efforts.

BFAR said it recognizes the indispensable role of fisherfolk in attaining national food security amid the constant increase in prices of oil and oil products. Through the DA’s Fuel Discount for Farmers and Fisherfolk Program, the government remains steadfast in effectively communicating the needs of producers and consumers to ensure that the Filipino people will have food on their table.

“We further recommend that PEBA adopt a policy or program to educate its members on the Philippine Competition Act and other competition laws and regulations to avoid anticompetitive agreements and conduct especially when interacting with competitors.”

The PCC enforcement office conducts an FAI to “ascertain whether there is sufficient basis to charge an entity” for violation of the Philippine Competition Act, its implementing rules, or other competition laws, according to the antitrust body’s rules of procedures.

Ambal told the BusinessMirror that PEBA was “relieved” that the FAI was terminated but he said his group had already expected it since PEBA has been monitoring prices for a very long time.

“We know the market. We have been doing this for the longest time.

The sad part about the recommendations is that it looked like that

they still cannot appreciate how fragmented the egg market is,” Ambal said.

“The peculiarities of the relationship between the buyer and seller at farm-gate to viajeros make price fixing very difficult. The market is very dynamic.”

Ambal said it is impossible to impose a uniform rate for eggs due to numerous factors that come into play, such as the varying sizes of the commodity.

“In the sizing or categories alone, no one even complies with it. The medium-sized egg of one raiser will differ in weight with the medium-sized egg of another raiser,” he said.

“We tried to explain it to them. We even told them to go out of their offices and talk to us. We even offered them to our farms and areas to see the whole value chain, everything.

But they could not do so because of Covid-19-related concerns.”

‘Road projects vital to Mindanao agri sector nearing completion’

By Manuel T. Cayon @awimailbox Mindanao Bureau Chief

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AVAO CITY—Two road projects that are vital to the agricultural sector of Mindanao are nearing completion.

Costing P1.634 billion, these projects are seen to provide alternate and faster routes across provinces and cities and to make marketing life easier for poor farmers in the region.

T he road projects a re t he 58.55-kilometer highway connecting Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat and Davao del Sur and the 32.96km road connecting the interior agricultural areas of Lupon and the capital of Davao Oriental, Mati City.

T he Depar tment of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Region 12 said it has set its sights on completing soon the Maguindanao to Davao del Sur road, a project that was started before 2020. It was stalled due to the mobility restrictions aimed at preventing the spread of Covid-19.

The Philippine News Agency quoted DPWH-12 Director Basir M. Ibrahim as saying that the Datu Paglas-Columbio-Matanao road project connecting the provinces of Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat, and Davao del Sur was 91.2 percent complete.

“It is composed of a 23.2-kilometer road opening and concreting which also includes two bridges with a total length of 240 meters,” Ibrahim said.

Constr uct ion has reac hed Matanao town in Davao del Sur. The road weaves its way away from the national highway and into the rice and vegetable production areas of these provinces while connecting these agricultural areas to their markets in the cities and provincial capitals.

M a g u i nd a n ao a nd Su lt a n Kudarat are in the Cotabato plain, which is known as the country’s rice bowl, due to its massive rice output. Central Luzon holds the distinction of being the country’s rice granary.

“Once the road project is completed, travel time from Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat to Matanao, Davao del Sur would be reduced from four hours and 10 minutes to only two hours and 20 minutes,” Ibrahim said.

Ibrahim said improved mobility would have people getting more access to better economic opportunities and government services, “thus, alleviate the lives of those living in the once considered farflung communities.”

Davao Oriental road network

FOR a foreign-funded development program that centers on supporting existing economic enterprise or providing marketing support, the road project in Davao Oriental is currently the longest road project in the entire country.

Abel James Monteagudo, DA-11 Davao regional director of the Department of Agriculture, said the road network is one of the longest road projects implemented under the World Bank-funded Philippine Rural Development Program (PRDP). The PRDP is being implemented by the DA. The DA only recently opened this road network in Davao Oriental, traversing through Barangays Macangao, Tagboa, New Visayas, and San Isidro in Lupon town and to the barangays of Libudon, Sanghay, Culian, and parts of Badas in Mati City, according to a PNA report.

The provincial government said the road network is 32.96 kilometers long and cuts through eight barangays.

The project was started in 2017 and it was completed in 2020, but the formal turnover was held in abeyance due to the Covid-19 pandemic. It was formally turned over by Governor Nelson Dayanghirang on March 16 in a ceremony in Barangay Macangao, the PNA added.

The provincial government said the PRDP took charge of the 14.36 kilometers with P218.1 million and the remaining 18.6 kilometers with a bridge component was taken from the DILG’s Conditional Matching Grant to Provinces (CMGP) of P366.1 million.

The CMGP is a facility that gives funds to local governments as counterpart to any foreign-funded or assisted projects in their locality.

In total, the road project costs P534.2 million.

‘Economic stimulus’

THE road that runs through agricultural production areas is expected to help stimulate economic activities and fight poverty, Dayanghirang said. The road network’s “significance is to ensure peace and order in the com munities, and the fast delivery of government services to these farflung communities.”

“By providing necessary infrastructures to support the people’s livelihood, we are assured of advancing development and reducing poverty among our people.”

Monteagudo has urged the communities to help maintain the integrity of the road network, and to ensure the proper usage and monitoring of the road ’s condition.

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BusinessMirror

Thursday, March 24, 2022

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

3O BPO INCORPORATED 2/f Lcs Bldg South Super Highway, San Andres Cor Diamante St., 087, Barangay 803, Santa Ana, City Of Manila VAHLUND, TOBIAS HILDING Customer Service Agent Swedish 1.

Brief Job Description: Customer service agent interacts with the customer on behalf of the organization. Provide information about the products and services, responds to customer complaints as well

No.

19.

Basic Qualification: Native speaker Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

20.

ACCIONA CONSTRUCTION PHILIPPINES INC. 21/f Tower 2, The Enterprise Center, 6766 Ayala Ave. Cor. Paseo De Roxas, San Lorenzo, City Of Makati

NOCH, RAFAL WOJCIECH Station Manager 2.

Brief Job Description: Making progress reports to the Construction Manager.

Managing all activities on site, and assure that it is as per the schedule and the required specifications.

Basic Qualification: Civil Engineering graduate.

High level of English.

Minimum 15 years of previous experience in the position and experience in estimating and high management of cost programs.

21.

22.

Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999 ALFAMART TRADING PHILIPPINES, INC. Sm Corporate Office Bldg., E J.w. Diokno Blvd., Barangay 76, Pasay City DARMAWAN ANDISAPUTRA Category Consultant 3.

Brief Job Description: Translate Strategic Direction and Operational Standard to Sellers

23.

Basic Qualification: Can Speak and Understand Bahasa Indonesian Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

AMAZING HOUSE, INC. G/f Oceanaire Residences, Cbpi, Sunrise Drive, Barangay 76, Pasay City FOONG THIN LOONG Chinese Cuisine Specialist 4.

Brief Job Description: Assist Head Chef and Training Staff with Regards to Chinese Menu WANG, SHUBIN Chinese Cuisine Specialist

5.

Brief Job Description: Assist Head Chef and Training Staff With Regards to Chinese Menu

Basic Qualification: Expert in Menu Planning

24.

25.

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

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

17.

18.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires DOAN NGUYEN TUONG HAN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires HOANG THI HIEN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires HOANG THI YEN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires JENNY Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires LUONG VAN DUONG Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires LUU VI HUNG Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires NGUYEN GIA HAN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires NONG BICH HAU Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries NONG DANH THAI Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries NONG THI HOAN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries NONG THI PHAN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

PHUNG THI THU NGUYET Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries TRAN VAN HUNG Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries TRAN XUAN BACH Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries TRANG THU HUYEN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries VONG THE PHUONG Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries VU TUAN ANH Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

YANG, TIEN-HUA Marketing Senior Executive

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

THONG KIU HANH Chinese Customer Service

Brief Job Description: Manage and organize data from market research and insights and render business support to ensure efficient operational process

TJAI KOK HONG Operations Associate 26.

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

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

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

HERI SUSANTO Operations Executive 27.

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

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

LIN, YU-HUI Operations Senior Executive 28.

Brief Job Description: Assist in responding to customer inquiries and resolving issues or complaints

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

YAP CHEE KEONG Operations Senior Executive 29.

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

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

RUDI Bahasa Indonesian Language-junior Business Analyst 30.

Brief Job Description: Must fluently speak and write any of Bahasa Indonesian, Malaysian and Vietnamese FANG, YU-SHAN Taiwanese Language-human Resources Supervisor

31.

Brief Job Description: Manages day to day recruitment activities and ensures hiring timelines are met TON NGOC THU Vietnamese Language-human Resources Supervisor

32.

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

Brief Job Description: Manages day to day recruitment activities and ensures hiring timelines are met

No.

35.

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

36.

Basic Qualification: Able to speak, Read, and Write Chinese language

37.

38.

Salary Range: Php 90,000 - Php 149,999 Basic Qualification: Must be Native Cambodian/ Thai/Chinese/Indonesian/ Vietnamese/Taiwanese fluent in English and Respective native Language with at least a year experience in similar field

39.

40.

Basic Qualification: Must be Native Cambodian/ Thai/Chinese/Indonesian/ Vietnamese/Taiwanese fluent in English and Respective native Language with at least a year experience in similar field

HSU, CHENG-LANG Assistant Consultant 33.

Brief Job Description: Monitor employee compliance with operation standards, manage and train CHIU, SHEN-HONG Construction Admin

34.

Brief Job Description: Arrange project schedules, supervise workers, site inspection of construction progress.

Brief Job Description: Material submission, ordering procurement, measure and value work done on site.

41.

42.

43.

44.

45.

46.

MIA IFANKA Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service representative

SELLA FEBTIA RATNA SARI Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service representative

SELLY Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service representative

SIA YIEN LING Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service representative

STEVEN Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service representative

WANDY Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service representative

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

Basic Qualification: At least 5 years of experience as a business analyst

47.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in hr, psychology or relevant field

48.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in hr, psychology or relevant field Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Master’s degree in business management, excellent communication skills.

49.

50.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Bachelors degree in business management, excellent communication skills.

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

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Bachelors degree in business management, excellent communication skills.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Bachelors degree in business management, excellent communication skills.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in business management, excellent communication skills.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in business management, excellent communications skills.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Master’s degree in business management, excellent communication skills.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Master’s degree in business management, excellent communication skills.

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

BILLION DRAGON OUTSOURCE PHILS., INC. One Townsquare Place Bpo Bldg., Alabang Zapote Rd., Almanza Uno, City Of Las Piñas

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Must be native Cambodian, Indonesian /Vietnamese/ Taiwanese/ Chinese/ Korean/ Japanese / Taiwanese Fluent in English language with at least a year experience in similar field

Brief Job Description: Material submission, ordering procurement, measure and value work done on site.

WANG, HAIYANG Quantity Surveyor Supervisor

Salary Range: Php 90,000 - Php 149,999 Basic Qualification: Must be Native Cambodian/ Thai/Chinese/Indonesian/ Vietnamese/Taiwanese fluent in English and Respective native Language with at least a year experience in similar field

Brief Job Description: Analyzes data gathered and develop solution, highly organized and able to multitask HE, XIANG Quantity Surveyor Supervisor

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

Basic Qualification: Must be native Cambodian, Indonesian /Vietnamese/ Taiwanese/ Chinese/ Korean/ Japanese / Taiwanese Fluent in English language with at least a year experience in similar field

Brief Job Description: Analyzes expenses and cost transactions, ensure the transaction recorded.

WEN, QIAN Management Support Analyst

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

Brief Job Description: arrange project schedules, supervise workers, site inspection of construction progress.

TENG, YU-LIANG Cost Analyst

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

Brief Job Description: arrange project schedules, supervise workers, site inspection of construction progress.

ZHOU, YUNMAO Construction Admin

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

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION LIAO, YUAN-JHENG Construction Admin

BIGCON CONSTRUCTION & DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION Unit 3b, 2nd Floor, Rayco Tower, Doña Soledad Ave., Don Bosco, City Of Parañaque

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

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

BIGCAT SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS, INC. 18/f Pbcom Tower, 6795 Ayala Avenue Cor. Rufino Street, Salcedo Vill., Bel-air, City Of Makati

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

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

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

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

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

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

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

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Expert in Menu Planning

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

www.businessmirror.com.ph

51.

WANG, XIN Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service representative (CSR)

YURICCO Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service representative (CSR)

ZHENG, BORONG Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service representative (CSR)

ZHONG, SILONG Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service representative (CSR)

DAVID Customer Service Representative (CSR) Brief Job Description: Customer service representative (CSR)

Basic Qualification: School Graduate in Chinese, Can Speak and Write Fluent Chinese Mandarin, Can Operate Mandarin Characters Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: School Graduate in Chinese, Can Speak and Write Fluent Chinese Mandarin, Can Operate Mandarin Characters Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: School Graduate in Chinese, Can Speak and Write Fluent Chinese Mandarin, Can Operate Mandarin Characters Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: School Graduate in Chinese, Can Speak and Write Fluent Chinese Mandarin, Can Operate Mandarin Characters Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: School Graduate in Chinese, Can Speak and Write Fluent Chinese Mandarin, Can Operate Mandarin Characters Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: School Graduate in Chinese, Can Speak and Write Fluent Chinese Mandarin, Can Operate Mandarin Characters Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: School graduate in Chinese, can speak and write fluent Chinese mandarin, can operate mandarin characters Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: School graduate in Chinese, can speak and write fluent Chinese mandarin, can operate mandarin characters Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: School graduate in Chinese, can speak and write fluent Chinese mandarin, can operate mandarin characters Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: School graduate in Chinese, can speak and write fluent Chinese mandarin, can operate mandarin characters Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: High School Graduate in Chinese, Can Speak and Write Fluent Chinese Mandarin, Can Operate Mandarin Characters Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

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

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION MEYLEMANS, CELINE Environmental Specialist

52.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for the environmental monitoring on a large complex on and off-shore dredging and land development projects by collecting, analyzing and processing data in preparation and execution phase

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

No.

Basic Qualification: Experience as environmental specialist of at least 3 years in dredging and land development industry Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999

DE LAET, MATHIJS NATALIE A Technical Superintendent 64.

CAPSLOCK INC. 7th & 8th Flr. Y Tower Bldg., Coral Way Drive Cor. Macapagal Ave., Barangay 76, Pasay City CHEN, JIE Chinese It Support Specialist 53.

Brief Job Description: Shall answer incoming phone calls from Chinese clients and troubleshoot customer technical problems with computer software and hardware.

Basic Qualification: Must be fluent in Chinese language (writing and speaking) 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 UPADHYAYA, PUNEET General Manager – Operations 54.

Brief Job Description: Global Operations lead for Medical Services International and North America Order Management and Customer Services Operation

GONZALEZ DE PERDOMO, MARIANA CAROLINA Service Delivery Manager 55.

Brief Job Description: Manage customer relationships through regular communication with clients through weekly / monthly reviews / Attend customer calls and meetings, pro-actively flag issues and prevent surprises

Basic Qualification: Manage multiple small processes under a large process; Responsible for client deliverables and delivering business results in line with targets for the process

CHEN, RUIXIAN Marketing Manager 56.

Brief Job Description: Tracking and analyzing the performance of advertising campaigns, managing marketing budget.

65.

Basic Qualification: College graduate, Fluent in Mandarin and English, Preferably 6 mos to 1 year experience to the same field.

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

66.

LOVRIC, BRUNO Associate Professor 2 57.

Brief Job Description: As part of the internationalization efforts of De La Salle University, the Department of Communication of the College of Liberal Arts (Manila Campus) invites applications for a tenure-track international faculty position.

KIM, HYUNG SUN Supply Chain Management Team Leader

67.

CHEN, CHANGNIAN Project Manager 58.

Brief Job Description: Maintaining and increasing sales of your company’s products Translates sales strategy to the sales team Submits Reports and sales operations of team to HQ (China)

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin and English language Bachelor’s degree in business administration Strong time management skills enthusiasm for consumer marketing Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

FLYING DRAGON NETWORK PHILIPPINES INC. Ri Rance Ii Bldg., Block 2 Lot 3 Aseana City, Tambo, City Of Parañaque

59.

NGUYEN TU TRINH Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service

Basic Qualification: College graduate/level and fluent in Mandarin / basic English

68.

69.

70.

SUZUKI, SHUNGO General Manager 60.

Brief Job Description: Manages Goto Kaisoten Ltd.’s (“GKL”) Philippine Representative Office (“PRO”); Collect information in the Philippines on available market for GKL’s shipping and logistics business;

Basic Qualification: Must be a College Degree holder; Have at least 15 years working experience in Japan shipping and logistics business; Excellently fluent in writing, speaking and communicating in Nihongo (Japanese language).

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

JAN DE NUL (PHILS.), INC. 302 3rd/f Aseana Power Station Macapagal Blvd., Cor. Bradco Ave. Aseana City, Tambo, City Of Parañaque VAN DEN BERGHE, MICHELE Project Researcher 61.

Brief Job Description: The Project Researcher is responsible for guiding and advising engineers at large complex on-, and offshore dredging & land development projects by conducting feasibility studies for project developments, designing solutions and project support in the preparation and execution phase.

DE SCHRIJVER, BRAM Technical Superintendent 62.

Brief Job Description: Review of reports, repair lists and application resources to gain insight into the performed works and the works to be carried out, reporting of problems and requesting new parts.

VILEYN, STEFAN MARCEL D Technical Superintendent 63.

Brief Job Description: Review of reports, repair lists and application resources to gain insight into the performed works and the works to be carried out, reporting of problems and requesting new parts.

71.

72.

73.

74.

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

GOTO KAISOTEN, LTD. 8th Floor Carolina Bldg., 2106 Madre Igna Ignacia St., 077, Barangay 701, Malate, City Of Manila

Basic Qualification: Minimum 3 years of working experience on international dredging projects.

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

Basic Qualification: Minimum 2 years of working experience on international dredging projects. Technical knowledge, installations, machinery, reparation techniques and regulations of class and flag state are required Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999

Basic Qualification: Minimum 2 years of working experience on international dredging projects. Technical knowledge, installations, machinery, reparation techniques and regulations of class and flag state are required Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Minimum 2 years of working experience on international dredging projects. Technical knowledge, installations, machinery, reparation techniques and regulations of class and flag state are required Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999 Basic Qualification: Minimum 2 years of working experience on international dredging projects. Technical knowledge, installations, machinery, reparation techniques and regulations of class and flag state are required

No.

Basic Qualification: Minimum of 5 years of working experience on international dredging projects Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999

Brief Job Description: Plans, manages and controls all ordering/importation of CBU and releasing of products ensuring that all transactions conform to LGE global management systems (GSCP, S&OM, GPOS, Pricing System), approved PSI plans and forecast and established company policies and procedures, Oversees Demand Planning and Impex Management.

Basic Qualification: Graduate of business admin or economics, exposure to overseas marketing, experience with appliance industry, Coordinates with Korean counterparts in Headquarters and production factories.

75.

76.

77.

78.

79.

80.

CHEN, SIPING Chinese Speaking Customer Service Staff Brief Job Description: Provide outstanding and exceptional customer service

83.

CHEN, YUNG-CHI Chinese Speaking Customer Service Staff Brief Job Description: Provide outstanding and exceptional customer service

84.

85.

86.

87.

CHERICO PHENDAWA Chinese Speaking Customer Service Staff Brief Job Description: Provide outstanding and exceptional customer service DENG, YUANCHENG Chinese Speaking Customer Service Staff Brief Job Description: Provide outstanding and exceptional customer service HAN, RONGGUO Chinese Speaking Customer Service Staff Brief Job Description: Provide outstanding and exceptional customer service HOANG HONG SON Chinese Speaking Customer Service Staff Brief Job Description: Provide outstanding and exceptional customer service HU, FENG Chinese Speaking Customer Service Staff Brief Job Description: Provide outstanding and exceptional customer service LIU, HUOSHOU Chinese Speaking Customer Service Staff Brief Job Description: Provide outstanding and exceptional customer service TRAN NGOC HIEN NHI Chinese Speaking Customer Service Staff Brief Job Description: Provide outstanding and exceptional customer service WEI, CHENBIN Chinese Speaking Customer Service Staff Brief Job Description: Provide outstanding and exceptional customer service WONG TAI WEE Chinese Speaking Customer Service Staff Brief Job Description: Provide outstanding and exceptional customer service YANTI SALIM Chinese Speaking Customer Service Staff Brief Job Description: Provide outstanding and exceptional customer service ZHOU, YANGFAN Chinese Speaking Customer Service Staff Brief Job Description: Provide outstanding and exceptional customer service

81.

Brief Job Description: Technical Assistance on Japanese Surface Mounting Technology machineries and equipment’s

82.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for providing tactical and operational HR support for specific country stakeholders from the APAC region

90.

91.

92.

Basic Qualification: Can speak Chinese / Mandarin fluently Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

93.

Basic Qualification: Can speak Chinese/Mandarin fluently Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

94.

Basic Qualification: Can speak Chinese/Mandarin fluently Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

95.

Basic Qualification: Can speak Chinese/Mandarin fluently Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

96.

Basic Qualification: Can speak Chinese/Mandarin fluently Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Can speak Chinese/Mandarin fluently

97.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Can speak Chinese/Mandarin fluently

98.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Can speak Chinese / Mandarin fluently Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Can speak Chinese / Mandarin fluently

99.

Basic Qualification: Can speak Chinese / Mandarin fluently Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Can speak Chinese/Mandarin fluently Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

100.

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires HTET AUNG KYAW Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries MAW SCI Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries NGUYEN CHUNG THANH Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries NGUYEN NGOC SANG Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries NGUYEN THI HANG Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries NGUYEN THI MAI HOA Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries NGUYEN VAN HAO Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries PHAM THI QUYNH TRANG Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries SONG, JIAWEI Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries TRAN VAN TIEN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries CHEN, MINGYUAN Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service CUI, BAOLING Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service HOANG THI MINH TRANG Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service NGUYEN TIEN DUNG Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service TANG XUAN YEN NHI 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: 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: 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 and fluent in Mandarin / basic English 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 and fluent in Mandarin / basic English 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

Brief Job Description: Coordinating mixed race teams and establish appropriate metrics for measuring key project criteria, as well as define, monitor and review all project economics including costs, operational budgets, resources and risk.

Basic Qualification: Extensive experience in multi-disciplinary construction projects with multiple interfaces and acts as a point contact for Japanese clients Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

NEW ORIENTAL CLUB88 CORPORATION 3rd, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th & 10th/f, Pearl Marina Building Pacific Drive, Don Galo, City Of Parañaque CHEN, SONGTAO Chinese Customer Service 101.

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and inquiries, handling complaints, provide solutions, process customer accounts and file the documents.

JIANG, JUNCHENG Chinese Customer Service

Salary Range: Php 90,000 - Php 149,999 102.

Basic Qualification: Must be a bilingual Korean speaker (written and oral), knowledgeable in HR systems, case management system and tools

MINDSCAPE CREATIVES INC. Unit 19-o, Burgundy Corporate Tower, 252 Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., Pio Del Pilar, City Of Makati

AUNG NAING Chinese Customer Service

AKEDO, HIROKI Project Manager

Basic Qualification: Extensive knowledge in SMT

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

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

MODAIR MANILA CO., LTD. INC. 3/f & 4/f 223 Salcedo Bldg., 223 Salcedo Cor. Gamboa Sts., San Lorenzo, City Of Makati

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

MERCK BUSINESS SOLUTIONS ASIA INC. 36th To 39th Floor, The Finance Centre Condominium, 26th Street Corner 9th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, City Of Taguig PARK, JEEHEE Global Support Center Advisor - Korean

89.

Basic Qualification: Can speak Chinese/Mandarin fluently

MASS CORPORATION OF THE PHILIPPINES 1004-1005, South Center Tower, Mbp, Alabang, City Of Muntinlupa TAKAGI, TAKASHI Technical Consultant

88.

Basic Qualification: Can speak Chinese / Mandarin fluently

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

Brief Job Description: Committed to improving customer experience and operational efficiency

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. 4th-11th Flr. Nexgen Tower, C4 Rd. Edsa Ext., Barangay 76, Pasay City

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

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

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION LIU, TING Mandarin Operations Specialist

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

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

Salary Range: Php 90,000 - Php 149,999 EMERALD WIRELESS TECH INC. 28th/f Arthaland Century Pacific Tower, E-square Information Technology Park, 25th St. Cor 5th Ave., Bonifacio Global City, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

Brief Job Description: Organizing, coordinating and supervising the execution of the (dredging) works and other works for which he is responsible according to the preset planning, budgeting and the applied methods, also observing the standards as to quality, safety and environmental care and with as little risk as possible to persons and equipment.

A7

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

LG ELECTRONICS PHILIPPINES, INC. 15, Francisco Legaspi St., Maybunga, City Of Pasig

DE LA SALLE UNIVERSITY INCORPORATED 2401 Taft Ave., 078, Barangay 709, Malate, City Of Manila Basic Qualification: The preferred candidate must specialize in the study of global popular culture, specifically focusing in film and performance. He/she/ they must have a proven track record of publication in international scholarly journals, must be active in research collaboration with International Faculty, and must have earned doctorate in media and communication at the time of posting.

Brief Job Description: Review of reports, repair lists and application resources to gain insight into the performed works and the works to be carried out, reporting of problems and requesting new parts.

VAN LIERDE, MICHEL JOHAN F Works Manager

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

COMMDATA TECHNOLOGIES INC. Unit 2603 26th Floor The Trade & Financial Tower, 7th Ave. Corner 32nd Street, Bonifacio Global City, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

Brief Job Description: Review of reports, repair lists and application resources to gain insight into the performed works and the works to be carried out, reporting of problems and requesting new parts.

DEBRUYNE, KILIAN TIMOTHY L Technical Superintendent

Basic Qualification: Graduate degree in Science or Engineering / Prior experience in leading & managing 150+ members team Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Thursday, March 24, 2022

Brief Job Description: Manage Incoming Calls And Inquiries , Handling Complaints , Provide Solutions , Process Customer Accounts and File Documents

LI, JINCHUAN Chinese Customer Service 103.

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and inquiries, handling complaints, provide solutions, process customer accounts and file the documents.

Basic Qualification: College graduate, preferably 1yr experience in the similar field, speak and write fluently (native language and English) Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College Graduate , Preferably 1 year experience in the similar field, Speaks and write (Native Language) Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate, preferably 1yr experience in the similar field, speak and write fluently (native language and English) Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

BusinessMirror

Thursday, March 24, 2022

A8

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION SONG, CHUAN Chinese Customer Service

104.

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and inquiries, handling complaints, provide solutions, process customer accounts and file the documents.

WANG, XIAOTIAN Chinese Customer Service

105.

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and inquiries, handling complaints, provide solutions, process customer accounts and file the documents.

ZHAO, HANGHANG Chinese Customer Service

106.

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and inquiries, handling complaints, provide solutions, process customer accounts and file the documents.

ZHOU, HUANYU Chinese Customer Service

107.

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and inquiries, handling complaints, provide solutions, process customer accounts and file the documents.

ZHU, SHIMING Chinese Customer Service

108.

Brief Job Description: Manage Incoming Calls And Inquiries , Handling Complaints , Provide Solutions , Process Customer Accounts and File Documents YANG, PEI-CHEN Taiwanese Customer Service

109.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and inquiries, handling complaints, provide solutions, process customer accounts and file the documents.

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: College graduate, preferably 1yr experience in the similar field, speak and write fluently (native language and English) Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate, preferably 1yr experience in the similar field, speak and write fluently (native language and English) Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate, preferably 1yr experience in the similar field, speak and write fluently (native language and English) Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate, preferably 1yr experience in the similar field, speak and write fluently (native language and English)

No.

123.

124.

125.

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

126.

110.

Brief Job Description: Develop a sustainable company structure, strategy and growth.

Basic Qualification: Good people management and leadership skills.

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

127.

LYU, TONGFANG Admin Specialist 111.

Brief Job Description: with extensive background in telecommunication multinational company

128.

QIU, XIAN Chinese Design OSP/ISP Manager 112.

Brief Job Description: With extensive background in telecommunication multinational company CHEN, HAO Procurement Manager

129.

113.

Brief Job Description: with extensive background in telecommunication multinational company WANG, YONGLIANG Regional Project Manager

130.

114.

Brief Job Description: with extensive background in telecommunication multinational company

131.

115.

116.

CHIAM MING FEI Asian Regional Senior Customer Support Officer Malaysian Accounts Brief Job Description: Develops and implement customer service policies for the team and communicate it with the whole department HENDRY YUANDI Senior Indonesian-language Customer Service Support Staff Brief Job Description: Analyzes and maintains customer satisfaction reports

117.

SNG JIA JUN DANIEL Senior Mandarin/Chinese-language Customer Service Support Staff Brief Job Description: Analyzes and maintains customer satisfaction reports

132.

133.

134.

135.

118.

Brief Job Description: Coordinate respond and address inquiries of Chinese speaking customers, call center activities

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

136.

137.

119.

120.

121.

122.

Brief Job Description: Customer relations service provider

138.

KIM, DONGGEUN Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer relations service provider KIM, HYEONWOO Customer Service Representative

139.

Brief Job Description: Customer relations service provider

KIM, JISEOP Customer Service Representative

140.

Brief Job Description: Customer relations service provider

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

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

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

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

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

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services NGUYEN LAN Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

141.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services NGUYEN NGOC TRI Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

142.

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

NGUYEN TAN HUY Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

143.

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

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

NGUYEN HOANG KY Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

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

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

LY THI TU LAN Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

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

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

LE THANH NGUYEN Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

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

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin, both oral and written

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

LE NGOC THU DUNG Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

SKY DRAGON GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES CORP. 2f-5f, Unit 710 Shaw Blvd., Global Link Center, Wack-wack Greenhills, City Of Mandaluyong HAN, MYEONGHUN Customer Service Representative

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

LE MY HANG Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

SEQUOIA SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS INC. 37f Lkg Tower, 6801 Ayala Ave., Bel-air, City Of Makati WANG, ZHONGDU Mandarin Speaking It/ Customer Support

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

LE ANH TUAN Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

Basic Qualification: A native speaker of the Mandarin/Chinese language (spoken and written) Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

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

DUONG QUYEN PHAT Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

Basic Qualification: A native speaker of the Indonesian language (spoken and written) Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

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

DO THI QUYNH HOA Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

Basic Qualification: A native speaker of the mandarin language (spoken and written) Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

Brief Job Description: Handles administrative request and queries from senior managers/officers

CHU THANH HUYEN Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

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

RUNNINGMAN CORPORATION 8/f Techzone Bldg., 213 Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., San Antonio, City Of Makati

Brief Job Description: Handles administrative request and queries from senior managers/officers

CAO HOAI VAN PHAT Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

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

Brief Job Description: Customer relations service provider

AN THI XUAN LOAN Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin and English Language both oral and written

YU, SANGWOO Customer Service Representative

SAE FOO, NAREE Thai Customer Service Representative

Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin and English Language both oral and written

Brief Job Description: Customer relations service provider

MUEANGSAEN, PRATTHANA Thai Customer Service Representative

PRIMUS@KNOWLEDGE SPECIALISTS, INCORPORATED 3rd Flr. Oac Bldg., San Miguel Ave., Ortigas Center, San Antonio, City Of Pasig Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin and English language both oral and written

YU, CHANGSEOK Customer Service Representative

TRAN CHI VINH Admin Officer

PACKING SPORTS CORP. 19/f Uptown Bonifacio, Tower 2 Bgc, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig VIESS, THOMAS Country Manager

Brief Job Description: Customer relations service provider

PHAM THI NHU QUYNH Admin Officer

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate, preferably 1yr experience in the similar field, speak and write fluently (native language and English)

PARK, BYEONGSOO Customer Service Representative

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin, both oral and written Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

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

NGUYEN THANH NHA Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

144.

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

No.

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

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (verbal and written skills)

145.

146.

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

147.

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (verbal and written skills) Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (verbal and written skills) Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (verbal and written skills) Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

148.

149.

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (verbal and written skills)

150.

151.

Brief Job Description: Provide customer support in accounting & financial services for the company and its worldwide clients

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

Basic Qualification: at least 8 years of power plant experience and as process expert

Brief Job Description: developing best practices, routines and providing innovative solutions

Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999 Basic Qualification: at least 5 years of experience in turbine, auxiliaries & rotating plant specialism

DE BEER, CYRIL Steam Turbine And Rotating Plant Expert Brief Job Description: advice on steam turbines issues

Salary Range: Php 500,000 and above

Brief Job Description: The Chinese IT Support Specialist is an integral 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.

Brief Job Description: The Chinese IT Support Specialist is an integral 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.

ZHAN, JIALIN Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative 152.

Brief Job Description: Support and provide superior service via phones, emails and faxes are receiver and caller

PEREZ, DOR Customer Relationship Manager 153.

Brief Job Description: • Responsible for arranging after sale services, including support regarding warranty services, repair and upgrades related to UAS; Responsible for updating and coordinating the activities of the company, including maintaining and updating documents related to customer accounts and business reports;

154.

Brief Job Description: Plan and execute UAV training flights; Ensure safe maneuvering of aircraft due training procedures; KRASNOPOLSKY, ROMAN UAS Technician And Crew Chief

155.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and written skills) Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: With knowledge in computer application Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Candidate must have at least 3 years working experience in Electronics and/or Aeronautics.

Salary Range: Php 500,000 and above

Basic Qualification: Candidate must have at least 3 years working experience in Electronics and/or Aeronautics.

Brief Job Description: Plan and execute flight test plans for new software features, electronics, sensors, and payloads; Perform hands-on mechanical and electrical integration of new hardware components on the internal fleet of test vehicles for clients and testing;

Salary Range: Php 500,000 and above

ZTE PHILIPPINES INC. Unit 1201 & 1202 12th Floor Fort Legend Towers, 3rd Ave. Corner 31st St., Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

YIN, QIANLEI Account Manager 156.

Brief Job Description: Maintain the good relations with current customers and seek for new clients, Achieve the sales plan, Find new selling bullet point, Remain a good image of the company.

157.

Brief Job Description: Export Control Compliance system establishment of subsidiary, responding to Export Control compliance Question from the Business Department of the subsidiary.

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

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

XU, ZHENBO Project Manager 158.

Basic Qualification: Maintain the good relations with current customers and seek for new clients, Achieve the sales plan, Find new selling bullet point, Remain a good image of the company.

Basic Qualification: Export Control Compliance system establishment of subsidiary, responding to Export Control compliance Question from the Business Department of the subsidiary.

JIN, YUQIAO Export Compliance Point Of Contact

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (verbal and written skills)

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and written skills)

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

Salary Range: Php 500,000 and above

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

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

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin, Cantonese and Fukien language

Basic Qualification: Candidate must have at least 3 years working experience in Electronics and/or Aeronautics.

MICHAELI, ELIAD Remote UAV Specialist

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (verbal and written skills)

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and written skills)

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

XML INTERNATIONAL (PHILIPPINES) CORPORATION 37/f Lkg Tower, 6801 Ayala Ave., Bel-air, City Of Makati

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (verbal and written skills)

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

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin, Cantonese and Fukien language

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

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

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

Basic Qualification: Fluency in English and mandarin is essential

ZHAO, XINYU Chinese IT Support Specialist

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (verbal and written skills)

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

WANG, JING Chinese IT Support Specialist

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

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

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

TIANYU TECHNOLOGY INC. 14/f Socialdesk Tower, H.v. Dela Costa St., Bel-air, City Of Makati

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (verbal and written skills)

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (verbal and written skills)

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and written skills)

GHOSH, DEBABRATA Process Expert

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (verbal and written skills) Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

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

THERMA LUZON INC. 14/f Nac Tower, 32nd Street, Bonifacio Global City, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (verbal and written skills) Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

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

LENNY Accounts Officer

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and written skills) Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and written skills)

SPARVA INCORPORATED 7/f Insular Life Bldg., 6781 Ayala Ave., Cor. Paseo De Roxas, Bel-air, City Of Makati

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (verbal and written skills)

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

TRAN LE AN BINH Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (verbal and written skills)

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION PHAM DUC SON Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin, both oral and written

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

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College Graduate , Preferably 1 year experience in the similar field, Speaks and write (Native Language)

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Brief Job Description: Analysis and control transfer, site materials matching and generation, site data creation and resource system entry, technical support and installation planning.

Basic Qualification: Analysis and control transfer, site materials matching and generation, site data creation and resource system entry, technical support and installation planning.

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

*Date Generated: Mar 23, 2022 In the ad material of Notice of Filing of Application for Alien Employment Permits published on November 17, 2021, the name of ALBERTUS ADITYA PRI ASMORO PURNAMA under BIGCAT SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS, INC., should have been read as ALBERTUS ADITYA PRI ASMORO BUDHI PURNAMA 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.

ATTY. SARAH BUENA S. MIRASOL REGIONAL DIRECTOR

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

TheWorld BusinessMirror

Thursday, March 24, 2022

A9

Ukraine: Russia seized relief workers in Mariupol convoy

By Nebi Qena & Cara Anna

K Hillary Clinton tests positive In this January 20, file photo, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, right, and former President Bill Clinton, left, arrive for the 59th Presidential Inauguration at the US Capitol for President-elect Joe Biden in Washington. Hillary Clinton said Tuesday, March 22, 2022, that she has tested positive for Covid, with “mild” symptoms. On social media, the former Democratic presidential candidate said she was “feeling fine” and that former President Bill Clinton had tested negative and was quarantining until their household was fully cleared. AP/Patrick Semansky

for Covid; Bill quarantining N EW YORK—Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said Tuesday she has tested positive for Covid-19 with “mild” symptoms.

On social media, the former Democratic presidential candidate said she was “feeling fine” and that former President Bill Clinton had tested negative and was quarantining until their household was fully cleared.

A spokesman for the former president posted on Twitter that he would continue to get tested in the days to come.

Hillary Clinton, 74, said she was “more grateful than ever for the protection vaccines can provide against serious illness” and urged people to get vaccine and booster shots.

Former President Barack Obama announced earlier this month that he had tested positive for the coronavirus.

Key developments:

German president, wife test positive for Covid

BERLIN—German President FrankWalter Steinmeier has tested positive for Covid-19, the head of state’s office said Tuesday, as the country’s infection rate remains persistently high.

Steinmeier’s wife, Elke Buedenbender, also tested positive for the coronavirus on Tuesday, the president’s office said. Both have mild symptoms and immediately went into isolation.

S t e i n m e i e r h a s b e e n G e r m a n y ’s president, which is a largely ceremonial role but carries moral authority, since 2017. Before that, he served twice as Chancellor Angela Merkel’s foreign minister and was chief of staff to her predecessor, Gerhard Schroeder.

He was elected to a second five-year term in February.

Germany is currently in the process of removing most of its coronavirus restrictions despite a continuing surge in infections. On Tuesday, the national disease control center said that more than 222,000 new cases were reported over the previous 24 hours, along with 264 deaths—bringing Germany’s total since the pandemic began to 127,193.

The nationwide infection rate stood at 1,733.4 new cases per 100,000 residents over the past seven days. That was up from 1,585.4 a week ago.

Biden press secretary has Covid-19, won’t travel to Europe

WASHINGTON—White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Tuesday that she is positive again for Covid-19 and will not accompany President Joe Biden to Europe this week for urgent meetings with world counterparts on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Biden tested negative on Tuesday, she said.

Psaki’s reinfection follows recent positive tests for Vice President Kamala Harris’ husband and Ireland’s prime minister, who was in the nation’s capital last week for a series of in-person celebrations of St. Patrick’s Day with Biden and other officials.

The scares happened as the Biden administration tries to help the US ease back into its pre-pandemic patterns, even as cases climb in Europe due to a new, more contagious variant of the omicron strain of the coronavirus.

Psaki tweeted that she took a laboratory test for Covid-19 as part of her preparation for the trip, which gets under way on Wednesday, and was later notified of a positive result.

She said she had two “socially distanced meetings” with Biden on Monday and that he is not considered a “close contact” under Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines.

Psaki tweeted and released a statement a short time before she was scheduled to step into the White House pressroom for her daily briefing, accompanied by

National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, who was joining her to discuss the trip.

After a brief delay, White House deputy press secretary Chris Meagher entered and introduced Sullivan to a waiting White House press corps.

“Obviously, we’ve had some lastminute adjustments to the briefing, which is why I’m up here today,” Meagher said before he read a statement on Supreme Court nominee Ketanji Brown Jackson’s performance at her confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee.

He took no questions.

Sullivan made a statement and spent about 16 minutes answering questions about the trip.

Psaki said she will follow CDC guidance and not accompany Biden to Brussels, where he will attend a series of meetings with European and other world leaders on Russia’s war in Ukraine. Biden also plans to visit Poland, which shares a border with Ukraine and has taken in more than 2 million Ukrainians fleeing warfare following Russia’s February 24 invasion.

Psaki said she has experienced only mild symptoms of Covid-19 and credited being vaccinated against the disease.

Under White House Covid-19 protocols, she said she will work from home and return to work at the end of a five-day isolation period and a negative test.

It’s not unheard of for someone who has had Covid-19 to become infected again. Reinfections became more likely after the super-contagious omicron variant emerged, even among the fully vaccinated, but those cases tend to be very mild.

As coronavirus cases plummeted around the United States this year, and states and localities dropped their mask-wearing requirements, the White House did as well. As of March 1, neither White House staff nor reporters were required to wear face masks inside the building.

But some scientists are beginning to worry that the Omicron variant known as BA.2 could soon push up Covid-19 cases in the United States, after months of case declines and people taking off their masks and returning to indoor spaces.

Harris’ husband Doug Emhoff tested positive on March 15, though he is not considered a close contact of the president.

Harris has continued to test negative.

The following day, Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin learned he had tested positive for Covid-19 while attending a gala with US leaders, including Biden.

Martin was due to appear with Biden at the White House on St. Patrick’s Day but instead made those appearances on video.

This is the second time that Covid-19 has forced Psaki to bow out of accompanying Biden abroad. She sat out last fall’s trip to Rome and Glasgow, Scotland, after learning at the last minute that she had tested positive.

Norway’s king has Covid

C O P E N H A G E N , D e n m a r k — N o r w a y ’s 85-year-old King Harald V tested positive for the coronavirus on Tuesday and has mild symptoms, royal officials said.

Harald will take a break from his duties for a few days and that his son and heir to the throne, Crown Prince Haakon, would take them over for now, the royal household said in a brief statement.

Harald has received three Covid-19 vaccine shots, although he’s been ill several times in recent years, including in 2020 when he had an operation for a new heart valve.

Harald’s duties as Norway’s head of state are ceremonial, and he holds no political power. He ascended to the throne following the death of his father, King Olav, on January 17, 1991.

Harald, the country’s first native-born king since the 14th century, married a commoner as a prince and won hearts in his egalitarian country by leading the mourning in 2011 for the victims of mass killer Anders Behring Breivik. AP

The Associated Press

YIV, Ukraine—Ukrainian leaders accused Russia of seizing 15 rescue workers and drivers from a humanitarian convoy trying to get desperately needed food and other supplies into the bloodied port city of Mariupol, which also came under naval attack after weeks of air and land strikes.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy estimated that 100,000 civilians remained in Mariupol, scene of some of the war’s worst devastation, as Russia presses a nearly month-old offensive by bombarding cities and towns. Those made it out described a shattered city.

“They bombed us for the past 20 days,” said 39-year-old Viktoria Totsen, who fled into Poland. “During the last five days, the planes were flying over us every five seconds and dropped bombs everywhere—on residential buildings, kindergartens, art schools, everywhere.”

Zelenskyy, speaking late Tuesday in his nightly video address to his nation, accused Russian forces of blocking the aid convoy despite agreeing to the route ahead of time.

“We are trying to organize stable humanitarian corridors for Mariupol residents, but almost all of our attempts, unfortunately, are foiled by the Russian occupiers, by shelling or deliberate terror,” Zelenskyy said.

The Red Cross confirmed a humanitarian aid convoy trying to reach the city had not been able to enter.

The convoy’s attempt to deliver assistance came as Russian navy vessels joined in what have been weeks of Russian air and land strikes into Mariupol, US officials said.

A senior US defense of f icia l, speaking on condition of anonymity to give the Pentagon’s assessment, said Russian ships in the Sea of Azov added to the shelling of Mariupol.

The official said there were about seven Russian ships in that area, including a minesweeper and a couple

of landing vessels.

The hands of one exhausted Mariupol survivor shook as she arrived by train in the western city of Lviv.

“There’s no connection with the world. We couldn’t ask for help,” said Julia Krytska, who was helped by volunteers to make it out with her husband and son. “People don’t even have water there.”

US President Joe Biden is due to head to Europe for an emergency Nato summit Thursday on Russia’s invasion and increasingly hostile stance toward the West, where Nato members and other European allies are strengthening their defenses.

Biden is traveling to Brussels and Poland, which has received more than 2 million Ukrainian refugees since the February 24 invasion. He is expected to seek continued unity among Western allies and to announce more sanctions in a punishing series of economic and financial penalties on Russia.

Asked on CNN what Russian President Vladimir Putin had achieved in Ukraine, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said: “Well, first of all, not yet. He hasn’t achieved yet.” But he insisted that the military operation was going “strictly in accordance with the plans and purposes that were established beforehand.”

Putin’s aims remain to “get rid of the military potential of Ukraine” and to “ensure that Ukraine changes from an anti-Russian center to a neutral country,” Peskov said.

In Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, explosions and bursts of gunfire shook the city, and heav y artillery fire could be heard from the northwest, where Russia has sought to encircle

and capture several of the capital’s suburbs.

Ukrainian forces this week recaptured one suburban city, Makariv, but partially lost three other northwest suburbs, Ukraine’s defense ministry said.

A video posted by Ukrainian police showed them surveying damage in Makariv, including to the town’s police station, which an officer said took a direct hit to its roof. The police drove by destroyed residential buildings and along a road pocked by shelling. The town appeared all but deserted.

A Western official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss military assessments, said Ukrainian resistance has brought much of Russia’s advance to a halt but has not sent Moscow’s forces into retreat.

“We have seen indications that the Ukrainians are going a bit more on the offensive now,” Pentagon spokesman John Kirby told reporters separately in Washington. He said that was particularly true in southern Ukraine, including near Kherson, where “they have tried to regain territory.”

Russia’s far stronger, bigger military has many Western military experts warning against overconfidence in Ukraine’s long-term odds. Russia’s practice in past wars in Chechnya and Syria has been to grind down resistance with strikes that flattened cities, killed countless civilians and sent millions fleeing.

But Russian forces appeared unprepared and have often performed badly against Ukrainian resistance.

The US estimates Russia has lost a bit more than 10 percent of the overall combat capability it had at the start of the fight, including troops, tanks and other materiel.

Western officials say Russian forces are facing serious shortages of food, fuel and cold weather gear, leaving some soldiers suffering from frostbite.

The invasion has driven more than 10 million people from their homes, almost a quarter of Ukraine’s population, according to the United Nations.

Thousands of civilians are believed to have died. Estimates of Russian military casualties vary widely, but even conservative figures by Western officials are in the low thousands.

Putin’s troops are facing unexpectedly tough resistance that has left the bulk of Moscow’s ground forces miles from the center of Kyiv, and they are

Biden set to announce new Russia sanctions in Brussels

W

A SHINGTON—President Joe Biden plans to announce new sanctions against Russia on Thursday while in Brussels for meetings with Nato and European allies, according to a top national security aide.

Biden, who will take part in a special meeting of Nato and address the European Council summit, is also expected to underscore efforts to enforce the avalanche of existing sanctions already announced by the US and allies.

“He will join our partners in imposing further sanctions on Russia and tightening the existing sanctions to crack down on evasion and to ensure robust enforcement,” said White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan, who declined to further preview new sanctions the president will announce.

Biden is traveling to Brussels and Poland—which has received more than 2 million Ukrainian refugees who have fled since the February 24 invasion— looking to press for continued unity among Western allies as Russia presses on with its brutal invasion of Ukraine.

In Poland, Biden will meet with Polish President Andrzej Duda, who has requested further US aid and a stepped up military presence on Nato’s eastern flank as the war grinds on. The US has

already more than doubled its regular troop presence of more than 4,000 US troops. Currently, there are about 10,000 US troops in Poland.

Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Romania have also called for a greater Nato or US military presence in recent weeks.

Sullivan suggested that could be coming soon as Biden plans to have talks “on longer term adjustments to Nato force posture on the eastern flank.”

“We feel that it is the right place for him to go to be able to see troops, to be able to see humanitarian experts and to be able to meet with a frontline and very vulnerable ally,” Sullivan said of Biden’s visit to Poland.

Talks on troop adjustments are already under way.

Last week, at Nato’s Brussels headquarters, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and his counterparts weighed what defenses to set up on the organization’s eastern flank, from Estonia in the north through Latvia, Lithuania and Poland down to Bulgaria and Romania on the Black Sea. The aim is to deter President Vladimir Putin from ordering an invasion of any of the 30 allies; not just for the duration of this war but also for the next 5-10 years. Before launching it, Putin had demanded that Nato stop expand-

ing and withdraw its forces from the east. The opposite is happening.

In just the past two months, the US presence in Europe has jumped from about 80,000 troops to about 100,000, which is nearly as many as were there in 1997 when the United States and its Nato allies began an expansion of the alliance that Putin says threatens Russia and must be reversed. By comparison, in 1991, the year the Soviet Union dissolved, the United States had 305,000 troops in Europe, including 224,000 in Germany alone, according to Pentagon records. The number then dropped steadily, reaching 101,000 in 2005 and about 64,000 as recently as 2020.

Biden and Nato have said repeatedly that while the US and Nato will provide weapons and other defensive support to non-Nato member Ukraine, they are determined to avoid any escalation on behalf of Kyiv that risks a broader war with Russia.

Polish leaders have called for a Western peacekeeping mission to intervene in Ukraine, a step that the US and other allies worry could lead to a broadening of the war.

Sullivan added that Biden will also “announce joint action on enhancing European energy security and reducing Europe’s dependence on Russian gas.” AP

making slow progress on apparent efforts to cut off fighters in eastern Ukraine. The Russians increasingly are concentrating their air power and artillery on Ukraine’s cities and civilians.

Talks to end the fighting have continued by video. Zelenskyy said negotiations with Russia are going “step by step, but they are going forward.”

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he saw progress in negotiations.

“From my outreach with various actors, elements of diplomatic progress are coming into view on several key issues,” and the gains are enough to end hostilities now, he said. He gave no details.

The Western official, though, said that there were no signs Moscow was ready to compromise.

In the last update from Mariupol officials, they said March 15 that at least 2,300 people had died in the siege. Accounts from the city suggest the true toll is much higher, with bodies lying uncollected. Airstrikes over the past week destroyed a theater and an art school where many civilians were taking shelter.

Zelenskyy, in his address, said more than 7,000 people were evacuated from Mariupol on Tuesday. Those who remain suffer “in inhuman conditions, under a full blockade, without food, without water, without medicine and under constant shelling, under constant bombardment,” he said.

Before the war, 430,000 people lived in Mariupol.

Perched on the Sea of Azov, Mariupol is a crucial port for Ukraine and lies along a stretch of territory between Russia and Crimea. The siege has cut the city off from the sea and allowed Russia to establish a land corridor to Crimea.

It’s not clear how much of the city Russia holds, with fleeing residents saying fighting continues street by street.

Beyond the terrible human toll, the war has shaken the post-Cold War global security consensus, imperiled the world supply of key crops and raised worries it could set off a nuclear accident.

Anna reported from Lviv, Ukraine.

Associated Press writer Yuras Karmanau in Lviv, and other AP journalists around the world contributed to this report.

Ukraine calls on Chinese maker to deactivate drones

B

EIJING—Ukraine is appealing to a Chinese maker of civilian drones to block what the Ukrainian government says is their use by the Russian army to target missile attacks.

Vice Prime Minister Mykhailo Federov’s appeal to DJI Technology Co., publicized on Twitter, highlights the tensions over Ukraine for Chinese companies. Foreign Minister Wang Yi said this month Moscow is Beijing’s “most important strategic partner” at a time when Western tech and other companies have withdrawn from Russia over its February 24 invasion.

Russian forces “are using DJI products in order to navigate their missile,” Federov wrote in a letter to DJI. He appealed to DJI to deactivate drones in Ukraine that were purchased and activated in Russia, Syria or Lebanon: “Block your products that are helping Russia to kill the Ukrainians!”

DJI, in a letter on its own Twitter account, responded that it can’t deactivate individual drones but can impose geofencing, or software restrictions that usually are used to keep drones away from airports or other sensitive areas.

The company said that would affect all DJI drones in Ukraine. AP

A10 Thursday, March 24, 2022 • Editor: Angel R. Calso

Opinion BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

editorial

When a country has the power to coerce

I

N a world where all members of the United Nations equally have one vote each, it’s unfortunate that some big countries think they are more equal than others.

China has this mindset. Since it completed its islandbuilding in the South China Sea to support the deployment of coast guard and paramilitary vessels to back up territorial claims, China has been imposing its will in the region.

China has been bullying Vietnam and Malaysia over ocean drilling, and ramming Philippine fishing vessels in Scarborough Shoal. A recent incident involved Chinese coast guard ships that blocked and used powerful water cannon against two Philippine boats carrying supplies to troops stationed at Ayungin Shoal. This prompted the government to order the Chinese ships to back off and warn that a mutual defense treaty with the United States covers the supply vessels.

From the Associated Press: “China has fully militarized at least three of several islands it built in the disputed South China Sea, arming them with anti-ship and anti-aircraft missile systems, laser and jamming equipment, and fighter jets in an increasingly aggressive move that threatens all nations operating nearby, a top US military commander said Sunday. US Indo-Pacific commander Adm. John C. Aquilino said the hostile actions were in stark contrast to Chinese President Xi Jinping’s past assurances that Beijing would not transform the artificial islands in contested waters into military bases. The efforts were part of China’s flexing its military muscle, he said.”

From Bloomberg: “Chinese President Xi Jinping told a gathering of Asean leaders that his nation will avoid dominating the region, a pledge that comes as Beijing is involved in disputes with bloc members over its broad claims in the South China Sea. “China firmly opposes hegemony and power politics,” Xi told a virtual gathering to mark three decades of ties between Asean and his country.”

Despite Xi’s pledge not to bully neighbors, China’s bullying in the West Philippine Sea continues, according to Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, who recently told a diplomat from the European Union that China has not stopped its harassment and provocations in the region, citing even a recent case of a Chinese vessel trying to ram a warship of the United States in international waters (Read, “China WPS bullying persists–Lorenzana,” in the BusinessMirror, March 16, 2022).

In a candid talk with European Union Ambassador to the Asean Igor Driesmans, the Defense chief said that “harassment and provocations from China” continue.

For example, the Philippines in January protested the intrusion of a surveillance ship from the Chinese navy into the Cuyo Group of Islands and Apo Island in Palawan and Mindanao, respectively. China, however, claimed that its ship was exercising an innocent passage under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which it does not recognize in the cases of the Kalayaan Island Group and the West Philippine Sea by swarming it with Chinese vessels. The Department of Foreign Affairs belied China’s claims of innocent voyage.

To solidify its position in the region, China continues to bully smaller neighbors. Its coast guard harasses other nations’ ships, and hundreds of its militia vessels crowd into waters inside other countries’ exclusive economic zone. It also built man-made islands on disputed atolls and stacked them with military installations.

The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea provides a comprehensive legal framework governing all activities and uses of the world’s seas and oceans. In 2013, the Philippines questioned the claim of China of its “historic rights” based on nine-dash line in their maps. The Haguebased tribunal ruled in favor of the Philippines. China dismissed the ruling as sham and continues to defy it. It wants to dominate the world using its own rules.

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On the Ukraine crisis John Mangun

OUTSIDE THE BOX

T

he comments from both the candidates and the pundits on the war in the Ukraine—“standing in admiration of the Ukrainian people’s courage to defend freedom”—would probably be much different were this not a prelude to the national election in May. Once again, missing the historical perspective leads as always to “hysterical perspective.” Following the breakup of Yugoslavia, the Balkans disintegrated into an ethnic, religious, and tribal war as Croatia, Slovenia, and Bosnia tried to establish independent states.

North Atlantic Treaty Organization (Nato), meaning the United States, intervened with bombings all over the region, and after three years (1992-1995) over 100,000 had been killed including nearly 40,000 civilians. No one at the time talked about this spreading into “WW3” even though this war was fought in the same area as where WW1 began. Besides, the leaders of these nations had names like Franjo and Hadžihasanović and what the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia declared was “systematic rape” and “sexual en-

slavement” was not as emotionally satisfying as protesters calling for the removal of “Mad Vlad.”

Likewise, Nato was right there at the forefront of the “Arab Spring” in 2010-2012 helping “democratic regime change” across North Africa and the Middle East. Governments were overthrown—sometimes more than once—in Libya, Egypt, Tunisia, and Yemen. Nato was so effective that Yemen has been in a humanitarian crisis of biblical proportions for 10 years. About 60,000 civilians were killed but hey...it’s for “democracy.”

But 2022 has given us Ukraine, once called the most corrupt country in Europe (after Russia, of course), and now the last outpost of freedom and (again) democracy regardless of the fact that its president Volodymyr Zelenskyy has “suspended 11 political parties with links to Russia.”

That action may make sense in

The truth is that the war is only the beginning of the “Panic Cycle,” which began on March 16th. With nuclear Nato on one side and Nuclear Russia on the other, the panic is understandable. However, the US is not going to shoot first and Russia would only “go nuclear” if invaded and that is not going to happen. light of developments since the Russian invasion on February 24th. But then again on February 3, “Zelenskyy bans three opposition TV stations” for being “pro-Russian.”

The discussion of whether or not Russia was justified under any circumstances to invade Ukraine is not really material to the Philippines. The government joined the global condemnation and has offered any assistance to Ukraine refugees. That is the moral and proper action to take. War sucks for whatever reason and there is rarely any participant who is entirely “God’s chosen” or “Satan’s spawn.”

Here as in the West are those calling for the world to rise up and attack Russia, reminiscent of 200-year Holy Crusades to take back the Holy Land from Islamic rule.

Back then as now, it was undoubtedly a noble and heroic cause. But also then as now everyone is trying to profit from it. The problem is that everything is connected, which is difficult for some minds to understand.

Japan and Russia have for decades been trying to reach an agreement on a post-WW2 treaty regarding four islands—called the Kurils by Russia and the Northern Territories by Japan—held by Moscow and claimed

by Tokyo. After Japan denounced Russia on Ukraine, Russia stopped the negotiations and Japan is crying “foul.” What did Japan expect?

Business as usual? That is only one example.

The truth is that the war is only the beginning of the “Panic Cycle,” which began on March 16th. With nuclear Nato on one side and Nuclear Russia on the other, the panic is understandable. However, the US is not going to shoot first and Russia would only “go nuclear” if invaded and that is not going to happen. Ukraine is not worth it any more than Bosnia or North Africa.

The US will talk big and Russia will easily handle the economic sanctions, most of which have been in place since it seized Crimea in 2014.

However, President Duterte clearly understands the reality even if others do not. He was quoted as saying on the crisis: “It will end only if Putin wants it or if he is taken out.”

As of now, neither of those alternatives is on the table. We can only wait and watch.

E-mail me at mangun@gmail.com. Follow me on Twitter @mangunonmarkets. PSE stock-market information and technical analysis provided by AAA Southeast Equities Inc.

‘No mercy’: Mariupol bombing compared to Nazi war crimes

By Vanessa Gera & Srdjan Nedeljkovic | The Associated Press

M

EDYKA, Poland—The president of Poland compared Russia’s attacks on Ukraine to Nazi forces during World War II, saying Tuesday that besieged Mariupol looks like Warsaw in 1944 after the Germans bombed houses and killed civilians “with no mercy at all.”

President Andrzej Duda, who will host President Joe Biden later this week in a Warsaw rebuilt from the ashes of that war, spoke as traumatized people bearing witness to the horrors inflicted on Ukraine by Russian forces continued to flee.

They arrived by the thousands in Poland and other neighboring nations.

The United Nations refugee agency announced a staggering milestone Tuesday: More than 3.5 million refugees have now left the country.

Among them was Viktoria Totsen, a 39-year-old from Mariupol who entered Poland as part of an exodus that has become Europe’s worst refugee crisis since World War II. She described how the bombing

by Russian planes had become incessant, prompting her to flee with her two daughters.

“During the last five days the planes were flying over us every five

seconds and dropped bombs everywhere,” she said.

During a visit to Bulgaria, Duda compared the Russian shelling of schools, hospitals and other civilian targets, to the atrocities committed

by German forces during their occupation of Poland during World War II. “My countrymen, Poles, are looking today at Mariupol and are saying, ‘God’—they say it with tears in their eyes—‘Mariupol looks like Warsaw did in 1944 when Nazis, Hitler’s Germans, were brutally bombing houses, killing people, killing civilians with no mercy at all,’” Duda said.

“Today the Russian army is behaving in exactly the same way. Russian leaders are behaving in exactly the same way, like Hitler, like the German SS, like the German pilots of the fascist army during World War II.” In the Polish border town of Przemysl, a refugee from Mykolaiv, 45-year-old Natalia Shabadash, de-

scribed a rocket explosion just 500 meters (yards) from her home.

“It was very scary, that’s why we decided to leave our home,” she said, explaining that her husband, like many Ukrainian men, remained in the country.

The UNHCR reported Tuesday that 3.53 million people have left Ukraine, with Poland taking in the lion’s share—more than 2.1 million— followed by Romania with more than 540,000 and Moldova with more than 367,000. Slovakia and Hungary have also welcomed refugees.

The International Organization for Migration estimates that nearly 6.5 million people are also internally displaced within Ukraine, suggesting that some, if not most, might flee abroad if the war continues.

Many of those who cross into Poland choose to remain, but it is impossible to know the exact number. Poland’s Border Guard agency registers them on entry from Ukraine, but not if they move across the open borders of the European Union to Germany, France, Italy or any of the other countries where Ukrainians are heading.

It’s clear, however, that many opt to stay in Poland, close to their homeland in hopes of returning after the war and drawn by the linguistic

and cultural similarities in the fellow Slavic nation. Large numbers of Ukrainians in recent days have registered their children in Polish schools or applied for a national ID number that will give them access to health care and other social services.

Shabadash, who fled Mykolaiv, said she was treated very well in Poland and felt “so grateful to the Polish people,” but intended to go France.

Meanwhile, groups of orphans and sick children from Ukraine are also arriving, sometimes in transit.

In Warsaw, dozens of Ukrainian orphans and their caretakers who are headed to refuge in the UK were stuck Tuesday due to missing paperwork from Ukraine.

The nearly 50 youngsters from orphanages in the central Ukrainian city of Dnipro were due to fly to London on Monday before traveling on to Scotland. But they were forced to wait in a hotel until the bureaucratic holdup could be dealt with.

Their journey was organized by a Scottish charity, Dnipro Kids, which was set up in 2005 by supporters of Hibernian Football Club in the Scottish capital, Edinburgh.

UK Home Secretary Priti Patel said last week that British authoriSee “No mercy” A11

Opinion BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

UN taking up 3 resolutions on Ukraine humanitarian crisis

U

By Edith M. Lederer | The Associated Press

NITED NATIONS—The United Nations will face three resolutions Wednesday on the worsening humanitarian situation in Ukraine after Russia decided to call for a vote on its Security Council resolution that makes no mention of its attack on its smaller neighbor.

The General Assembly is scheduled to start considering two rival resolutions Wednesday morning— one supported by Ukraine and Western nations that makes clear Russia is responsible for the escalating humanitarian crisis and the other sponsored by South Africa that doesn’t mention Russia.

The Security Council will vote on the third resolution, which is sponsored by Russia and widely criticized for not referring to its invasion of Ukraine. Russia had canceled a council vote on the measure last Friday as diplomats predicted it would be overwhelmingly defeated, with many abstentions and very few “yes” votes when at least nine are needed for approval along with no vetoes.

Russia’s deputy UN ambassador, Dmitry Polyansky, told reporters Tuesday that Russia had now asked for a vote Wednesday. It was scheduled to be held after the Security Council’s scheduled meeting Wednesday morning on its cooperation with the Arab League.

Polyansky said if Western nations don’t support the Russian resolution it will be “a reflection of their hypocrisy” and refusal to support a purely humanitarian measure “without any politicization,” just like other humanitarian resolutions adopted by the 15-member council.

US Ambassador Linda ThomasGreenfield countered that Russia canceled Friday’s vote on its resolution “because they knew that they didn’t have support for that resolution.” She said there still is no support.

France and Mexico decided to take their humanitarian resolution to the 193-member General Assembly after Russia made clear after two weeks of negotiations in the Security Council that it would veto their draft. It makes clear the aid crisis is a result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

A letter sent to the assembly president Monday from the two countries and 20 others, including Ukraine and the United States, asked for a resumption of the General Assembly’s special session on Wednesday to put the resolution to a vote.

South African on Monday circulated a rival draft resolution that is similar to the Russian text before the Security Council and makes no mention of Russia’s aggression. It was sent to the General Assembly on Tuesday.

The South African draft calls for “an immediate cessation of hostilities” as a first step in ameliorating the deteriorating humanitarian situation and encourages “political dialogue, negotiations, mediation and other peaceful means aimed at achieving lasting peace.”

According to the speakers list obtained Tuesday night by The Associated Press, 61 countries planned to address the assembly on the matter.

That meant the vote could take place Wednesday evening or Thursday.

The first two speakers were Ukraine, to present the Westernbacked resolution it supports and

No Mercy . . . continued from A10

ties were working with Poland and Ukraine “to ensure the children’s swift arrival to the UK.” Duncan MacRae, the media manager of Dnipro Kids, said the children were first evacuated by train from Dnipro to the western Ukrainian city of Lviv. They were then put on a bus and taken to Poland, where they stayed for the past

helped draft, and South Africa, Unlike Security Council resolutions, General Assembly resolutions are not legally binding, but there are no vetoes and they do have clout in reflecting international opinion.

The US ambassador said supporters of the French-Mexican resolution hoped to get the same vote for the draft as for a resolution adopted by the assembly March 2 that demanded an immediate halt to Russia’s military action in Ukraine and withdrawal of all its forces. That resolution passed 141-5, with 35 abstentions, and was hailed by supporters as a demonstration of Russia’s global isolation.

“Russia is the aggressor here and it is absolutely unconscionable for Russia to think that they can put forward a humanitarian resolution,” Thomas-Greenfield said. “What Russia needs to do is stop fighting.

It needs to stop killing Ukrainians.

It needs to stop attacking civilians and forcing people from their homes and creating a humanitarian crisis.”

The French-Mexican draft resolution reiterates the March 2 demand for Russia to immediately stop its military offensive in Ukraine and withdraw all its troops, and it demands protection for all civilians and infrastructure indispensable to their survival.

The draft deplores the “dire humanitarian consequences” of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine which it says “are on a scale that the international community has not seen in Europe in decades.” And it deplores Russia’s shelling, airstrikes and “besiegement” of densely populated cities, particularly the southern city of Mariupol.

The proposed resolution strongly condemns attacks directed at civilians and “civilian objects,” including evacuation convoys, and demands that all parties “protect civilians fleeing armed conflict and violence.”

It further demands unhindered access for aid workers, including their transport, supplies and equipment.

Russia’s proposed humanitarian resolution, circulated a day after France and Mexico announced they would take their draft to the General Assembly, doesn’t refer to the war at all. It just calls for protection of civilians “in vulnerable situations” and safe passage for humanitarian aid and people seeking to leave Ukraine.

It endorses UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ call for dialogue and negotiations and urges a negotiated cease-fire to rapidly evacuate “all civilians.”

Russia’s draft further says there is a “need for the parties concerned to agree on humanitarian pauses to this end,” while never identifying the parties concerned.

Russian authorities maintain they did not start the war and have repeatedly and falsely decried reports of Russian military setbacks or civilian deaths in Ukraine as fake news.

State media outlets and government officials insist Russian troops target only military facilities. two weeks.

Sally Becker, executive director of the foundation Save a Child, which is helping with the evacuation, said the delay was due to a document that hadn’t been provided by Ukrainian authorities, and emerged just as the group was on the way to the airport.

“All we want to do is give them safe, temporary sanctuary in Britain until the war is over and it’s safe for them to go home,” she said. Gera reported from Warsaw. David Keyton in Przemysl, Poland, contributed.

Thursday, March 24, 2022 A11

Amid Russia’s new crackdowns, small signs of defiance emerge

N

EW YORK—When Alexei Navalny was arrested in January 2021, tens of thousands of Russians filled the streets in protest, demanding that the top Kremlin critic be released and chanting slogans against President Vladimir Putin. Thousands were arrested.

In the months since then, Navalny was given 2½ years in prison. His organization, close associates and other opposition activists were either prosecuted, fled the country or had their hands tied by draconian new laws or decrees. Independent news outlets were blocked and social media platforms banned.

Even a silent antiwar protester who held up a blank sign earlier this month in the city of Nizhny Novgorod was arrested.

Putin’s crackdown—unprecedented in post-Soviet Russia—has blanketed the country. By the time Navalny’s sentence was extended for another nine years by a court on Tuesday, not much dissent could be mustered. The Kremlin had worked hard to see to that.

And yet, there are still flickers of protest and defiance.

“Of course, nine years is a stiff sentence,” said Navalny ally Ilya Yashin, who has vowed to remain in Russia. “Rapists, thieves and murderers in Russia often get less.... But in reality (the sentence) doesn’t mean anything, because everyone understands: Alexei will spend as much time behind bars as Putin will sit in the Kremlin.”

Addressing Putin, Yashin added sarcastically in his Facebook post, “You’re quite the optimist.”

After a trial in a makeshift courtroom at the penal colony where he is being held, Navalny was convicted on fraud and contempt of court charges in a move that was seen as an attempt to keep Putin’s biggest foe behind

bars for as long as possible.

The 45-year-old corruption fighter, who in 2020 survived a poisoning with a nerve agent that he blames on the Kremlin, said on Facebook in a sardonic comment that was posted by his team: “My space flight is taking a bit longer than expected.”

His trial, which began a week before Russian troops rolled into Ukraine on February 24, even prompted a small act of defiance by one of the witnesses for the prosecution. Fyodor Gorozhanko, a former activist in Navalny’s Anti-Corruption Foundation, who has since left Russia, testified that he had been coerced to give evidence against the opposition leader.

Navalny’s foundation and a nationwide network of regional offices were outlawed last year as extremist and ceased operating. The Kremlin also turned up the heat on other opposition activists and groups, as well as on independent media and human rights organizations.

Dozens have been slapped with a crippling “foreign agent” label, which implies additional government scrutiny and scorn. Many have been forced to shut down under pressure.

With the invasion of Ukraine, the crackdown has been expanded— all but silencing most independent news sites. Facebook and Instagram were banned as extremist and were blocked in Russia. Twitter also was blocked, although Russians who use virtual private networks, or VPNs, are able to avoid access restrictions to the social media networks and news

A sweeping clampdown on antiwar protests was instituted, but that didn’t stop them. More than 15,000 people were detained for demonstrating against the war, according to the OVD-Info rights group that tracks political arrests.

outlets banned in Russia.

A sweeping clampdown on antiwar protests was instituted, but that didn’t stop them. More than 15,000 people were detained for demonstrating against the war, according to the OVD-Info rights group that tracks political arrests.

On March 14, a live evening news program on Russia’s state TV was interrupted by a woman who walked behind the anchor holding a handmade poster protesting the war in English and Russian. OVD-Info identified her as Marina Ovsyannikova, an employee of the station, who was taken into custody and fined.

A new law was rubber-stamped by the parliament, criminalizing content that deviates from the official line as “fake news” or which discredits the Russian military and its actions in Ukraine. Media outlets have faced pressure over calling the action a “war” or an “invasion,” rather than using the government’s description of it as a “special military operation.” The first criminal cases under the new law appeared shortly after it was adopted and, among others, implicated two prominent public figures who condemned the offensive on social media.

Navalny’s team has been undeterred by both the war and the trial of its leader, announcing it was rebooting the foundation as an international organization.

“Corruption kills,” read its new website. “As Ukrainian cities are

bombed by Putin, this has never been more obvious. Putin and his circle have done everything to stay in power—and steal, and steal, and steal some more. High on their own impunity, they unleashed a war.”

“We will find all of their mansions in Monaco and their villas in Miami, and when we do, we will make sure Putin’s elite loses everything it owns,” the statement said. “We have been fighting Putin since 2011. We will fight him until we win.”

The Navalny team also promoted a new YouTube channel it has launched, Popular Politics, that since March 5 has attracted more than 920,000 subscribers.

On Monday, it released a video on YouTube alleging that Putin owns a $700 million super yacht, which is in an Italian port. The new expose has gotten over 2.8 million views

by Tuesday evening. The New York Times reported earlier this month that the vessel’s captain denied Putin owned or had ever been on the yacht.

The allegations came in stark contrast to Putin’s recent ominous remarks condemning those who oppose the war in Ukraine and juxtaposing elites “who have villas in Miami or the French Riviera, those who can’t live without foie gras, oysters” to “our people” and “Russia.”

Mikhail Khodorkovsky, an exiled Russian oil tycoon who spent a decade in prison in Russia on charges widely seen as revenge for challenging Putin’s rule, spoke Tuesday of his optimism for Navalny.

“Nine years were handed to Navalny. However, what does it matter?

What matters is how much time Putin has left. And here I think there is some good news for Alexei,” Khodorkovsky tweeted. AP

US, Ukraine quietly try to pierce Putin’s propaganda bubble

By Colleen Long, Amanda Seitz & Nomaan Merchant The Associated Press

W

ASHINGTON—The US and Ukraine have knocked back Russian President Vladimir Putin’s efforts to falsely frame the narrative of his brutal war, but they are struggling to get a more accurate view of the Kremlin’s invasion in front of the Russian people.

While the Russian military suffers thousands of deaths and fails to capture key cities, Putin is intensifying his two-decade crackdown on information. The Kremlin has shut down Russia’s last three independent media outlets, barred major social media platforms, created new laws against journalists who defy its propaganda and insisted on calling the war a “special military operation.”

The result is a Russian public with little to no access to any alternative to Putin’s own anti-Ukraine, antiWestern narrative. It’s a heat shield for Putin against any backlash to the war and Western sanctions that have crippled Russia’s economy.

Breaking through Putin’s propaganda bubble is a key strategic goal for Ukraine and its Western allies.

They have tried a series of actions, overt and subtle, to reach ordinary Russians, from encouraging the use of software that circumvents Internet blocks to having government briefings for TikTok influencers. The hope is independent voices still operating in Russia, those from the West, and direct pleas from Ukrainians can convince the masses that they’re being lied to about the war next door.

The question is no longer “what we do to stop disinformation,” former US ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul said, it’s how to promote information inside Russia. “Very hard question,” he added.

Among the most important steps, he said, is to “fund Russian independent media working outside of Russia.”

The Associated Press spoke to half a dozen current and former officials in the US and Ukraine about the challenge. American officials acknowledged that any direct rebut-

tals of Russian disinformation could be quickly dismissed by Moscow as American propaganda.

Instead, they said, the Biden administration is trying to foster the flow of outside information and make it easier for ordinary Russians to learn the truth about the war themselves. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss internal strategy.

Many Western companies have stopped doing business in Russia.

Quietly, though, US officials have encouraged Internet service providers to stay, calculating that Russians need to have the means to find outside information online. Celebrities already well-known in Russia, like Arnold Schwarzenegger, have used Twitter and Telegram to share messages and videos speaking of the atrocities of the war.

McFaul called the Schwarzenegger bit “brilliant,” adding: “Those kinds of pieces, though, should be happening every day.”

Ukraine has shaped much of the West’s perception of the war with videos and social media posts highlighting Russian attacks on civilians and destruction of Ukrainian neighborhoods. And President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has won admiration around the world for his direct-tocamera speeches that are posted and shared online. Zelenskyy, in his last speech before the invasion pleading for peace, noted, “I know that they won’t show my address on Russian TV.” The Biden administration has continued to declassify intelligence findings about what it says are Putin’s war plans to undercut his ability to carry them out. The US is also increasing funding for its traditional means of reaching audiences in Eastern Europe, adding $25 million this month for the US Agency for Global Media, which oversees Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and Voice of America.

Voice of America posted online instructions on how to access its site using a virtual private network, or VPN, or through other means of circumventing Kremlin barriers. The broadcaster’s internal statistics sug-

gest thousands of Russians are using those methods.

And the White House met recently with influencers on TikTok, a meeting that sparked some eye-rolling but that a handful of participants said they found helpful.

“The idea of having a White House press briefing with TikTokers who are sharing news ... it’s a brilliant idea,” said Kahlil Greene, who describes himself on TikTok as a “Gen Z Historian Follow for History and Politics” and has 550,000 followers. “There’s an understanding that TikTok is expansive beyond borders. Some of these people have millions of followers that cross outside of the US.” But TikTok this month barred new uploads and livestreaming from Russia. In a further crackdown Monday, Russia banned Facebook and Instagram entirely. Twitter, meanwhile, has been difficult for Russians to access. The Kremlin also suspended the BBC Russian service, German broadcaster Deutsche Welle and Latvia-based website Meduza. And, on Tuesday, international news channel Euronews said it had been blocked from broadcasting in Russia.

Some social media platforms and news organizations have worked around the bans and government surveillance, using a privacy-protected “onion” service. Russian users can access a version of Twitter if they download the Tor browser, which allows people to access sites on what is also referred to as the “dark web.”

Instead of .com, onion sites have a .onion suffix. The Russian authorities have had some success blocking those sites, however, too.

It’s hard to measure whether any of those efforts are working, but research done in other nations shows that these type of barriers to information make it just hard enough to deter people from persevering.

“It’s not impossible to jump the great firewall,” said Shelby Grossman, a research scholar at the Stanford Internet Observatory on Russian disinformation on social media.

“But the fact that you have to install a VPN to do it could deter people.

These tiny frictions have real effects on people.”

Another problem is reaching those who don’t want to be reached, which is also an issue for Americans.

Millions in the US, for example, wrongly believe the 2020 election was stolen despite an untold number of efforts to debunk falsehoods about voter fraud.

It’s a misinformation environment that the Kremlin relishes, and has helped promote with influence operations against Russia’s adversaries.

Russian state media continues to echo false and unsupported claims about Ukraine’s government and alleges that it requires “de-Nazification.” It has lied about the Russian military’s attacks on civilian targets and its destruction of entire neighborhoods.

Thomas Rid, a professor at Johns Hopkins University and expert on disinformation, noted that the US “doesn’t really have a great track record” on countering false narratives.

“The way I would play this is via Ukraine,” he said. “It has the proximity, the language skills, the family links. We need to help them first and foremost to win and retain access to information.”

Zelenskyy came to the presidency with skills well suited for an information war. He was a showman who played a president on television and founded a successful production company. Shortly after he took office, Ukraine became the focus of former President Donald Trump’s first impeachment, an international story that ended up giving Zelenskyy’s team valuable training for global information challenges.

Ukraine also has three decades of history as a former Soviet republic that has long had to defend against Moscow’s political influence campaigns and cyberattacks.

“We have way more experience and way more practice,” said Igor Novikov, an expert on information tactics who served as a Zelenskyy campaign adviser and remains close to members of the president’s inner circle. On some aspects of countering disinformation, Novikov said, “the US is five years behind us.”

A12 Thursday, March 24, 2022

POE: MOTORBIKE TAXIS WILL GET SENATE OKAY

By Butch Fernandez @butchfBM

S

EN. Grace Poe affirmed Wednesday senators are likely to adopt a long-pending proposal to allow the use of motorcycles-for-hire just like other public utility vehicles (PUV).

Poe, who chairs the franchise-granting Senate Committee on Public Services, gave assurances that the Senate will back a bill intended to legitimize motorcycle taxis.

Once passed into law, it will allow motorcycles that have secured franchises to take on passengers, just like taxis, as a PUV. The use of motorcycle taxis became in vogue before the pandemic, but owing to safety and regulatory issues, land transportation authorities deemed it best to first “pilot” their use, though this was largely limited to two pioneers.

When the pandemic hit Philippine shores and public transportation was severely curtailed with the lockdowns, the use of motorcycle taxis again suffered a

setback. But with alert levels easing and people start clamoring for cheaper forms of commuting, the call to allow motorcycle taxis officially—and on a larger scale—has grown larger.

Under Senate Bill 4136, the motorbikes-for-hire will be required to register as they enter into the motorbike-ride-hailing online platforms.

According to Poe, all senators supported the Public Services panel’s committee report when it was submitted in February, so she expected the enabling bill to be approved with no hitches up to its thrid and final reading.

She added they already conveyed the Senate bill to their House counterparts, conveying hopes of easy approval of a single version in both chambers the enabling bill can be signed into law by Malacañang before the 18th Congress adjourns.

Congress is on break until May 23, when it meets again for six session days before adjourning. The 18th Congress ends its term on June 30.

NPC takes Comelec to court over issues of transparency

By Joel R. San Juan @jrsanjuan1573

T

HE National Press Club has filed a petition for mandamus before the Supreme Court seeking to compel the Commission on Elections to implement digital signatures for the May 2022 national and local elections, disclose critical information and allow stakeholders access to printing of ballots, among others.

Also joining the NPC—one the country’s biggest organizations of active journalists—as petitioners were the election watchdog Automated ElectionSystemWatch, and the Guardians Brotherhood Inc. (GBI).

In their 35-page petition, the petitioners also asked the Court to direct the Comelec to allow political parties, candidates, accredited media, and other concerned organizations to scrutinize the following: disposition or destruction of the reported 5.2 million defective ballots; configuration and preparation of the secure digital (SD) cards to be used in the vote-counting machines (VCMs) through Comelec-accredited observers in the Sta. Rosa, Laguna warehouse, including access to and examination of the SD cards that have already been configured and prepared without the presence of observers and allow the public to observe pre-logic and accuracy test (Pre-LAT) and other tests to be conducted; preparation, testing, and deployment of the VCMs and all its parts, attachments and tools through Comelec accredited observers; National Technical Support Center, technical hubs, including data centers, provincial and regional hubs; and transmission diagram or data/communications network structure including the details of the transmission of the transmission router server and/or the “Meet-Me Room,” and all devices and equipment that will be used to transmit election results.

The petitioners insisted that the Comelec is mandated under Section 1 of Republic Act Act 9369 or the Automated Election System (AES) Law to inform the public of its compliance with the minimum system capabilities required under

the AES. The poll body, according to the petitioners, is obliged under Section 14 of the AES Law, as amended to allow political parties and candidates or their representatives, citizens’ arm or their representatives to examine and test the equipment or device to be used in the voting and counting of ballots.

As to the printing of ballots, Section 187 of the Omnibus Election Code provides that the Comelec should allow political parties or civic, religious, professional, business, service, youth or any similar organizations to observe and witness the printing of ballots.

However, the petitioners claimed that the Comelec has refused to implement the digital signatures nationwide.

The petitioners also stressed that Section 22 of RA 9369 requires that each election return be signed and thumbmarked by all the members of the Election Boards.

They claimed the respondent is also not transparent in its alleged continuous refusal to allow observers in the printing of ballots and configuration of the SD cards and VCMs. The petitioners are seeking access to the reported 5.2 million ballots printed for the coming elections that were declared defective, expressing fear these might be used to manipulate the election results.

“However, considering that there were no observers during the printing of the ballots, there is no way to verify if these 5.2 million ballots are truly defective. Worse, these ballots are not properly accounted for. Thus, it is possible that these ballots are really not defective and can be used to cheat in the coming elections,” the petitioners said.

“In totality, it is established that Comelec is not being transparent in all automated election system and is putting the public in the dark.

This is a very dangerous precedent as Comelec itself is willfully hiding critical information about the entire automated election system.

This is an anathema to the principles of transparency and credibility as there exists a blind spot in the entire election architectural structure,” they stressed.

Firms’ campaign donations curbed by new Comelec reso

L

By Samuel P. Medenilla

@sam_medenilla

OCAL companies now face restrictions in making campaign donations to their chosen candidates under a new resolution of the Commission on Elections.

Resolution No.10772 issued last week by the Comelec en banc qualified what the “reasonable” amount of campaign donations that domestic corporations are allowed to provide candidates under Republic Act No. 11232 or the Revised Corporation Code.

Under the new issuance, the poll body said a “reasonable” donation shall “not exceed 5 percent of the corporation’s taxable income on a taxable year immediately preceding elections from trade, business, or profession.”

Comelec said: “Every domestic corporation, allowed by law to give contribution or donation, whether in cash or in kind, shall recieve or demand an official receipt from political party, party-list, candidate or their duly authorized representative to whom the contribution is made.”

The concerned firms will be

mandated to report their contribution with the Campaign Finance Office within 30 days following the day of the election.

Also, public or private financial institutions and educational institutions which received grants of public funds of at least P100,000 are banned from making campaign donations.

Likewise prohibited from giving similar contributions are natural or juridical persons engaged in public utility or in possession of or exploiting any natural resources of the nation; contracts of subcontracts to supply the government with goods or services or to perform construction or other works; granted franchises, incentives, exemptions, allocations or similar privileges or concessisions by the government including government-owned or -controlled corporations (GOCC);

those who one year prior to the date of the election, have been granted loans or other accommodations in excess of P100,000 by the government including GOCCs; Comelec reiterated that officials or employees in the Civil Service or members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and foreigners and foreign corporations are also not allowed to give campaign donations.

It reiterated that solicitation or receiving campaign contributions from the said companies is considered illegal.

The officials and employees of the companies that violate Comelec Resolution 10772 could be sanctioned with imprisonment of not less than a year, but not more than six years and shall not be subject to probation.

The new Comelec issuance will take effect immediately after its publication in two daily newspapers of general circulation.

In another development, Comelec said it is now too late to remove from the 2022 ballot those party-lists with questions in their qualification.

The poll body issued the statement after election watchdog Kontra Daya released on Tuesday the full report of its screening on the 177 party-list groups participating in the 2022 polls.

Of these groups, 124 were flagged by Kontra Daya for having nominees who are part of “political dynasties or big businesses, having unclear or questionable advocacies and representations, having connections with the government or military, having incumbent local officials as party-list nominees, or having party-list nominees with court cases.”

Comelec Commissioner George M. Garcia lauded Kontra Daya for its expose, but he noted such could no longer be used to affect the 2022 ballots.

He said the period for quest ion i ng t he qu a l i f ic at ion of party-lists has lapsed after they published their manifestation of intent to participate in the 2022 polls.

“These are procedurally moot at this point. The decisions on their accreditations have long attained finality hence, immutable and can no longer be disturbed,” Garcia said in a statement.

“Being no injunctive writ from a higher court, these PLs (party-lists groups) will have to be included in the ballots,” he added.

Last week, Comelec said the National Printing Office (NPO) already printed more than half or 49.7 million of the 67.44-million ballots, which will be used for the 2022 automated elections.

HUNDREDS of Apostille (document authentication) applicants, mostly migrant workers, wait outside the Department of Foreign Affairs’ Office of Consular Affairs at the Aseana Business Park in Parañaque City on Wednesday morning. The DFA opened a Courtesy Lane facility for overseas Filipino workers urgently requiring services, as the agency addresses a passport application backlog and complaints of late deliveries. Story on page A2, News. NONIE REYES

BBM thanks Caviteños, still leads in 7/11 poll

T

HE battle of rally crowds? The province of Cavite has shown strong support for the tandem of Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP) standard-bearer Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. and Davao Mayor Sara Duterte, the UniTeam campaign said Wednesday, as it claimed a crowd of 100,000 people showing up during the duo’s return to Cavite a day earlier.

According to the local organizers, some 100,000 UniTeam supporters went to the General Trias Oval to see survey frontrunners Marcos and Duterte, or double the numbers reported in his chief rival Leni Robredo’s campaign in the province earlier. Robredo’s camp has reported steadily climbing crowd counts during the campaign, though surveys still put her far behind the former senator.

A UniTeam official put the number in Marcos’s Tuesday rally crowd at “more or less 100,000. We counted not just those inside the venue, but also those who could no longer fit in.” It was the same number given

by Governor Jonvic Remulla.

Marcos expressed gratitude for

the support. “I was surprised. When I entered here, I didn’t realize you were so many,” he told the crowd, partly in Filipino.

Very early in the morning, supporters started trooping to the covered court of Barangay San Juan in Dasmariñas where resounding cheers welcomed Marcos and Duterte as they arrived for the first event of the UniTeam’s campaign sortie.

“We owe you a big debt of gratitude for coming here and for giving the UniTeam such a warm welcome,” Marcos said.

There was no need, he said, to expound on the UniTeam’s unity advocacy since it was clear that the province has already embraced it.

He said the warm, big welcome shows not just support for them, “but also for the unity that has been championed by this campaign.”

Saying the victory of a candidate is written in the stars, Senator Bong Revilla Jr. expressed his belief that Marcos is destined to be the next president.

For his part, Cavite Governor Remulla reiterated his call for his con-

stituents to support the UniTeam.

“All that has happened in Cavite, all the progress in Cavite, was made possible because of the Marcoses!

Lahat ng nangyari sa Cavite, lahat ng kaunlaran sa Cavite ay dahil sa mga Marcos! Let us show our support and love for the next president!”

Remulla said.

Marcos proceeded to the second mini-rally in Barangay Paliparan 3 after a mini-motorcade.

The tandem had a chance to have a meet and greet with local and barangay officials of Cavite.

‘Big gulp’ in 7-11 poll

MEANWHILE, the UniTeam campaign noted that more Filipinos “are drinking up to show their support for the candidacy of presidential frontrunner Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. as he tops 7-Eleven’s SpeakCUP presidential survey’s latest tally.”

The survey, “all done in the spirit of fun,” the convenience store chain 7-Eleven’s disclaimer read, allows customers to ‘vote’ for their preferred presidential candidate by buying a 22 oz or 12 oz soda drink

that has the image and name of their favored candidate.

The latest running tally posted on March 20, 2022, on the company’s website, showed Marcos garnering 44 percent votes, followed

by Leni Robredo with 27 percent.

Undecided voters are on third spot with 15 percent, followed by Isko Moreno with 7 percent, and Senators Manny Pacquiao and Ping Lacson are in fifth with 4 percent each.

The SpeakCUP survey results also showed Marcos was ahead of rivals in major island groups: in Metro Manila, he got 40 percent of the votes; it was 49 percent in Northern Luzon, 41 percent in South Luzon, 42 percent in the Visayas, and 53 percent in Mindanao.

Patrons have five cup designs to choose from: Marcos Jr., Pacquiao, Lacson, Moreno, Robredo, and a cup designated for “undecided” voters.

This year’s presidential survey would be the third time the company has done it, starting in 2010 and the last, 2016 national elections.

7-Eleven added that the “unofficial” pre-election survey would run from March 9 to April 27, 2022.

Companies

Editor: Jennifer A. Ng

Thursday, March 24, 2022

B1

Converge bond offer gets nod

T

By VG Cabuag

@villygc

he Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has approved the P20-billion shelf registration of the fixed-rate bonds of Converge Information and Communications Technology Solutions Inc. SEC has also given its go-signal to the initial public offering (IPO) of Asia Pacific Medical Center Bacolod Inc. (APMC), which plans to raise up to P1 billion.

In its en banc meeting, the SEC approved the first tranche of Converge ICT’s bonds of up to P10 billion. It will sell P5 billion worth of bonds

due 2027 and an oversubscription option of up to P5 billion.

Assuming the oversubscription option is fully exercised, the company could net up to P9.87 billion from the offer. Proceeds will be used to fund the company’s capital expenditures in connection with plant equipment and other property, plant and equip-

ment and intangible assets for the expansion of its nationwide fiber network.

The bonds comprising the first tranche will be offered at face value from March 14 to 18, and will be listed on the Philippine Dealing and Exchange Corp. on March 25, according to the latest timetable the company submitted to the SEC. BDO Capital and Investment Corp. was picked as the deal’s issue manager. BPI Capital Corp. is its joint lead underwriter and bookrunner.

APMC Bacolod, meanwhile, will offer to the public 3,600 blocks composed of 10 shares each, at an offer price ranging from P250,000 to P400,000 per block. The shares will be traded over the counter.

Net proceeds from the offer could amount to P997.52 million, which the company will use for loan pay-

ment, working capital, and construction of its P2.6-billion medical facility in Bacolod.

The company is currently constructing a seven-story, 248-bed hospital with a total floor area of 38,084.03 square meters located at Lacson St., Brgy. Bata, Bacolod City in Negros Occidental.

The intended market for the IPO will be medical practitioners and their relatives, as well as the public.

Subscribing to the offer shares is a prerequisite for physicians and medical specialists to practice at APMC Bacolod. Physicians looking to hold clinic at the hospital must have paid in full at least one block or 10 shares and must have undergone the required screening process and minimum requirements prescribed by the hospital.

Parlon, Grab offer salon services at home

G

RAB and Parlon have made bookings of salon and wellness home services possible with their partnership kicking off for Metro Manila customers this International Women’s Month.

Using the Grab app, clients can now enjoy haircuts, beauty treatments and grooming services done

at the comfort of their own homes.

To avail of these offerings, they can make appointments in Marqed Salon, The Secret Lounge, Benibana Beauty Hub, Vine Aesthetics, Lay Bare, and Passionails.

More partner salons of the homegrown beauty and wellness services platform provider are expected

to get onboard after kickoff.

“This is a very important milestone for Parlon because it has always been our mission to digitalize the salon and wellness industry. We’re not just here to create a marketplace or a software,” Parlon Chief Executive Officer Claire Ongcangco said.

“We aim to build an ecosystem and

we strongly believe that home service will play a part in the industry’s future as we continue to navigate a post-pandemic life.” The leading super app in Southeast Asia keeps on “looking for ways to make lives better for each and every Filipino,” according to Grab Philippines Deliveries Head Anton Bautista.Roderick L. Abad

Globe unit keen on initial public offering

By Lorenz S. Marasigan @lorenzmarasigan

A

sticom Group of Companies, a subsidiary of Globe Telecom Inc., plans to go public to expand its operations and grow its portfolio, its president said on Wednesday.

During an online roundtable discussion, Asticom President Mharicar Castillo-Reyes said the group plans to list on the stock exchange within “five years” as part of its “growth strategy in order for us to continue growing our portfolio.”

This optimism, she said, comes on the back of its stellar performance in 2021, when the group’s revenues hit the P2-billion mark.

This year, Reyes said, the group plans to “double” this figure, given the “aggressive requirements for us to support the telco and tech industries.”

She added that the group also plans to allot between 10 percent and 15 percent of its total profits for capital expenditures this year to grow its suite of solutions.

“We continuously seek ways to pave long-term growth for the group. With our strategies and plans in place, we aspire to see greater growth for the Asticom Group of Companies, but most especially for the people and clients we’re serving.

We also aspire that through realizing these goals, we can support many more Filipino businesses in their growth and improve more Filipino lives,” Reyes said.

Asticom Group of Companies is a shared services company that was launched in 2015. Last year, it gave birth to four subsidiaries, namely: Asti Business Services Inc. (ABSI), Fiber Infrastructure and Network Services Inc. (FINSI), BRAD Warehouse and Logistics Services Inc. (BRAD), and HCX Technology Partners Inc. ABSI is a business process company that offers IT and business solutions as well as back-end and project management support to its clients. It acquired HCX Technology Partners Inc. from the Ayala Corp. last year, adding HR and Digital Solutions to its business services offering.

FINSI offers end-to-end engineering solutions for businesses in the telecommunications, infrastructure, and technology industries.

Meanwhile, BRAD is an on-demand logistics solutions provider that caters to the needs of small, medium and large enterprises in the country. It aims to be the nation’s most advanced, efficient, and impactful tech-enabled logistics solutions provider.

Companies BusinessMirror

Thursday, March 24, 2022

B2

Synergy declares quarterly dividend payment of ₧1.1B

S

By Lenie Lectura

@llectura

ynergy Grid and Development Philippines Inc. (SGP) will pay out P1.158 billion worth of dividends to its shareholders.

The company said Wednesday that its board approved the first quarterly cash dividend at P0.22 per share, 10 percent higher than the P0.20 per share dividend previously distributed and paid out last January 10. The cash dividends, with a total amount of P1,158,490,520.00, will be payable on April 26 to stockholders on record as of April 6.

“The distribution of dividends continues SGP’s commitment to its partner investors. Investments in SGP will contribute to the development of the nation’s sole transmis-

sion network operated and maintained by the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP),” said SGP Chairman Henry Sy Jr. SGP conducted a follow-on offering in November last year, with shares priced at P12.00 each. The offering was in compliance with NGCP’s franchise undertakings.

SGP indirectly controls 60 percent of the outstanding capital stock of NGCP, SGP’s sole operating asset, with an effective equity interest of 40.2 percent.

NGCP holds a 25-year conces-

sion and a 50-year Congressional franchise to expand and operate the country’s power transmission grid. NGCP is the sole and exclusive operator of the Philippines’ nationwide transmission network linking power generators and distribution utilities to deliver electricity to endusers across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

In the next 13 years, NGCP is committed to invest approximately P440 billion across 211 projects to support the growing electricity demand in the country and to make the country’s power backbone continuously reliable.

“NGCP has made substantial achievements in terms of improving the country’s power transmission grid. Last year, NGCP successfully completed several components of the Mindanao-Visayas Interconnection Project, particularly the submarine cable and cable terminal stations completed last

November 2021, and the Lala-Aurora 138kV transmission line energized on February 19, 2022. NGCP also recently completed restoration works on Typhoon Odette-affected transmission lines in Visayas, among other accomplishments,” said Robert Coyiuto Jr., vice-chairman of SGP. NGCP successfully energized all 69kV affected lines in the province of Bohol. Earlier, NGCP, last December, restored power transmission services to the affected provinces of Northern Samar, Samar, and Biliran; Eastern Samar; Leyte; Negros Occidental; Negros Oriental; Agusan del Norte and Agusan del Sur; and Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur. Power transmission services were also restored in Southern Leyte in January this year. The permanent restoration of the toppled special towers in Bohol is set to be completed this April.

Cebu Air posts net loss of ₧24.9B in 2021

By Lorenz S. Marasigan @lorenzmarasigan

C

ebu Air Inc., the operator of budget carrier Cebu Pacific, reported a P24.9-billion net

loss in 2021 still due to the adverse effect of the pandemic in the global and local travel market.

In a statement, the carrier said it booked P15.7 billion in revenues, which is 30 percent lower than the

BusinessMirror file photo

year prior, as its passenger operations continued to suffer due to the low demand for air travel in 2021.

Last year, the Gokongwei-led airline flew a total of 3.41 million passengers last year, a 32-percent decline partly due to the higher volumes recorded during the first quarter in 2020.

The company cushioned the effects of the decline in revenues by lowering its total operating expenses by 10 percent to P38.9 billion, while also beefing up its cargo operations, which posted a 20-percent increase to P6.5 billion.

“Amidst the losses and uncertainty brought about by the pandemic,

CEB stayed resilient and ensured its long-term sustainability. Aside from its cost saving initiatives, it successfully raised over $1.6 billion from various fund-raising initiatives,” the company said in a statement.

“This not only allowed for an even longer liquidity runway but also resulted to a stronger balance sheet with cash balance of P19.6 billion, surpassing even the pre pandemic cash levels.”

For 2022, the company “anticipates recovery to its pre-Covid domestic capacity levels by second quarter” given the strong domestic demand thanks to lower restrictions to travel.

IMI losses widen as expenses rise

By VG Cabuag @villygc

A

yala-led Integrated Micro-Electronics Inc. (IMI) widened its losses to $10.56 million last year from the previous $3.55 million.

The company attributed the wider losses due to increased growth and technology-related investments in non-wholly owned subsidiaries, along with high raw material prices and elevated logistics expenses.

Revenues rose 15 percent to $1.3 billion from the previous $1.13 billion.

“Although component shortages and supply chain disruptions have burdened the entire industry this past year, we continue to see strong demand for electronics driving our growth momentum, particularly in key subsegments of electric vehicles

and autonomous driving,” company CEO Arthur Tan said.

“Our sales teams were able to book $356 million of annual revenue potential in 2021, an increase of 52 percent from 2020. IMI remains committed to delivering high quality, high reliability technology solutions to meet these requirements.”

W holly-ow ned subsidiar ies achieved revenues of $1 billion for the year, a 16 percent growth from 2020. Overcoming immense challenges in 2021, these business units remained profitable, earning $6.6 million of net income for the year.

Meanwhile, VIA optronics and Surface Technology International revenues also increased to $296 million, a 10 percent year-on-year growth.

“As we pursue further growth in 2022, our focus now is to proactively drive manufacturing efficiency and control costs as the supply situation improves,” Tan said.

www.businessmirror.com.ph

PSE STOCK QUOTATIONS

March 23, 2022

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

ASIA UNITED BDO UNIBANK BANK PH ISLANDS CHINABANK EAST WEST BANK METROBANK PHIL NATL BANK PSBANK RCBC SECURITY BANK UNION BANK BRIGHT KINDLE COL FINANCIAL MANULIFE PHIL STOCK EXCH SUN LIFE VANTAGE

12,945 156,823,125 81,739,731.50 1,201,715 953,589 96,119,513 1,486,736 53,892.50 12,185 33,624,495 1,478,083.50 523,450 11,940 5,530 76,000 2,252,500 448,140

80,655,078 9,403,441 609,805 -160,051 -16,895,439 -104,150 -10,150 -515,543 870.5 10,000 318,000 448,140

INDUSTRIAL AC ENERGY 8.02 8.03 8.1 8.12 7.97 8.03 23,001,400 184,657,030 1 1.03 0.99 1.03 0.99 1.03 2,000 2,020 ALSONS CONS ABOITIZ POWER 35.3 35.4 34.8 35.65 34.75 35.4 3,098,400 109,108,530 0.435 0.44 0.44 0.45 0.435 0.435 1,900,000 830,950 BASIC ENERGY FIRST GEN 24.55 24.9 25.95 25.95 24.3 24.55 602,500 15,049,385 69.5 69.95 69.75 69.95 69.75 69.95 780 54,467 FIRST PHIL HLDG JOLLIVILLE HLDG 4.4 5.48 5 5 5 5 1,200 6,000 373 374 369.8 374 364.2 374 128,980 48,010,928 MERALCO MANILA WATER 20.05 20.25 20 20.25 19.8 20.05 605,400 12,141,131 3.33 3.35 3.37 3.37 3.32 3.36 415,000 1,390,250 PETRON PETROENERGY 4.72 4.91 4.63 4.91 4.63 4.91 24,000 113,080 10.34 10.52 10.54 10.54 10.54 10.54 5,500 57,970 PHX PETROLEUM 11.34 11.36 11.32 11.36 11.26 11.36 740,500 8,390,748 SYNERGY GRID PILIPINAS SHELL 17.86 17.88 17.88 17.94 17.84 17.88 447,600 7,993,848 14.3 14.4 14.4 14.4 14 14.36 65,300 925,540 SPC POWER SOLAR PH 1.92 1.93 1.93 1.96 1.91 1.93 54,511,000 105,271,240 16 16.72 16.68 16.72 16.68 16.72 2,900 48,454 VIVANT AGRINURTURE 5.21 5.22 5.46 5.52 5.22 5.22 562,800 3,060,634 2.48 2.5 2.53 2.53 2.49 2.5 326,000 816,410 AXELUM CNTRL AZUCARERA 12.08 13.58 12.08 12.08 12.08 12.08 3,800 45,904 21.5 21.55 20.8 21.55 20.8 21.5 550,100 11,718,745 CENTURY FOOD DEL MONTE 14.14 14.26 14.1 14.16 14.1 14.14 12,800 180,918 7.35 7.4 7.13 7.45 7.13 7.35 1,592,500 11,655,790 DNL INDUS 14.7 14.76 14.2 14.8 14 14.7 5,403,700 77,797,494 EMPERADOR SMC FOODANDBEV 62.7 64.85 63 64.85 62.15 64.85 84,350 5,345,828.50 0.59 0.6 0.57 0.6 0.57 0.6 2,954,000 1,746,920 FIGARO COFFEE FRUITAS HLDG 1.11 1.12 1.11 1.13 1.1 1.12 873,000 971,680 210.2 210.4 205.6 212.2 205.6 210.4 824,150 173,390,582 JOLLIBEE KEEPERS HLDG 1.19 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.19 1.2 580,000 694,540 21.35 25.85 23.95 27.9 23.95 25.95 1,000 25,730 LIBERTY FLOUR MAXS GROUP 6.07 6.09 6.09 6.09 6.09 6.09 11,600 70,644 0.137 0.147 0.147 0.147 0.147 0.147 10,000 1,470 MG HLDG 13.42 13.44 13.6 13.7 13.42 13.42 7,459,800 100,758,652 MONDE NISSIN SHAKEYS PIZZA 7.8 8.05 7.9 7.9 7.76 7.8 673,300 5,249,547 0.58 0.59 0.62 0.62 0.56 0.59 2,500,000 1,407,220 ROXAS AND CO ROXAS HLDG 1.3 1.32 1.32 1.32 1.32 1.32 6,000 7,920 111.8 111.9 108.1 112.4 108 111.9 2,437,090 272,493,515 UNIV ROBINA VITARICH 0.61 0.63 0.62 0.64 0.61 0.61 249,000 153,700 46.05 48 48 48 48 48 5,000 240,000 CONCRETE A CONCRETE B 48.6 56 49.95 50 49.95 50 1,800 89,995 0.89 0.92 0.9 0.91 0.89 0.89 1,461,000 1,307,310 CEMEX HLDG EAGLE CEMENT 12.8 12.96 13.5 13.5 12.8 12.8 252,800 3,245,294 5.45 5.88 5.5 5.88 5.41 5.88 106,200 609,161 EEI CORP 5.53 5.55 5.52 5.7 5.52 5.55 35,100 196,216 HOLCIM MEGAWIDE 5.05 5.09 5.05 5.12 5.05 5.05 82,100 419,402 19.2 19.5 19.3 19.3 19.3 19.3 10,600 204,580 PHINMA TKC METALS 0.78 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8 45,000 36,000 1.02 1.04 1.01 1.04 0.98 1.02 1,531,000 1,541,820 VULCAN INDL CROWN ASIA 1.74 1.82 1.72 1.82 1.71 1.82 90,000 155,480 1.14 1.17 1.2 1.2 1.14 1.15 68,000 80,750 EUROMED GREENERGY 1.77 1.79 1.77 1.79 1.77 1.79 9,028,000 16,011,460 8.2 8.3 8.21 8.25 8.2 8.2 106,800 876,573 INTEGRATED MICR PANASONIC 6.2 6.24 6.22 6.24 6.1 6.24 13,400 82,658 1.03 1.04 1.04 1.05 1.03 1.04 91,000 94,320 SFA SEMICON 3.12 3.18 3.16 3.25 3.11 3.19 223,000 705,740 CIRTEK HLDG

101,316,962 -3,991,660 48,400 -674,695 32,782.50 16,060,540 3,799,079.00 -3,985,100 -1,086,854 276,156 -382,280 2,654,846 -651,130 -2,203,590 -791,472 -18,041,684 -1,010,546 -67,821,700 102,000 -43,754,976 -5,187,165 -153,157,668 -386,170 12,820 9,653 3,939,840 45,420

HOLDING & FRIMS

ABACORE CAPITAL ASIABEST GROUP AYALA CORP ABOITIZ EQUITY ALLIANCE GLOBAL ANSCOR ANGLO PHIL HLDG ATN HLDG A ATN HLDG B COSCO CAPITAL DMCI HLDG FJ PRINCE A GT CAPITAL JG SUMMIT KEPPEL HLDG A LODESTAR LOPEZ HLDG LT GROUP METRO PAC INV PRIME MEDIA SOLID GROUP SM INVESTMENTS SAN MIGUEL CORP WELLEX INDUS

43.15 129.1 98.4 26.35 8.33 53.4 18.94 55.1 20.4 109.2 87 1.8 3.85 926 199.8 2,650 0.78

0.93 4 789.5 57.3 12.8 8.65 0.86 0.62 0.64 4.93 9 2.08 506 56.7 6.6 0.52 2.93 9.08 3.71 1.57 0.92 867 107.8 0.28

44 130 98.95 26.9 8.35 53.95 18.96 57.3 20.5 109.9 87.5 1.98 3.96 1,100 205 2,750 0.85

0.94 4.5 791 57.45 12.88 9 0.89 0.63 0.66 5 9.06 2.62 511 57.3 7.04 0.59 2.98 9.1 3.75 1.61 0.96 867.5 109 0.3

43.15 129 98 26.9 8.41 54 19 57.4 20.3 108.1 87 1.85 3.98 1,106 200 2,650 0.77

0.9 4 780 57 13 8.65 0.85 0.64 0.62 5 8.89 2.5 509 57.5 6.6 0.58 2.93 9.35 3.75 1.54 0.93 878 108.7 0.27

43.15 130 98.95 26.9 8.41 54.1 19 57.4 20.35 110 87.9 1.9 3.98 1,106 200 2,650 0.77

0.95 4 794 58.4 13 9 0.89 0.64 0.68 5.03 9.08 2.5 514 57.8 6.6 0.59 2.93 9.35 3.75 1.65 0.98 891.5 109 0.27

43.15 128.2 97.9 26.3 8.31 53.05 18.9 55.5 20.3 108 87 1.8 3.98 1,106 200 2,650 0.77

0.9 3.27 778 57 12.76 8.65 0.85 0.62 0.62 4.92 8.89 2.5 506 56.7 6.6 0.58 2.93 9.08 3.7 1.52 0.93 861 107.9 0.27

43.15 130 98.95 26.35 8.35 53.95 18.94 55.5 20.35 109.2 87.5 1.85 3.98 1,106 200 2,650 0.77

0.94 3.83 791 57.3 12.8 9 0.89 0.62 0.63 4.93 9 2.5 506 56.7 6.6 0.59 2.93 9.08 3.75 1.61 0.96 867 109 0.27

300 1,208,310 827,410 45,600 114,000 1,795,990 78,500 970 600 309,540 16,980 284,000 3,000 5 380 850 582,000

10,363,000 43,000 133,570 1,532,630 1,970,200 52,300 34,000 2,853,000 1,754,000 225,700 2,012,800 8,000 119,410 693,630 200 34,000 42,000 3,765,500 7,898,000 538,000 30,000 1,170,230 43,310 20,000

9,611,250 158,720 105,362,280 88,002,994.50 25,337,854 469,913 29,600 1,779,420 1,180,630 1,116,658 18,123,305 20,000 60,822,705 39,392,367 1,320 20,010 123,060 34,322,633 29,458,360 855,560 28,740 1,014,067,675 4,712,475 5,400

PROPERTY ARTHALAND CORP 0.56 0.59 0.56 0.59 0.56 0.59 5,000 2,890 35.3 35.35 35 35.5 35 35.35 8,052,700 284,020,380 AYALA LAND AYALA LAND LOG 4.85 4.86 4.72 4.88 4.72 4.85 705,000 3,394,560 1.02 1.11 1.04 1.11 1.04 1.11 27,000 28,150 ARANETA PROP AREIT RT 44.85 45 45.9 45.95 44.5 44.85 878,900 39,509,765 0.91 0.92 0.92 0.92 0.91 0.92 1,002,000 920,390 A BROWN CITYLAND DEVT 0.69 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.7 10,000 7,000 0.09 0.093 0.094 0.094 0.09 0.09 440,000 39,700 CROWN EQUITIES CEB LANDMASTERS 2.96 2.97 2.97 2.97 2.94 2.97 602,000 1,784,220 0.4 0.405 0.395 0.41 0.395 0.4 4,680,000 1,907,200 CENTURY PROP CITICORE RT 2.65 2.66 2.69 2.69 2.63 2.66 2,113,000 5,616,020 DOUBLEDRAGON 9.01 9.08 8.69 9.17 8.69 9.08 208,100 1,879,421 1.57 1.58 1.58 1.6 1.58 1.58 1,646,000 2,607,270 DDMP RT DM WENCESLAO 6.85 6.9 6.92 6.92 6.85 6.85 25,000 172,600 0.236 0.24 0.236 0.24 0.236 0.24 130,000 30,720 EMPIRE EAST EVER GOTESCO 0.265 0.27 0.265 0.27 0.26 0.27 5,110,000 1,378,200 7.12 7.16 7.12 7.17 7.12 7.12 671,000 4,789,608 FILINVEST RT FILINVEST LAND 1.03 1.05 1.04 1.05 1.03 1.03 1,098,000 1,138,700 0.86 0.9 0.86 0.86 0.86 0.86 46,000 39,560 GLOBAL ESTATE 8990 HLDG 13.34 13.5 13.74 13.88 13.5 13.5 166,900 2,302,178 646 669 669 675 640.5 669 540 359,060 GOLDEN MV PHIL INFRADEV 0.95 0.97 0.95 0.97 0.93 0.95 91,000 84,770 KEPPEL PROP 2.9 3.69 2.9 2.9 2.9 2.9 1,000 2,900 3.05 3.08 3.06 3.11 3.04 3.05 2,549,000 7,799,450 MEGAWORLD MRC ALLIED 0.25 0.255 0.25 0.25 0.249 0.25 1,170,000 292,470 18.96 19.06 19.18 19.18 18.66 19 2,947,300 55,875,826 MREIT RT OMICO CORP 0.34 0.355 0.35 0.35 0.35 0.35 20,000 7,000 0.4 0.41 0.4 0.41 0.4 0.41 300,000 122,100 PHIL ESTATES PRIMEX CORP 2.79 2.82 2.86 2.86 2.66 2.82 1,603,000 4,408,850 7.4 7.41 7.42 7.42 7.34 7.4 6,904,000 51,030,088 RL COMM RT ROBINSONS LAND 19.86 20 20.4 20.4 19.8 20 1,022,200 20,480,948 0.212 0.216 0.215 0.215 0.215 0.215 20,000 4,300 PHIL REALTY 1.35 1.45 1.34 1.34 1.34 1.34 3,000 4,020 ROCKWELL STA LUCIA LAND 2.7 2.8 2.51 2.8 2.51 2.8 11,000 29,300 38.25 38.9 38.55 38.9 38.15 38.9 7,640,900 295,026,175 SM PRIME HLDG VISTAMALLS 3.18 3.33 3.04 3.19 3.04 3.18 34,000 106,000 1 1.06 1.02 1.07 1 1.06 14,000 14,290 SUNTRUST HOME VISTA LAND 2.61 2.66 2.62 2.7 2.58 2.61 3,226,000 8,496,260

SERVICES ABS CBN 12.52 12.76 12.96 12.96 12.5 12.52 97,300 1,236,990 15.48 15.5 15.6 15.94 15.46 15.5 1,498,600 23,405,772 GMA NETWORK GLOBE TELECOM 2,408 2,420 2,402 2,436 2,390 2,408 54,190 130,422,940 1,760 1,785 1,733 1,785 1,733 1,785 109,770 194,109,780 PLDT APOLLO GLOBAL 0.043 0.044 0.043 0.045 0.042 0.043 230,000,000 10,008,100 26.6 26.8 25.65 26.8 25.55 26.8 8,465,700 223,149,000 CONVERGE DFNN INC 2.4 2.49 2.33 2.49 2.33 2.49 236,000 573,260 5.34 5.35 5.33 5.43 5.24 5.35 9,689,900 52,013,184 DITO CME HLDG NOW CORP 1.22 1.23 1.34 1.39 1.23 1.23 14,850,000 19,496,270 0.35 0.355 0.35 0.365 0.35 0.35 14,590,000 5,183,600 TRANSPACIFIC BR 2GO GROUP 7.3 7.4 7.3 7.47 7.3 7.3 6,200 45,277 ASIAN TERMINALS 13.54 13.96 13.96 13.96 13.96 13.96 400 5,584 1.5 1.56 1.56 1.56 1.52 1.52 28,000 42,960 CHELSEA CEBU AIR 43.4 43.65 42.6 43.9 42.6 43.4 29,900 1,300,070 220.4 222.2 226.6 227.2 220.4 220.4 1,113,440 247,433,878 INTL CONTAINER MACROASIA 5.22 5.25 5.3 5.35 5.19 5.25 577,400 3,026,452 0.7 0.71 0.69 0.73 0.68 0.71 237,000 163,080 HARBOR STAR ACESITE HOTEL 1.51 1.64 1.63 1.64 1.63 1.64 73,000 119,020 1.47 1.51 1.51 1.51 1.51 1.51 30,000 45,300 DISCOVERY WORLD WATERFRONT 0.43 0.45 0.43 0.43 0.43 0.43 10,000 4,300 6.52 6.83 6.52 6.52 6.52 6.52 100 652 CENTRO ESCOLAR IPEOPLE 6.72 7.22 7 7 6.69 6.69 8,100 54,333 0.34 0.355 0.34 0.34 0.34 0.34 40,000 13,600 STI HLDG 1.33 1.34 1.32 1.33 1.31 1.33 663,000 880,950 BELLE CORP BLOOMBERRY 6.43 6.44 6.55 6.64 6.42 6.44 4,472,300 29,061,638 1.53 1.75 1.75 1.75 1.75 1.75 7,000 12,250 PACIFIC ONLINE LEISURE AND RES 1.29 1.3 1.28 1.29 1.26 1.29 421,000 539,900 1.03 1.06 1.06 1.07 1.01 1.03 996,000 1,026,860 PH RESORTS GRP PREMIUM LEISURE 0.435 0.445 0.44 0.445 0.44 0.445 1,230,000 543,900 2.1 2.12 2.09 2.12 2.09 2.1 27,000 56,640 PHILWEB ALLDAY 0.47 0.475 0.45 0.49 0.45 0.47 29,680,000 14,063,000 7.45 7.56 7.41 7.56 7.41 7.45 669,200 5,044,006 ALLHOME 1.38 1.41 1.38 1.41 1.38 1.41 10,000 13,940 METRO RETAIL PUREGOLD 32.35 32.5 32.3 32.75 32.3 32.5 1,002,900 32,625,680 54.95 55 55 55 54.3 54.95 203,120 11,165,050 ROBINSONS RTL PHIL SEVEN CORP 65.6 66 67 67 64.5 66 534,340 35,092,727.50 1.05 1.06 1.05 1.06 1.04 1.06 152,000 159,670 SSI GROUP WILCON DEPOT 26.1 26.4 26.7 26.7 26.1 26.1 756,100 19,773,995 0.227 0.24 0.232 0.24 0.23 0.24 670,000 154,900 APC GROUP EASYCALL 4.06 4.47 4.47 4.47 4.47 4.47 6,000 26,820 0.85 0.89 0.89 0.91 0.85 0.85 1,676,000 1,471,770 MEDILINES PRMIERE HORIZON 0.55 0.56 0.55 0.57 0.54 0.56 3,330,000 1,849,000

MINING & OIL ATOK 5.66 5.94 5.65 5.94 5.65 5.94 3,100 17,544 APEX MINING 1.56 1.57 1.59 1.6 1.55 1.56 1,848,000 2,898,530 6.78 6.79 6.61 6.78 6.55 6.78 610,800 4,071,090 ATLAS MINING BENGUET A 6.12 6.25 6.3 6.3 6.19 6.27 2,400 14,894 5.81 6.27 5.76 6.27 5.76 6.27 21,400 128,364 BENGUET B COAL ASIA HLDG 0.25 0.27 0.25 0.255 0.25 0.255 280,000 70,350 2.75 2.77 2.76 2.76 2.75 2.75 23,000 63,280 CENTURY PEAK FERRONICKEL 2.76 2.78 2.68 2.78 2.6 2.78 6,383,000 17,128,030 0.187 0.2 0.187 0.187 0.187 0.187 30,000 5,610 GEOGRACE LEPANTO A 0.156 0.157 0.161 0.161 0.156 0.157 6,660,000 1,046,700 0.159 0.16 0.16 0.162 0.16 0.16 3,130,000 502,080 LEPANTO B 0.011 0.012 0.011 0.012 0.011 0.012 718,000,000 7,902,800 MANILA MINING A MANILA MINING B 0.01 0.012 0.01 0.011 0.01 0.011 39,700,000 436,200 1.73 1.75 1.7 1.75 1.69 1.75 1,130,000 1,943,170 MARCVENTURES NIHAO 0.97 1.02 0.97 1.02 0.97 1.02 107,000 107,480 7.52 7.54 7.3 7.56 7.25 7.52 7,509,100 55,635,531 NICKEL ASIA ORNTL PENINSULA 0.99 1.02 1 1.02 1 1 565,000 566,890 5.59 5.6 5.62 5.65 5.52 5.59 464,900 2,585,140 PX MINING SEMIRARA MINING 31.15 31.2 31.05 31.35 30.95 31.2 1,509,600 47,104,280 0.0065 0.0068 0.0069 0.0069 0.0068 0.0068 3,000,000 20,500 UNITED PARAGON ACE ENEXOR 17.5 17.6 20 20 17.4 17.6 2,352,300 42,521,208 ORNTL PETROL A 0.011 0.012 0.012 0.012 0.011 0.011 17,100,000 198,200 0.012 0.013 0.012 0.012 0.012 0.012 1,000,000 12,000 ORNTL PETROL B PHILODRILL 0.0094 0.0096 0.0094 0.0096 0.0094 0.0096 3,000,000 28,600 5.67 5.7 5.85 5.85 5.5 5.7 227,700 1,278,866 PXP ENERGY

PREFFERED AC PREF B1 504 510 510 510 510 510 50 25,500 501 502 502 502 502 502 1,120 562,240 AC PREF B2R EEI PREF B 106 110 109.9 110 105.5 105.5 137,000 15,039,550 102.5 105 102.5 105 102.5 102.5 51,580 5,287,250 FGEN PREF G JFC PREF A 990 1,010 1,000 1,000 990 990 260 257,900 1,000 1,001 1,000 1,000 1,000 1,000 3,110 3,110,000 JFC PREF B MWIDE PREF 4 99.7 100.1 100.1 100.1 100.1 100.1 3,560 356,356 970 980 980 980 980 980 170 166,600 PNX PREF 4 PCOR PREF 3A 1,050 1,075 1,050 1,050 1,050 1,050 85 89,250 1,082 1,120 1,082 1,082 1,082 1,082 100 108,200 PCOR PREF 3B SMC PREF 2F 76.2 78 76.15 76.15 76.15 76.15 16,630 1,266,374.50 77.5 78.25 76.15 77.5 76.1 77.5 22,800 1,762,150 SMC PREF 2I 76.25 76.9 76.8 76.9 76.5 76.9 20,140 1,540,840 SMC PREF 2J SMC PREF 2K 76 76.5 76 76.9 76 76 52,540 3,993,058

PHIL. DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS ABS HLDG PDR 12.1 12.18 14.7 14.9 14.98 15.1 14.68 14.7 151,400 2,259,670 GMA HLDG PDR

WARRANTS TECH WARRANT 0.61 0.64 0.64 0.65 0.61 0.64 201,000 124,590

4,528,700 16,000 -8,822,685 3,842,185 -772,588 449,061.00 6,800 3,100 -736,945 -1,503,488 -37,566,155 -22,854,647 -12,982,161.00 -5,442,790 -234,799,555 1,213,067 -139,814,105 -259,430 -4,760,630 7,000 333,480 -40,000 337,800 1,193,837 135,150 -69,200 -1,404,035 -342,060 68,102 -200,700 7,560 -3,933,740 -34,505,098 -5,944,418 -3,454,304.00 27,685,420 6,200 -5,139,450 -33,455,090 25,468,375 434,300 -14,276,895 -74,400 3,703,101 -6,363,280 -75,850 43,800 379,410 -75,166,122 -30,113 -66,500 437,129 8,900 52,650 160,455 512,925.00 5,431,559.50 -722,904.50 -13,102,785 17,100 60,430 -65,664 35,750 3,758,160 376,790 -2,122,082 612,365 11,409,850 -822,976 -

SMALL & MEDIUM ENTERPRISES ALTUS PROP HAUS TALK ITALPINAS MERRYMART XURPAS

16.18 1.13 0.9 1.85 0.32

16.5 1.14 0.91 1.88 0.335

EXHANGE TRADE FUNDS

FIRST METRO ETF

107

107.1

16.22 1.06 0.91 1.84 0.32

16.24 1.14 0.91 1.91 0.32

16.18 1.04 0.89 1.84 0.32

16.18 1.13 0.91 1.86 0.32

15,700 25,776,000 232,000 1,197,000 60,000

254,512 28,379,030 210,160 2,237,230 19,200

-37,260 -7,280 171,010 -

106.5 107.5 106.5 107.1 5,970 638,565 123,036

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Banking&Finance

BOC Davao ISO-certified, 1st in Visayas, Mindanao

D

AVAO CITY—The Bureau of Customs (BOC) Port of Davao is now an International Standard Organization-certified government agency, the first by any BOC office in the Visayas and Mindanao.

The agency said it was awarded the ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System (QMS) Certification

by TÜV SÜD PSB Philippines Inc. on March 21 at a ceremony held at the OCOM Conference Room, South Harbor, Manila.

BOC officers said the Port of Davao underwent the second and final stage of an external quality audit on December 14 to December 16 last year when it was recommended for the issuance of ISO 9001:2015 Certification, “making it the first major port in Visayas and Mindanao to be ISO certified.”

A total of 17 customs processes were submitted for ISO certification. These processes include the following: assessment; operations; administrative; customer care center services; passenger service; and, airport cargo operations. The port also enrolled its support units such as its management information and technology group, enforcement security service, x-ray inspection project and the customs intelligence and investigation service.

District Collector Erastus Sandino B. Austria expressed gratitude “to the auditors, process owners and all the personnel who helped during the ISO journey of the port.”

For the rest of the year, the Port of Davao would also enroll new processes for ISO Certification to include its sub-port in Dadiangas, formerly General Santos City. Its other ISO

application would have its internal audit on June 15.

Founding anniversary

THE certification came a month after the Port of Davao commemorated its 95th founding anniversary on in February 28 when it also handed out plaques of recognition to its Top 10 importers and exporters for the year 2021.

Last week, the Port of Davao received Chinese Consul General Li Lin who paid a visit to discuss trade potentials in the Davao Region and Chinese provinces.

Austria presented the port’s trade activities, border security accomplishments, its top import and export commodities from and to China. He said the port’s significance was its being the logistics hub in Mindanao for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations or Asean.

Li Lin was accompanied by Commercial Consul Jin Jun and Chao Jainwei and Austria was joined by Deputy Collector for Assessment Vicente V. Yutangco and District Collector Chief of Staff Joyce S. Semacon.

Austria thanked Li Lin for the consul general’s continuous support to BOC Davao by providing “better trade facilitation opportunities between Mindanao and Chinese provinces and boosting the economic performance of Davao Region and Mindanao.”

The BOC Port of Davao early March announced exceeding its collection targets twice in a row this year, sustaining the feat it did also twice in a row the entire year of last year and the previous year. (See, “BOC-Davao exceeds collection this year,” in the BusinessMirror, March 11, 2022). Manuel T. Cayon

SSS reminds employers of condonation program

S

OCIAL Security System (SSS) President and CEO Michael G. Regino issued a statement this week reminding delinquent employers that the deadline for application for its Pandemic Relief and Restructuring Program 2 (PRRP 2), a social security contribution penaltycondonation program for business and household employers, will be on May 19.

“We encourage qualified employers to avail of the PRRP 2 early so that they can avoid the inconveniences of last-minute filing and face the risk of missing the opportunity,” Regino was quoted in a statement as saying. “This will not only enable delinquent employers to regain their good standing with the SSS but will also prevent the further accrual of penalties on their past-due social security contributions. It will also help their employees avail benefits and loans.”

Launched last November 19, 2021, the PRRP 2 covers past-due social security contributions for the months of March 2020 to the present time.

Regino said those qualified to avail of the program are employers who are delinquent in the payment of their contributions for the said period and whose financial positions demonstrate a clear inability to pay their assessed delinquency charges due to economic crisis, serious business losses or financial reverses, natural calamity or man-made disaster without fault on their part.

“By availing of the program, the employers will be able to settle their delinquencies for the said period through one of two payment methods, both with the condonation of accrued penalties,” Regino added.

The first payment method is through the full payment of the total assessed contribution delinquency within 15 calendar days from the receipt of Notice of Approval by the SSS, while the second is through installment payments for a period of four to 24 months, depending on the employer’s total amount of delinquency.

A down payment of at least five

percent of the amount of principal delinquency is required under the installment payment method. It also has an interest rate of six percent per annum.

To apply for the PRRP 2, employers must submit an Application Form, together with the proposed mode of payment and supporting documents, to the SSS branch or the Large Accounts Department, whichever has jurisdiction over their account.

Employees’ Compensation (EC) contributions and penalties are not covered under the PRRP2, however, the SSS said. The payment of EC contributions and penalties is also a requirement for application to the program.

Pending cases or final judgment of employers involving the collection of contributions and/or penalties incurred from the applicable month of March 2020 and onwards may be withdrawn upon the approval of their PRRP 2 application, without prejudice to its revival or re-filing.

Those with judgments that have acquired finality, however, are no longer covered by the program.

If an employer has a pending or approved proposal under the Installment Payment Scheme Program, or pending application under the program for acceptance of properties offered through Dacion en Pago but decides to apply for the PRRP 2, his/ her application to the former two will be considered withdrawn or canceled upon the approval of his/her application to the latter.

Meanwhile, employers who are subject to the Warrants of Distraint, Levy, and/or Garnishment (WDLG) processes and procedures for delinquencies incurred for the month of March 2020 to the present may still avail of the PRRP 2, except where a WDLG has already been issued.

Under Republic Act 11199 or the Social Security Act of 2018, if an employer fails to pay contributions to the SSS as prescribed, it will incur a penalty of two percent per month from the date the contribution falls due until paid.

BusinessMirror

Editor: Dennis D. Estopace • Thursday, March 24, 2022

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PHL Embassy in The Hague accepts debit cards for fees

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By Malou Talosig-Bartolome

HE Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has allowed Philippine embassies and consulates general to accept other modes of payment including debit/credit card processed via a point-of-sale terminal, electronic fund transfers, e-wallets and mobile/online banking for passport and other consular fees.

The Philippine Embassy in The Hague became the first embassy

to implement cashless transaction, with the use of debit cards,

a statement on March 21 read.

Voice artist Roshaolin Nuqui was the first Filipino to avail of the cashless transaction when she renewed her passport at the Embassy.

“It has been the Embassy’s cherished dream to introduce payment via debit card for the added convenience of our clients, as many people these days no longer carry cash. It is also a health measure for the protection of our clients as well as our staff members,” Philippine Ambassador to the Netherlands J. Eduardo Malaya said.

Previously, consular clients who did not bring cash had to go outside of the Embassy in search of the nearest ATM machine.

“This could be time consuming

and problematic especially during winter,” Malaya was quoted in the statement as saying.

Debit cards are one of the most common mode of payment in the Netherlands and many other countries. Still, cash payments are still accepted, as before.

Ambassador Malaya and Consul General Lolita B. Capco witnessed this landmark transaction, which was facilitated by Finance Of f icer Hy-Noon M. Galabay and Collecting Officer Liza Yepes.

“Thank you, Philippine Embassy, for making consular transaction payments more efficient and hassle-free for your clients and community members,” community leader Agnes van de BeekPavia said.

Unionbank tweaks app for MSME’s payment collection

By Rizal Raoul S. Reyes @brownindio

A

BOITIZ-led Union Bank of the Philippines (UnionBank) rolled out last Tuesday an “enhanced” version of a digital app the lender said puts new features that will give business owners more flexibility when it comes to collecting payments from customers and managing their account.

UnionBank Vice President and SME Segment Head Jose Paulo R. Soliman said the new feature is an added payment option in the app’s “request payment” facet. Soliman said the tweak allows business owners to collect payments through a link they can send to customers. Users

can now collect payments via credit cards on top of existing platforms.

He added that the app now has a dashboard designed “to improve user experience by making navigation easier, as well as improve the app’s overall performance.” The new feature is the bank’s way of addressing customer feedback related to the app’s user interface and performance, ensuring customer satisfaction, according to Soliman.

Moreover, he said the app also provides access to the lender’s digital SME online platform. This allows customers to sign up to the platform inside the banking app, providing them the ability to reach 500,000 micro-sized, small-sized and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs)

locally and globally. Customers can take advantage of registration to various business-focused webinars and learning sessions, build a free online e-commerce store and tap technology partners that would help them in their digital transformation, Soliman added.

He noted that since launching the app in January last year, UnionBank “has enabled countless MSMEs to digitize their business—from the way they collect payments, to how they meet their business banking needs.”

Engr. Justin Padilla, owner of C.E. Padilla Construction Inc., said in an online forum organized by Unionbank said the app helped him “ a lot during the pandemic because

Global bond index loses $2.6T in record decline

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LOBAL bond markets have suffered unprecedented losses since peaking last year, as central banks including the Federal Reserve look to tighten policy to combat surging inflation.

The Bloomberg Global Aggregate Index, a benchmark for government and corporate debt total returns, has fallen 11 percent from a high in January 2021. That’s the biggest decline from a peak in data stretching back to 1990, surpassing a 10.8 percent drawdown during the financial crisis in 2008. It equates to a drop in the index market value of about $2.6 trillion, worse than about $2 trillion in 2008.

That’s a blow to money managers accustomed to years of consistent gains, backstopped by loose monetary policy. The slump also poses a particular threat to the expanding elderly population in many major economies, given retirees are often heavily reliant on fixed-income investments.

Rising inflationary pressure around the world is also reawakening concerns about the ability of the global economy to weather any sustained period of higher financing costs as the pandemic drags on in many places. For investors, it means the allure of holding debt—even safe government bonds—is diminishing given how sensitive valuations are to interest rates, a measure referred to as duration.

“The safe haven attributes of Treasuries have been undermined when one adds duration risk to the equation,” said Winson Phoon, head of fixed income research at Maybank Securites Pte. Ltd. The Fed raised interest rates by 25 basis points last week, and Chair Jerome Powell said this week it is prepared to increase them by a half percentage-point at its next meeting if needed. His hawkish tone prompted traders to rapidly ratchet

I didn’t have to go to the bank to deposit checks; all I needed to do was take a photo of it.”

“Also, the ‘request payment’ feature assisted me in collecting payments easily,” Padilla said. “We’ve been using this facility for quite some time now and it’s also convenient for my customers.”

“Simply put, it was smooth and fast,” Kenn Ong of Kloco Corp. said in the same forum.

“With the addition of the new payment option and the introduction of the dashboard to improve the overall user experience, MSMEs will now be able to do their banking needs more easily and conveniently, allowing them to focus more on growing their business,” Soliman said.

Thailand outlaws use of crypto in payments

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A pedestrian on Wall Street near the New York Stock Exchange in New York. Equities retreated from near-record highs as US trading resumed after the Labor Day holiday. Bloomberg News

up estimates for how aggressively the Fed will tighten monetary policy this year, with money markets pricing in the equivalent of seven more quarter-point hikes by the end of 2022.

“The headwinds for fixed income remain heavy,” said Todd Schubert, head of fixed-income research at Bank of Singapore. “Investors will need to recalibrate return expectations and be nimble to exploit market dislocations.”

Higher borrowing costs risk further damping the return on debt, eroded by the fastest pace of consumer-price increases in decades.

Soaring commodity prices following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine risk worsening the outlook. Corporate bonds are particularly vulnerable to mounting stagflation threats, as slowing economic growth also raises credit risks.

Stocks have bounced back in recent days as more investors bet they will help hedge against inflation, but equities globally are still nursing losses of about 6 percent this year.

The retreat in both fixed-income and stock markets in 2022 is upending the dynamics of a classic 60/40

portfolio that is meant to balance out any losses from riskier share markets with the more stable cash flow of bonds.

The meltdown in global debt markets is a reminder of the Fed’s tightening cycle in 2018, though the broad global bond index wound up losing only 1.2 percent for that full year. But unlike four years ago, price pressures are now much stronger and the global supply chain is beleaguered.

For emerging Asia, the threat of stagnant growth and accelerating inflation adds to the upside risk for yields, according to Australia & New Zealand Banking Group Ltd. “We are likely to continue seeing upward pressure on yields as we expect monetary tightening in a number of Asian economies to start in” the second half of the year, said Jennifer Kusuma, a senior Asia rates strategist at the bank.

Data on the Bloomberg Global Aggregate Index before 1999 is monthly rather than daily and the constituents and duration of aggregate indexes fluctuate. Fixed-income investors can still make money by betting against bonds. Bloomberg News

HAILAND will bar the use of cryptocurrencies as a means of payments for goods and services, saying the wider use of digital assets threatens the nation’s financial system and economy.

Business operators—including crypto exchanges—must not provide such payment services, and are barred from acting in a manner that promotes the use of digital assets to pay for goods or services, the Securities and Exchange Commission said in a statement on Wednesday. However, the new regulation won’t affect trading or investments in digital assets, the agency said.

While the restrictions on use of digital currencies for transactions will be effective starting April 1, companies in Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy will have until the end of April to comply with the new rules, the regulator said. It said the curbs on cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin for commercial transactions are in line with regulations in Europe, the UK, South Korea and Malaysia.

Thailand’s crackdown on digital assets comes as individuals—especially young investors—boost their crypto trading in search of better returns amid the country’s economic slowdown.

Commercial banks have been cautioned against direct involvement in trading of digital assets due to high volatility, uncertainty and risk.

The development of any unit of pricing other than the Thai baht will increase the cost of economic activities and reduce the efficiency of monetary policy transmission, the regulator said.

In the event of a liquidity crisis, the Bank of Thailand will not be able to provide assistance to various financial institutions in forms other than the baht, it said. Bloomberg News

Envoys&Expats BusinessMirror

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Thursday, March 24, 2022

PHL calls for civilian protection, affirms chemical weapons ban

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HE HAGUE—The Philippines recently called for the protection of civilians in conflict areas and the observance of international humanitarian law.

During the Executive Council of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons’ (OPCW) 99th session in The Hague on March 8, Ambassador J. Eduardo Malaya, who is the Philippines’s permanent representative to the body, said: “We need to remain vigilant and ensure that civilians are unharmed and protected, and international humanitarian law observed [as we monitor recent grim developments]” Malaya added: "We should further ensure that no chemical weapons and other weapons of mass destruction are ever used.”

He echoed the call of Secretary of Foreign Affairs Teodoro L. Locsin Jr., with reference to the evolving events in Ukraine for the international community “to reaffirm by more than words its commitment to the peaceful settlement of disputes,” along the lines of the Manila Declaration on the Peaceful Settlement of International Disputes, which provides legal framework for recourse to diplomacy, dialogue and rule of law.

The Philippine ambassador further urged participating delegations to “rededicate ourselves to the ideals of the United Nations

AMBASSADOR J. Eduardo Malaya HAGUE PE

Charter, notably the cornerstone principles of no threat or use of force and the peaceful settlement of international disputes.”

“Let us keep in mind what brought us together as signatories of the Chemical Weapons Convention and other disarmament treaties, and work earnestly to realize the noble aspiration best expressed by the Greek Aeschylus: to ‘tame the savageness of man, and make gentle the life of this world,’” the Philippine envoy further stated.

The latest session of the Execu-

tive Council was chaired by Ambassador Eniola Olaitan Ajayi of Nigeria. Fernando Arias is the director general of the OPCW. The Convention on the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (CWC) entered into force in 1997 and has 193 member-states to date. The OPCW Executive Council, on the other hand, is composed of 41 elected member-states, including the Philippines, and holds three regular sessions annually. The Executive Council promotes the effective conduct of the convention and the compliance of each memberstate with its provisions.

The Philippine government, through its embassy in The Hague, has consistently supported the implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention through the OPCW as a crucial initiative to foster global peace and security, promote the peaceful uses of chemistry, and the protection of the millions of Filipinos working and residing overseas.

Israel champions health and wellness for women

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N celebration of International Women's Day, the Embassy of Israel in the Philippines launched the “ISHA” Project on March 8.

The endeavor aims to serve as an effective tool for responding to the pressing health needs of Filipina women from underserved sectors and communities.

Beneficiaries from the marginalized sector will be given a free “Women's Health and Wellness” package sponsored by the Israeli Embassy. The items will help detect and prevent women’s illness through consultation with obstetrics-gynecologist specialists, breast examination, and PAP smear done at the Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed).

MAKATI Medical Center’s Dr. Victor Gisbert (from left), Spark Philippines’s Mikaela Luisa Teves, Ambassador Ilan Fluss, and Miss Universe-Philippines Beatrice Luigi Gomez

“This year, in the Philippines, we decided that we will focus on the issue of women's health, which is extremely important," Ambassador of Israel Ilan Fluss said during the inauguration of the ISHA project.

“It is very important because not

Japan donates rice to ‘Odette’ survivors

Philippine Society of Intl Law calls for Russia’s withdrawal from Ukraine

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KOSHIKAWA (third from right)

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N March 17 Ambassador Kazuhiko Koshikawa attended a ceremonial turnover of 300 metric tons of rice donated by Japan to Typhoon Odette (international name Rai)-affected areas under the framework of the Asean Plus Three Emergency Rice Reserve (APTERR).

During the ceremony Koshikawa cited Japan as the biggest contributor of APTERR rice in the Philippines, and stated that the rice stocks will immediately be dispatched to affected families in Cebu, Bohol and Surigao del Norte in need of sustenance and “hopefully serve as a source of revitalization.”

The ambassador affirmed that Japan would continue to make every possible effort to help Filipinos build back better in the aftermath of catastrophes: “Together, we will rise above each storm and attain regional food security, with the assurance that we have each other’s backs.”

APTERR is a regional cooperation started in 2012 to strengthen food security, poverty alleviation and malnourishment eradication among its member-countries. In the Philippines, several thousand tons of stockpiled rice under APTERR from Japan, according to its embassy in Manila, were distributed to thousands of victims of devastating typhoons starting in 2013.

In 2020 Japan also provided 425 metric tons of rice to communities affected by the Taal Volcano eruption. Last year precooked rice was distributed to pandemic-affected families in Quezon City and Manila, as well as parts of Bulacan and Cavite under APTERR.

everybody has access to health services for free, especially the marginalized sector. It is a critical issue, so I'm very happy that we're able to inaugurate this program,” he said.

The Israeli Embassy advocates women’s health and wellness

through the periodic conduct of health-related projects and activities, in cooperation with the Makati Medical Foundation, Miss Universe-Philippines, Spark Philippines, and MASHAV: Israel’s Agency for Development Cooperation. ISHA is Hebrew for “woman.”

Fluss launched the project, together with MakatiMed Foundation President Dr. Victor Gisbert and Executive Director Marge Barro, SPARK Philippines Director Mikaela Luisa Teves, Miss Universe-Philippines Director Shamcey Supsup-Lee, Miss UniversePhilippines Beatrice Luigi Gomez, staff members of the embassy and MakatiMed, as well as recipients of the health and wellness package.

HE Philippine Society of International Law (PSIL) joins the call of the United Nations (UN) and the Philippine government in demanding for the immediate, complete, and unconditional withdrawal of Russian military forces from Ukraine.

The society cites Article 2(4) of the UN Charter, which prohibits states from using armed force against the territorial integrity or political independence of other states. Russia’s act of invading, bombing, and maintaining armed forces within Ukraine violates this prohibition.

Calling such as “special military operations,” or any other term, it said, does not change the essence of Russia’s actions as full-scale invasion and unlawful use of force.

Moreover, the PSIL said that international humanitarian law, including the Geneva Conventions, directs the parties in an armed conflict to limit hostilities solely against military objectives and not against civilians, as well as minimize incidental injuries against civilians: “The invasion of Ukraine has exacted grave human suffering among innocent civilians, including children. Homes, hospitals and schools have been indiscriminately razed and destroyed by the hostilities. Over 3 million Ukrainians have been displaced and have sought refuge in neighboring states, and the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court has opened an investigation on war crimes and crimes against humanity.”

On March 2, 140 countries, including the Philippines, voted affirmatively to the UN General Assembly Resolution calling for the withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine. In a statement issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Philippines called for an end to the violence in Ukraine and for the extension of humanitarian aid to the civilians caught in the conflict.

The Philippines affirmed its commitment to the UN Charter and along the lines of the 1982 Manila Declaration, urged the parties to find a peaceful settlement to the dispute. The PSIL echoes that call, and affirms its commitment to the international rule of law.

The PSIL is the academic and professional association, comprising professors, law practitioners, diplomats, judges, prosecutors and students dedicated to the study and practice of international law in the Philippines. International law is founded on the postWorld War 2 prohibition on the threat or the use of force against the territorial integrity and political sovereignty of states.

According to the society, the Russian invasion of Ukraine is the most brazen challenge to the international legal order in recent history: “This is not to say that the UN Charter has not been stretched and strained to legitimize the recourse to armed aggression in the past. But the aggression against Ukraine, that is to say, the full-scale armed invasion by one sovereign state against another state, without the thinnest legal veneer, if allowed, will embolden future acts of aggression by other states similarly disinclined to respect the international rule of law, especially in the territorial and maritime disputes in Asia.”

The PSIL also urges compliance with the provisional measures issued on March 16 by the International Court of Justice in the case: “Allegations of Genocide under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (Ukraine v. Russia)” for the latter to soon “suspend military operations…commenced on February 24 in the territory of Ukraine,” and for both parties to “refrain from any action which might aggravate or extend the dispute before the court, or make it more difficult to resolve.”

With the fast escalating conflict in Ukraine, the world community once again finds itself on the precipice of a cataclysmic war. The PSIL joins the international community in calling for a return to the paths of diplomacy in order to resolve these disputes soonest through peaceful means, and the immediate cessation of hostilities and violations of human rights and other acts that could amount to international crimes.

The society affirms the protection for human life and dignity even in situations of armed conflict, and strengthens the rule of law in international affairs.

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Ireland turns historic sites green on Natl Day

SECRETARY Teodoro Locsin Jr. (left) and Ambassador William Carlos

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REEN is the color that has become associated with Ireland and the Irish people around the world.

This is particularly emphasized in the days around the Festival of St. Patrick, Ireland’s National Day, on March 17 of each year. To mark the occasion this year, Ireland and the Philippines are cooperating to participate in a cultural exchange initiative: the Global Greening.

Cities around the world take part in this initiative, as the Irish Embassy in Manila is excited that the Philippines will now participate for the first time.

This is an opportunity to promote cultural exchanges, and share Ireland’s story with the Filipinos.

Historical sites of the Gates of Fort Santiago in Intramuros and the Rizal Monument will be illuminated in green each for one week: The former from March 12 to 19, and the Rizal Park from March 14 to 20. These events mark a significant step forward in cooperation to promote cultural exchanges between Ireland and the Philippines.

The embassy will welcome the historic landmarks to the list of sites participating in 2022.

The Rizal Monument and the Gates of Fort Santiago have strong resonances for similarities between Irish

and Filipino history, said the embassy.

As a writer, poet and revolutionary, Jose Rizal’s life draws many parallels with those of Irish freedom fighters executed in their own struggle for independence. It was on the same site of Intramuros that Rizal married his Irish wife Josephine Bracken on the eve of his execution.

This year the values of those revolutionaries remain even more relevant in the context of Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified military aggression against Ukraine, which the embassy says grossly violates international law, and undermines international security and stability. In line with its nation’s values, Ireland stands in solidarity with the Ukrainian people, and with all people facing displacement, oppression and conflict around the world.

Ireland established its embassy in the Philippines in November 2021 to build deeper political, trade and cultural relations. While the two island-nations are on opposite sides of the world, the links between the two countries have been growing steadily.

People-to-people relations are at the heart of these links, with many Filipinos calling Ireland home—the largest diaspora in Ireland from Southeast Asia, while there is also a strong community of Irish in the Philippines.

EU supports women engagement in natural resources governance

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MBASSADOR Luc Véron met mayors, women leaders and civil-society organizations (CSOs) in Real, Infanta, and General Nakar in Quezon province to discuss the “Women Go” and “Forest Governance” projects implemented by Haribon Foundation and funded by the European Union (EU).

Véron engaged with womenleaders of Kalipunan ng Liping Pilipina (KALIPI) Federations and Organizations, as well as Kilos Unlad ng Mamamayan ng Real, then visited the projects’ activities like training sessions and livelihood activities.

“Women are key actors in the inclusive and sustainable management of natural resources in the Philippines,” he said. “The EU is determined to act on the gender dimension of environmental degradation and climate change, and wants to contribute to promoting girls’ and women’s participation and leadership [by supporting CSOs’] initiatives like the project implemented by Haribon.”

The envoy added, “Forests play a very significant role in the context of climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide, helping prevent floods, retaining water for domestic use and agriculture, [as well as] providing various sources of livelihood. It is why the EU supports forest-governance actions.”

Women Go (“Enhancing the Role of Women in Protected Area Governance for Social Change”) aims to increase the level of influence and leadership of rural women in the governance of protected areas and in sustainable

programs on climate-change adaptation, disaster-risk reduction and livelihood.

Meanwhile, the regional Forest Governance (“Strengthening Nonstate Actor Involvement in Forest Governance in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Papua New Guinea”) project seeks to increase participation of forest-dependent communities in forest governance and policy processes, to effectively contribute to forest management, and land-use planning across three key biodiversity area sites, including Mount Irid-Angilo in Sierra Madre.

Activities visited by the ambassador were: a training on environmental leadership and organizational development for womenleaders, a gender-sensitivity and natural resource-management training workshop for womenleaders and their husbands, a lemongrass-planting site as the livelihood project of KALIPI-Cawayan in Real, and a native and fruit-bearing tree nursery site of the forest guard group SANAMAGMA in Infanta as part of its forest-monitoring activities, and as alternative sources of income to their members and community.

Véron also had the opportunity to plant kamagong and narra seedlings at the nursery site. Both are endemic hardwood trees, which are both vulnerable in the country. The planting of their seedlings symbolizes the efforts made to conserve the environment, as well as the forests that protect community members from floods, provide sources of livelihood, and help in the fight against climate change.

Parentlife BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Editor: Gerard S. Ramos

• Thursday, March 24, 2022

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Why pregnant people should get vaccinated for Covid-19—a maternal care expert explains

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FILM score composer Francis Concio and wife Carla enjoy a night at the mini golf course.

THE holes are designed with pastel colors in plain, striped, and polka dot patterns

BGC’S FIRST ROOF-DECK MINI GOLF COURSE

THERE’S a lot of fun and fitness families and friends can now enjoy at the roofdeck miniature golf course at the Skypark at SM Aura Premier.

They’ll be on top of the world—and on top of their game—in the mini course, which features five holes with varying degrees of challenge difficulty. BGC’s first roofdeck mini golf course surrounds one of the mall’s iconic art installations—the giant red carabao sculpture by internationally recognized multimedia artist, Jefrë Manuel.

Mall patrons who wish to play a few rounds only need to approach the course attendant and present a receipt from any of the restaurants located at the Skypark. There’s no minimum purchase requirement and presentation of a receipt already allows up to three players to join.

Safety will always be SM Aura Premier’s top priority and the mall has implemented guidelines to ensure all players will be kept safe. All equipment is sanitized and disinfected before and after each use, ensuring that there’s no virus transmission from held items.

Proper social distancing is also ensured by way of the area only being allowed up to 10 players at a time. Adding to that, the general area is regularly cleaned and disinfected. All these combined create the perfect recreation activity that’s out of the ordinary and, above all, safe.

The mini golf course is the newest addition to the Skypark’s fun features for its customers. Others include a Paw Park and al fresco dining pods which have all made the mall’s fifth level, and the entire SM Aura Premier complex, one of BGC’s most unique and sought-after leisure and lifestyle destinations.

By Stacy Potts UMass Chan Medical School

PHOTO BY CAMYLLA BATTANI ON UNSPLASH

DON a gown, gloves and a mask to enter the hospital room of a new mother who is sick with Covid-19.

She lies in bed, exhausted between coughing spells; her day-old infant rests comfortably across the room. She contracted Covid-19 the week before her due date and was hospitalized when her labor began.

Given the mother’s illness and her inability to care for the newborn, we make plans for the infant to go home with his father on his second day of life. But his mother will need to remain hospitalized to recover from Covid-19 and from her delivery.

The couple’s other two children at home need care as well. The road to recovery will be long for this family, but fortunately the mother’s illness does not end up requiring intensive care or mechanical ventilation. This outcome is not what the family had imagined when they made the decision for her not to get vaccinated against Covid-19 during her pregnancy.

Unfortunately, scenarios like this have become far too common for me and other care providers during the Covid-19 pandemic. During the latest omicron surge, it was not unusual to have four or five patients with active Covid-19 infections on the labor and delivery unit at a time.

DECISION-MAKING DURING PREGNANCY PREGNANCY is often a time of sweet anticipation. But the ongoing pressure to make the right decisions for the health and well-being of both the pregnant person and the unborn child tempers this excitement. And undoubtedly, the decision-making around Covid-19 vaccination adds another layer of stress. The relative novelty of Covid-19 in our lives, fear of the unknown and abundant misinformation often complicate these decisions. Advice comes during pregnancy from many directions, including well-meaning friends and family, and sometimes even from strangers.

It’s worth noting that the decisions a person makes during pregnancy stem from the desire to avoid doing anything that could cause complications in the pregnancy or be harmful to the fetus. At the same time, it is also important that a parent do everything possible to protect the well-being of the pair.

As a family physician specializing in maternity care, I often hear of the challenges and confusion pregnant people feel in making these important decisions. My role is to respect pregnant people in their autonomy and to provide evidence-based information that may help inform their decision.

In making the decision about getting vaccinated against Covid-19, pregnant people must consider the potential risks of the vaccine, as well as any potential harm from becoming infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid-19. These two sides of the same coin are important in the discussion and the ultimate decision the patient makes.

Simply avoiding action is not the answer. Each pregnant person should carefully consider the decision and not passively accept doing nothing as the safer option, since the choice to do nothing is likely a choice to accept the risk of preventable harm.

COVID-19 ILLNESS IN PREGNANCY COVID-19 has caused serious illness requiring hospitalization in over 30,000 pregnant people in the United States, with 292 deaths as of mid-March 2022.

The risk for severe disease is higher in pregnancies that are complicated by advanced age, high body mass

index, hypertension and diabetes.

Pregnant people infected by Covid-19 are three times more likely to need critical care than people who aren’t pregnant. Death is rare in pregnant people, but Covid-19 causes a significant increase in that risk.

Health disparities have become more evident during the pandemic. Black and Latino populations have disproportionately experienced Covid-19 infection, serious illness and death. This disparity remains in pregnant people, with the infection rate in pregnant Latino people nearly twice that of white counterparts.

VACCINE PROTECTION IN PREGNANCY VACCINATIONS to protect against serious illness from Covid-19 are recommended for all pregnant people or those considering pregnancy by leading health organizations, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the American Academy of Family Physicians and others.

The mRNA vaccines developed by Pfizer and Moderna are recommended for people who are pregnant in an initial two-dose series followed by a booster immunization five months later. The immunity produced has been shown to reduce severity of illness, pregnancy complications, stillbirth and maternal death. In mid-February, 68 percent of pregnant people over age 18 were fully vaccinated, compared with 75 percent in the general adult population. Complications from the vaccine are rare and mild, similar to complications patients who aren’t pregnant. There is no increased risk of miscarriage, infertility or pregnancy complications related to the vaccine. Additionally, vaccination during pregnancy provides important protection for newborns.

Pregnant people who are vaccinated pass antibodies in blood through the umbilical cord to the fetus, and this has been shown to provide protection from serious illness from Covid-19 for the newborn for up

to six months.

Research studying newborns in 20 pediatric hospitals across 17 states showed that 84 percent of hospitalized infants less than 6 months old were born to unvaccinated people. And infants born to people vaccinated with two doses of mRNA vaccines were 61 percent less likely to be hospitalized with Covid-19. Since vaccination is unlikely to be available for newborns in the foreseeable future, protecting this vulnerable population through vaccination during pregnancy is the best option.

VACCINATION DECISION IT is natural for pregnant people to have some uncertainty about the decision to get the Covid-19 vaccine. They are likely to be unsure and to have their own conflicted feelings about it, and they may be receiving conflicting advice from family and friends. I believe it’s important to provide empathy and respect for this ambivalence while sharing information about the safety of the vaccine and the risks of Covid-19 illness.

People who are pregnant should receive the most up-to-date information based on evidence to help guide their decisions on getting vaccinated. If they decide to get vaccinated, it can be helpful for family members or others to remove any access barriers that might stand in the way. On the other hand, a pregnant person who decides against getting vaccinated needs to be provided with other additional supports such as guidance on masks and on avoiding high-risk exposures to reduce the risk of illness.

The ripple effects of Covid-19 go well beyond the person with the infection, particularly in pregnancy.

It’s clear that the vaccine can help prevent serious illness in pregnant people and that it is one way to prevent newborns from going home without their mothers, either temporarily or permanently.

THE CONVERSATION

My fuel for ‘female leadership’

AS we continue to celebrate Women’s Month this March, I hope to share pockets of my thoughts on celebrating women, as well as gender respect. Last week, I shared my view that women and gender empowerment start with our families, and is important to teach to both daughters and sons. This week let me share my view on female leadership.

It is common to see published lists from respectable media groups of the most powerful or wealthiest women in the world. Last year, I appreciated reading Blake Morgan’s article at Forbes. com, titled “15 of the World’s Most Inspiring Female Leaders.” I am aware the key measurement in how the choices were made might not be very clear, but I like how different facets of womanhood were celebrated.

I like how being a new mom, moms with little kids or teens, working through couples’ struggles, were celebrated together with their career achievements and societal impacts. Morgan summed it up perfectly with these words: “...a woman doesn’t need a business title to be a leader. A true leader shows up in their community to make a real impact. And women around the world do that every day, regardless of their job title or position.”

The list of inspiring women includes: Kamala Harris, vice president of the United States; Mel Robbins, author of the national best seller The 5-Second Rule; Bethenny Frankel, founder and CEO of Skinnygirl with her podcast “Just B” and charity BStrong; Esther Perel, author and therapist whose podcast “Where Should We Begin” focuses on the relationship struggles of couples; Rachel Hollis, author and speaker, who is a host of a successful podcast and blog, the CEO of her company, and the mother of four; Radhika Jones, editor in chief of Vanity Fair, who moved the magazine and online content to be more representative of all types of backgrounds, lifestyles and cultures; Cynthia Marshall, CEO of Dallas Mavericks NBA team, who “transformed a previously toxic and misogynistic culture to create an inclusive environment where everyone can speak up and have a voice;” Kathrin Jansen, who as head

of Vaccine Research and Development at Pfizer led a team of 650 experts to develop the first successful coronavirus vaccine; Whitney Wolfe Herd, a victim of sexual harrassment who became the founder and CEO of Bumble dating app; Maria Eitel, founder and chair of the Nike Foundation and Girl Effect, “an organization with a goal of helping 250 million young girls below the poverty line in four key areas: ending early marriage and delaying first birth, enhancing the health and safety of girls, increasing secondary school completion and improving access to economic assets;” then new mom Jacinda Ardern, prime minister of New Zealand, who is the world’s youngest female head of state; Melanie Perkins, cofounder and CEO of Canva; Katrina Lake, founder and CEO of Stitch Fix, and the youngest woman in tech to lead an IPO in 2017; Christine Lagarde, president of European Central Bank and the first woman to serve as France’s finance minister; and Sonia Syngal, president and CEO of Gap, as well as the highest-ranking IndianAmerican female CEO. Another view I have on female leadership is that it is not really about the “toughness” of one person. I was always labelled less capable as a business leader by my past superiors because I used my heart a lot more than my mind. But up to now, I stick to my belief that female leadership is more effective with

genuine empathy and nurture, coupled with sharp business skills and acumen. It is also not weakness to receive help and wisdom from people, and to fully acknowledge those that fuel us to work this hard every day. For me, this incudes my faith in God’s purpose and providence. I have also looked up to many female leaders, from the SM Group’s Tessie Sy Coson to younger achievers like Bethany Mota, even when she was just a teen vlogger.

Melissa Bernstein, the cofounder of Melissa and Doug Toys, is one of the female leaders who have continuously inspired me to be my kids’ best “teachermom” since I became a mother 15 years ago. And with her recent new project, Lifelines, I admire her even more for celebrating both a woman’s successes and vulnerabilities.

I fully acknowledge the role my work and my immediate family plays in working with me to achieve the higher purpose of developing happy learning families through my passion in parent education.

And as I just shared with my son recently in our oneon-one time, I have reached an unapologetic state of female leadership because my husband has always been there with me as a co-partner to build a family, who wants each of us to find our happiness and fulfillment in life. Here’s to a richer meaning of female leadership.

B6 Thursday, March 24, 2022

4-day work or WFH? Goal is still economic recovery

Peace NGO seeks to institutionalize peace to counteract global conflicts

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N the present era where the safety of individual lives is constantly threatened by widespread conflicts, peacebuilding is currently demanded to develop into a system that promotes the values, norms, and culture of peace for all countries, communities, and individuals based on the shared principles of coexistence and interdependence of the global community.

Toamplifythecampaignforpeacebuilding, Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration (HWPL) held its 6th Annual Commemoration of the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW) online on March 14, 2022 with over 5,000 participants under the theme, “Institutionalizing Peace: Building a Legal Foundation for Sustainable Peace”.

A UN-affiliated NGO, HWPL, has endorsed combined efforts of governments and civil society that lead to the institutionalization of peace in each society.

Its DPCW, proclaimed in 2016, has provided a guide to citizen-led peace advocacy, in line with international organizations including the UN, the African Union (AU), and the EU that have stressed normative guidance as a standard for substantial conflict resolution with the participation of women and youth.

As for the need to ‘build a legal foundation for sustainable peace’, Dr. Kamal Hossain, the President of International Law Association (ILA) Bangladesh Branch said, “The precondition for achieving peace is securing

peoples’ inalienable rights, which include equality before the law, equal protection of the law, non-discrimination, freedom to associate, freedom to assemble, and freedom to express.”

In addition, Ms. Anna Cervenakova, a member of HWPL International Law Peace Committee, mentioned, “In the world’s ongoing crisis, governments question themselves, what kind of action would be the best action to take in order to overcome the emergency crisis… Much of the burden of the work is, therefore, on the side of the governments, so it is important what are the priorities in their institutional agenda.”

As one of the speakers, Prof. Rommel Santos Diaz of international law at the Universidad INCE said that government offices including the Senate, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Attorney General’s Office in the Dominican Republic have been working with NGOs for the purpose of the ‘state’s decision-making for public policies on citizen security and human rights’ based on the DPCW. Responding to prevalent threats from religious conflicts, Imam Moulana Shafiek Nolan in Westridge of South Africa expressed, “The DPCW emphasizes the importance of peace between religions and the cessation of religious conflict. The monthly scripture dialogue hosted by HWPL particularly aims to create a platform to break down

misunderstandings of religious scripture and practices, mirroring the values expressed in the DPCW”.

Mr. John Rommel Garces, Chief Branch Manager of HWPL Philippines Branch, shared how the DPCW’s Article 10 ‘Spreading the Culture of Peace’ has paved the way for peace education to ‘reach the hearts of every learner’.

HWPL Peace Education is now being adopted in the Philippines, from basic to tertiary education.

“We envision every school, college, and university all across the globe starting in the Philippines will nurture the students and embed peace education in their hearts and minds. Eventually, the leaders of the next generation will rise up and will lead the world with peace and love.”

Chairman Lee Man-hee of HWPL said that wars and conflicts continue to occur since ‘wars can be triggered if it is allegedly necessary according to the current international law, which is why this cannot put an end to war’. He highlighted that all members of the global village need to be united as one as ‘messengers of peace’ to ‘certainly create a thing (international law for peace) that can bring about peace’.

On February 28, HWPL issued a statement on Russia's invasion of Ukraine that includes refugee protection and global youth solidarity against war and is delivering it to 192 countries.

The DPCW presents principles of peace to be promoted by the international society such as prohibiting the use of force, fostering religious freedom, and civic participation to spread a culture of peace. It highlights that sustainable peace can be achieved through all members of the global society by identifying not only nation-states but also international organizations and all citizens as the main actors in building peace.

For the full text of the DPCW or Statement Regarding Russia and Ukraine, you may visit: www.hwpl.kr

Security Bank Foundation repairs school buildings in Bacolod City

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N preparation for the resumption of face-to-face classes, Security Bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm Security Bank Foundation Inc. (SBFI) spearheaded the repairs of its previouslydonated two school buldings in Bacolod City, equivalent to 12 classrooms.

The initiative is part of the Foundation’s Build a School, Build a Nation: The Classrooms Project. As a standard, SBFI evaluates its donated school buildings every five years to assess structural integrity and conduciveness for learning. Those that were heavily damaged by disasters such as earthquakes and typhoons are prioritized for major repair to ensure safety of students and avoid class disruption.

Upon evaluation, SBFI prioritized the repair of the two-storey, six-classroom school building in Emiliano Lizares National High School (ELNHS) and the

two-storey, six-classroom school building in Antonio L. Jayme Elementary School (ALJES). Both schools were damaged by the earthquakes that struck Bacolod in December 2019 and June 2020.

“We appreciate the continuing support of SBFI for the Department of Education through major repair of school facilities. They have ensured that the students and teachers of Emiliano Lizares National High school and Antonio L. Jayme Elementary School have access to adequate and structurally safe buildings that play an important role in quality learning for our young learners,” says Department of Education Bacolod City Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Gladys Amylaine Sales.

“School repairs are necessary in creating a quality learning environment as it sustains the teaching-learning process and motivation for learning,”

adds ELNHS Principal Zenith Avila.

Launched in 2011, the Classrooms Project is focused on ensuring that Security Bank’s mission to enrich lives through education is upheld. “We focused our advocacy on education because we believe that education is the greatest equalizer in life, for it will give every person the opportunity to succeed in life, no matter what his or her social and economic background may be,” says SBFI chairman Rafael F. Simpao.

The Foundation has already repaired 215 of its previously-donated classrooms to address earthquake, typhoon, and volcanic activity damages as well as major wear and tear concerns.

To know more about Security Bank Foundation, its CSR and sustainability initiatives, visit www.securitybank.com/ sustainability or Security Bank’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/SecurityBank.

SECURITY Bank Foundation’s two-story, six classroom school building in Emiliano Lizares National High School after the repairs.

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HETHER it’s a four-day workweek or a hybrid/flexible work arrangement, Presidential Adviser for Entrepreneurship Joey Concepcion said the goal is still to keep the engines of the economy going.

“Let’s not lose sight of the goal,” said the Go Negosyo founder. Concepcion said that he supports the return of employees to onsite work because it will encourage economic activity. He reiterated the importance of increased economic activity that results from employees returning to the workplace.

“Many small businesses such as cafeterias and transportation are built around employees’ presence in the offices.

Encouraging people to return to the offices will spur economic activity among these MSMEs,” he said.

However, Concepcion believes that while hybrid work or a continuation of work-fromhome arrangement may be possible for whitecollar jobs and even BPOs, it may not be the case for employees who need to perform onsite work in manufacturing plants, render essential services, or handle physical goods.

“People who work in the factories, move goods, or perform services, they can’t do their work from home,” he said. “At this point, we are already learning what works for one doesn’t necessarily work for the other. I’m sure many will be open to the idea of a hybrid work-from-home arrangement, or for fourday workweeks, but we can’t have the same

solution for everybody,” he said.

Moreover, he said that a four-day workweek for everybody might not be ideal as there are businesses that rely on regular work shifts to produce goods for consumers.“ A four-day workweek may not be enough to produce the goods that the market needs or for businesses to stay afloat,” he said.

The Go Negosyo founder said that imposing a four-day workweek arrangement for all businesses might disrupt workflows and affect costs, especially on businesses that rely on on-site work to be performed.

It was earlier proposed that workers render 40 hours of work per week over four 10-hour days in order to help businesses cut costs and insulate workers from rising fuel prices. It was made clear, however, that government can only encourage, not obligate, the private sector to adopt a fourday workweek arrangement. The Labor Code does not prescribe the minimum number of working days in a week, and workers’ consent will also have to be sought as the 10-hour workdays will mean setting aside the eighthour workday.

“The imposition of a four-day workweek will have to be subject to government policies and guidelines which might take time to revise,” said Concepcion. “Meanwhile, we have to keep the economy open so more industries can offer jobs, and reduce the unemployment in the country.”

FASHION FORTE GOES LIVE ON MARCH 24 AT CROWNE PLAZA HOTEL. Celebrity designer Boyet Fajardo, known for his exquisite designs for plus-size women, quality jackets, and slacks, is back with fellow designers as they join forces in the upcoming show titled Fashion Forte at the Ruby Ballroom of the Crowne Plaza on March 24, 2022. Touted to be the first face-to-face fashion event of the year, Fajardo brings with him fresh designs inspired by the pandemic. Giving life and excitement to the designs are seasoned models Alvin Fortuna and Katherine Von Moya, whom Fajardo had worked years back during their teens. Joining them is beauty titlist and supermodel Joy Castillo-Pasidis, who had her modeling stints in Europe before the pandemic.

Crocs PH goes to Bonifacio High Street this summer

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ROCS Philippines–Crocs (NASDAQ: CROX), a global leader in innovative casual footwear for women, men, and children, finally opens their much-awaited concept store at Bonifacio High Street.

Crocs welcomes the summer heat with a full-on Crocs-tastic attractions. The brand welcomes the crowd with a life-size ‘Come As You Are’ signage right in the middle part of the activity area. Few steps away and you can strike a Crocs-tastic pose at the Futuristic Podium, best to experience at night time to capture those rainbow-bright beam of lights. And lastly, play a cool pose besides the Jibbitz Tree casually hanging across the newly opened Crocs Concept Store. And if you still can’t get enough of that Crocs-tastic outdoor experience, make sure to check out the Crocs claw machine spotted right inside the store.

Don’t forget to take a snap or two and share it on your social media accounts and put on the #CrocsIsHere hashtag.

The re-energized concept store with a 68 square-meter floor area, is twice the size of its original built with unique experiential consumer journey begins with the highly popular jibbitz bar where customers are encouraged to choose their blank canvas (classic collection) as a form of self-expression.

The maximized spaces, easy reach accessibility and fully stacked display featuring wide product assortment, consumers will be able to find a pair that best suits their needs.

Be on-trend as you hit the different summer destinations with well-loved iconic classic collection, summer sandals, flips and slides. Crocs can take you anywhere with its comfortable, easy wearability and stylish designs that you’ve always wanted.

Iconic marries comfort, the Classic Clogs are dubbed as the next generation of shoe designed by Crocs footwear. A lightweight clog choice for both men and women and it continues to win hearts of unbelievers old and young alike.

This season, the Solarized collection is about bright graphics combine with iconic Crocs comfort featuring a unique, bold

graphic, it’s the fun, stylish clog that you're sure to fall deeper in love with day after day. Grounded in comfort, spiked with personality.

While all marbled shoes have the same wavy look, no two shoes are exactly alike.

The new marbled Croslite material creates a colorful effect that is completely unique. Now is the best time to gear up for the ultimate adventure in the new Marbled Collection.

The Jibbitz Bar has been hugely popular with Crocs fans and new fans. With more than 250 Jibbitz selections from Fun, symbolic and sentimental charms to represent your unique self to the world on your favourite Crocs shoes.

The classic collection will continue to grow with new Classic products added to the line, just like the Jibbitz Charms. Each shoe is an icon collection is itself an opportunity for self-expression. So watch for more exciting activations prepared by Crocs PH in the coming months.

Editor: Anne Ruth Dela Cruz

Health&Fitness BusinessMirror

Thursday, March 24, 2022 B7

Some throat lozenges found effective against Covid-19

By Rory Visco

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henever people h ave sore t h r o at , t h e r e are a lot of remedies available and readily used by most people.

There’s the trusted (mostly reliable) ginger concoction called “salabat,” while some would simply use a saline solution (warm water and some salt) and gargle to get rid of bacteria that causes sore throat, and of course, the ever-trusted over-thecounter lozenges to help relieve sore throat problems and manage coughs and colds.

However, the pandemic put sore throat front and center as one of the early symptoms of Covid-19 that scared the wits of many. How will they know if it’s simply sore throat or already a symptom of the dreaded disease?

But lately, the ordinary lozenges took a different turn and given a

different look. Researchers at the Microbiology and Immunology Institute of the University of Ljubljana in Slovenia found that throat lozenges containing a combination of Benzydamine Hydrochloride (BH) and Cetypyridinium Chloride (CPC) may have a virucidal effect against Covid-19, help reduce the risk of viral transmission, and found efficacious in Covid-caused sore throat.

Why lozenges?

The study’s abstract illustrated that viruses are the most common causative agents of inflammation in the oral cavity and throat areas. It said that most respiratory tract infections (RTIs) are self-limiting and does not need any specific treatment.

Respiratory diseases are mainly transmitted via respiratory secretions during exhalation in the form of droplets, though indirect contact with contaminated fomites were also shown to spread infection.

Proponents of the study who pub-

Elderly told to think twice before going out

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he elderly or the senior citizens were the most affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. They are at the most risk, the most vulnerable in contracting Covid-19. Many have comorbidities that would be fatal, either in terms of severity or even death, if they contract the disease. Our culture values our elderly so much that is why extra layers of precaution were taken to ensure their safety, especially in terms of isolation and in prioritization as soon as Covid-19 vaccines.

But now that many parts of the country are under the lowest Alert Level 1, where restrictions, is it already safe for seniors to go out?

During the Stop Covid Deaths webinar presented by the University of the Philippines, in partnership with UP Manila National Institutes of Health-National Telehealth Center and in cooperation with the UP Philippine General Hospital, titled “ALERT LEVEL 1: Puwede na ba lumabas ang mga Senior?,” Dr. Shelley Dela Vega, Director, Institute of Aging of the National Institutes of Health of the University of the Philippines Manila, said that while most seniors have already been vaccinated, many are still afraid to go out, because many have not yet received the jab.

She said many are now aware of the threats of Covid-19 while noting that many deaths have occurred and are still occurring among older people. “Based on the Covid demographics in the Philippines dated March 16, 2022, although most cases were reported among young adults, most deaths occur on the senior set, with the highest deaths among 80 years and above.”

Why the seniors?

Fr ailt y, wh ic h is about reduced strength and physiological malfunctioning, predisposes an older person to increased dependency, vulnerability and death, where the frailest are at risk for Covid-19 complications, hospitalizations and death, especially among those aged 80 and above.

Dementia, manifested through loss of memory, language, problem-solving skills and other thinking abilities, are at a higher risk of Covid-19 complications, as per Dr. Dela Vega. She said most seniors have difficulty understanding risks of leaving the house and in following minimum public health standards, while isolation increases behavior and psychological symptoms. “They become more confused and agitated, but even those without dementia feel somehow that their memories are muddled because of isolation, all the more if you have it.”

Persons with dementia, she said, are more prone to acute confusion called “delirium,” are more fearful and afraid to express it, coupled with communication barriers that make it difficult for them to report symptoms or seek timely help.

Conditions for senior citizens’ safe re-entry

Dr. Dela Vega said that aside from the

guidelines and safety standards to be followed for senior citizens when they go out, there needs to be a viable support system on healthy aging, and assure that senior citizens are healthy in mind, body and spirit. “If there is a supportive environment, the decline in functioning may be avoided, and functional ability can be extended or even maintained despite intrinsic aging.”

But the question remains: Can senior citizens go out already? Dr. Dela Vega mentioned that aging is an extremely variable experience, and there are various types of the elderly such as the frail, the pre-frail and the robust. Those who are frail will benefit from vaccination and booster doses. A recent statement from the World Health Organization (WHO) Philippines said that the country needs to achieve a minimum 70-percent vaccination coverage to protect those who are most vulnerable to avoid complications. However, 2.4 million senior citizens have not received even a single dose of the Covid-19 vaccine. To improve vaccine coverage, WHO Philippines said there is a need to do barangay level, house-to-house and close-to-home vaccination efforts.

Another good news is that the Department of Health (DOH) recently launched the Health and Wellness program for senior citizens Manual of Operations for local implementers, including Geriatric Training for primary health service providers through “Training of Trainers” modules, which includes sections on dealing with Covid-19, while giving emphasis on universal health care. “We now have something to look forward to,” Dr. Dela Vega said.

Active DOH

The DOH has also been very active in producing health and safety education materials online, which will benefit senior citizens who may be digitally connected.

But she also sees the need for a Healthcare Information System (HIS) for the elderly. She said that although medical records exist for many senior citizens, many are not digitized, and there is no comprehensive geriatric assessment and no individual electronic medical record (EMR) for older people. “There is a need for HIS for older people. Even if there is, it is often fragmented, comes from multiple sources, and often inaccessible.”

The government is also not the only one with a role to play but also the community, which has to be age-friendly. This means there should be provision of social support, protection against abuse and violence, education and literacy, spaces to walk and be active. They should also be encouraged to participate in volunteerism and mentoring, activities that they can do with family members or friends, either online or face to face.

“With these things in place, we can achieve healthy aging despite the challenges of Covid-19 and beyond this pandemic.” Rory Visco

lished its results, namely, Andrej Steyer, Misa Marusic, Marko Kolenc and Tina Triglav, set up a defined and controlled laboratory environment that was designed to mimic the physiological conditions of the mouth’s oral cavity which, by itself, is already a stiff challenge.

For this study, throat lozenges with a fixed combination of Benzydamine Hydrochloride (BH) and Cetypyridinium Chloride (CPC) were used. Results in the use of throat lozenge in a high concentration demonstrated the fastest action when it comes to destroying the virus as it reduced viral concentration by 99.99 percent, or about a 10,000-fold reduction.

Preliminary findings based on three test settings showed strong virucidal or virus-killing action against SARS-CoV-2, the virus which causes the Covid-19 infection.

Encouraging step While it’s important to note that the study is yet to be peerreviewed, with economic activities opening up and the country on Alert Level 1, these results are extremely encouraging and a positive step in finding ways to manage the spread of Covid-19, especially through a simple and effective method such as through the use of widely available medicated sore throat lozenges.

G e t t i n g v a c c i n at e d a nd with booster shots, and the obser vance of minimum public health standards (MPHS) such as proper handwashing, physical distancing and wearing of masks continue to be the current champions when it comes to the reduction of virus spread.

However, Benzydamine HCl and Cetylpyridinium Cl containing throat lozenges could prove to be another valuable tool.

For Dr. Anthony Leachon,

an independent health reform advocate and a former National Task Force to Covid-19 and past president of the Philippine College of Physicians, said the country should already say “No” to another Omicron-like surge in the country. He noted that Omicron infections often start with a scratchy throat, which many doctors say is evidence of the changing nature of Covid-19 symptoms.

Dr. Leachon was elated that from the vaccines, the treatment modalities are slowly evolving to oral medications like Paxlovid and Molnupiravir, and now current scientific research and developments have provided the option of going down through over-the-counter lozenges for Covid-19 prevention that would be much easier to access. “It’s now about prevention at an early onset of Covid-19 symptoms like sore throat and to further

prevent the risks of viral transmission.”

Though the number of cases have declined, Dr. Leachon said Filipinos should remain prepared and not be complacent as preventing the spread of Covid-19 has indeed experienced a shift toward individual responsibility. “During our road to recovery, we should emerge stronger and smarter.”

Leachon also noted what the acting World Health Organization (WHO) Representative to the Philippines, Dr. Rajendra Yadav, said the pandemic is not over yet so there is still the need to continue masking, physical distancing, ensuring proper ventilation, and practicing hand hygiene to be ready for the next Covid-19 wave. “If we stop taking precautions too soon, we will be wasting the lessons we have learned from the two years of living with the pandemic,” Yadav said.

Guidelines out on how to deal with endometriosis

By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco

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ndometriosis, a condition where tissue resembling that which grows in the uterus develops in other areas of the body, affects more Asian women than their counterparts in the west, negatively impacting their health and livelihoods.

In the lead up to Endometriosis Awareness Month, Bayer, together with clinical experts across the region, also unveiled a new consensus guideline titled “Clinical Diagnosis and Early Medical Management for Endometriosis: Consensus for Asia.”

The first-of-its-kind consensus aims to help health-care professionals navigate clinical diagnosis and early medical therapy for the treatment of endometriosis to deliver the best patient outcomes.

Best practices

The consensus aligns with the latest 2022 guidelines published by the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE), which details the best practices of caring for women with endometriosis. Both works emphasize the importance of non-invasive procedures in early diagnosis and treatment to allow for patient-centered care. For instance, symptom recognition is recommended before utilizing laparoscopy for diagnosis, and medical treatments are recommended for the management of pain post-surgery.

“While the consensus is useful in guiding health-care providers to recommend patient-centric treatment options, there is also a need for us to leverage the right platforms to

educate women on endometriosis, empowering them to voice out their pain and seek treatment early by making informed decisions about their condition. These efforts are a testament of our long-standing commitment to support our health-care providers and patients, and ultimately improve women’s health,” added Catherine Donovan, Vice President Head of Medical Affairs Asia-Pacific, Bayer Pharmaceuticals Asia-Pacific.

For her part, Angela Aguilar, Past President of the Philippine Society for Reproductive Medicine and coauthor of the “Clinical Diagnosis and Early Medical Management for Endometriosis: Consensus for Asia” said, “This is a huge progress in the management of endometriosis.

Through this consensus, early diagnosis and better treatment options will be made available for women to help them achieve an overall improvement in quality of life. On the other hand, health-care providers will be more equipped to deliver patient-centric care and help alleviate the burden brought about by this condition.”

#DontLiveWithPain

On Tuesday, Bayer Philippines Inc. alongside health-care experts and patient advocates in the Philippines held a #DontLiveWithPain campaign roundtable to call attention on endometriosis, to build a community of support for Obstetrics-Gynecologists and patients; as well as encourage women to seek out more information about this debilitating condition that affects 6 to 10 percent of women of reproductive age.

During the roundtable, Ella C.

Evangelista-Martelino, a journalist and endometriosis patient care advocate, shared her experience in dealing with the condition and her journey towards finding relief from endometriosis. After struggling for years, Martelino found the right doctor to help manage her condition, proof that with the right support and knowledge, women with endometriosis do not need to live with pain.

She shared, “As someone who has been suffering from endometriosis for years, the Don’t Live With Pain campaign and consensus serves as a sigh of relief that our pain does not go unnoticed and that there is hope for us to live normal lives.”

“Your story is the story of many women who live with the silent pain of endometriosis. At Bayer, our vision is a world where there is Health for all, Hunger for none. That’s why we have a long-standing commitment to continuously innovate and advance solutions for women’s health. We’re supporting Endometriosis Awareness Month to acknowledge and address this condition,” said Angel-Michael Evangelista, Managing Director and Country Division Head for Pharmaceuticals, Bayer Philippines Inc.

Negative burden

Besides imposing a negative burden on Asia’s economy due to the high costs of medical and surgical treatment, endometriosis also causes ripple effects on a women’s personal health and overall livelihood as they battle with the condition. This hinders their ability to find normalcy in their social and work life, and it takes a serious toll on their physical and mental health.

Aside from these impacts, the endometriosis burden in Asia is also driven by a delay in women seeking early diagnosis and treatment due to different misconceptions. For instance, women may dismiss pelvic pain as part and parcel of their menstrual cycle, while others believe that endometriosis will cause infertility.

Due to the information gap associated with this condition, Bayer aims to address these concerns and encourage women to seek the treatment they need early. Against this backdrop, Bayer launched the #DontLiveWithPain campaign to encourage women to seek intervention and treatment early, instead of suffering the debilitating pain in silence with the misconception that it is normal.

The #DontLiveWithPain campaign aims to create awareness, educate and help modern day women understand what endometriosis is, and how they can manage the condition. It sheds light on the debilitating impact endometriosis has on women’s social and personal lives, addresses the misconceptions that women may have about the condition, and highlights the common symptoms that women can look out for to assess if they are at risk of endometriosis.

For treatment, meanwhile, the consensus recommends hormonal treatment for patients with no immediate pregnancy desires and emphasizes that these treatments should be individually tailored by considering women’s presentation and therapeutic need. Medical treatment such as the use of GnRHa and progestin are also recommended for early treatment, and management of pain post-surgery.

Asian Hospital reopens Pediatric Ward

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t the height of the Covid-19 pandemic two years ago, Asian Hospital and Medical Center experienced a dwindling number of pediatric patients. This forced the hospital’s management to close the Pediatric Ward.

“There was a time when the ward only accommodated two or three patients. The uncertainty and the hazards caused by the hysteria of the Covid-19 virus kept children out of the hospitals,” related Dr. Jose M. Acuin, Asian Hospital’s Medical Director.

With a closed Pediatric Ward, pediatric patients who required admission were redirected to a different area inside the hospital. They were admitted to the 5th Floor of the Main Hospital Wing, an area that they had to

One of the refurbished rooms at the Pediatric Ward.

share with other patients.

“Pediatric patients were limited during the pandemic, ranging from an average of about two to three admissions only,” he said.

Alert level 1

Now that the country is under Alert Level 1, the Asian Hospital management decided that it

was time to reopen the Pediatric Ward last March 4 so that they could welcome back their young patients.

Before the reopening of the ward, however, measures had to be undertaken to make sure that the ward was ready to treat children.

“Different departments collaborated as well as a meeting

with the stakeholders was done to carefully manage the plan of reopening such as conducive preventive maintenance and the like,” Dr. Acuin said.

He added that Asian Hospital’s little family members will be treated to an express admission and discharge process for all elective cases.

“We have come up with exciting in-room activities and customized menus according to their prescribed diet. We truly have a tagged safe environment and haven for our children,” he added.

The Pediatric Floor of Asian Hospital Medical Center is located at the 6th Floor of the Main Hospital Building and houses the hospital’s best pediatricians, nurses, support staff, and services.

Sports

UAAP returns with Season 84 men’s basketball action Saturday

BusinessMirror

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TENEO de Manila University sets out as a favorite to retain a fourth straight crown as the University Athletic Association of the Philippines returns with its Season 84 that will be played under a unique setup no thanks to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Ateneo plays Katipunan rival University of the Philippines (UP) at 4 p.m. at the Mall of Asia Arena, one of four games on opening-day action of the league that was shuttered for two years by the pandemic and was forced to label Season 83 as “Unplayed,” much the same way as the UAAP was stopped during World War II. With the pandemic still prevailing, the games will be played in a bubble setup—there will be no fans or spectators, teams will only shuttle to and from the venues, teams are quartered in bubbles in their respective campuses and there will be no cheering squads.

The other opening day games pit Far Eastern University (FEU) against University of Santo Tomas (UST) at 10 a.m., Adamson University against National University (NU) at 1 p.m. and De La Salle against University of the East (UE) at 7 p.m. The game schedules were arranged in such a way as to provide disinfection procedures of the venue.

Also, a pre-recorded opening ceremony will precede the games at 9 a.m.

Coaches Goldwyn Monteverde of UP, Nash Racela of Adamson University, Jeff Napa of NU, Derrick Pumaren of De La Salle, Olsen Racela of FEU and Jack Santiago of UE told a face-to-face news conference organized by TV 5 in its Mandaluyong City studios that the Blue Eagles remain as the team to beat this season. Only UST’s Jino Manansala didn’t give an assessment.

Despite the favorite’s tag, Ateneo coach Tab Baldwin said the competition will still be difficult because of the roster changes.

“It’s definitely difficult because we have a lot of roster changes,” said Baldwin, who will be relying on naturalized player Ange Koume, Dave Ildefonso and SJ Belangel, members of the Gilas Pilipinas cadets program.

Cignal and Smart, meanwhile, announced in the same news conference that besides men’s basketball, they will also bring live coverages of competitions in cheerdance and women’s volleyball.

Cignal and Smart are the new official UAAP broadcast partners. They will air the games via One Sports (freeto-air) in high definition on the UAAP Varsity Channel (pay TV) and Cignal Play (OTT streaming). Josef Ramos

MIGUEL TABUENA hits a bailout shot on No. 1 as hot putting propels Rianne Malixi to a 2-shot lead.

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| Thursday, March 24, 2022 mirror_sports@yahoo.com.ph Editor: Jun Lomibao

CONVERGE BUYS ALASKA FRANCHISE

CONVERGE ICT Solutions Inc., led by its CEO and Co-Founder Dennis Anthony Uy, joins the Philippine Basketball Association family.

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ONVERGE ICT Solutions Inc. is the new owner of the Alaska franchise in the Philippine Basketball Association, the fiber internet service provider officially announced on Wednesday.

“Just a month since Alaska Milk Corp. (AMC) officially announced the retirement of the Alaska Aces

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from the PBA, AMC and Converge have officially reached an agreement to turn over the franchise of the champion team, Alaska Aces, to the pure fiber broadband provider,” Converge said in a statement.

AMC Chairman Wilfred Uytengsu expressed his satisfaction and shared gratitude for the value placed upon their award-winning team.

“We are pleased that the new owners of our storied franchise are industry leaders, and are grateful to Mr. Dennis Anthony Uy and Converge for ensuring that the Alaska Aces team will get to continue in this new direction under his stewardship,” Uytengsu said.

Uytengsu added: “We have a great staff and a competitive team, and with this development, we are assured that they will continue to be given the opportunity to shine in the PBA. We wish Converge all the best to continue our winning tradition!”

The PBA unanimously approved of the transaction between Alaska and Converge on an 11-0 vote. Former

PBA Commissioner Chito Salud will be the team’s governor.

“Converge will become a strong and active member of the PBA,” Salud told reporters during a news conference on Wednesday afternoon attended by Commissioner Willie Marcial and Alaska’s Dickie Bachmann at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

BusinessMirror learned that Converge acquired Alaska’s franchise—lock, stock and barrel— for P117 million.

The team, Salud said, has yet to come up with its monicker.

“We’re truly honored and excited to be a part of the PBA and be associated with such a beloved team.

Converge hopes to continue the legacy of pride, passion, competitiveness, discipline, and sportsmanship that the franchise has been known for,” Converge CEO and Co-Founder Dennis Anthony Uy. “This move brings us closer to the hearts of Filipinos nationwide as we aim to

PATAFA FIGHTS POC SUSPENSION

reach the majority of Philippine households with our pure fiber internet soon,” said Uy said that Converge will continue to honor the players’ contracts that go beyond this season and the current coaching and medical staff are to be considered for evaluation by the new team owners.

Only Jeron Teng, big man Ben Adamos and rookie Taylor Brown have live contracts with Alaska.

“We have barely three months to prepare for the next season and I will be working closely with Dickie Bachmann on this,” Salud said.

“Together we’ll review and assess the performance of the players and the coaches, and make a decision soon.”

But Salud said that Alaska’s remaining players or its core have the potential to become a title contender.

“We just need to polish the team and add some pieces,” he said.

Alaska played its last game last March 19 after being part of the PBA for 36 seasons. Josef Ramos

“There’s an ongoing mediation between us and Mr. (Emerson John “EJ”) Obiena and here comes the POC and out of nowhere suspended us,” Rodriguez said. “We are autonomous and we have always decided what’s best for our athletes. The suspension is illegal and unfounded.”

“I think it’s time for Patafa to teach Obiena a lesson,” said Jojo Posadas said, one of Patafa’s veteran coaches.

Also present in the news conference were Patafa National Training Director Renato Unso, board members Benjamin Espiritu and Roberto Uy and spokesperson Cristy Ramos, former POC president. Josef Ramos

HE Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (Patafa) put up a defiant and stern stand against an imminent suspension from the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) stressing on its autonomy as a national federation from the POC and even from government.

“We’re not under with anybody because we are autonomous, just like the other national sports associations [NSA], so we will not just let anyone push us,” Patafa President Philip Ella Juico told an online news conference on Wednesday.

“We, the [Patafa] board, reject this suspension. We will continue our functions as the official NSA of track and field and we will send our athletes to

the Southeast Asian Games,” Juico said.

“We are resisting and we hope other NSAs see this…but it’s up to them.”

The POC Executive Board slapped 90-day suspensions on the Patafa and the Philippine Tennis Association (PHILTA). The Patafa suspension bordered on its “failure to serve its purpose as an NSA, while the Philta was punished for refusing to heed its international federation’s order to amend its charter.

Juico stressed that the Patafa will continue as the country’s athletics association recognized by the government and the world governing

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TABUENA, MALIXI GRAB LEAD

IGUEL TABUENA salvaged a 71 in a virtual reprise of his first-round act and took his familiar role as Philippine Golf Tour (PGT) leader halfway through the International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) Luisita Championship in Tarlac.

Tabuena overcame another wobbly start at the tight Luisita layout with a strong rebound in sweltering heat, birdying two of the last five holes at the front to save a 34-37 and seize control of the field that had started to get back into the groove two rounds into the circuit following a year-long hiatus.

“I got off to a really bad start again. At one point, I was 3-over already but I managed to fight back and shoot one-under,” said Tabuena, whose four-under 140 total netted him a one-stroke lead over erstwhile frontrunner Michael Bibat and a steady Nilo Salahog, who matched 141 outputs after a 73 and 70, respectively.

With Marvin Dumandan fighting back with a 69 to move to fourth at 142, and the fancied pair of Tony Lascuña and

Crazy sports sked WHEN before, watching spectator sports was like looking up at a black sky during a New Moon, these days it’s like staring at the heavens in the heat of a meteor shower.

Busy, busy, busy. The sports scene is popping like a bag of popcorn in the microwave ever since we were placed under Alert Level 1.

This weekend, collegiate sports comes off the wraps. The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) opens its 97th season at the La Salle Green Hills Gym March 26 as host school De La Salle-College of St. Benilde takes on the

Clyde Mondilla assembling identical 143s after a 69 and 71, respectively, for joint fifth, the P2 million kickoff leg of this year’s PGT put up by ICTSI could be heading to a frenetic finish Friday.

And back in the title hunt is Tabuena, who bucked a two-over card after three holes to shoot a 69 Wednesday and reeled back again on early backside mishaps yesterday—a bogey on No. 10 and a double bogey on the 14th. But like in the first round, the three-time winner here, including the Philippine Open in 2015, recouped with birdies on Nos. 15 and 18 then broke a run of pars at the front with birdies on Nos. 4 and 8.

MALIXI AHEAD BY 2 SHOTS

RIANNE MALIXI continued to amaze the pro field with her brand of play rarely seen in a 14-year-old amateur, producing a second straight 71 against two fancied players to storm ahead by two in the Luisita Ladies Championship also at Luisita.

Malixi anchored her second day surge on superb putting, draining

Colegio de San Juan De Letran Knights at 3:30 p.m. The San Beda Red Lions tangles with the Lyceum of the Philippines University Pirates at 7 p.m.

Two games per day for the NCAA, with the much-awaited face-off between erstwhile rivals San Beda and Letran happening on April 12. The elimination round ends April 29.

The “NC” has an interesting format this season.

After the round robin, teams will be ranked by winning percentage. The two top teams automatically get a twiceto-beat advantage and are on bye. The next four teams then take part in a play-in tournament where the third and fourth teams play for third seed. The fifth and sixth teams play for the fourth seed, after which the winner here faces the loser of the third seed play-off. The finals will be a best-of-three.

Over at the Mall of Asia Arena, the other collegiate league bursts on the scene, also on March 26. The University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) defines Season 84 with a new schedule and an almost totally new cast of players for all the schools, thanks to the two-year break that changed the academic and career fortunes of those who last played in Season 82.

This time, all eight teams get to play every game day as there are four games scheduled every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. The first game is off and running at 10 a.m. while

body, World Athletics.

“We will not stop until our international federation tells us to stop and will follow the law which says that we are recognized by the government based on the provisions of Republic act 6847 [Philippine Sports Commission Law], that we are the group authorized to form national teams and endorse athletes.”

Juico said they will take necessary legal actions against the POC. Patafa Chairman Rufus Rodriguez described the suspension as “unilaterally, premature and whimsical.”

birdies from long range, including on Nos. 6 and 12 from 20 feet and on the difficult par-three 17th from around 35 feet to go two-under in a roller-coaster round that featured four other birdies against three bogeys.

Though she holed out with a bogey on the par-four 18th, Malixi’s 36-35 round proved enough to break her off from erstwhile joint second-running Princess Superal and lift her past first day leader Chanelle Avaricio with a 142 aggregate.

“I played well but it could’ve been better,” said Malixi, who moved 18 holes away from picking up from where she left off at the close of the 2021 Ladies PGT at Midlands. “I made a lot of putts, but short game-wise, it wasn’t that good compared to my first round.”

Superal played it cool and steady in tough conditions and virtually watched Malixi flash her brilliance on the greens where she groped for her touch all day.

But a second straight bogey on the 17th led to a 73 and the multi-titled campaigner stayed at second but now two shots off the new leader with a 144.

MANDALUYONG’S Keith Retuerto pulls off a onehand jumper against Team Marikina’s Draco Bugarin (right) as Mark Mamaril (left) and Louie Salinas, also of the host squad, look on.

the fourth and last game starts at 7 p.m.

The Far Eastern University Tamaraws and the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers break the two-year old ice at 10 am, followed by the Adamson Soaring Falcons dogfight with the National University Bulldogs at 12 noon.

And just like that, the Battle of Katipunan, starring the dynasty-building Ateneo Blue Eagles versus the much talked about University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, erupts at 4 pm. Spears and arrows then fly as hosts, the De La Salle Green Archers battle the University of the East Red Warriors for the 7 p.m. day-ender.

Just like before, UAAP basketball will have a double round eliminations followed by a Final Four and a best-ofthree finals. Will Ateneo continue its magical run? Or will there be a new team to win all the marbles?

But college ball is not all that’s happening on March 26.

ONE Championship’s “Big ONE” entitled ONE:X runs right smack into the collegiate ball schedules. With a Pay Per View component catering to global audiences, the normally Friday-aired ONE events will be viewed in this part of the world on Saturday, March 26 instead.

Super-stacked and super-packed, the 10th year anniversary presentation of the mixed martial arts, grappling, kickboxing and Muay Thai promotion company that is also the largest sports media property in Asia will

Reyes, PLDT snap skid with victory over ‘Bali’ belles

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LDT dominated early then withstood BaliPure’s late fightback in the next two sets to snap its skid with a 25-20, 26-24, 2522 victory in the Premier Volleyball League Open Conference at the Paco Arena in Manila on Wednesday.

Middle blocker Mika Reyes came away with 11 hits, including three block points, as she anchored the High Speed Hitters’ one-hour, 34-minute romp in a duel of winless teams in Group B play of the twopool, nine-team tournament.

“It’s tough (to play) coming off two losses. Personally, there were some doubts but it’s a good thing that we went through (that process), since there’s still a lot to adjust, particularly on team chemistry,” Reyes said.

Toni Rose Basas added eight points, the last piercing through two BaliPure defenders that wrapped up the match, while Dell Palomata also finished with eight points, and Fiola Ceballos and Julianne Samonte chipped in seven points apiece for PLDT, which dropped its first two matches to Creamline and Petro Gazz.

With a 1-2 card to close out the single round elims, PLDT will face either F2 Logistics or Choco Mucho in the knockout quarterfinal phase with coach George Pascua expressing his concerns more on toughening up her wards than their next opponent.

“I always tell them that it’s not a question of skills, but of character,” Pascua said. “We did have a very short preparation but it’s not a reason for us not to perform well.”

“We can’t choose our opponent but this win is a big morale-boost,” he added.

Despite its third straight defeat, BaliPure still made it to the next phase although at No. 8, the Water Defenders will need two victories to topple the Cignal HD, which is tipped to top the five-team Group A after sweeping its first three games against Chery Tiggo, F2 Logistics and Chocho Mucho.

Marikina dominates cagefest eliminations

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EAM Marikina kept flaunting top form in the Batang Pilipino Basketball League, closing out with three victories over the weekend to sweep the elimination round of the inaugural 18-and-under tournament at the Palaruang Batang Lambak in Sta. Elena, Marikina City.

The hosts swept their first four games in the first weekend play of the pre-season event then crushed Pricerba MKT, 125-43, and QC-North RPBC, 8463, and scored a walkover win over Quezon City (QC)-South RPBC in afternoon play last Saturday to cap its domination of the eight-team tournament.

As top seed, Marikina will take on No. 4 Makati Pembo Pecas in the crossover semifinals slated this weekend while No. 2 Batang Cainta and third ranked Mandaluyong Megaworks will dispute the other finals berth in the community-based cage league put up by the BPBL, headed by league commissioner Ron Camara, to discover and develop talents from various sectors of community, including the the out-of-school youth.

Makati Pembo bucked its final game loss to Batang Cainta, 75-87, to claim the last Final Four berth with a 3-4 slate, nipping QC-North RPBC and QC-South RPBC in the tiebreak.

Batang Cainta edged Mandaluyong, 85-82, repulsed QC-South RPBC, 73-67, then smothered Pricerba-MKT, 82-48, to clinch No. 2 with a 6-1 card while Mandaluyong bounced back from its loss to Batang Cainta with a 79-68 victory over Pasig SA3 DW and a 79-65 win over Pricerba MKT to finish third at 5-2.

have five Filipino athletes starring in the Circle.

Denice Zamboanga pursues her grudge match with Seo Hee Ham on this one, whom she vows to “choke out and put to sleep”. Jeremy Miado takes on fellow Filipino Lito Adiwang in what could be the fight of the night. Both are aiming for a KO or TKO. Eduard Folayang faces off with Muay Thai legend John Wayne Parr in Parr’s retirement fight for the ages. And the skilled Stephen Loman, a new addition to the ONE:X cast, squares off against Japan’s wily Shoko Sato.

But that’s not all. As we speak, the Premier Volleyball League is shooting sparks at the Paco Arena, with the Cignal HD Spikers and F2 Logistics leading the pack in Pool A while the Creamline Cool Smashers and the Petro Gazz Angels are on top of the heap in Pool B. Their hectic season ends on April 9.

The Philippine Basketball Association, meanwhile, is in the midst of its Final Four, grabbing a lot of attention, with Meralco Bolts vs. Magnolia and Ginebra San Miguel vs.

NLEX in a Best of 5.

Soon we will see the Bay Area Dragons of Hong Kong moving to Manila to join the PBA’s Governor Cup as part of a PBA-East Asia Super League “pakulo.”

Now don’t tell me this kind of sports schedule doesn’t make you crazy.