BusinessMirror March 27, 2021

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Saturday, March 27, 2021 Vol. 16 No. 167

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What it would take

The World Bank adjusts downward its GDP expectations for the Philippines; says external environment, vaccines and better mobility are key factors for growth.

By Cai U. Ordinario

T

HE Philippine economy is expected to post slower growth this year compared to what the World Bank initially expected in December 2020, and the recovery will likely be toward the end of next year.

tive income shock and those which did not experience negative income shock received assistance from the national government during the pandemic.

In its East Asia and the Pacific report, the World Bank said the Philippines could register a growth of 5.5 percent this year, lower than the 5.9 percent it estimated in the Philippine Economic Update (PEU) released in December.

However, higher growth at around 6.3 percent is expected for 2022 compared to the 6-percent estimate in December. Growth in 2023 is projected to be slower than 2022 at 6.2 percent.

“In the Philippines, growth is expected to recover in the medium term, contingent on an improved external environment, a successful vaccination program, and the loosening of movement restrictions,” the World Bank report stated.

The World Bank’s forecasts are below the Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) targets set for this year and in 2022.

As of December 2020, the DBCC projects GDP growth to reach 6.5 percent to 7.5 percent in 2021, while growth is expected to hit 8 percent to 10 percent in 2022. “[It’s] too early in the year to make changes,” Acting Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick T. Chua told reporters on Friday. “There are nine months of data ahead.”

Cash transfers

MEANWHILE, many countries are planning to continue the cash transfers this year. However, there are indications from a forthcoming World Bank report that the scope of the assistance in the Philippines for 2021 “appear much more modest than in 2020.”

“Governments now face sharp trade-offs. On the one hand, ending programs or reducing benefit levels may help to reduce the fiscal costs, but it could also result in increased poverty and lower household investment in health and education,” the report stated.

“On the other hand, extending social protection programs and maintaining benefit levels will afford needed protection, but will also result in greater fiscal pressures,” it added.

However, the report stated that in terms of the Pantawid ng Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) or the country’s flagship Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT), it “played an important role in protecting beneficiary households against food insecurity” during the pandemic.

The World Bank noted that the pandemic will increase “inequality in both the short and longer terms.” For one, the effect on the poor’s welfare is greater than rich households.

The report said income losses for poor households mean they would reduce their food consump-

Crisis factors

IN a briefing on Friday, Aaditya Mattoo, Chief Economist for East Asia and the Pacific at the World Bank, said the Philippines suffered from the crisis because of the government’s failure to control the disease; the economy’s dependence on tourism; many households relied on remittances; and remains vulnerable to natural disasters.

Mattoo also said the country’s growth suffered during the pandemic due to the “tough response” of implementing a long lockdown “without delivering a commensurate benefit in terms of containment of the disease.”

The country, he said, has been less successful than other countries in the region in terms of “transitioning from a lockdown to an efficient containment strategy.”

In order to recover, the Philippines needs to respond to key challenges—controlling the spread of the disease and making greater efforts to “adapt to a new world” where face-to-face tourism will not recover soon.

“Your governments gambled on growth [thinking that] growth could lift millions from poverty.

That worked remarkably well, it was a tremendous success. But as your incomes increased, I think governments must rethink the social contract. How do you equip the state to efficiently support the weaker sections of the population and stabi-

AN Army doctor prepares to inject the Sinovac vaccine from China during a vaccination at Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, on March 2, 2021. AP/AARON FAVILA

MATTOO: “The challenge for these countries is to procure and distribute sufficient vaccines and to address any vaccine hesitancy among people through effective information campaigns.”

lize the economy?” Mattoo said.

The report further stated that the Philippine government cannot delay the purchase and administration of vaccines. The World Bank said vaccines can significantly reduce the number of Filipinos infected by Covid-19.

PESO EXCHANGE RATES n US 48.6310

The report said the spread of Covid-19 has not been put under control in Indonesia and the Philippines, and “rapid vaccination” should be made a priority to reduce the number of deaths and prevent health systems from becoming overwhelmed.

“The challenge for these countries is to procure and distribute sufficient vaccines and to address any vaccine hesitancy among people through effective information campaigns,” the report stated.

Better targeting needed

THE World Bank found that while the government provided assistance during the pandemic, it also provided ayuda to workers whose incomes were not affected by the lockdowns.

Data showed that this occurred in countries like Indonesia, Mongolia and the Philippines. In Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam firms received assis-

Continued on A2

tance regardless of the impact of the pandemic on their businesses.

The World Bank said it is important for countries to improve public investment management.

If assistance is streamlined and focused on areas where the social rate of return is the highest, the returns could be four times higher.

“Countries were less successful, however, in targeting households that experienced Covid-19– related income shocks. Indeed, the share of households receiving assistance does not differ significantly between households that reported a Covid-19–related income shock and those that did not,” the World Bank said.

Based on the results of World Bank’s high-frequency phone surveys, over 60 percent of the bottom 40 percent, middle 40 percent, and top 20 received assistance from the government.

Further, nearly 80 percent of households that experienced nega-

n JAPAN 0.4456 n UK 66.8336 n HK 6.2599 n CHINA 7.4274 n SINGAPORE 36.0577 n AUSTRALIA 36.8672 n EU 57.2387 n SAUDI ARABIA 12.9683

Source: BSP (March 26, 2021)

NewsSaturday BusinessMirror

A2 Saturday, March 27, 2021

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1 report, 4 theories: Scientists mull over clues on virus’s origin

By Daria Litvinova & Jamey Keaten

G

The Associated Press

ENEVA—A team of international and Chinese scientists is poised to report on its joint search for the origins of the coronavirus that sparked a pandemic after it was first detected in China over a year ago—with four theories being considered, and one the clear frontrunner, according to experts.

The lengthy report is being published after months of wrangling, notably between US and Chinese governments, over how the outbreak emerged, while scientists try to keep their focus on a so-far fruitless search for the origin of a microbe that has killed over 2.7 million people and stifled economies worldwide.

It wasn’t immediately clear when the report will be released after its publication was delayed earlier this month. By many accounts, the report could offer few concrete answers, and may raise further questions.

It will offer a first glance in writing from 10 international epidemiologists, data scientists, veterinary, lab and food safety experts who visited China and the city of Wuhan—where a market was seen as the initial epicenter— earlier this year to work with Chinese counterparts who pulled up the bulk of early data.

Critics have raised questions about the objectivity of the team, insisting that China’s government had a pivotal say over its composition. Defenders of the World Health Organization (WHO), which assembled the team, say it can’t simply parachute in experts to tell a country what to do—let alone one as powerful as China.

“I expect that this report will only be a first step into investigating the origins of the virus and that the WHO secretariat will probably say this,” said Matthew Kavanagh, director of Georgetown University’s Global Health Policy and Governance Initiative at the O’Neill Institute. “And I expect some to criticize this as insufficient.”

Vast undertaking

THE Wuhan trip is billed as Phase 1 in a vast undertaking to flesh out the origins of the virus.

The WHO has bristled at depictions of the mission as an “investigation”—saying that smacks of an invasive forensic probe that wasn’t called for under the resolution adopted unanimously by the agency’s

member states in May that paved the way for the collaboration.

The WHO and China later ironed out the ground rules.

Team member Vladimir Dedkov, an epidemiologist and deputy director of research at the St. Petersburg Pasteur Institute in Russia, summarized the four main leads first laid out at a marathon news conference in China last month about the suspected origins of the first infection in humans. They were, in order of likelihood: from a bat through an intermediary animal; straight from a bat; via contaminated frozen food products; from a leak from a laboratory like the Wuhan Institute of Virology.

Officials in China, as well as Chinese team leader Liang Wannian, have promoted the third theory—the cold-chain one—while the US administration under President Donald Trump played up the fourth one, of the lab leak. But Dedkov said those two hypothesis were far down the list of likely sources.

He suggested frozen products on which the virus was found were most likely contaminated by infected people. An infected person also likely brought and spread the virus at the Wuhan market associated with the outbreak, where some of the contaminated products were later found.

“In general, all the conditions for the spread of infection were present at this market,” Dedkov said in an interview. “Therefore, most likely, there was a mass infection of people who were connected by location.”

“At this point, there are no facts suggesting that there was a leak” from a lab, Dedkov said. “If suddenly scientific facts appear from somewhere, then accordingly, the priority of the version will change. But, at this particular moment, no.”

Still looking for clues

SUSPICIONS about political meddling have dogged the mission, and the international team leader—

IN this file photo dated Saturday, February 6, 2021, a worker in protective overalls and carrying disinfecting equipment walks outside the Wuhan Central Hospital where Li Wenliang, the whistleblower doctor who sounded the alarm and was reprimanded by local police for it in the early days of Wuhan’s pandemic, worked in Wuhan in central China. AP

VLADIMIR DEDKOV, an epidemiologist and deputy director of research at the St. Petersburg Pasteur Institute in Russia, stands in a meeting hall of the institute in St. Petersburg, Russia, on Thursday, March 25, 2021. AP

the WHO’s Peter Ben Embarek— acknowledged in interviews last week that unspecified “pressures” might weigh on its members. Liang, in a Chinese newspaper interview, also bemoaned political pressure on the team.

Delays in deploying the international team to China, repeated slippage in the timing of publication of the report, and rejiggering of the plans for it—an initial summary of findings was

jettisoned as an idea—have only fanned speculation that the scientists have been steered by political authorities or others.

“The last understanding we had was that it is expected to come out this week—we’ll have to see if that actually happens,” the US chargé d’affaires in Geneva, Mark Cassayre, said on Wednesday. “We have a clear understanding that other studies will be required.”

He said the US was hopeful

What it would take Continued from A1

tion, accumulate debts and sell their assets, undermining the ability to recover the crisis. Food insecurity also makes women more vulnerable to domestic violence, as well as render them powerless economically.

Apart from this, the World Bank said school closures have had a dramatic impact on the lives of the poor. While students from wealthier households have been able to focus on their studies, those from poor households find it hard to remain engaged in their “online, mobile, or face-to-

face educational activities.”

Growth in the region

IN a statement, the World Bank said only China and Vietnam are experiencing a V-shaped rebound where output has already surpassed prepandemic levels. In the other major economies, output remained on average around 5 percent below prepandemic levels.

Growth in the region is expected to accelerate from an estimated 1.2 percent in 2020 to 7.5 percent in 2021. But it is likely to see a three-speed recovery.

“The economic shock caused by the Covid-19 pandemic has

stalled poverty reduction and increased inequality,” said Victoria Kwakwa, Vice President for East Asia and the Pacific at the World Bank. “As countries begin to rebound in 2021, they will need to take urgent action to protect vulnerable populations and ensure a recovery which is inclusive, green and resilient.”

China and Vietnam are expected to grow even more strongly in 2021, by 8.1 percent and 6.6 percent, respectively, up from 2.3 percent and 2.9 percent in 2020.

Other large economies, more scarred by the crisis, will grow about 4.6 percent on average,

slightly slower than pre-crisis growth. Recovery is expected to be particularly protracted in tourismdependent Island economies.

Hardest hit of all have been the Pacific Island countries. Economic performance has depended on the effectiveness of virus containment, the ability to take advantage of the revival of international trade, and the capacity of governments to provide fiscal and monetary support.

In 2020, poverty in the region stopped declining for the first time in decades. An estimated 32 million people in the region failed to escape poverty (at a poverty line of

the report would be a “real step forward for the world understanding the origins of the virus, so that we can better prepare for future pandemics. That’s really what this is about.”

The WHO leadership, including Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, repeatedly praised the Chinese government’s early response to the outbreak, though recordings of private meetings obtained by The Associated Press exposed how top WHO officials were frustrated at China’s lack of cooperation.

The international team was wholly reliant on data collected by Chinese scientists after the outbreak surfaced, and Dedkov called the visit to Wuhan an “analytical trip, mainly for the purpose of retrospective analysis in the sense that we studied only those facts that were obtained earlier.”

“We did not collect any samples ourselves, we didn’t carry out any laboratory studies there, we just analyzed what we were being shown,” he said. If some data had not been collected, it wasn’t because the Chinese wanted to conceal something, he added.

The team’s visit was politically sensitive for China—which is concerned about any allegations it

didn’t handle the initial outbreak properly. Shortly after the outbreak, the Chinese government detained some Chinese doctors who sought to raise the alarm.

The report, which Ben Embarek said last week took up about 280 pages, is set to lay out recommendations and lay the groundwork for next steps—such as whether the team, or others, get new access to China for further analysis. Ultimately, the aim is to find clues to help prevent another such pandemic in the future.

Georgetown’s Kavanagh said he hasn’t seen the report—but has suspicions about what it will say.

“Based on what we have heard so far, I expect that the report will likely lend some credence to a link between wildlife farming and Covid-19, but without full evidence about exactly how the move from animals into humans might have occurred,” he said.

Dedkov said planning of “realtime research” is next, but noted there’s no guarantee future trips will find all the answers.

“But one can try,” he added. “Of course, if the source of the origin of the virus is found, it will help answer many questions and, in general, will dissipate this unnecessary political tension around the virus.”

$5.50/ day) due to the pandemic.

The report estimates that US stimulus could add 1 percentage point on average to the growth of countries in the region in 2021 and advance recovery by about three months on average. Risks to the outlook come from slow implementation of Covid-19 vaccines, which could slow growth by as much as 1 percentage point in some countries.

The report calls for action to contain the disease, support the economy, and green the recovery.

It warns that with current stocks and allocation of vaccines, industrial countries would achieve more

than 80 percent population coverage by the end of 2021, while developing countries will achieve only about 55 percent coverage.

In many EAP countries, relief is less than earning losses, stimulus has not fully remedied deficient demand, and public investment is not a significant part of recovery efforts, even as public debt has increased on average by 7 percentage points of GDP. And “green” measures are outstripped by “brown” activities in the stimulus packages across the region: on average only one in four recovery measures taken by countries in the region is climate friendly.

News

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

BOP deficit hits $2.019B in Feb as PHL pays rising foreign debt

T

By Bianca Cuaresma

HE Philippine economy continued to bleed dollars in Februar y as the rising dollar obligations of the national government far outweighed the countr y’s foreign- currenc y income during the month.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) reported on Friday that the country’s Balance of Payments (BOP) posted a deficit of $2.019 billion in February.

This is the largest monthly BOP deficit that the country has incurred in more than two years or since September 2018, when it hit a deficit of $2.696 billion.

The February deficit is also larger than January’s deficit of $752 million and February 2020’s deficit of $516 million.

“The BOP deficit in February 2021 reflected outflows, arising mainly from the BSP’s reserves management operations and the foreign-currency withdrawals of the national government [NG] from its deposits with the BSP as payment for its foreign-currency debt obligations,” the BSP said.

The BOP is usually considered as an important economic indicator in an economy as it shows the level of earnings or expenses of the Philippines with its transactions with the world. A deficit means that the country made more dollar expenses than its earnings during the period.

The deficit could have been larger, according to the BSP, if not for its foreign-exchange operations and income from its investments abroad.

Just recently, BSP Governor Benjamin Diokno announced that they have decided to revise their BOP projections upward for 2021.

Diokno said they now expect the country’s BoP to hit a surplus of $6.2 billion by the end of this year, doubling the earlier projection of $3.3 billion. This represents 1.6 percent of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP).

For next year, the BSP said the BOP is expected to taper off to a surplus of $3.8 billion.

For the BSP’s projections to come to fruition, the Philippine economy should start incurring a monthly surplus of at least $820 million per month for the rest of 2021.

In 2020, the country’s BOP surplus hit $16 billion.

I

By Cai U. Ordinario

MPROVED global economic prospects due to progress in Covid-19 vaccinations have improved bond yields in emerging East Asia, according to the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

In its Asia Bond Monitor, the ADB said local currency bond markets in the region expanded to $20.1 trillion at the end of 2020.

“Bond markets in emerging East Asia continued to grow, mobilizing funding for the region’s sustainable recovery from the pandemic,” said ADB Chief Economist Yasuyuki Sawada. “Successful vaccination campaigns, accommodative monetary policy stances, and easing of restrictions are spurring economic activity and shifting the recovery into higher gear.”

In the Philippines, ADB said the country’s local currency (LCY) bond market grew 5.3 percent quarteron-quarter (q-o-q) and 28.9 percent year-on-year to reach P8.568 trillion or $178.4 billion at the end of December 2020.

Government bonds outstanding reached P6.956 trillion at the end of the fourth quarter of 2020, rising 7 percent q-o-q. Outstanding corporate bonds fell 1.3 percent q-o-q to P1.612 trillion due to debt maturities and declining issuance in the fourth quarter of 2020 compared with the previous quarter.

“Government and corporate bonds comprised 81.2 percent and 18.8 percent, respectively, of the LCY bond market at the end of December 2020,” ADB said.

ADB said vaccine rollouts have started in most markets in the region and lifted investor confidence.

However, the uncertainty of the pandemic’s trajectory, particularly with regard to new variants and a possible resurgence in cases, continues to weigh on the development outlook.

Further, ADB said uneven vaccine access and a potential adjustment in asset prices due to an escalation of long-term interest rates also pose risks.

Emerging East Asia’s local currency bond market reached $20.1 trillion at the end of December 2020, 3.1 percent higher than the preceding quarter and 18.1 percent higher than a year earlier.

The size of the bond market grew to the equivalent of 97.7 percent of the region’s gross domestic product at the end of the fourth quarter of 2020. Local currency bond issuance stood at $2 trillion.

Government bonds dominated the region’s bond stock at $12.4 trillion as of the end of December, while corporate bonds amounted to $7.7 trillion.

The latest issue of the Asia Bond Monitor features a box highlighting differences between corporate bond markets in East Asia and Latin America, and how they relate to financial resilience.

The report also includes three special sections— one on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) bonds in the Asean+3 markets; another on recent developments for social bonds; and a third on the results of AsianBondsOnline 2020’s annual bond market liquidity survey.

‘Marawi rehab on track to meet 2021 completion goal‘

T

he Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) assured on Friday that the Marawi rehabilitation is already halfway done and remains on track to meet its completion deadline in December 2021.

In a news statement, DHSUD Secretary and Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM) Chairman Eduardo del Rosario said the rehabilitation is already 45 percent to 50 percent complete.

Del Rosario said some projects are 60 percent and 70 percent done while others are lagging at around 35 percent. The completion rate in sum would lead to an average completion rate of 45 to 50 percent, he said.

“This is our commitment and the mandate of Task Force Bangon Marawi per instructions by our President, so

we have to work double time,” del Rosario said. “Let’s have a very focused 2021 and let us meet our said target date.”

Del Rosario said the road network being undertaken by the National Housing Authority (NHA) is currently the most important project in Marawi to date.

He said once this road network is completed, the government could already determine the alignments and identify open spaces. The government aims to complete the road network by September or October.

“We are on target, actually we are over the targets by 3 percent so matatapos natin talaga itong road network on time,” the TFBM chief stressed. “From then on, all the other projects will be completed in different months, and all ongoing projects will be completed by December of 2021.” Cai U. Ordinario

Nearly $2-M fake Louis Vuittons recently seized

O

By Tyrone Jasper C. Piad

ver 600 allegedly counter feit luxur y items amounting to nearly $2 million were confiscated during a recent seizure operation, the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) reported.

IPOPHL said in a news statement issued on Friday that the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) recently hauled several Louis Vuitton products, including 465 bags, 115 wallets, 20 pouches, nine passport holders and two caps. While there is no final valuation yet, the confiscated items are estimated to be around $1.8 million or P87.5 million.

The fake designer items were being sold virtually via Direk Paul’s Classroom Facebook page. The NBI raid took place in the middle of a live selling event with hundreds of viewers.

IPOPHL noted that Direk Paul’s page had 21,867 followers and was holding 10 live selling events per week prior to the NBI raid which have become viral

on social media.

“The seizure is testament to what a report at our Intellectual Property [IP] Rights Enforcement Office [IEO] can do in driving dishonest sellers and unfair competitors out of the market. It also shows the importance of citizens’ and IP right holders’ active participation in our fight against counterfeiting and piracy,” IEO Officer-in-Charge Director Ann N. Edillon said.

Edillon encouraged the public, especially the IP right holders and consumer-victims, to immediately report any similar cases to the agency.

IPOPHL said that the NBI raid came from two reports received by the IEO in December 2020 and January 2021. The customers in said reports complained over the excessively low quality but highly priced products of Direk Paul’s Classroom Facebook page.

“In the end, many have regretted not getting their money’s worth so let this be another lesson to all to be more cautious and stop supporting fakes,” IPOPHL Director General Rowel S. Barba said.

Lotto agents cite PCSO’s chief Garma

T

he association of online lotto agents has cited Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) Vice Chairperson and General Manager Royina Marzan Garma in celebration of International Women’s Month for her initiatives to promote their interests.

In a plaque of recognition presented to Garma on the occasion of International Women’s Month by Evelyn Javier, president, the Philippine Online Lotto Agents’ Association Inc. (Polaai) praised Garma for her efforts to raise the agents’ commissions for sales.

Garma also vowed to rid the PCSO of scalawags in an interview aired in the Usapang Lotto segment of radio station DWIZ’s public service program “Sulong na Bayan,” hosted by Lolly Acosta.

In photo during the presentation of the plaque of recognition are (from left) PCSO Atty. Ruth Galilie Miasco, Ree Ann Sanchez; Polaai President Javier; PCSO General Manager Garma; Polaai auditor Teresa Cerezo Inson and Polaai Vice President Rogelio “Bong” de Guzman.

A3

Duterte signs CREATE, but vetoes 7 items; local firms seen to get P600B in tax relief P

RESIDENT Duterte finally signed the muchawaited Republic Act 11534 or the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) Act, which is expected to provide P600 billion worth of tax relief for local companies, but vetoed several provisions.

The law cuts corporate income tax (CIT) rate—the highest in the Asean region—and rationalizes the country’s fiscal incentives system.

The signing of the law marks the end of three years of uncertainty over the final form of the measure albeit with some vetoed provisions.

RA 11534 cuts the CIT rate from 30 percent to 20 percent for micro, small and medium corporation (MSMEs) and 25 percent for other corporations with retroactive application to July 1, 2020.

Veto message

Economic lift from Covid vaccine drive boosts bond yields in emerging East Asia

Saturday, March 27, 2021

In his eight-page veto message, Duterte declared 7 “line item” vetoes on the provision of RA 11534, saying such is intended to protect the integrity of the government and the legislation itself in the long term.

“Crucial portions of the CREATE Act were intended to be emergency tax relief for struggling enterprises, but we must not lose sight of this reform’s long-term objectives,” Duterte said.

He scrapped the provision raising the value-added tax (VAT)-exempt threshold on sale of real property.

“The amendment in CREATE Act increases the VAT-threshold to up to P4.2 million. In effect, this will benefit even those not originally targeted for the VAT exemption—those who could actually afford proper housing,” Duterte said.

The President also junked the 90-day period for processing of general tax refunds for being “administratively impracticable,” as well as the

definition of “investment capital,” which excluded land and operating expenses from the measure of an investment’s total scale. He said such “may lead to underestimation of our investment promotion performance.”

Another vetoed provision is on “incentives for domestic enterprises,” which Duterte deemed redundant and unfair for taxpayers. Allowing and additional 14 to 17 years and another 10 yearextension for the same activity on top of the original period of incentives enjoyment is fiscally irresponsible and utterly unfair to the ordinary taxpayer and to unincentivized enterprises.

Duterte removed the provision limiting the powers of the Fiscal Incentive Review Board (FIRB), which, he maintained, ensures proper granting and monitoring of tax incentives.

He likewise rejected provisions which are industry-specific under activity tiers since it might hinder the “flexibility” of CREATE Act in these “changing times.”

Duter te clipped an item allowing the President to exempt any investment promotion agenc y from provisions of the law, saying could be abused as a “highly political tool that could a l l o w s u b s e q u e n t P re s i d e n t s t o d i s m a n t l e decades of studies, disregard discussions based on empirical evidence, and even subver t the will of Congress itself.”

Last, the President rejected an item for automatic approval of application of incentives, saying, the “declared policy [is] to approve or disapprove applications based on merit.”

House Committee on Ways and Means Chairman Joey Sarte Salceda, principal author of CREATE, welcomed its passage. “CREATE has been created.

This is one of the pins of light signaling the end of

this dark economic tunnel,” he said in a statement.

Apart from the lowering of CIT rate, Salceda said the law also includes key pandemic relief, such as the lowering of Minimum Corporate Income Tax (MCIT) from 2 percent to 1 percent, effective July 1 to June 30, 2023.

It also lowered percentage tax from 3 percent to 1 percent for small businesses whose gross sales or receipts do not exceed the VAT-exempt threshold of P3 million, effective July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2023. Samuel P. Medenilla, Jovee Marie Dela

Cruz, Bernadette D. Nicolas

BusinessMirror

Saturday, March 27, 2021

A4

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS NO.

FOREIGN NATIONAL / NATIONALITY

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS POSITION

3D ANALYZER INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES INC. 7-8/f Double Dragon Plaza 255 Edsa Cor. Macapagal Blvd. Brgy.

076 Pasay City 1.

CHENG, XUESHI Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE MANDARIN SPEAKING

8 STONE BUSINESS OUTSOURCING OPC 5-10/f Tower 1 Pitx Kennedy Road Tambo Parañaque City 2.

LOW KA TECK Malaysian

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE MANDARIN SPEAKING

AIG SHARED SERVICES-BUSINESS PROCESSING, INC. 10th Floor Gateway Tower Araneta Center, Cubao Quezon City 3.

MADDI, PRASANTHI Indian

SENIOR INTEGRATION DEVELOPER

ALFANET GLOBAL SOLUTIONS, INC. Flr. No. 4th & 5th W Mall Bldg. Diosdado Macapagal Ave. St. Zone 10. Barangay 076, District 1 Pasay City

NO.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

FOREIGN NATIONAL / NATIONALITY

POSITION

NO.

33.

GAO, JIFU Chinese

PROJECT CONTROLS MANAGER

34.

XIA, JIANQUAN Chinese

35.

36.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

FOREIGN NATIONAL / NATIONALITY

POSITION

NO.

69.

YE, SHIHAI Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

101.

PROJECT CONTROLS MANAGER

70.

YIN, YANING Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

INTERCOMP LINK SOLUTIONS INC. 14th Floor, Filinvest Three Bldg. Northgate Cyberzone Filinvest Alabang Muntinlupa City

ZHANG, LIANG Chinese

STRUCTURAL MAINTENANCE SPECIALIST

71.

YU, ZIYAO Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

102.

JIANG, LIANQIANG Chinese

TECHNICAL WORKS MANAGER

72.

ZHANG, SHUNXIN Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

IQ EQ (PHILIPPINES) INC. Units A,b,c & D 16/ F Robinsons Cyberscape Beta, Topaz & Ruby Roads Ortigas Center, San Antonio Pasig City

73.

ZHANG, WEIGUO Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

74.

ZHANG, XINGFA Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

75.

ZHOU, XUE Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

DAXIFA CORPORATION Mpire Center 93 West Avenue Project 7 Bungad 1 Quezon City 37.

www.businessmirror.com.ph

ZOU, YOUYUAN Chinese

ONLINE SUPPORT ANALYST

EASTERN GOLD CORPORATION 503 Nueva St Binondo Manila

103.

FOREIGN NATIONAL / NATIONALITY

POSITION

ZHU, SHOUFU Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

HUANG, ZHI Chinese

JALLOW, ABDOULIE YORRO British

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE (CSR)

MANAGING DIRECTOR

ITECHNO SPECIALIST INC. 7/f Aseana I Bldg. Bradco Avenue Aseana Business Park Tambo Parañaque City 104.

ZOU, XING Chinese

CHINESE IT SUPPORT SPECIALIST

4.

JEARACOOP, APINYA Thai

THAI SPEAKING CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

38.

CHIU, YU-LING Taiwanese

MARKETING AND SALES AGENT

76.

ZHOU, BIN Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

5.

DAO THI HANG Vietnamese

VIETNAMESE SPEAKING CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

39.

HU, YU Chinese

MARKETING AND SALES AGENT

77.

CHEN, CHUN-CHIA Taiwanese

TAIWANESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

105.

ANDRIANI Indonesian

INDONESIAN CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

6.

HA YEN HA Thai

VIETNAMESE SPEAKING CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

40.

TONG, SHISI Chinese

MARKETING AND SALES AGENT

78.

DINH THI NGA Vietnamese

VIETNAMESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

106.

SUSANTI Indonesian

INDONESIAN CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

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

41.

YAN, BO Chinese

MARKETING AND SALES AGENT

79.

HY QUANG DAU Vietnamese

VIETNAMESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

42.

ZENG, XIAOLING Chinese

MARKETING AND SALES AGENT

80.

LE HOANG NGAN Vietnamese

VIETNAMESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

43.

ZHOU, YANG Chinese

MARKETING AND SALES AGENT

81.

NGUYEN ANH VU Vietnamese

VIETNAMESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

ERNST & YOUNG GLOBAL SERVICES (PHILIPPINES) INC. 8th And 10th Floor, One World Square Building Mckinley Hill Fort Bonifacio Taguig City

82.

THAI GIAN TUAN Vietnamese

VIETNAMESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

7.

KYAW SEIN OO Myanmari

CHINESE CUSTOMER SEPCIALIST

8.

OAKER Myanmari

CHINESE CUSTOMER SEPCIALIST

9.

YU, HAINING Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SPECIALIST

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

MANDARIN CUSTOMER SERVICE

11.

REN, SEN Chinese

MANDARIN LANGUAGE SPECIALIST

12.

ZHANG, TONG Chinese

MANDARIN LANGUAGE SPECIALIST

10.

C’EST LA VIE EVENT MANAGEMENT INC. 230 Narra Street Marikina Heights Marikina City

44.

MENON, GIRISH RAJAGOPALAN Indian

EY RECRUITMENT LEAD

FLUENCE ENERGY INC. Unit A 17/f Marajo Tower 312-26th St. West Cor. 4th Ave. Bonifacio Global City Fort Bonifacio Taguig City 45.

LEE, DONG HOON American

GENERAL MANAGER

FLYING DRAGON NETWORK PHILIPPINES INC. 4th-11th Floor Aseana 3 Building Aseana Avenue Corner Diosdado Macapagal Tambo Parañaque City

FULL CHARGE SERVICES, INC. U 801 State Center Bldg. 333 Juan Luna St. 027, Brgy. 287 Binondo Manila 83.

ZENG, HONGHONG Chinese

SOFTWARE DOCUMENT CONTROLLER SPECIALIST

FUTURENET AND TECHNOLOGY CORP. Unit 2104 Robinsons Equitable Tower Adb Avenue, Ortigas Center San Antonio Pasig City 84.

LI, SHASHA Chinese

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY CONSULTANT

LI, HAOYANG Chinese

PROJECT MANAGER

46.

CHEN, JIE Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

85.

J-NA ALLOUT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS CORP. 3/f Lipams Bldg. #48 President Avenue Bf Homes Parañaque City

KONGANBUDDIES MARKETING INC. 48/f Lower Ground Pbcom Tower 6795 Ayala Ave. Cor. V.a.

Rufino St. Bel-air Makati City 107.

FIORENCE YOHAN Indonesian

INDONESIAN CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

LERIB SERVICES CORPORATION U-3d Rose Industries Bldg. Choice Market Ortigas Kapitolyo Pasig City 108.

HA, HAE JIN South Korean

IT SUPPORT SPECIALIST

MNK.SOFT CORPORATION Unit 2504 Discovery Center San Miguel Ave., Ortigas Center San Antonio Pasig City 109.

KIM, JUCHEOL South Korean

SOFTWARE SUPERVISOR

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. 4th-11th Flr. Nexgen Tower C4 Rd. Edsa Ext. Brgy. 076 Pasay City 110.

AYE AYE SHWE Myanmari

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

111.

LIANG, JIASI Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

112.

NGUYEN DINH TOAN Vietnamese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

113.

PHUNG LY YEN Vietnamese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

114.

QIANG, FAN Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

115.

TANDRY YAMAHI Indonesian

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

116.

ZENG, CHAO Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

117.

ZHANG, LEI Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

118.

ZHAO, DENGJUN Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

119.

CHEN, JIANGSONG Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

120.

FAN, JIAMIN Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

121.

GAN, SHU Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

13.

LIU, LIANG Chinese

CHINESE - BOOTH FABRICATION SPECIALIST CONSULTANT

47.

CHENG, XIAOWEI Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

GATEWAYSOLUTIONS CORP. 8/f Edsa Cor. Sultan Brgy. Highway Hills Mandaluyong City

14.

FU, HANGNAN Chinese

CHINESE - FIELD SALES CONSULTANT

48.

FEI, LIQUAN Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

86.

CHEN, FEIHONG Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

CUSTOMER SUPPORT TRAINOR - MANDARIN SPEAKING

49.

GUO, HAOJIE Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

87.

15.

ZHENG, CHUN Chinese

DUONG PHAT ON Vietnamese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

50.

HU, JIANHUA Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

88.

HONG, LIJUN Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

51.

LI, DAN Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

89.

XIE, SHENGQUAN Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

52.

LI, ZHONGHUA Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

90.

XIE, ZUQING Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

53.

LI, HONGJUN Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

HAMMERTIME CONSTRUCTION INC. Unit 203-s3 2nd Flr. Fbr Arcade Bldg. #317 Katipunan Ave. Loyola Heights 3 Quezon City

54.

LIN, YONGJIAN Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

91.

55.

LIU, XIAODONG Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

HITACHI ASIA LTD. Unit 8 11/f Zuellig Bldg. Makati Ave Cor, Paseo De Roxas Urdaneta Makati City

56.

LU, YONGCHENG Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

92.

57.

MAO, DAN Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

HUAWEI TECHNOLOGIES PHILS. INC. U-5302, 53/f Pbcom Tower 6795 Ayala Ave., Cor., V.a. Rufino St. Bel-air Makati City

122.

HUANG, LIJIE Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

58.

MO, LI Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

SENIOR CONTRACT MANAGER FOR OVERALL GLOBE ACCOUNT PROJECTS

123.

JIANG, BAOFU Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

59.

SHENG, QIANG Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

124.

SHI, SHIYUN Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

60.

WANG, BIZHEN Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

125.

TANG, HAONING Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

61.

WANG, CHONG Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

126.

HE, HONG Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SPECIALIST

62.

WANG, HUIHUANG Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

CIVIL SUPERVISOR

127.

WANG, KUN Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SPECIALIST

63.

WEI, ZHONGKUN Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

KANDA, YUKIHIRO Japanese

CIVIL SUPERVISOR

MPOTECH DIGITAL SYSTEM INC. 2/f 331 Bldg. Sen. Gil Puyat Ave. Bel-air Makati City

64.

WU, YAJIE Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

97.

IRIE, FUMIHIRO Japanese

SOIL IMPROVEMENT MACHINE OPERATOR

65.

XIA, CHAOCHAO Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

98.

ISHII, TAKAHIRO Japanese

SOIL IMPROVEMENT MACHINE OPERATOR

66.

XIAO, JINYANG Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

99.

TSUTSUMI, KATSUYUKI Japanese

SOIL IMPROVEMENT MACHINE OPERATOR

CGI IT UK LIMITED INC. 2/f One World Square Bldg. Mckinley Hill Pinagsama Taguig City 16.

HAARALA, JUHA MARKO TAPANI Finnish

MULTILINGUAL SERVICE DESK MEMBER

17.

PURMONEN, TERO TAPANI Finnish

MULTILINGUAL SERVICE DESK MEMBER

CHINA HARBOUR ENGINEERING COMPANY 5/f Rm 501 Ramon Magsaysay Center 1680 Roxas Blvd. 076, Bgy. 699 Malate Manila 18.

JIANG, LICHENG Chinese

ASSET MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST

19.

SHAO, YONGNIAN Chinese

ASSET MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST

20.

LIU, LILIN Chinese

CONSTRUCTION AND FACILITIES MANAGER

21.

XIE, YUSONG Chinese

CONTRACT ADMINISTRATOR

DONG, MINGYANG Chinese

ELECTRICAL COMMISSIONING SPECIALIST

WANG, JINGYAO Chinese

ELECTRICAL COMMISSIONING SPECIALIST

22.

23.

24.

25.

26.

27.

28.

WANG, SHUJIAN Chinese

MANDARIN OPERATIONS MANAGER

HE, YONGDONG Chinese

MANDARIN PROJECT MANAGER

XIA, FAWEN Chinese

MANDARIN PROJECT MANAGER

WANG, XIAOJIANG Chinese

MECHANICAL PROJECT SPECIALIST

ZHANG, XIAOFEI Chinese

MECHANICAL PROJECT SPECIALIST

29.

HU, YUANHONG Chinese

MECHANICAL WORKS SUPERVISOR

30.

XU, XIANGRONG Chinese

MECHANICAL WORKS SUPERVISOR

31.

LIU, DEKUN Chinese

OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE SPECIALIST

67.

XIE, HEDONG Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

32.

XUE, CUNBING Chinese

OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE SPECIALIST

68.

XU, TAO Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

93.

QIU, ZAISHENG Chinese

NAKANO, KAZUO Japanese

KO CHIN HOOI Malaysian

ELECTRICAL AND INSTRUMENTATION CONSULTANT

DIRECTOR OF WATER BUSINESS

IDNPLAY CORPORATION 8/f Burgundy Corporate Tower 252 Sen. Gil J.puyat Ave. Pio Del Pilar Makati City 94.

TANAPHATTANAPHANICH, GAVINLAGORN Thai

THAI-SPEAKING CUSTOMER SERVICE

INTEGRATED SYNERGY CONSTRUCTION CORPORATION 21 Floor Tower 1 Insular Life Corporate Centre, Insular Life Drive, Fcc Alabang Muntinlupa City 95.

96.

FUJITA, KOJI Japanese

INTEGRITY GLOBAL GROUP, INC. 2/f-3/f Ayala Malls Circuit A.p. Reyes Ave. Carmona Makati City 100.

SHEN, YONG Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

128.

MADONNA Indonesian

INDONESIAN CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

NEPC POWER CONSTRUCTION CORP. 15/f Cyber One Bldg. Eastwood Cyberpark City Bagumbayan 3 Quezon City 129.

ZHANG, MINGMING Chinese

CIVIL WORKS SUPERVISOR

130.

ZHANG, BIN Chinese

DOCUMENT CONTROLLER

131.

WU, ZHIBIN Chinese

MATERIAL CONTROLLER

News

Saturday, March 27, 2021

www.businessmirror.com.ph

A5

DOF chief calls for stronger PHL-Singapore tie-up to boost start-up growth in the region

By Bernadette D. Nicolas & Tyrone Jasper Piad

F

inance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III on Friday said the Philippines and Singapore could maximize each other’s strengths to further boost the growth of start-up companies in the region.

Dominguez on Friday said Singapore has positioned itself as a center for innovation, research and development, but the Philippines can complement this strength with its intellectual capital of its highly talented, tech-savvy, and young work force.

“This is an opportunity for Singapore to create an ecosystem for its leading start-ups to establish their presence in our country. Singapore could also be instrumental in helping our own start-up companies to flourish,” Dominguez said in his keynote speech at the virtual Philippines-Singapore Business Conference.

Dominguez also urged the Singaporean business community to “take a much closer look” at the investment opportunities in the Philippines that have been enhanced by the country’s strong fundamentals, fiscal stamina, pro-business environment, and effective governance.

Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) President Benedicto V. Yujuico, for his part, said that his group is ready to lend a hand to Singaporean companies interested in joint ventures with local counterparts in various sectors.

These include aquaculture, financial technology and microfinance, renewable energy, medical and health care, and science park land development.

“If there are any Singaporean companies that are interested in these six specific business areas, the PCCI has counterpart businessmen who have the capability and willingness to go into joint venture in the above areas, please get in touch

with me through the PCCI innovation center and I will put you in touch with the credible and capable business counterparts,” he said during the same virtual forum.

“On the other hand, if you do not need any local partner, I will also do the same service for you.

We in PCCI will help you navigate our government system so that you can set up your business here in the shortest possible time,” he added.

Manufacturing key–Lopez Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said that the manufacturing sector is a key investment area, given that it, along with the services industry, has been growing in the past decade. “The Philippine manufacturing industry remains the most important sector for long-term productive employment, valueadded generation, and innovation,” he said.

Other areas for collaboration cited by the Trade department are infrastructure, services, publicprivate partnership and start-ups.

Lopez said that Singaporean firms may find it advantageous to invest in the Philippines given that the country has 41 million highly skilled work force with very low attrition rate.

In addition, the DTI chief noted that the Philippines offers access to diverse foreign markets given its free-trade agreements with other countries and regions.

“What’s more, despite the past year’s pandemic, the Philippines has shown a clear trajector y towards recover y as evidenced by the recent turn out on our economic and investment performance,” Lopez said. “But more than this, the Philippines has highly-capable, innovative, committed, and cost-competitive talent to support manufacturing, [research and development], and services sectors to help you grow your business.”

Secretary Dominguez added: “We are each other’s best allies in recovery. We create products

Dominguez says WB-funded modernization project to transform BOC into world-class revenue agency

F

inance Secretar y Carlos Dominguez III said Friday the World Bank (WB)-funded modernization project of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) is a major step toward fulfilling the Duterte administration’s goal of aligning the agency’s processes and standards with the world’s best and most efficient customs services.

Dominguez, in a news statement, said the launching of the project is timely as Covid-19 has magnified the importance of modernizing systems to be able to thrive in the new digital economy, and of raising more revenues to finance the government’s pandemic response and economic recovery program.

The finance chief thanked the WB for providing the financing for the $104.38-million Customs modernization project, which, he said, underscores the institution’s “support in modernizing our governance and enhancing our capacity for growth.”

Dominguez assured the WB that the reforms to be instituted in the BOC through the modernization project will be “fully functional and irreversible.”

“When this project is done, we expect to see more efficient port operations, dramatic gains in reducing corruption in the agency, and a major increase in our trade volumes,” said Dominguez in his message during this morning’s virtual launch of the Philippine Customs Modernization Project.

The WB was represented at the event by Mr. Ndiamé Diop, its country director for Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand.

Dominguez said “the project will allow us to be at the cutting edge in the application of new technologies to achieve the best revenue performance. All these will support the sustainable and long-term growth of our economy.”

He described the project launch as a “momentous day” for the BOC under the leadership of Customs Commissioner Rey Leonardo Guerrero, as this modernization initiative will reform the way the bureau operates and transform it into a “worldclass agency” by streamlining and upgrading its systems and processes through information and communications technology (ICT).

Dominguez said a highly efficient BOC “is critical to help the country recover strongly from the pandemic and build back the best possible future for our people.”

To ensure the success of the modernization project, Dominguez said a Steering Committee will be created to support its implementation and ensure the cooperation of the various agencies and other stakeholders.

Dominguez said that with the cooperation of all stakeholders involved and the support of the WB, he expects the project to be partially implemented by 2023 and to commence full operation by 2024.

“To be sure, this is a short horizon and we will need the full support of everyone involved in this project. We have worked too long with substandard operations and processes. From today onwards, we will be taking great leaps towards a 21st century BOC,” Dominguez said.

for each other’s consumers. A surge in demand later this year should translate into an expansion of our manufacturing activities and more robust investment flows,” he added.

Despite the pandemic, Dominguez said the “mood is now more hopeful,” adding that the Philippines is now more focused on “opportunities in the horizon.”

While the Philippines is recovering from the pandemic, Dominguez said he expects the government to easily fulfill its funding requirements for this year on the back of a healthy liquidity situation and available policy tools to sustain a low-interest rate environment.

The country’s economic recovery program, he said, will be supported by the Philippines’s high credit ratings, unprecedented volumes of international reserves, strong currency, and enhanced revenue collection efforts.

Dominguez also expressed confidence that the Philippines will be able to bounce back from the pandemic because of the country’s “Build, Build, Build” program; the accelerated rollout of the national ID system, electronic invoicing, and digitization of frontline services; and stimulus measures to ensure the active participation of the private sector in the country’s economic recovery program.

“We believe that a strong private sector is the key to our recovery strategy. Along with the national vaccination program, we continue advancing the policy reforms required to ignite business activity and restore consumer confidence,” Dominguez said.

Last year, Singapore was the Philippines’s fourth top source of investments with approved pledges reaching P9.99 billion or $201.37 million.

Among the Singaporean firms or entities with major Singaporean equity in the country are Philippines Fiber Optic Cable Network, Dyson Electronics, Vires Energy Corp., GMR Megawide and Pilipinas Newton Energy Corp.

Record breaker: PHL logs 9,838 cases in a single day on Friday

By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco

T

he Phi l ippines on Friday recorded 9,838 add it iona l Cov id-19 cases, the highest single-day record-breaking rise since the pandemic struck.

As of 4 p.m. of March 26, 2021, the total number of infections in the country stood at 702,856.

There were also 663 recoveries and 54 deaths.

Of the tota l number of cases, 15.5 percent (109,018) are active cases, 82.6 percent (580,689) have recovered, and 1.87 percent (13,149) had died.

Seven laboratories were not able to submit their data to the Covid-19 Document Repository System on March 25, 2021.

Meanwhile, the DOH said that as of March 25, 2021 there are 15,662 (2.26 percent) confirmed cases among healthcare workers. Of this number, 533 are active cases while 82 succumbed to the disease.

Senator upbeat over Petron refinery to provide jobs and lower gas prices

By Butch Fernandez

T

he chairman of the Senate Committee on Energy struck an upbeat note on Friday, signaling an emerging consensus that Petron refinery’s midyear resumption of operations in Bataan portend a “good sign” amid lingering woes over the still raging coronavirus contagion.

Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian, panel chairman, cited reported plans by Petron Corp.’s refinery resuming operation in Bataan by midyear, noting it “sends a positive signal to the oil and gas industry as it will ensure the continuous employment of at least 3,000 workers and contribute to supply stability which may result in lower fuel prices in the country.”

He recalled that Petron temporarily ceased its refinery operation last February 10 to conduct maintenance activities on key process units, informing

the Department of Energy (DOE) the shutdown would last for four months.

M o re ove r, t h e s e n ato r re m i n d e d t h at before this, Petron President and Chief Executive Officer Ramon S. Ang had conveyed plans on “permanently shutting down” the 60-year-old Bataan oil plant “due to huge losses brought about by the pandemic and unresolved taxation issues” with the government.

However, Gatchalian added that just recently, the company announced plans of reopening the refinery plant sometime July following the completion of the company’s registration with the Authority of the Freeport of Bataan (AFAB).

He noted that AFAB-registered companies are entitled to avail of fiscal incentives under the Special Economic Zone Act of 1995, or the Omnibus Investments Code of 1987, saying this may “benefit the company in the form of better timing on the payment

of value-added tax (VAT) upon the withdrawal of the products from the refinery.”

At the same time, the senator stressed “saving jobs when there’s a spike in new Covid-19 cases is very crucial while we continue to grapple with the impact of this pandemic.”

The lawmaker likewise cited 2019 data, noting Petron’s market demand share of 24.60 percent, supplying 33.12 percent of total petroleum products in the country, adding that Petron’s refinery has a daily production of 96,980 barrels as of 2019 and produces various petroleum products including diesel, gasoline, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), jet fuel, and petrochemicals.

Gatchalian added that had Petron proceeded to permanently close the country’s sole remaining refinery, almost 1,000 of Petron’s refinery workers and 2,000 third-party personnel that include suppliers and contractors would have lost their jobs.

A6 Saturday, March 27, 2021

ExportUnlimited BusinessMirror

EDC lauds quick response to cut cost of fruits, veggie exports

T

HE Export Development Council (EDC), the export policy-making body in the country, has lauded the swift and positive response of the Department of Agriculture (DA) to help lower the cost of fruits and vegetable exports.

In a news statement, EDC Chairman and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon M. Lopez noted that exporters can now avail of free Pesticide Residue Analysis (PRA) test on fresh and processed fruits and vegetables.

This availment follows an order by Agriculture Secretary William Dar directing the Bureau of Plant Industry and its satellite laboratories to

waive the fees in a bid to strengthen the country’s agricultural export.

Lopez expressed appreciation for Dar’s approval of this proposal, as this is expected to contribute to the improved performance of agriculture exports to the country’s recovery and overall export targets.

“The EDC thanks and commends Sec. Dar for adopting the sugges-

tions and recommendations of our stakeholders on how to improve our competitiveness in the agricultural sector,” Lopez said. “We need this kind of developmental vision and leadership to move the agribusiness to recovery and progress.”

The directive is in DA Order

11, Series of 2021, which exempts from PRA fees fresh and primary processed (frozen, dried, pureed) fruits and vegetables that are intended for export by accredited exporters and farmers.

It came as a response to the joint position paper by the Phil-

ippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), the Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc. (Philexport) and the Philippine Food Exporters (Philfoodex), represented by EDC Vice Chairman Sergio Ortiz-Luis and EDC Agriculture sector representative Bobby Amores, submitted to the DA and BPI in January this year that strongly recommended to scrap the fees as these are hurting the competitiveness of food exporters.

Based on statistics, the Philippines’s exports of fruits and vegetables continue to shrink over the last 10 years.

The Philippines used to be the third-largest exporter of fresh bananas globally until 2015 and the top exporter of fresh mangoes to Japan, accounting for more than 60 percent of imports from 2005 to 2009.

However, due to chemical residue

issues, and competition from other suppliers, exports dropped. The Japan fresh mango market is now dominated by Thailand and Mexico.

Since 2007, the National Pesticide and Analytical Laboratory (NPAL) has not been imposing PRA fees for fresh and frozen mango exports in compliance with Executive Order 554 of 2006 issued by then-President GMA and DAO 7 of 2007.

However, in 2019, NPAL started imposing residue fees on frozen mangoes amounting to P5,200 for each lot sample. The amount multiplies tremendously as the costs are assessed based on the submitted lot size sample.

“Amid the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, we consider this bold response of DA as a gateway for us to boost the agricultural sector and also assist our economic growth and recovery towards a post-pandemic future,” Lopez said.

‘Covid vaccine storage facilities need back up PHL builds food export momentum power solutions for uninterrupted immunization’ at Biofach 2021

By Roderick L. Abad Contributor

T

HE Philippine participation at the recently concluded Biofac h saw prom i si ng numbers in terms of buyers met, inquiries garnered, and negotiated sales accumulated.

Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions Executive (Citem) Director Pauline Suaco-Juan expressed optimism about the increase in sales and appreciation as Biofach continues to feature its exhibitors until September 2021.

At the recently concluded Biofach 2021, the Philippine delegation comprising AG Pacific Nutriceuticals; Brandexports Philippines Inc.; Filipinas Organic Coconut Product Corp.; Pasiolco Agri-Ventures; and Tongsan Industrial Development Corp. built export momentum for the everstrong Philippine food industry.

The three-day global showcase of organic food products, which enabled online meetings and chats with exhibitors via the Biofach platform, saw a total of 58 new buyers and 59 inquiries for the Philippine delegation.

To date, the Philippine delegation has also accumulated an estimated P31 million in negotiated sales, with refined, bleached, and deodorized (RBD) coconut oil emerging as the top-selling product under the FOODPhilippines banner.

RBD coconut oil was also the top-

selling Philippine product during the 2020 edition of Biofach.

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Undersecretary for the Trade Promotions Group (TPG) Abdulgani Macatoman also recognized the export-promotion efforts of Citem and Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC).

“The DTI congratulates Citem and PTIC for flying the FOODPhilippines banner in the digital edition of Biofach,” Macatoman said. “The successful navigation of the global trade show scene under the new normal is a commendable feat in itself, and is sure to set an example for other entrepreneurs and organizers here and abroad,” he added.

The exhibitor list, accessible at biofach.de/en/exhibitor-list, will be live until September of this year.

“Citem and PTIC are optimistic that both sales and the international market’s appreciation of our distinct and organic Philippine food products will only continue to climb up as the foray of our local companies into the digital sphere progresses,” Suaco-Juan stated.

Prior to staging a fully online edition, Biofach was held in Germany for the past 32 years and continues to be among the leading trade fairs for organic food.

The Philippine participation at Biofach is led by Citem in coordination with the PTIC in Berlin.

T

HE Philippines, although a bit behind some countries when it comes to immunization, has just started to roll out its Covid-19 vaccination program since the arrival of the first batch of 600,000 doses of Sinovac vaccines donated by China late last month.

While the initial two batches of this brand, together with those of British-Swedish manufacturer AstraZeneca were already delivered to the country, more jabs are expected from them and others, such as Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson to inoculate 70 million people, or twothirds of the population this year.

With the nation’s possession of more than 1.5 million doses of vaccines, health organizations must ensure their readiness to receive and administer these life-saving pharmaceuticals.There are two strategies identified by health experts to store these correctly, depending on their required temperatures.

For instance, the Department of Health rented private warehouses to store vaccines that need storage temperatures of 2°C to 8°C and -20°C. The agency will also tap the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, the primary storage location of vaccines used for the government’s National Immunization Program.

On the other hand, the vaccines that require -70°C or ultracold storage facilities, such as Pfizer and BioNTech, will be stored in private warehouses of third-party logistics

THE last three ultra-high temperature freezers capable of storing Pfizer Covid-19 vaccines up to -70 degrees were delivered to the Sta. Ana Hospital recently for the city’s inoculation mass program. PHOTO COURTESY OF MANILA PIO

providers contracted by the government. Hospitals that will receive these vaccines are also already purchasing ultracold freezers designed to keep them.

As the facilities are made available to store the vaccines, however, there are other critical components of the solution that should not be overlooked: The availability of power and back up system to keep these equipment running.

According to Vertiv, freezers require a great deal of power to consistently maintain such low temperatures.

“If the power source is compromised for any reason, it may put the limited vaccine supply at risk and could be disastrous at this critical stage in the fight against Covid-19,” said Jason Lim, country manager of Vertiv Philippines.

Making the ‘right choice’

THE global provider of critical digital

infrastructure and continuity solutions underscored the importance of an emergency backup power for the low-temperature freezers as a part of the solution at each location where the vaccines will be kept. Ideally, it will include an intelligent uninterruptible power supply (UPS) that meets the following five criteria: Online double conversion technology. There are three major types of UPS system configurations: offline, line-interactive, and online double conversion. For the most mission-critical applications, the latter offers the most vital degree of protection. With online doubleconversion UPS solution, ultra-low temperature freezers will be fully isolated from raw utility power, protecting the freezers from power sags, surges, blackouts, or brownouts that could undermine their ability to keep the vaccines inside at the right temperature.

Zero transfer time to batteries.

Even in applications that utilize a generator, there is transfer time required in switching from the primary power source to the backup generator. During that lag, freezer operation can be negatively affected, endangering the contents inside. A double-conversion UPS fills the transfer time gap with battery power until the generator kicks in.

The UPS should transfer to battery backup power instantaneously for premium protection, ensuring a truly uninterruptible supply of power and a constant holding temperature for the vaccines.

Scalable runtime. A generator is not always available, or contingency planning for critical systems needs hours of battery runtime instead of just minutes. In these cases, a UPS model that can detect and connect with external battery cabinets to access additional battery power can offer this level of support.

UPS remote monitoring capabilities. It is important to know that the UPS is always functioning as intended and doing its job round the clock. Facility personnel must know if the UPS batteries are fully charged and ready to discharge if and when they are needed. An intelligent UPS enables monitoring both remotely and locally, helping personnel manage battery health and proactively predict battery replacement dates.

Alarm notifications delivered via email and text keep staff informed of any power issues and speed up response time if there is ever a problem with the units.

OurTime BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Editor: Angel R. Calso • Saturday, March 27, 2021 A7

House approves bill increasing elderly social pension to P1,000

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By Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz

HE House Committee on Appropriations on Wednesday approved the bill increasing the social pension of senior citizens from P500 to P1,000.

Under the unnumbered substitute bill, all senior citizens, whether receiving a pension from any pension provider, shall be entitled to a monthly stipend amounting to at

least P1,000 to augment their daily subsistence and other medical needs.

The bill amends Republic Act 9994, or an act granting additional benefits and privileges to

senior citizens.

House Deputy Minority Leader and Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate, one of the authors of the bill, said the approval is a very positive development especially now in the time of the Covid-19 pandemic where our seniors are very vulnerable.

“The bill, which we have been pushing since 2016, will now give at least P1,000 per month to qualified senior citizens,” said the progressive solon.

“This will at least boost the meager funds our seniors have so that they can buy more food and medicine.

We hope that our Senate colleagues can also fast-track the counterpart

bill or adopt the House version so that it can be immediately enacted into law,” Zarate added.

Under the bill, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) shall prepare a roster of individuals who are eligible for the monthly social pension based on a central database, which includes the census of population and housing and a compilation of the beneficiaries of all pension providers. The Social Security System, Government Service Insurance System, the Pension and Gratuity Management Center and other pension providers shall provide the DSWD with access to their roster of

beneficiaries every month for this purpose. The Philippine Statistics Authority will likewise provide the DSWD with timely access to pertinent data for this purpose.

A lso, the measure said the DSWD, in consultation with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), as well as other stakeholders, shall review and when necessary, adjust the amount of social pension every two years after the effectivity of this proposal, taking into account the various needs of senior citizens and relevant economic indicators, as reported and published by pertinent government agencies and authorities.

It also said that the implementation, distribution, and management of the social pension shall be transferred from the DSWD to the National Commission on Senior Citizens (NCSC) within a period not exceeding three years from the effectivity of the proposal.

The measure added that the amount necessary for the implementation of the proposed act shall be charged to the current appropriations of the DSWD within a period not exceeding three years.

Thereafter, the amount needed for the continued implementation of this act shall be included in the budget of the NCSC.

Married 66 years, husband and wife die minutes apart of coronavirus

By Terry Spencer

the Midwest. In the late-1950s, the Ilniskys took congregants to Jamaica for a mission, fell in love with the island, and stayed on to run a church in Montego Bay for a decade.

It was during that time they adopted Milewski, then 2, from a Miami foster home. In 1969, the family moved from Jamaica to Lebanon, where Bill Ilnisky ministered to college students and taught. His wife started an outreach center and had a Christian rock band.

“At that time, Lebanon was an amazing country—gorgeous,” Milewski said.

But in 1975, civil war broke out between Christian and Muslim factions, and Beirut, the nation’s capital, became a battleground. Twice, bombs exploded outside their apartment— the first knocking Milewski out of bed, the second slamming her father to the ground.

“My mom thought he was dead,” Milewski said. “My mom and I went and hid in the bathroom all night, crying and praying.” The next morning, bullet holes pocked the walls of apartments on every floor except theirs.

“We attributed that to prayer,” she said.

They fled in 1976 when US Marines evacuated Americans, catching the last plane out.

Shortly after their return to the States, Bill Ilnisky became pastor at Calvary Temple in West Palm Beach, later renamed Lighthouse Christian Center International. His wife started Esther Network International, aimed at teaching children to pray.

Tom Belt, a retired missionary

The Associated Press

F

ORT LAUDERDALE, Florida— Bill and Esther Ilnisky spent nearly seven decades together as Christian ministers and missionaries, working in the Caribbean and Middle East before preaching for 40 years in Florida.

They complemented each other —he the bookworm, she outgoing and charismatic. One without the other seemed unthinkable.

So when they died minutes apart of Covid-19 this month at a Palm Beach County hospice, it may have been a hidden blessing, their only child, Sarah Milewski, said—even if it was a devastating double loss for her. Her father was 88, her mom 92. Their 67th wedding anniversary would have been this weekend.

“It is so precious, so wonderful, such a heartwarming feeling to know they went together,” Milewski said, then adding, “I miss them.”

Bill Ilnisky grew up in Detroit, deciding at 16 to devote his life to God, Milewski said. He headed to Central Bible College, an Assemblies of God school in Springfield, Missouri. He preached at nearby churches and needed a piano player.

Friends suggested Esther Shabaz, a fellow student from Gary, Indiana.

They fell in love.

“When my dad proposed, he told her, ‘Esther, I can’t promise you wealth, but I can promise you lots of adventure,’” Milewski said. “She had a lot, a lot of adventure.”

After graduation and their wedding, Bill Ilnisky opened churches in

Observe Holy Week by watching good movies

By Nick Tayag

MY SIXTY-ZEN’S WORTH

I

T was a hot Sunday in summer long before the pandemic. As the priest was delivering an interminable homily, I started to get fidgety at some point. Then looking around, I sensed others were bored too and like me probably wanted the priest to end the agonizing sermon.

An idea popped in my mind. Instead of the usual homily, why not just let the congregation watch a short film (maybe 5 minutes long) with a theme related to the day’s gospel. Then after the film is over, the priest can just intone: “The homily is finished. Reflect on it and strive to apply it in your life.”

Now that all Lenten religious activities in churches have again been suspended, perhaps devotees may want to give my idea a try. Get your Lenten spiritual fill by watching good movies at home during Holy Week.

I’m serious. Yes, with a good movie, visceral pleasure and spiritual nourishment can be experienced simultaneously.

My brother Caloy, a Benedictine monk and a desaparecido, was the mentor who taught me to read books, listen to songs, and watch movies through a spiritual looking glass. Since then, I’ve always believed one should take spiritual insight or wisdom where you can get it. Even in ordinary things a spiritual teaching is always hidden in them. A movie’s portrayal of a situation may just be what you need to know at some point in your spiritual journey as a Christian.

On streaming platforms, there are what they call “Christian films” that are family-friendly, faith-based films designed for “preaching to the choir” so to speak. Some are stories from the bible like the Gospel of St. Matthew or

THIS undated photo provided by Sarah Milewski shows Bill and Esther Ilnisky. The couple spent nearly seven decades together as Christian ministers and missionaries, including stints in the Caribbean and Middle East before preaching for 40 years in Florida. When they died minutes apart of Covid-19 on March 1, 2021, at a Palm Beach County hospice, it may have been a hidden blessing, their only child, Sarah Milewski, said. SARAH MILEWSKI VIA AP

in Oklahoma City, was a teenager at Calvary Temple when the couple arrived. He said Bill Ilnisky’s tales Gospel of St. John, or inspirational stories based on true stories. These will be safe choices because you will encounter nothing that goes against long-held traditional Christian beliefs or doctrines.

Or like me you can expand your choices to include films that are not overtly Christian but have themes or messages that make the message of the Gospels come even more alive.

Echoing the Trappist monk and writer Thomas Merton, true faith lies in being completely open to every manifestation of God’s love. What we call material or worldly goods should in themselves never be an obstacle to true faith, to contemplative reflection on how God works on us and in us.

I have long found out that there are a few filmmakers who have somehow mastered the art of mining powerful messages in the midst of breathtaking, hair-raising action sequences and goofy unheroic characters.

The collection of movies I have accumulated through the years is like an informal class on spirituality with lively and varied lessons. Even films from non-Christian countries like Iran, Nigeria or Turkey are full of values that echo what we Christians have been taught to espouse and to live by.

You just need to know what to look for.

Just to cite an example. Two of my favorite films, Tokyo Story and Postmaster are about devotion and selfless service. In Tokyo Story, the daughter-

of missionary work whetted his desire to travel.

Belt said the Ilniskys “were very in-law who chooses to be devoted to her aging in-laws in spite of the fact that their son, her husband, has long been dead. Her devotion is even much greater than that shown by the biological sons and daughters who are visibly irked and stressed by the presence of their visiting parents. The story struck me as similar to the story of Ruth in the Old Testament. I find it uncanny because the Japanese director, Yasujiro Ozu, was not even a Christian.

The other film Postmaster is part of a trilogy by the acclaimed Indian director Satyajit Ray who was a Hindu.

It depicts the story of a young girl who serves the new postmaster coming from the city and now assigned to a remote little village. The girl, apparently an uneducated orphan, is an unpaid go-fer who cooks for him, washes his clothes, prepares his bed, showing utmost dedication and devotion to him. Upon learning that she does not know how to read and write, out of impulse and to while the time, the postmaster teaches her the rudiments of reading and writing, which totally delights the girl. Later when the man contracts malaria and becomes delirious, the young girl nurses him back to health, watching over him day and night, helping him drink the herbal concoction prepared by the village medicine man, cooling his fever by putting wet cloth on his forehead.

Spoiler alert, both films have end-

accommodating, believed in others and very forgiving.”

Bill Ilnisky retired three years ings that will break your heart. They are not overtly Christian films, yet their depiction of devotion, selfless love, and gratitude is so straight out of the Gospels, they will leave you with seeds of contemplation to ponder, to nurture and cultivate for the rest of your life as a Christian.

Just again to belabor my point, I have been bingeing on Iranian films the past few weeks. So far I have watched Children of Heaven, Cold Day, Wings of a Dream, 21 Days Later and My Father’s Bicycle. While again these were by filmmakers of another faith, they all convey Christian and biblical messages of family unity, respect for the wisdom of elders, devotion to God, modesty, humility, self-less devotion to the family, parental obedience, compassion for the weak and sickly and others.

You may also want to watch Japanese animes. One of them, Graveyard of the Fireflies is especially moving because it is suffused with Christian lessons on the true meaning of sacrifice, perseverance and love.

Love, forgiveness, compassion, redemption. These are just some of the teachings that Jesus espoused in the Gospels as well as by other revered leaders of other faiths. They are vividly depicted in films that you can watch not just this Holy Week but throughout the year to help nourish and deepen your spiritual life.

ago and while physically healthy for a late octogenarian, had some dementia. His wife still ran her prayer network and did Zoom calls.

When the pandemic hit last year, the couple took precautions, Milewski said. Her mother stayed home and had groceries delivered, but Bill Ilnisky occasionally went out.

“He couldn’t take it,” his daughter said. “He needed to be around people.”

Sarah Milewski and her husband visited her parents on Valentine’s Day, her mother’s birthday. A few days later, her mom became ill, and not long after the couple were diagnosed with the virus and hospitalized.

While the prognosis was initially good, the disease overtook them.

The decision was made February 27 to put them in hospice. Jacqueline Lopez-Devine, chief clinical officer at Trustbridge hospice, said in her 15 years working with the dying, no couple had arrived together. She said there was no hesitation about putting them in the same room for their final days.

Because of the virus, Milewski said her goodbyes through a window, a microphone carrying “I love you” to her parents’ bedside. They looked like they did when sleeping, her father lying on the right side, her mother facing him. He would nod as Milewski spoke; her mom tried to speak but couldn’t.

“It was horrible,” Milewski said.

At 10:15 a.m. on March 1, Esther Ilnisky died. Fifteen minutes later, her husband followed.

“They were always, always together,” Milewski said. “So in sync.”

For in these movies, you can find individuals like you and me struggling to be free, to love others, to cherish every moment, to honor their commitments, to endure, persevere, and survive, trying to rise to the challenge. These characters could be your spiritual mentors.

Let me end with the case of a colleague and a friend who for whatever reason had written off religion and dropped religious observance after college. His faith was non-existent for a time. But at some point he felt an enormous hunger for spiritual grounding.

Rather than advise him to go back to the sacraments or a priest, which would have turned him off, I broached the idea of watching movies to get some kind of spiritual nourishment.

Soon enough, we were discussing spiritual lessons we’ve perceived from movies we’ve both watched. This became the catalyst that helped his exiled heart to come home.

One time he told me: “Watching movies is my way of coming to church.

I like it that movies don’t preach at you.

They let you experience God’s message for yourself. You know I never felt so close to God before or since. I was spiritually adrift. Movies pulled me back.”

God’s message is revealed not as an inaccessible mystery but as something very near to you, as near as the movies you’ll be watching this Holy Week through a spiritual looking glass.

Education BusinessMirror

A8 Saturday, March 27, 2021

Editor: Mike Policarpio

DepEd Commons: Year 1 yields 9M+ unique users

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By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco

ing to her students, she also makes sure the learning material of her son from DepEd Commons is produced in hard copy, so that she could personally teach him.

“We print out learning material from DepEd Commons. We did not also stop our routine of reading every day before playing, or doing other things,” the teacher said in Filipino.

For Schools Division Superintendent Merlina P. Cruz of San Jose del Monte City in Bulacan, DepEd Commons is not only about the children who are being taught on using the learning platform, but also of the parents downloading content and participating in the interactive test.

Meanwhile, Principal Lourdes R. Robes of Kakawate National High School also in San Jose del Monte City said that DepEd Commons is a helpful tool during this time of the public-health crisis.

“It goes to show that students can still learn, even if the doors of the classrooms are closed, and chalks could no longer be used,” the schoolmaster seconded in Filipino.

HE Education Department recently revealed that its Open Educational Resources (OER) platform, or DepEd Commons, has served more than 9.6 million unique users nationwide.

Undersecretary for Administration and DepEd Commons’ main proponent Alain del Pascua reflected on the journey of the platform supporting the learning and teaching process during the pandemic. It became fourth in the overall trending Google searches and ranked No. 1 in the most searched topic under the education category in the Philippines in 2020.

“The start was not that easy.

There was a lack of much-needed support and the training of teachers in the use of OER, which is the heart of…DepEd Commons,” Pascua shared.

The proposal of making all teacher-made, quality-assured OERs available online was first proposed in the second quarter of 2019, as part of the department’s response to the 2021 Paris OER Declaration of the United Nations Educational,

Scientific and Cultural Organization, or Unesco.

Though yet to be set up for largescale implementation, the platform was officially announced live on March 17, 2020, in support of the implementation of the Basic Education-Learning Continuity Plan, or BE-LCP. “But through the bayanihan spirit of everyone involved in the DepEd Commons, we have now reached over 9.6 million-plus unique users who are diverse coming not only from public schools, but also from the Alternative Learning System, Special Education, and from private schools,” the undersecretary noted.

DepEd Commons is part of the Public Schools of the Future Framework’s Digital Rise Program of the Administration Strand under the leadership of Education Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones.

Indispensable during pandemic

EDUCATORS all over the country have vouched for the effectiveness of the DepEd Commons platform.

For one, Teacher Shiela May R. Abucay of Tagum City in Davao del Norte

said DepEd Commons has been a big help not only to her students, but to her son as well, as they continue their educational journey in their respective homes.

Abucay claimed that while attend-

Future features

PASCUA also shared that the department is still eyeing to expand the features of DepEd Commons—including certification of teachers, legal vetting, curation,

and rating of content.

“DepEd Commons will continue to be relevant, as another phase of the pandemic comes in with vaccinations, as well as the talks of the resumptions of faceto-face classes in the future,” he said.

“One thing’s for sure: DepEd Commons will continue to move forward, and will evolve to cater to the needs of the Filipino learners in times of pandemic, natural calamities, or even social unrest,” Pascua emphasized.

He recognized the teams behind the platform, including the Educational Technology Unit, Solutions Development Division, Technology Infrastructure Division, and User Support Division—all of which are under the Information and Communications Technology Service-Education Technology Unit headed

by Director Abram Y.C. Abanil.

The latter is under the Administration Strand led by Pascua and Assistant Secretary Salvador Malana III. DepEd Commons (commons. deped.gov.ph) can be accessed free of data charges, in cooperation with the Department of Information and Communications Technology, National Telecommunications Commission, Smart Communications and Globe Telecom.

Letter-writing competition SAP registers 5M enrollments for open online course offerings unfolds for young Filipinos

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HE Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) and the Universal Postal Union (UPU) based in Berne, Switzerland, recently launched the 50th International Letter-Writing Competition (2021) for the youth to promote better understanding around the world through the post office, especially during this time of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

The competition will focus on the theme: “Write a letter to a family member about your experience of Covid-19.”

A specialized agency of the United Nations, the UPU says that the current generation of children has tragically fallen to the pandemic.

The competition is an opportunity for children around the world to write about their experiences in these unusual months, and to remind everyone that literacy is extremely important for a child’s future.

PHLPost, on the other hand, acknowledges the importance of families’ well-being by keeping members connected during this difficult period.

According to PHLPost, all elementary and high-school students in public and private schools nationwide who are Filipino citizens ages 15-years-old and below are qualified to join. Compositions must be recent, unpublished and original letters in English, handwritten, strictly adherent to the theme, and must not exceed the limit of 1,000

words in length.

On a separate sheet of paper, the participant must indicate the number of words of the letter composition, his/her complete name and address, gender, age and date of birth, name of school and address, grade level, and contact numbers.

A 2x2 colored digital ID photo with a minimum resolution of 300 DPI must accompany the submission.

Local entries must reach PHLPost, via post office, on April 2.

Selection of semifinalists will be done on or before April 12. Entries sent through private couriers shall automatically be disqualified.

The contest hopes to develop young students’ skills in composition, while fostering their enjoyment in letter writing. It is also an excellent way of making minors aware of the important role postal services play in society—one that has become even more noteworthy during the global pandemic.

The first-prize winner will receive P15,000; second prize, P10,000; and third prize, P5,000; plus other recognitions. The firstprize entry on the national level will automatically qualify for the UPU International Letter Writing Competition to be held in Switzerland.

For more information on the contest, call PHLPost’s Postshop, Philately and Museum Division Special Project Officer Joy Edralin-Cacho at 8527-01-32, or log on to www. phlpost.gov.ph.

EVEN years since its inception, a free educational portal offering massive open online courses (MOOCs) to learn its maker’s innovations has reached a milestone of 5 million enrollments, as reported by its creator.

SAP said its openSAP platform that offers innovative, expert-led MOOCs, with accompanying microlearning and podcasts across a range of topics for learners of all abilities, has seen accelerated growth lately, with the number of registrations doubling over the last three years.

Enrollments in about 250 different courses average to 20,000 per program, totaling 1.2 million learners across all subjects.

Even if this channel constantly provides new courses on the latest topics and innovations such as SAP S/4HANA, SAP Business Technology Platform, intelligent integration, digital transformation and machine learning, older courses remain relevant and consis-

tently attract new enrollees.

Through the years, it has gained great recognition and learner satisfaction: 98 percent are very satisfied with the learning experience openSAP provides, 95 percent say that the skills taught will help them in their future work, and 99 percent plan to take additional courses on the openSAP platform in the future.

SAP celebrates all of these achievements by offering its course—the Integrated Intelligent Suite—on the platform for an additional four months, or until the end of July, to give more learners the opportunity to acquire vital knowledge and earn a record of accomplishment.

Established in 2013, openSAP, which is hosted and run by the Hasso Plattner Institute, provides individuals with essential knowledge and the opportunity to acquire the skills needed to explore the SAP software landscape anytime, anywhere.

Leveraging on tried and trusted

learning concepts, this awardwinning platform incorporates features such as gamification and discussion forums, which enables learners’ impactful and enjoyable interaction with experts and peers.

“In today’s digitally driven age, it’s important to create a learning environment that is accessible for all,” said Professor Hasso Plattner, chairman of the Supervisory Board of SAP SE. As the pandemic overturns all facets of life and compels many to shift to a remote working and learning environment, Plattner cited that it has become more essential than ever to lower the hindrances to vital knowledge, so learners can have the right tools and resources to keep on reaching and enhancing their skills.

Mindful of the huge requirement for reskilling through today’s digitalization era, the company

continues to invest in lowering learning impediments via free offerings like openSAP, according to SAP Executive Vice President and Chief Learning Officer Maxwell Wessel.

“Our goal is to ensure everyone in our ecosystem: customers, partners, developers and employees— all have the right skills to thrive in a digital world and are equipped with the knowledge they need to prepare for the future,” Wessel explained.

SAP’s learning portfolio currently consists of various offerings supporting sustained learning, performance and validation for everyone within the SAP ecosystem. As the learning environment evolves, it will be improved and expanded by adding free and accessible offerings to meet learners’ changing needs.

Roderick L. Abad

La Salle GH turns co-ed USAID, PBEd, partners

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A Salle Green Hills (LSGH) continues its mission as a learnercentered and service-oriented institution in pursuit of social transformation as it transitions into co-educational status in all grades beginning School Year (SY) 2021 to 2022.

The 60-year-old internationally renowned private Catholic school has been exclusive for boys and young gentlemen since its establishment in 1959. Today, it adapts to the changing landscape of education as it follows the footsteps of all other 15 La Salle Schools in the Philippines.

In a letter addressed to the Lasallian community, LSGH Principal Br. Alexander Ervin Diaz, FSC stated that the decision was based on several aspects. One is the promotion of equal access to quality Lasallian education for all genders.

“The school has since moved to be inclusive in accommodating deaf students, and even adult learners [as well as] students with special needs,” he stated. “The introduction of a co-ed system in basic education would be a step toward expanding our inclusivity.”

LSGH believes that the new learning environment allows for a more diverse yet natural development. Br. Diaz commented: “Co-curricular activities will be more varied, classroom

learning behaviors will be enhanced, a new school culture will emerge with an improved mixed-gender perspective, and an overall strengthening to the already solid foundation that is uniquely LSGH.” The institute first opened its doors to include female learners for senior high school in SY 2020-2021.

“We saw a smooth integration of our first batch of Grade 11 female students at present, and we wish to assure [everyone] of the school’s plans to pursue the groundwork for buildings and facilities, policies for Safe Spaces, and programs fit for a co-ed learning environment,” he shared.

“At the turn of this new decade, faced with challenging educational demands and outcomes, LSGH is focused on continuing to provide excellent Lasallian education that is inclusive and innovative, and the formation of a diverse community…adaptable and ready for life,” Br. Diaz concluded.

Prior to the transition, LSGH was the only remaining exclusive boys’ school of the De La Salle Brothers in the Philippines. Following the foundation of the string of De La Salle Institutions since 1911, LSGH was established second in Luzon, and fourth overall in the Philippines. For inquiries and information, visit www.lsgh.edu.ph.

to train 1K Pinoy youth

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HE United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Philippine Business for Education (PBEd) recently signed a P37-million ($740,000) partnership with the Philippine Cable and Telecommunications Association Inc. (PCTA), as well as canned goods producer Permex that will provide training and employment opportunities for more than 1,000 unemployed and out-of-school youth in the Calabarzon Region and Zamboanga City.

The partnership is part of YouthWorks PH—USAID’s private sector-driven youth employability initiative with PBEd. Through the project, USAID and PBEd are redoubling their efforts to reach Filipino youth by expanding the initiative to more rural areas, while adding to the 7,500 current program beneficiaries.

In a virtual event on March 18, PCTA President Jose Luis Dabao pledged to provide cable television and Internet service-related technical-vocational (tech-voc) training to 100 unemployed and

out-of-school youth residing in the provinces of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon provinces.

At the same event, Permex, Zamboanga’s leading producer and exporter of canned goods, represented by Human Resource Director Mabel Grace Bacolod, announced 1,000 new training opportunities in its food-processing department. The six-month training will include remote mentoring and tech-voc instruction under the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority online program, as well as on-the-job experience and access to Permex’s apprenticeship program.

Based on the January 2021 Labor Force Survey conducted by the Philippine Statistics Authority, 4 million Filipinos aged 15 and above lost their jobs due to the pandemic—twice the number from 2020.

PCTA and Permex join YouthWorks PH’s growing roster of dedicated partners, which include industry giants, such as DMCI, McDonald’s, Aboitiz, Globe Telecom, Microsoft, and others.

Tourism&Entertainment BusinessMirror

Editor: Carla Mortel-Baricaua

Saturday, March 27, 2021 A9

A RELIGIOUS AND HISTORICAL

PILGRIMAGE TO BATAAN T

Story & Photos by Benjamin Layug

he Lenten tradition of Visita Iglesia, a religious pilgrimage to pray and reflect on the sufferings of the Lord Jesus Christ, remains an observed tradition in the province of Bataan. And since this year’s Holy Week is also just a few days before Araw ng Kagitingan (April 9), also known as Bataan Day, a visit to this province at this time is like hitting two birds with one stone—a religious as well as an historical pilgrimage.

Normally, travelers to Bataan take the Roman Superhighway (Bataan Provincial Expressway) to avoid the traffic gridlock in towns along the MacArthur Highway but you should travel via the latter to visit the province’s seven-old Spanish-era churches which are all along the MacArthur Highway, within six towns and one city on the province’s eastern coast.

Passing along the National Road on your way to visit Bataan’s pilgrim churches, you’ll also pass a lot of the 97 interesting Death March Markers (33 are in Pampanga and 8 in Tarlac) as well as World War II monuments and shrines. The Death Mark Markers, silent white obelisks, created over a decade ago, stand as mute reminders of the path, from Mariveles and Bagac to the gates of the former Camp O’Donnell (now the Capas National Shrine), taken by nearly 75,000 soldiers, both Philippine and American, after the Fall of Bataan.

At the junction (where USAFFE soldiers, on the Death March, from Bagac and from Mariveles, merged on their way to Capas, Tarlac), near the Pilar Municipal Hall, is the Flaming Sword monument which depicts a hand holding a blazing sword up in the air. In Balanga City are the Fall of Bataan Marker (Capitol Compound) and the Surrender Site Marker (back of the Balanga Elementary School, which was the command post of Japanese Gen. Masaharu Homma at the time of Bataan’s surrender).

Slightly off the beaten Visita Iglesia track in Pilar is the Dambana ng Kagitingan, a memorial on the western slopes of Mt. Samat that honors the gallantry of the Filipino and American soldiers who fought in Bataan. It is a steep drive up a 7-km long winding asphalt road from the Mt. Samat turn-off. The basement museum and viewing gallery atop the Memorial Cross may or may not be open, but you can still visit its altar, the esplanade, statues of war heroes, two bronze urns (symbolic of the Eternal Flame of Freedom) and 18 bronze insignias and flagpoles with colors of USAFFE division units, and the two huge panels on the north and south walls inscribed with accounts of the Battle of Bataan in relief.

From Manila, a devotee’s first stop would be the 263-year-old St. Peter de Varona Church (the sixth oldest) in the town of Hermosa, followed by the 309-year-old Church of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary (the fourth oldest) in Orani, the 423-year-old Church of St. Catherine of Siena Church (the second oldest) in Samal, the 431-year-old Church of St. Dominic of Guzman (the province’s oldest) in Abucay, the 305-year-old Diocesan Shrine and Cathedral of St. Joseph (the fifth oldest) in Balanga City, the 218-year-old Church of Our Lady of the Pillar (the seventh oldest) in Pilar town and the 352-year-old Church of St. Michael the Archangel (the third oldest) in Orion.

Some of these churches were

Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Parish Church is named after its patroness, “Our Lady of Orani”

Flaming Sword Monument in Pilar

San Miguel Arcangel Parish Church, commonly referred to as Orion Church

Diocesan Shrine and Cathedral of St. Joseph in Balanga City

World War II Marker with Abucay Church in the background

also battlefield sites. The Church of St. Dominic of Guzman in Abucay was the site of a fierce battle between the Dutch and Pampango natives on June 23, 1647. In 1608, it also housed one of the earliest printing presses in the country.

Here, Dominican Fr. Francisco

Death March Marker at Km. 38

Blancas de San Jose and Don Tomas Pinpin printed several books in Spanish and Tagalog. In front of the church is a World War II Marker. The Church of Our Lady of the Pillar in Pilar was burned by revolutionaries on May 28, 1898 (the image of Nuestra Señora del

Memorial Cross at the Dambana ng Kagitingan

Pilar survived) while the Diocesan Shrine and Cathedral of St. Joseph in Balanga City was, during World War II, used by the Japanese 14th Army as an artillery emplacement to bombard Mt. Samat.

T he s e s e v e n S p a n i s h - e r a churches, all built under the super-

Surrender Marker at the Balanga Elementary School

vision of Dominican friars, have undergone various renovations, but they have one common material—batong silyar, sturdy bricks which are visible in their inner and outer walls. All churches, except for that in Pilar, have installed historical markers.

AirAsia supports call for immediate use of saliva RT-PCR test to boost tourism industry in time for summer

A

irAsia is strongly supporting the Philippine Red Cross’ (PRCs) recent appeal to immediately approve the public use of the saliva reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction or RT-PCR test.

This cheaper version of the RT-PCR test only costs P2,000 as compared to the standard rate of P3,500 for a nasopharyngeal swab.

To date, Caticlan (Boracay), the Province of Bohol, and Capiz are allowing the use of saliva RT-PCR for tourists. Aklan province and the cities of Bacolod and Davao meanwhile allow the saliva test for arriving residents only.

AirAsia spokesman Steve Dailisan said, “The approval of saliva

RT-PCR test will surely allow more tourists to afford domestic travel. The uniformed RT-PCR test is among the top concerns of our kababayans when it comes to travel funds, second to airline ticket and hotel rooms. Since saliva RT-PCR is also as accurate as the nasopharyngeal RT-PCR test, we see this as a cheaper alternative for our tourist who plans on visiting their favorite tourist destinations this summer.”

The PRC research team earlier noted that the saliva RT-PCR test is 98.23 percent accurate compared with the RT-PCR swab test. Given the go signal, AirAsia believes PRC’s 13 molecular laboratories throughout the country will be able to accommodate the number of applicants.

“Backed with strict safety and health protocols by different LGUs, airports and tourist destinations, and the ongoing campaigns of the Department of Tourism [DOT], we expect the number of tourists to go up in the months of April and May. We, at AirAsia, have been very supportive of the government in promoting tourism while keeping to the strictest health protocols. AirAsia’s newest campaign, ‘Tara with AirAsia’ is expected to entice local travelers to REDiscover their favorite destinations,” Dailisan added.

AirAsia recently earned a perfect 7-star rating from Airlineratings.com for going above and beyond the protection of its passengers against Covid-19.

A10 Saturday, March 27, 2021 • Editor: Gerard S. Ramos

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Artificial intelligence, IoT and machine learning to dominate tech landscape

BY RIZAL RAOUL S. REYES MAJOR business collaboration and communications solutions provider Avaya recently pointed out that combining human and artificial intelligence (AI) can help enterprise-level organizations to achieve higher productivity.

In a recent online interview via Zoom with BUSINESSMIRROR, Avaya vice president for Asia Pacific and Japan Sami Ammous said the company is harnessing the full potential of AI in its operations such as developing better communication among its different units and clients. He also cited the use of AI for its Avaya Spaces, the company’s videoconferencing technology and collaboration tool. Through AI, Ammous said Spaces automatically identifies what is background noise and turns it down.

“We found that the combination of human and artificial intelligence is the best way to serve our customers and make employees more effective.

That is the direction we are seeing for AI, more technology to serve humans—giving agents suggestion, setting them up with the best time to call customers, finding trends in the calling pattern, and identifying the best way in assigning resources. With the example I mentioned around noise reduction plus the use of chatbots, these are all effective applications of AI,” Ammous.

As far as Internet of Things (IoT) is concerned, Ammous pointed out that connecting a device to the Internet will require companies to craft policies to ensure security protocols and measures are adequate to ensure that data and information are protected.

Ammous said connectivity has become more important during the pandemic period as a lot of people are working from home.

Since working from home has to do with connecting people to phone calls and cameras, he said users need to address the camera and the environment as well as the security of the network. He

said Avaya has the tools to address these needs.

“For example, we have surveillance software that can run on cameras. The software is designed not to ensure that agents do their jobs. But let us say you are an agent or someone working from home and your wife passes by in the background, and you are dealing with some confidential information, the application can identify that someone is in the background within the screen. These are just some examples of how the combination of IoT and AI can help employees work from home,” he said.

Ammous said AI and machine learning (ML) will be on top of the innovation road map of Avaya.

Moreover, Avaya is currently working on voice chatbots powered by machine learning, making chatbots more accurate and adaptable.

“With the help of ML, voice chatbots can learn from the cycle. The more you use it, the better it is at identifying and responding to customer queries.

We are also building lots of partnerships with some

What do ‘naur’ and ‘oomf’ mean?

B

EING an older person on Stan Twitter can be challenging. It’s where 24-year-olds are called hags by 12-year-olds. But that’s not what bothers me the most.

Stan Twitter is an informal community of fans of artists and groups. It consists mostly of underage Twitter users, so navigating it can be tricky.

It’s that it is difficult to keep up with the words they use. For instance, it was only last week when I learned what “naur” was. I thought that it was an abbreviation for something, like afaik (as far as I know) is.

“Naur” is actually “no” said with an accent. I am assuming, but I could be wrong, that it’s with an Australian accent.

Anyway, one of the most challenging things on a social-media platform like Twitter for someone like me who was brought up by parents who weren’t exactly politically correct was how to navigate the app without offending anyone. So here, in a nutshell, are some do’s and don’t’s for Stan Twitter.

Always indicate your age and pronouns in your bio. My pronouns are her/she. You don’t need to state your actual age. You can just say 18+. If you tweet stuff that’s not fit for minors, you should say so in your bio (use “NSFW,” “no minors please”). This is so that kids don’t follow you and be exposed to stuff they shouldn’t be seeing. By the way, NSFW means Not Safe For Work.

By kids, I mean anyone under 18 in most parts of the world. In other countries like Korea, the legal age is older. One more thing that’s important is interaction with minors. If you’re an adult, you cannot be close friends with them. It is not appropriate. You can be cordial and have casual friendships with them but that’s it.

Also, you cannot describe any minor as “hot” or “sexy.” It is not appropriate. Another thing that older Stan Twitter users need to learn is that it is not OK to make jokes about skin color, weight and physical appearance. The jokes many of us (I use the pronoun “us” loosely here) make in real life aren’t acceptable on Stan Twitter, where users are of different races.

Disclaimer: I know that making inappropriate remarks about weight and skin color are tito and tita things but it is wrong.

“Mutuals” or “moots” are those you follow and who follow you back. “Oomf” means “one of my friends.”

For sensitive topics, you should use tw/cw. For instance, if you’re talking about sexual assault you should start your tweet with “tw // sexual assault”.

Food also needs a warning so you can start a tweet

with “cw // food.” If you didn’t know yet, “tw” means “trigger warning” and “cw” means “content warning.”

Stan Twitter is also a place where fans buy and sell albums and merchandise so a lot of abbreviations are used. “Want to sell” is WTS, WTB means “want to buy,” MOP is “mode of payment,” DOO is “date of order” and WTT is “want to trade.”

“Tea” is not something you make with a teabag and hot water but juicy details of what’s hot in terms of gossip and news. When someone says you “spilled,” it means that you said something that another person agreed with.

If you see something like “asfjfghgkl,” it means that person is very excited about something. If you see a Twitter user tweet in all caps, it means they are shouting. “Snack” is used to refer to someone who is hot. Remember that you can’t use “snack” to refer to a minor.

Aside from the terms I’ve explained, which are not new, there are many nuances on Stan Twitter that we need to understand as older fans. Stan Twitter is a place that’s filled with woke Gen Z fans and, honestly, I’ve learned a lot there. If you aren’t sure about anything, do your research. When you’re in doubt, ask a younger relative. Even using fonts in your bio is something you should look into. There shouldn’t be a shortage of people willing to help you.

I know that Stan Twitter is a scary place but there are also kind people who will gladly tell you things you weren’t aware of before. ■ THE special-edition Avengersthemed OPPO Reno5

#ExtraCareAtHome at core of Globe At Home services GLOBE At Home (GAH, www.globe.com.ph/broadband. html) continues to improve customer experience with #ExtraCareAtHome, focusing on proactive care at the core of its services—from inquiry, to installation and, more importantly, after sales. Realizing the people’s need for a reliable Internet network to keep connected and entertained, run their business, and make working and learning from home possible, the company makes sure to be with its customers every step of the way.

“We not only provide fast and reliable connection to our Globe At Home subscribers, we also give them the best care. We make sure the technology we use adheres to global standards. That’s why we are able to provide our customers with #ExtraCareAtHome,” said Darius Delgado, Globe vice

president and head of Broadband Business.

Part of this proactive care is ensuring that consumers get the connectivity they need at the soonest possible time.

Thus, in less than 24 hours from the approval of Internet line applications, GAH’s team of installers are already dispatched to the address provided.

These field technicians also undergo regular Covid-19 testing as well as strictly follow government health protocols to keep customers safe from the virus.

At the same time, GAH sees to it that the consumers are secured from scams and other fraudulent activities being committed by unscrupulous persons. Technicians on duty bear a QR code that customers can scan to confirm their identity. This is on top of regular text messages sent to the

subscriber for scheduled visits and location tracking.

“Being able to serve our loyal customers with the best customer care they deserve is our everyday goal in Globe At Home. We want what’s best for our customers from installation to after sales. We go the extra mile just to provide the necessary care they deserve,” Delgado added.

Aside from prompt and secured installation, GAH makes it easier for its postpaid customers to manage their accounttrack data usage, change or renew their plan, view and pay bills, request for reconnection, report an issue with their Internet connection, and inquire about promos with the use of GlobeOne or Globe At Home apps which can be accessed anytime, anywhere. The can be downloaded for free from the Google Play Store and the App Store.

of the more specialized players. We have a connector with Google and we have also done work with Alexa,” he said.

In another development, British high-end appliance manufacturer Dyson will roll out more cutting-edge technologies in its products for the local market.

Scott Maguire, Dyson’s chief operating officer, told reporters that Filipino consumers will see advances in the localization of its products such as artificial intelligence in sensors, aspects of machine learning in the products, and apps working in harmony with the machines “Our philosophy is not just to connect the products but really add value and life to the technology for users,” Maguire added.

He said the 600 Filipino engineers working in the Dyson plant in Alabang are currently working on new technologies and products as well, as more homes are going to deploy smart technologies for convenience and practicality.

OPPO PARTNERS WITH MARVEL FOR EXCLUSIVE SPECIAL-EDITION SMARTPHONE

MARVEL fans will no doubt be thrilled. Leading smartphone brand OPPO has announced an exclusive partnership with Marvel through a commemorative smartphone design for Reno5. The latest Reno5 Marvel Edition smartphone builds on the technical strengths of the brand’s latest flagship and the stunning Marvel’s The Avengers-themed design which fuses characters and other elements from Marvel’s The Avengers series into every aspect of the phone to create a must-have item for Marvel fans around the world. This limited-edition smartphone will be available in the country in the coming weeks.

“Through the years of understanding and putting forward consumer preferences, this creative and exciting collaboration with Marvel is just one of the many things we’re excited to share with our consumers and all the Marvel fans in the Philippines. We hope that through the Reno5 Marvel Edition Smartphone, consumers will get to feel like the everyday superhero themselves through the powerful features of Reno5 Marvel Edition,” said OPPO Philippines Marketing Director Raymond Xia. Reno5 Marvel Edition is equipped with powerful camera features, 44MP selfie camera and 64MP Quadcamera setup.

These cameras come with smart AI features such the DualView Video, AI Video Highlight, and features perfect for night “phoneography.” It is also supported by 8GB of RAM, 128GB of ROM for a smoother, faster smartphone experience. Additionally, you can easily juice up its hefty 4,310 mAh battery with its 50W flash charge charging technology. Definitely a smartphone that can help you power through your day anytime, anywhere.

The design of the OPPO Reno5 Marvel Edition draws much of its inspiration from the Quantum Suits worn by The Avengers in the movie Avengers: Endgame, featuring a combination of black, gray, silver and red. While in the center of the phone’s back casing is the “A” logo, which combines two iconic Marvel elements: the Avengers logo and Captain America’s shield. The back of the phone is designed around the letter “X”, taking its inspiration from the logo of Black Widow. The textured finish creates a unique feel to the phone reminiscent of the high-tech suits worn by The Avengers. The silver sides of the phone have been created through an electroplating process, with a black stripe in the middle revealed through laser-etching. A red embellishment around the button adds a further touch of Marvel inspiration. On the front side of the phone is a 6.4 inch 90Hz AMOLED screen providing users with a clear and immersive viewing experience.

Installed with the latest version of ColorOS 11.1, the device also boasts exclusive design details such as the background of the home screen which features a similar design based on the Avengers Quantum Suits, while the icons of the original OPPO apps on the home screen have been replaced with icons depicting various heroes or items in the Marvel Universe. There are also six different exclusive lock screen wallpapers to create a fully immersive experience for all Marvel fans. What’s more, a flip book-style animation inspired by the opening scenes of the Marvel movies can also be shown when users are choosing different wallpapers, immersing them in the Marvel Cinematic Universe each time.

More of the Marvel influence can be gleaned by consumers as they use the phone, including the packaging and accessories included in the OPPO Reno5 Marvel Edition.

Moreinformation is available at www.oppo.com/ph.

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Editor: Gerard S. Ramos

• Saturday, March 27, 2021 A11

Promises, compromises... welcome to the ECQverse A

ND just like that, we are back on lockdown.

It’s been a year since the government implemented the first pandemic-related restrictions a.k.a. enhanced community quarantine (ECQ), which has become even more diverse than those Covid-19 strains—evolving into MECQ, GCQ, MGCQ, soft, hard, localized, granular, circuit breaker, plus—spawning an entire “ECQverse” of synonyms that simply means: “Please stay at home.”

But not everyone could, and many simply didn’t want to, and now everything feels like a bad case of déjà vu.

As of March 22, a week after our the first quarantineversary, Covid-19 cases continue to surge with 8,019 new cases—the highest single-day tally since the start of the pandemic.

Are we back to square one? Nope. It looks even worse.

At least last year, there was the promise of some form ayuda, the private sector could still provide financial protection for their employees and spend billions to help others, and our frontliners—despite their fears—were fresh and eager to fight this unknown enemy.

Now everyone is just tired—pandemic fatigue, donor fatigue, Zoom fatigue, Netflix fatigue—and we’ve all felt that sense of loss, helplessness, sadness, frustration, and irritability.

Instead of individuals, entire families are testing positive for the virus and hospitals are once again overflowing with patients in the Covid wards.

If only things were as simple as getting an oil change.

While other countries are now scheduling and distributing vaccines, we still don’t have a standard, reliable and accurate contact tracing system in place.

You enter an establishment, and either scan a QR code or fill up a form that you need to drop in a box as if it was a raffle entry. The only problem is not everyone is filling it up the correct information and judging by the penmanship, 95 percent are written by doctors.

Last week we got the chance to talk to tech expert and app developer Architect Richelle SingsonMichael who believes that biometric technologies are the ideal solution to the challenges of data inconsistency and integrity, not only in terms of contact tracing but also vaccination data.

Singson-Michael is the chief executive officer of Casha Inc., an app technology company that specializes in using biometric technology in their various applications to make identification easier and more consistent. The Casha Biometrax app uses contactless biometric tracing technology to assist and augment the government’s own contact tracing efforts.

She said the main issue is that our present contact tracing apps do not have a verifiable identity link to the individual registering.

Since people voluntarily input the details, there is a strong possibility that many entries are inaccurate, incomplete, duplicated or downright fake.

But with a centralized Biometric database, it will be easier for the government to efficiently plan the vaccine roll out by accurately identifying individuals who have been tested or vaccinated.

Through Biometrax, people can register their fingerprints and facial data via their mobile phones. It then issues the user a unique cryptograph code, which has been designed to compress 250x more data than a QR code, and is far more secure than an unencrypted QR code.

The Biometrax cryptograph stores the individual’s biometric data without needing Internet connectivity and will serve as a Health Passport, making it easier to identify whether they have been vaccinated or not, whether they have previously contracted Covid-19, and other necessary information to assist in policy making and enforcement.

Furthermore, unlike QR Codes, the Biometrax code can only be read by authorized individuals and, more importantly, can only be read if the owner of the Health Passport authorizes the reader with his/her biometrics. Thus, through this system, the user holds their own data and must always be present to verify their own data, minimizing any fraud or misidentification.

NOKIA 3.4 LOOKS PROMISING, BUT DOES IT DELIVER?

WHEN I first heard about the Nokia 3.4, I got really excited because it was supposed to be part of James Bond’s arsenal in his upcoming movie No Time to Die. But no thanks to the pandemic, the movie has been delayed several times and they had to reshoot the parts where 007 was using his phone. After all, why would the greatest spy be seen using the last year’s tech? But did the Nokia 3.4 even deserve to share the spotlight with Mr. Bond?

Here’s our quick review of the Nokia 3.4.

I’ve always loved Nokia’s phone designs and the Nordic design language of the Nokia 3.4 is one of its best features. It’s an entry-level phone that “looks” way more than its price tag. It has a large circular camera hump that differentiates it from other camera modules, while its matte textured finish, and the colors Fjord and Charcoal are certainly unique. I got the Charcoal one which subtly changes from brown to black to gray depending on lighting, but in a sea of smartphones with gradients and sparkling finishes,

13-megapixel primary camera, a 5-megapixel ultra-wide camera, and 2-megapixel depth camera. If you’re not excited by those numbers, it’s the same feeling you’ll get when you see the photos. Mind you its not bad, but its average at best.

The Nokia 3.4 is an Android One phone, so there’s no bloatware or unnecessary apps. But the Snapdragon 460 chip that’s paired with an Adreno 610 GPU, (4GB RAM+64GB storage) has limited processing capabilities. Google apps, as expected, run fairly well, but unless you’ve never used a flagship or midrange phone, the slowdown is evident. Its not “unusable” slow, but opening and switching between apps is laggy, so getting the “lite” versions of apps is a good idea.

The 4000mAh battery inside the Nokia 3.4 promises up to two days of battery life, but I couldn’t make it past a day and a half on moderate use and the charging system is so slow, it takes over two hours to get back to 100 percent.

A final word: The Nokia 3.4 isn’t a bad phone, but it is far from being great either. everything is just... good.

Unless you really love the brand and just want an “OK” phone, its best to follow James Bond’s lead and look past the Nokia 3.4 and wait for this year’s upcoming Nokia devices instead.

SPECIAL ANNIVERSARY DEAL FROM ELECTRONICS BRAND

the Nokia 3.4 is a nice departure.

I did say “look” because there’s no denying the entry-level price point with its plastic build. The plastic unibody makes the phone lightweight and the matte finish helps it resist scratches. You get the standard button volume and power layout on the right, and on the left you’ll find the dual nanoSIM card slot with a dedicated microSD slot and a dedicated Google Assistant key. This button is pointless since the Assistant is just a swipe away on Android 10 and I couldn’t count the number of times I accidentally pressed it.

Up top, there’s the 3.5mm audio port and the secondary noise-canceling microphone, and located at the bottom is the microphone, USB Type-C port and speaker grill.

The placement of the fingerprint sensor on the rear is easy to reach but its disappointingly S-L-O-W and erratic, like you have to wait for a second before it unlocks. You are better off using your passcode or face unlock. I don’t recall Bond, in the middle of a mission, ever fumbling just to unlock his phone.

The Nokia 3.4 has a 6.3-inch LCD display with a 720p pixel resolution, both of which is just okay. It gets the job done but nothing special; the same goes for its audio quality.

While other brands are pushing for 48MP and 64MP main shooters, the Nokia 3.4 has a modest

Facebook working on Instagram for kids under 13 MENLO PARK, California—Facebook says it is working on a version of its Instagram app for kids under 13, who are technically not allowed to use the app in its current form due to federal privacy regulations. The company confirmed an earlier report

by Buzzfeed News on Friday, saying it is “exploring a parent-controlled experience” on Instagram.

The move came just a day after Facebook announced a slew of new measures intended to keep teenagers safe on Instagram—but that announcement made no mention of the plan to build an Instagram for kids.

Critics raised concerns immediately, saying a kid-friendly Instagram is just a way for Facebook to expand its user base and condition children into using its products so it can later make money off of them.

“Facebook poses one of the biggest threats when

it comes to children’s privacy,” said Rasha AbdulRahim, codirector of Amnesty Tech, an arm of the nonprofit Amnesty International.

“Increasing safeguards for children online is paramount, but the fact remains that Facebook will be harvesting children’s data and profiting off their detailed profiles.”

Facebook launched the Messenger Kids app in 2017, pitching it as a way for children to chat with family members and friends approved by parents.

It doesn’t give kids separate Facebook or Messenger accounts.

Rather, the app works as an extension of a parent’s account, and parents get controls, such as the ability to decide who their kids can chat with. But many child-development experts urged the company to pull it, saying kids don’t need to be on social media. AP

PROMATE joins Lazada’s ninth birthday celebration today with up to 70-percent off on select items and up to 50-percent off on Apple Watch accessories in their official Lazada Flagship store (bit.ly/2Pp0PpF). Here are some of the items in the anniversary deal.

The Capital-30 is a high-capacity 78W power bank with power delivery that can charge your USB-C enabled laptop. No need to worry about overcharging your phone or your laptop as this power bank can protect your gadget from it. Capital-30 comes in color black. The sleek Harmoni Bluetooth TWS earbuds are perfect when you listen to your favorite music playlist, or when you’re simply working from home.

Experience True Wireless Stereo for up to 16 hours of playback time with the Harmoni earphones. The anniversary sale comes with free Bolt-10 Power Bank.

The Promic-1 is a high-definition omni-directional microphone with flexible gooseneck that lets you record professional-level audio at the comfort of your home. It has an easy-to-use interface as you just have to plug Promic-1 to your device and you’re set.

The Trekpack-BP is a 17.3” professional slim laptop bagpack with anti-theft handy pocket. This bag, designed for an on-the-go lifestyle prepped with organizer compartments for all daily essentials, comes with Free Promate Pastel Wireless Keyboard & Mouse Combo.

The products come with a two-year international warranty. ■

/

JAMES BOND deserves better than the Nokia 3.4 smartphone

Sports BusinessMirror

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THLETES and sports personalities who inspired and gave Philippine sports something to cheer about in pandemic year 2020 will be feted in the San Miguel Corp.-Philippine Sportswriters Association PSA Awards Night on Saturday at the TV5 Media Center.

A total of 32 awardees make up a short honor roll composed of athletes, sportsmen, officials and entities who made a difference and rose to the challenge in the face of the pandemic that disrupted both local and international sports.

Top lady golfer Yuka Saso will receive the coveted Athlete of the Year Award traditionally handed out by the country’s oldest media organization now headed by its Manila Bulletin sports editor Tito Talao.

This marks the second time in three years that the 19-year-old Filipino-Japanese athlete will receive the highest accolade from the Philippine sportswriting fraternity after 2018 when she shared the spotlight with fellow golfers Bianca Pagdanganan and Lois Kaye Go and Rio 2016 Olympics weightlifting silver medalist Hidilyn Diaz.

The Awards Night will be held virtually, a first ever in PSA history in the face of strict health restrictions. The event is presented by San Miguel Corp. and backed by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and Cignal TV. PSC Chairman William “Butch” Ramirez will be at the forefront of honoring Saso and the rest of the

A12

| Saturday, March 27, 2021 mirror_sports@yahoo.com.ph Editor: Jun Lomibao

BEST OF 2020 HONORED IN PSA AWARDS awardees as guest speaker for the event.

Hosted by Gretchen Ho and Paolo del Rosario, the awards night also supported by 1-Pacman Party-list, Chooks-to-Go and Rain or Shine will be aired on Sunday over OneSports+ from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

The other awardees are Philippine Olympic Committee President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino (President’s Award), Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner Willie Marcial (Executive of the Year), Alliances of Boxing Association in the Philippines (National Sports Association of the Year) and Jose Romasanta,

GOLFER Yuka Saso will lift the Athlete of the Year trophy for the second time.

CARLOS YULO gets another recognition.

T

Renauld “Sonny” Barrios and the late Ambassador and basketball godfather Eduardo “Danding” Cojuangco Jr. (Lifetime Achievement Award).

Tennis player Alex Eala, and boxers Johnriel Casimero and Pedro Taduran will receive major awards, while boxing legend and Senator Manny Pacquiao will hoist the Chooks-to-Go Fan Favorite “Manok ng Bayan” trophy.

Twenty personalities and athletes who were frontliners during the pandemic will receive a special recognition.

A prayer will be offered to the athletes, officials and sports stakeholders who passed away in 2020.

TNT, Smart launch hoops management training program

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NT Tropang GIGA and Smart are launching a training program for basketball management as part of the organization’s effort to mold future leaders in the sport and become part of the coaching staff of Smart Communications Inc.’s professional team.

“Throughout my career, I have always tried to live according to my passion and purpose. This is an oft-repeated topic even in my talks,” TNT Tropang

GIGA Head Coach Chot Reyes said. “My passion has always been coaching and building teams— whether in sports or business.”

“And my purpose is to further the advancement of Filipino coaches, so we can, in turn help develop the next generation of Filipino leaders,” he added.

The program, Reyes said, aims to train talented career-driven basketball enthusiasts who

will eventually become part of the coaching or management staff of Tropang GIGA. “We hope that through this program, we’ll be able to develop not only individuals, but a whole new generation of professionals who can contribute to the well-loved industry of sports, particularly basketball,” said Ricky Vargas, TNT team governor and chairman of Philippine Basketball Association Board of Governors.

Maureen Kris Belen will lead the program’s first run.

“As a true fan of the league, for me to be part of such a high-caliber team like TNT Tropang GIGA, is really a dream come true,” Belen said.

Belen admitted that it is not easy to be a woman in the industry. But instead of taking it as a setback, she used the challenges to improve herself.

“The best thing about being a woman in this industry is that we tend to work harder than anyone in the room, because the pressure is doubled, the purpose is bigger,” she said.

“You don’t just do it for yourself, but for all the women out there, that’s what makes it so rewarding.”

A certified basketball coach, Belen managed sports events in Dubai, United Arab

Rotary Club of Manila fetes Yulo

Emirates, and kicked off her coaching career for a college basketball team in July 2017 and the Philippine National Police Women’s Basketball Team in 2019.

She was also part of the on-ground management team for the basketball competition during the 30th Southeast Asian Games.

“We owe it to basketball followers all over the country to acknowledge how vital the role of a leader on a sports team is to its overall success, and develop homegrown talent that demonstrates the right qualities,” said Al Panlilio, Smart Communications president and CEO and PLDT chief revenue officer.

HE Rotary Club of Manila named Tokyo Olympics-bound gymnast Carlos Yulo as the Jorge Vargas Outstanding Athlete of the Year for 2021 on Thursday.

Gymnastics Association of the Philippines President Cynthia Carrion-Norton received the award for the world champion gymnast during the ceremonies held at the Heritage Hotel in Pasay City. Yulo has been based in Saitama, Japan, for a year now, mastering the triple backflip in his floor exercise routine that could be the key to him winning the country’s first Olympic gold medal.

Joaquin Rodriguez, the club’s immediate past president and chairman of the Circle of Centennial of Rotary Clubs, told BusinessMirror Yulo garnered 44 votes in beating the other nominees—Rio 2016 weightlifting silver medalist Hidilyn Diaz (29 votes), world champion boxer Johnriel Casimero (22) and golfer Yuka Saso (20).

The Rotarians, Rodriguez said, picked Yulo for “braving the challenging conditions of the pandemic and for becoming a “symbol of inspiration for Filipinos, particularly the youth, exhibiting dedication, hard work and his world class talent.”

Rodriguez said the club intends to give the 21-year-old Yulo a P200,000 cash assistance for his training every three months.

“We want to sustain our support but we’ll be happier if he wins the gold in the Olympics,” said the 80-year-old Rodriguez, a Consul to Serbia and a former De La Salle varsity basketball player during the late 1950s.

The award was named after the late Jose B. Vargas, a lawyer, diplomat and youth advocate who was a founding member of the Philippine Amateur Athletic Federation, now the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC). He is the grandfather of former POC President and incumbent Philippine Basketball Association Chairman Ricky Vargas. Josef Ramos

THE program aims to mold future leaders in the sport and become part of the coaching staff of Smart Communications Inc.’s professional team.

PSC web series on dancesport

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HREE Filipina dancesport champions grace the Philippine Sports Commission’s (PSC) weekly web series Rise Up! Shape Up! on Saturday.

2019 Southeast Asian Games gold medalists Anna Leonila Nualla, Pearl Marie Caneda and Mary Joy Renigen will take the viewers to the nature of competitive dancing and performance.

Nualla won three gold medals in Viennese waltz, tango and five-dance, while Caneda garnered three golds in Cha-cha, Samba and Rumba in the Latin category in the SEA Games that the country hosted. Renigen, on the other hand, earned golds in waltz and foxtrot and a silver in quick step.

PSC Women in Sports Oversight Commissioner Celia Kiram recognized the

Russia wants Tchaikovsky music for anthem at Tokyo Olympics

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OSCOW—Russia wants to use music by 19th-century composer Pyotr Tchaikovsky as its replacement anthem for the Tokyo Olympics, the president of the country’s Olympic committee said Thursday.

Russia’s team name, flag and national anthem were banned for two years from the Olympics and world championships in December.

Russian Olympic Committee President Stanislav Pozdnyakov said officials had already discussed the Tchaikovsky excerpt with the International Olympic Committee and are waiting for approval. The same music was used at some speedskating events this year. In most other

sports which have held world championship events, the competition organizers’ anthems were used, rather than any Russian music.

“We have found a compromise for all the parties. We hope that the International Olympic Committee will accept our proposal in the short term,” Pozdnyakov said.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport this month blocked Russia’s first choice for the Olympics, the patriotic folk song “Katyusha.” It cited a provision in the December ruling that the team couldn’t use “any anthem linked to Russia.”

However, CAS hasn’t fully clarified what that means in practice—whether it will

value of dancing as an exercise and a sport.

“Dancing engages a person’s entire body as well as the mind. We have so much talent in the country in this field we should recognize,” Kiram said. “Aside from this, learning the choreography keeps your brain active while the movement addresses heart rate, blood circulation, balance and muscle movement.”

International choreographer Chips Beltran, coach and director of the 2017 and 2016 backto-back World Hip-Hop International Champions UPeepz, will also join the show. block any other music by Russian composers, or whether Russian officials should be allowed to choose at all. Pozdnyakov said that while Tchaikovsky was a Russian, his music should be considered “part of the world’s musical legacy.”

The Russian team in Tokyo will be officially known as “ROC,” and will use the flag of the country’s Olympic committee rather than the national tricolor.

Airbnb Inc., meanwhile, was asked to drop its sponsorship connections to next year’s Beijing’s Winter Olympics by a coalition of 150 human-rights campaigners.

The coalition is headed by groups that oppose rights violations in China including the detention of Muslim Uyghurs in the Xinjiang region.

Airbnb is one of the International Olympic Committee’s leading 15 sponsors. Included in the group are companies like Coca-Cola, Samsung, Visa, Toyota, Alibaba, Panasonic, Intel, and Procter and Gamble. AP

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