BusinessMirror May 18, 2022

Central Bank seen to raise rates this week By Bianca Cuaresma

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@BcuaresmaBM

N a recently published resea rc h note, econom ists from Standard Chartered said they now expect monetary policy normalization by the Central Bank to “begin earlier” and “move at a faster pace” after the solid growth rate posted by the country in the first quarter of this year. The Philippine economy grew at 8.3 percent in the first quarter of the year, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) announced earlier this week. “The Q1 GDP [gross domes-

tic product] print validates the narrative that the Philippines’ economic recovery has gained traction,” Standard Chartered said, while also raising its GDP forecasts to 8 percent for this year from the previous 7.5 percent due to the strong first quarter performance. BSP Governor Benjamin Diokno has earlier released a forward guidance of monetary policy exit to the market, saying they will start pulling out from their accommodative rates in the second half of the year. In Diokno’s latest comment after the announcement of the country’s growth numbers, he

said they “[stand] ready to adjust [their] monetary policy settings, should [they] see material risk of these supply-side pressures spilling over to the demand side.” Standard Chartered said they now project six consecutive policy rate hikes of 25 basis points each, starting in May and ending in December, to bring the policy rate to 3.5 percent by end-2022. The bank previously expected BSP to start hiking in August, by 50 basis points in the third quarter and 25 basis points per quarter until the third quarter of 2023, to bring the policy rate to 3.5 percent.

“We do not rule out a 50 basis point hike at upcoming meetings if inflation surprises significantly to the upside [6 percent level]. However, our base case assumes that BSP will opt for a measured and gradual pace of rate hikes to support a sustainable economic growth recovery amid still-elevated uncertainty due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, China’s slowdown, and global monetary policy normalization,” Standard Chartered said. The BSP is scheduled to have its monetary policy meeting on Thursday, May 19. This will be the third monetary policy setting meeting of the BSP for the year.

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Wednesday, May 18, 2022 Vol. 17 No. 222

P25.00 nationwide | 3 sections 30 pages | 7 days a week

FINANCIAL CONSUMERS’ PROTECTION NOW A LAW n

By Samuel P. Medenilla

FI pledges down 54.1% to ₧8.98B in Q1–PSA

@sam_medenilla

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MONG his last acts as chief executive, President Duterte signed into law a measure requiring financial service providers to strengthen mechanisms for protecting what the bill’s main sponsor described as “financial consumers’ rights to redress, information and privacy.” Duterte signed Republic Act (RA) No. 11765 or the Financial Products and Service Consumer (FPSC) Act, which will regulate financial service providers (FSP) and “investment providers” and giving regulators more muscle to run after the errant players. The new law tasked the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Insurance Commission (IC), and the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) to regulate FSPs. The so-called financial regulators will have the power to craft policies and conduct market surveillance and examination for FSPs. It could also impose restrictions on FSP which collect excessive and unreasonable interests, fees or charges, including all other interests, fees and charges covered under R A 10870 or the Philippine Credit Card Industry Regulation Law. Regulators were also allowed to sanction FSP, which violated the provisions of RA 11765 by disqualifying and/or suspending its executives or workers, imposition of fines or penalties, issuance of cease and desist order.

By Cai U. Ordinario

F RUBILEN AMIT bites her gold medal in women’s 9-ball of billiards. NONIE REYES

AMIT, CRAY, BARBOSA SCOOP GOLDS FOR PHL By Jun Lomibao

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ANOI—Rubilen Amit, Eric Cray and Kurt Bryan Barbosa snatched gold medals on Tuesday and although the mints came in trickles, the Philippines remained in the thick of the fight for the second and third places in the 31st Southeast Asian Games. Amit topped the women’s 9-ball for the country’s first gold medal in billiards at the Hadong District Sporting Hall, a victory that was expected of the multiple champion of local and international pool crowns. Amit beat Singapore’s Jessica Chan, 7-2, in the finals, with the Philippines

guaranteed of another gold medal in men’s 9-ball as Carlo Biado faces Johann Chua in an all-Filipino finals on Wednesday. Tokyo Olympian Barbosa, on the other hand, defeated Jaijulla Panachai of Thailand, 16-7, to dominate the men’s -54 kgs Kyorugi of taekwondo at the Tay Ho Gymnasium in Hanoi. Barbosa immediately got a congratulatory handshake from Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, president of the Philippine Olympic Committee which, like the Philippine Sports Commission, are fully supporting the Team Philippines campaign. Over at the My Dinh National Stadium, Cray proved his legs are ageless at 33

and annexed a seventh career gold medal by ruling the men’s 400 meters hurdles. Cray clocked 50.41 seconds to clinch

his fifth straight 400m hurdles’ SEA Games gold medal. He has won the event since 2013 in Myanmar. The Philippines has amassed 33 gold medals that went with 37 silvers and 46 bronzes as dusk set in on Tuesday, a haul that was good for third place behind host Vietnam and Thailand. The hosts continued to create separation in the race for the overall championship with 95 golds—with 62 silvers and as many bronzes—more than double the 40 golds the Thais have won so far. Singapore was six golds behind the Philippines with 27, while Indonesia had 26 and Malaysia 21 gold medals.

OREIGN investment pledges plunged in the first quarter of 2022 based on the latest data released by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). PSA said Approved Foreign Investments declined 54.1 percent to P8.98 billion in the first quarter of 2022 from the P19.55 billion in the same period in 2021. The data was obtained from approved investments by the six investment promotion agencies (IPAs) such as the Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (Afab), Board of Investments (BOI), Clark Development Corporation (CDC), Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (Ceza), Philippine Economic Zone Authority (Peza), and Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA). “No investment approvals were reported from BOI-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao [BOI-BARMM] for first quarter of years 2021 and 2022,” the PSA said. The data showed foreign investment commitments for the first quarter of 2022 were mainly driven by investments from Japan, which

See “Law,” A2

PESO exchange rates

@caiordinario

See “PSA,” A2

n US 52.4550 n japan 0.4064 n UK 64.6403 n HK 6.6822 n CHINA 7.7288 n singapore 37.7021 n australia 36.5664 n EU 54.7473 n SAUDI arabia 13.9843

Source: BSP (17 May 2022)

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BusinessMirror

Wednesday, May 18, 2022

‘Pandemic-proof supply chains with digitalization’ By Cai U. Ordinario @caiordinario

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IGITALIZATION will help protect the world’s supply chains from future pandemics and climate change, according to an expert from the Asian Development Bank (ADB). In an Asian Development Blog, ADB Trade and Supply Chain Finance Program Head Steven Beck said the Covid-19 pandemic has exposed the fragility of global trade and supply chains. These weaknesses can be addressed by digitalization which will not only promote transparency but will also “green” and make global trade “socially responsible.” “Digitalization will transform trade and supply chains but it won’t be an easy task. Industry and regulators need to agree on common systems and practices, governments need to upgrade or alter laws that now insist on trade deals being tracked by a paper trail, and tools like distributed ledger technology for transactions and QR codes rich in information about traded products need to become normalized,” Beck said. Beck added that the lack of transparency in

supply chains led to problems such as shortages of key medical goods early in the pandemic. Supply chain problems also cropped up during the pandemic which led to more expensive goods. “Supply chain issues that have persisted across a range of items ever since, have left everyone hyper-aware of the importance of that key global system. Multiple problems facing people in their daily lives are being explained by ‘supply chain issues,’” Beck said. Apart from future pandemics, Beck stressed the importance of responding to climate change, which has been cited as one of the primary concerns particularly in light of global efforts linked to the Paris Agreement. He said a 2016 study by McKinsey

estimated that more than 80 percent of greenhouse-gas emissions and more than 90 percent of the impact of the operations of consumer goods companies on air, land, water, biodiversity, and geological resources came from their supply chains. “It is clear that supply chains need to be the focus for any serious climate change alleviation. But other globally important issues need to be addressed through supply chains too,” Beck said. “Better-run and more transparent supply chains will help guarantee that unfair labor practices are weeded out of the global trading system, that gender equity exists in the workplace, and that poverty reduction is a side effect of growth,” he added.

Last year, B usiness M irror reported that shipping costs for exports have increased “10-fold” with outbound shipments being delayed by a month to three months at worst. Industry sources said the cost of shipping one dry container from Manila to the European Union has ballooned to $5,000 from the usual $800 (about P38,424.40 at current exchange rates). Shipping one 20-foot container from Manila to the US West Coast used to cost only about a maximum of $1,000 (P48,030.50); it’s now hitting $5,000 (P240,152.50). (Read the BusinessMirror story here: https:// businessmirror.com.ph/2021/05/06/ global-shipment-woes-additionalshocks-to-phls-food-supply-chain/).

PSA. . .

at P1.66 billion or 18.5 percent share, followed by Administrative and Support Service Activities with P977.37 million or 10.9 percent FI contribution. PSA data also showed majority of the approved foreign investments in the first quarter of 2022 is intended to finance projects in Calabarzon, worth P4.87 billion or 54.2 percent of the total. This was followed by Cagayan Valley with P1.66 billion or 18.5 percent; and Central Visayas with P986.59 million or 11 percent. Meanwhile, approved investments of foreign and Filipino nationals reached P190.57 billion in the first

quarter of 2022, an increase of 15.6 percent compared with P164.89 billion in the same period of the previous year. PSA said Filipino nationals continued to dominate the approved investments during the quarter, posting P181.59 billion worth of investment pledges or 95.3 percent share. Total approved projects of foreign and Filipino investors in the first quarter of 2022 were projected to generate 14,416 jobs. Of the total anticipated jobs for the period, approved projects with foreign interest were projected to generate 9,655 jobs based on the reports of IPAs.

Continued from A1

accounted for 39.7 percent of the total approved FI, followed by South Korea at 18.5 percent and Singapore at 18.2 percent. Japan committed P3.56 billion, while South Korea and Singapore pledged P1.66 billion and P1.63 billion, respectively. Manufacturing bested all other industries as it stands to receive P5.15 billion or 57.4 percent of the total FI pledges. Electricity, Gas, Steam, and Airconditioning Supply came in second, with investment commitments valued

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Law. . . Continued from A1

BSP and SEC were authorized to adjudicate civil cases of a financial consumer for a sum not exceeding P10 million. The decision of both bodies will be final and executory and may not be restrained or set aside by court except on petition on certiorari on the ground of grave abuse of discretion, or lack or excess of jurisdiction of the financial regulators. Any petition certiorari related to FSPs may be filed before the Court of Appeals. Financial regulators will set up a consumer redress for complaints handling mechanism to address the disputes between financial consumers and FSPs.

Poe hails signing

Senator Grace Poe, main sponsor of the measure as the chairman of the Committee on Banks and Financial Institutions, hailed Tuesday the timely signing into law of the FPSC Act. “At the core of the law are protection and reinforcement of the Filipino,” Poe pointed out, adding that “we expect financial service providers to establish and strengthen existing mechanisms to immediately assist consumer complaints, requests or inquiries and provide status on courses of action.” The senator noted that the law arms regulators with sufficient authority in effectively preventing fraud and timely addressing consumer issues, especially as more turn to digital services. “They are empowered to conduct market surveillance and examination, carry out market monitoring, formulate their own rules, and impose sanctions, including suspension of operations of financial service providers and reimbursement of lost money,” Poe added. She recalled that “we authored this measure and saw its passage through as its sponsor to ensure heightened level of protection for all

consumers,” stressing that “transactions, big or small, deserve quality and prompt attention.” “We must never let our people agonize on where their money went,” the senator stressed, adding that “inspiring trust and confidence in the system will lead us to our goal of greater financial inclusion.”

Implementing rules

Financial regulators will come out with the implementing rules and regulations for RA 11765 within one year from its effectiveness. Under RA 11765, investment advisers or “any person, who for compensation, engages in the business of advising others, either directly or through publications or writings, as to the value investments products or as to the advisability of investing in, purchasing, or selling investment products” will be covered by regulation of the SEC. Those, who will be exempted from the regulation for “investment advisers” are trust department/unit of banks; stand-alone trust entities; lawyer, accountant, engineer, or teacher, whose performance of such services is solely incidental to the practice of his profession; insurance agent, whose performance of such services is solely incidental to the practice of his profession; any investment banker or broker dealer, whose performance of such services is solely incidental to the conduct of his business; publisher of any bona fide newspaper, news magazine, or business or financial publication of general and regular circulation; other persons as the SEC may designate by rules and regulations, or appropriate order. Any violation of RA 11765 will be sanctioned with imprisonment of one year to five years and be fined P50,000, but not more than P2 million. The new law will take effect 15 days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two newspapers of general circulation.

With Butch Fernandez

The Nation BusinessMirror

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Editor: Vittorio V. Vitug • Wednesday, May 18, 2022 A3

Lacson says proud US bares fresh initiatives to uphold of his ‘legacy legis’ peace, security and stability in SCS By Butch Fernandez

@butchfBM

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HE Department of National Defense (DND) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday welcomed President Duterte’s signing into law of Republic Act 11709 that prescribed three-year fixed terms for officials holding key positions in the military hierarchy. “The principal objective of this law is to allow general officers sufficient time, i.e., three years timein-grade, to do their jobs. If they are not promoted to the next higher grade, they are retired,” Defense Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana said in a news statement. Principally sponsored by Senator Panfilo Lacson as co-author of the enabling bill, he affirmed, “This will now ensure implementation of merit-based promotions and attrition systems that will assure the AFP of a continuous pool of qualified and effective leaders.” Lacson assured that “finally, we will see an end to the revolving-door policy in the AFP,” stressing that the AFP leadership will now “have the opportunity to implement their legacy programs instead of staying in office too briefly.” Lorenzana added: “This ensures that only the best officers ascend the ladder of leadership. This also puts an end to the revolving-door system in the AFP leadership that resulted from the retirement law passed in 1979.” The defense chief has supported the law even during its initiation as a bill in Congress, whose main purpose was to stop the revolvingdoor policy wherein commanders are appointed to top military po-

sitions although they were merely have months in service. Lorenzana said the law would also limit the number of star-rank officers in the military, which he said earlier have been “too many.” “RA 11709 also limits the number of general officers to 0.01 per centum of the AFP’s total strength and will reduce the number of its general officers from the present 196 to 153, which we believe is the optimal number of generals to efficiently and competently lead the AFP,” he said. “We thank President Duterte for signing it into law RA 11709, which caps his vision and programs—higher pay, more troops, more brand new equipment, and improved health services—for a better and professional AFP that he implemented during his term,” the defense chief said. Meanwhile, the military said the new law would usher “stability” in the organization as it continues to fulfill its mandate as “protectors of the people and the State.” “This shall make the AFP a more efficient and effective organization and will contribute to the realization of our vision of a more credible Armed Forces which is a source of national pride,” military spokesman Col. Ramon Zagala said. Those covered by the three-year fixed terms were the AFP Chief of Staff, Vice Chief of Staff, Deputy Chief of Staff, The Inspector General, the Chiefs of Area Commands and the Chiefs of the Army, Air Force and Navy. The law also capped for four years the term of the superintendent of the Philippine Military Academy. With Rene Acosta

Abigail Binay sets leadership priority after Makati poll win By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco @claudethmc3

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FTER winning the mayoralty race in one of the richest cities in the country, Makati City Mayor Abigail Binay on Tuesday vowed to encourage entrepreneurship and support start-up companies and new businesses in the financial technology (fintech) industry. This will be made possible, Binay said, through a certification program at the University of Makati called RISE or Resiliency Innovation Sustainability and Entrepreneurship. Binay also said that she would improve the key priorities of the city government like the delivery of primary health-care services, support start-up companies and to be more visible in furthering programs that focus on climate action. She said that health-care services, particularly the health centers and

Bilibid Prisons convict faces raps for posing as BBM’s lawyer online

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USTICE Secretary Menardo Guevarra confirmed on Tuesday that a convict at the New Bilibid Prisons (NBP) in Muntinlupa was found to be the person posing as lawyer Vic Rodriguez, spokesman of presumptive President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. to solicit money using fake social media account. Guevarra identified the suspect as Ryan Ace Castillejo, who is serving sentence at the NBP for two counts of qualified theft. The justice chief said the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Special Action Unit managed to trace Castillejo at the NBP Maximum Security Compound and found in his possession a mobile phone and notebooks containing names of possibly past or prospective victims. Joel R. San Juan

lying in clinics, will focus on preventive medicine and education “rather than just treating illnesses.” The city, she noted, would also be more visible in furthering programs that focus on climate action. “Since we are currently holding leadership roles in international organizations, we will present and implement more programs concerning the environment, sustainable growth, and resilience,” she told the BusinessMirror. Binay, a reelectionist, won the mayoralty race against Joel Hernandez after garnering 338,819 votes or over 95 percent of the total votes cast. Hernandez got 16,640 votes. Binay was proclaimed by Commission on Elections officers Atty. Kimberley Alzate-Cu, election officer for District 1, and Atty. Jehan Lidasan Marohombasar, election officer for District 2 on May 10.

By Rene Acosta @reneacostaBM

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HE Asean bloc is moving towards a stronger stance on the issue of South China Sea (SCS) territorial dispute, even as the US bared fresh initiatives for member-states to enhance maritime domain awareness and other maritime-related undertakings. Asean’s stronger position was very evident during the recent US-Asean Special Summit where maritime security became a major point of discussion, according to two US officials during a teleconference with journalists from the region on Tuesday. “I think that during the discussions themselves, our view is that there are some very strong statements on the South China Sea and on the importance of living up to some basic principles of international law,” Edward D. Kagan, Spe-

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international law, including UNCLOS,” Assistant Secretary of State, Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs of the US State Department Daniel J. Kritenbrink said. “We reiterated our support for freedom of navigation and overflight. We also stated our support for the full implementation of the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of the Parties, and also we support an environment conducive to a code of conduct on the South China Sea while emphasizing that any code of conduct has to be consistent with international law,” he added. With maritime security as one of the themes during the summit, US Vice President Kamala Harris unveiled a $60-million fund for new regional maritime initiatives that seek to strengthen maritime law enforcement, improve maritime domain awareness and curb illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing.

“There were many initiatives that we announced, as we outlined in our fact sheet that was released on day one of the summit. And that fact sheet and its deliverables were all aimed at deepening our relations with a strengthened and empowered Asean,” Kritenbrinck said. The amount is part of the overall $150 million in new initiatives in Southeast Asia by the US, and this is aside from the $12.1 billion in development, economic, health and security assistance and more than $1.4 billion in humanitarian package it has provided to the region since 2002. The US has also invested more than $3.3 billion in public health alone since 2002. The Biden administration has also included in the fiscal year 2023 budget request of more than $800 million in bilateral assistance for Asean partners and more than $25 million to deepen relations with the region.

Romualdez gains Velasco’s support to be next House Speaker By Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz @joveemarie

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PEAKER Lord Allan Velasco on Tuesday endorsed House Majority Leader and Leyte 1st District Rep. Martin G. Romualdez as Speaker of the House of Representatives in the next Congress. Velasco expressed his support for his majority leader during their meeting in Makati City. “I believe that his election as Speaker of the 19th Congress will ensure that the legislative agenda of the incoming administration will be pursued and completed. Majority Leader Romualdez has my support and friendship,” Velasco said. Former Marikina City Rep. Miro Quimbo, incoming Party-list Foundation Coalition Inc. President and Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co, senior Deputy Majority Leader and Cavite Rep. Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla and Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Alfredo “Pido” Garbin also attended the meeting. Meanwhile, the two House leaders also discussed the official canvass by Congress of the votes for President and Vice President cast in the May 9 elections during their meeting. The tabulation will be done at the House premises in the Batasan complex in Quezon City. Congress will reconvene on Monday. The two leaders said they expect a speedy canvass and proclamation of the winners. Based on unofficial count, presumptive President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and incoming Vice President Sara Duterte have won the May 9 vote by a landslide. Velasco belongs to administration party PDP-Laban, which announced

Poe welcomes signing of foundling act into law EN. Grace Poe praised President Duterte and fellow lawmakers for early enactment of a law on “Foundling Recognition and Protection Recognition Act.” “I would like to express my sincerest gratitude to President Duterte for signing the Foundling Recognition and Protection Act into law,” Poe said Tuesday, adding she would “also like to thank my colleagues at the Senate and House for their overwhelming support for such an important measure.” In a statement, she noted “it would be untruthful to say that the law was not informed by my experiences when I ran for the presidency in 2016.” As a matter of fact, Poe added it

cial Assistant to the President and Senior Director for East Asia and Oceania of the National Security Council said as he recalled what transpired during summit. “I think that we left here feeling that there’s actually more alignment between our views and those of Asean as a group, as compared to some of the bilateral discussions than we had expected,” he added. During the meeting, US officials led by President Joe Biden and Asean officials were in consensus on the issue of disputed portions of the SCS, which was also clear in the joint statement that they issued later after the summit. “We are focused on ensuring peace and stability and prosperity across the South China Sea. We’re focused on ensuring that the key to maintaining peace, security, and stability in the region is ensuring that all disputes and all behavior are both resolved in, and rooted in

is exactly my experiences in that period that opened my eyes to the necessity of the law. “I experienced firsthand how foundlings were subjected to undue scrutiny for something that is completely outside their control,” she said. She admitted that “such unfair treatment made me realize that ample safeguards must be institutionalized to protect them from future attacks and declare, once and for all, that they are Filipinos who must be accorded with the same rights and privileges that are granted upon their fellow countrymen.” Poe recalled that as she said before, “this is a victory for both the adopted children and the adopting parents.” Butch Fernandez

its support for Romualdez over the weekend through its president, Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi. Cusi cited Romualdez’s track record in supporting the Duterte administration in the crafting of important pieces of legislation, such as the two Bayanihan laws, Covid-19 Vaccination Program Act,

the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises Act, and amendments to the Retail Trade Liberalization Act and the Public Service Act. “His track record speaks for itself. He is indeed one of the most hardworking Members of Congress. We believe that Rep.

Romualdez can bring the various political parties and blocs in the House of Representatives together to continue the legacy programs of the Duterte administration as well as shepherd in Congress the vision of President-elect Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for a more progressive Philippines,” Cusi said.

A4 Wednesday, May 18, 2022 • Editor: Vittorio V. Vitug

Economy BusinessMirror

MGB confirms resumption of Tampakan gold, copper mining project in S. Cotabato By Jonathan L. Mayuga @jonlmayuga

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ESCRIBED by the late former Department of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Regina Paz L. Lopez as an environmentally destructive project, the multibillion-dollar Tampakan Copper-Gold Project has finally seen the light of day after the biggest and final hurdle to starting the project has been removed. The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) has confirmed that the provincial government of South Cotabato has voted to lift the ban on the open-pit mining method that for years has stalled the $5.9-billion copper-gold mining project in the Philippines. In the absence of anti-mining officials, 11 Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) members, led by Glycel

Mariano-Trabado, unanimously voted for the amendment of the provincial Environmental Code, which included lifting the ban on open-pit mining. The passing of the amendments was done despite Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo Jr.’s recommendation to sustain the ban. The SP members’ move came just months after the open-pit mining ban was put in place by Lopez but was reversed by her predecessor, then-Secretary Roy A. Cimatu, who signed Department Administrative Order No. 2021-40 on December 23, in effect lifting the four-year-old ban on open-pit method of mining for copper, gold, silver, and complex ores in the country. The Tampakan Copper-Gold Project is expected to generate hundreds of jobs and livelihood in South Cotabato but Lopez had once said that a 700-football field

of open-pit mine would be catastrophic and the damage to the environment will be irreversible. The Tampakan deposit in South Cotabato represents one of the largest copper resources in the country and in the world. It has an estimated resource of 2.94 billion tons of ore grading 0.6 percent copper and 18 million ounces of gold. Anti-mining groups, meanwhile, hit the move of the SP of South Cotabato and urged Tamayo to veto the proposed amendments to the province’s Environmental Code. “Lifting the open-pit mine ban will allow mining projects to destroy life-giving watershed ecosystems within South Cotabato. The Tampakan mining project will destroy the Altayan-Taplan River ecosystems in the Quezon Mountain Range, while various coal mining projects are poised to ravage the Daguma Moun-

tain Range,” Leon Dulce, national coordinator of Kalikasan PNE said. Dulce said the Tampakan project is among the largest untapped copper-gold deposits in Asia, estimated to bring about P295 billion to the coffers of the incoming Marcos-Duterte administration. Senatorial candidate Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro chairs the developer of the Tampakan project, Sagittarius Mines Inc. “We will be left with Marcoslegacy areas like the Marcopper open-pit mines, forever scarred and polluted, unfit for the flourishing of life,” Dulce lamented. The anti-mining group Alyansa Tigil Mina, for its part, also condemned SP members of South Cotabato and accused the officials of hastily approving the proposed amendments without any discussion or votation.

DOLE and ILO tie up seeks to upgrade skills, competency of MSME workers

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VER 30,000 typhoon victims and distressed workers are the target beneficiaries of a new training program agreement between the International Labor Organization (ILO) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). ILO and DOLE signed early this month a memorandum of agree-

ment (MOA), which aims to boost the productivity and employability of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) workers. Under the accord, ILO will provide the training materials and capacity building for the national trainers endorsed by DOLE and other project partners, as well as the overall

monitoring of succeeding training program for entrepreneurs. The training will be implemented through ILO’s project on Bringing Back Jobs and Safety under the Covid-19 Crisis in the Philippines: Rebooting Small and Informal Business Safety and Digitally funded by Japan. Tonilyn Lim, ILO program techni-

cal adviser, said the training would be implemented in two tranches. The first will be under ILO’s Work Improvements in Small Enterprises for the Prevention and Mitigation of Covid-19 and through the workplace (WISE for Covid) Training and Sustaining Competitive and Resilient Enterprises (SCORE) training. Lim said the program, which started this month, would cover over 10,000 microenterprises and informal businesses from the manufacturing, services, agriculture, and construction that are not normally able to avail of mandatory Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) training. Meanwhile, SCORE will target areas like Region 4B and the National Capital Region, which both have a large number of small enterprises (30 to 100 employees) and involved in production and export activities. The second part of the ILO project involves a digital entrepreneurship targeting over 20,000 enterprises, which will start this month. Lim said WISE for COVID and the digital business training will prioritize beneficiaries from areas, which were affected by Typhoon “Odette” (international code name Rai) last month in Regions 5, 6, 7, 4B, 10, and 13. ILO Country Office for the Philippines Director Khalid Hassan said the agreement would hopefully help in the “human-centered” recovery of pandemic and typhoon-hit establishments and workers. “The ILO will partner with DOLE, workers and employers to promote safe and healthy workplaces, as well as to provide digital business development and financial services,” Hassan said. For his part, Labor Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III welcomed the new partnership, which is in line with the government’s National Employment Recovery Strategy. Samuel P. Medenilla

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DENR order prompts biodiversity protection in mineral extraction

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EPARTMENT of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Acting Secretary Jim O. Sampulna has recently issued an order seeking to strengthen biodiversity protection and conservation against mining operations. Sampulna handed down DENR Administrative Order (DAO) No. 2022-04, or the “Enhancing Biodiversity Conservation and Protection in Mining Operations,” which intends to provide guidelines on responsible mining to ensure the protection and mitigation of the negative effects of the activities on biodiversity. The directive, which covers all stages of on-shore and off shore mining operations, will intensify the strict implementation of responsible mining practices. “With this new order, we believe that mining companies will be more mindful of their practices in utilizing the country’s natural and mineral resources,” Sampulna said in a news statement. “We have repeatedly mentioned in the past that mineral extracting operations can be done responsibly, that the rich biodiversity within the mine site can be protected. Thus, this order is expected to support our responsible mining initiative,” he said. The new DENR order requires mining contractors; permit holders, and permittees to include biodiversity measures in their respective Environmental Work Program, Environmental Protection, and Enhancement Program, and Final Mine Rehabilitation and/or Decommissioning Plan.

These biodiversity measures will be integrated into all stages of mining operations, including exploration, development and utilization, closure, decommissioning and rehabilitation. The order also mandates the progressive rehabilitation, or temporary re-vegetation of disturbed areas, to be undertaken at every stage of a mining operation to restore minedout areas and allow regeneration of the biodiversity to preserve “ecosystem goods and services.” The order also prompts mining companies to integrate biodiversity conservation and protection in their Social Development and Management Program (SDMP), a five-year plan for mining contractors and per mit holders, which contains plans to support the development and empowerment of host and neighboring communities. DAO 2022-04 identified various SDMP measures such as “inclusion of biodiversity-friendly enterprises, propagation of native plants, development of green parks, promotion of agroforestry, and other wealth creation projects that would create green jobs to augment livelihood during and after mining.” The Biodiversity Management Bureau, Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau, and its regional counterparts, are also mandated to take part in relevant committees such as the contingent liability and rehabilitation fund steering committee, mine rehabilitation fund committee, and multipartite monitoring team. Jonathan L. Mayuga

DAR, private firm tap digital marketing to boost farmers’ production, income

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HE Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has partnered with AgriNurture Inc. (ANI) to use digital marketing and enhance the management capabilities of agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARB). A private company engaged in the importation and trading of highvalue crops, ANI will serve as the institutional buyer of agricultural products and provide an innovative digital facility to Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Organizations (ARBO). In a news statement, DAR Secretary Bernie Cruz said the partnership would greatly help farmers, saying it would boost the economic value of their agricultural yield. “These past years, through the DAR’s effort, our ARBs become the suppliers of the food requirements of various government agencies. At this juncture, ANI will become the first private sector [partner] that stands as the institutional buyer of our farmers,” Cruz said. Such a milestone, the DAR chief added, would bring more private entities to provide more opportunities to ARBs for a wider and larger market for their agricultural products.

Under a memorandum of understanding, the ARBOs of Regions 3 and Calabarzon are the initial beneficiaries of the partnership. They would be provided with an innovative digital facility customized for the agricultural sector to make it easy for farmers to adapt to the planned digital transformation of the agricultural industry. ANI President Antonio Tiu said they are honored to give the farmers an opportunity to level up their output, especially their high-value products such as fresh vegetables and fruits. “Together with DAR, we would also assist the ARBOs in coming up with a farm plan and management based on market requirements,” Tiu added. Meanwhile, DAR Support Services Office Undersecretary Emily Padilla said the partnership would help the ARBOs to grow more and encourage them to become more productive. “The e-commerce that would be offered to our ARBOs would help them connect easily with various merchants and ensure a market for their harvests through the institutional buyers and consumers,” she said. Jonathan L. Mayuga

DTI-BPS sets benchmark on human resource mgmt By Andrea San Juan

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HE Philippines is set to participate in the international standardization on human resource (HR) management, according to the Department of Trade and Industry’s Bureau of Philippine Standards (DTI-BPS). In a news statement on Tuesday, DTI-BPS noted that “regardless of size, it is important for any organization to be efficient in managing its human resources so that in times of unforeseen disruption, responding to change will not become a problem.” In December 2021, the DTI-BPS, the country’s National Standards Body (NSB), has signified its status as a participating member to ISO Technical Committee on Human Re-

source Management (ISO/TC 260). This provides an opportunity to be involved in the deliberation and drafting of International Standards on HR such as recruitment, retention, development, engagement, and deployment. Anticipating the benefit of applying ISO/TC 260 standards, the Philippines is being represented by a registered Psychometrician and Performance Management Consultant, Mr. Juan Paolo Arao. As a consultant, he provides advisory services in a broad area of human capital management services. He is the first Filipino to receive ISO 30414 certification. Arao believes that “people [regardless of position level] in the organization can be seen as an asset that yields return of investment contrib-

uting to profitability instead of an expense that needs to be reduced.” DTI-BPS subscribes to this belief, and has initiated its participation in international standardization. The trade industry noted in its statement “to be able to translate our output to a national position, DTI-BPS will spearhead the organization of a National Technical Committee that will mirror the ISO standardization activities on human resource management.” DTI-BPS added that interested stakeholders are encouraged to convey to agency the intention to participate in the undertaking. To know more on standards and technicalregulations,visittheDTI-BPS websiteatwww.bps.dti.gov.phorcall(02) 7751-4748 and (02) 7791-3126.

News BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Wednesday, May 18, 2022 A5

DOH logs local transmission of more infectious Omicron

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By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco

@claudethmc3

HE Department of Health (DOH) on Tuesday confirmed the local transmission of Omicron subvariant BA.2.12.1 in the country, but assured the public that response is underway to prevent its spread. Local government units (LGUs), DOH said, have already intensified the 4-Door Strategy to prevent further transmission of the virus. In an online media forum, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire also clarified that there is still no detection of “community transmission” of the said subvariant. Vergeire said that local trans-

mission means local cases have been detected, which cannot be epidemiologically linked to cases with significant international travel history, while community transmission is described as there is already huge or an increasing number of local cases whose links cannot be established anymore. Three new cases of Omicron sub-

variant BA.2.12.1 were detected in Western Visayas Region. “Itoponglatestsequencingresult,dito po tayo nakapagtalaga nitong tatlo nating bago na [In this latest sequencing result, wehaverecordedthreenew]subvariant na [of] BA.2.12.1. And we have detected this in Iloilo City,” Vergeire said. One case, she said, is a returning Overseas Filipino (ROF) who is fully vaccinated, while two others are local cases. One of the two local cases is fully vaccinated, while the vaccination status of the other one is still being verified. “At present, we have a total of 17 BA.2.12.1 cases: 16 local cases two in the National Capital Region, 12 Puerto Princesa City, two Western Visayas, and 1 ROF currently residing in Western Visayas,” she said.

Intensifying 4-Door strategy

WITH this development, Vergeire

said LGUs are now intensifying the 4-Door Strategy to prevent further transmission of the virus-Travel restrictions (Door 1) and intensified screening and testing at the border (Door 2) are not strongly considered now because of high vaccination coverage with the primary series and better treatment and management options for all severities of cases. Immediately detecting and isolating cases (Door 3) and strengthening health system capacity to prepare for a potential spike in cases (Door 4) shall be reinforced further. The DOH said after careful assessment of available data provided by the University of the Philippines -Philippine Genome Center (UPPGC), UP-PGC Visayas, Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM), and the regional/local epidemiology and surveillance units (R/LESUs), confirmed the local transmission of

Omicron subvariant BA.2.12.1. According to the DOH, the most recent evidence indicates that Omicron BA.2.12.1 is highly transmissible due to additional mutations, compared to the original Omicron strain. While this sublineage has so far not been observed to lead to more severe disease or fatality, it has the potential for immune escape. “Now that we have local transmission of Omicron BA.2.12.1, we must act fast. We are asking our health facilities and local government units to actively look for cases. Immediate isolation is advised for any person who has fever, cough, colds, sore or itchy throat, and other Covid-like signs and symptoms,” Vergeire said. Testing using RT-PCR, she stressed, is strongly advised during active surveillance as the method

also allows for genomic sequencing. “Large clusters should be prioritized for investigation and contact tracing for cases belonging to these clusters should be conducted,” Vergeire added. Special vaccination teams are being prepared for immediate deployment to areas where the subvariant has been detected to help provide additional population protection through vaccination and boosters, she added.

Better position

FOR his part, Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III said, “We are in a better position now to fight back against Covid-19. The DOH, through its Centers for Health Development and the LGUs, is now priming laboratory networks, temporary treatment and monitoring facilities, clinics, and hospitals to be ready.”

A6

BusinessMirror

Wednesday, May 18, 2022

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

No.

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

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

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

16.

LUO, GUI Customer Service Representative Mandarin Speaking 2.

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

17.

3.

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

18.

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

CONCENTRIX DAKSH SERVICES PHILIPPINES CORPORATION Bldg. F, Ayalaland, Technohub, Quezon City

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

ZHAO, ZHICONG Project Assistant

4.

Brief Job Description: Recommend which ALSINA system fits better for customer project

19.

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

5.

6.

7.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires HY CA VO Vietnamese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires LY A CHAN Vietnamese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires

DEXIN INTERNATIONAL IMPORT AND EXPORT CORP. Lot 3 E&e Cmpd., F. Santiago St., Parada, City Of Valenzuela

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

20.

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

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

8.

Brief Job Description: Initiate conversation to uncover customer needs.

Basic Qualification: Degree holder, fluently speak and write bahasa indonesian, vietnamese, and thai to cater foreign market. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

BIGDOLPHIN SERVICES INC. Ug-8, Ug-9 & Ug-11 Cityland 10 Tower 2, 154 H.v. Dela Costa St., Bel-air, City Of Makati WANG, CUIYUN Mandarin Finance Officer 9.

Brief Job Description: In charge of overseeing the financial transactions of the company. Tasked with developing budgets, monitoring transactions, and preparing financial reports. Create and implement financial policies to guarantee operational efficiency.

Basic Qualification: College Graduate. Fluent in Mandarin Language. Must work well under pressure and have excellent sense of priorities. Must have at least 1 year working experience. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

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

10.

EVDOKIMOV, VASILY Operations Superintendent Brief Job Description: Acts as the company’s representative.

Basic Qualification: Benchmarking vessel’s performance Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999

BPI/MS INSURANCE CORP. 11/f Ayala Life Fgu Center, 6811 Ayala Ave., San Lorenzo, City Of Makati IWABUCHI, ICHIRO President And Chief Executive Office 11.

Brief Job Description: Response for the general management of the company, which includes among others, to TAKAMURA, YUSUKE Sales Director

12.

Brief Job Description: Mainly responsible for attaining companywide annual production target (excluding broker and agent) HAMANO, AKIHIRO Sales Manager

13.

Brief Job Description: Monitor and prepares reports on execution of key strategic initiatives as approved by senior leadership of BPI.

Basic Qualification: Minimum of 10 years in a Senior Leadership role within a None-Life Insurance Industry. Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999 Basic Qualification: Excellent set of communications skills (English and Japanese) Salary Range: Php 90,000 - Php 149,999 Basic Qualification: Greet business acumen and understanding of Retail Bancassurance. Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999

CEBGO, INC. Cebu Pacific Bldg., Domestic Rd., Barangay 191, Pasay City

14.

QADDOURA (MIYAMOTO), CHIKAKO Atr First Officer

Basic Qualification: Licensed Pilot

Brief Job Description: Operates an airbus aircraft for commercial flight

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

CHINA CONSTRUCTION FRONT GENERAL DEVT. CORPORATION Unit 3001, Atlanta Center, 31 Annapolis St., Greenhills, City Of San Juan LIU, BORUI Commercial Manager 15.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for overseeing staff, suppliers and contractors, develop strategic plans.

21.

Basic Qualification: 3 to 5 yrs. working experience. Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

Basic Qualification: 3 to 5 yrs. working experience.

No.

Basic Qualification: 3 to 5 yrs. working experience.

VU DUC TUAN Vietnamese Customer Service Representative 34.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Know how to speak, write and read english; 3 to 5 yrs. working experience. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: University Degree in related field and 10+ years of experience (with at least 5+ years of progressive management experience) relevant experience preferred.

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

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming and outgoing calls, chats and emails.

22.

Brief Job Description: Immediately escalating serious complaints or issues that you are not equipped to deal with. VONG KIM PHUNG Vietnamese Speaking Customer Service Representative

23.

Brief Job Description: Immediately escalating serious complaints or issues that you are not equipped to deal with.

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

CHEAH JUN HOE Chinese Speaking Customer Financial Officer 35.

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

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

CHEN, HU Mandarin Construction Operations Specialist 36.

37.

Brief Job Description: The Mandarin Construction Operations Specialist will be a Strategist and a Leader able to steer the Company to Direction While Also Implementing its Vision, Mission and Long Term Goals

38.

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in Vietnamese.

EASYTECH SUPPORT INC. 9-11/f, 14/f Capella Bldg., Asean Drive Filinvest, Alabang, City Of Muntinlupa DANG, LI Basic Qualification: Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in mandarin 24. Brief Job Description: Recommends potential products or services to management Salary Range: by collecting information and analyzing customer needs Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 LIANG, JIYE Basic Qualification: Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in mandarin 25. Brief Job Description: Recommends potential products or services to management Salary Range: by collecting information and analyzing customer needs Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 LIAO, WAN-JU Basic Qualification: Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in mandarin 26. Brief Job Description: Recommends potential products or services to management Salary Range: by collecting information and analyzing customer needs Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 LU, JIANJUN Basic Qualification: Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in mandarin 27. Brief Job Description: Recommends potential products or services to management Salary Range: by collecting information and analyzing customer needs Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 WANG, MENG Basic Qualification: Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in mandarin 28. Brief Job Description: Recommends potential products or services to management Salary Range: by collecting information and analyzing customer needs Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 XU, XIONGHUANG Basic Qualification: Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in mandarin 29. Brief Job Description: Recommends potential products or services to management Salary Range: by collecting information and analyzing customer needs Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 ENOVELL-TECH Unit 1105 One Park Drive, 9th Ave. Cor. 11th Drive, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig Basic Qualification: SUN, HAIBAO Must be able to conduct Project Consultant research, surveys, and interviews to gain 30. Brief Job Description: understanding of the business Responsible in assisting the Project Manager in managing the progress and quality of the subcontractor Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999 Basic Qualification: YAO, AIHUA Must be able to conduct Project Consultant research, surveys, and interviews to gain 31. Brief Job Description: understanding of the business Responsible in assisting the Project Manager in managing the progress and quality of the subcontractor Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999 FIBERHOME PHILS., INC. U-19d 19/f Rufino Pacific Tower, 6784 Ayala Ave. Cor. V.a. Rufino St., San Lorenzo, City Of Makati Basic Qualification: WANG, RUI Proven experience as Project Manager project manager, excellent communication, interpersonal 32. Brief Job Description: and presentation skills. The project manager will be a strategist and a leader able to steer the company to the most profitable direction while also Salary Range: implementing its vision, mission and long term goals. Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 FLYING FUTURE SERVICES INC. 3/f Salcedo One Center, 170 Salcedo St., San Lorenzo, City Of Makati GAO, YUANMEI Basic Qualification: Mandarin Technical Support Specialist Can speak mandarin 33. Brief Job Description: Salary Range: Monitoring and maintaining computer systems and networks Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Brief Job Description: The mandarin construction operations specialist will be a strategist and a leader able to steer the company to the most profitable direction while also implementing its vision, mission and long term goals. LIN, HAIHUAN Mandarin Cost Control Officer

39.

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

Brief Job Description: The mandarin construction operations specialist will be a strategist and a leader able to steer the company to the most profitable direction while also implementing its vision, mission and long term goals. LI, SAN Mandarin Construction Operations Specialist

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

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

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in English and their respective Native Language for the position applied for; Fluent in Chinese Mandarin is an advantage Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

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

GUANGXI HYDRO ELECTRIC CONSTRUCTION BUREAU (GHCB PHILIPPINES CORPORATION) #58, Road 1, Project 6, Quezon City

CHEN, PENG Mandarin Construction Operations Specialist

Brief Job Description: Prepare airline and custom documentations.

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

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

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

Basic Qualification: Have skills in documentations.

HUANG, CHONG-FEN Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

GAO SHOU TECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENT, INC. 52/f Pbcom Tower, 6795 Ayala Ave. Cor. V.a. Rufino St., Bel-air, City Of Makati

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

YU, PEIJIN Chinese Cargo Office Agent

TRIEU DUNG DAT Vietnamese Speaking Customer Service Representative

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

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

DIGICHROM INC. Unit 2602 & 2603 26/f Pbcom Tower, 6795 Ayala Ave., Bel-air, City Of Makati

Basic Qualification: Able to Speak, Read, and Write Chinese Language

BIGCAT SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS, INC. 18/f Pbcom Tower, 6795 Ayala Avenue Cor. Rufino Street, Salcedo Vill., Bel-air, City Of Makati LY THI THANH DAO Vietnamese Language - Officer Customer Service

Brief Job Description: “The Director, Service Delivery is responsible for delivering high standards of service to customers by making the most effective and efficient use of call-center staff and technology resources. This position uses a range of measurements to monitor, analyze and plan improvements to call-center performance of a call center with a population of up to 1,100 staff members. To meet these responsibilities, the manager must be a combination of expert service provider, coach, trainer, mentor, motivator, and manager”

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree, background and knowledge on formwork, fluent in Spanish and English

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

Brief Job Description: Complete construction plan reproduction; support the project manager team.

JONNALAGADDA VENKATA, SRINIVAS Director, Service Delivery

ALSINA FORMWORK SOUTHEAST ASIA CORPORATION Unit 901 The Infinity Tower, 26th St., Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig OSCOZ PEREZ, SAYOA Project Manager

Brief Job Description: Complete construction plan reproduction; support the project manager team.

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

ACE VELOCITY CONSULTANCY INC. 37/f Lkg Tower, 6801 Ayala Ave., Bel-air, City Of Makati MO, YANG Chinese Speaking Solutions Consultant

Brief Job Description: Complete construction plan reproduction; support the project manager team. SHE, HAITAO Project Assistant

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

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION GUO, ZHIGANG Project Assistant

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Brief Job Description: The mandarin cost control officer will be a strategist and a leader able to steer the company to the most profitable direction while also implementing its vision, mission and long term goals. ZHANG, GUOZHONG Mandarin General Project Supervisor

40.

Brief Job Description: The Mandarin General Project Supervisor will be a Strategist and a Leader able to steer the Company to Direction While Also Implementing its Vision, Mission and Long Term Goals

WANG, CHENGWEI Mandarin Head Operation Project Supervisor 41.

Brief Job Description: Proven Experience as Mandarin Mechanical Superintendent Excellent Communication,

Basic Qualification: Proven Experience as Mandarin Mechanical Superintendent Excellent Communication, Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proven experience as mandarin construction operations specialist, excellent communication, interpersonal and presentation skills. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proven experience as mandarin construction operations specialist, excellent communication, interpersonal and presentation skills. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proven experience as mandarin cost control officer, excellent communication, interpersonal and presentation skills. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proven Experience as Mandarin Mechanical Superintendent Excellent Communication, Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: The Mandarin Head Operation Project Supervisor will be a Strategist and a Leader able to steer the Company to Direction While Also Implementing its Vision, Mission and Long Term Goals Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

ZHI, XIAOYING Mandarin Mechanical And Electrical Maintenance Supervisor 42.

Brief Job Description: The Mandarin Mechanical and Electrical Maintenance Supervisor will be a Strategist and a Leader able to steer the Company to Direction While Also Implementing its Vision, Mission and Long Term Goals LI, JINQI Mandarin Mechanical Superintendent

43.

Brief Job Description: The Mandarin Mechanical Superintendent will be a Strategist and a Leader able to steer the Company to Direction While Also Implementing its Vision, Mission and Long Term Goals

XIAO, YUNCHANG Mandarin Mechanical Superintendent 44.

Brief Job Description: The mandarin mechanical superintendent will be a strategist and a leader able to steer the company to the most profitable direction while also implementing its vision, mission and long term goals.

HUA, CHAO Mandarin Mechanical Supervisor 45.

Brief Job Description: The mandarin mechanical supervisor will be a strategist and a leader able to steer the company to the most profitable direction while also implementing its vision, mission and long term goals.

ZHOU, XIAODONG Mandarin Mechanical Supervisor 46.

Brief Job Description: THE MANDARIN MECHANICAL SUPERVISOR WILL BE A STRATEGIST AND A LEADER ABLE TO STEER THE COMPANY TO THE MOST PROFITABLE DIRECTION WHILE ALSO IMPLEMENTING ITS VISION, MISSION AND LONG TERM GOALS.

FU, YULIANG Mandarin Project Supervisor 47.

Brief Job Description: The Mandarin Project supervisor will be a Strategist and a Leader able to steer the Company to Direction While Also Implementing its Vision, Mission and Long Term Goals

Basic Qualification: Proven Experience as Mandarin Mechanical Superintendent Excellent Communication, Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proven Experience as Mandarin Mechanical Superintendent Excellent Communication, Interpersonal and Presentation Skills. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proven experience as mandarin mechanical superintendent, excellent communication, interpersonal and presentation skills. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proven experience as mandarin mechanical supervisor, excellent communication, interpersonal and presentation skills. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: PROVEN EXPERIENCE AS MANDARIN MECHANICAL SUPERVISOR, EXCELLENT COMMUNICATION, INTERPERSONAL AND PRESENTATION SKILLS. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proven Experience as Mandarin Mechanical Superintendent Excellent Communication, Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION LIU, SHUNXIANG Mandarin Quality Assurance/control Analyst

48.

Brief Job Description: The mandarin quality control assurance / control analysts will be a strategist and a leader able to steer the company to the most profitable direction while also implementing its vision, mission and long term goals. JIANG, GUANGHAI Mandarin Senior Project Supervisor

49.

Brief Job Description: The Mandarin Senior Project Supervisor will be a Strategist and a Leader able to steer the Company to Direction While Also Implementing its Vision, Mission and Long Term Goals YANG, SHENGFEI Mandarin Site Officer

50.

Brief Job Description: The Mandarin Site Officer will be a Strategist and a Leader able to steer the Company to Direction While Also Implementing its Vision, Mission and Long Term Goals HAN, MINGXING Mandarin Structural Maintenance Supervisor

51.

Brief Job Description: The Mandarin Structural Maintenance Supervisor will be a Strategist and a Leader able to steer the Company to Direction While Also Implementing its Vision, Mission and Long Term Goals WANG, WEI Mandarin Structural Maintenance Supervisor

52.

Brief Job Description: The Mandarin Structural Maintenance will be a Strategist and a Leader able to steer the Company to Direction While Also Implementing its Vision, Mission and Long Term Goals

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Proven experience as mandarin quality assurance/ control analyst, excellent communication, interpersonal and presentation skills. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proven Experience as Mandarin Mechanical Superintendent Excellent Communication, Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proven Experience as Mandarin Mechanical Superintendent Excellent Communication,

53.

Brief Job Description: Fluency in English and mandarin is essential/native speaker of Bahasa Indonesia.

63.

64.

65.

66.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proven Experience as Mandarin Mechanical Superintendent Excellent Communication,

67.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proven Experience as Mandarin Mechanical Superintendent Excellent Communication, Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

HINDUJA GLOBAL SOLUTIONS LIMITED 7th Floor Aeon Prime Centre, North Bridgeway Avenue Corner Alabang- Zapote Road, Northgate Cyberzone, Filinvest Corporate City, Alabang, City Of Muntinlupa JEARACOOP, APINYA Thai Speaking Associate

No.

Basic Qualification: Attends to customers’ inquiries and complaints regarding Philips products via phone calls and emails. responds to consumer inquiries regarding Philips products. Salary Range: Php 90,000 - Php 149,999

68.

69.

70.

71.

IMPRIMIS PHILIPPINES INC. Unit 3012 Tower 2, High Street South Corporate Plaza Cor. 9th Avenue And 26th Street, Bonifacio Global City, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig ZHANG, LEI Mandarin Speaking Head Of Operations 54.

Brief Job Description: Provide the strategic framework for operations; Liaise with Chinese Clients; Design and implement efficient processes and standard policies; Coordinate customer service operations and find ways to ensure customer retention.

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s Degree; With experience in Business Management, Computer/ Software, Marketing/Sales or related field; Fluent in both written and verbal Mandarin and English language.

72.

73.

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

JACCS FINANCE PHILIPPINES CORPORATION U-3806-3810, 38th Floor, Robinsons Equitable Tower, Adb Ave. Corner Poveda St., San Antonio, City Of Pasig MORISHITA, MOTOHIRO Senior Vice President/group Head-collection Control Group 55.

Brief Job Description: To Plan, Organize, Direct, Coordinate and Manage the overall operations of the company.

Basic Qualification: College Graduate, Good in Oral and Written Communication, Fluent in Japanese and English Language

74.

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

75.

JIU ZHOU TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL, INC. U-3401 34/f Pbcom Tower, 6795 Ayala Ave. Cor. V.a. Rufino St., Bel-air, City Of Makati LAN, CHUN-CHIEH Chinese Customer Service Representative 56.

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

TSENG, YUNG-CHIEH Chinese Operation Manager 57.

Brief Job Description: Manage and Direct Operations team to Achieve Business Targets

CHEN, YAO-AN Chinese Technical Support Representative 58.

Brief Job Description: Provides daily support to users of various computer system including questions, analyzing problems and quickly forming solutions to return systems to proper operation.

BUI THI ANH DAO Vietnamese Customer Service Representative 59.

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

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in English and their respective native language for the position applied for. Fluent in Chinese Mandarin is an advantage. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in SPeaking , Reading and Writing in English and their Respective Native Language for the Psoition Applied for , fluent in Chinese Mandarin is an Advantage

60.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for the consistent and sustained performance of all clinical operations

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Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in English and their respective native language for the position applied for. Fluent in Chinese Mandarin is an advantage.

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Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in English and their respective native language for the position applied for. Fluent in Chinese Mandarin is an advantage.

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

LEGATO HEALTH TECHNOLOGIES PHILIPPINES, INC. 24/f-29/f Alliance Global Tower, 36th St. Cor. 11th Ave., Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

KATARIA, SALIN Staff Vp - Medical Management

76.

Basic Qualification: BA/BS. 10-15 years of experience in a health care setting and clinical environment; or any combination of education and experience, which would provide an equivalent background Salary Range: Php 500,000 and above

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MELCO RESORTS LEISURE (PHP) CORPORATION City Of Dreams Manila, Aseana Ave. Cor. Roxas Blvd., Tambo, City Of Parañaque

PELAWATTA LIYANAGE, DON SUBHASH DEVAPRIYA Regional It Leader 61.

Brief Job Description: Perform as primary it point of contact for business units for strategy, planning and service discussions.

Basic Qualification: 10+ years of related it and/ or consulting experience managing complex it projects in medium to large size corporate environments and in operation of it systems. Salary Range: Php 500,000 and above

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

62.

AUNG CHIT HLAING Burmese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing Incoming Calls and Customer Service Inquiries

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

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NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION AUNG HTET OO Burmese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires AUNG KYAW Burmese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing Incoming Calls and Customer Service Inquiries AUNG MIN HTWE Burmese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries AUNG NYAN LIN OO Burmese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Able to Speak, Read, and Write Chinese Language

Basic Qualification: Able to Speak, Read and Write Chinese Language

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

Basic Qualification: Able to Speak, Read, and Write Chinese Language

Basic Qualification: Able to Speak, Read, and Write Chinese Language

HLA MIN HTAY Burmese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires HLAING MIN TUN Burmese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries JA HTOI LU Burmese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries. KAUNG HTET ZAW Burmese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries. KYAW MIN HAN Burmese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries. KYAW SEIN Burmese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries. MATE SIKE CHANT Burmese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries NANG NU YIN WIN Burmese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries NAY MYO OO Burmese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries SAN YIN WIN Burmese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries. SHWE NICK Burmese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires TUN WIN Burmese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires WIN MIN THANT Burmese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires. YIN HTAY Burmese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires. YU YU LAY Burmese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires. CHEN, DONGXIN Chinese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing Incoming Calls and Customer Service Inquiries CHEN, HUAXIN Chinese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

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91.

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

AUNG SAT PAING Burmese Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires

89.

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

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

CHAW ZAR LIN PYAE Burmese Customer Service Representative

88.

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires

No.

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

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

AYE NANDAR AUNG Burmese Customer Service Representative

A7

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

AUNG PYAE SONE KYAW Burmese Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires

Wednesday, May 18, 2022

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

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

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

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

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

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NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION JIANG, YINGLI Chinese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries KE, LIQIONG Chinese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries LI, XIANG Chinese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries LIU, JIAWEI Chinese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries. LIU, TONG Chinese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires. REN, WEI Chinese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires. RUAN, YUQUN Chinese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires. SHAO, MEILING Chinese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries. SHI, BAOQIANG Chinese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries. YADAV, RAJESH KUMAR Chinese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires. YANG, JIAHUI Chinese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires. ZHANG, FOTENG Chinese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires. ZHENG, SEN Chinese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires. ALBERTO Indonesian Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires BUN SAN PHUI Indonesian Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing Incoming Calls and Customer Service Inquiries CINDY YANG Indonesian Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries CUNG BUI BUI Indonesian Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries GUNAWAN Indonesian Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires IRWANSYAH Indonesian Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries. KIM SJHIN Indonesian Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries. LUNIE Indonesian Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries NEDY LIU Indonesian Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries NOVIYANTI Indonesian Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing Incoming Calls and Customer Service Inquiries PARAMITA Indonesian Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing Incoming Calls and Customer Service Inquiries SUDIMAN Indonesian Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires TJHIN JIT KHIAN Indonesian Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Able to speak, read, and write Chinese language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, read, and write Chinese language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, read, and write Chinese language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, read and write Chinese language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, read, and write chinese language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, read, and write chinese language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, read, and write chinese language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, read and write Chinese language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, read, and write chinese language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, read, and write chinese language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, read, and write chinese language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, read, and write chinese language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, read, and write chinese language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to Speak, Read, and Write Chinese Language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to Speak, Read and Write Chinese Language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, read and write Chinese language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, read and write Chinese language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to Speak, Read, and Write Chinese Language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, read and write Chinese language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, read and write Chinese language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, read, and write Chinese language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, read, and write Chinese language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to Speak, Read and Write Chinese Language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to Speak, Read and Write Chinese Language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, read, and write Chinese language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, read, and write Chinese language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

BusinessMirror

Wednesday, May 18, 2022

A6 A8

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

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NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION CHONG TECK SEONG Malaysian Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires CHOO CHIN FOO Malaysian Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires CHOO LEE KIEN Malaysian Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries LIM JIM KHANG Malaysian Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries OOI CHIK SIONG Malaysian Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing Incoming Calls and Customer Service Inquiries WONG WEI ONN Malaysian Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires. AU VAN THIN Vietnamese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries BE THI HAO Vietnamese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing Incoming Calls and Customer Service Inquiries BUI DUC CHINH Vietnamese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires BUI XUAN HUNG Vietnamese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries CHAU A CHANH Vietnamese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires CHI NGOC BICH Vietnamese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires CHIU A PHUONG Vietnamese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing Incoming Calls and Customer Service Inquiries DANG BAO CHAU Vietnamese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing Incoming Calls and Customer Service Inquiries DANG THI HUONG Vietnamese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing Incoming Calls and Customer Service Inquiries DANG THI NHO Vietnamese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries DAU VAN NAM Vietnamese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries DINH XUAN THANH Vietnamese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires DO THI LAN NHI Vietnamese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries DO THI THU Vietnamese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries DOAN NGOC VAN Vietnamese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries DONG VAN HIEU Vietnamese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries DUONG THI TUYET Vietnamese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires DUONG VAN THANH Vietnamese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires GIAP THI THU HUE Vietnamese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires GIENG KIM HUONG Vietnamese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Able to Speak, Read, and Write Chinese Language

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

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

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NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION HOANG THANH Vietnamese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires HOANG THI KHE Vietnamese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires HOANG THI NGAN Vietnamese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires HOANG THI NHUNG Vietnamese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires HOANG THI THAO Vietnamese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires HOANG VAN HIEU Vietnamese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries HONG LAM CU Vietnamese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries HUYNH CHI HONG Vietnamese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries. LAM MY NGOC Vietnamese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries. LAM THI HUYNH NHU Vietnamese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries. LAY QUANG MINH Vietnamese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries LUC VI THANH Vietnamese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries LUONG THU NGAN Vietnamese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries LUONG VINH THANH Vietnamese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries NGUYEN DINH NGUYEN Vietnamese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries NGUYEN LUONG SON Vietnamese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries NGUYEN MINH QUANG Vietnamese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries NGUYEN THANH TRUNG Vietnamese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing Incoming Calls and Customer Service Inquiries NGUYEN THI KIM TIEN Vietnamese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing Incoming Calls and Customer Service Inquiries NGUYEN THI MAI THOAN Vietnamese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries NGUYEN THI THANH VAN Vietnamese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries NGUYEN THI THU HUONG Vietnamese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries. NGUYEN THI THU MAI Vietnamese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing Incoming Calls and Customer Service Inquiries NGUYEN THI TINH Vietnamese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries. NGUYEN THI TUYET MAI Vietnamese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries. NGUYEN VAN CUONG Vietnamese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries.

www.businessmirror.com.ph

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Able to Speak, Read, and Write Chinese Language

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

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

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

Brief Job Description: Managing Incoming Calls and Customer Service Inquiries PHAM THI NHUNG Vietnamese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries. PHAN NGOC ANH Vietnamese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries. QUAT VAN TAM Vietnamese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries. THONG TAC PHI Vietnamese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires TRAN QUANG HUY Vietnamese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires TRAN QUOC KY Vietnamese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires TRAN THI HA Vietnamese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires TRAN VAN DUNG Vietnamese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires VO TAN PHAT Vietnamese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires VO THI NGOC TRINH Vietnamese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires. VU TRI KIEN Vietnamese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for managing credit/market rish of global corporate banking clients, coordinate with gcd relationship managers through obtaining credit approvals to achieve the dept’s financial target

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and inquiries, handling complaint, provide solutions, process customer accounts and file documents.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and inquiries, handling complaint, provide solutions, process customer accounts and file documents.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and inquiries, handling complaint, provide solutions, process customer accounts and file documents.

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and inquiries, handling complaints, provide solutions, process customer accounts and file documents. SUN, PENG Chinese Customer Service

186.

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

NINH VAN SON Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

SHI, ZHENGXI Chinese Customer Service

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

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

Brief Job Description: Managing Incoming Calls and Customer Service Inquiries

LYU, HAIBIN Chinese Customer Service

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

NINH VAN HAN Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

LI, HONG Chinese Customer Service

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

Brief Job Description: Managing Incoming Calls and Customer Service Inquiries

HU, BIRUI Chinese Customer Service

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

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

NGUYEN VAN NOI Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

Basic Qualification: Able to Speak, Read and Write Chinese Language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to Speak, Read and Write Chinese Language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to Speak, Read and Write Chinese Language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to Speak, Read and Write Chinese Language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, read and write Chinese language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, read and write Chinese language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, read and write Chinese language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, read, and write Chinese language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, read, and write Chinese language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, read, and write Chinese language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, read, and write Chinese language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, read, and write Chinese language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to Speak, Read, and Write Chinese Language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, read, and write Chinese language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, read, and write chinese language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: 4 yr college/university degree in accounting/finance, indepth knowledge of credit & corporate finance, n1 level proficiency in Japanese language Salary Range: Php 90,000 - Php 149,999

NEW ORIENTAL CLUB88 CORPORATION 3rd, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th & 10th/f, Pearl Marina Building Pacific Drive, Don Galo, City Of Parañaque

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

Brief Job Description: Managing Incoming Calls and Customer Service Inquiries

ARAI, KAITO Analyst For Global Corporate Banking

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

NGUYEN VAN NGOC Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

MUFG BANK, LTD. Oledan Square 15/f, 6788 Ayala Ave., San Lorenzo, City Of Makati

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

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and inquiries, handling complaints, provide solutions, process customer accounts and file documents. TANG, SHA Chinese Customer Service

187.

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

Basic Qualification: College graduate, preferably 1 year experience in the similar fields, speaks and write fluently (native language). Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate, preferably 1 year experience in the similar fields, speaks and write fluently (native language). Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate, preferably 1 year experience in the similar fields, speaks and write fluently (native language). Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate, preferably 1 year experience in the similar field and write fluently (native language) Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate, preferably 1 year experience in the similar field and write fluently (native language) Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate, preferably 1 year experience in the similar field and write fluently (native language) Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION WANG, GUOQING Chinese Customer Service

188.

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and inquiries, handling complaints, provide solutions, process customer accounts and file documents. WEI, QINGHUA Chinese Customer Service

189.

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and inquiries, handling complaints, provide solutions, process customer accounts and file documents. WU, QINGLONG Chinese Customer Service

190.

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and inquiries, handling complaints, provide solutions, process customer accounts and file documents. XIE, DAIHONG Chinese Customer Service

191.

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and inquiries, handling complaints, provide solutions, process customer accounts and file documents. ZHANG, XIAOLONG Chinese Customer Service

192.

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and inquiries, handling complaints, provide solutions, process customer accounts and file documents. ZHENG, YI Chinese Customer Service

193.

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and inquiries, handling complaints, provide solutions, process customer accounts and file documents. HTET NAING LIN Myanmari Customer Service

194.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and inquiries, handling complaint, provide solutions, process customer accounts and file documents.

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

195.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for Aftersales budget planning, commercial planning, and reporting. In charge of the national parts and service operational marketing strategy adaptation, controlling elements of the operational marketing mix (product range, pricing, communication and prominent and coordinating deployment with Field Force department.

Basic Qualification: College graduate, preferably 1 year experience in the similar field and write fluently (native language)

196.

Brief Job Description: To deputise for and assist the head teacher to lead and manage the school to ensure the achievement of excellent educational standards and to promote and safeguard the welfare of pupils in accordance with the national curriculum and agreed standards and criteria

197.

Brief Job Description: To train the local staff on the latest techniques of the different aspects of marine survey

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

209.

198.

Brief Job Description: Partner and General Manager who oversees all business operations of the Center.

210.

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

211.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate, preferably 1 year experience in the similar fields, speaks and write fluently (native language). Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Competency in Japanese Language (written and oral), proficient in Nissan system such as Dragon, SAP, NIMs, Global One CRM, ASPP panel etc. Strategy development and project management skills Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999

Basic Qualification: 5-10 years’ experience in working for British curriculum schools/post-graduate certificate of education (PGCE) or similar accreditation/ experience with computerbased training software

212.

213.

Basic Qualification: Appointive Position. Salary Range: Php 500,000 and above

214.

199.

Brief Job Description: Analyzes and maintains customer satisfaction reports LOW PUI LING Senior Mandarin/chinese-language Customer Service Specialist

200.

Brief Job Description: Train assigned employees in their areas of work including customer service related methods, procedures and techniques

Basic Qualification: A Native Speaker of the Indonesian Language (Spoken and Written) Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999 Basic Qualification: A Native Speaker of the Mandarin Language (Spoken and Written) Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

201.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for IT system management

215.

216.

202.

YANG, SEUNGJIN Korean Technical Support Staff Brief Job Description: Apply diagnostic utilities to aid in troubleshooting.

203.

Brief Job Description: Resolve issues and give information when appropriate to solve issues effectively and promptly. SURYATI Customer Service Officer

204.

Brief Job Description: Resolve issues and give information when appropriate to solve issues effectively and promptly.

HSU, FU - WEI Mandarin Customer Service Specialist Brief Job Description: Customer service LAI HEE PENG Mandarin Customer Service Specialist Brief Job Description: Customer service LAI, YI - HSIEN Mandarin Customer Service Specialist Brief Job Description: Customer service LIEW MAY KEI Mandarin Customer Service Specialist Brief Job Description: Customer service NGUYEN THI NHUNG Mandarin Customer Service Specialist Brief Job Description: Customer service NGUYEN TIEN THINH Mandarin Customer Service Specialist Brief Job Description: Customer service

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

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

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

MOITRA, RANJAN Vp - Process Improvement 217.

Brief Job Description: Work with rpa/platform/mini bots experts to identify and prioritize essential automation initiatives.

CHAU TIEU YEN Marketing Specialist 218.

Brief Job Description: Collecting Customer Information And Analyzing Customers’ Needs

Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999 Basic Qualification: Fluency in English and mandarin is essential/native speaker of Bahasa Indonesia. Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

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

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

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

Basic Qualification: Project management skills and change management skills. Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999

Basic Qualification: Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and CRM CMS software. Excellent written and verbal skills. With marketing background Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

VERTEX DIGITAL ENTERTAINMENT TECHNOLOGIES, INC. 1439 Adriatico Cor. Sta. Monica St., 072, Barangay 669, Ermita, City Of Manila

219.

220.

221.

WEI, QIAN Chinese It Specialist Brief Job Description: Maintain the Operations of Electronic Gaming Devices

ZHU, XIANLIANG Chinese It Specialist Brief Job Description: Maintain The Operations Of Electronic Gaming Devices

NGUYEN MINH DUC It Specialist Brief Job Description: Maintain the operations of electronic gaming devices.

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

Basic Qualification: Fluency in English and mandarin is essential/native speaker of Bahasa Indonesia.

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

TINGCLOUD DOCUMENTARY & MARKETING SERVICES OPC C-06 23/f Tower, 6789 Ayala Ave., Bel-air, City Of Makati

SPARVA INCORPORATED 7/f Insular Life Bldg., 6781 Ayala Ave., Cor. Paseo De Roxas, Bel-air, City Of Makati IVAN TEVANO LIM Customer Service Officer

Brief Job Description: Customer service

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin both oral and written

SUTHERLAND GLOBAL SERVICES PHILIPPINES, INC. 12th Floor Philplans Corporate Center, Kalayaan Avenue & Triangle Drive, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

SKYLUCK CORPORATION #360, Unit 243 Shaw Center Mall, Shaw Blvd. Penthouse Shaw I.t. Center, Addition Hills, City Of Mandaluyong Basic Qualification: Can speak and write fluent Korean language / preferably six (6) months experience in office staff.

DEWI Mandarin Customer Service Specialist

YU, ZHENHUA Chinese Speaking Digital Marketing Specialist

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

Brief Job Description: Customer service

LU HUEI ERN Chinese Speaking Digital Marketing Specialist

SEAGULL-WORLD INC. Unit 2807 28/f Cityland, Pasong Tamo Tower, 2210 Chino Roces Ave., Pio Del Pilar, City Of Makati ZHAO, PENGFEI Mandarin Speaking Technical Support

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

SPRITZER TRADING CORP. 37/f Lkg Tower, 6801 Ayala Ave., Bel-air, City Of Makati

RUNNINGMAN CORPORATION 8/f Techzone Bldg., 213 Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., San Antonio, City Of Makati SYLVIA SANNY Senior Indonesian-language Customer Service Support Staff

DARFIN Mandarin Customer Service Specialist

ZHENG, LI Chinese Speaking Technical Consultant

Basic Qualification: Marine survey expert Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999

Basic Qualification: Fluency in English and mandarin is essential/native speaker of Bahasa Indonesia.

SPEEDWELL INC. 5/f King’s Court 2 Bldg., 2129 Chino Roces Ave., Pio Del Pilar, City Of Makati

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

PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS SERVICE DELIVERY CENTRE (MANILA) LIMITED 15th/16th Flr., The 30th Corporate Center, Meralco Ave., Ugong, City Of Pasig SHARMA, NILESH General Manager

207.

208.

PHILIPPINE-JAPAN MARINE SURVEYORS & SWORN MEASURERS CORPORATION (P-NKKK) Sedcco Bldg. 5f, 120 Rada/legaspi St., San Lorenzo, City Of Makati TAKUSHIMA, TORU Vice President

206.

Basic Qualification: College graduate, preferably 1 year experience in the similar field and write fluently (native language)

Basic Qualification: College graduate, preferably 1 year experience in the similar field and write fluently (native language)

Brief Job Description: Resolve issues and give information when appropriate to solve issues effectively and promptly.

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

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

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

NORD ANGLIA INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL MANILA INC. Neo Chinatown Bradco Ave., Aseana, Tambo, City Of Parañaque FAZAKERLEY, PETER JOHN Deputy Head Of Secondary

205.

222.

NGUYEN THI VAN It Specialist Brief Job Description: Maintain the operations of electronic gaming devices.

Basic Qualification: 300 Vacancies College Graduate with Experience in Maintaining Gaming Devices, Fluent in Mandarin and English Speaking Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: 300 Vacancy College Graduate with Experience in Maintain Gaming Devices , Fluent in Mandarin and English Speaking Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: 300 vacancy, college graduate with experience in maintain gaming devices, fluent in mandarin and english speaking. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

WIKITECH SERVICES INC. Unit 25d 2/f Zeta Ii Bldg., 191 Salcedo St., San Lorenzo, City Of Makati LYU, MINGJIAN Basic Qualification: Mandarin Technical Support Can Speak Mandarin 224. Brief Job Description: Salary Range: Monitoring and maintaining computer systems and network Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 SAMUEL JONG JOON SIONG Basic Qualification: Mandarin Technical Support Can Speak Mandarin 225. Brief Job Description: Salary Range: Monitoring and maintaining computer systems and network Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 WISHLAND SOFTWARE TECHNOLOGY INC. 28/f Techzone Condo Corp., 213 Buendia Ave., San Antonio, City Of Makati CHEN, LE Basic Qualification: Chinese Language-customer Service Staff Foreign language speaking. 226. Brief Job Description: Salary Range: Deal with and help resolve customer complaints. Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

227.

228.

229.

230.

STANLEY YEO MAI FOU Chinese Language-customer Service Staff

Basic Qualification: Foreign language speaking.

Brief Job Description: Deal with and help resolve customer complaints. TANG, SHIQUN Chinese Language-customer Service Staff

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

Brief Job Description: Deal with and help resolve customer complaints. WEI, JUNLU Chinese Language-customer Service Staff

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

Brief Job Description: Deal with and help resolve customer complaints. TRINH THI LAN ANH Vietnamese Language-customer Service Staff

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

Brief Job Description: Salary Range: Deal with and help resolve customer complaints. Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 XUSHENG TECHNOLOGY CORP. Flr. No. 1-5 Bldg., No. 0050 F.b. Harrison St. Cor. Williams And Roberts St. Zone 4, District 1, Barangay 13, Pasay City BUI VAN VI Basic Qualification: Bilingual Customer Service Representative Excellent in bilingual languages speaking. 231. Brief Job Description: Build strong and lasting relationship with customer and Salary Range: provide excellent customer service experience. Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 DUONG THI THUY TRANG Basic Qualification: Bilingual Customer Service Representative Excellent in bilingual languages speaking. 232. Brief Job Description: Build strong and lasting relationship with customer and Salary Range: provide excellent customer service experience. Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 HA VAN LINH Basic Qualification: Bilingual Customer Service Representative Excellent in Bilingual Languages Speaking 233. Brief Job Description: Build strong and lasting relationship with customer and Salary Range: provide excellent customer service experience Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 HO DAU NHIN Basic Qualification: Bilingual Customer Service Representative Excellent in Bilingual Languages Speaking 234. Brief Job Description: Build strong and lasting relationship with customer and Salary Range: provide excellent customer service experience Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 HOANG THE LAM Basic Qualification: Bilingual Customer Service Representative Excellent in Bilingual Languages Speaking 235. Brief Job Description: Build strong and lasting relationship with customer and Salary Range: provide excellent customer service experience Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 HOANG THI NHUNG Basic Qualification: Bilingual Customer Service Representative Excellent in Bilingual Languages Speaking 236. Brief Job Description: Build strong and lasting relationship with customer and Salary Range: provide excellent customer service experience Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 NGUYEN THI HOAN Basic Qualification: Bilingual Customer Service Representative Excellent in Bilingual Languages Speaking 237. Brief Job Description: Build strong and lasting relationship with customer and Salary Range: provide excellent customer service experience Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 NGUYEN THI NHU Y Basic Qualification: Bilingual Customer Service Representative Excellent in Bilingual Languages Speaking 238. Brief Job Description: Build strong and lasting relationship with customer and Salary Range: provide excellent customer service experience Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 NGUYEN VAN CHINH Basic Qualification: Bilingual Customer Service Representative Excellent in Bilingual Languages Speaking 239. Brief Job Description: Build strong and lasting relationship with customer and Salary Range: provide excellent customer service experience Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 NGUYEN VAN HAO Basic Qualification: Bilingual Customer Service Representative Excellent in Bilingual Languages Speaking 240. Brief Job Description: Build strong and lasting relationship with customer and Salary Range: provide excellent customer service experience Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 NGUYEN VAN PHI Basic Qualification: Bilingual Customer Service Representative Excellent in Bilingual Languages Speaking 241. Brief Job Description: Build strong and lasting relationship with customer and Salary Range: provide excellent customer service experience Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 NGUYEN VAN THANH Basic Qualification: Bilingual Customer Service Representative Excellent in Bilingual Languages Speaking 242. Brief Job Description: Build strong and lasting relationship with customer and Salary Range: provide excellent customer service experience Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 TA THI HUYEN Basic Qualification: Bilingual Customer Service Representative Excellent in bilingual languages speaking. 243. Brief Job Description: Build strong and lasting relationship with customer and Salary Range: provide excellent customer service experience. Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 TRAN TRUNG DUC Basic Qualification: Bilingual Customer Service Representative Excellent in bilingual languages speaking. 244. Brief Job Description: Build strong and lasting relationship with customer and Salary Range: provide excellent customer service experience. Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 TRAN VAN TRONG Basic Qualification: Bilingual Customer Service Representative Excellent in bilingual languages speaking. 245. Brief Job Description: Build strong and lasting relationship with customer and Salary Range: provide excellent customer service experience. Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 VONG A TAC Basic Qualification: Bilingual Customer Service Representative Excellent in bilingual languages speaking. 246. Brief Job Description: Build strong and lasting relationship with customer and Salary Range: provide excellent customer service experience. Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 *Date Generated: May 17, 2022

Basic Qualification: 300 Vacancy, college graduate with experience in maintain gaming devices, fluent in mandarin and english speaking.

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

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

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

WANFANG TECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENT, INC. U-3501/02 35/f Pbcom Tower, Cor. Ayala Ave. & V.a. Rufino St., Bel-air, City Of Makati

223.

HUANG, YU-PING Chinese General Manager Brief Job Description: Oversee day-to-day operations.

A9

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION VUONG PHOI PHOI Customer Service Officer

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

NISSAN PHILIPPINES, INC. 8th Floor Ecoprime 32nd Street Corner 9th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig SUGAWARA, DAISUKE Aftersales Business Planning And Marketing Strategy Consultant

No.

Wednesday, May 18, 2022

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading, and writing in English and their respective native language for the position applied for. Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

ATTY. SARAH BUENA S. MIRASOL REGIONAL DIRECTOR

A10 Wednesday, May 18, 2022

TheWorld BusinessMirror

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

US Covid deaths hit 1 million; highest death toll in the world By Carla K. Johnson AP Medical Writer

T

he US death toll from Covid-19 hit 1 million on Monday, a onceunimaginable figure that only hints at the multitudes of loved ones and friends staggered by grief and frustration. The confirmed number of dead is equivalent to a 9/11 attack every day for 336 days. It is roughly equal to how many Americans died in the Civil War and World War II combined. It’s as if Boston and Pittsburgh were wiped out. “It is hard to imagine a million people plucked from this earth,” said Jennifer Nuzzo, who leads a new pandemic center at the Brown University School of Public Health in Providence, Rhode Island. “It’s still happening and we are letting it happen.” Some of those left behind say they cannot return to normal. They replay

their loved ones’ voicemail messages. Or watch old videos to see them dance. When other people say they are done with the virus, they bristle with anger or ache in silence. “’Normal.’ I hate that word,” said Julie Wallace, 55, of Elyria, Ohio, who lost her husband to Covid-19 in 2020. “All of us never get to go back to normal.” Three out of every four deaths were people 65 and older. More men died than women. White people made up most of the deaths overall. But Black, Hispanic and Native American people have been roughly twice as likely to die from Covid-19 as their white counterparts. Most deaths happened in urban areas, but rural places—where opposition to masks and vaccinations tends to run high—paid a heavy price at times. The death toll less than 2 1/2 years into the outbreak is based on death certificate data compiled by the Centers

for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics. But the real number of lives lost to Covid-19, either directly or indirectly, as a result the disruption of the health care system in the world’s richest country, is believed to be far higher. The US has the highest reported Covid-19 death toll of any country, though health experts have long suspected that the real number of deaths in places such as India, Brazil and Russia is higher than the official figures. The milestone comes more than three months after the US reached 900,000 dead. The pace has slowed since a harrowing winter surge fueled by the omicron variant. The US is averaging about 300 Covid-19 deaths per day, compared with a peak of about 3,400 a day in January 2021. New cases are on the rise again, climbing more than 60 percent in the

past two weeks to an average of about 86,000 a day—still well below the all-time high of over 800,000, reached when the omicron variant was raging during the winter. T h e l a r g e s t b e l l a t Wa s h i n g t o n N a t i o n a l C a t h e d r a l i n t h e n a t i o n ’s capital tolled 1,000 times a week ago, once for every 1,000 deaths. President Joe Biden on Thursday ordered flags lowered to half-staff and called each life “an irreplaceable loss.” “As a nation, we must not grow numb to such sorrow,” he said in a statement. “To heal, we must remember.” More than half the deaths occurred since vaccines became available in D e c e m b e r o f 2 0 2 0 . Tw o - t h i r d s o f Americans are fully vaccinated, and nearly half of them have had at least one booster dose. But demand for the vaccine has plummeted, and the campaign to put shots in arms has been plagued by

misinformation, distrust and political polarization. Unvaccinated people have a 10 times greater risk of dying of Covid-19 than the fully vaccinated, according to the CDC. “To me, that is what is just so particularly heartbreaking,” Nuzzo said. Vaccines are safe and greatly reduce the likelihood of severe illness, she said. They “largely take the possibility of death off the table.” Angelina Proia, 36, of New York, lost her father to Covid-19 in April 2020. She runs a support group for grieving families on Facebook and has seen it divided over vaccinations. She has booted people from the group for spreading misinformation. “I don’t want to hear conspiracy theories. I don’t want to hear anti-science,” said Proia, who wishes her father could have been vaccinated. Sara Atkins, 42, of Wynnewood, Pennsylvania, channels her grief into fighting for global vaccination and better access to health care to honor her father, Andy Rotman-Zaid, who died of Covid-19 in December 2020.

“My father gave me marching orders to end it and make sure it doesn’t happen again,” Atkins said of the pandemic. “He told me, ‘Politicize the hell out of my death if I die of this.’” Julie Wallace and her husband, Lewis Dunlap, had cellphone numbers one digit apart. She continues paying to keep his number. She calls it just to hear his voice. “It’s just so important to hear that sometimes,” she said. “It gives you a little bit of reassurance while also tearing your heart out.” Some have offered solace in poetry. In Philadelphia, poet and social worker Trapeta Mayson, created a 24-hour poetry hotline called Healing Verse. Traffic to the Academy of American Poets’ poets. org website rose during the pandemic. Brian Sonia-Wallace, poet laureate of West Hollywood, California, has traveled the country writing poems for hire. He imagines a memorial of a million poems, written by people who don’t normally write poetry. They would talk to those who are grieving and listen for points of connection.

www.businessmirror.com.ph

TheWorld BusinessMirror

Wednesday, May 18, 2022 A11

Kim Jong Un faces ‘huge dilemma’ on aid as North Korea cases surge By Hyung-Jin Kim & Kim Tong-Hyung

Sweden’s Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson, right, and the Moderate Party’s leader Ulf Kristersson give a news conference in Stockholm, Sweden, on Monday, May 16, 2022. Sweden’s government has decided to apply for a Nato membership. Henrik Montgomery/TT News Agency via AP

Turkey leader objects as Sweden, Finland seek Nato membership By Karl Ritter

The Associated Press

S

TOCKHOLM—Turkey’s president on Monday complicated Sweden and Finland’s historic bid to join Nato, saying he cannot allow them to become members of the alliance because of their perceived inaction against exiled Kurdish militants. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan doubled down on comments last week indicating that the two Nordic countries’ path to Nato would be anything but smooth. All 30 current Nato countries must agree to open the door to new members. Erdogan spoke to reporters just hours after Sweden joined Finland in announcing it would seek Nato membership in the wake of Russian’s invasion of Ukraine, ending more than 200 years of military nonalignment. He accused the two countries of refusing to extradite “terrorists” wanted by his country. “Neither country has an open, clear stance against terrorist organizations,” Erdogan said, in an apparent reference to Kurdish militant groups such as the banned Kurdistan Workers’ Party, or PKK. Swedish officials said they would dispatch a team of diplomats to Ankara to discuss the matter, but Erdogan suggested they were wasting their time. “Are they coming to try and convince us? Sorry don’t wear yourselves out,” Erdogan said. “During this process, we cannot say ‘yes’ to those who impose sanctions on Turkey, on joining Nato, which is a security organization.” Sweden has welcomed hundreds of thousands of refugees from the Middle East in recent decades, including ethnic Kurds from Syria, Iraq and Turkey. Turkey’s objections took many Western officials by surprise and some had the impression Ankara would not let the issue spoil the Nato expansion. Nato Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg over the weekend said “Turkey has made it clear that their intention is not to block membership.” In Washington, Swedish Ambassador Karin Olofsdotter was among those who said they were taken aback by Turkey’s objections. “We have a very strong anti-terrorist agenda and a lot of, almost, accusations that are coming out...are simply not true,” she said. Sweden decided Monday to seek Nato membership a day after the country’s governing Social Democratic party endorsed a plan for the country to join the trans-Atlantic alliance and Finland’s government announced that it would seek to join Nato. Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson warned that the Nordic country would be in a “vulnerable position” during the application period and urged her fellow citizens to brace themselves for the Russian response. “Russia has said that it will take countermeasures if we join Nato,” she said. “We cannot rule out that Sweden will be exposed to, for instance, disinformation and attempts to intimidate and divide us.” Moscow has repeatedly warned Finland, which shares a 1,340-kilometer (830-mile) border with Russia, and Sweden of repercussions should they pursue Nato membership. But Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday seemed to downplay the significance of their move. Speaking to a Russian-led military alliance of six ex-Soviet states, Putin said Moscow “does not have a problem” with Sweden or Finland applying for Nato membership, but that “the expansion of military infrastructure onto this territory will, of course, give rise to our reaction in response.” Andersson, who leads the center-left Social Democrats, said Sweden would hand in its Nato application jointly with Finland. Flanked by opposition leader Ulf Kristersson, Andersson said her government also was preparing a bill that would allow Sweden to receive military assistance from other nations in case of an attack. “The Russian leadership thought they could bully Ukraine and deny them and other countries self-determination,” Kristersson said. “They thought they could scare Sweden and Finland and drive a wedge between us and our neighbors and allies. They were wrong.” Once a regional military power, Sweden has avoided military alliances since the end of the Napoleonic Wars. Like Finland it remained neutral throughout the Cold War, but formed closer relations with Nato after the 1991 Soviet collapse. They no longer see themselves as neutral after joining the European Union in 1995, but have remained nonaligned militarily until now. After being firmly against Nato membership for decades, public opinion in both countries shifted following Russia’s February 24 invasion of Ukraine, with record levels of support for joining the alliance. The Swedish and Finnish governments swiftly initiated discussions across political parties about Nato membership and reached out to the US, Britain, Germany and other Nato countries for their support. On Sunday, Andersson’s party reversed their long-standing position that Sweden must remain nonaligned, giving Nato membership overwhelming support in Parliament. Only the small Left and Green parties objected when the issue was discussed by lawmakers on Monday. Left Party leader Nooshi Dadgostar, whose calls for a referendum on the matter were dismissed by the government, said joining Nato would raise tensions in the Baltic Sea region. “It does not help Ukraine,” she said. Andersson said Sweden would make clear that it doesn’t want nuclear weapons or permanent Nato bases on its soil—similar conditions as neighboring Norway and Denmark insisted on when the alliance was formed after World War II. During a visit to Helsinki on Monday, Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell said there is “very significant” support in Congress for welcoming Finland and Sweden to the alliance and that he expects ratification before the August recess. In a joint statement, Nordic Nato members Norway, Denmark and Iceland said they were ready to assist Finland and Sweden “with all necessary means” during the application process. Jan M. Olsen in Copenhagen, Denmark, Suzan Fraser in Ankara, Turkey, and Ellen Knickmeyer in Washington, D.C., contributed to this report.

S

The Associated Press

EOUL, South Korea—During more than a decade as North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong Un has made “self-reliance” his governing lynchpin, shunning international help and striving instead for domestic strategies to fix his battered economy.

But as an illness suspected to be Covid-19 sickens hundreds of thousands of his people, Kim stands at a critical crossroad: Either swallow his pride and receive foreign help to fight the disease, or go it alone, enduring potential huge fatalities that may undermine his leadership. “Kim Jong Un is in a dilemma, a really huge dilemma,” said Lim Eul-chul, a professor at Kyungnam University’s Institute for Far Eastern Studies in Seoul. “If he accepts US or Western assistance, that can shake the selfreliance stance that he has steadfastly maintained and public confidence in him could be weakened.” Doing nothing, however, could be calamitous. Since acknowledging a Covid-19 outbreak last week, North Korea has said “an explosively spreading fever” has killed 56 people and sickened about 1.5 million others. Outside observers suspect most of those cases were caused by the coronavirus. Whatever North Korea’s statecontrolled media says about those who are sick, the outbreak is likely several times worse. North Korea lacks sufficient Covid-19 tests, and experts say it is significantly understating deaths to avoid possible public unrest that could hurt Kim politically. Some observers say the stated death toll is low for a country where most of the 26 million people are unvaccinated and medicine is in short supply. The North’s apparent underreporting of deaths is meant to defend Kim’s authority as he faces “the first and biggest crisis” of his decade of rule, Nam Sung-wook, a professor at Korea University, said. T he North Korean outbreak may be linked to a massive military parade in Pyongyang in late April that Kim organized to feature new weapons and loyal troops. The parade drew tens of thousands of soldiers and residents from around the country. After the event, Kim spent several days taking dozens of commemorative group photos with parade participants, all of whom were without masks. Most of the photos involved dozens or hundreds of people. North Korea may be able to publicly hide the real number of deaths, but the country’s strengthened restrictions on movement and quarantine rules could hurt its agricultural cultivation. Its economy is already battered by more than two years of pandemic-caused border shutdowns and other curbs. Nor t h Korea is a l so wor r ied a b o ut a s h o r t a g e o f m e d i c a l suppl ies a nd food a nd d a i ly ne cessit ies t h at h ave d r ied up i n m a rkets du r i ng t he border c lo sures, Yang Moo-jin, a professor at Seou l ’s Un iversit y of Nor t h Korea n St ud ies, sa id. “They are experiencing another ‘arduous march,’’’ Yang said, referring to the state’s euphemism for a devastating famine in the 1990s that killed hundreds of thousands of people. Kim has previously rebuffed millions of doses of vaccines offered by the UN-backed COVAX distribution program. After the North admitted to an outbreak, South Korean and China offered to send vaccines, medicine and other medical supplies to North Korea. The United States said it supports international aid

efforts, though it has no current plans to share its vaccine supplies with the North. Receiving outside help would put the North, which is always intensely proud, despite its poverty, in a difficult position. Kim had repeatedly touted his country as “impregnable” to the pandemic during the past two years. On Saturday, however, he said his country faces “a great upheaval” and that officials must study how China, his country’s only major ally, and other nations have handled the pandemic. Nam, the professor, said Kim will likely eventually want to receive Chinese aid shipments, but not from South Korea, the United States or COVAX. “O vercoming ‘t he g reat up heaval’ with help from what North Korea calls American imperialists and from South Korea won’t be tolerated because that goes against the dignity of its supreme leader,” he said.

In this photo provided by the North Korean government, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, top, attends a meeting on anti-virus strategies in Pyongyang, North Korea, on May 14, 2022. Independent journalists were not given access to cover the event depicted in this image distributed by the North Korean government. The content of this image is as provided and cannot be independently verified. Korean language watermark on image as provided by source reads: “KCNA” which is the abbreviation for Korean Central News Agency. Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP

And North Korea will only accept Chinese aid if it’s made in an informal, unpublicized manner, because it’s “a matter of national pride,” analyst Seo Yu-Seok at the Seoul-based Institute of North Korean Studies said. He said China will likely agree to this because it views aid shipments as a way to bolster ties with a partner as it confronts the West. But Cho Han Bum, an analyst at Seoul’s Korea Institute for National Unification, said North Korea may look to South Korea for support because it questions the effectiveness of Chinese vaccines. He said South Korean shipments over the Korean land border would also be faster. Experts are divided over what support North Korea most needs. Some call for sending 60 million to 70 million vaccine doses to inoculate its people multiple times. Others

say it’s too late to send such a large volume, and that North Korea needs fever reducers, test kits, masks and other daily necessities more. Bec ause prevent ing a v ir us spread across the country’s unvaccinated population is already unrealistic, the aim should be providing a limited supply of vaccines to reduce deaths among high-risk groups, including the elderly and people with existing medical conditions, said Jung Jae-hun, a professor of preventive medicine at South Korea’s Gachon University. “Combating Covid-19 requires a comprehensive national ability, including the capacity for testing, treatment and inoculating people with vaccines,” Jung said. “The problem can’t be solved if the outside world helps with only one or two of those elements.”

A12 Wednesday, May 18, 2022 • Editor: Angel R. Calso

Opinion BusinessMirror

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editorial

Targeted assistance program for the poor

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ood-importing countries like the Philippines can now be included among the casualties of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The export ban on wheat imposed by India and the decision of Indonesia to limit the export of palm oil could only lead to higher food prices in the coming months. Flour-based products and other processed food products would become more expensive and would adversely affect the poor. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) recently decided to increase the suggested retail prices of 82 basic necessities and prime commodities (See, “DTI okays SRP increase for 82 basic commodities and prime necessities,” in the BusinessMirror, May 13, 2022). Among those that will see price adjustments are bread, canned fish, processed milk, manufactured instant noodles, flour, processed and canned pork and beef, and laundry soap. Of particular concern among the basic goods are instant noodles and canned fish as these are popular among poor consumers because they are affordable. Food and fuel prices would continue to rise and put a strain on the budget of Filipino households if the war in Eastern Europe drags on. Consumers who earn just enough to meet both ends meet now need to tighten their belts some more and make some adjustments in their purchasing decisions, such as choosing cheaper products. The poor, particularly those earning below the minimum wage, do not have much option. Due to their limited income, these families are more concerned about hunger and are likely to choose food that is filling over what is high in nutrients. Giving food assistance and selling cheaper food products are the most popular means of helping the poor cope with spiraling prices. The incoming administration would do well to carefully study programs aimed at assisting the poor given the government’s current fiscal situation. Assistance programs work well when they serve targeted beneficiaries, as opposed to a shotgun approach that could drain the national coffers. Prior to the enactment of the rice trade liberalization law, the National Food Authority incurred billions of pesos in debt because of its policy of “buying high and selling low.” Our incoming economic managers can learn from policies that fundamentally failed to achieve intended goals. The NFA procurement program, for example, helped stabilize the retail price of rice, but the government had to foot the bill as the food agency had to take out commercial loans to carry out its functions (See, “NFA assets may be sold to pay P145-billion debts,” in the BusinessMirror, February 20, 2019). Making good of the campaign promise to make food prices affordable entails creative ways to formulate policies that would not put pressure on the government’s fiscal situation. The pandemic has drained the resources of the government and caused the Philippines to incur additional debts (See, “PHL may need to generate P326B to pay for pandemic debts—Salceda,” in the BusinessMirror, May 16, 2022). We hope that our incoming economic managers would be able to find the right strategies that would allow the government to strengthen the country’s food security and provide social safety nets that do not enfeeble our national economy. Since 2005

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Gone are the days of almost empty seats in the UAAP Dennis Gorecho

Kuwentong Peyups

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remember watching basketball games of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) in the late ’80s and early ’90s with almost empty seats.

In 1986, the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons Men’s Basketball Team, under the guidance of legendary coach Joe Lipa, won over UE Red Warriors with star players Benjie Paras, Ronnie Magsanoc and Eric Altamirano. A year later, I entered UP Diliman as a freshman, but I still felt the championship euphoria as I often see Benjie Paras around the campus. Sadly, interest in the games dwindled. As chief photographer of Philippine Collegian from 1989 to 1991, I remember my coverages of the games with very few UP denizens inside the playing venues, mostly as required for PE classes. UP is one of the four founding members of the UAAP in 1938. There are presently eight member universities. From 2007 to 2014, except in 2008, UP was always at the bottom

The UP Fighting Maroons ultimately claimed their first championship in 36 years when they dethroned the Ateneo Blue Eagles in Game Three of the UAAP Season 84 Finals on May 13, 2022 at the MOA Arena. in the basketball category. And in 2014, UP lit up a bonfire at the Sunken Garden to mark one win after a 27-game losing streak in 720 days. A UP colleague aptly said that it wasn’t self-deprecation or sarcasm; but more than celebrating that one single win, it was to kick out and say goodbye to the long season of losses and welcome new beginnings with hope and a promise to get out of the slump. The UP Fighting Maroons won their first title all the way back in 1939 (Season 2), then followed it up 47 years later in 1986 (Season 49). It

was the same year when Edsa People Power happened wherein the dictator was ousted. Then there was the 36 years of championship drought, until its third title this year. The UP Fighting Maroons ultimately claimed their first championship in 36 years when they dethroned the Ateneo Blue Eagles in Game Three of the UAAP Season 84 Finals on May 13, 2022 at the MOA Arena. Not even the Friday the 13th jinx could spoil that long-coveted bid. UP won Game One of the finals (81-74); then the Blue Eagles took it back in Game Two (69-66). Game Three was an epic overtime win for UP (72-69), bagging the trophy. Malick Diouf led UP with 17 points, nine rebounds, and three steals. He averaged 12.3 rebounds, 11.7 points, 2.7 steals, 2.0 assists, and 1.0 block in

the series to win Finals MVP. The breakdown of the winning 72 points: Diouf 17, Cansino 14, Cagulangan 13, Rivero 9, Alarcon 8, Tamayo 6, Spencer 3, Lucero 0, Abadiano 0, Fortea 0. Quarter scores: 17-11, 31-27, 4647, 59-59 (overtime), 72-69. T he UP Fighting Maroons have earned the moniker “Cramming Maroons” due to their nailbiting, cardiac victories. Cramming is life for the UP community—even basketball games are no exception in that habit. A campus anecdote was that the varsity team was once known as the UP Parrots. It was replaced with a new moniker that revived the old (circa 1920s) name Maroons along with the adjective “fighting” to describe the sportsmanship attitude that the See “Gorecho,” A13

Conspiracy theorists flock to bird flu, spreading falsehoods By David Klepper | The Associated Press

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rad Moline, a fourth-generation Iowa turkey farmer, saw this happen before. In 2015, a virulent avian flu outbreak nearly wiped out his flock.

Barns once filled with chattering birds were suddenly silent. Employees were anguished by having to kill sickened animals. The family business, started in 1924, was at serious risk. His business recovered, but now the virus is back, again imperiling the nation’s poultry farms. And this time, there’s another pernicious force at work: a potent wave of misinformation that claims the bird flu isn’t real. “You just want to beat your head against the wall,” Moline said of the Facebook groups in which people insist the flu is fake or, maybe, a bioweapon. “I understand the frustration with how Covid was handled. I understand the lack of trust in the media today. I get it. But this is real.” While it poses little risk to humans, the global outbreak has led farmers to cull millions of birds and threatens to add to already rising

food prices. It’s also spawning fantastical claims similar to the ones that arose during the Covid-19 pandemic, underscoring how conspiracy theories often emerge at times of uncertainty, and how the internet and a deepening distrust of science and institutions fuel their spread. The claims can be found on obscure online message boards and major platforms like Twitter. Some versions claim the flu is fake, a hoax being used to justify reducing the supply of birds in an effort to drive up food prices, either to wreck the global economy or force people into vegetarianism. “There is no ‘bird flu’ outbreak,” wrote one man on Reddit. “It’s just Covid for chickens.” Other posters insist the flu is real, but that it was genetically engineered as a weapon, possibly intended to touch off a new round of

Covid-style lockdowns. A version of the story popular in India posits that 5G cell towers are somehow to blame for the virus. As evidence, many of those claiming that the flu is fake note that animal health authorities monitoring the outbreak are using some of the same technology used to test for Covid-19. “They’re testing the animals for bird flu with PCR tests. That should give you a clue as to what’s going on,” wrote one Twitter user, in a post that’s been liked and retweeted thousands of times. In truth, PCR tests have been used routinely in medicine, biology and even law enforcement for decades; their creator won a Nobel Prize in 1993. The reality of the outbreak is far more mundane, if no less devastating to birds and people who depend on them for their livelihood. Farmers in states like Wisconsin, Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota have already culled millions of fowl to prevent the outbreak from spreading. Zoos around the US have moved exotic bird exhibits indoors to protect their animals, and wildlife au-

thorities are discouraging backyard bird feeding in some states to prevent the spread by wild birds. The disease has also claimed bald eagles around the country. The first known human case of the H5N1 outbreak in the US was confirmed last month in Colorado in a prison inmate who had been assisting with culling and disposing of poultry at a local farm. Most human cases involve direct contact with infected birds, meaning the risk to a broad population is low, but experts around the country are monitoring the virus closely just to be sure, according to Keith Poulsen, director of the Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, an agency that tracks animal disease in part to protect the state’s agricultural industries. “I can guarantee you, this is the real deal,” Poulsen told The Associated Press. “We certainly aren’t making this up.” Poultry farms drive the local economy in some parts of Wisconsin, Poulsen said, adding that a devastating outbreak of avian flu could create real hardships for farmers as well as consumers. See “Conspiracy,” A13

Opinion BusinessMirror

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Ukraine mounts effort to rescue last fighters at steel mill

By Oleksandr Stashevskyi & Ciaran Mcquillan

Massacre video reopens wounds for missing Syrians’ families By Lujain Jo | The Associated Press

That hope evaporated the moment they saw him in a newly leaked video: He was among dozens of blindfolded, bound men who, one by one, were shot and thrown into a trench by Syrian security agents. “It shocked us to our core,” Siham Siyam said of the gruesome video, which was taken in 2013 and emerged late last month. “They killed him in cold blood ... No mother can accept to see her child being harmed this way,” Siham told The Associated Press from Germany, where she now lives with her family. The video has set off a wave of grief and fear rippling through the families of the tens of thousands of Syrians who disappeared during their country’s long-running civil war. After the video went online, thousands rushed to painstakingly scan through the footage online for traces of vanished relatives. Even as similar atrocities take place in Ukraine, the Syrian war’s years-old massacres and disappearances have gone unpunished and largely uninvestigated. Families of the missing who spoke to the AP describe an endless torture inflicted on them daily, not knowing their loved ones’ fate. The video was allegedly smuggled out of Syria by a pro-government militiaman who gave it to a pair of University of Amsterdam researchers, apparently in hopes it would help him get asylum outside Syria. The researchers worked to verify it and identify the location and some of the perpetrators. The British newspaper The Guardian first reported on the video in late April, and a fuller version of the video has since circulated widely online. “Even if the families’ loved ones do not appear in the video, the horrible images will be forever etched into their mind, and they will wonder if they faced the same fate,” Mohammad Al Abdallah, the Executive Di-

rector of the Washington-based Syria Justice and Accountability Centre, told the AP. He called Syria’s network of prisons the “Black Box,” with no information about who is held inside and who has been killed. Learning the truth brings a new kind of torment. Siham and her husband vow to watch the video every day, to see their son’s last moments alive and to bid him farewell. The video was stamped with the date April 16, 2013, two days after Wassim, a father of two who would now be 39, disappeared at a checkpoint near the Palestinian refugee camp of Yarmouk on the outskirts of Damascus. The 6 minute and 43 second clip shows members of Syria’s notorious Military Intelligence Branch 227 with a line of around 40 prisoners in an abandoned building in Tadamon, a suburb of Damascus near Yarmouk. For much of the war, the district was a front line between government forces and opposition fighters. The prisoners are blindfolded, with their arms tied behind their backs. One after another, the Branch 227 gunmen stand them at the edge of a trench filled with old tires, then push or kick the men in, shooting them as they fall. In a cruel game, the agents tell some — including Wassim — that they are going to pass through a sniper’s alley and that they should run. The men tumble onto the bodies of those who went before. As bodies pile up in the trench, some still move, and the gunmen shoot into them. Then the gunmen set the bodies on fire, presumably to erase all traces of the massacre. According to the Syrian Network for Human Rights, 102,207 people remain missing, more than 11 years since Syria’s conflict began. The group says the one most responsible for forced disappearanc-

es is the Syrian government with 86,792 people missing, an unknown number of whom vanished into the murky labyrinth of prisons. The Islamic State group was responsible for 8,648 disappearances, and armed opposition groups for 2,567. The rest were held by the US-backed Kurdishled Syrian Democratic Forces and alQaida-linked militants. One man who spoke to the AP said 25 of his relatives were taken from their homes in Tadamon by Branch 227 agents in July 2013. “We are sure they were killed the same way (as those in the video) because they were taken by the same people who appeared in the video,” said the man, who asked that his name not be made public. He said residents know of multiple pits in Tadamon where people were killed and later burned. Security agents who appear in the video were neighbors of the missing families and had known each other for over 30 years, he said. Among his missing relatives are children and a sister who went to check on her family two days after they were taken from their home. She never returned. His family’s tragedy didn’t end there. A few months later, a brother who wasn’t present the day his family disappeared was taken from a checkpoint. Years later, a photo of his tortured body appeared in a large file of photos and documents smuggled out by a dissident known as Caesar. In a May 9 open letter, 17 human rights and civil society organizations urged the U.N. Security Council to launch an investigation into the killings to bring to justice the perpetrators of the massacre and those who gave them orders. They also denounced international inaction over Syria, saying it has allowed Assad and his allies to continue to commit crimes against the Syrian people with impunity. Families of the disappeared described to the AP the years of anguish and fruitless searching, punctuated by waves of false hope. One man, Maher, said he still hopes his brother, missing since 2013, is alive and will one day be released. It’s a new blow every time

Conspiracy. . .

can institutions—including the news media—has fallen in recent years. Trust in science and scientific experts is also down, and along partisan lines. Moline, the Iowa turkey farmer, said he sympathizes with people who question what they read about viruses, given the last two years and bitter debates about masks, vaccines and lockdowns. But he said anyone who doubts the existence or seriousness of the avian flu doesn’t understand the threat. The 2015 outbreak was later determined to be the most expensive animal health disaster in US history. Moline’s farm had to cull tens of thousands of turkeys after the flu got into one of his barns. Workers at the farm now abide by a hygiene policy meant to limit the spread of viruses, including using different pairs of boots and clothes for different barns. Conspiracy theories are bound to flourish during times of social unrest or unease, according to John Jackson, dean of the Annenberg School of Communication at the University

of Pennsylvania. Before the Internet, there were likely just as many people who privately doubted explanations for big events, Jackson said. But they enjoyed limited opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals, few chances to win new converts, and no way to broadcast their views to strangers. Now, the conspiracy theories that gain wide popularity—such as the QAnon movement or discredited claims about Covid-19— work because they give believers a sense of control in a rapidly changing, interconnected world, Jackson said. While they can emerge after disasters, assassinations or plane crashes, they can also appear during times of social upheaval or rapid change. “There isn’t a phenomena on the planet, whether it’s the avian flu or 5G, that isn’t already primed for conspiracists,” Jackson said. “Now we have coronavirus, which has traumatized us so profoundly...we look at this same idea of bird flu with

completely new eyes, and we bring different kinds of conspiracy to it.” Claims that the avian flu is a hoax used to drive up food prices also highlight real-world concerns about inflation and food shortages. Worries that the flu is somehow linked to 5G towers underscore anxieties about technological change. Suggestions that it will be used to mandate vegetarianism, on the other hand, reflect uncertainties about sustainable agriculture, climate change and animal welfare. By creating explanations, conspiracy theories can offer the believer a sense of power or control, Jackson said. But he said they also defy common sense in their cinematic fantasies about vast, sprawling conspiracies of millions working with clockwork efficiency to undermine human affairs. “Conspiracy theories rest on the idea that humans have the capacity for keeping secrets,” Jackson said. “But they underestimate the reality that we aren’t very good at keeping them.”

easily fractured by politics and personal interest, the cheer “UP FIGHT!” reverberated during the past UAAP games as the UP Fighting Maroons fought UP style—“may giting at tapang.” Every point is worth screaming for. Each game became mini-reunions of Titos and Titas, with endless photo-ops and reminiscing of college days memories over coffee, lunch, merienda or dinner. In 2018 Season 81, UP’s bid for the championship trophy unfortunately ended when it lost to Ateneo. In 2019 Season 82, UP was defeated by UST during the Final Four round. In 2020-21 season 83, there was

no tournament due to the pandemic. In 2022, the Maroons had their best record as champions in Season 84. We celebrated with a bonfire the day after to give honor to our boys. The cheer “UP Fight” resonated inside the MOA Arena in every game as men and women who solidly believed in the team, including the support group Nowhere To Go But UP, stood by their side in their journey. The crowd was also chanting former team captain Paul Desiderio’s mantra “Atin ’to,” a battle cry that finally has gone full circle. “UP Fight” was modified this season to “UPink Fight” as part of the

systemwide campaign spearheaded by alumni and students calling for the conduct of a clean and honest election. Many wore pink themed shirts and chanted in support of the tandem of fellow alumni Leni Robredo and Kiko Pangilinan. It was a win as poetic and as heartfelt as the words of UP Naming Mahal, lovingly sang by many generations of Iskolar ng Bayan before the bonfire. UP Fight!

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EIRUT—For years, the Siyam family clung to hope they would one day be reunited with their son Wassim, who they believed was being held in a Syrian government prison after he went missing at a checkpoint nearly a decade ago.

The Associated Press

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YIV, Ukraine—Efforts were underway Tuesday to rescue the last of the defenders inside the Azovstal steel plant in the ruined city of Mariupol after Ukrainian officials said the fighters had “completed their mission” and there was no way to free the plant by military means. The Ukrainian military avoided using the term “surrender” to describe the effort to pull out of the steel plant to save as many lives as possible. Officials planned to keep trying to save an unknown number of fighters who stayed behind. It was unclear if soldiers evacuated to Russian-controlled areas would be considered prisoners of war. Ukraine’s deputy defense minister said more than 260 fighters, including some badly wounded, were evacuated from the plant Monday and taken to areas under Russia’s control. “The work to bring the guys home continues, and it requires delicacy and time,” said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. He said the evacuation to separatist-controlled territory was done to save the fighters who endured weeks of Russian assaults in the maze of underground passages below the plant. “Ukraine needs Ukrainian heroes to be alive. It’s our principle,” he said. Russian forces were pounding targets in the industrial heartland of eastern Ukraine known as the Donbas, and the death toll kept climbing with the war set to enter its 12th week. Ukraine made a symbolic gain when its forces reportedly pushed Russian troops back to the Russian border in the Kharkiv region. Video showed Ukrainian soldiers carrying a post that resembled a Ukrainian blue-and-yellow-striped border marker and then posing next to it. The Ukrainian border service said the video showing the soldiers was from the border “in the Kharkiv region,” but would not elaborate, citing security reasons. It was not immediately possible to verify the exact location. Zelenskyy thanked the soldiers, saying in a video message: “I’m very grateful to all the fighters like you.” Ukraine Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Maliar said 53 seriously wounded fighters were taken from the Azovstal plant to a hospital in Novoazovsk, east of Mariupol. Another 211 fighters were evacuated to Olenivka through a humanitarian corridor. She said an exchange would be worked out for their return home. Before the evacuations began, the Russian Defense Ministry announced an agreement for the wounded to leave the mill for treatment in a town held by pro-Moscow separatists. After nightfall Monday, several buses pulled away from the steel mill accompanied by Russian military vehicles. Maliar confirmed the evacuation had taken place. She said the “defenders of Mariupol” had fulfilled all their tasks, and it was impossible to “unblock Azovstal by military means.” “Mariupol’s defenders have fully accomplished all missions assigned by the command,” Maliar said. The commander of the Azov Regiment, which led the defense of the plant, said in a prerecorded video message released Monday that the regiment’s mission had ended with as many lives saved as possible. “Absolutely safe plans and operations don’t exist during war,” Lt. Col. Denis Prokopenko said. Elsewhere in the Donbas, the eastern city of Sievierdonetsk came under heavy shelling that killed at least 10 people, said Serhiy Haidai, the governor of the Luhansk region. In the Donetsk region, Gov. Pavlo Kyrylenko said on Facebook that nine civilians were killed in shelling. The western Ukrainian city of Lviv was rocked by loud explosions

Ukraine Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Maliar said 53 seriously wounded fighters were taken from the Azovstal plant to a hospital in Novoazovsk, east of Mariupol. Another 211 fighters were evacuated to Olenivka through a humanitarian corridor. She said an exchange would be worked out for their return home. early Tuesday. Witnesses counted at least eight blasts accompanied by distant booms. An Associated Press team in Lviv, which was under an overnight curfew, said the sky west of the city was lit up by an orange glow. The chairman of the Lviv Regional Military Administration said the Russians fired on military infrastructure in the Yavoriv district. The city of Yavoriv is less than 10 miles (about 15 kilometers) from the Polish border. Ukrainian border guards said they also stopped a Russian attempt to send sabotage and reconnaissance troops into the Sumy region, some 90 miles (146 kilometers) northwest of Kharkiv. Russia has been plagued by setbacks in the war, most glaringly in its failure early on to take the capital of Kyiv. Much of the fighting has shifted to the Donbas but also has turned into a slog, with both sides fighting village-by-village. Howitzers from the US and other countries have helped Kyiv hold off or gain ground against Russia, a senior US defense official said. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the US military assessment, said Ukraine has pushed Russian forces to within a half-mile to 2.5 miles (1 to 4 kilometers) of Russia’s border but could not confirm if it was all the way to the frontier. In another setback for Moscow, Sweden’s decided to seek Nato membership following a similar decision by neighboring Finland. That is a historic shift for the countries, which have been nonaligned for generations. Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson said her country would be in a “vulnerable position” during the application period. She urged her fellow citizens to brace themselves for disinformation or other attempts to divide them. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey, a Nato member, has objected to allowing Sweden and Finland to join Nato, saying they failed to take a “clear” stance against Kurdish militants and other groups that Ankara considers terrorists, and imposed military sanctions on Turkey. All 30 current Nato members must agree to let the Nordic neighbors join. Russian President Vladimir Putin said Moscow “does not have a problem” with Sweden or Finland as they apply for Nato membership, but that “the expansion of military infrastructure onto this territory will of course give rise to our reaction in response.” Putin launched the invasion on Feb. 24 in what he said was an effort to check Nato’s expansion but has seen that strategy backfire. Nato Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has said the membership process for both could be quick. McQuillan and Yuras Karmanau reported from Lviv, Ukraine. Mstyslav Chernov and Andrea Rosa in Kharkiv, Elena Becatoros in Odesa and other AP staffers around the world contributed.

Wednesday, May 18, 2022 A13

continued from A12

While the details may vary, the conspiracy theories about avian flu all speak to a distrust of authority and institutions, and a suspicion that millions of doctors, scientists, veterinarians, journalists and elected officials around the world can no longer be trusted. “Americans clearly understand that the federal government and major media have lied to them repeatedly, and are completely corrupted by the pharmaceutical companies,” said Dr. Joseph Mercola, an osteopath whose discredited claims about vaccines, masks and the coronavirus made him a prominent source of Covid-19 misinformation. Mercola’s interest in the bird flu dates back years A 2009 book for sale on his website, which Mercola uses to sell unproven natural health remedies, is titled “The Great Bird Flu Hoax.” Polls show trust in many Ameri-

Gorecho. . .

continued from A12

UP varsity teams must possess during the games. More than 30 years later after the second trophy, securing tickets became a challenging feat in every game due to the increasing number of enthusiastic fans eager to shout “UP Fight” as the maroons battle it out to earn the spot for the final games. The UAAP games galvanized an extraordinary sense of solidarity among UP constituents, often described as the microcosm of a highly diverse nation. An academic community all too

a prisoner release is announced, and his brother is not among them. “One tries to adapt throughout the years, but the wound reopens with every report that comes out,” he said, speaking on condition that he be identified only by his first name. His brother vanished while bringing home food aid from the U.N. agency that helps Palestinian refugees, known as UNRWA. Maher said hundreds of people were arrested while going to collect food boxes, so many that they became known as “death boxes.” Hoping to avoid arrest, people would send the elderly to collect the boxes, he said. His brother went four times; on the fifth, he was detained. If confirmation emerges that he is dead, “the wound would be cut wide open, and the real misery would start then,” Maher said. A racket of war profiteers preys on families, extorting large sums of money from them with false promises of an eventual release of missing relatives. Days after the video showing the killings came to light, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad issued an amnesty for hundreds of prisoners. Families flocked to a Damascus square, holding up pictures of missing relatives and pleading for information, according to videos on progovernment media outlets. Among them, profiteers circulated, telling families they could get their loved ones’ names on the release list in return for 50 million Syrian pounds — nearly $13,000 — Al Abdullah said. “These are all lies,” he said. Still, some families pay, desperate for any information. “How can I say no when my father’s life is on hold? ... How can I say no, even if I know they’re lying?” Wafa Mustafa told the AP from Berlin. The walls of her room are covered with pictures of her father, missing since he was taken from his home in 2013. “It’s crazy how after 11 years, and after we have left the country, the regime can still control us and control our mental and physical health,” Wafa said. “They control our existence.”

Peyups is the moniker of University of the Philippines. Atty. Dennis R. Gorecho heads the seafarers’ division of the Sapalo Velez Bundang Bulilan law offices. For comments, e-mail info@sapalovelez. com, or call 0917-5025808 or 0908-8665786.

A14 Wednesday, May 18, 2022

PHL rice stock as of March dips by over one-fifth–PSA

T

By Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas

@jearcalas

HE country’s rice inventory in March plunged by more than a fifth year-on-year to 1.632 million metric tons (MMT), as stocks in households dropped by a doubledigit rate, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said. The PSA said the country’s rice stocks as of March 1 was 447,590 MT lower than the 2.080 MMT recorded inventory in the same period of last year. “In contrast, the rice stocks inventory level increased by 1.4 percent over the previous month’s level of [1.609 million] metric tons,” the PSA said in its latest rice and corn inventory report released recently. Historical PSA data showed that rice stocks in March halted a

three-month skid in monthly staple inventory nationwide. The PSA said more than half of the country’s rice inventory as of March 1 were stored in households, while 37.4 percent were held by commercial entities (warehouses, wholesalers and retailers). The PSA added that the remaining 9.6 percent inventory were stored in National Food Authority (NFA) warehouses. Household rice inventory as of

March 1 reached 864,920 MT while stocks of the staple in commercial entities and NFA warehouses were estimated at 611,330 MT and 156,260 MT, respectively, based on PSA data. “Year-on-year, rice stocks inventory levels in the households and NFA depositories declined by -29.7 percent and -41.1 percent, respectively. On the other hand, an increase of 4.6 percent was observed in commercial warehouses/ wholesalers/retailers,” the statistical agency said. “Relative to their levels in the previous month, decrements were noted in the households and NFA depositories by -2 percent and -13.8 percent, respectively. Stocks in commercial warehouses/wholesalers/retailers showed an increase of 12.1 percent,” it added. In the same report, the PSA said the country’s total corn inventory as of March 1 declined by 28.7 percent to 448,310 MT from 628,370 MT. “Mont h- on-mont h, cor n

stocks inventor y dropped by -5.1 percent from its previous inventory level of [472,570] metric tons,” the PSA added. The PSA noted that corn inventory in households, which accounted for 26.4 percent of total stocks, and in commercial entities declined on an annual basis. Corn stocks in households reached 118,170 MT while those in commercial warehouses, wholesalers and retailers were at 330,140 MT, based on PSA data. “Corn stocks declined by -41.3 percent in the household sector and -22.7 percent in commercial warehouses/wholesalers/retail with reference to the same month of the previous year’s stocks inventory levels,” the PSA said. “A drawdown of -12.8 percent was recorded in commercial warehouses/wholesalers/retail in comparison with the February 2022 stocks inventory level. On the other hand, a growth of 25.5 percent was noted in the household sector,” the PSA added.

Bongbong offers posts to Laguesma, Ople

P

R ESUMP TI V E President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. flew to Australia for a “much needed rest and vacation” so he can enjoy his last few days as “citizen Bongbong” before he formally assumes office as president, said his spokesman Atty. Vic Rodriguez. In a media briefing on Tuesday, Rodriguez said that before he left for Australia, Marcos Jr. spoke to two people he is eyeing to serve in his Cabinet—former Labor Secretary Benny Laguesma and former Labor Undersecretary and now migrant workers’ advocate Susan “Toots” Ople.

Laguesma is reportedly being eyed to head the Department of Labor and Employment; and Ople, the newly created Department of Migrant Workers. Laguesma and Ople responded “warmly” to, and were honored by the offer, but asked Marcos Jr. for more time to consult their families and decide accordingly, said Rodriguez. In Australia, Rodriguez said, the Australian Prime Minister met with Marcos Jr., who earlier received congratulatory messages from the leaders of the US, China, Japan and the EU.

Rodriguez said there is still no decision on where to hold Marcos Jr’s inauguration. Considerations of the pandemic situation, plus the fact that Congress has not yet officially convened to canvass the votes for President and has not proclaimed him, militate against an early decision on inaugural venue. “We are mindful that we are still in middle of a pandemic. We are looking at traditional venues where inaugurations of past presidents used to be held,” said Rodriguez. The most common choice for

venue was Quirino Grandstand, near where a quarantine facility for Covid-19 patients is located. “We will wait for Congress to convene and formally proclaim” Marcos and presumptive vice president Sara Duterte Carpio, according to him. “We haven’t narrowed down the options for where to hold the inauguration, again, because we defer to the wisdom of Executive Secretary [Salvador] Medialdea, that we all have to wait for the official canvass to begin, and for President Bongbong to be officially proclaimed by Congress,” said his spokesman.

SIMPLIFY REQUIREMENTS FOR GETTING WAGE-HIKE EXEMPTION, GOVT TOLD By Andrea E. San Juan

T

HE Employers Confederation of the Philippines (Ecop) urged the government to streamline the requirements for securing exemptions from the minimum wage increase. Ecop President Sergio Ortiz-Luis Jr. noted that micro enterprises may not be able to comply with the government’s “numerous” requirements in applying for an exemption from the wage order. “In the past, the exemption is only good for one year. Also, there are numerous requirements. You have to prove that you’re in distress and some of them [micro enterprises] are understaffed. They have to get an accountant or a lawyer. So some of them might not even bother,” Ortiz-Luis said at the “Laging Handa” briefing on Tuesday. Ortiz-Luis has expressed concern that micro business enterprises that were badly hit by the pandemic may have difficulties complying with the latest wage order. “Many of the small enterprises are what you call marginally operating and some are complaining that the wage order came at a bad time,” he said in a mix of English and Filipino. On the wage increase’s impact on inflation, Ateneo Eagle Watch Senior Fellow Leonardo A. Lanzona Jr. told the BusinessMirror that the country could again see inflation reach double digits due to the combination of higher wages and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) decision to allow price increases for 82 basic commodities. Contrary to what Lanzona

said, however, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick T. Chua said earlier that increase in wages would only lead to a 0.15-percentage point impact on inflation. Meanwhile, Lanzona also told the BusinessMirror on Tuesday that the wage adjustment could lead to layoffs, particularly among Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). Lanzona said MSMEs may not have enough financial capacity, especially amid the pandemic, to provide their employees the increase in wages and trigger layoffs. “The wage may not increase inflation but more importantly cause an even higher unemployment. Firms may lay off workers rather than raise prices of their products,” Lanzona said. Lanzona also stressed that the government should be responsible for raising the welfare of workers. On Saturday, the BusinessMirror reported that around 1.4 million workers are expected to benefit from the new round of wage hikes approved by the regional wage boards in the National Capital Region (NCR) and Western Visayas. In a statement on Saturday, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board-NCR (RTWPB-NCR) issued Wage Order No. NCR-23 granting a P33 minimum wage hike in Metro Manila. Once it takes effect after its publication, the wage order will bring the daily minimum wage rate for non-agriculture workers to P570 and for agriculture workers to P533.

Companies

Editor: Jennifer A. Ng

Wednesday, May 18, 2022

Easing of tough curbs allows AllDay to hike Q1 core profit

A

By VG Cabuag

@villygc

llDay Marts Inc., the operator of the Villar-led AllDay supermarket chain, said its core profit for the first quarter grew 33 percent to P95 million from last year’s P71 million on strong sales.

In its disclosure, the company said its revenues grew 7 percent to P2.29 billion from last year’s P2.13 billion. “AllDay’s business results in the opening quarter of 2022 is a display of our strong operating fundamen-

tals across the chain,” Manuel B. Villar Jr., the company’s chairman, said. “This quarter showed that AllDay can capably navigate extraordinary circumstances, such as the Omicron surge early in the quarter—from January to mid-February of this year.”

“We immediately capitalized on the footfall improvement brought about by the downgrading of the pandemic restrictions to Alert Level 1, to which we attribute our satisfactory performance for the first quarter. It is a strong start to 2022, and we are confident in navigating the country’s continued recovery from the pandemic.” Camille A. Villar, AllDay vice chairman, said she expects the company’s in-store and e-commerce journeys will translate to even more customers discovering and patronizing the chain, which it intends to expand to 100 stores by 2026. “AllDay’s maiden quarter after our IPO [initial public offering] last December validates our implementation of our blueprint: an innovative

and elevated in-store and online experience at par with the best in the world. We are confident that the continuous fine-tuning of AllDay’s experience.” She said AllDay’s “comprehensive international selection and initiatives” including value-based pricing strategy, improved sourcing and a recently launched private label all performed to the company’s expectations, contributing to the chain’s gross profit margin improving to 20.4 percent. For the first quarter, the company opened its Worldwide Corporate Center in Mandaluyong, a new location in Metro Manila. For the balance year, AllDay’s expansion will prioritize Metro Manila and tier one cities across the country.

ISUZU DEALERS’ NETWORK PAYS TRIBUTE TO OUTGOING IPC CHIEF

The longest-serving president of Isuzu Philippines Corp. (IPC), Hajime Koso (right), is joined in a ceremonial toast by his successor, incoming IPC president Noboru Murakami (center) and Isuzu Gencars Corp. chairman D. Edgard A. Cabangon, who represented the IPC dealers’ network at the turnover ceremony of IPC’s presidency at Okada Hotel on Monday (May 16) night. RUDY ESPERAS

D

ESPITE the pandemic, Isuzu Philippines Corp. (IPC) hurdled the challenges and continued operating, thus providing the country’s business sector and workers a hedge amid the economic struggles. This stands out as the highlight of the seven-year tenure of outgoing IPC president Hajime Koso, under whose leadership IPC was able to expand its dealer network from 36 to 48, according to Isuzu Gencars Corp. chairman D. Edgard A. Cabangon, who represented the IPC dealers’ network in a speech capping the turnover of IPC’s presidency Monday night, from Koso to incoming president Noboru Murakami. During Koso’s record stint as the longest-serving IPC chief, a new Isuzu Outlet Standardization Design was also introduced, Cabangon said. The EURO-4, all-new DMAX and Mu-X were launched, reflecting Isuzu’s mission to cater to the needs of its customers, Cabangon recalled. These were “immediately welcomed with great anticipation and eventually soared to the top” among the vehicles most in demand in the industry, “Koso san’s administration focused not only on maintaining the reputation

of IPC” as a “responsible partner in the automotive industry but in elevating the IPC to new heights in terms of expansion and strengthening sales and aftersales service,” Cabangon said. Among all the milestones of IPC under Koso’s tenure is successfully hurdling the challenges of the pandemic. “Despite the economic struggles, IPC never ceased to operate and continued to be a formidable organization in the automotive industry,” Cabangon said. On a personal level, Cabangon said Koso has “always been focused and has a personal touch when dealing with business associates and partners,” something that endears him to Isuzu Gencars, as well as all the other IPC dealers. Still Cabangon expressed confidence that the “huge shoes” that Koso is leaving behind can be ably filled by his successor, Murakami. On behalf of all the IPC dealers, Cabangon assured Murakami of the same level of cooperation they extended to Koso. “With a solid and vast experience and expertise in the industry to back him up, we cannot feel anything but positivity on the leadership of Mr. Murakami,” he added.

Amherst expands Laguna operations

H

ealthcare products maker Amherst Parenterals Inc. is expanding its operations in Laguna with the opening of its new sterile liquid solution product line. The company recently inaugurated its P291.21-million production line, which will manufacture sterile liquid solutions for nebulization (respiratory therapeutic products). “This business decision of the company is very significant as the country continues to recover from the covid-19 pandemic,” BOI Executive Director Bobby Fondevilla said in his key message during the Amherst manufacturing facility’s inauguration which also coincided with the company’s 26th anniversary last April 29.

Registered with the Board of Investments (BOI) on September 23, 2021, the firm is a toll manufacturer of respiratory therapy nebules including but not limited to Salbutamol and Salbutamol + Ipratropium. Unilab Inc. President Sebastian F. Baquiran expressed his gratitude to the BOI for assisting the company in coordinating with relevant various government agencies in terms of facilitating permits and licenses. Specifically, the BOI led the repurposing project for Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs), disinfectants, and ventilators; and industrial coordination to ensure that oxygen is available across all hospitals in the country amid the Delta surge in 2021. Andrea E. San Juan

B1

Globe: Revenues of units leap in Q1

G

lobe Telecom Inc. said on Tuesday its non-telco revenues ba llooned by 252 percent in the first quarter, signaling that its “strategic shift to becoming a digital solutions platform has started to bear fruit.” The company said total non-telco revenues from its subsidiaries amounted reached P791 million in the first three months of 2022, “almost three times larger than the same period last year.” “We are optimistic about the growth prospects for new ventures in Globe’s expanding portfolio. We believe that our ceaseless innovation through various digital platforms, backed by the growing investment in our data network, will strengthen our leadership in the digital space,” Globe President Ernest L. Cu said in a statement. Among the non-telco subsidiaries of Globe are GCash, KonsultaMD, HealthNow, Adspark, Yondu, ECPay, and Asticom. “Our commitment to making continuous enhancements in our products and services are all geared towards empowering and uplifting Filipino lives,” Cu added. Globe decided to create ventures to become more than just a telco, but a digital solutions plat-

form, seeing the rise in demand for digital services due to the pandemic. In February, Globe announced that it allotted P89 billion for its capital expenditures (capex) program this year, a little lower than its actual capex spend in 2021. The amount–just 4 percent lower than the P92.8-billion capex spend in 2021, an all time high for Globe–will be used to build more cell sites, upgrade existing ones, deploy 4G and 5G radios, and add more fiber lines across the country, according to a Globe disclosure. Last year, Globe aggressively expanded its fixed line and wireless networks, building 1,407 new cell sites, upgraded over 22,300 mobile sites, installed more than 2,000 5G radios, and installed 1.4 million fiber-to-the-home lines. Aside from announcing its capital outlays program for 2022, Globe also reported that it netted P23.7 billion in profits last year, a 27-percent increase from P18.6 billion the year prior, thanks to the upside impact of the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises Act as well as the gain from the P4.3-billion deemed sale of investment in subsidiary Mynt. Lorenz S. Marasigan

B2

Companies BusinessMirror

Wednesday, May 18, 2022

Grocery, liquor units boost Q1 profit of Cosco Capital

C

By VG Cabuag

@villygc

osco Capital Inc., the listed retail holding firm of businessman Lucio L. Co, said its income in the first three months of the year rose 11 percent to P2.7 billion from last year’s P2.44 billion.

Consolidated revenues grew at a slower pace, at less than 3 percent to P40.68 billion in the first quarter from last year’s P39.57 billion. The company said it continued to benefit from a combination of the gross margin enhancements thru stronger suppliers supports, sustained strategic cost and expense

management as well as the income tax savings from the implementation of the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises Act. Grocery retailing businesses, Puregold Price Club Inc. and S&R Membership Shopping Club, contributed 68 percent of total core net income, followed by the liquor

distribution unit with 17 percent, commercial real estate segment with 14 percent while the group’s specialty retailing segment under Office Warehouse Inc. accounted for 1 percent. The grocery retail segment saw an increase in its consolidated revenues by less than 2 percent to P39.21 billion from the previous year’s P38.53 billion mainly driven by the increase in customer traffic in its Puregold supermarkets with the gradual reopening up of the economy and continued easing of community restrictions. The grocery retail segment also managed a 6-percent growth in net income to P2.15 billion from last year’s P2.02 billion resulting from the improvement in gross profit margins as well as strategic cost reduction measures. The Keepers Holdings Inc., the

largest imported liquor distribution in the Philippines, reported a 34 percent growth in its consolidated net income to P333.5 million for the first quarter from last year’s P247.6 million on strong sales performance augmented by management’s strategic cost control of its distribution, marketing and promotion expenses. Consolidated revenue grew 23 percent to P2.17 billion, on the back of a 17- percent growth in volume of cases sold totaling more than 831,000. “This was driven principally by the continued robust performance of Alfonso, the leading imported brandy in the market, which has already surpassed its pre-pandemic levels despite some challenges brought by the continuing impact of the Covid-19 lockdowns experienced during the year,” the company said.

SMC unveils master plan for Bulacan ‘aerocity’

D

IVERSIFIED conglomerate San Miguel Corp. (SMC) released on Tuesday a conceptual master plan for an “aerocity” in Bulacan, which is seen to complement its P740-billion New Manila International A ir port (NMIA) Project. Designed by Palafox Associates, the designs “reflect the vision of a modern Philippine city that provides built-in solutions to various socio-economic, environmental, and climate issues, and corrects the mistakes seen in many urban developments of Metro Manila,”

SMC President Ramon S. Ang said. “These designs presented to us by architect [Jun] Palafox and his team will be close to actual. There will probably be some adjustments by the time we implement, and we will still continue to improve as needed, but in terms of the overall concept, design, and the features, this is it,” he said. Both the airport and the aerocity will feature green designs to promote sustainability, addressing “social and environmental concerns.” Ang said the aerocity develop-

ment addresses many of the problems experienced in Metro Manila today, as it will feature areas for agriculture and food production, logistics, health and wellness, aeronautics, finance, science and technology, commerce, residences, education, tourism, entertainment, recreation, and government among others. The planned aerocity will also utilize renewable energy, and will accommodate both traditional and alternative modes of transportation, as well as promote active and healthier lifestyles.

It will also have “ample open spaces and utilize the latest in digital infrastructure.” Meanwhile, the conglomerate’s 2,500-hectare NMIA project will initially feature four parallel runways, a world class terminal, and a modern and interlinked infrastructure network that includes expressways and railways. The NMIA is an unsolicited proposal from SMC, which first floated the idea in 2016. It won the contract to build, operate, and maintain the facility in 2019, when no one challenged the proposal. Lorenz S. Marasigan

mutual funds

May 17, 2022

NAV

One Year Three Year

Five Year

per share Return*

Y-T-D Return

Stock Funds ALFM Growth Fund, Inc. -a

209.18

3.31%

-5.95%

-5.07%

-10.26%

ATRAM Alpha Opportunity Fund, Inc. -a

1.4231

16.07%

-3.12%

-1.44%

-14.49%

4.27%

-9.67%

-7.52%

-10.85%

ATRAM Philippine Equity Opportunity Fund, Inc. -a 2.8864

Climbs Share Capital Equity Investment Fund Corp. -a 0.7189 1.31%

-7.02% n.a.

-4.97%

First Metro Consumer Fund on MSCI Phils. IMI, Inc. -a 0.6769 1.74%

-6.58% n.a.

-12.19%

First Metro Save and Learn Equity Fund,Inc. -a

-3.16%

-2.45%

-8.66%

10.15%

-5.49%

-5.87%

-12.51% n.a.

-13.9%

4.7341

First Metro Save and Learn Philippine Index Fund, Inc. -a MBG Equity Investment Fund, Inc. -a

81.3

PAMI Equity Index Fund, Inc. -a

42.915

5.88% 0.7009 -11.83% 3.86%

-4.59%

Philam Strategic Growth Fund, Inc. -a

448.6

3%

-4.64%

-3.76%

-10.4%

Philequity Dividend Yield Fund, Inc. -a

1.2873

20.2%

0.64%

-0.04%

-5.09%

-2.48%

Philequity Fund, Inc. -a

-3.67%

-10.83%

32.9105

5.68%

-3.83%

Philequity MSCI Philippine Index Fund, Inc. -a

0.8476

5.57%

-4.89% n.a.

Philequity PSE Index Fund Inc. -a

4.4437

4.93%

-3.88%

-3.03%

-10.42%

Philippine Stock Index Fund Corp. -a

739.57

4.44%

-3.97%

-3.1%

-10.73%

Soldivo Strategic Growth Fund, Inc. -a

0.665

Sun Life Prosperity Philippine Equity Fund, Inc. -a 3.3402 Sun Life Prosperity Philippine Stock Index Fund, Inc. -a United Fund, Inc. -a

3.1083

-10.07% -9.96%

3.66%

-9.61%

-5.89%

-11.64%

3.54%

-6.86%

-4.45%

-11.53%

0.8424

4.18%

-4.28%

-3.34%

-4.52%

-2.24%

-9.57%

4.33%

-10.52%

-10.81%

Primarily invested in Peso securities (units) Philequity Alpha One Fund, Inc. -a

1.0709

Philippine Stock Index Fund Corp. -a

902.21 n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a.

7.73% n.a. n.a.

-7.9%

Exchange Traded Fund (shares) First Metro Phil. Equity Exchange Traded Fund, Inc. -a,c

99.8505

5.09%

-3.71%

-2.66%

-10.43%

Primarily invested in foreign currency securities (shares) ATRAM AsiaPlus Equity Fund, Inc. -b

$0.9249

Sun Life Prosperity World Voyager Fund, Inc. -a $1.5102

-23.71%

-1.67%

-1.03%

-17.9%

-10.54%

6.21%

5.69%

-18.21%

Balanced Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities (shares) ATRAM Dynamic Allocation Fund, Inc. -a

1.544

ATRAM Philippine Balanced Fund, Inc. -a

2.1226

First Metro Save and Learn Balanced Fund Inc. -a 2.5392

-3.49%

-2.72%

-8.75%

0.44%

-1.83%

-1.99%

-6.96%

2.96%

-0.24%

-2.34%

-0.35%

-5.64%

First Metro Save and Learn F.O.C.C.U.S. Dynamic Fund, Inc. -a 0.1968

6.55% n.a. n.a.

NCM Mutual Fund of the Phils., Inc. -a

1.8944

1.36%

0.21%

0%

-6.06%

PAMI Horizon Fund, Inc. -a

3.4798

-0.31%

-1.02%

-1.3%

-7.58%

Philam Fund, Inc. -a

15.605

-0.23%

-1.23%

-1.35%

-7.36%

Solidaritas Fund, Inc. -a

1.9879

1.7%

-1.64%

-1.43%

-6.29%

Sun Life of Canada Prosperity Balanced Fund, Inc. -a 3.3481 1.05%

-3.68%

-2.29%

-8.2%

Sun Life Prosperity Dynamic Fund, Inc. -a

-3.17%

-1.89%

-8.52%

0.8729

7.43%

-5.84%

Primarily invested in Peso securities (units) Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2028, Inc. -a

0.9095

-3.95%

-2.09% n.a.

-8.11%

Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2038, Inc. -a

0.8457

0.2%

-4.07% n.a.

-10.46%

0.87%

-4.45% n.a.

-10.81%

Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2048, Inc. -a

0.8329

Primarily invested in foreign currency securities (shares) Cocolife Dollar Fund Builder, Inc. -a

$0.03347

-11.27%

-2.81%

-1.18%

-11.78%

$0.9256

-13.26%

-17.94%

-1.24%

-0.68%

Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Advantage Fund, Inc. -a $4.0621 -10.41%

PAMI Asia Balanced Fund, Inc. -b

3.56%

3.74%

-15.41%

Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Wellspring Fund, Inc. -a,2 $1.0396 -10.98%

-0.11%

0.75%

-13.27%

Bond Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities (shares) ALFM Peso Bond Fund, Inc. -a

372.86

0.49%

2.27%

ATRAM Corporate Bond Fund, Inc. -a

1.8877

-1.33%

-0.02%

0.12%

0.16%

Cocolife Fixed Income Fund, Inc. -a

3.2327

0.28%

2.19%

3.43%

-0.35%

Ekklesia Mutual Fund Inc. -a

2.1975

2.34%

-0.38%

-2.8%

0.47%

0.97%

-2.4%

First Metro Save and Learn Fixed Income Fund,Inc. -a 2.4119 -0.89%

2.04%

1.7%

-0.58%

Philam Bond Fund, Inc. -a

-5.43%

1.39%

0.95%

-3.58%

2.74%

-0.37%

4.2383

Philam Managed Income Fund, Inc. -a

1.3142

-0.61%

3.04%

Philequity Peso Bond Fund, Inc. -a

3.8799

-2.3%

2.31%

2.2%

-2.17%

1.008

-1.88%

3%

1.75%

-1.96%

Sun Life of Canada Prosperity Bond Fund, Inc. -a 3.1404

-1.62%

2.68%

2.77%

-1.47%

1.88%

2.09%

-1.7%

Soldivo Bond Fund, Inc. -a Sun Life Prosperity GS Fund, Inc. -a 1.7011

-2.3%

Primarily invested in foreign currency securities (shares) ALFM Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -a

$481.65

-0.43%

1.88%

1.91%

ALFM Euro Bond Fund, Inc. -a

Є213.38

-2.87%

-0.43%

0.24%

-3.01%

ATRAM Total Return Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -b

$1.0624

-9.51%

-3.16%

-1.04%

-11.75%

-1.2%

-0.32%

-5.77%

First Metro Save and Learn Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -a $0.0245 -5.41% PAMI Global Bond Fund, Inc -b

-1.62%

$0.8995

-14.33%

-5.62%

-3.41%

-12.06%

$2.2289

-9.94%

-0.75%

0.19%

-11.05%

$0.0608738

-2.96%

1.33%

1.3%

-2.28%

Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Abundance Fund, Inc. -a $2.7543 -12.1%

-2.77%

-1.45%

-13.83%

Philam Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -a Philequity Dollar Income Fund Inc. -a

Money Market Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities (shares) ALFM Money Market Fund, Inc. -a

131.73

1.28%

2.34%

2.52%

First Metro Save and Learn Money Market Fund, Inc. -a

1.0622

1.04%

1.66% n.a.

1.53%

2.24%

2.49%

Sun Life Prosperity Peso Starter Fund, Inc. -a,1

1.3233

0.41% 0.43%

0.59%

Primarily invested in foreign currency securities (shares) Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Starter Fund, Inc. -a $1.063

0.6%

1.21% n.a.

0.23%

Feeder Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities (units) ALFM Global Multi-Asset Income Fund Inc. -a

43.2826 n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a.

Sun Life Prosperity World Equity Index Feeder Fund, Inc. -a 1.2056

0.46% n.a. n.a.

-12.82%

Primarily invested in foreign currency securities (units) ALFM Global Multi-Asset Income Fund Inc. -a a - NAVPS as of the previous banking day.

$0.8498

-14.16% n.a. n.a.

b - NAVPS as of two banking days ago.

c - Listed in the PSE.

-12.39%

d - in Net Asset Value per Unit (NAVPU).

1 - Renaming was approved by the SEC last July 8, 2021 (formerly, Sun Life Prosperity Money Market Fund, Inc.). 2 - Adjusted due to stock dividend issuance last November 25, 2021.

"While we endeavor to keep the information accurate, the Philippine Investment Funds Association (PIFA) and its members make no warranties as to the correctness of the newspaper’s publication and assume no liability or responsibility for any error or omissions. You may visit http://www. pifa.com.ph to see the latest NAVPS/NAVPU."

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PSE STOCK QUOTATIONS

May 17, 2022

Net Foreign Stocks Bid Ask Open High Low Close Volume Value Trade (Peso) Buy (Sell) FINANCIALs

ASIA UNITED BDO UNIBANK BANK COMMERCE BANK PH ISLANDS CHINABANK EAST WEST BANK METROBANK PB BANK PHIL NATL BANK PSBANK RCBC SECURITY BANK UNION BANK BRIGHT KINDLE COL FINANCIAL IREMIT MEDCO HLDG MANULIFE NTL REINSURANCE PHIL STOCK EXCH SUN LIFE VANTAGE

218,750 593,399,139 221,068 142,365,417 1,508,900 832,578 114,298,667.50 132,800 2,579,488 2,316,160 1,753,410 106,563,204.50 7,076,287 782,830 108,170 7,700 52,200 59,650 12,000 497,950 12,000 3,120

87,400 -125,647,059 -47,113,786.50 81,170 -436,803 16,264,575 1,854 -36,108,239 50,400 -68,030 -

INDUSTRIAL AC ENERGY 6.69 6.7 6.71 6.81 6.6 6.7 25,429,600 170,157,276 ALSONS CONS 1.02 1.06 1.15 1.16 1.02 1.06 6,193,000 6,799,550 29.4 29.5 29.2 29.55 29.1 29.5 2,033,400 59,725,775 ABOITIZ POWER BASIC ENERGY 0.395 0.4 0.37 0.4 0.37 0.4 9,820,000 3,832,100 20 20.4 20.5 20.55 19.9 20 1,351,900 27,084,237 FIRST GEN FIRST PHIL HLDG 66.5 68 65.4 70 65.4 66.5 1,360 91,081 330 330.4 330.4 332 330 330 263,700 87,077,694 MERALCO 17.6 17.66 17.54 17.6 17.1 17.6 820,600 14,301,310 MANILA WATER PETRON 3.26 3.28 3.25 3.28 3.23 3.28 216,000 704,290 4.99 5 5.09 5.09 5 5 165,600 828,594 PETROENERGY PHX PETROLEUM 9.9 10.18 10 10.18 9.9 10.18 101,400 1,009,146 12.12 12.14 12.36 12.36 12.02 12.12 3,071,500 37,334,274 SYNERGY GRID PILIPINAS SHELL 17.32 17.5 17.42 17.5 17.32 17.5 69,900 1,218,442 13.26 13.3 13.22 13.44 13.2 13.3 372,200 4,931,232 SPC POWER 1.74 1.75 1.61 1.75 1.61 1.75 79,453,000 135,198,130 SOLAR PH VIVANT 14.16 16.72 14.06 14.06 14.06 14.06 500 7,030 4.72 4.79 4.7 4.8 4.7 4.79 262,000 1,243,700 AGRINURTURE AXELUM 2.42 2.46 2.41 2.46 2.41 2.46 52,000 126,420 21.1 21.6 20.85 21.65 20.85 21.6 1,127,800 24,270,960 CENTURY FOOD DEL MONTE 13.2 13.24 13.34 13.34 13.2 13.24 118,700 1,572,388 7.1 7.14 7.15 7.25 7.09 7.1 673,100 4,796,251 DNL INDUS 19.3 19.32 19.3 19.4 19.16 19.3 3,547,400 68,536,746 EMPERADOR SMC FOODANDBEV 61.95 62.6 62 63 61.95 61.95 23,560 1,472,589.50 0.48 0.485 0.49 0.495 0.475 0.48 2,370,000 1,139,900 FIGARO COFFEE ALLIANCE SELECT 0.59 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.6 124,000 74,400 1 1.02 1.01 1.03 1.01 1.02 530,000 536,800 FRUITAS HLDG GINEBRA 106.5 108.2 107.6 108 103.6 106.5 24,090 2,578,102 206 207 210 210.6 203.2 207 895,610 185,209,802 JOLLIBEE 1.15 1.17 1.15 1.17 1.11 1.15 2,392,000 2,741,490 KEEPERS HLDG LIBERTY FLOUR 18.86 20.5 20.5 20.5 20.5 20.5 400 8,200 5.48 5.5 5.54 5.85 5.5 5.5 132,200 728,483 MAXS GROUP MG HLDG 0.121 0.129 0.12 0.128 0.12 0.128 140,000 17,120 14.4 14.6 14.32 14.64 14.08 14.6 26,251,800 379,593,510 MONDE NISSIN SHAKEYS PIZZA 7.3 7.4 7.6 7.6 7.4 7.4 29,000 214,951 0.5 0.51 0.495 0.55 0.495 0.5 450,000 229,100 ROXAS AND CO SWIFT FOODS 0.1 0.101 0.1 0.101 0.1 0.101 90,000 9,080 UNIV ROBINA 105.2 107.3 105.5 107.3 103.2 107.3 721,220 76,611,633 0.61 0.64 0.64 0.64 0.64 0.64 26,000 16,640 VITARICH VICTORIAS 2.5 2.67 2.52 2.52 2.5 2.5 351,000 878,760 45.1 47.7 47.7 47.7 47.7 47.7 100 4,770 CONCRETE A CEMEX HLDG 0.72 0.73 0.75 0.76 0.7 0.72 4,123,000 2,928,520 12.08 12.38 12.8 12.8 11.82 12.5 62,500 760,090 EAGLE CEMENT 3.59 3.6 3.63 3.65 3.58 3.59 796,000 2,870,600 EEI CORP HOLCIM 5.25 5.27 5.27 5.27 5.2 5.25 89,100 467,577 4.43 4.44 4.41 4.6 4.4 4.44 354,000 1,574,550 MEGAWIDE PHINMA 19.74 19.88 19.78 19.88 19.74 19.88 51,100 1,009,276 0.71 0.78 0.78 0.78 0.78 0.78 1,000 780 TKC METALS VULCAN INDL 0.82 0.83 0.82 0.84 0.82 0.82 921,000 760,900 1.81 1.84 1.81 1.81 1.81 1.81 62,000 112,220 CROWN ASIA 1.01 1.08 1.08 1.08 1.08 1.08 1,000 1,080 EUROMED MABUHAY VINYL 4.3 4.41 4.21 4.4 4.21 4.4 22,000 93,000 5.33 5.52 5.5 5.52 5.3 5.52 101,100 539,072 PRYCE CORP CONCEPCION 18.5 18.96 18 18.96 18 18.96 11,700 211,550 1.48 1.5 1.5 1.51 1.48 1.5 9,189,000 13,759,770 GREENERGY INTEGRATED MICR 6.9 7.05 7.06 7.06 6.9 7 51,900 361,755 0.6 0.65 0.62 0.65 0.58 0.65 281,000 172,810 IONICS 6.35 6.39 6.35 6.38 6.35 6.38 52,800 335,919 PANASONIC SFA SEMICON 1.06 1.11 1.06 1.11 1.06 1.11 290,000 310,860 2.83 2.84 2.74 2.83 2.69 2.83 1,469,000 4,039,550 CIRTEK HLDG

-40,976,404 -450 -28,047,590 -8,000 13,256,310 -8,780 -32,034,112 -1,707,120 5,940,016 682,546.00 -155,690 2,180,250 -208,050 -53,020 6,880,175 -133,400 -2,350,650 192,720 255,017.50 -9,650 12,000 2,015,005 -89,423,686 60,990.00 -639,099 83,557,550 -192,721 -26,810,629 -713,680 -213,400 36,600 -238,150 -408,290 1,810 4,670,500 8,260 60,000 113,470 -790,520

ABACORE CAPITAL AYALA CORP ABOITIZ EQUITY ALLIANCE GLOBAL ANSCOR ATN HLDG A ATN HLDG B COSCO CAPITAL DMCI HLDG FILINVEST DEV GT CAPITAL JG SUMMIT KEPPEL HLDG B LODESTAR LOPEZ HLDG LT GROUP METRO PAC INV PRIME MEDIA SOLID GROUP SM INVESTMENTS SAN MIGUEL CORP TOP FRONTIER WELLEX INDUS

4,669,300 -45,427,370 -61,087,910 3,584,716 46,800 -2,636,382 24,408,522 -15,726,605 -293,590 -1,887,325 -16,037,170 12,065,070 1,259,310 -

HOLDING & FRIMS

43.7 126.4 11.72 91 27 7.21 51.3 8.1 18.52 56 19.52 92.75 72.75 2.17 3.45 0.74 0.29 920 0.6 199.8 2,302 0.7

1.2 674 48 11.2 9.11 0.435 0.435 4.69 8.29 6.83 511.5 52.15 6.61 0.46 3.03 8.22 3.79 1.79 0.81 825 101.8 109.6 0.275

43.9 126.5 11.78 92.8 27.15 7.25 51.5 8.3 18.6 57 20.3 92.8 72.8 2.21 3.65 0.87 0.305 1,010 0.68 200 2,400 0.81

1.21 675 48.25 11.24 9.2 0.44 0.46 4.7 8.3 7.1 512 53 7.49 0.51 3.19 8.23 3.8 1.8 0.87 832 103 111 0.3

43.8 125.5 11.7 91 27.75 7.24 50.05 8.3 18.62 56 20.2 92.95 71.5 2.23 3.66 0.7 0.29 915 0.6 200 2,400 0.78

1.21 665 46.5 11.44 9.2 0.425 0.425 4.71 8.3 6.78 498.2 53 6.75 0.45 3.14 8.3 3.77 1.88 0.9 808 102.3 108.4 0.275

43.8 127.4 11.8 92.8 27.75 7.3 51.5 8.3 18.68 56 20.3 95 72.75 2.23 3.66 0.7 0.29 1,010 0.6 200 2,400 0.78

1.21 682 48.2 11.44 9.35 0.46 0.425 4.78 8.35 6.78 512 53.3 6.75 0.51 3.19 8.35 3.79 1.89 0.9 832 103 108.6 0.275

43.7 125.3 11.7 90 26.5 7.12 49.5 8.3 18.52 56 20.2 92.7 71.5 2.12 3.4 0.7 0.29 915 0.6 199.8 2,400 0.78

1.19 658 45.6 11.04 9.2 0.425 0.425 4.66 8.26 6.78 498.2 52.1 6.75 0.45 3.13 8.2 3.74 1.77 0.9 800.5 101.1 108.3 0.275

43.8 126.5 11.72 92.8 27.2 7.25 51.5 8.3 18.6 56 20.2 92.8 72.75 2.17 3.65 0.7 0.29 1,010 0.6 199.8 2,400 0.78

1.21 675 48 11.24 9.2 0.435 0.425 4.68 8.3 6.78 512 53 6.75 0.51 3.19 8.23 3.79 1.8 0.9 832 103 108.6 0.275

5,000 4,704,000 18,800 1,554,480 55,300 115,300 2,257,680 16,000 139,000 41,360 86,800 1,145,750 97,910 363,000 31,000 11,000 180,000 60 20,000 2,490 5 4,000

4,560,000 434,890 3,510,900 1,251,400 80,500 720,000 30,000 233,000 8,408,400 100 136,960 2,288,060 20,000 167,000 530,000 1,241,300 24,862,000 914,000 1,000 282,150 67,870 280 20,000

5,485,320 291,579,445 166,975,655 14,057,602 741,750 316,300 12,750 1,092,440 69,801,303 678 69,001,494 120,546,947 135,000 76,150 1,679,620 10,222,578 93,997,600 1,648,470 900 231,383,435 6,953,425 30,366 5,500

PROPERTY ARTHALAND CORP 0.55 0.56 0.55 0.55 0.55 0.55 58,000 31,900 AYALA LAND 29.15 29.45 28.85 29.45 28.6 29.45 10,209,700 296,923,925 3.83 3.89 3.95 4 3.8 3.83 1,008,000 3,880,860 AYALA LAND LOG ALTUS PROP 16.2 16.66 17 17 17 17 200 3,400 1.67 1.68 1.77 1.77 1.65 1.68 1,086,000 1,839,130 ARANETA PROP AREIT RT 37.6 38 38.5 39.3 37.5 38 437,000 16,636,600 0.68 0.72 0.69 0.69 0.69 0.69 6,000 4,140 CITYLAND DEVT CROWN EQUITIES 0.093 0.095 0.096 0.096 0.094 0.096 190,000 18,020 CEB LANDMASTERS 2.67 2.68 2.62 2.7 2.57 2.68 557,000 1,486,570 0.415 0.42 0.405 0.42 0.405 0.42 6,670,000 2,772,850 CENTURY PROP CITICORE RT 2.44 2.45 2.45 2.47 2.4 2.45 5,756,000 14,037,660 7.57 7.6 7.73 7.73 7.52 7.57 89,200 674,899 DOUBLEDRAGON DDMP RT 1.54 1.55 1.52 1.54 1.51 1.54 1,108,000 1,686,480 6.88 6.9 6.9 6.9 6.88 6.88 8,700 59,906 DM WENCESLAO EMPIRE EAST 0.223 0.228 0.223 0.223 0.223 0.223 100,000 22,300 EVER GOTESCO 0.248 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.249 0.25 4,380,000 1,092,010 7.24 7.25 7.25 7.26 7.24 7.25 458,300 3,322,635 FILINVEST RT FILINVEST LAND 0.99 1 1.01 1.02 0.99 1 4,271,000 4,272,140 0.89 0.9 0.89 0.89 0.89 0.89 148,000 131,720 GLOBAL ESTATE 8990 HLDG 10.22 10.5 10.7 10.98 10.2 10.5 317,700 3,304,840 0.9 0.93 0.91 0.95 0.91 0.93 288,000 269,670 PHIL INFRADEV KEPPEL PROP 2.85 3.69 2.9 2.9 2.85 2.85 13,000 37,550 CITY AND LAND 0.76 0.79 0.77 0.77 0.77 0.77 25,000 19,250 2.79 2.8 2.75 2.8 2.47 2.8 143,658,000 381,614,260 MEGAWORLD MRC ALLIED 0.212 0.213 0.208 0.222 0.208 0.212 10,800,000 2,320,120 16.8 16.94 17.3 17.4 16.52 16.94 3,799,900 64,107,320 MREIT RT OMICO CORP 0.35 0.36 0.35 0.35 0.35 0.35 150,000 52,500 0.395 0.415 0.395 0.395 0.395 0.395 340,000 134,300 PHIL ESTATES PRIMEX CORP 2.52 2.53 2.47 2.53 2.47 2.52 1,321,000 3,333,840 RL COMM RT 7.19 7.2 7.34 7.34 7.2 7.2 5,236,700 37,868,010 18.02 18.1 18.28 18.28 17.8 18.1 820,200 14,826,020 ROBINSONS LAND ROCKWELL 1.3 1.37 1.3 1.3 1.3 1.3 7,000 9,100 2.49 2.57 2.58 2.58 2.58 2.58 1,000 2,580 SHANG PROP STA LUCIA LAND 2.81 2.95 2.89 2.95 2.81 2.81 70,000 201,620 36.65 36.8 36.5 37.15 36.4 36.8 17,371,200 639,947,615 SM PRIME HLDG 3.21 3.42 3.17 3.43 3.17 3.43 5,000 16,150 VISTAMALLS SUNTRUST HOME 1 1.02 1.02 1.02 1.02 1.02 2,000 2,040 2.43 2.49 2.43 2.49 2.43 2.43 484,000 1,184,570 VISTA LAND SERVICES ABS CBN 9.3 9.67 10 10 9.2 9.67 582,700 5,486,002 GMA NETWORK 10.46 10.48 9.75 10.46 9.54 10.46 2,460,600 24,688,280 0.325 0.35 0.355 0.355 0.35 0.35 1,740,000 609,750 MANILA BULLETIN GLOBE TELECOM 2,402 2,408 2,274 2,408 2,238 2,408 86,710 203,443,100 1,954 1,965 1,950 1,965 1,934 1,965 218,700 427,888,055 PLDT APOLLO GLOBAL 0.045 0.046 0.046 0.046 0.045 0.046 286,500,000 12,964,200 27.85 27.9 28.4 28.7 27.8 27.85 18,482,500 520,676,630 CONVERGE 3.04 3.18 3 3.28 2.87 3.04 926,000 2,861,940 DFNN INC DITO CME HLDG 4.96 4.98 5.02 5.1 4.94 4.98 5,960,300 29,741,075 1.33 1.37 1.35 1.38 1.31 1.37 567,000 762,100 NOW CORP TRANSPACIFIC BR 0.295 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.29 0.295 1,950,000 580,250 6.84 6.85 7.08 7.08 6.84 6.84 104,900 719,175 2GO GROUP ASIAN TERMINALS 13.96 14.04 14 14.04 14 14.04 17,000 238,124 1.55 1.57 1.6 1.61 1.55 1.55 250,000 395,250 CHELSEA CEBU AIR 45 45.2 45.2 45.3 45 45.2 30,000 1,351,925 INTL CONTAINER 203 205 207.6 210 202.4 203 2,658,250 545,330,978 22.15 23.95 22.15 22.15 22.15 22.15 500 11,075 LBC EXPRESS MACROASIA 4.84 4.85 4.9 4.93 4.84 4.85 404,000 1,967,060 0.93 0.94 0.93 0.93 0.93 0.93 10,000 9,300 METROALLIANCE A PAL HLDG 5.93 6.1 6.1 6.2 6 6 23,100 139,885 0.71 0.73 0.71 0.74 0.71 0.71 112,000 80,080 HARBOR STAR BOULEVARD HLDG 0.081 0.082 0.076 0.084 0.074 0.081 219,170,000 17,616,010 DISCOVERY WORLD 1.74 1.75 1.75 1.75 1.75 1.75 5,000 8,750 0.43 0.45 0.43 0.43 0.43 0.43 240,000 103,200 WATERFRONT FAR EASTERN U 530 540 530 530 530 530 210 111,300 0.335 0.35 0.35 0.35 0.34 0.34 20,000 6,900 STI HLDG BELLE CORP 1.25 1.26 1.25 1.25 1.25 1.25 435,000 543,750 6.44 6.46 6.48 6.5 6.41 6.44 364,900 2,359,178 BLOOMBERRY 1.3 1.4 1.3 1.3 1.3 1.3 9,000 11,700 PACIFIC ONLINE LEISURE AND RES 1.37 1.38 1.35 1.38 1.3 1.38 4,075,000 5,508,980 1.3 1.31 1.35 1.45 1.26 1.3 8,532,000 11,227,930 PH RESORTS GRP PREMIUM LEISURE 0.405 0.41 0.41 0.415 0.405 0.41 3,110,000 1,273,750 3.45 3.49 3.57 3.67 3.41 3.49 3,885,000 13,736,670 PHILWEB ALLDAY 0.4 0.405 0.41 0.41 0.395 0.405 12,480,000 5,024,200 6.8 7.1 7.4 7.4 6.8 6.8 359,700 2,545,644 ALLHOME 1.34 1.36 1.38 1.38 1.34 1.38 163,000 218,570 METRO RETAIL PUREGOLD 32.5 33.05 32.8 34 32.5 32.5 1,261,200 41,784,630 52.5 52.75 53.5 53.5 52.05 52.75 288,870 15,241,677.50 ROBINSONS RTL PHIL SEVEN CORP 54.95 57 57.8 57.8 54.95 54.95 123,490 7,098,671 1.27 1.28 1.19 1.28 1.19 1.27 12,657,000 15,718,030 SSI GROUP WILCON DEPOT 27.85 28.15 27.85 28.15 27 28.15 460,100 12,836,330 0.22 0.231 0.218 0.231 0.217 0.231 510,000 113,840 APC GROUP EASYCALL 3.01 3.6 3.51 3.51 3.51 3.51 17,000 59,670 IPM HLDG 6.85 7 7 7 7 7 100,100 700,700 0.71 0.72 0.71 0.72 0.7 0.72 864,000 607,780 MEDILINES PAXYS 1.82 1.99 1.82 1.82 1.82 1.82 45,000 81,900 0.425 0.43 0.43 0.43 0.415 0.42 1,580,000 665,700 PRMIERE HORIZON MINING & OIL ATOK 7.3 7.49 6.9 7.5 6.9 7.49 336,800 2,478,948 1.59 1.6 1.62 1.63 1.59 1.59 681,000 1,092,730 APEX MINING ATLAS MINING 5.82 5.87 5.81 5.87 5.76 5.82 40,400 234,100 7.24 7.33 7.33 7.33 7.02 7.24 111,200 798,779 BENGUET A BENGUET B 7.2 7.4 7 7.4 6.8 7.4 100,300 702,200 0.211 0.249 0.244 0.249 0.206 0.209 540,000 120,590 COAL ASIA HLDG CENTURY PEAK 2.58 2.59 2.59 2.63 2.59 2.63 36,000 94,280 FERRONICKEL 2.41 2.45 2.4 2.46 2.39 2.45 2,733,000 6,596,100 0.174 0.175 0.176 0.177 0.175 0.175 2,000,000 351,600 GEOGRACE LEPANTO A 0.138 0.14 0.137 0.14 0.137 0.14 2,600,000 358,430 0.135 0.14 0.134 0.134 0.134 0.134 140,000 18,760 LEPANTO B MANILA MINING A 0.0098 0.01 0.0098 0.0098 0.0098 0.0098 11,000,000 107,800 0.0097 0.01 0.0097 0.0097 0.0097 0.0097 5,000,000 48,500 MANILA MINING B MARCVENTURES 1.6 1.63 1.6 1.66 1.59 1.61 1,193,000 1,924,460 NIHAO 0.9 0.93 0.94 0.94 0.9 0.9 311,000 287,500 6.41 6.42 6.5 6.51 6.24 6.41 9,989,700 63,400,648 NICKEL ASIA ORNTL PENINSULA 0.72 0.73 0.72 0.76 0.7 0.73 2,314,000 1,653,650 4.24 4.25 4.26 4.29 4.24 4.25 1,659,000 7,060,340 PX MINING SEMIRARA MINING 29.75 29.85 29 30.1 29 29.75 6,394,900 190,231,950 0.0061 0.0064 0.0064 0.0064 0.0064 0.0064 6,000,000 38,400 UNITED PARAGON ACE ENEXOR 13.16 13.44 13.28 13.58 13.1 13.44 12,000 159,230 ORNTL PETROL A 0.011 0.012 0.012 0.012 0.011 0.011 23,900,000 264,500 0.011 0.013 0.011 0.011 0.011 0.011 2,900,000 31,900 ORNTL PETROL B PHILODRILL 0.0092 0.0094 0.0091 0.0091 0.0091 0.0091 1,000,000 9,100 4.48 4.5 4.39 4.5 4.39 4.5 85,000 381,730 PXP ENERGY PREFFERED HOUSE PREF B 97 101 97 97 97 97 10 970 AC PREF B1 500 514 500 500 500 500 11,150 5,575,000 500 508 500 500 500 500 2,200 1,100,000 AC PREF B2R CEB PREF 43.95 44.8 43.5 43.9 43.5 43.85 3,500 153,105 98.5 100 101.3 101.3 100 100 9,990 999,700 CPG PREF A DD PREF 99.6 100 100 100 100 100 750 75,000 108.9 109 108.8 109 108.8 109 11,570 1,260,796 EEI PREF B FGEN PREF G 102.8 105.5 105.5 105.5 105.5 105.5 19,490 2,056,195 GTCAP PREF A 1,010 1,014 1,010 1,010 1,010 1,010 360 363,600 980 990 988 988 988 988 60 59,280 JFC PREF A MWIDE PREF 2A 93.2 98.95 93.2 93.2 93.2 93.2 40 3,728 98.6 99 98.6 98.9 98.6 98.9 700 69,080 MWIDE PREF 4 PNX PREF 3B 99.5 100.1 99.5 100.1 99.5 100.1 70 6,995 968 992 983 993 968 993 260 256,020 PNX PREF 4 PCOR PREF 3A 1,065 1,070 1,065 1,070 1,065 1,070 115 122,975 PCOR PREF 3B 1,086 1,100 1,087 1,100 1,086 1,100 1,020 1,108,160 76.9 77.6 76.9 77.6 76.9 77.6 2,600 201,410 SMC PREF 2F SMC PREF 2H 75.1 75.3 75.3 75.3 75 75.3 143,000 10,731,882 76.5 78.8 78.8 78.8 78.8 78.8 6,000 472,800 SMC PREF 2I SMC PREF 2J 74 75 74 75 74 74.5 5,910 440,045 74 74.8 74.85 74.85 74.85 74.85 70 5,239.50 SMC PREF 2K TECH PREF B2C 54.5 55 54.5 54.5 54.5 54.5 1,400 76,300 TECH PREF B2D 55 59.95 55.5 55.5 55.5 55.5 1,330 73,815 PHIL. DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS GMA HLDG PDR 10.04 10.7 10.1 10.3 10.1 10.3 24,200 245,560 WARRANTS TECH WARRANT 0.51 0.53 0.51 0.52 0.51 0.52 177,000 91,490

33,788,620 -128,840 172,450 -11,065,080 141,880 -24,900 -4,250,820 -302,285 -38,250 -236,550 967,889 73,090 4,450 -49,798 -83,109,920 27,221,554 -2,273,000 -4,946,866 902,784 289,969,015 -659,790 28,816,010 146,729,605 -22,500 111,878,130 17,400 -8,154,729.00 309,350 188,800 342,085 -186,245,716 -14,730 -119,820 3,500 -401,283 198,980 -73,800 28,050 -1,085,200 -1,898,844 -3,907,085.00 -10,838,538.50 282,682 6,167,170 5,495,490 2,110 -50,300 -97,510.00 -587 25,900 2,845,450 -26,360 -5,198,587 925,070 -2,214,715 -1,220 -7,215 174,260 -

SMALL & MEDIUM ENTERPRISES

CTS GLOBAL HAUS TALK ITALPINAS MERRYMART XURPAS

0.84 0.99 0.78 1.55 0.28

0.86 1.05 0.81 1.56 0.29

EXHANGE TRADE FUNDS FIRST METRO ETF

100.9

101

0.87 1.04 0.81 1.49 0.28

0.89 1.05 0.82 1.55 0.28

0.83 1 0.75 1.49 0.28

0.84 1.05 0.8 1.55 0.28

7,872,000 70,000 679,000 1,574,000 320,000

6,689,760 70,990 533,430 2,396,070 89,600

167,720 -144,000 -

100.1 101 99.9 101 13,560 1,360,125 -131,174

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Banking&Finance

Fuel marking among DOF proposals to new admin By Bernadette D. Nicolas @BNicolasBM

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INANCE Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III said sustaining the fuel-marking program will be included in the list of their recommended measures for the next economic team as it helped beef up revenues for the government. Dominguez said he believes the fuel marking program should be continued by the incoming administration. The finance chief said continuing the fuel marking program will “absolutely” be part of the fiscal consolidation plan that they are preparing for the next administration. Since the fuel marking program was implemented in September 2019, the government has so far collected P429.77 billion as of mid-May this year, based on the infographics shared by Dominguez to reporters. In the same period, the government marked 41.33 billion liters of fuel with paid excise taxes. Bulk of the total volume marked was diesel at 60.69 percent, followed by gasoline and kerosene with 38.8 percent and 0.51 percent, respectively.

Most of the marked fuel was in Luzon with 73.66 percent of the total. Trailing Luzon is Mindanao (20.91 percent) and Visayas (5.43 percent). There are now 28 petroleum companies participating in the fuel marking program. Topping the list of participating petroleum companies is still Petron Corp. with 10.12 billion liters of marked fuel, equivalent to almost one-fourth of the total. Trailing Petron in the list of 25 participating companies are: Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp. (17.85 percent); Unioil Petroleum Philippines Inc. (10.17 percent); Insular Oil Corp. (8.63 percent); and, Seaoil Philippines Inc. (8.18 percent). The fuel-marking program was launched with the aim of halting illegal importation, manufacturing, and other fraudulent activities relating to the use and sale of petroleum products in the country. Fuel marking makes use of a unique chemical marker that can be embedded at a molecular level in petroleum products—gasoline, diesel and kerosene—thereby enabling authorities to test, identify and distinguish petroleum products with paid excise taxes.

BTr partially awards ₧20.1B in new 7-year Treasury bonds

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HE Bureau of the Treasury partially awarded P20.1 billion out of its P35 billion in new 7-year Treasury bonds (Tbonds) as the market anchors on expectations monetary authorities would hike interest rates this week. The debt paper fetched a coupon rate of 6.5 percent, up by 31.1 basis points from the secondary-market benchmark rate of 6.189 percent for the same tenor. Had the Treasury decided to fully award bids, the coupon rate would have soared to 7 percent, higher by 81.1 basis points from the comparable secondary market benchmark rate. National Treasurer Rosalia V. De Leon attributed the higher rate to investors “taking cue” that the Monetary Board will raise policy rates in its meeting on Thursday. “At the same time, the [US Federal Reserve] is similarly expected to follow up with another rate lift in their next meeting,” De Leon said. Still, total bids for the security amounted to P46.9 billion, making the auction oversubscribed. BSP Governor Benjamin E. Diokno said last month monetary authorities may discuss a rate hike in their June meeting on the steady inflation spikes. Diokno also said early May that inflation is expected to remain elevated in the coming months

due to the continued volatility in global oil and non-oil prices and the commodities market, reflecting the largely continued impact of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and constricted supply chain. Inflation in April hit 4.9 percent, the highest since the 5.2 percent recorded in December 2018. The BSP has kept the key interest rate at a record-low of 2 percent since November 2020 to keep the cost of borrowing manageable, especially for businesses adversely affected by intermittent lockdown measures. For this month, the Treasury is targeting to raise P200 billion from the domestic debt market. Since the start of this month, the Treasury has so far sold P97.8 billion in government securities. As of end-March, the national government’s outstanding debt has hit a new record-high of P12.68 trillion as borrowings continued to pile up. The national government’s debtto-GDP ratio has also risen to a 17-year-high at 63.5 percent, above the internationally-recommended 60-percent threshold by multilateral lenders for emerging markets like the Philippines. This is also the highest since the country’s debt-toGDP ratio hit 65.7 percent in 2005 under the Arroyo administration. Bernadette D. Nicolas

BSP to allow Pinoys exchange Ukraine Hryvnia into PHL peso

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HE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) announced that it has opened a currency exchange facility (CEF) program for Overseas Filipinos (OFs) and their families returning from Ukraine. In a statement late Monday, the BSP said the opening of the facility is part of their initiative to assist overseas Filipinos (OF) that are displaced and affected by the RussiaUkraine conflict. The facility will allow returning OFs from Ukraine and their families to exchange their Ukrainian Hryvnia (UAH) holdings equivalent to not more than P20,000.00 per eligible person, except for highly meritorious reasons and subject to approval of the BSP. The implementing Circular will take effect five banking days after its publication. To avail of the facility, the BSP said OFs and their family members shall present documentary proof/s of the

OFs’ travel from Ukraine (original passport or original/certified true copy of the travel document issued by the Philippine Embassy in Poland with exit stamp by Ukrainian authorities and/or authorities from other countries that served as exit points for repatriation). The exchange may be done through the BSP Greater Manila Regional Office (Head Office), BSP Regional Offices and Branches, as well as authorized agent banks. The facility is open to returning OFs from 18 February 2022 onwards and will be available for four (4) months starting from the effectivity date of the Circular covering its implementation. The BSP is known to open CEFs to accommodate the proper exchange of currency when Filipino migrant workers are forced to go home by the state for precautionary safety measures at times of crisis abroad. Bianca Cuaresma

BusinessMirror

Editor: Dennis D. Estopace • Wednesday, May 18, 2022

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BSP, Cayetano see EO 170 boosting financial inclusion

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By Bianca Cuaresma @BcuaresmaBM & Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz @joveemarie

ANGKO Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Benjamin E. Diokno and former House Speaker Alan Peter S. Cayetano believe the institutionalization of digital payments in government transactions would boost financial inclusion in the country. “This is what we’ve been advocating for quite some time now; and definitely magiging mas inclusive at efficient ang government transactions dahil dito,” Cayetano was quoted in a statement issued last Tuesday. Signed by President Rodrigo Duterte on May 12, Executive Order 170 (“Adoption of Digital Payments for Government Disbursements and Collections”) mandates all departments, agencies and instrumentalities of the government, including state universities and colleges and government-owned or -controlled corporations and enjoins local government units (LGUs) to utilize digital channels in the disbursement and collection of payments. “Digital collection of payments will expedite transactions, generate savings for the government and the public and reduce the risk of graft and corruption,” Diokno was quoted

in the statement issued by the central bank also last Tuesday.

Robust support

The EO also requires government entities to transfer funds directly into the recipient’s transaction account, whether held in a government or private financial institution. It also asks government agencies to offer digital options for the collection of taxes, fees, tolls and other government payables. The public, however, may still transact with the government through cash payment. According to Diokno, EO 170 “provides robust support to BSP’s efforts in promoting payments digitalization and financial inclusion under the ‘Digital Payments Transformation Roadmap’ (DPTR) and the ‘National Strategy for Financial Inclusion.’” The DPTR pursues BSP’s twin

goals of converting at least 50 percent of all retail payments into digital form and onboarding at least 70 percent of Filipino adults to the formal financial system by 2023. The NSFI, meanwhile, serves as the country’s blueprint to achieve the vision of driving financial inclusion toward broad-based growth and financial resilience. Earlier this year, Diokno also said the wider adoption of digitalization, particularly of banks’ financial services, may help bring down the overall growth of consumer prices in the country.

Easier for Filipinos

Cayetano said he believes the EO will make it easier for people to access state assistance programs amid the lingering effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on the country’s economy as well as higher-than-average inflation. “EO 170 is a step towards the right direction. This truly brings government into the 21st century,” he added. According to the lawmaker, making disbursements available through digital payments will increase the efficiency of government aid programs, allowing Filipinos in need to receive financial assistance without having to queue for hours or deal with fixers or middlemen. Cayetano said this is an “exciting” development because “there are so many possibilities.” “Once the government gets digital payments going, [we can link this

with the] National ID [system],” the lawmaker said. He added that if there is an application (app) that could be developed “para all-digital na yung paglalakad ng assistance, e di better.” The order covers disbursements in the payment of goods and services, the distribution of financial assistance, as well as in the payment of salaries, wages, allowances and other compensation to employees. Government collections such as taxes, fees, tolls and other charges are also covered by EO 170.

More apps

CAYETANO, who is set to be proclaimed as one of 12 new senators by the Commission on Elections on Wednesday, has suggested that departments should use mobile apps to make their disbursement processes more efficient. “Dapat may app na rin yan, may DSWD [Department of Social Welfare and Development] app, may DOH [Department of Health] app, merong Transport Help app, na kapag kumpleto naman ang requirements mo, i-send mo lang and then through GCash or through a QR code sa phone mo e matatanggap mo na,” he said. Cayetano said he believes one way to cut red tape and reduce corruption is to leverage technology by developing mobile apps that people can use to process government transactions and making it possible to receive financial aid through financial technology services.

Lifestyle inflation and currency depreciation

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ONEY rules the world as they say and money can make a person happy or unhappy. In this present-day world where everybody has access to social media, people’s wants seem endless—social media can be alluring and tempting—it makes you feel that the wants being promoted are a need—when in fact it is not. Money in itself is not bad but wanting more stuff than you can afford and you do not really need, is not only bad for your finances but also to your wellbeing. The truly rich people are not those who have everything but those who know when enough is enough. They know how to be content with what they have. A person’s wants are insatiable and even if one earns more each year if their wants also increased with the earnings, one’s personal financial value will always depreciate. Your finances are not the only ones that are depleted as you hunger for more stuff, but also your mental wellbeing. Being contented and knowing when enough is good enough will not only make you rich financially but also increased your happiness. Tal BenSharar describes it well: “Happiness, not gold or prestige, is the ultimate currency.” The pandemic has taught us so many lessons about how to handle finances. We realized that the future is uncertain and we must be wise to be good managers of our finances. Our

Finex free enterprise Wilma Inventor-Miranda clothes, bags and all our stuff are gathering dust in our closets and opening our eyes that we have too much stuff. We learn how to mix and match the clothes we have so we do not have to buy new ones. Personally, even before the pandemic I have this great sense of fulfillment when I can make use of the old stuff (clothes, bags, shoes, etc.) and still wear them. The old ones that I no longer use, I gave away. I bought branded bags before the pandemic but my purpose is not to show them off, but because they last for years since they have good quality. In fact, I have to preserve only one or two bags, so I can have something decent to use when I have to go to a formal event or a business meeting. Otherwise, all my bags are really used to the max. In an interesting writing by JD Roth (“Your Money—the Missing Manual”), shows a “fulfillment curve.” The curve’s peak is luxury and, up to that point, you may be experiencing happiness because your want for luxury

is fulfilled but beyond that peak of luxury, you are maybe in the stage of “overconsumption.” Your material Stuff—spelled in capital S in that reading—is starting to take control of your life. You are not content and you seek more to satisfy your need for fulfillment. Your finances is deflating and so is your happiness and so is the currency’s value because inflation devalues the currency. This proves what the author JD Roth wants to emphasize that money cannot buy happiness. Contentment is the bigger determinant of happiness. When you know when your peak of want is, when your enough is good enough, you will always feel discontented. No matter how much you earn, if you seek more, your earnings will never be enough and can never catch up with all your wants if you do not know when to stop wanting. The principle of living below your means can be the best solution to those whose wants are insatiable. When you buy things beyond what is good enough for you, these things become more of depletion of your feelings of fulfillment rather than add to it. Having more actually detracts from the feeling of contentment which is really the secret to finding happiness. The first ascent to the peak of the Fulfillment Curve shows how money is meeting the survival needs—the basic needs of food, clothing, shelter, etc. The next level is the comforts of

life. After the basic needs—you start looking at what gives you comfort— an air-conditioned room, a lounging chair, a big bed, etc. Then after comfort, anything you buy is considered luxuries—moving to a new house, traveling for leisure, vacationing in inexpensive resorts, etc. However, they still make you happy if you can afford them. But beyond this is already defined as overconsumption. And this is where your contentment and happiness are going down. This level makes you unhappy because it brings about financial problems and a lack of fulfillment since overconsumption detracts from it rather than adds to the feeling of fulfillment. Thus, the key in all of these is, finding your peak in the Fulfillment Curve - when enough is good enough for you. Each of us has a unique level of having good enough and feeling contentment. But it all sums up the principle that money cannot buy happiness but “contentment with godliness is great gain” as the Scripture says. Wilma Miranda is the chairman of the ethics committee of the Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines, managing partner of Inventor, Miranda & Associates, CPAs and member of the Board of Directors of KPS Outsourcing Inc. The views expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the opinion of these institutions and the BusinessMirror. Know more about #FINEXPhils through www. finex.org.ph.

RCBC projects SME loan portfolio growing in ’22 By VG Cabuag

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@villygc

UCHENGCO-led Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC) said last Tuesday it is projecting an increase in its small and medium enterprises loan portfolio this year, on the back of global economic recovery and the stable outlook for the Philippine banking sector. The bank projects its SME loan portfolio will expand by at least nine percent in this year, to P101.5 billion or from P93.4 billion last year. The bank was recently recognized as the Best SME Bank by Global Banking and Finance for its credit products and programs designed for SMEs.

RCBC’s shares closed Tuesday at P20.20 apiece, unchanged from the previous close. RCBC head of the SME Banking Group Maria Angela V. Tinio is optimistic that the accommodative monetary policy settings of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) will help safeguard the momentum of economic recovery, while it proceeds in creating its exit strategy from its current liquidity stance. “Moving on from a more cautious position during the previous year, and as the economy is now reopening up, businesses are resuming and consumer spending is picking up, lending is seen to accelerate and

boost revenues,” Tinio said. In 2021, the RCBC SME Banking Group set a record-high in onboarding of new accounts, with a 233-percent year-on-year growth in new SME accounts. The bank’s current account/savings accounts (CASA) deposit contribution is envisioned to grow by 17 percent, with more clients seen embracing the digital realm. Tinio said initiatives for crossselling and product bundling are likely to build more traction in 2022, with the bank having more to offer in terms of products and services, business solutions, and cash management solutions that provide conve-

nience of digital banking to clients. “We foresee further intensification of the deposit business this year, with the growing roster of bundled products that combine digital cash management solutions suitable to the needs of SME customers, including the bank’s latest payment solutions PayPortal and CheckScan, as well as the impending launch of the newest payment channel QuickeR Pay,” she said. All lending relationships and credits are vetted from an environmental and social risk perspective under our “environmental and social management system,” the bank said.

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Show BusinessMirror

Wednesday, May 18, 2022 • Editor: Gerard S. Ramos

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Today’s Horoscope By Eugenia Last

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Hala Finley, 13; Tina Fey, 52; George Strait, 70; Reggie Jackson, 76. HAPPY BIRTHDAY: Budget wisely and keep your possessions and assets protected. Avoid joint ventures and giving others too much personal information. Concentrate on taking care of business and using common sense to help you get what you want. Consistency and moderation will play in your favor and ward off anyone who tries to get in your way. Make yourself clear to avoid mistakes. Your numbers are 6, 13, 25, 28, 31, 34, 47.

PEACE AT LAST

ALL’S well that ends well with the actor and actress who are onscreen partners but recently got into a bit of conflict due to the latter’s bad-mouthing of the former. Their handler decided to broker peace between them before the conflict got bigger. Basically what happened was the actress fell in love with the actor. She fell so badly that she dumped her fiance because she believed she could make the actor fall in love with her. He very politely declined her proposal and that made her angry so she started badmouthing him. It was really nothing personal. The actor is gay and in a relationship. There is no way he would fall in love with the actress.

THE VICTIM

AN actor was reportedly beaten up by a group of men at a nightspot but the matter is being kept hush-hush because of his being indirectly involved in politics. The actor is actually someone who is not a troublemaker. He’s well-loved in the industry. He was just in the wrong place at the wrong time when he was beaten up. Maybe the group of men didn’t like the way he looked or moved. The actor pleaded with the police not to record the incident in their blotter. One of his relatives was running for public office and he didn’t want what happened to affect the candidacy.

DIFFERENT STROKES

THIS socialite must be fuming that her child is not only very different from her in terms of ambitions and aspirations but also in politics. The child has been sharing political stuff on her social media that’s very different from what the socialite has been sharing. Imagine what her detractors would say if they found out that even the socialite’s own child doesn’t believe in what she believes in. The child has always been smart and an independent thinker. The kid is very different from the mother whose ambition is to be a top influencer. The socialite has been cancelled a couple of times on social media but somehow, she bounces back and reinvents herself.

THE ACQUAINTANCE

THIS mature actress is calling the young actor an “acquaintance” when she, in fact, kept sending him inappropriate messages to the point that he blocked her on all channels and made sure they never worked together again. The actor is now involved with a high-profile celebrity and a reporter asked the mature actress what she thought of it, and she called him an acquaintance. It’s actually on record that she said in old interviews that the young actor is a special friend. The actor insists that their relationship was simply a working one. They were never an item nor did he give her any indications that they could be an item ever.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Keep your feelings to yourself. A problem will surface if you are overindulgent. Gauge your time and use your tools, skills and experience to help you reach your destination. An event, trip or educational pursuit will procure good results. HHHHH

ACTRESS Ashley Judd (right) with her mother, the late country music star Naomi Judd. AP

Ashley Judd talks about mental health after mother’s death

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ASHVILLE, Tennessee—Ashley Judd encouraged people to seek help for their mental health and talked about her grieving process after the loss of her mother, country star Naomi Judd. In an interview aired on Good Morning America on Thursday, the movie star said she wanted to address her mother’s struggle with depression. Judd said she was with her mother at her home in Tennessee on the day Naomi died on April 30. Judd also encouraged anyone who was having thoughts of harming themselves to reach out to The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-2738255. Naomi Judd died at the age of 76, a day before she was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame with her duo partner and daughter Wynonna Judd. In a statement provided to The Associated Press, the family said they had lost her to “the disease of mental illness.” “When we’re talking about mental illness, it’s very important, and to be clear and to make the distinction between our loved one and the disease,” Judd said in the interview. “It lies. It’s savage. And, you know, my mother, our mother, couldn’t hang on until she was inducted into the Hall of Fame by her peers. I mean, that is the level of catastrophe of what was going on inside of her because the barrier between—the regard in which they held her couldn’t penetrate into

her heart. And the lie that the disease told her was so convincing.” Ashley Judd said that her mother shot herself with a gun, but asked for privacy on other details of the death. Naomi Judd wrote openly about her depression and anxiety in her memoir River of Time, and daughter Ashley said it was because of this that she cherished every moment she spent with her mother. “I really accepted the love my mother was capable of giving me because I knew she was fragile,” Judd said. “So when I walked around the back of their house and came in the kitchen door and she said, ‘There’s my darling, there’s my baby.’ And she lit up. I savored those moments.” Naomi and Wynonna Judd scored 14 No. 1 songs in a career that spanned nearly three decades. The redheaded duo combined the traditional Appalachian sounds of bluegrass with polished pop stylings, scoring hit after hit in the 1980s. Wynonna led the duo with her powerful vocals, while Naomi provided harmonies and stylish looks on stage. The Judds released six studio albums and an EP between 1984 and 1991 and won nine Country Music Association Awards and seven from the Academy of Country Music. They earned a total of five Grammy Awards together on hits like “Why Not Me” and “Give A Little Love,” and Naomi earned a sixth Grammy for writing “Love Can Build a Bridge.” AP

‘Succession’ star glues hand to Starbucks counter in protest NEW YORK—Actor and activist James Cromwell has gone from Succession’s Uncle Ewan to reallife supergluin’—pasting his hand to a midtown Manhattan Starbucks counter on Tuesday to protest the coffee chain’s extra charge for plant-based milk. The 82-year-old Oscar nominee, known for Babe: Pig in the City and L.A. Confidential, channeled his role as the crotchety, anti-capitalist brother of a billionaire media mogul for the protest organized by the animal rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. Cromwell sat on the Starbucks counter wearing a “Free the Animals” T-shirt and read a

statement denouncing the surcharge for vegan milk alternatives. “When will you stop raking in huge profits while customers, animals and the environment suffer?” he demanded as fellow activists streamed the protest on Facebook. Cromwell glued his hand to the counter, then later used a knife to scrape it off. Police said there were no arrests. Starbucks outlets in the United States charge 50 cents to a dollar more drinks made with plant-based milks. “Customers can customize any beverage on the menu with a non-dairy milk, including

soymilk, coconutmilk, almondmilk, and oatmilk for an additional cost [similar to other beverage customizations such as an additional espresso shot or syrup],” a Starbucks spokesperson said in a statement. “Pricing varies market by market.” The spokesman said Starbucks respects customers’ right to voice their opinions “so long as it does not disrupt our store operations.” Cromwell, nominated for an Academy Award for his role as the farmer in Babe, is a veteran protester who was charged with trespassing in 2017 for interrupting an orca show at SeaWorld in San Diego. AP

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Take care of details personally. If you let someone meddle in your affairs, you’ll be disappointed in the outcome. A pick-me-up will help you put things in perspective and make decisions that will assist you. How you handle responsibilities will be noted. HHH

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Someone will take advantage of you if you aren’t careful. Know when to say no and back away from anyone who uses emotional tactics to coax you into something questionable or time-consuming. Put your responsibilities first to ease stress. HHH

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Use your courage and stamina advantageously. Learn as you go, and make a splash that others remember. An innovative approach to your responsibilities will positively change if you don’t go overboard physically or financially. HHH

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Overreacting will invite opposition. Don’t choose or change for the wrong reason. A stubborn attitude will cause grief. The best way to get things done is to do them yourself or offer kindness and incentives. HHH

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Keep life simple and stay within budget. You have plenty to gain if you adjust to the world around you and make the most of what you have. Don’t give in to pressure or emotional manipulation. Say no to outlandish requests. HHHHH

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Be careful what you wish for when dealing with domestic matters. Disagreements will leave you unsettled. Do your best to resolve issues quickly and to practice kindness and consideration. An intelligent approach to helping others is favored. Choose positivity over negativity. HHH

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): You’ll come up with good ideas, and your resourcefulness will lead to the winner’s circle. Bask in the glory and enjoy the moment. Sharing your joy and good fortune with others will encourage a solid and united front. Change begins with you. HHHH

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Practicality will win out, so don’t take a risk or believe everything you hear. Keep an eye on someone who tends to exaggerate. Do your due diligence and break down the emotional, physical and financial costs before accepting a proposal. HHH

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): A simple, modest attitude will carry you further than a risky venture. Look at the logistics of anyone’s offer or situation before making a move. Put more time and effort into your home and family and what will encourage togetherness. HHH

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Trust the facts, not what someone wants you to believe. Emphasize your health and physical wellbeing. Healthy eating and a fitness routine will build confidence and the courage to stand your ground and pursue your dreams. Romance is favored. HHHH

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Stick to the truth and avoid being scrutinized. Don’t get involved in someone’s plan or in activities that can lead to overindulgence or wrongdoing. Choose your words wisely to avoid problems with institutions or government agencies. HH BIRTHDAY BABY: You are intriguing, secretive and possessive. You are sensitive and demanding.

‘variety packs’ BY BROOKE HUSIC The Universal Crossword/Edited by Amanda Rafkin

ACROSS 1 Container for olives 4 In ___ (coordinated) 8 Summons that may precede a poke 12 Beehive State people 13 Chase known as the Queen of Creole Cuisine 14 Suzy Sheep’s friend ___ Pig 15 Second part of a plan (swag, tote) 17 Gather together 18 Capital of Taiwan 19 Admired person 21 Diminutive Spanish suffix 22 Word before “book” or “paper” 23 What to do with a new baseball glove (Birkin, tea) 25 “Ex’s & ___” (Elle King hit) 26 Brew such as Audrey Hopburn 28 Some have ABAB rhyme schemes 29 Certain facial spa treatments 31 ___ Aviv 32 Dances all night, say (diaper, trash) 36 The “L” in UCLA 37 Herbivore with a horn, for short 38 Mailed off

42 43 46 48 50 51 52 53 55

Author Tan “___! Humbug!” State of being current (dirt, money) Fuming French for “a” Spinning studio ride Loved a lot “Drat!” Diverse assortment, and one of two anagrammed words combined to make each theme answer 57 “Sounds amazing!” 58 “Don’t go!!” is one 59 Suffix with “Japan” or “crossword” 60 “Electric Avenue” singer Grant 61 Poet Sharon who won a Pulitzer 62 Stop sign color DOWN 1 In this precise way 2 Snap on, perhaps 3 Puts on TV again 4 Less bustling 5 Abominable Snowman 6 “Uh-uh” 7 Group of singers

8 9 10 11 14 16 17 20 23 24 27 29 30 32 33 34 35 36 38 39 40 41 43 44

The “P” in WPM Sprayed water on Relating to objects’ positions Falcon’s claws Bohemian folk dance Phi Beta Kappa stat Mascara layer ___ Moines, Iowa Indonesian island with a Hindu majority 101 course Cat or dog, e.g. Glue alternative “To be” in Spanish Mused Pretty Little Liars actress Mitchell He/___ pronouns “What should we do about it?” Two-time NBA Finals MVP Kawhi Mascara mishap Planetary path Syllabus section ___Tok One making the cut? Totally relaxed

45 47 49 52 54 56

Qualified with disclaimers Musical pace Curtain holder Suddenly canceled Aye’s counterpart “How Far ___ Go” (Moana song)

Solution to today’s puzzle:

Image BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Editor: Gerard S. Ramos

• Wednesday, May 18, 2022

PHOTO BY DIANE PICCHIOTTINO ON UNSPLASH

Do you have enough work experience to land a health-care job abroad? AFTER long hours of studying, countless exams, hospital rotations, and clinical internships, you’re finally ready to put your health-care degree to good use and take on actual work in the hospital. If you’re aiming to gain that experience overseas, you might need to be a little bit more patient as some health-care regulators in other countries require a few years’ work experience in the medical field before you can land a job. The National Health Service (NHS), the United Kingdom’s largest health-care employer that hires a diverse range of health-care workers worldwide, usually recommends overseas doctors to have at least two to three years of practice, post-graduate training, and certain internships to work in the UK. Meanwhile, overseas nurses need to have a registered nurse license and at least one year of work experience to have a chance to be shortlisted in the NHS. In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), overseas healthcare professionals require work experience in the home country to qualify. For example, registered nurses must have at least two to three years of relevant work experience. On the other hand, specialist roles require more extensive consulting experience. In other countries like the United Arab Emirates, overseas health-care professionals need more work experience. Doctors need a minimum of five years of work history, while nurses require at least two to three. If you’re aiming for specialty roles, you need to have been in practice for at least eight years. While this might sound discouraging for medical workers with limited work experience, don’t fret because there are many ways to gain relevant health-care work experience: n VOLUNTEER FOR MEDICAL MISSIONS. Medical mission trips allow health-care workers to put their knowledge and skills to good use, and ultimately make them better practitioners, while at the same time help the less fortunate without access to health care. n FIND ENTRY-LEVEL POSITIONS THAT DO NOT REQUIRE WORK EXPERIENCE. There are medical facilities that are willing to hire new nurse graduates. Fresh graduates may want to look into becoming a nurse for private clinics, academic institutions, residential nurses, or in-home care. n FIND A SUPPORTED INTERNSHIP OR PROGRAM SUPPORTED BY YOUR SCHOOL. Schools may have internship programs that may be useful to develop industry knowledge and nursing skills. Sometimes, internships can lead to a network of connections and future jobs. n EXPLORE RELATED POSITIONS. While it’s great if your first job is a nurse, it may not always be the case for some new graduates. For others who are struggling to secure a job as a nurse, they may want to consider other related positions such as lab assistants or data-entry clerks. These roles can give fresh graduates some industry knowledge, which may be useful in their nursing careers. Having these initiatives on your résumé will increase your credibility and highlight your commitment to your medical career. Once you feel confident enough, you can try looking for jobs that fit your skills and work experience on TrueProfile. io, a health-care career platform which works alongside a POEA accredited agency to provide Filipino medical professionals around the world with the opportunities they need to secure a lucrative career abroad. With TrueProfile.io’s blockchain technology, you no longer need to verify your documents over and over again when you apply. By signing up to become a member, the platform offers its members several career solutions, including a free digital CV that can be shared with employers, regulators, and recruiters, and can also be showcased on social media. More information is available at www.trueprofile.io.

Managing your anxiety N

OT everyone copes with bad news the same way. I observed that last week after the election results were known, when colleagues took the day off or left home in the middle of the day to take a breather and find their balance, while others found it best to vent on social media. As for me, my coping mechanism has always been to focus on my work and do it the best way I could. But like what Carl Jung said: “What you resist, persists.” And it did. So when anxious thoughts got the better of me, I knew I had to do something. People can experience anxiety without actually knowing it. According to psychologists, manifestations of anxiety include lack of focus on daily routine, inability to hold one’s temper, and poor socialization and decision-making, among others. For me, it manifested through sleeplessness and a general lack of enthusiasm for what I was doing. I became painfully aware of my own anxiety when I unfairly berated a driver who was blocking my parking slot when I got home. There are several ways of managing your anxiety before it escalates into an anxiety disorder, which could affect your work, damage your relationships, or lead to other physical or mental health issues. Anxiety stems from future events which we cannot control, and our mind is trapped in a loophole of doubt and fear. Thankfully, there are some things you can do to break the cycle and manage your anxiety. To reduce the effects of anxiety, make it a habit to

do self-care. Anxiety comes from different sources and one of those could be the state of your physical health. Maintain an active lifestyle by regularly moving even when you are in the office—like walking instead of taking the elevator. A group in my department meets after lunch while walking around on our floor just so they can just stand up and have a bit of an exercise. If exercise is not possible, take up a hobby that you can enjoy doing during the weekend. It would be good if your hobby is something physical, but you can take up anything that you enjoy doing. Having a hobby helps keep your mind off issues and gives your mind a break from the daily rigors of work. This gives time for your brain to recalibrate and helps you develop other skills while having fun. Aside from physical activities, maintain a healthy diet. A properly nourished body leads to better overall health and better resilience against the wear and tear of everyday work. Minimizing coffee intake can also help reduce anxiety levels. Studies have shown an apple is better at keeping you awake than a cup of coffee. And speaking of being awake, it is also best if you have enough sleep so your body can recuperate properly for the toils of the day. When anxiety attacks, follow the 3-3-3 Rule— name three things you can see, then three things you can hear, and then move three body parts. This is one technique used in grounding which helps someone focus on what is currently happening more than what is going to happen. Since anxiety results from perceived future events, grounding helps someone gain a sense of control by making them aware of what is real as opposed to imagined events. If you cannot do this, just do anything. People react to anxiety either by confronting it or by running away from it. If you want to confront what is causing your anxiety, you can write down the issue and then list possible solutions for it. Then, focus on those that you can actually do at the moment. Doing this gives you control of the issue and helps you reach the resolution

one step at a time. Some people find this helpful because they feel they are in control and are doing something to resolve their issues. If you cannot do anything to help you resolve the issue, you just have to wait and do other things to keep your mind off it. Several people have been credited with saying that anxiety is like a rocking chair—it gives you something to do but it never really gets you anywhere. This is where a hobby can help you focus on something else so you can be refreshed for the time when you actually have to do something. It will also give you a mental break, so your mind does not keep on looping back to the same issues over and over again. To prevent finding yourself in situations where you become anxious, learn to say “no.” Setting clear boundaries on what you can and cannot do prevents you from taking on more work than what is required. It would also help if you plan your work so you can avoid procrastinating which can add to your anxiety. If you are active on social media, set a schedule and follow only reliable sources of information, so you do not unnecessarily expose yourself to mental health pollutants. Deliberately choose your friends and surround yourself with safe people who will encourage you. But avoid people who spread toxic positivity. Your friends should be grounded enough to tell you the truth, but also empathetic and encouraging enough to provide you the needed support. And when your friends can no longer help, seek the counsel of a professional who can give you appropriate treatment to manage your anxiety. We live in troubling and uncertain times where truth depends on who has the most money to silence it, and who has the loudest and most convincing narrative. It can increase people’s anxiety and take a toll on their mental health. We might not know what tomorrow brings but we can be certain of the things we now face. And when everyday seems to be a challenge, I remind myself that we just have to take it one step at a time. n

How to brainstorm brilliant ideas in teams—without sliding into ‘groupthink’ By Sabrina Habib University of South Carolina CREATIVITY is among the most in-demand skills in the workplace. It’s not surprising that top multinational companies are looking to hire inventive thinkers: Research shows that creativity can drive innovation and resilience in organizations. Tech giant Google has grown by innovating the way we all use the Internet. Electric car maker Tesla touts a collaborative working environment to “solve the world’s most important problems with talented individuals.” Still, sharing ideas can get messy when colleagues don’t understand or support novel concepts—or if they shut them down. Research offers some concrete ways to facilitate idea generation, both individually and in groups. But first it helps to know what you’re trying to facilitate. So what do employers mean when they talk about creativity? Creativity has many definitions. Most mention originality and problem-solving. Renowned psychologist Mihaly Csíkszentmihályi may have said it best when he characterized creativity in the workplace as having an idea that is recognized by other experts in the field and the general public as something new. In my research, I explore the creative process in the context of higher education, advertising and

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leadership. In 2019, I created a course at the University of South Carolina called Creative Thinking & Problem Solving to help college students thrive in the workplace where most problems won’t have an exact answer and they won’t have study guides or feedback from teachers. I’ve observed that after a lifetime of filling in bubbles on multiple choice tests, some students can find working in gray areas where any solution seems possible intimidating. And yet after graduating, most of my students will be looking at job descriptions that mention creativity, one of the most desirable soft skills. The corporate trend toward group problemsolving dates back some eight decades. Advertising executive and business guru Alex Osborn coined the term “brainstorm,” which he described in his 1948 book Your Creative Power as “using the brain to storm a creative problem—and doing so in commando fashion, with each stormer attacking the same objective.” His goal was quantity: 10 of his employees once produced 87 ideas for an ad campaign in just 90 minutes. Although brainstorming in teams can help coworkers bond, debate and exchange ideas, its effectiveness has been questioned by researchers in recent years. Many organizations continue to use the process. Having their ideas recognized publicly puts people in the limelight, making them vulnerable to criticism. A lack of confidence can also challenge creative thinking.

Many resources have emerged offering strategies for building individual creative confidence. They include embracing failure, playing games and overcoming the fear of being judged. Since individuals see problems from different perspectives, research shows that groups with diverse disciplines, backgrounds, beliefs, knowledge and skills produce the strongest, most unique results. Brainstorming among people with different kinds of expertise holds individuals accountable for contributing suggestions from their specific domain. Successful group work requires focus. My research shows its important to carefully define the challenge, task or problem. That includes amassing key data and outlining boundaries, like time frame, budget, available resources, technology and any other constraints. Launching in this way helps a team select the best idea generated by its collaboration. Nurturing group creativity requires an environment that encourages risk-taking, constructive criticism and teamwork. Creating a culture that is conducive to creativity has to be done intentionally in ways that counter personal fears of rejection and tendencies to self-censor or criticize. People should be empowered to speak up. Establishing three key guidelines is essential: n Focus on the quantity of ideas generated, not their quality. n Avoid criticism, judgment or defense of ideas during the brainstorming period.

n Don’t place limits on “wild” ideas, no matter how bad, outrageous or impractical they seem, recognizing that every idea is worth expressing. Brainstorming sessions can be more productive if participants do some independent work first. In a group, this can be done simultaneously over minutes or even days, with team members writing down their ideas individually then sharing with the group later. This process, known as divergent thinking, can also be done virtually through collaborative web sites like miro, mural and figma. Working individually ensures everyone will bring ideas and everyone’s voice will be heard. Next comes “convergent thinking.” The group evaluates proposals to identify the best innovation or solution to the problem at hand. Building on someone else’s idea is encouraged. There are many other approaches to group brainstorming, such as “design thinking,” in which quick brainstorming sessions lead to tangible prototypes. The “six thinking hats” method has group members focusing on each aspect of proposed idea at a time. For example, they will discuss negative aspects, then positive, feelings, risks, and possibilities for each solution. While brainstorming may sometimes be an arduous process, it promotes the buy-in of ideas and team bonding. And it’s important to remember that within a space where everyone feels free to express themselves, good ideas can come from anyone.

THE CONVERSATION

B6 Wednesday, May 18, 2022

CCP continues its offering of interactive, virtual tour

CEDC, GTFI team up for Toledo City community initiatives

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LOBAL Business Power Corporation (GBP) subsidiary Cebu Energy Development Corporation (CEDC) and Metrobank Group’s GT Foundation, Inc. (GTFI) have teamed up to implement projects that would help the community of Toledo City in continuously combating COVID-19 and in adapting to the ‘new normal’. As limited face-to-face classes in selected schools have been allowed since February, countermeasures against the virus for the health and safety of students and teachers have been called upon by the government. In response, CEDC and GTFI turned over eight handwashing stations to the Department of Education (DepEd) – Division of Toledo City to assist in the implementation of the ‘new normal’ learning scheme. This follows the donation that were distributed by the power generation company last year to various barangays, Toledo City General Hospital and City Health Office, PNP Toledo, and to the local public market and terminal. Meanwhile, in a continued effort to boost the health crisis efforts of Toledo, CEDC and GTFI also contributed a swab test booth and industrial fan to the City’s local hospital. GBP Cebu Site Head and First Vice President Leah G. Diaz said that the Company is eager to take part in meaningful endeavors that would help uplift the community, especially now that pandemic-related restrictions are easing up and COVID-19 cases are continuing to decline. “As part of our Social Development Program (SDP), we work hand-in-hand with the community in addressing specific problems that they

are facing. Now that economic activities have increased, we are here to support our surrounding communities in their recovery and transition to the new normal,” she said. Recognizing the impact of the pandemic to the whole community, CEDC and GTFI made a joint effort to provide support to the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) – Female Dormitory of Toledo City Jail on their rag-making livelihood program for inmates. To augment creativity and entrepreneurship

within the facility, two units of semielectric sewing machines were given by CEDC and GTFI. In 2021, CEDC and GTFI had partnered to build a two-classroom building at North City Central School (NCCS) in Toledo City, fully equipped with desks, student chairs, teacher’s tables, cabinets, electric fans, SMART TV and comfort rooms. The donated facility is now being enjoyed by students and teachers as physical classes have resumed.

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JOINED by the teachers of South City Central Elementary School in Toledo City, Engr. Leah G. Diaz – GBP FVP for Cebu Operations (3rd from left), oversaw the turnover of the handwashing stations from CEDC and GTFI. The ceremonial transfer of these donations were witnessed by Mrs. Mae Tacandong, Admin Head of Toledo City (fourth from left) and Mr. Orlando Cadano, Assistant Schools Superintendent of DepEd – Division of Toledo City (fourth from right).

Philippine flag must carefully observe and comply with Republic Act (RA) No. 8491 or the Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines. Under RA 8491, establishments may only display the country's flag in certain locations such as prominent places like lobbies, driveways, and courtyards among others. Additionally, the advisory states that AEs may display the Philippine flag indoors, provided that it will be placed at the left of the observer as he/she enters the room. Should the flag be attached on a building, its flagpole must be on the

top of the roof or anchored on a sill projecting at an upward angle. “When the Philippine flag is flown with another flag, the flags, if both are national flags, must be flown on separate staffs of the same height and shall be of equal size,” the advisory stated. Moreover, the advisory also lists the prohibited acts relating to the use of the national flag, including use as a drapery or tablecloth, as a staff or whip, and as a costume whether in whole or in part among others. For the full copy of the advisory, visit the Publications tab of the DOT website: https://beta.tourism.gov.ph/

PMPC successfully holds 2022 Celebrity Badminton Tournament

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OVING on in the new normal, the Philippine Movie Press, Inc. (PMPC) has successfully pulled off a celebrity charity fun game last April 8, 2022, at Powerplay Badminton Center located at #24 Apo St., Quezon City. Dubbed the 6th PMPC Celebrity Badminton Tournament, this fund- raising project of the Club started in 2014 and it had a two-year hiatus in 2020-2021 due to the global health pandemic brought about by COVID-19. Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte led

The 30-to-45-minute tour utilized high resolution photography, allowing a real onsite experience as if the visitors are walking through every corner of the artistic spaces. Over 2916 photos, with 489 panoramas and 8 aerial shots were used to build a digital simulation of the actual physical spaces; creating an immersive virtual environment. The guided tour is interactive allowing tour guests to ask questions and further explore the featured spaces through the assigned tour guide. It has embedded videos of the Visual Arts & Museum Division’s CCP Cultural Cache Online episodes and audio descriptions of the CCP visual arts collection displayed across various areas of the building. There are Q & A sessions after every tour. For tour inquiries, emal ccptours@gmail. com or call 8833-2125 or 8832-1125 loc. 1412/1413. To take a sneak peek of the CCP virtual guided tour, visit. https://www. facebook.com/culturalcenterofthephilippines/ videos/973841733504657.

Privacy-preserving computation technologies introduced

‘Observe proper procedures in displaying the Philippine flag’ HE Department of Tourism (DOT) on May 13 issued an advisory reminding accommodation establishments (AEs) to practice and observe proper procedures in displaying the Philippine flag within their premises. “Displaying our country's flag is a sign of pride and patriotism as it reflects our loyalty and commitment to the Philippines. It should be given utmost respect and importance wherever it may be placed,” Tourism Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat stressed. According to the DOT's Advisory No. 03 s. 2022, AEs who wish to fly the

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VEN before the COVID-19 pandemic limited the movement of people, the Cultural Center of the Philippines have begun developing some of its programs and projects in digital format for various virtual platforms. Thus, when the pandemic hit, streaming content online took a natural course. Moving forward, a virtual building and theater tour package was developed to provide online art education and cultural content for everyone; especially, for those who cannot come over physically to the CCP by virtue of current quarantine protocols or geographic and logistical limitations. The CCP virtual tours was formally launched last February during the Pasinaya 2022. A project of the CCP Venue Operations Division (Production and Exhibition Department), the interactive 360 and/or 180-degree guided virtual tour takes visitors inside the CCP theaters, spaces, and other facilities, including the newly-built Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez (CCP Black Box Theater). Facilitated via Zoom, visitors can see the interiors of the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater), with its famous stage tapestry “Genesis” based on an artwork of National Artist H.R. Ocampo. You can also head to the Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theater) and the Tanghalang Huseng Batute (CCP Studio Theater). Virtual visitors can also take a glimpse behind the stage.

the celebrity guests who graced the muchawaited sports event. The lady mayor lauded the PMPC for its initiative in holding sports event after the pandemic. She also encouraged members of the entertainment media to avail of the various available services of the LGU such as affordable medical for QC residents and business loan for those who want to venture on startup businesses. Paolo Marcoleta from the office of Cong. Rodante Marcoleta also graced the event. Actress beauty queen Sarah Javier came in

full force with her family. Meanwhile, celebrities who supported and joined the tournament included Nino Muhlach with sons Sandro and Alonzo, Jao Mapa with teenage daughter Stacy, Neil Coleta, Krista Miller, Nikka Valencia and daughter Nica, Direk Martin Mayuga, Ally Gonzales, Kristof Garcia, Janah Zaplan, Klinton Start, Erin Ocampo, and Ms. Teen USA Ysabella Alberto. The tournament was made possible through the support of various friends and sponsors of the PMPC, namely: QC's Office of the Mayor, NET 25, Former QC Mayor Herbert Bautista, Wilbert Tolentino, Atty. Persida Acosta, Boy Abunda, MC Productions by Marc Cubales, RS Francisco of Fronfrow International and RS Clothing, Ang Probinsyano No.50 Partylist, 3:16 Media Network, and Lito De Guzman. The following also extended help: Joel Cruz of Aficionado, Joyce Penas Pilarsky, Engr. Johnny Maranan, Aljon Jimenez, Direk Perci Intalan, Bayani Agbayani, LA Santos, Vince Tanada, Kim Atienza, Jun Miguel, Marlo Mortel, Chuck Gomez, Aspire Philippines, Aries Soriano, Jos Garcia, Charo Laude, visual artist and missionary Kristine Lim, and Ms. Alice Dixson.

LIBABA DAMO Academy, the global research initiative by Alibaba Group, announced it has made the source code of its latest federated learning platform FederatedScope, a comprehensive platform with easy-to-use packages, accessible to the open-source community. With the rise of machine learning in the digital era, gathering training data to build and advance AI models is increasingly under the spotlight as the process could pose potential privacy concerns. To address such challenge, federated learning – a way of privacy-preserving computation — has emerged. By coordinating the training of micro-tasks across different end devices, intermediate training results - rather than raw user data - is fed back to the cloud server to alleviate privacy concerns. Yet it still enables data analytics and machine learning tasks across end devices. “By sharing our self-developed federated

learning technologies with the open-source community, we hope to promote the research and industrial deployment of privacypreserving computation in different sectors, such as healthcare and smart mobility that usually involves sensitive user data and requires strict privacy protection practices,” said Bolin Ding, Research Scientist at Alibaba DAMO Academy. For privacy protection in particular, the platform also offers cutting-edge technologies including differential privacy and multi-party computation to meet different requirements of privacy protection. “We believe privacy-preserving computation is an important and essential trend,” added Ding. “Training AI models without compromising privacy is critical, and that’s why we have devoted a lot of resources to drive the research of federated learning. We hope that by sharing our source codes and technology platform, we can support global developers in the community and encourage more innovation in this emerging field.” According to Gartner, 60% of large organizations are expected to use one or more privacy-enhancing computation techniques by 2025. To learn more, visit https://federatedscope. io/ and the GitHub page: https://github.com/ alibaba/FederatedScope

AIP celebrates motherhood with overall health and wellbeing

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VEN as they take care of everyone, moms too need some TLC. Many times amid their long checklist of things to be done daily, they forget – and we forget as well – that to be able to attend to others, they also need to be in the pink of health. Compounded medicines can help address the common concerns of mothers such as stress, skin aging and other age-related diseases. Customized healthcare solutions, practices and medicines specifically target the root cause of the problem for better health and well-being. Apotheca Integrative Pharmacy (AIP), the pioneer in specialty compounding pharmacy in the Philippines licensed by the Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA) since 2014, is keen to continue creating highquality compounded medication using stateof-the-art equipment and in collaboration with international pharmaceutical partners. “We value moms and their needs. As the primary carer of the family, we understand that they often put their own health at the bottom of their priorities, always attending to others’ needs and even forgetting to take care of themselves. AIP offers online consultation services for busy, hard-working moms who might not have the time or have difficulty physically going to the doctor. This month for mothers, give them the gift of health and wellness that they truly deserve,” Sofy Lista, Managing Director at Apotheca Integrative Pharmacy shares. Help moms manage stress better with Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) or the process of replicating hormones using natural resources. BHRT

supplements the body with the hormones it lacks and can therefore increase the body’s core temperature and basal metabolic rate, reduce gall bladder activity, and improve mood, vision, energy, clarity of thought and overall well-being. Compounded BHRT can be customized to adapt to whatever hormonal imbalance mothers face. Help keep moms strong and alert with Nutraceuticals. AIP’s compounded vitamin C solutions strengthen immunity by boosting the white blood cells and the body’s defense system. Compounded vitamin D regulates the absorption of calcium and phosphorus and facilitates normal immune system function. Meanwhile, compounded zinc helps with cell growth, DNA synthesis and protein production. Besides reducing inflammation, it strengthens the immune system to fight age-related illnesses. Help moms look good always with AIP compounds medications for acne, whiteheads and blackheads with tretinoin. Compounded tretinoin works by speeding up the life cycle of the skin and replacing older skin with newer skin. This helps get rid of fine wrinkles, dark spots and rough skin. AIP also compounds vitamin C serum, which has anti-aging nutrients to provide a smoother and brighter complexion. Vitamin C serum promotes collagen reproduction, hydration and antioxidants that reduce skin irritation. To learn more, visit apotheca.com.ph. and follow AIP’s Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn channels.

BusinessMirror

Editor: Tet Andolong

Wednesday, May 18, 2022 B7

AmiSa Private Residences kicks off fourth tower with unobstructed view of Cebu seascape

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By Roderick L. Abad

ONDOMINIUM dwellers who are looking for a home that feels like they are taking a vacation yet not remiss their daily grind whether work or business, the AmiSa Private Residences is the place to be with its fourth vertical development that provides full vista of the majestic Mactan seascape and nearby islands.

RLC Residences, the housing arm of real-estate giant Robinsons Land Corp., recently unveiled the AmiSa Tower D, giving future residents a glimpse of its upgraded features and interiors in synch with the call of the times. “We are so proud to launch a project such as this because this is truly the best property one can ever have in Mactan, whether it be a private home or a source of passive income,” said John Richard Sotelo, senior vice presidentbusiness unit general manager at RLC Residences. Its strategic location at Punta Engaño makes it a perfect investment for the “BLeisure” (short for “business and leisure”) market. “For leisure, we all know that you have access to the beach, you have access to all the cultural hotspots in Cebu and, of course, for business, you have all the destinations that you will need. More importantly, you’re very accessible to Mactan International Airport. So you really have the ability to juggle leisure and business when you’re at AmiSa Private Residences,” noted RLC Residences Business Development and Design Head Stephanie Anne Go.

Stunning sceneries and exclusive resort-like experience THE newest 16-story condo offers an unblocked sight of the Magellan Bay, the Olango Island, and the Hilutungan Channel. Unit owners can appreciate and enjoy this unobstructed view from their

wider and larger windows, or right at their balconies. AmiSa D comes with a Sky Lounge in the roof deck. Here, they can safely unwind while still enjoying the refreshing 360-degree view of the sea, thus fulfilling the property’s promise of giving a “Life with a View.” B e y o n d t h e b r e at ht a k i n g sceneries, residents also get to enjoy exclusive resort-like facilities, property management services, and hotel perks courtesy of the five-star Dusit Thani Mactan just across the development. They are eligible for a Dusit Gold Card to avail of hotel discounts, as well as in-unit massage and spa services. Likewise, they are pampered with a 24-hour concierge service and access to manifold leisure and fitness amenities, such as swimming pools, sun loungers, a clubhouse, a grill area, a private theater, a jogging trail, and a private gym.

‘Smart’ condo living AMISA D elevates the safety and comfortable daily life of homeowners with the use of topnotch kind of technology. A smart lock set gives them the security that they only have the right of entry to their units either through a common access card, numeric keypad, biometrics, or standard key access. There’s also an audio/video intercom connected to the reception area so that the residents can check on their homes or ap-

RLC Residences’ AmiSa Private Residences is an ideal vacation home investment located at Punta Engaño Road, Lapu-Lapu City, Mactan, Cebu.

THE Sky Lounge seated on the rooftop area is where people can unwind with the refreshing 360-degree view of the sea.

pliances via their smartphones wherever they are. RLC Residences also has fitted the units with smart lights, smart power outlets, and control panels. On top of these, the new building is already delivered with fiber-optic technology to provide guests and residents a fast and reliable internet connection necessary for work and personal use.

More updated features TO keep up with the times, the developer makes sure that future owners can automatically catch up with what the future holds for them. Hence, AmiSa D presents them with unique home upgrades such as a “work-from-home” nook so they can easily transition again to this “new normal” set up if ever the lockdowns happen anew.

THE Work Lounge allows unit owners to still work-from-home while feeling like taking a vacay just right at the comfort of their opulent abode.

What’s more, there’s a pantry drawer, a walk-in closet provision on select units, a glass shower enclosure, and a washer/dryer in place, among other high-end offerings. “[So] if you have dreamed of ow ning a lu x ur ious vacation home—one that features an unobstructed seascape view, supports a 360 resort-like lifestyle, and utilizes technology to promote ease and comfort—then it’s about time to invest in the newest tower of AmiSa Private Residences,” Sotelo said. With these features, RLC Residences does not cut any corners to make sure that AmiSa Tower D stays true to its brand promise to “Raise, Live, Connect.” “With ‘Raise’, it’s all about high-quality living and creat-

RISING or retiring from the bedroom at AmiSa Tower D is an experience in itself with the stunning view of the sea.

ing that well-designed beautiful properties in terms of architecture, in terms of amenities. And this is in support of how we ‘Live’ our lives to the fullest because part of having the best life is knowing that you have an intuition in your lifestyle, your passion, your interest because we play many roles in our lives. It’s very important that we stay ‘Connected’ to what truly matters to us, may it be our loved ones, may it be the places that we value the most, or just simply what we love doing,” explained RLC Residences Marketing Head and Chief Integration Officer Karen Cesario. Such commitment, according to Sotelo, sums up their mission to put customers first in terms of giving them a luxurious lifestyle at all times.

“I think one of the things that separates RLC Residences from other developers—and it’s been a real conscious choice in the past two years—is bringing customercentricity to the heart of what we do,” he said in a media conference during the grand launch at the Dusit Thani Mactan. “Being customer-centric means putting your ego last because you have to admit yourself maybe you don’t really know what they want today and in the next five to 10 years.” AmiSa D houses 176 studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom flat-type units, ranging from 40 square meters (sq m) to 83 sq m. It’s now open for pre-selling to both local and foreign investors. Construction of the building will commence by end of 2022 and is set for completion in five years.

Makati, Pasig and Taguig top preferences for rentals in Q2 2022 By Rizal Raoul S. Reyes

IT-BPO workers urged to return onsite

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ak ati, Pasig and Taguig recently emerged as top sources of leads for rentals for the first quarter or 2022, according to leading online real-estate platform Lamudi. Moreover, roughly split data between property seekers within and outside Metro Manila. According to Lamudi, 4 out of the top 10 sources of leads for each aforementioned city with a central business district (CBD) were cities located outside the National Capital Region (NCR). Six out of the top 10 sources of inquiries for Makati, Pasig and Taguig were from cities within Metro Manila, with Quezon City and the City of Manila contributing the most leads in each. The remaining four in each CBD assessed varied. At least two cities from Mega Manila, such as Angeles, Antipolo, Bacoor, Calamba, and Lipa, were among the top sources of leads in each of the CBDs assessed.

CALABA renters prefer going solo

Property seekers from the CALABA cities are likely to be looking at renting in the aforementioned CBDs for work. Pull factors such as the comparably larger number of job opportunities at the several IT-

BPO companies and large corporate headquarters based in Metro Manila CBDs continue to be a major driver of rentals. Lamudi CEO Kenneth Stern told the BusinessMirror in a phone interview that their data from 1Q 2022 showed that the majority of inquiries from seekers from Bacoor, Calamba and Lipa looking for rentals in CBDs were for rooms to rent, bed spaces and studio units—smaller spaces that point to seekers wishing to rent solo or share spaces with roommates, as opposed to renting

as a family. “Seekers from these cities are also younger, with all leads coming from seekers aged 18 to 34. On the other hand, inquiries from Metro Manila-based seekers were mostly for 1-bed room, 2-bed room, a nd studio units. Leads from Metro Manila based seekers were also heavily concentrated in condominium units whereas leads from Luzon-based seekers outside NCR were more evenly distributed between apartments and condominium units,” Stern explained.

Employees of information technology-business process outsourcing (IT-BPO) fir ms, an industr y employing roughly 1.3 million Filipinos, were affected by Fiscal Incentives Review Board (FIRB) calls for ecozone locators to return to full office operations by April 1 in order to avail of tax incentives. T he m a nd ate coi nc ides w it h spikes in residential rental inquiries for CBD listings on Lamudi in 1Q 2022 from both inside and outside Metro Manila—possibly driven by employees returning from their hometow ns and seek ing renta ls nearer to their office. “While this offers promising opportunities for real-estate players, it also presents challenges, primarily in making commercial spaces appealing to employees who have become used to working from home,” Stern said.

New hotel near BGC boosts T&T recovery

With the pandemic seemingly winding down into an endemic situation, revenge travel is just around the corner. While many governments are now easing up on their travel restrictions and leisure property owners and managers are ready to welcome

RIDGEWOOD premier hotel 1 excited tourists eager to travel. “The timing will most likely coincide with the projected timetable for the world ’s economic recovery from the pandemic,” said Marc Ngo the hotel’s incoming Chief Operating Officer, in an e-mail interview with the BusinessMirror. “As a new player, Ridgewood Premier Hotel will create around 100 jobs in the service sector, from front office to F&B and housekeeping. The jobs forecast is important, as the Travel & Tourism [T&T] sector, hotels in particular, was severely affected by the pandemic, with many jobs either lost or furloughed,” Ngo added. Ngo said Ridgewood Premier Hotel’s favorable location lies in BGC’s sweet spot, right between hotels that are too expensive and hotels that are

too far. This means that many travelers, who are now cost-conscious given today’s economy, can always choose the hotel as an option for better value.

Strong earnings opportunity

NGO said Ridgewood Premier Hotel is giving investors the chance to ride the projected recovery of the T&T sector, and earn high returns in the future, by investing in the project now. The hotel project will occupy the 15th to 19th floors of Ridgewood Towers Premier along the main C5 Road, right across the British and Korean embassies. Guaranteed returns of 6 percent per annum, and bonus incomes of up to another 6% p.a., depending on occupancy rates, make it an attractive offer.

Sports

Gilas women brace for vengeful Thais

BusinessMirror

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B8

| Wednesday, May 18, 2022 mirror_sports@yahoo.com.ph Editor: Jun Lomibao

MEDAL TABLE R

COUNTRY

GOLD

SILVER

BRONZE

TOTAL

1

Vietnam

91

56

57

204

2

Thailand

36

38

57

131

3

Philippines

30

35

44

109

4

Singapore

26

29

31

86

5

Indonesia

25

36

33

94

6

Malaysia

20

24

46

90

7

Myanmar (Burma)

4

6

9

19

8

Cambodia

1

4

10

15

9

Brunei

1

1

1

3

10

Laos

0

1

13

14

11

Timor-Leste

0

1

0

1

Source: seagames2021.com

THE Philippines battles Malaysia in sepak takraw action on Tuesday at the Hoang Mai Gymnasium in Hanoi. NONIE REYES

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ANOI—Carlos Edriel Yulo flew back to Tokyo on Tuesday after scooping five gold medals in men’s gymnastics with relative ease—proof that the bashful young man from Leveriza is indeed now a worldclass act. But while doing his routines in all of gymnastics’ apparatus with a flourish, Yulo had one thing set in his mind: Paris 2024 Olympics. “It’s really the Olympics that matters, so I treated this Southeast Asian Games like I was competing in the Olympics,” said Yulo, whose Olympic debut in Tokyo—despite him missing the podium—made him a more matured and focused gymnast no longer scared of the glaring lights of the global sports stage. “I’ve never underestimated the SEA Games, my training and approach in these Games are always on the same level as the Olympics,” he said. Yulo’s an imminent runaway winner of the best male athlete of the SEA Games after collecting five gold medals in his sport—men’s all around, floor exercise, rings, vault and horizontal bars he ruled in a tie with Vietnam’s Ding Phuong

Thanh. He was the men’s floor exercise world champion in 2019 and is the reigning king of the vault, having won gold in the worlds in Japan last year. He also settled for two silvers in men’s team and parallel bar. Yulo said that he’s happy to see teammates Aleah Finnegan Cruz win the women’s vault and her teammates bag the women’s team title. “It’s my first time to feel something like this, I’m very glad that my fellow Filipino gymnasts are also winning gold,” said Yulo, as he thanked Philippine Olympic Committee President Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, Philippine Sports Commission Chairman William “Butch” Ramirez and Gymnastics Association of the Philippines head Cynthia Carrion-Norton. Yulo also extended his gratitude to his long-time Japanese Coach Munehiro Kugimiya and therapist Jumpei Kunno. Next up for them is the Asian Championships set from June 15 to 18 in Doha, Qatar. “Training is a must because the Asian championships are a qualifying competition for the world championships,” he said. The world championships— set October 29 to November 6 in Liverpool, England—are also the qualifiers for the Paris Games.

How UP beat Ateneo WITH 100 seconds left in the game, Ateneo held a 69-64 lead over University of the Philippines (UP). By some stretch of imagination, that’s as safe a margin as can be. No lead is safe in any game. Every contest is not over until it’s over. And so, in a span of 99.5 seconds, the UP Fighting Maroons achieved the impossible, improbable. Recoiling like cobras raring for a sting, the Maroons roared for eight straight points to snatch a win from the gulf of defeat in a stunning 8-0 windup never seen in a long, long while in collegiate play. So blistering was UP’s closeout that after the Diliman quintet had emerged the clear winner, a bewildered Ateneo side was as shocked as a king uncrowned in a flash. To say that JD Cagulangan starred in UP’s come-from-behind masterpiece would be sports’ understatement of the year. He was everything. He owned the last 100 seconds. He owned the game, acquiring it in four equal parts. First, Cagulangan, described by Du Hizon as a junior standout from La Salle Greenhills, fired a three to slash

By Jun Lomibao

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ANOI—Thailand’s Natthakritta Vongtaveelap edged Lois Kaye Go in a playoff to douse dashing the Philippines’s gold medal hopes in women’s golf team match play on Tuesday at the Heron Lake Golf Course in Vinh Phuc. Vongtaveelap missed a six-foot birdie putt on the par-five No. 9 but Go flubbed her par-bid from almost the same distance to leading send the Thais to a gold medal duel with the Malaysians. Go trounced Eila Galitsky, 3&1, to force a playoff after Vongtaveelap foiled young Rianne Malixi, 2&1, in their side of the match play. In a duel of the two countries’ top players, Vongtaveelap outsteadied Go, member of the team that won the gold in the 2019 SEA Games at Luisita in Tarlac, splitting the fairway in the playoff as Go drove into the left rough. Although the Thai dumped her second shot into the right greenside bunker, she blasted to within birdie range but missed the putt. Go, on

Kugimiya said the ultimate prize will always be winning an Olympic gold medal. “We’re always aiming for an Olympic gold medal,” Kugimiya said. Carrion-Norton, meanwhile, was the most elated of the group as she described Yulo’s performance as “a show of a lifetime” in the SEA Games, adding her wards medals haul surpassed the two gold and five silver medal he won in the Philippines 2019 Games. Yulo is expected to collect P1.8 million in cash incentives from the government through the PSC. “The bonuses I’ll get here will be part of my savings, for my future,” he said. “I will invest it properly.”

THAT’S IT With Vietnam a cinch to emerge overall champion in the ongoing SEA Games in Hanoi—as hosts are traditionally destined to do it—the field is reduced to battling for second. We are presently behind the secondrunning Thailand in the biennial meet. We have time to do it as competition is up to May 23.

the other hand, hit the fairway on her second shot but came up short on her approach then muffed her par-bid from six feet, enabling Vongtaveelap to clinch the win for Thailand and stay on course for a gold medal sweep after a dominant stint in individual competition. Malixi, whose campaign is backed by International Container Terminal Services Inc., held her ground against Vongtaveelap majority of their semifinal clash but just couldn’t pull it off in the end. The setback thus dropped the fourth-seeded Philippines to a bronze medal duel with No. 2 Singapore, which yielded a 0-2 defeat to third ranked Malaysia in the other semifinal clash. Mirabel Ting and individual bronze medalist Jeneath Wong eased past Suanne Loh and individual silver medalist Aloysa Mabutas as Malaysia arranged a gold medal clash with fancied Thailand. The two countries will also dispute the men’s team gold after Thailand crushed Singapore, 3-0, and Malaysia nipped Indonesia, 2-1. Individual gold medalist Ervin Chang also remained on track for a sweep as leads Nateeshvar Ganesh and Marcus Chuen Lim against the crack Thai troika of Ratchanon Chantananuwat, individual bronze medalist Weerawish Narkprachar and Asit Areephan.

Bright prospects up in judo

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CARLOS EDRIEL YULO pulls off “a performance of a lifetime” in the Vietnam Games. NONIE REYES

ALEX EALA beats her foe from Laos— Phonphatehep Philavong, 6-1, 6-1— to advance to the women’s singles event of tennis. NONIE REYES

Ateneo’s lead to 69-67. Second, he slapped a rebound for UP possession. Third, he dished the pencil-thin Malick Diouf a sizzling assist on the run. Diouf dunk. 69-all. And fourth, with .5 of a second left, Cagulangan sank a step-aside three from left quarter court. Ah, the step-aside three is the first cousin of the stepback three popularized by Steph Curry. Cagulangan’s step-aside three makes him move sideways to either his left or right to break free from his guard and next jump as fast. Against Ateneo on Friday the 13th, he went to his left to peel off from Gian Mamuyac. When his step-aside three went in for UP’s titleclinching 72-69 triumph, the unbelieving 15,135 spectators shook the foundations of the MOA Arena of Pasay City with their primal scream. The shot did not only give UP its first University Athletic Association of the Philippines men’s basketball crown in 36 years but it also completely shattered Ateneo coach Tab Baldwin’s myth of invincibility. And more. It also stopped Ateneo’s title winning streak at three, handing Baldwin an embarrassing fourth loss in the five games that UP and Ateneo clashed in Season 84. And wasn’t Baldwin the same American who, only a while back, belittled the Filipino coach for being “technically deficient?” And to think that he met his match in Goldwyn Monteverde, UP’s rookie coach. That says a lot. If Baldwin suddenly packs his bags and heads for home, who’d dare stop him? The Ateneo community? Sssh.

Bernardino and Janine Pontejos scoring with 16 and 15 points, respectively. The team had 18 steals against the Indonesians, proof of the girls’ tenacious defense. “The girls had a great game defending. We had 18 steals and forced them (Indons) to turnovers, Aquino said. “It’s like our offense, we play good defense—that’s our other offense.” The Gilas women ended the Thais’ reign in SEA Games basketball in the Philippines 2019 SEA Games. The Thais opened their campaign here with a shaky 70-67 win over the Malaysians. The Philippines shares the early lead with Thailand and host Vietnam in the seven-team eliminations. The top-ranked team will win the gold medal. Jun Lomibao

Go and co. relegated to duel for bronze in women’s golf

YULO’S EYES ON PARIS ’24 By Josef Ramos

ANOI—The Philippine women’s basketball team faces a big test in the 31st Southeast Asian Games when it battles a revenge-seeking Thailand side on Wednesday Tat the Hanh Tri Gymnasium. The game is set at 9 a.m. (10 a.m. in Manila). Coach Pat Aquino hopes his wards will play excellent defense anew as they did in their 93-77 rout of Indonesia in their first game last Monday. “Hopefully, we get that momentum going into the other games, especially against Thailand,” Aquino said. “We have to have a great game again like this. I’m just happy that they were doing their best.” Aquino said he was satisfied with the performance of the Gilas women against the Indons with Afril

ANOI— Kiyomi Watanabe and Mariya Takahashi are not around to man the fort for the Philippines but three homegrown talents and four FilipinoJapanese are on hand to stave off the opposition in the 31st Southeast Asian Games. Four-time SEA Games champion Watanabe is down with a knee injury while two-time winner Takahashi is attending to his academic requirements, according to Philippine Judo Federation (PJF) secretary general Dave Carter. The Philippines finished third overall in the judo competition of the 2019 Games with three gold medals courtesy of Watanabe, Takahashi and Shuen Nagano that went with one silver and nine bronze medals. Vietnam dominated action with a haul of 7-2-3 (gold-silver-bronze), followed by Indonesia (4-2-4). But Carter said homegrown bets Daryl John Mercado, Bryn

Quillotes and John Viron Ferrer, along with Nakano, his elder brother Keisei, and fellow Filipino-Japanese Rena Furukawa and Megumi Delgado are raring to lead the 17-member national team to glory. “We’re relying on them and all of them have a chance for the gold medals,” said Carter ahead of the draw on Tuesday which he attended with PJF president Alexander “Ali” Sulit. Judo action gets going Wednesday at the Hoai Duc Gymnasium with both officials confident their wards are up to the task. Completing the national team are Khrizze Pabulayan, Leah Jane Lopez, Ma. Jeanalane Lopez, Dylwynn Keith Gimena and Carl Dave Aseneta in the combat side of the disciple while competing in kata (form) are Daryl John Mercado and Alvin Mendoza in the men’s class and Andrea Camille Divina, King Jewel Rafael and Joemarie Gimena in the women’s side. Josef Ramos

Bautista, Palicte in rousing start

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AC NINH City—Ian Clark Bautista booked a lopsided unanimous decision win over Singaporean Mohammad Hanurdeen Bin to kick off the Philippines’s campaign in the 31st Southeast Asian Games late Monday night. Bautista, the 27-year-old veteran from Binalbagan, Negros Occidental, controlled the three-round fight, landing punches perfectly from all angles to get the nod of the five judges and advance into the men’s featherweight semifinals on Friday. “We trained a lot for this

Southeast Asian Games so we’re praying to accomplish more,” said Bautista, the 2019 bronze medalist. “I will do my very best to sweep the bouts and hope to bring home gold for our country.” Bautista, a member of the Philippine team since 2009, will next take on Cambodian Rangsey Sao, who beat Sheikh Rahmatullah of Malaysia in their quarterfinals bout. Another Filipino pug, James Palicte, beat Vietnamese Vu Thanh Dat, 4-1 in the men’s lightweight class to move to the quarterfinals against Cambodian Touch Davit in one of the fights set Tuesday.

Also on Tuesday, Thai Open champion and 2019 gold medalist Rogen Ladon battles Malaysia’s Muhammad Abdul Qaiyum in the men’s flyweight quarterfinals. The Philippines lost at least a silver medal when the women’s middleweight class, where Hergie Bacyadan is competing, was scrapped by organizers due to lack of participants. Bacyadan, a former wushu practitioner who is the reigning Thai Open champion, confirmed that only the Philippines and Vietnam fielded entries in the division. For an event to push through, at least four entries are needed. Josef Ramos

T urism R E V E N G E N

www.businessmirror.com.ph

A BusinessMirror Special Feature

Wednesday, May 18, 2022 C1

Revenge tourism fueling post-pandemic tourist boom

A

By Leony R. Garcia

FTER two years of lockdowns and movement restrictions brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic, Filipinos have finally found the best revenge: to travel.

Indeed, many Filipinos nowadays are on traveling mode and are actually traveling more than before. The Department of Tourism (DOT) has affirmed that revenge travel is real and has become an organic phenomenon. “Revenge tourism is fueling the post-pandemic tourist boom and ever since the Philippines opened up to international leisure travel in February, we have seen a gradual rise in arrivals both from foreigners and our balikbayans. Domestic travel which is actually 85 percent of tourism contribution to the GDP has been on an upswing as well ever since the different local destinations have reopened with fewer restrictions,” Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo Puyat said in her opening remarks during the BusinessMirror Coffee Club forum titled, “The Philippines and Revenge Tourism – Are We Ready?” Romulo said the agency has consistently focused on not just to getting back to normal but to paving the way for a better normal. This will be achieved through the rebuilding of the nation’s tourism industry in a way that will make it stronger, more resilient, and more inclusive. “So, despite the image that revenge travel conjures of crazy people rushing to crowd the beaches, what we are actually experiencing is that people will be traveling more thoughtfully. They want to immerse themselves and experience more things while being aware of the negative impacts that over-tourism brings. Revenge travel is real but so is our determination to save our spots and make tourism in the Philippines more fun for everyone,” she said.

Prepared

CHARLES Bautista, Deputy Chief Operating Officer for Marketing and Promotions of the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) agreed that the tourism sector is fully prepared for leisure tourists as well as “very much ready to become a strong MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) destination in this new normal.” “Today, we make sure that we are facilitating vaccination across the different tourism industries

for our different frontliners in hotels, airlines, and restaurants to make sure that when we reopen our borders all our tourism workers are already vaccinated and prepared to welcome guests in the new normal,” he said. Bautista said that part of TPB’s work also includes a visit to all destinations and making sure that they comply with the prescribed health and safety protocols. “And at the same time to see if they are ready to take in tourists or determine the number of tourists they can take in and making sure that all our members and their tourism facilities are up to date,” he added. Fe Abling-Yu, president of the Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA), was happy to note that the country’s tour operators have continually validated destinations as early as October 2020 and ended this April 2021. “Our focus right now is domestic tourism. We develop new destinations in the process. I think this is one of the very good effects brought about by the pandemic. Let’s take it on a very positive side now. We were able to discover more of the Philippines. There are many places to visit in the Philippines, places that we should patronize,” Abling-Yu said.

Ready for a better normal

MEANWHILE, several big names and established hospitality groups have fully adjusted to the new normal. In fact, they intend to go the extra mile not just to accommodate revenge travelers but to make each and every traveler safe. Margarita Fuentes Munsayac, VP for Sales and Marketing of Bluewater Resorts, said the resort made a lot of adjustments to meet the post-pandemic requirements. Munsayac said Bluewater’s most of the recent investments were geared towards addressing the health and safety protocols such as the putting up of washbasins at all entrances and the disinfection/cleaning process of their rooms. She added that they spent three months studying and reviewing the guidelines of the IATF (Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases). Further, Bluewater had to

ARE we ready for revenge tourism? The hosts and guests think we are.

speed up its digital road map to come up with contactless checkins/check-outs and ordering of food from the resort’s restaurants, among many others. “And we never closed Bluewater Malibago throughout the pandemic. In sales and marketing, we really went into alternative market segments wherein the health and safety protocols were very important. We had the alternative market of the BPOs and in the succeeding months we had to address being a quarantine facility,” Munsayac said. These experiences, Munsayac said, have helped trained her people to get used to the health protocols which are still in place. These also enhanced the resort’s customer experience for Filipino hospitality. “Pre-pandemic, Bluewater Resorts were catering to 80 percent foreign guests. So we had to shift

gear. We had to be more specific to our local markets. You know, Filipinos as travelers are more demanding and are picky about destinations. We had to look closely into this and you know this will be the norm. The new normal will always be about this: We had to provide them the experience of the Filipino hospitality but at the same time be very stringent about health and safety protocols,” she said.

Demanding and price conscious

ALEX AQUINO, Head Marketing, Swisshotel Clark, Widus Hotel and Casino agreed that Filipino travelers tend to be demanding, priceconscious, and always on the lookout for value of money. “So we really have to adapt, listen and understand what they really need. We were resilient and adaptive to what the cus-

tomers need. More than the guests we also need to make our staff feel safe, comfortable, and confident that their working environment is safe. That’s for them to say we feel safe and we could also make our customers feel safe, too,” Aquino said. “Swisshotel just opened its door last March. But we were already fully operational during the Holy Week season. Our other property, Widus Hotel and Casino, operated during the pandemic and was never closed to cater to our customers,” he added. For Sue Geminiano, Marketing Manager of Hotel Sogo, the property did its share for the new normal protocol adjustments. “We added more sophisticated ways of disinfecting. We had a UVC light for disinfection and this is used every after use of the room. We also had the UV filter

in all our air-conditioning units so that all the air that passes through the aircon would be filtered more than the normal filtering. We also double our airway exchange,” she said. The Sogo Group also boasts of 11 anti-covid innovations which it intends to continue “for us to protect ourselves and our guests. We also had these Covid sniffer dogs which does preliminary screening of our employees before they go on duty. Our automatic thermal scan-controlled doors do not open if one’s body temperature is above normal.” To further ensure the safety of its guests, Sogo Hotel now does online reservations. Aside from online booking agencies like Agoda, Booking.com, Speeda, and Everything Online, it now does online reservations through its website and social media fan pages.

Virtus Awards 2022: A Breakthrough Year for the Hotel Industry

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HE Hotel Sales and Marketing Association announced the launch of the 8th Virtus Awards last April 28, 2022 at the Kingsford Hotel Manila during their first face-to-face General Membership Meeting in over two years. Department of Trade and Industry-Trade and Investments Promotion Group (DTI-TIPG) Assistant Secretary Rosvi C. Gaetos delivered the keynote speech during the event. Fresh from the Philippine participation in Dubai Expo 2020, Gaetos shared the developments and outstanding exhibits she witnessed in the pavilions of global

participants and offered opportunities and ideas which hotels could draw inspiration from. Banking on the unwavering optimism it upheld during the worst of the pandemic, the hospitality industry is ready to recast the stamina and innovation it applied in the past two years to leap into the easing of travel restrictions in 2022. With the theme “Breakthrough 2022,” this year’s Virtus Awards will highlight the endeavors of hotel sales and marketing professionals to be released from the stringent rules dictated by the global plight.

“It’s time to snap out of the shackles of the ‘safe only’ discipline of the past years and focus on better, livelier options that hotels and resorts can offer to families, gatherings for leisure and business,” Rose Libongco, Virtus Awards Chair, said. “HSMA will release the tension and tedious controls to serve new schemes, delights in pursuing fun, fantasy and new hopes to allow us to dream again.” The Virus Awards was started by HSMA in 2015. The deadline for the submission of entries of the 8th Virtus Awards is on August 31. Winners will

be announced during a live ceremony on October 25. The Virtus Awards is organized by the HSMA with the support of the Department of Tourism, Tourism Promotions Board Philippines and Atlantis with the special participation of Bambunet and Kingsford Hotel Manila. For more information on the Virtus Awards entry eligibility and requirements, visit www. hsma.org.ph or follow HSMA’s Facebook page @HSMA-HotelSales-and-Marketing-A ssociation-Internaitional and Instagram account @hsmaphilppines for details.

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Revenge Tourism A BusinessMirror Special Feature

Wednesday, May 18, 2022

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Clark International Airport revolutionizes the travel experience Accessible and inclusive

By Leony R. Garcia

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RAVELERS landing at the new Clark International Airport Terminal will be greeted by the majestic view of Mount Arayat in the east and the Sacobia mountain ranges in the west.

Upon entering the terminal, guests are greeted by awesome cathedral ceilings that mimic the jagged stone wall of Central Luzon’s majestic caves. The ceiling is made of laminated wood from Austrian spruce trees. The new airport terminal features accents of green and blue

PART of the airport's carpet is bright green which pays homage to the lush jungle and mountain surroundings of Pampanga.

that emulate the greenery and the landscape of Central Luzon. The green represents the landscape of Mt. Arayat, which faces the domestic boarding gates, while blue represents the waters of Manila

Bay, which faces the international boarding gates. These silhouettes of nature meet modern as the new airport terminal features state-of-the-art facilities such as the self-service

THE world-class wooden seat at one of the lounges.

kiosks for passenger check in. There is no need to touch the kiosk screens because passengers will only need to scan a QR code that will help them navigate the check-in system and print their

boarding pass using their mobile phones. The contact-less ordering system is also in place for the airport’s lounges and restaurants. Ordering food can be done via QR codes.

THE new terminal is made truly accessible and inclusive. Restrooms include Family Rooms, are genderneutral, and friendly to passengers with restricted mobility (PRM). There are also escalators and elevators in all boarding gates, providing seamless access for all passengers. There is a transfer desk for international passengers at the new terminal. Unlike in the past where passengers from Kansai had to pick up their luggage and pass through immigration and re-check in for their Singapore flight, this time, upon arrival, they can simply use the transfer desk, and go straight up to the airport’s event place. The new terminal also features state-of-the-art intelligent Advanced Visual Docking Guidance System, which allows pilots to park aircrafts precisely and safely even in adverse weather conditions, using advanced laser technology. Such “sense of place” elements, which showcase Filipino hospitality, culture, nature and heritage, place a strong emphasis on operational efficiency, relaxing customer facilities and unique concepts that made the airport one of the finalists

continued on C3

Revenge Tourism A BusinessMirror Special Feature

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Clark... in the 2021 World Selection of the Prix Versailles Architecture and Design Awards under the Airport Category.

DOT-media familiarization tour

CLARK International Airport is an international airport covering portions of the cities of Angeles and Mabalacat within the Clark Freeport Zone in the province of Pampanga. All flights arriving and departing from Clark transferred to its new terminal starting May 2. The new terminal was completed in October 2020. President Rodrigo Duterte inspected the 110,000-square meter new Clark terminal building in July 2021. At the time of the media visit last May 5, passengers were seen boarding or embarking from Jetstar, Qatar Airways, Emirates, Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines. "We have put a lot of effort into making our passengers' journey as seamless as possible through the terminal and getting to and from our airport," said LIPAD (Luzon International Premier Airport Development Corp). chief executive officer Bi Yong Chungunco. LIPAD is the operator of the Clark International Airport New Terminal. Clark International Airport's new terminal can accommodate up to eight million passengers per year, almost doubling the 4.2 million capacity of the old terminal.

Wednesday, May 18, 2022 C3

continued from C2

The summit, spearheaded by the Department of Tourism Region (DOT) III, together with Tourism Promotions Board Philippines and Subic-Clark Alliance for Development (SCAD), presented the tourism investment portfolios and unique offerings that make Central Luzon an ideal tourism and investment destination. The new Clark International Airport is the fruit of the first public-private partnership awarded under the Duterte Administration. It’s a key architecture, symbolic almost, of the energies invested in New Clark: the envisioned first green, sustainable, and intentionally disaster-resilient city in the country, according to the Bases Conversion DOT officials checking out the relaxing seats at the airport. and Development Authority.

THE passengers’ queue at the check-in area.

Investment exchange

THE fam tour was part of the first Central Luzon Tourism Investment Summit and Business Exchange (CLTISBEX), a two-day event held at Hilton Clark Sun Valley Resort.

TOURISM Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat (left) with officers and staff of the Department of Tourism Region 3 Office.

TOURISM Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat and Presidential Adviser on Flagship Programs and Projects Vince Dizon inspect the contactless check-in kiosk at the new terminal of Clark International Airport.

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Revenge T

A BusinessMirr

Wednesday, May 18, 2022 | www.businessmirror.com.ph

ILOCOS NORTE IS READY V

Story and photos by Bernard Testa

IVIANE Aguilar, 42, has found a new calling. After attending to Covid-19 patients at the height of the pandemic as a barangay health worker, she is now a tourist ambassador.

Instead of looking after patients, she now looks after the needs of tourists by giving out information and by serving as a tourist guide in Kapurpurawan, Burgos, Ilocos Norte. The Kapurpurawan Rock Formation is located on the rocky coast of Burgos. It is known for its creamy white and streamlined limestone formations which have been sculpted by different oceanic and weather forces. The town of Burgos is also famous for the Burgos Wind Farm, which is operated by EDC Burgos Wind Power Corp. The 150Megawatt Burgos Wind Farm is the largest wind power project

in Southeast Asia and is located within a 600-hectare site. The facility consists of 50 wind turbines, each with a capacity of three Megawatts, generating electricity to the Luzon Grid. “After the local government unit (LGU) rolled out of the Covid-19 vaccines, we were told to apply as tourist guides and I was more than happy to accept this,” Aguilar said in an interview with BusinessMirror. “This is my way of helping my hometown recover from the pandemic.” Holy Week influx THE influx of tourists in the province started during the Holy Week

ENJOYING the dawn at the Blue Lagoon in Pagudpud

THE Burgos Wind Farm is the largest of its kind in Southeast Asia.

TOURISTS enjoy horseback riding with the Kapurpuran rock formation in the background.

with the provincial government reporting over 14,000 arrivals who stayed at least a night there. This is the highest number of arrivals since the pandemic was declared in

March 2020. The Ilocos Norte Tourism office (INTO) said domestic tourists accounted for most arrivals. The long weekend also brought 700,000 day visitors, or those who did not stay overnight. Most travel restrictions in the province have been eased under Covid-19 Alert Level 1. Fully vaccinated tourists only need to show their vaccination cards upon entry. Ilocos Norte was the first province in the country to receive a “safe travel” stamp from the World Tourism Council and the Department of Tourism for being compliant with the safe travel protocols and other requirements. “Let us make sure that we prioritize the people behind the industry and make sure that they are the ones who will benefit the most. I truly believe that Ilocos Norte is among the premier tourism destinations in the country,’ said Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc, who recently won his reelection bid. To lockdown or not? WHEN asked if the Inter Agency

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Task Force (IATF) would be declaring a lockdown any time soon, Manotoc said they considered the word lockdown a bad word and that he had no plans to place the province under a lockdown. “We were the first in Luzon to open up to tourists. Of course, safety is a priority. We won’t overreach to Covid but there is a way to balance it, specially now that we know how to do it,” Manotoc said, adding that the LGU had fully immunized all tourism workers, established tourist triaging areas and conducted regular hotel inspection. Ilocos Norte relies heavily on tourism and the recent conduct of a gala night is a testament of the LGU’s efforts to recognize those who support their battle against Covid-19. Awards were given out to establishments that were converted into quarantine facilities and to tourism workers who volunteered during the lockdown. The gala night also showcased the province’s Inabel fabric which was worned by candidates of Miss Ilocos Norte 2022. “We are ready to accommodate tourists after the elections, espe-

cially if former Senator Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. wins the election. (He is the presumptive President as of press time) We expect more people to visit the province, similar to what happened in Davao when President Rodrigo Roa Duterte won the elections back in 2016,” Manotoc said, adding that he is hopeful that the situation will continue to improve. Resort closure KAREN Lucas, who is on her 9th year as a tourist guide, told BusinessMirror in an interview that she witnessed first-hand how the tourism industry was really badly affected by the pandemic. The pandemic forced the closure Hannah Beach Resort, one of the province’s biggest resort owned by the late Air Force Col. Ricardo Nolasco Jr. “I hope that with the return of tourists, resorts that were closed during the pandemic would reopen their doors and give job opportunities to my fellow Ilocanos,” she said. Lucas was one of the volunteers who was recognized during the gala night. Businessman Ramon Manotok

Special Treat for Moms at Savoy Hotel Manila

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T’S that time of the year once again to honor and express our appreciation for that special woman in our lives. Savoy Hotel Manila has lined up wonderful month-long treats for our wonderful MOMs.

Must for Moms Room Package

IT’S mom’s turn to be pampered and treated! Spoil her with a relaxing staycation and book our “Must for Moms” Room Package with rates starting at P6,000nett which comes with an Overnight Room Accommodations in our comfortable Essential 1 (Standard) Room with Buffet

Breakfast for tw0, complimentary Wi-Fi, and access to our leisure facilities. As an extra touch, this package also comes with a one-hour in-room massage for mom, an Afternoon Tea special at our Café Lounge, and Special Welcome Amenity. This package is valid from May 1 to 31, 2022.

Poolside Grill

IF you wish to treat mom to a “summer-style”, semi-al fresco dining, try our Poolside Grill for eat-allyou-can weekend BBQ offerings, for only P849nett per head. It features a variety of meat and seafood selec-

tions with sides and desserts. Dine by the poolside for a refreshing feel and chill with live entertainment to complete that relaxing ambience for that perfect unwind for mom. Savoy Hotel Manila’s Poolside Grill is available every Friday and Saturday from 6PM to 9PM until May 31, 2022. For more details, please call (02) 5317-2869 or email dine@savoymanila.com (for dining offers) and stay@savoymanila.com (for room promotions). Visit our website www.savoyhotelmanila.com. ph for details on other packages and promotions.

Tourism

ror Special Feature

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Y TO RECEIVE TOURISTS HAVING fun at the Paoay Lake Water Park.

TOURISTS take selfies at the top of the Cordillera mountain range along the Solsona-Apayao road, a pristine Baguio in the words of Ilocos THE Baroque style UNESCO World Heritage Site Paoay Church is a must see when visiting Ilocos Norte. Governor Mathew Marcos Manotoc.

opened his bed and breakfast establishment named Hakuna Matata in front of the famous Saud Beach in Pagudpud last October 2021. “It was a trial run because it was our first time to put up something like that. So far, so good but with the help of the local government, we

were able to invite more people. We were very lucky because we are fully booked until June,” Manotok said. Amenities COMPARED to the other resorts in the area, Hakuna Matata only has seven rooms, However, the

establishment’s selling points are its food and amenities. Hakuna Matata offers pizza and sushi and amenities for water sports such as surfing, kayaking, canoeing, windsurfing and kitesurfing. He recently added a local band that entertains dining guests

with a repertoire of Ilocano folk and love songs. Manotok related that when he purchased the property in 2019, he had to deal with financial constraints brought about by the rising prices of construction materials. This was made worse by the Co-

A TOURIST bathes in the concave basis of the 87 feet Kabigan Falls.

vid-19 pandemic. When he opened his restaurant back in 2021, the establishment required that their guests undergo RT-PCR tests before arriving at the bed and breakfast. “Our governor and the rest of the LGU did a very good job. They got Covid-19 under control.

Investors like us are very happy with the way they handled things. I believe in Ilocos Norte. I believe in Pagudpud. We will be able to recoup our losses. This may not happen overnight but I am not going anywhere. I am here for the long run,” Manotok said.

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The New Definition of Gourmet at S Kitchen W

EEKENDS are made not just to relax, but also to indulge. Sheraton Manila Hotel’s all-day dining restaurant S Kitchen is making gourmet available in a buffet set-up with Gourmet Weekends. Together with its signature dishes like Laksa and other local dishes, Gourmet Weekends offers a vast array of seafood like sustainable shrimps and mussels, live crabs, freshly-caught pompano, and more. Premium steak and meat cuts are also a highlight and can be cooked à la minute according to preference. Part of the weekend offer is unlimited access to the rich, buttery, and delicate duck liver or foie gras and the selection of classic cocktails and mocktails made on the spot by the roving bartender. “It is our delight to bring these items that can only be seen in a fine-dining set-up into our buffet. It’s like bridging the two together and giving our guests more reasons to enjoy their food,” says Sheraton Manila’s Executive Chef Kiko Santiago, also known as Chef ‘Ko, the first Filipino Executive Chef of a 5-star international hotel in the Philippines. S Kitchen also partnered with Aba Pardes, an Agritech corporation that transforms traditional agriculture into sustainable produce, for the hydroponics station where diners can enjoy a variety of fresh leafy greens from the buffet counter to their table. This initiative is part of the I Love Earth sustainability campaign within

Resorts World Manila. On top of the Gourmet Weekends, diners can also enjoy different varieties of oysters - whether freshly shucked, Rockefeller, or in baked form. Guests can catch S Kitchen’s Gourmet Weekends every Friday and Saturday from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm for Php 3200 nett per person. For reservations, call 0917 859 7496 or visit https://www.skitchenmanila.com/ and social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter at @sheratonmanila. Join the Viber community to be updated with the latest offers at Make It Marriott. Sheraton Manila Hotel is part of Marriott International, Inc. where the Sheraton tradition of hospitality blends with the vibrance of modern Manila. Strategically located across from Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3, situated within Resorts World Manila which provides the finest entertainment and nightlife. Sheraton Manila Hotel has 390 hotel rooms, one ballroom, seven meeting rooms, and three food and beverage outlets. To learn more, visit https:// www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/ mnlsi-sheraton-manila-hotel/. Stay connected to Sheraton Manila Hotel on Facebook, and @sheratonmanila on Twitter and Instagram. Sheraton Manila Hotel is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott’s new travel program that offers an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, experiences, and unparalleled benefits including earning

SHERATON Manila’s Executive Chef Kiko Santiago, also known as Chef ‘Ko, the first Filipino Executive Chef of a 5-star international hotel in the Philippines.

Sheraton Manila

Guest can choose from the array of fresh seafood available in the buffet.

Sheraton Manila’s all-day dining restaurant, S Kitchen

points toward free hotel stays and nights toward Elite status recognition. For more information about the

program, visit https://www.marriott. com/loyalty.mi or Marriott Hotels on Facebook, @marriott on Twit-

ter and @marriotthotels on Instagram. Marriott Hotels is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy, the new name of Marriott’s travel program replacing Marriott Rewards®, The Ritz- Carlton Rewards®, and Starwood Preferred Guest® (SPG). The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments and unparalleled benefits including earning points toward free hotel stays and nights toward Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit MarriottBonvoy. marriott.com.

Hotel Sogo goes on aggressive expansion amid the pandemic

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OTEL Sogo has come a long way from its humble beginnings, with the opening of four more branches last year. The hotel has 45 branches nationwide located in different key cities, and there are more branches in the pipeline. The hotel continues to live by its mission of providing accessible and affordable accommodation of excellent standards since its first branch opened in 1993 “Despite the recent challenging years, Hotel Sogo opened new branches namely, Timog 2, Fairview, and Edsa near Taft all within 2021 and one in Davao for 2022,” shared Sue Geminiano, Marketing Manager. “Our newly-renovated Hotel Sogo Malate has re-opened as well, and this is just one of the many exciting developments happening here at Hotel Sogo.”

Pandemic milestones

THE hotel has proven its dedication to service and cleanliness throughout the years. At the onset of the pandemic in March 2020, its own Research and Development (R&D) team acted quickly and developed ways to keep the hotel safer for its guests through its own 11 So Safe Innovations. These innovations, alongside the minimum health standards mandated by the government, raised the standard of cleanliness and sanitation in the hotel industry. Among the well-known safety innovations set by Hotel Sogo include the use of UVC LED lights for the disinfection of rooms, bathroom fixtures, utensils, room keycards, and cash. Air ventilation has also been doubled in hotel lobbies and hallways for a filtered and sanitized air. Anti-microbial coatings are also applied in common touch points, furniture, and hotel fixtures. Regular tests on high touchpoint surfaces are also done to secure the efficacy of each

safety innovation. Aside from putting the safety and cleanliness of the hotel as top priority, Hotel Sogo also gave back to the community during the 2020 lockdown. Hotel Sogo provided over P80 million worth of free accommodations to frontline medical workers of 11 hospitals from various key cities in the country in collaborative efforts with the local government offices and hospitals. As part of its response program through its Corporate Social Responsibility Sogo Cares, Hotel Sogo donated thousands of linens, towels, and sacks of rice, canned goods, bottled water, noodles, coffee, and other necessities to the affected areas of the recent Typhoon Odette. In a showcase of genuine “bayanihan,” these items were immediately distributed to Cebu, Southern Leyte, Bohol, Surigao, Siargao Island, Limasawa Island, and Palawan with the cooperation of DSWD, Philippine Air Force and other local government units.

On to the Future

HOTEL Sogo achieved yet another milestone growth with this recent

expansion in the Metro. As the largest hotel chain in the Philippines, Hotel Sogo is making its presence felt in more areas to address the lodging needs of guests on safety and price. Hotel Sogo is now moving its expansion direction towards South Luzon where tourism development is on a roll. The hotel’s aggressive growth also translates into more employment opportunities for Filipinos. “We are excited to see more of our branches in areas outside Metro Manila. Expansion efforts have been beefed up for all our plans to materialise as scheduled this 2022 and the years ahead. Meanwhile, our patrons and guests will be happier with our three new branches which offer new modern room designs, a wider menu of dishes and the usual Hotel Sogo high-standard of cleanliness and services that we all love,” Geminiano said. For more of Hotel Sogo’s events and promotions, visit www.hotelsogo.com or like/follow their Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram page @hotelsogo.

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Wednesday, May 18, 2022 C7

Okada Manila receives 3rd Forbes Travel Guide Five Star Award

OKADA SVP for Hotel Operations Ivaylo S. Ivanov speaking before guests.

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ORBES Travel Guide, the only globally recognized rating system for luxury hotels, restaurants and spas, has awarded Okada Manila yest another Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star for its 2022 Star Award. This is the 3rd year Manila’s grand icon has received this coveted accolade. To share the news. Okada invited friends from the media as well as key opinion leaders to the property’s newest restaurant at the Coral Wing. There, guests were able

A CHEF carves slices of roast beef for one of the guests.

to enjoy the spectacular Manila Bay sunset and the elegant Filipino inspired interiors of the venue. With over 990 exceptional accommodations, many amazing restaurants, award winning spas, and various other extraordinary amenities, all complimented by exceptional Pilipino hospitality, it is no mean feat that Okada Manila has achieved the FTG 5 star rating for three straight years. Okada SVP for Hotel Operations Ivaylo S. Ivanov says, “Our 3T campaign, our

industry leading health and safety protocols lauded by the industry, were embraced by our amazing team members and we were able to provide exceptional service to our guests during the pandemic,” Forbes Travel Guide, a worldrenowned authority in genuine FiveStar service has over 900 stringent items on their list, 75 percent of which focus on the guest experience and the rest on the facility. “Indeed, things are looking up and there’s no better way to

OKADA Manila, Manila’s grand icon.

celebrate than to highlight an accomplishment that’s not just for Okada Manila. I tis also for the Philippine and hospitality sector. This milestone is proof that the Phillippines could be, and is, world class,” shares Okada Manila President and COO Byron Yip. Opportune time This 5-star rating comes at an opportune time as the WTTC Global Summit that happened in Manila the week before showed the world

the Philippines is now open for tourism and it is time to rediscover travel. “Our doors are open and Okada Manila is fully ready and excited to add to the exciting stories of our tourists, from both near and far,” adds Ivanov. “Travel has come back strongly and the resilient hospitality industry is creatively rallying to accommodate the increase occupancy demand for most regions,” shares Hermann Elger, CEO of Forbes Travel Guide. “While the

industry faces some lingering issues, the 2022 award winners proved ready for those challenges and more, demonstrating the best that luxury hospitality has to offer.” Touted as Manila’s grand icon and the jewel in Manila’s crown, the 44-hectare Okada Manila is known for its top tier facilities and services. Quickly gaining its popularity as a premier destination for hospitality, entertainment, and gaming, the integrated resort has 993 exceptional accommodations ranging from 55-sqm deluxe rooms to 1,400-sqm villas complimented by extraordinary amenities such as the Retail Boulevard with its more than 50 shops, the one-of-a-kind Cove Manila nightclub and indoor beach club, The Gardens by Manila Bay, more than 21 dining options, a 3,000sqm spa, and the world’s largest multi-color dancing and musical fountain. Located just 10 minutes away from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Okada Manila is a few hours of air travel from neighboring China, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, and Hong Kong. It sets the new gold standard for five-star luxury with its many distinct innovations that combine advanced technology, top-class amenities, environment-friendly architectural planning, and world-class entertainment options, all delivered with the kind of exemplary service that personifies the unique blend of Japanese hospitality and Filipino warmth.

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The Purple Farm – The newest Insta-worthy vacay spot near Manila

If the weather is good, guests can request to have dinner by the pool.

By Patricia Arganoza (@patriciaarganoza)

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OOKING for the newest place for your next getaway? The Purple Farm is that quick escape you need. Sometimes you need to escape routines, work, neverending to do lists and just take the break you deserve, guilt free! From a sweet solo escape, a change of scenery from your typical work from home set up, to a fun filled family trip, or even a rejuvenating stay with the barkada, this is the place for you. It’s tucked in the beautiful place town of Dinalupihan, Bataan, a two to three hour drive from Metro Manila. When you get there, you will be welcomed by the most serene views that could easily make it worth the drive. Sometimes, we

The reception area of Purple Farm

need a break to refresh, restart and indulge in a little getaway. The Purple Farm was created to be the place of serenity for everyone who needs to breathe and relax. It is designed to feel like your home away from home, with the most delicious food, the best amenities and the warmth of their staff. Not to mention how every corner of the farm is just picturesque! Okay, here is our little secret about Dinalupihan, the town that hosts the Farm. While it is a rapidly urbanizing place, just like most Central Luzon towns are, it remains dotted with rice farms and vast rural spreads and scenes that inspired all those Amorsolo paintings. If you opt to take the SCETEX to Dinalupihan, there is a mountain on the right side called Susong Dalaga, a seemingly improbable mountain

with that shape and in the middle of rice farms. Cozy rooms THE Purple Farm has the coziest rooms that will have you feeling rested like you have never felt before. Depending on who you’re with, they offer different varieties of Villas and Suites that are perfect for you, your friends or your family. You can check out the photos on their social media accounts; Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok, @ThePurpleFarmPH. There is always something to do when you visit. When you are not indulging in the most appetizing food they constantly bring out, you can go on a cooling dip in one of their pools or lounge under the sun by the pool side. There are different Cabanas where you can lounge

Spend your Boracay summer at the Belmont Hotel

The hotel is home to 442 well-appointed rooms with views of either the Ocean or a lush and relaxing golf-course much like this executive suite.

Belmont Hotel Boracay is located at the exclusive Newcoast Drive, Boracay Newcoast, Barangay Yapak, Boracay Island of Malay Aklan.

Wake-up to a savory morning with a breakfast buffet at the Belmont Café to get you ready for a full day of fun.

One of the Purple Far employees welcoming you to the farm.

and chill. There is a food hall that can be used for different events. There is also a space for working out and yoga during The Purple Farm’s Wellness Weekend, and a game area for the kids and the kids at heart. If a whole clan wants to celebrate a family milestone, the Purple Farm is an ideal place for those memorable celebrations. Besides the multiple pools to jump in, the game area is a crowd favorite. It is fully equipped with all your recreational needs, from karaoke, darts, arcade games, board games, table tennis and of course billiards! The amenities are impeccable and well-maintained, while the staff feels like family, always there at your call, ready to assist with a smile on their faces. The guests truly feel like they are being taken care of.

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AVE you been thinking about making that Boracay getaway into reality? Well, you are not alone! Luckily, with borders and more promising opportunities for travel now in the horizon, one can now wake up to a real and much needed vacation to get that spring back on your step. Belmont Hotel Boracay, one of the 11 properties managed and operated by Megaworld Hotels and Resorts, offers you that subtle reintroduction to enjoying the sun, sand, and sea in the new normal. Tucked in the breathtaking Boracay Newcoast, its location provides thrill seekers with a comforting sense of exclusivity and comfort. Operating with the local safety seal and World Travel and Tourism Council Safety Seal certification, the hotel welcomes you to stay in one of its 442 well-appointed rooms with views of either the Ocean where the

First Marriott Moments A Fair – Life’s Big Events Expo launched

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ARRIOTT Moments is not a typical wedding expo. It is a platform that creates life’s precious and magical moments. Marriott Hotel Manila, in collaboration with Themes and Motifs, is all set to help the wedding and events industry bounce back from the negative effects of the pandemic. “Marriott Moments is an overarching campaign, to really reignite the events industry. We understand the economic importance of the Events Industry,” says Bruce Winton, Manila Marriott Hotel General Manager. Marriott Moments A Fair Life’s Big Events Expo is slated on July 23 and 24 at the MGBX— the newest convention hall of Marriott Hotel Manila. Marriott Moments A Fair is presented by Marriott Bonvoy, MGBX, Themes and Motifs, Marriott Hotel,

Marriott Hotel Manila and Themes and Motifs officially launch Marriott Moments A Fair – Life’s Big Event Expo with a Tea Party attended by over 100 wedding and industry partners. Held recently at the Ceremonial Hall of the Marriott Grand Ballroom, Multi-property Vice President - Philippines of Marriott International and General Manager of Marriott Hotel Manila Bruce Winton (9th), and Themes and Motifs Managing Director Sharon Fabian (8th) led the Afternoon Tea Party together with (L-R) renowned event host RJ Ledesma, Marriott Moments singer and songwriter Acel Bisa Van Ommen, Strategic Marketing and Business Development Director of Themes and Motifs Dodjie Fabian, Cluster Director of Marketing Communications for Marriott Hotel Manila, Sheraton Manila Hotel, and Courtyard by Marriott Iloilo Archie Nicasio, and Market Director for Sales and Distribution Cristy Carreon.

Manila, Sheraton Manila Hotel, Sheraton Manila Bay, Clark Marriott Hotel, and sponsored by Courtyard by Marriott Iloilo, Jesi

Mendez, Shoepatos, and Twin Princess Gems. Register online as guest bit.ly/MarriottMomentsAFa

irRegisterHere or register as an exhibitor https://bit.ly/ MarriottMoments22Application. For more information about

Gustatory cravings OF course, no good experience is complete without something to satisfy your gustatory cravings. You will leave feeling so relaxed and filled with so much good food! The drinks, meals and snacks never stop coming. Each meal is curated by world class chefs that created a menu based on Filipino flavors that will keep you biting one after another. Plus they serve a lot of different Filipino delicacies for you to try! Coffee brewing, from beans sourced from the world’s famous coffee growers, is an add-on to the good food. To make it even better, when the sun sets and the lights are turned on, The Purple Farm transforms into a beautiful sanctuary at night. Warm lights all over the farm, pool turning different hues,

with everything you need that makes a truly relaxing day indeed. When the weather cooperates, you can even ask one of the staff to set up an outdoor dinner by the pool! Definitely Instagram worthy so be ready to take lots of photos! Other perks? The Wi-Fi is strong in the vicinity and pets are welcome! The Purple Farm is a pet friendly resort because they too need a vacation! The Purple Farm experience is something the guests keep coming back for, it is too good to not come again. April was fully booked and slots are filling up fast for the next coming months! Want to book your next relaxing vacation? Send us a Direct Message on Instagram or Facebook @ThePurpleFarmPH and experience the getaway you deserve.

sun rises or a manicured golfcourse with lush relaxing greens that either solo, family, or group travelers will love. Belmont Café, the hotel’s on-site restaurant, serves fresh coastal Asian and Mediterranean dishes with an attention for seasonal and sustainable produce. To help you relax, the hotel also has available massage services at the Aqua Spa to help you calm your sore muscles and nerves. Of course, your stay will never be complete without you enjoying the private 295-meter beachfront that faces the popular Keyhole. It is well equipped with amenities that can make a day at the beach not just picture perfect with a panoramic view of the powdery white shoreline but as well as relaxing under the canopy while you lounge in cushioned sunchairs with a bar ready to serve your favorite cocktails to quench your summer thirst. The hotel also provides a

stimulating list of activities to make your stay more memorable like an early morning sunrise tour bringing you all the way to the viewing deck for that perfect eagle’s eye view of the expansive estate and ending it at the Keyhole to cap your entire tour over a cup of joe and freshly baked goodies. You also have the option to go around on a bike or even on an e-bike to help you soak in the island vibe, fresh breeze, and the warmth of the sun. Kayaks and paddle boards are also available to guests for free for the first 30 minutes of use while others can also play a friendly game of beach volleyball for a good time. To find out more about Belmont Hotel Boracay and its offers, visit its website at www. belmonthotelboracay.com or call us at +63 (36) 286 2200 or +63 (917) 867 3019. Like us on Facebook at Belmont Hotel Boracay and follow them on Instagram at @belmont_boracay.

the expo, call 0956 469 0647 or email marriottmoments@ themesnmotifs.com. For more information visit bridalfairsphilippines.com/ events/Marriott2022/home. For more information about Marriott Hotel Manila, call (632) 8988 9999 or visit the website, and social media accounts in FB, IG, and Twitter @ManilaMarriott. Be updated and join their Viber Community at Make it Marriott. With over 550 hotels and resorts in over 60 countries and territories around the world, Marriott Hotels is evolving travel through every aspect of the guest’s stay, helping to relax, clear minds, stimulate new ideas and anticipate travelers’ needs, leaving them inspired to reach their full potential. Boldly transforming itself for mobile and global travelers who blend work and play, Marriott leads the industry

with innovations, including the Greatroom lobby and Mobile Guest Services that elevates style and design and technology. To learn more, visit www. MarriottHotels.com. Stay connected to Marriott Hotels on Facebook, @marriott on Twitter and @marriotthotels on Instagram. Marriott Hotels is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy, the new name of Marriott’s travel program replacing Marriott Rewards®, The Ritz- Carlton Rewards®, and Starwood Preferred Guest® (SPG). The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments and unparalleled benefits including earning points toward free hotel stays and nights toward Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit MarriottBonvoy.marriott.com.