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DEPT. OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

PHILIPPINE STATISTICS AUTHORITY

2018 BANTOG DATA MEDIA AWARDS CHAMPION

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A broader look at today’s business

Monday, November 19, 2018 Vol. 14 No. 40

China-US row mars end of Apec; no communiqué

ORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea—An acrimonious meeting of world leaders in Papua New Guinea failed to agree Sunday on a final communiqué, highlighting widening divisions between global powers the United States and China.

The 21 nations at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) summit in Port Moresby struggled to bridge differences on the role of the World Trade Organization, which governs international trade. A statement would be issued by the meeting’s chairman, Papua

New Guinea’s Prime Minister Peter O’Neill, instead. “The entire world is worried” about tensions between China and the US, O’Neill told a mob of reporters that descended on him after he confirmed there was no communiqué from leaders.

Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told reporters there were differences between several nations, including China and the US. Draft versions of the communiqué seen by The Associated Press showed the US wanted strong language against unfair trade practices

“There are differences today. They begin with trade practices, with tariffs and quotas, forced technology transfers, the theft of intellectual property. It goes beyond that to freedom of navigation in the seas, concerns about human rights.”—Pence

that it accuses of China of. The two-day summit was punctuated by acrimony and underlined a rising rivalry between China and the West for influence in the usually neglected South Pacific. US Vice President Mike Pence and China’s President Xi Jinping traded barbs in speeches on Saturday. Pence professed respect for Xi and China but also harshly See “Apec,” A2

@akosistellaBM Special to the BusinessMirror

ORACAY Island, dubbed the crown jewel of Philippine tourism, is among the seven destinations on Fodor’s Travel “No List 2019.” According to Fodor’s Travel: “Visiting the island of Boracay in the Philippines poses logistical problems, as well as environmental.... While Boracay’s commitment to clean up is wholly commendable, and the strict laws enforcing sustainable action going forward will hopefully create an environmental See “Bora lands,” A2

Servant leadership in PPPs Alberto C. Agra

ead

L AlbertoPPP C. Agra

N his book titled Servant Leadership (1977), Robert Greenleaf defined a new leadership approach. This is the type of leadership that could “future-proof” public-private partnership (PPP) arrangements, since it will ensure, hopefully, adherence to the “true north” of this development strategy. We need servant leaders and servant institutions. Continued on A11

House sending budget bill to Senate Nov. 28

By Ma. Stella F. Arnaldo

FROM left: Mexico’s Undersecretary of Foreign Trade Juan Carlos Baker Pineda, Brunei Darussalam Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Peru Foreign Affairs Minister Nestor Popolizio, Chilean President Sebastian Pinera, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev and Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Peter O’Neill wave during the family photo arrival at the Apec Economic Leaders Meeting at Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, on Sunday, November 18, 2018. AP/AARON FAVILA

PESO EXCHANGE RATES n US 52.9140

BUSINESS NEWS SOURCE OF THE YEAR

P25.00 nationwide | 5 sections 28 pages | 7 DAYS A WEEK

By Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz

Bora lands on Fodor’s ‘no go’ list for 2019

2017 EJAP JOURNALISM AWARDS

“The 2019 national budget bill will be transmitted as soon as we are done with our rigorous double-checking and verification of the thousands of line items in a spending measure that will cost taxpayers almost P3.8 trillion.”—Andaya

@joveemarie

HE House of Representatives has rescheduled anew the target approval of the proposed 2019 P3.757-trillion national budget. House Committee on Appropriations Senior Vice Chairman Maria Carmen Zamora, the main plenary sponsor of the national budget, said they will not be able to approve the annual budget this week as the panel’s small committee is still finalizing all differences and amendments to the 2019 national budget. She said the House will approve and endorse for Senate approval the proposed 2019 General Appropriations Act or the House Bill (HB) 8169 on November 28. “We’re at the final stages of reconciling differences and amendments to the budget, and after that we need to get the budget printed. Our target for third reading [approval] is on November 28,” said Zamora. “Unfortunately, we’re still quite

in the thick of the amendments. Due to the volume of the amendments requested a nd ag reed upon during the debates over HB 8169 alone, combined with the d if ferent agencies’ concer ns, we’re still going through items,” Zamora said. Last week, Sen. Panfilo M. Lacson Sr. asked the House of Representatives to approve and transmit immediately the 2019 national budget to the Senate for deliberations. He said the House should give senators enough time to scrutinize the budget before passing it ahead of Congress’ Christmas break on December 12.

n JAPAN 0.4659 n UK 67.6294 n HK 6.7584 n CHINA 7.6267 n SINGAPORE 38.4717 n AUSTRALIA 38.5055 n EU 59.9674 n SAUDI ARABIA 14.1051

See “Budget,” A2

Source: BSP (16 November 2018 )

News

BusinessMirror

A2 Monday, November 19, 2018

‘No sea of debt for PHL in China Belt and Road’

By Bernadette D. Nicolas

@BNicolasBM

ESPITE US Vice President Mike Pence’s warning to Indo-Pacific countries not to compromise their sovereignty in exchange for Chinese loans, the Philippine government remains keen on joining China’s “Belt and Road” initiative (BRI). Both Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III and Trade Secretary Ramon M. Lopez said committing to the BRI will not compromise the country’s sovereignty. “We have reviewed the Belt and Road agreement and, quite frankly, I don’t think it’s opaque. It’s quite clear to me that this is a win-win situation for everybody,” Dominguez told reporters in news briefing in Papua New Guinea on Sunday. “As to compromising sovereignty,

Bora lands. . . Continued from A1

boost on the island, the full rehabilitation could take up to two years.” Other destinations on the “No List 2019” of the US-based prestigious travel expert, known for its popular guidebooks, are Ibiza in Spain, Myanmar, Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Maya Beach in Thailand. Fodor’s Travel also names two other destinations that don’t want to accept any more tourists—Acapulco in Mexico and Nicaragua. The list was published over the weekend. In a Viber message, Tourism Secretary Bernadette Fatima Romulo Puyat told the BusinessMirror, “I wouldn’t say it’s a place to avoid; the beach area is in the best state that it’s ever been.” She reiterated, however, “Tourists should still manage their expectations, as the roads inside the island are still undergoing development.” She added: “We expect the second phase of rehabilitation to be completed by April 2019, and its third and final phase in December 2019. Six months is too short a time to rehabilitate an island.” Public Works Secretary Mark A. Villar has been quoted as giving assurance the island’s road infrastructure projects will be completed by December 2018. In separate interviews, however, Philippine participants in the recent World Travel Market in London said UK citizens and Europeans were very curious about the improvements made in Boracay, and are already making plans to visit as early as next year. (See, “Scandinavia, Southeastern Europe tourists ready for the PHL,” in the BusinessMirror online, November 14, 2018.) Reopened last October 26 after a six-month shutdown to clean up the waters around it, and implement necessary rehabilitation and infrastructure projects, Boracay has seen its visitor arrivals average about 3,600 daily from October 26

Apec. . .

Continued from A1

criticized the world’s No. 2 economy for intellectual property theft, forced technology transfers and unfair trading practices. The world, according to Xi, is facing a choice between cooperation and confrontation as protectionism

I don’t see how that can be because you enter into it freely and it’s something that is quite transparent,” he added. Lopez agreed with Dominguez and said it is a “good idea” to participate in the China-led initiative, especially since the Philippines is in a good position to acquire more foreign debts carrying favorable terms. “Of course, our government and the Department of Finance and other agencies have reviewed to November 17, according to data from the the Department of Tourism (DOT). The agency, however, has yet to give to relese the total arrivals since the island’s reopening, especially the crucial the long All Saints’ Day holiday weekend. As of November 16, 2018, the DOT has accredited 211 hotels and resorts on the island paradise, with a total of 8,739 rooms. Among those allowed toaccept guests and bookings were De Paris Resort on Station 2, Surfside Boracay Resort and Spa (Station 3), and AV Seven Resort (Station 2). All three made the first list of accredited resorts on August 31, but were subsequently removed in the October 25 list for various reasons. Still off the latest accredited list are Starfire Resort and Den Pasar Beach Resort, which also made the August 31 list. (See, “DOT updates list of accredited resorts; drops 5 establishments,” in the BusinessMirror online, October 25, 2018.) Also permitted to book guests are Le Soleil Beach Resort (Station 2), owned by the family of Philippine Ambassador to Spain Philippe Jones Lhuillier; Friday’s Resort of listed firm Boulevard Holdings Inc. (Station 1); Paradise Garden Resort Hotel and Convention Center (Station 3); Sun Villas Beachfront (Station 1); Zuzuni Boutique Hotel (Station 1), among others. The government is trying to cap visitor arrivals in Boracay at 6,045 per day, after recent research by scientists pegged the carrying capacity of the island at 19,125 tourists daily. Meanwhile, Fodor’s Travel recommended 52 places to visit in 2019, which included the following among its top 5: Bears Ears National Monument in Utah, Puerto Rico, Lagos in Nigeria, Mexico City and the Dead Sea. In Asia Fodor’s Travel suggested a visit to Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, the Setouchi Region (Hiroshima) in Japan, Bhutan, Chiang Rai and Thailand’s Golden Triangle, Java in Indonesia and Yunnan province in China. and unilateralism grows. He said the rules of global institutions set up after World War II, such as the World Trade Organization, should not be bent for selfish agendas. Pence told reporters that, during the weekend, he had two “candid” conversations with Xi, who is expected to meet President Donald J. Trump at a Group of 20 summit at the end of this month

the terms that will be best for us. We won’t go into it if those terms are unreasonable and worse than other sources,” he said. “Based on the numbers also from what I remember, we are not overleveraged. In other words we can really absorb more debts as long as the terms are good,” Lopez added. Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro L. Locsin Jr. earlier said a memorandum of understanding on the BRI will be signed by President Duterte and Chinese President Xi Jinping, who will arrive in the Philippines on November 20. Xi’s state visit is the first made by a Chinese president in 13 years. The visit is expected to further strengthen bilateral relations between the Philippines and China. With an announced investment of as high as $8 trillion, the BRI is a massive trade and infrastructure project that aims to link Asia, Europe and Africa, covering at least 68 countries. In a strongly worded speech without mentioning China on Saturday, Pence urged countries not to fall into the trap of Chinese debt

diplomacy and instead choose the better option of American development financing. “We don’t drown our partners in a sea of debt. We don’t coerce or compromise your independence. We do not offer a constricting belt or a one-way road,” he said in a speech. Pence also described some infrastructure loans across the Indo-Pacific and the wider world as “opaque at its best.” “The projects they support are often unsustainable and of poor quality. Too often they come with strings attached and lead to staggering debt,” he said. “Let me say with great respect to all the nations across this wider region and the world: Do not accept foreign debt that could compromise your sovereignty. Protect your interest. Preserve your independence. And just like America, always put your country first,” Pence added. In August the Malaysian government canceled a total of $22-billion Chinese-funded projects linked to BRI to avoid plunging the country into debt.

Bird flu, rice consumption stories bring Bright Leaf honors to BusinessMirror Continued from A12

Filipinos.” The award for Tobacco Story of the Year—“Is tobacco the next ‘miracle crop’?”—went to SunStar Pampanga’s Ian Ocampo Flora. Wilfredo Lomibao of Philippine Daily Inquirer claimed his trophy for his photo titled “Pond Harvest,” and Erwin Beleo of The Star Northern Dispatch was named the winner for Tobacco Photo of the Year for “Chill Only.” Baguio City-based journalist Hanna Lacsamana won the Best Agriculture Feature Story-Regional for her story, titled “Making farming viable for millennials,” published in the Baguio Midland Courier, and Baguio Chronicle’s Karlston Lapniten’s “Brewing enough coffee for the Filipino Cup” was named Best Agriculture News Story-Regional. For Best Agriculture TV Program or Segment, Agri Tayo Dito of ABSCBN Regional was named winner

for their four-part series on biotechnology. Malu Manar of DXND Kidapawan was named winner of Best Agriculture Radio Program or Segment for the “Vermi Composting sa Urban Household” episode of the program Bida Specials. Ma. Victoria Conde of Rappler won the first ever Best Online Story award for “How beekeeping helped a Sorsogon coconut farm.” Selecting this year’s winners was a panel of judges composed of some of the country’s most respected names in photo, print, broadcast and online journalism, advertising and fashion photography and members of academe. Joining Yuson in the panel of judges were Francis Abraham, Pennie Azarcon-de la Cruz, Rina Jimenez-David, J. Albert Gamboa, Jake Maderazo, Ramon Osorio, Isabelita Reyes, Edwin Sallan, Sev Sarmenta, Marby Villaceran and Rem Zamora.

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Global markets spur local rollback anew: Gas ₧1.30, diesel ₧1

OTOR ISTS welcomed at the weekend another round of lower pump prices for the sixth consecutive week. Phoenix Petroleum took the lead when it implemented noon of Saturday a P1.30 per liter price cut in gasoline and a P1 per liter reduction in diesel. Unioil followed suit. It implemented the same price rollback for gasoline and diesel at 6:01 a.m. of Sunday. “This is due to the changes in the international oil market,” it said. Other oil firms are expected to announce their respective price adjustments by Monday. The latest oil-price rollback of Phoeni x Petroleum br ings the decline in gasoline prices by P9.35 per liter and diesel by P5.6

₧9.35, ₧5.6 Total in per-liter price rollbacks for gasoline and diesel, respectively, over the past 6 weeks

per liter. The Department of Energ y (DOE) said the Asian gasoline market is weak and will likely remain so for the rest of the year due to excess supply in the market. Based on a report, it said that gasoline prices continued its retreat, and looked set to fall further, dragged lower by a falling crude complex and pressured under the weight of the gasoline supply overhang. Lenie Lectura

Citing higher production cost, APO Cement imposes ₧10 per bag hike in product prices

PO Cement has announced a P10-increase per bag in its cement products in Cebu and other areas in the Visayas region starting Monday, November 19. APO Cement said in a statement at the weekend that its production costs have suddenly gone up, significantly impacting its operations. This is due to the fact that it now has to outsource raw materials from different areas in the country and abroad with the continued suspension of its main supplier of raw materials, APO Land & Quarry Corp. (ALQC). APO Cement accounts for 20 percent of clinker production in the country and 60 percent of Cemex’s total volume in the country where at least 275,000 bags are produced per day. ALQC’s operations remain suspended nearly two months after a landslide in the city of Naga, Cebu Apo Cement noted that expert geologists from the Department of

Budget. . .

Environment and Natural Resources-Mines and Geosciences Bureau have officially concluded this was a natural phenomenon. E a rl ie r, A L Q C a n nou nce d that it will no longer be able to suppor t the 8,000 ind ividuals in 11 evacuation centers in the city of Naga, Cebu, s t a r t i n g N o v e m b e r 16 d u e to lack of resources. A round P60 million were contributed by ALQC to cover expenses for the food and water for evacuees over the last eight weeks, and the company said further support could not be provided for financial limitations. As such, ALQC will coordinate the turnover of food provision for the evacuation centers to the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the city government of Naga. ALQC recently provided equipment and cooking tools sufficient to support three community kitchens in Naga.

meant to help AABs, some of which had a hard time accommodating the volume of tax-payments during tax payment deadlines. “In the place where the RDO is located, AABs are usually available, but during tax deadlines, AABs could not accommodate the volume of taxpayers making their payments to them,” the RMO said. In May this year BIR Commissioner Caesar R. Dulay issued Revenue Memorandum Circular 432018, which created the fast lane for one-time, simple transactions with the bureau, also known as the Onett. It mandates processing and

release of transactions made at the Onett “within three working days upon submission of complete documentary requirements.” Also in May, President Duterte signed into law the long-overdue RA 11032 reducing the processing time for permits, transactions and applications made in government offices. The President explained that RA 11032 addresses the failure of the Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007 to solve the perennial problem of bureaucratic red tape in our government institutions. For simple permits, processing time was cut to three working days, complex transactions to seven working days and highly technical applications to 20 working days.

While the Senate has already conducted committee hearings, it could not yet start its plenary deliberations and debates, as it will have to wait for the House-approved version of the 2019 budget. Under the rule the annual appropriation should emanate from the lower chamber. Meanwhile, Rep. Rolando G. Andaya Jr. said, “We would like to convey our assurance to the Senate that the 2019 national budget bill will be transmitted as soon as we are done with our rigorous double-checking and verification of the thousands of line items in a spending measure that will cost taxpayers almost P3.8 trillion.” “We believe that we all have sufficient time in our legislative calendar to pass the budget and send it to President Duterte before the end of the year. We are reiterating our strong position against a reenacted budget because such will be hard to implement, will constrict spending and will give wide latitude and discretion to the Executive on what projects to

implement,” said Andaya. The delayed approval of the national budget stemmed from the supposed P52-billion insertions—allegedly by the previous House leadership—prompting the new officers of the chamber to realign the money to other projects and for equitable and fair distribution of funds. The alleged insertions were already realigned to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund for the rehabilitation of areas badly hit by Typhoon Ompong, especially Cagayan Valley, Health Facilities Enhancement Program of the Department of Health, DOH’s Health Human Resources Development “to stave off the mass layoff of 6,000 nurses, and doctors and dentists, as well,” and capital outlay of state universities and colleges. The funds were also realigned: to Technical-Vocational Laboratories under the Department of Education; to the program to decongest traffic in urban areas; for roads for identified tourism areas; for roads to trade areas, economic zones, livelihood centers and markets; and for the Department of Agriculture’s farmto-market roads.

in Buenos Aires. “There are differences today. They begin with trade practices, with tariffs and quotas, forced technology transfers, the theft of intellectual property. It goes beyond that to freedom of navigation in the seas, concerns about human rights,” Pence said. The US is interested in a better relationship, “but there has to be

change” from China’s side, Pence said he told Xi, who responded that dialogue is important. In Port Moresby the impact of China’s aid and loans is highly visible. But the US and allies are countering with efforts to finance infrastructure in Papua New Guinea and other island states. The United States has also said it will be involved in ally Australia’s plan to develop a

naval base with Papua New Guinea. On Sunday the US, New Zealand, Japan and Australia said they’d work with Papua New Guinea’s government to bring electricity to 70 percent of its people by 2030. Less than 20 percent have a reliable electricity supply. “The commitment of the United States of America to this region of the world has never been stronger,”

said Pence at a signing ceremony. A separate statement from his office said other countries are welcome to join the electrification initiative provided they support the US vision of a free and open Pacific. China, meanwhile, has promised $4 billion to build the first national road network in Papua New Guinea, among the least urbanized countries in the world. AP

BIR. . .

Continued from A12

Continued from A1

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Hawkish BSP seen propping up peso By Bianca Cuaresma @BcuaresmaBM

HE local currency is expected to get support in the coming weeks as the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has expressed its readiness to further hike rates to anchor inflation expectations. ING Bank Manila economist Nicholas Mapa said the local currency will likely benefit from the BSP’s hawkish statements last Thursday, despite pulling off a lower rate hike during its monetarypolicy meeting. In its November 15 monetarypolicy setting, the BSP hiked rates by 25 basis points, bringing the main interest rate to 4.75 percent. The BSP has hiked its main policy rate by a total of 175 basis points for the entire year to curb inflationary pressures. At the end of her statement, BSP Officer in Charge Maria Almasara Cyd Tuano-Amador said monetary officials are ready to hike rates further if neccessary. “The BSP remains prepared to take appropriate policy actions as needed to ensure the achievement of its price and financial stability objectives,” Amador said.

This readiness, according to Mapa, will continue to prop up the peso in the near term. The peso, in its last trading day last week, traded at 52.715 to a dollar, gaining value from the 52.805 to a dollar in the previous day’s close. This is stronger than the 54.009 to a dollar average value of the peso in the previous month. “The BSP closed its statement reaffirming its readiness to take appropriate actions to safeguard its price and financial stability objectives. In the near term, the peso will benefit from the recent action while structural flows ahead of the holiday period may also provide an added boost,” Mapa said. These “structural flows”—in the form of remittances from Filipino migrant workers— are seen to peak in the holiday season as overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) send more money back home to finance Christmas expenses. Mapa, however, said the strength of the peso may not last. “Over the medium term, however, projected current account deficits will likely exert a mild depreciation pressure until a clear reversal is seen on the external front.”

Editor: Vittorio V. Vitug • Monday, November 19, 2018 A3

‘Local govts must also track progress toward global goals’

By Cai U. Ordinario

@cuo_bm

ONITORING the country’s progress in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is not only the responsibility of national agencies but also of local government units (LGUs), according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). In a presentation at the PSA’s 1st Data Festival, Assistant National Statistician Wilma A. Guillen said local governments are tasked to monitor 72 local Core-SDG indicators of the 155 country indicators. Guillen said these indicators cover 42 of the 97 national targets and 14 out of the 17 SDGs. This, she said, are part of the ongoing SDG localization efforts to ensure the Philippines meets the goals by 2030. “[T he Core-SDGIs are the] minimum set of SDG indicators for sub-national compilation and dissemination to facilitate subnational comparisons to help

monitor the achievement of the SDGs,” Guillen said. “[These are] selected indicators should be broadly consistent with Initial List of Philippine SDG Indicators as approved by the PSA Board Resolution 09, Series of 2017,” she added. Guillen said the PSA has conducted Regional Workshops on Regional Strategic Priorities and SDG Alignment activities, as well as Provincial Strategic Direction Setting Conference Workshops. These will be included in the localization of the Regional Development Plan. Of the 155 indicators being

monitored nationally, some 126 indicators already have baseline data. This represents 81.3 percent of the total. More than half, or 66 percent, of the data needed will be obtained from government agencies and 33 percent will be obtained from the PSA. The remaining percent will be culled from other sources. In terms of primary data sources, 66 percent will be obtained from administrative data, while 23 percent will be obtained from surveys. Around 5 percent will be obtained from both administrative data and surveys, while 6 percent will be from administrative data and census information. Also, 84 percent of the 155 SDG indicators are disaggregated by sex or gender, while 66 percent are disaggregated by regions and 42 percent by provinces. In July the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (Unescap) said the Asia and the Pacific region, which also includes the Philippines, could meet only one SDG by 2030. In a statement after the Highlevel Political Forum in New York, the Unescap said only SDG 4, which aims to achieve quality education and lifelong learning, is on track to

be met by the Philippines. In several critical areas, including the health of the oceans, forest conservation and the reduction of greenhouse-gas emissions, the region is heading in the wrong direction. Unescap said this means increasing inclusive, multistakeholder participation in efforts to meet the SDGs on a per country and regional level. Around 193 member-countries of the United Nations, including the Philippines, committed to meet the SDGs by 2030. The SDGs were adopted in September 2015. The Global Goals aim to end poverty and hunger, promote universal health, education for all and lifelong learning, achieve gender equality, sustainable water management, ensure sustainable energy for all, decent work for all, resilient infrastructure and reduce income inequality between and among countries. The goals also include create sustainable cities, ensure sustainable consumption and production, take action against climate change, conserve and sustainably use oceans and marine resources, reduce biodiversity loss, achieve peaceful and inclusive societies, and revitalize global partnership for development.

The Nation

A4 Monday, November 19, 2018 • Editor: Vittorio V. Vitug

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Agents nab 3 Georgian Top NDFP leaders to ‘chat’ nationals for fake visas with Dureza, Panelo in Manila By Recto Mercene

By Rene Acosta

@reneacostaBM

MEETING between government officials and key leaders of the revolutionary group National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) may take place next week, no less than Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus G. Dureza has confirmed. In a statement sent to reporters on Sunday, Dureza said he and Presidential Legal Adviser Salvador S. Panelo may meet with NDFP Chief Negotiator Fidel V. Agcaoili and

NDFP Peace Panel Member Luis G. Jalandoni in Manila. “The planned meeting with Agcaoili and Jalandoni may take place next week in Manila,” he said. “Presi-

dent Duterte has tasked me and Secretary Salvador Panelo to meet with them in an informal chat.” Dureza is on his way to New York, heading the Philippine delegation to the United Nations General Assembly. According to him, the planned meeting may take place upon his return next week. Agcaoili and Jalandoni are coming to Manila despite threats of arrest. Part of their presence in the country was a requested meeting with Duterte, of which the President disclosed and added with a statement that he is yet to act upon. Agcaoili and Jalandoni would be accompanied by another NDFP official, Maria Consuelo K. Ledesma, during their travel to Manila as earlier disclosed by the NDFP.

Both the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police (PNP) said they would serve any pending warrant of arrest against Agcaoili and Jalandoni while in the country, thus raising the possibility of their detention. The only thing that would stop the serving of a warrant is if it would be ordered by the President, according to Interior Secretary Eduardo M. Año. Digging into the records of Agcaoili and Jalandoni, the PNP said Jalandoni has three pending warrants of arrest from three courts around the country—two in Quezon and one in Leyte. Agcaoili, on the other hand, also has a pending warrant of arrest for kidnapping, also from a court in Quezon, according to Año.

Fast-track antidrug projects, lawmaker urges govt entities By Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz @joveemarie

S the country marks Drug Prevention and Control Week, the vice chairman of the House Committee on Local Government on Sunday urged local government units (LGUs), governmentowned and -controlled corporations

(GOCCs) and state universities and colleges (SUCs) to fast-track their antidrug programs. Rep. Luis Raymund F. Villafuerte Jr. of the Second District of Camarines Sur said these LGUs and entities should tap barangay health workers in helping implement the Philippine Anti-Illegal Drugs Strategy (PADS). Villafuerte believes this

can be done by training and equipping public health workers with the knowledge needed to treat outpatient drug-rehabilitation cases at the grassroots level. “Many drug-rehabilitation cases can still be treated as outpatient cases.” According to Villafuerte, LGUs, GOCCs and SUCs should now establish and strengthen their respective antidrug abuse councils and carry out their respective drug-free workplace programs. M o r e o v e r, i n keeping with Executive Order 66 signed by President Duterte in October, Villafuerte said all national government agencies, LGUs, GOCC and SUCs should similarly put on the fast-track their own

programs fleshing out the PADS. Under EO 66, the President designated the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) as the lead agency in the implementation of this antidrug strategy. Duterte also directed the DDB, in consultation with concerned government entries and LGUs, to develop performance standards to ensure compliance of concerned agencies with PADS. “The PADS shall be continuously reviewed and studied by the DDB. For this purpose, all government entities shall submit to the DDB every month of February of each year, an Annual Report outlining or detailing accomplishments relative to their respective tasks, undertakings, programs and projects under the PADS,” the EO said. Under the EO, the LGUs are also tasked to coordinate with the Department of Health in management and assessment those found to be using drugs in their respective localities.

@rectomercene

UTHORITIES reported Bureau of Immigration (BI) agents arrested three Georgian nationals who arrived at the airport possessing fake visas. Immigration Port Operations Division Chief Grifton Medina said the foreigners were apprehended on November 11 after disembarking from an Etihad flight from Abu Dhabi. Medina said investigations revealed the aliens were planning to transit Manila prior to embarking on several connecting flights to Canada. “The Georgians initially presented themselves as humanitarian workers on a business vacation sponsored by an international nongovernment organization.” Immigration officers said they found out the aliens planned to stay in Manila for only two days, fly to Qatar and Azerbaijan, before sneaking into Canada. Medina said the ar-

rest was another foiled attempt of a suspected crime syndicate to use the Philippines as a jump-off point country to enter Canada and other parts of the US and Europe. Although the Georgians had valid Philippine entry visas, they were subjected to secondary inspection after immigration officers noticed irregularities on the Canadian visas in their passports. BI’s forensic laboratory experts certified the Canadian visas are counterfeit. Medina said Canadian embassy officials corroborated the findings and described the visas as “nonexistent in their system.” The Georgians were subsequently brought to the BI Detention Facility in Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig and their cases were forwarded to the Bureau’s Legal Division. The three will be charge for violation of the Philippine Immigration Act, which penalizes a person who “obtains, accepts or uses any immigration document, knowing it to be false.”

Namfrel supports bill on poll debates

N election watchdog said it will support pending legislation requiring candidates to participate in debates to be organized by the Commission on Elections (Comelec). The National Citizens’ Movement for Free Elections (Namfrel) said it is endorsing House Bill 8549, which will make it mandatory for national and local candidates to participate in such debates. “This will elevate the election campaign to focus on issues and solutions as articulated by the candidates themselves, which allows the voters to assess performance and demand accountability once they are elected to a public position,” Namfrel SecretaryGeneral Eric Jude O. Alvia said. Alvia, however, expressed his reservations over the bills’ proposed disqualification for candidates which will

not comply with its provisions. “If made mandatory, disqualification may be a necessary but harsh penalty,” Alvia said. He noted a hefty fine would be a suitable sanction for noncompliant candidates. Comelec Spokesman James B. Jimenez said they have no problem in organizing debates “since it provides a good venue for voters to listen to platforms and positions each candidate.” But, he noted such debates are only feasible for certain positions with a manageable number of candidates, usually for presidential and vice presidential aspirants. Jimenez said positions with more than 20 candidates, like in a Senatorial race, may render the activity cumbersome and impractical. Samuel P. Medenilla

Nullify candidacy of Laguna governor’s wife, Comelec asked

HE Commission on Elections (Comelec) has been asked to cancel the certificate of candidacy (COC) of Ruth M. Hernandez, wife of Laguna Gov. Ramil Hernandez, for the position of representative of Laguna’s second district. The petition to “cancel or deny due course the certificate of candidacy” of Hernandez was filed with the Comelec’s office in Manila by Victor Resma Publico, a registered voter and resident of Barangay San Antonio, Los Baños, Laguna. Publico sought the disqualification of Hernandez as a Congressional candidate for the second district of Laguna on the ground that she is not a resident of Bay, one of the municipalities that makes up the second district. According to Publico’s petition, Hernandez filed her COC on October 17, claiming she is a resident of “Purok 4, National Road, Barangay Dila, municipality of Bay, province of Laguna.” But Publico said the governor’s wife is not from the place, thus she committed a “material misrepresentation in her candidacy for

member, House of Representatives in the Second District of Laguna.” “The certificate of candidacy of respondent [Hernandez] must be canceled or not be given due course,” Publico asserted. Publico noted that based on Hernandez’s COC, the wife of the governor indicated that “she would have been a resident of the municipality of Bay, province of Laguna for one year and two months prior to the May 13, 2019, national and local elections.” But Publico said Hernandez could not have been a resident of the municipality of Bay for at least one year prior to next year’s midterm elections, noting that she even voted in Calamba City during this year’s barangay elections. “During the May 14, 2018, barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections, respondent Hernandez even voted in Calamba City where she was previously registered in,” Publico asserted. Calamba City will become a separate congressional district in Laguna beginning next year. “It is noteworthy that respondent does

even have a house to stay in the municipality of Bay,” Publico argued in his petition. “The house she claims to be her residence in the municipality of Bay is still under construction.” Publico noted that in item No. 9 of Hernandez’s COC, the latter admitted to being married to the governor, who, in his certificate of candidacy, indicated his address as 301 Laverna Street, Vista Hills, Barangay Barandal, Calamba City. The governor filed his COC as a reelectionist on October 17, the same date that his wife filed her candidacy for the second district’s House seat. The governor indicated in his COC that “he would have been a resident for 46 years and nine months prior to the May 13, 2019, national and local elections.” “Obviously, respondent Hernandez is making this baseless claim [Bay residency] in order for her to run as candidate for member, House of Representatives in the Second District of Laguna, while her husband remains a resident of Calamba City,” Publico said. Rene Acosta

Tacloban welcomes opening of renewable-energy hub

ACLOBAN—Tacloban City’s first-ever Renewable Energy Hub (RE-Hub), a community resource center on renewable energy (RE) and sustainable solutions, was formally opened on Saturday. At the RE-Hub, located in Burgos Street, downtown Tacloban, people can inquire about appropriate RE systems to address their household and community needs while RE technology providers showcase their products and services. Vice Mayor Jerry T. Yaokasin was quoted as saying during the opening that the RE-Hub is a welcome addition to the current RE initiatives hosted by Tacloban, citing the city’s electric jeepneys and tricycles. “For us Yolanda survivors to survive and thrive in the midst of a changing climate, we need to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius based on the UN Intergovernmental Panel

on Climate Change’s latest report,” Yaokasin said. “We want to lead the big shift from dirty fuels to clean renewable energy to help ensure that the next generations will not live in a world plagued by many more [typhoon] Yolandas and climate-change impacts.” He added he sees the RE-Hub as a step “in the right direction toward achieving low-carbon resilience, guiding people and communities, consumers and enterprises in adopting renewableenergy solutions for everyday energy needs and powering sustainable development.” The RE-Hub is within the RE-Charge Pilipinas facility of the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities, a climate and energy policy group. ICSC established the facility in June 2014 to show how renewable energy can aid in disaster response and reconstruction in the aftermath of Supertyphoon Yolanda (international code

name Haiyan) and bolster development. The facility is powered by a 9.75-kilowatt hybrid solar-power system that provides most of the facility’s electricity needs, and was integrated with a sustainable transport initiative in the form of e-jeepneys and recovered bodies of multicabs that were converted into e-multicabs. It has been renamed RE-Charge Pilipinas as the reach of its Solar Scholars program, or solar power trainings for community responders, has expanded beyond Eastern Visayas as far as the provinces of Cagayan, Laguna, Rizal and Iloilo. The program has also recently sent members of the RE-Serve Humanitarian Corps, a volunteer group trained to provide solar power to humanitarian and emergency responders, to hold Solar Scholars training in Cagayan after Typhoon Ompong (international code name Mangkhut).

Agriculture/Commodities BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Editor: Jennifer A. Ng • Monday, November 19, 2018

Raisers lose money due to chicken glut

By Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas

@jearcalas

ROILER raisers are now incurring losses and may continue to lose money until early 2019, as the glut in chicken supply has caused farm-gate prices to fall below break-even levels. Local chicken supply continues to outpace demand for poultry despite the expected increase in demand during the fourth quarter, according to the United Broiler Raisers Association (Ubra). “No [price] recovery yet. Apparently, supply is still outpacing demand,” Ubra President Elias Jose Inciong told the BusinessMirror. “[Prices] are still below cost of production.” The latest Ubra survey showed that the average farm-gate price of broiler as of November 16 settled at P74.50 per kilogram for regularsized chicken. This is already below the production cost of P80 to P85 per kg. Inciong earlier said the farmgate price of broiler has declined by at least P15 per kilogram since September 28 due to the increase in production and higher poultry supply. Despite losing money and the possibility that they will continue to incur losses until the first quarter of 2019, Inciong said local raisers are not immediately slashing output to arrest falling prices. “We do not see a cut in output. It would seem that DOC [day-old chick] production has improved. The

big players will take their time to even consider a cut in production,” he said. “This may persist until the first quarter.” “We are hoping that there will be an improvement within the next two weeks, but after the holidays, there will be a further collapse [in prices],” he added. Inciong earlier attributed the collapse in the farm-gate prices of broiler to the lifting of the special safeguard duty on chicken meat imports. The country’s broiler output this year could expand by 5.4 percent to 970 million heads, from 920 million heads, on the back of higher demand, according to Ubra’s previous estimates. The expected total broiler output this year translates to about 1.248 billion kg to 1.261 billion kg of meat at an average weight of 1.3 kg per broiler. Inciong said the broiler farms’ expansion is due to optimism that demand would improve due to the increase in population and the improvement in the purchasing power of Filipinos.

SRP’s impact

INCIONG also said the suggested retail price (SRP) scheme being

implemented by the Department of Agr ic u lt u re ( DA) h a s “no clear impact” yet on prevailing market prices. “Right now, the SRP has no clear impact yet. It would be helpful if the public can be informed of the places which are compliant with the SRP,” he said. A g r icu lture Secretar y Emmanuel F. Piñol issued last week Administrative Circular (AC) 9, which ordered the reduction of the SRP on chicken to P125 per kg, from P135 per kg set in October. The DA set an SRP on chicken in early October to stabilize retail prices. The DA, in consultation with Ubra, decided that the SRP for broiler chicken should be equivalent to the prevailing farm-gate price plus P50 per kg. H o w e v e r, t h e DA’s p r i c e mon it or i n g re p or t s s ho w e d that the average retail price of broiler chicken in the market has remained above the SR P even after it was implemented last month. Nonetheless, reductions have been noted since October 3 but prevailing market prices remain above the SRP. As of November 9, the average retail price of whole chicken in wet markets was at P139.25 per kg, 6.15 percent lower than the P148.38 per kg average recorded on October 3, when the DA decided to set an SRP for poultry. However, on a weekly basis, the latest average quotation of chicken was slightly higher than the P138.5 per kg recorded on November 7.

Fisheries output dips slightly in Q3 San Miguel Corp. backs agri journ tilt anew, 2018 Binhi Awards on

THE seasonal abundance of tamban in San Enrique, Negros Occidental, is shown in this file photo. Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority indicated that fisheries output declined slightly in the third quarter due to bad weather.

ISHER IES output in the third quarter fell slightly to 972,910.73 metric tons, from 973,269.43 MT recorded last year, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). In its quarterly fisheries situation report, the PSA attributed the decline to the drop in the production of the commercial and municipal fisheries subsector. The PSA said in a separate report that bad weather hampered fishing operations in the July-to-September period. Bad weather and fish kill in Central Luzon disrupted restocking in some regions, the PSA added. “Commercial fisheries volume of production was recorded at 232, 810 MT, which was 1.60 percent lower than the previous year’s level. The

subsector contributed 23.93 percent of the total fisheries output,” the report read. “During the period, municipal fisheries production diminished by 2.67 percent. The subsector came out with 273,240 MT,” it added. Municipal fisheries output in the third quarter of 2017 reached 280,739 MT. Of the total output, 84.37 percent were caught in marine municipal waters while the remaining volume came from inland fisheries, according to the PSA. Marine municipal fisheries output declined by 3.13 percent to 230,528.83 MT from 237,989.79 MT last year. Likewise, inland fisheries production fell slightly to 42,711.05 MT from 42,749.21 MT.

However, the PSA report noted that the production of the country’s aquaculture subsector expanded by 2.4 percent to 466,861.56 MT, from 455,934.41 MT last year. “The subsector had the biggest share of 47.99 percent to total fisheries,” it said. In its report on the performance of Philippine agriculture, the PSA noted that the fisheries subsector accounted for 17.08 percent of total agricultural output. “At current prices, the gross earnings of the subsector at P64.1 billion was higher by 12.22 percent, from the previous year’s level. “From January to September 2018, the subsector posted a 2.21 percent drop in production,” the report read. Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas

AN Miguel Corp. once again partnered with the Philippine Agricultural Journalists Inc. to stage the 2018 PAJ-SMC Binhi Awards, the country’s most prestigious agricultural journalism contest. This year Binhi Awards will honor not only the outstanding agricultural, environment and agri-beat journalists, but also those who have written stories on water sustainability and self-sustaining “farm-to-table” communities that mirror SMC’s thrust of finding sustainable ways to enable marginalized sectors, including small farmers and fishermen, to participate in, and contribute to growth, thus making their communities “a better world to live in.” PAJ President and former Philippine Star business editor Roman Floresca thanked SMC President and COO Ramon S. Ang for his continuing support to the Binhi Awards that was first launched in 1978 to raise the bar of reportage of the country’s agricultural developments and breakthroughs. “SMC has had the privilege to support and partner with the PAJ through the years, as we continue to encourage

more journalists to write more inspiring stories on the Philippine countryside that herald the triumphs of farmers, fishers, rural entrepreneurs and the agribusiness sector,” Ang said. “This year, we thought of putting more weight on stories that highlight successful partnerships of farmers, local leaders and the private sector to implement sustainable, climate-resilient agricultural projects, aimed at making their communities a better world to live in,” added SMC Media Affairs Group Head Mary Jane Oconer Llanes. This year, contestants will vie for 17 individual and institutional categories. Winners will receive cash prizes, ranging from P15,000 to P50,000, said contest Chairman Noel Reyes, PAJ vice president for internal affairs. The 2018 PAJ-SMC Binhi Awards features three major categories: agricultural journalist, agri-beat reporter and environment journalist, where the first, second and third-place winners will receive P50,000, P25,000 and P15,000 cash prizes, respectively. Contestants should submit at least 10 of their best stories published during the 12-month

period, from November 1, 2017 to October 31, 2018. Others may vie for minor categories, namely, agri news story, agri feature story, environment story, climatechange story; agri-photo journalist; agri section of a national and regional or provincial newspaper; agri magazine; agri newsletter; national and regional agri radio program; national and regional agri TV program; and agri info and/or media campaign of government or private sector agency. Only one winner will be chosen for each of the 12 categories, who will receive P15,000 cash and trophy. All contest entries should be submitted on or before November 29. No entry fees are required. Non-PAJ members are enjoined to apply and pay P200 for the PAJ membership and annual fee for 2018-2019 through PAJ Secretary Ruby Lumongsod, 0906-3007008 or 3764790; e-mail: marubylumongsod@ yahoo.com. For contest requirements and details, kindly text or call Noel Reyes at 0920-4889686 (Smart) or 0916-7084688 (Globe), or e-mail him at norunibest@yahoo.com.

Green Monday BusinessMirror

A8 Monday, November 19, 2018

www.businessmirror.com.ph • Editor: Lyn Resurreccion

Cavite State University’s ‘watershed approach’

Finding a holistic solution to environment woes

By Jonathan L. Mayuga @jonlmayuga

leading to or related to water pollution,” he lamented.

hrough “watershed approach,” the Cavite State University (CvSU) is finding a “holistic solution” to the environmental problems besetting the coastal and marine areas in Cavite province.

One of the most industrialized and fastest-growing provinces in the Philippines, Cavite is besieged with a looming water crisis. Besides pollution, excessive groundwater extraction and saltwater intrusion pose a serious threat to the province’s limited freshwater supply. To a d d r e s s t h e p r o b l e m , CvSU—through its Department of Forestry and Environmental Science, College of Agriculture, Food, Environment, and Natural Resources (CAFENR-DFES)—has decided to use the watershed approach in diagnosing the problems and finding viable solutions to the multifaceted problems related to water management. CvSU’s research and development experts provide the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) with potential programs or projects to conserve the province’s dwindling freshwater resources, beginning with its major river systems. “Our department is using the watershed approach in dealing with environmental problems; in finding solutions to environmental problems,” Prof. Noel Sedigo, chairman of CvSU’s CAFENRDFES, said in an interview at the CvSU grounds recently.

‘Coastal governance’

Since 2004, Cavite has been an integrated coastal management (ICM) site of Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia (Pemsea). The ICM program initially covered eight coastal municipalities and one city spanning the province’s 85-kilometer coastline. Pemsea is an international organization created to foster and sustain healthy and resilient coasts and oceans, communities and economies across the seas of East Asia through integrated management solutions and partnerships. Highlighting the milestone in implementing the ICM program in Cavite, Pemsea reported in its web site that ICM Councils and ICM coordinators have been established and designated, respectively in Cavite’s nine coastal towns. Moreover, since 2004, local government officials and relevant stakeholders have participated in Pemsea’s ICM and specialized training program. “The ICM program has provided a framework and process for Cavite to strengthen coastal governance,

as well as the implementation of management programs to address the threats and challenges of uncontrolled development, land conversion, pollution from industrial, commercial and residential areas, illegal fishing and a growing population,” it said. Incidentally, Cavite’s experience will be highlighted during the East Asian Seas Congress 2018 to be held at the Iloilo Convention Center from November 27 to 30. The congress will celebrate the 25 years of partnerships for healthy oceans, people and economies in East Asia.

Information sharing

A hidden cove in Naic, Cavite

“Since 1982, then 1989, 1991, 1995 until in 2005, there were studies by Japan International Cooperation Agency, which conducted groundwater assessment studies,” he said.

Depleted groundwater

What is a watershed?

A natural delineation in the env ironment, a watershed is generally defined as an area of land that feeds all the water running under it and draining off, through its river systems, into a larger body of water—in the case of Cavite, it is Manila Bay. Cavite nine coastal areas are Ter n ate, M a ragondon, Na ic , Tanza, Rosario, Noveleta, Kawit, Cavite City and Bacoor City. Its coastline stretches a total of 122.57 km with around 93,678.38 hectares total area of coastal water. To delineate the watersheds, CvSU used a geographic information system (GIS), which is designed to capture, store, manipulate, analyze, manage and present spatial or geographic data. “Using our Digital Elevation Model, we were able to identify the high and low points in a watershed and learn where the water drains,” Sedigo said. All the communities inside the watershed, barangay, cities or municipalities, are part of a watershed.

Watershed approach

“In the watershed approach, the problems are diagnosed through the water pollution of a particular river or waste dumping, or sewerage of untreated wastewater that drains into the river. So we used that quality as an indicator to study the problems in a watershed,” he explained. According to Sedigo, various problems that affect water resource can be caused by development plans of local governments or even by a barangay within the watershed. “Ever y plan, ever y activity like the construction of a factor y, a ma l l or a sett lement area would contribute to the

A fisherman tries his luck in Barangay Labac, Naic, Cavite. The coastal areas of Cavite are part of Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia’s integrated coastal management program since 2004.

problems of a watershed. All of these can be detected through the watershed approach—biological, physical, socioeconomic and cultural problem,” he said. “And using the watershed approach, you can come up with a holistic solution,” he said. Sedigo said a river system in Cavite has been declared a waterquality assessment area, which was an idea of the DENR’s Environmental Management Bureau. This led to the declaration of the river system as a Water Quality Management Area (WQMA). Once declared a WQMA, a water body undergoes a strict management regime with the formation of a WQMA Board composed of the DENR, concerned LGUs, representatives of other concerned national government agencies and other stakeholders, such as scientific community, academe, nongovernment organizations and community-based organizations.

Partnerships

CvSU has established a strong partnership with the provincial government of Cavite. Sedigo said the reason for this is that one of Gov. Jesus Crispin C. Remulla’s top priorities is water management. “We [now] have a partnership with the provincial government and the DENR. Now we have three institutions working on watershed management. It started, I think, as part of the declaration during the Water Summit held here in Cavite, which is jointly

sponsored by the province, the DENR and Pemsea,” Sedigo said.

ICM project

“We came to know it only in 2013 or 2014, when we joined the water summit. The water summit was our first activity with Pemsea, the provincial government [of Cavite] and DENR,” he said. T he collaboration bet ween CvSU and DENR continues, particularly in terms of biophysical characterization and assessment, in the crafting of Integrated Watershed Management Plan in a watershed in Cavite, wherein the watershed approach, similar to the methodology of CvSU, is used. “So when I collaborated with DENR , we used the methodology that is common to us. I think one is DENR DAO [DENR Administrative Order]-2008 on how to conduct a biophysical and v ulnerability assessment for a watershed. That is a DENR methodology,” Sedigo said. In the academe, he explained, various methodologies are used but they found the DENR methodology on the integrated watershed management and watershed approach to be ideal. “CvSU, PGenro [Prov incia l Government Environment Natural Resource Office] and Pemsea, which also has water-related projects, decided to work together to strengthen the partnership. All these were borne out of the problems in Cavite, which, we feel, will be facing a water crisis.

In Cavite, 96 percent of water comes from groundwater and only 4 percent is from rain and surface water. I n 19 91 g rou nd w at e r d e creased at an average of 1 meter to 1.5 meters a year and worse in some areas, with about 10 meters to 15 meters. “In our department, we decided to concentrate on the water problem. But when you talk about the water problem, it leads to the watershed, and the problems are interlinked—from water to solid waste management to the sewage system. Then you have also development plans [to look into], you convert forestlands into economic zones. These are problems that are linked to one another and we thought a watershed approach can capture everything,” Sedigo added.

Watershed management

“We decided that by coming up with that watershed management plan, which would have to be very thorough, we can manage our watershed well,” he said. According to Sedigo, the difficulty with the watershed approach is that it would involve several municipalities and cities covered by the boundaries of a watershed. “In our studies, we could see cities and municipalities were covered by a river system or watershed in Cavite. In one watershed, with Cavite’s ballooning population currently pegged at 4.2 million brought about by the industrialization of the province in the last several decades, almost 500,000 people are within a watershed,” he said. “If you have half a million or 1 million people living in one small area, you will have all sorts of environmental problems, such as waste management, sewerage, all

Unfortunately, Sedigo noted, some of their studies were done as early as the 1990s and are all piled up in the library. “The good thing is, when we partnered with the provincial government and Pemsea, we were able to share our studies and Pemsea created the Integrated Information Management System.” Through a databank established by Pemsea together with the province and CvSU, the partners were able to share these studies. “We have studies covering 23 cities and municipalities in Cavite. We have the database and we have environmental indicators used by Pemsea and the province, covering air, land, water. It’s all in the database,” he said.

Moving forward

Currently, Sedigo said CvSU has a three-year memorandum of agreement with Pemsea. “We are just on our second year. It is a shared project. They provide training, we also have some staff who have attended training with Pemsea,” he said. CvSU, the DENR and Pemsea recently held a groundbreaking of a soil-water testing laboratory. “We have talked to the governor [who considers] water qualit y [testing ] ver y impor tant, and, of course, ver y expensive. A lthough the Depar tment of Science and Technolog y is also here with its own water-testing laborator y, the governor wants to put up a separate water-testing laborator y in the province for pur pose of water qua lit y monitoring,” he said. Under the partnership, Pemsea will help find funding support for the project and CvSU will donate the land, about 500 sq m. The groundbreaking was held last July; the facility will be constructed in 2019. “It will be a laborator y where water analysis, ever ything, can be done. It will also be incomegenerating because it can accept water-testing services. The earnings will go to a fund that will be used for more research,” he shared. “We provided the land, we will provide the personnel and the equipment. The building, costing about P300 milllion, will be their responsibility,” he added. Ba sed on t he pa r t nersh ip agreement, Pemsea will conduct the training. Somebody was already sent to South Korea for training on water testing sponsored by Pemsea. CvSU is also pursuing various studies related to solid waste management and the protection and conservation of the coastal and mar ine env ironment, as well as endangered wildlife by finding holistic solutions and preventing potentially big ger problems.

Nestlé, Green Antz help address waste plastic laminates as corporations, LGUs join up

estlé Philippines and Green Antz Builders Inc. have accelerated efforts at promoting the use of waste plastic laminates in the production of alternative construction materials. They invited and involved local government units (LGUs), nongovernment organizations (NGOs), private businesses and schools to work together at setting up ecobrick hubs in communities. These efforts have been building up momentum for the upcycling of waste laminates as an effective, workable and economically productive solution to the problem of solid waste management.

Jess Reyes, Nestlé Philippines corporate affairs executive, invited several LGU officials and private business partners to the Green Antz facility in Plaridel, Bulacan, recently to show them firsthand the entire process of converting waste laminates or sachets into ecobricks. Among the guests were City Environment and Natural Resources Office officials Ric Libon of Lipa City and Ram Mendoza, Josephine Fajardo and Lenelyn Layog of Cabuyao, and private-sector representatives who have agreed to support and host the establishment of ecobrick hubs in their respective localities.

The exposure trip gave the prospective par tners a better understanding and appreciation of the Green Antz enterprise and the massive oppor tunit y that an ecobrick hub presents to create livelihood while actively protecting the environment by reducing solid waste. At the site, the visitors saw how ecobricks are much more durable than regular hollow blocks. They also visited a public school and a day-care center, both constructed using ecobricks, for a better appreciation of the materials. The production of ecobricks utilizes compression, unlike hollow blocks which

are made through moulding. Making t h e m i nvo l ve s a p ro p r i e t a r y p ro c e s s that hollow blocks do not undergo, and the formulation incorporates a special construction additive that makes ecobricks stronger, enabling plastic and cement to adhere together. Other Green Antz products are ecopavers or pervious pavers, and eco-casts or hollow block-size precast. Undergoing development are plastic boards, roofing tiles, and eco-panels, which all incorporate waste laminates, as well. Rommel Benig, president and CEO of Green Antz, acquainted the visitors with

the business and philosophy of his company. Green Antz is an innovative social enterprise based in Plaridel, Bulacan, and founded by Benig with Nestlé’s suppor t. It collaborates with corporations, LGUs, and NGOs to establish hubs for the p ro d u c t i o n o f e co b r i c k s u s i n g wa s te plastic laminates, which are cheaper to use and offer better insulation. “We are a social business, meaning we pursue economic value while simultaneously addressing societal problems, aligned with the Creating Shared Value model of Nestlé,” Benig said. “The model we are replicating is the social franchising model, similar to

the commercial franchising model, except that there are no royalties. When we partner with a company, it sponsors the funding and together we identify a beneficiary which will manage the operation of a Green Antz Hub with Green Antz overseeing it.” An outstanding example of Green Antz collaborating with an LGU is its partnership with the municipality of Plaridel headed by Mayor Jocell Vistan. Th e l o c a l g ove r n m e n t, i n l i e u o f accepting monetary payment for services rendered to constituents, requires them instead to pay in the form of discarded plastic bottles, sachets and laminates.

Biodiversity Monday BusinessMirror

Asean Champions of Biodiversity Media Category 2014

Monday, November 19, 2018

Editor: Lyn Resurreccion • www.businessmirror.com.ph

Globalization eroding PHL indigenous peoples’ watch over the environment By Michael A. Bengwayan | Special to the BusinessMirror

ONTOC, Mountain Province— High in the mountains comfortably nestled upon the lofty heights of the Cordillera mountain ranges of the Philippines, tribes hold the key to information that can unlock a model of conservation.

For them it is not only about trees, animals and plants; it is also a way of life. It is a life that provides a playing and training ground for their children, and as they nurture the land, they are nurtured by it. It is their wealth. The indigenous Igorot (a collective name for the tribes of the Cordillera) practice the development and management of centuries-old forests, rice land, home gardens and watersheds, where forest denizens and rivers and springs abound. But these are becoming a thing of the past. Like most anyone else on Earth, globalization is slowly but surely creeping into the traditions of the Igorot, endangering its food security, bond with the land and resources, and laying to waste what has been protected for centuries. Mining, commercial agriculture, pesticides and chemicals, destructive farming practices, logging and anything tied with cold cash, and greed are laying havoc over the land. For instance, the age-old tayan (forest woodlots) here, known as lakon in western Mountain Province, as well as the muyung and pinugos woodlots of the Ifugaos are on their way to fading out. The indigenous technolog y used in the famed Banaue rice terraces and in many rice terraces in

the five provinces of the Cordillera region—Mountain Province, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, Abra—and many more indigenous know-how are equally threatened. The terraces date back to some 2,000 years ago. Conservation is not new to the Igorot families, especially the Ifugaos. A system of blood ties, collective responsibility, heredity, litigation and indemnity provides the bond that keeps the people together. However, many laws have been passed that undermine the life, caretakership and knowledge of the Igorot as a whole, through disinheriting them: first through Spanish colonization, then American and, in modern times, the Philippine government. Two thousand years ago, the Ifugao carved out the terraces by hand, creating farms from the mountain sides, a practice that has become a part of their daily lives. They do not consider themselves as owners of the land, but as caretakers. The Bontocs in Maligcong did better: they used boulders to carve their rice terraces, hauling the huge rocks with the help of water. As caretakers, they have a social responsibility for the muyung (woodlots) that are above the rice terraces. If someone wants access to the resources, he or she has to

An Igorot checks his rice field. Cordillera ecological center

ask permission; when permission is granted, the person who has benefited from the resources contributes toward the environmental balance of the muyung by clearing an area of weeds before leaving. The exchange is one of obligation and responsibility—not money—for the use of this man-made landscape of alternating woodlots and rice paddies. This reciprocity is extended to other aspects of the lives of the Ifugao. In the National Schools Maintenance Week, in May this year, Ifugao parents contributed their time and resources in the repair of their schools. Roofs were painted, footpaths fixed, ceiling boards replaced, furniture repainted, gardens were cleaned, broken windows replaced and other damages fixed.

‘Muyung/pinugos’

Muyungs are noteworthy features of Ifugao families. Muyungs are woodlots that are privately

‘A healthy biodiversity translates to healthy people’

‘W

hat we do to our environment has definite consequences to human health.” This was highlighted by Dr. Theresa Mundita S. Lim, international biodiversity expert and executive director of Asean Centre for Biodiversity (ACB) in her message during the recent Asean regional workshop on health and biodiversity held in Manila. The workshop convened exper ts from the Ministries of Environment and Health in the Asean countries to discuss national experiences and best practices on integrating biodiversity and health, and incorporating biodiversity considerations in national and regional health programs. “Human health ultimately depends on ecosystems services that are made possible by biodiversity and its products,” Lim said. “Forests, for example, contribute to human health and safety by regulating climate and disease development, and purifying air and water. People also turn to nature

for physical, emotional and mental wellbeing,” she cited. “Losing our biodiversity means losing the source of raw materials for our medicines. Biodiversity loss is a crosscutting environmental threat that will affect the health sector, as the natural ingredients of medicines come from plants and animals. The high demand and visibility of innovative compounds and novel drugs developed from plants and other natural

resources further highlight the relevance of biodiversity to modern health,” Lim explained. She urged health and biodiversity authorities to “think strategically and innovatively” in looking for solutions to the sectors’ global and local challenges. The regional workshop, she said, came up with outputs that will ultimately lead to the larger outcome of integrating biodiversity conservation in the health sector. The three-day workshop was organized by ACB, in cooperation with the World Health Organization, Convention on Biological Diversity Secretariat and the United Nation University’s Institute for International Global Health. It was hosted by the Philippines’s Departments of Health and of Environment and Natural Resources, and supported by the European Union through the Biodiversity Conservation and Management of Protected Areas in Asean Project.

Quick facts on the critically endangered PHL crocodile

ne of the best things about the Philippines is that it is home to diverse species of wildlife. Among the rare animals native to the Philippines is the Philippine crocodile, which is unfortunately critically endangered. Know more about this endangered species and help raise conser vation awareness through these quick facts: n Crocodiles are prehistoric reptiles that survived the extinction of dinosaurs. They are actually closely related to dinosaurs. n The buwaya (crocodile) is regarded sacred by the ancient Tagalog people as they

used to believe that crocodiles ferry departed souls safely to the land of the dead. In fact, crocodiles were held so sacred that to kill one was punishable by death. n The Philippine crocodile is one of the most critically endangered freshwater crocodiles in the world with only an estimated 250 adult left in the wild. n The massive decline of the Philippine crocodile was caused by excessive overexploitation for commercial use. n The Philippine crocodile has been completely wiped out in Samar, Jolo, Negros, Masbate and Busuanga. However,

small populations still survive in the Luzon rainforest, Babuyan Islands and Bukidnon. Although crocodiles in general are regarded as fearsome predators, conservation of the critically endangered species is important as these animals play a crucial role in keeping the complex web of life in ecosystems balanced. For more awe-inspiring stories and adventures on wildlife conservation, the Crikey! It’s The Irwins will premiere on November 19, 9 p.m. on Animal Planet. The Irwin family continues the legacy of Steve Irwin through their exceptional work at the Australian Zoo.

owned by way of inheritance, although there are also communally owned muyungs. Most often, it is the youngest daughter who inherits the muyung. This practice is believed best because the older members of the family are present to help in the conservation of the muyung until the youngest is of age and can decide what she will do to manage it. And so the customary laws were set by the elders a long time ago that in case the daughter does not marry, she will have a place to get her timber, fuel and other house needs. Muyungs are seldom sold, except in dire financial need. The Ifugao families know that with the development, preservation, and management of a muyung comes water to irrigate rice fields and vegetable plots, food for the table, timber for shelter, medicine for the sick, firewood for cooking, and natural resources for customary and cultural practices. The famed Banaue Rice Terraces are

dependent on the muyungs for irrigation. Below all muyungs are rice terraces known as kaingin or habal—swidden farms, which are temporary plots of land that are maintained by cutting back and burning off the vegetative cover. This system allows water from the muyung springs and brooks to irrigate rice fields and prevents topsoil erosion. Cutting or harvesting of the trees is done strictly on a selective basis, as wide-scale cutting is not allowed. The elders of families and clans are the ones who are authorized to choose and mark the trees that can be cut. Men do the cutting, but children help cut branches of fallen trees, from which they clean off the twigs to bring home as firewood. Planting is done by all family or clan members. Family members, including children, regularly weed and prune their muyungs as a part of the regular upkeep, but most of the work is done by the women.

Violations of customary laws, and related regulations call for strict penalties and fines. Tod ay, some pa r t s of t he muyungs are being turned into small areas for vegetable production because many families are in need of cash. Many fruit trees are also being integrated to provide family income. I n recent yea rs t he m i n i ng i ndu st r y h a s t h reatened t he l o c a l e n v i r o n m e nt a n d t h e t rad it ion a l w ay s. Exacting might over right, the mining contractors, an interfaith stance, call out: “That Creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God” (Romans 8:21). “And the Earth We have spread it forth; and made in it firm mountains and caused to grow in it of every suitable thing. And We have made in it means of subsistence for you and for him for whom you are not the suppliers” (Al Hijr 15:19-20). “[Land is] a gift from Magbabaya to a people he has put in a place in order to develop and guard Creation. As a divine gift, it could not be owned by anyone for one cannot own that which gives life” (Dibabawon Tribe). The United Nations Development Programme considers the agricultural technology of the Ifugao as a fine model that should be replicated elsewhere, and no local conservation initiative could afford to ignore it. However, just as many of the features are not apparent to the unaware observer, so too is the system of belief, that gave birth to the Ifugao conservation practices. Bengwayan has a masters degree and PhD in Development Studies and Environmental Resource Management from University College Dublin, Ireland, as a European Union fellow. He is currently a fellow of Echoing Green Foundation in New York.

Global experts convene to discuss ocean investment, business partnership to sustain East Asian seas

he need for significantly increased investment to achieve the targets under the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG 14 Life below water, is well understood. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) cites a $2.5-trillion gap in investments required to fully realize the SDGs, and it’s unlikely that all of this financing will come from the government and donor support. Private-sector investment has a critical role to play in achieving the targets, with an opportunity to redirect billions of dollars of capital away from unsustainable investment toward sustainable, blue economy investments in East Asia. To address this need and opportunity, a number of new funds and investment facilities are emerging to focus on investing in sustainable development of oceans, in sectors including sustainable fisheries, marine pollution and coastal tourism. However, investors often face challenges in sourcing projects that can support the SDGs while offering viable investment models. The potential of effective public-private partnership for coastal and ocean management has been discussed for some time, but the reality of forging concrete, valueadded partnerships has in many cases remained elusive.

Companies can struggle to move beyond mere compliance or approaches that are disconnected from their core business, while public institutions and local governments may wonder how to best engage with the private sector in ways that achieve their goals while adding value that incentivizes companies to partner. The global and regional experts will converge on November 28 at the Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia (Pemsea) Congress 2018 in Iloilo City, as they explore emerging investment models and opportunities to catalyze both public and private financing to build a pipeline of opportunities unlocking the ocean investment potential in the region. Speakers include Circulate Capital, an investment management firm raising $90 million in funding to combat ocean plastic, along with other organizations developing innovative models for investment in marine protection and tourism, sustainable aquaculture, coastal habitats and wastewater. This include the Asian Development Bank, Blue finance, Blueyou, the Meloy Fund, International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)’s Blue Natural Capital Financing Facility and Capital 4 Development. Arcowa, which advises on the use of green and gray infrastructure to manage water resources

and marine environments, will share findings from recently released reports developed in collaboration with Pemsea on investing in wastewater treatment and new opportunities for extracting water, energy and nutrients from wastewater streams in the Philippines and Indonesia. A second session on November 28 will examine the role of business and its needs and expectations for collaborative coastal and ocean management. Building on insights from recent research on developing a sustainable business road map for oceans for the region, panelists from Coca-Cola, Ten Knots Group/El Nido Resorts, Zoological Society of London and Meliomar Seafood Co. will share their experiences with partnerships supporting ocean conservation in sectors including consumer products, coastal tourism, textiles and sustainable seafood. Development par tners can play an important bridging role in helping companies to address their challenges related to coasts and oceans. Experts from the World Ocean Council, Philippine Business for Environment and IUCN will discuss their role in supporting sustainable development of coasts and oceans in East Asia and the potential opportunities for private-sector collaboration.

A10 Monday, November 19, 2018 • Editor: Angel R. Calso

Opinion BusinessMirror

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‘Torn between two lovers’

HE state visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to the Philippines should make for some interesting discussion. Along with the “war on drugs,” there’s no contentious issue bigger than the Philippines’s foreign policy. During President Duterte’s administration, there have been protests calling the president “China’s lapdog.” The League of Filipino Students says “Duterte is no different from the past administrations—a blind puppet of Trump.” Another says that the current administration is simply undoing “Our historical status as US neo-colony in favor of being a China neo-colony.” It might be interesting to invite both Xi Jinping and Donald J. Trump to the country at the same time to see who would draw the most protests. Even the international press is divided on Duterte’s foreign policy initiatives. The headline in the South China Morning Post (SCMP) in April read, “Amid China-US rivalry, Asean finds a role model in Duterte’s Philippines.” Yet another in the East Asia Forum two months ago was “Duterte’s China policy isn’t paying off.” However, the author of the SCMP article pointed out that the Philippines “has apparently succeeded in doing what most nations in the region must do —maintain its relations with both Beijing and Washington to its own benefit, but without angering either.” The East Asia Forum piece asked “whether it is prudent for his [Duterte’s] country to pursue an appeasement policy on an emergent power that appears willing to pursue an expansionist policy in the South China Sea at all costs.” Going by the headlines, you might see one as “pro-Duterte” and the other as negative. However, “headline readers” tend to be ignorant and ill-informed. Both articles are in fact a rational and sensible examination of the choices and dilemmas facing all nations in this age of balancing “globalization” with national self-interest. The recent Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) summit in Papua New Guinea offered insights into the divides of policies that Southeast Asian nations must confront. In fact, regardless of any hostility Xi Jinping may face in the next two days, the Philippines might seem comforting in comparison to his treatment at the summit. Xi called on countries to engage each other based on mutual understanding, saying: “We should be less arrogant and prejudiced, more respectful and tolerant, and embrace the richness and diversity of the world.” Further, he received applause when he said that implementing tariffs was “short-sighted” and “doomed to failure.” The US response through its Vice President Mike Pence was that the US had no intention of yielding influence in Asia to China. “The United States will not change course until China changes its ways.” Pence also announced: “The US would be building a military base in Papua New Guinea, in cooperation with Australia, further entrenching Washington’s military presence in Asia and the Pacific.” He added: “We don’t drown our partners in a sea of debt, we don’t coerce, compromise your independence. We do not offer constricting belt or a one-way road. When you partner with us, we partner with you and we all prosper.” While trade with China is of great importance for the Philippines and neighboring countries, the South China Sea issue is the elephant in the room. Washington will continue to support efforts to negotiate a legally binding “code of conduct” with China “that respects the rights of all nations, including the freedom of navigation in the South China Sea,” Pence said. While the Philippines may not exactly be “torn between two lovers” as the song goes, relations with both China and the United States have benefits and disadvantages. However, maintaining a balance is crucial.

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New measures of economic health Atty. Jose Ferdinand M. Rojas II

RISING SUN

T is interesting what the New Economics Foundation (NEF) reported as the real indicators of a country’s economic wellbeing, as opposed to looking at GDP, which Winnie Byanyima, executive director of Oxfam International, believes hides “the poverty within.” The GDP doesn’t tell you everything, NEF says, especially whether a country is going the right direction or not. If you, my dear readers, would answer the question “What is the right direction for the Philippine economy?” then most of you might consider the practical indicators like: happy and healthy people, equitable society, and healthy environment. That wouldn’t be too far from what NEF is saying. The NEF designed these measures incorporating more of the “social science mindset” rather than the tradi-

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well-being. This pertains to people’s satisfaction about their lives, which would show the policy-makers what people truly care about and what they (the lawmakers) should be working on and prioritizing. The third indicator is environment. This involves looking at our lifestyle, checking our carbon footprints and making sure these are monitored such that dangerous levels are avoided. When you measure this, you are actually measuring a person’s (or an organization’s) level of responsibility for the Earth and

its inhabitants. The fourth indicator of economic well-being is fairness, which simply means that inequality, in all its forms but specifically economic inequality, affects society in a negative way. Finally, the last measure of economic health is health. The NEF talks about interventions (treatment and prevention) to ensure that “avoidable deaths” are avoided. For developed countries, this is easy enough to achieve. In a country like the Philippines, however, one only needs to look at the number of deaths that need not have happened and one would know how we are faring as a country as far as this indicator is concerned. The experts can release figures of growth like the GDP to indicate whether the Philippine economy is healthy or not, but it may be good to look outside of that box and also consider looking at the five indicators that the NEF is suggesting. This way, we will have a clearer, wider picture of where our economy really stands so that the persons in authority can create reforms, policies and programs that are truly relevant.

Two rounds of election for president, vice president and senators

✝ Ambassador Antonio L. Cabangon Chua Publisher

tional perception about economics as “hard, mathematical science.” Let’s take the first indicator: Good jobs. Looking at statistics on how many people have jobs doesn’t tell us much. We need to consider how much of the employed population are happy with their jobs, or can afford to live decently, or don’t have job security (next month they might drop off the stats). This is the real indicator of well-being, not just the number of employed people. The second indicator of a healthy economy, according to the NEF, is

The experts can release figures of growth like the GDP to indicate whether the Philippine economy is healthy or not, but it may be good to look outside of that box and also consider looking at the five indicators that the NEF is suggesting. This way, we will have a clearer, wider picture of where our economy really stands so our leaders can create reforms, policies and programs that are truly relevant.

SENATE bill filed by Sen. Richard J. Gordon would cause a drastic paradigm shift in the nation’s electoral process. Senate Bill 1995, known as the “Campaign Reform Act of 2018,” proposes that there shall be two rounds of election for president, vice president and senators. “The first round of election shall be held on the second Monday of March, while the second round of election shall be held on the second Monday of May. For the position of president and vice president, the five candidates who received the highest number of votes shall be able to participate in the second round. For the position of senator, the 24 candidates who received the highest number of votes shall be able to participate in the second round. In the second round, the winner shall be the candidates for president and vice president who received the most number of votes, and the 12 candidates for senator who receive the most number of votes” (Section 3). Senator Gordon, in the 44th Top Level Management Conference of the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) held on November 8, 2018, pointed out that the first

round or primary elections (primaries) to be held for the positions of president, vice president and senators will give the candidates the opportunity to present their positions and for the people to vote for the candidates whose advocacies they support. It further allows the process of eliminating candidate with poor qualifications and to highlight the candidates that top the primaries to move on the next step leading to the election that includes town hall types of debates. For instance, said the Senator, during the primaries for senators, the candidates will be trimmed down to 24. These 24 senatoriables will then undergo town hall debates. The debates will ensure that the people will be well informed by vetting the candidates based on their capabilities and knowledge on the issues, international and national and local that are affecting our country.

While well intentioned, it is already clear that this bill, if approved, will be honored more in its breach than its observance. Public office in this country, sadly and frustratingly, is not a public trust but is private property— and like private property, it can be bought, stolen, borrowed, and inherited. Senate Bill 1995 recognizes that vast amounts of financial resources are necessary to support a campaign today, as prices of television and radio advertisements have become prohibitive (Explanatory Notes). Thus, in the campaign for the second round of elections, “No paid publicity or propaganda relating to the elections, whether by means of broadcast or television, radio, printed or social media, or wireless or digital means shall be made or caused to be made by any person or political party except the Comelec” (Section 4). The candidate and their political parties shall be allowed to campaign for only two weeks within the second round of election, upon the choice of the candidate. During such period, the candidate is allowed to spend up to the following amounts on television and radio advertisements: i) Candidates for president may spend not more than the total salary of an incumbent

president for a period of six years. ii) Candidates for vice president may spend not more than the total salary of an incumbent vice president for a period of six years. iii) Candidates for senator may spend not more than the total salary of an incumbent senator for a period of six years. Paid campaign and advertisement shall, likewise, be subject to the following limitations: a) Television— Not more than a total of 14 minutes of television advertising, whether appearing on national, regional or local, free or cable television. b) Radio— Not more than a total of 28 minutes of radio advertising, whether airing on national, regional, or local radio, whether by purchase or donation. c) Printed or Published Election Propaganda—The maximum size of print advertisements for each candidate shall be one-fourth (1/4) page in broadsheets and one-half (1/2) page in tabloids. During the campaign period, media outlets shall give the Comelec, and registered political parties and registered candidates during the period they are allowed to campaign by means of paid political publicity or propaganda, a discount of 40 percent for television, 30 percent for radio and 10 percent for print, over the average of the published rates charged during the last three calendar years for television and radio, and over the published rates charged one year prior to the election for print media. See “Kapunan,” A11

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Opinion

Advocacy for <IR>

Servant leadership in PPPs

BusinessMirror

By Alberto Agra

Joel L. Tan-Torres

PPP LEAD

DEBIT CREDIT Part Two

Continued from A1

E in the accountancy profession should listen to the needs of the time. The financial statements and reports that we prepare for various stakeholders have several limitations. It is oftentimes criticized that these FS and reports are difficult to understand, not forward looking as these dwell on historical information, are excessive in mass content with all the disclosures and financial numbers, and still do not present more relevant information required by the users of the FS.

LL the stakeholders in a PPP, even the private sector proponent (PSP), must serve the people. If the public good for better quality of life is not the objective, the government will be remiss in its obligation, and the PPP strategy or project will fail sooner or later.

The world is also addressing various concerns and dilemmas. Foremost of these are environmental problems, including global warming, air and water pollution, climate change, ozone-layer depletion and a host of others. How are accountants addressing these immense problems? A recent initiative supported by the leaders in the profession and its stakeholders is the integrated reporting <IR> and thinking and the aligned sustainability reporting. As defined by the International Integrated Reporting Council, the <IR> is a concise communication about how an organization’s strategy, governance, performance and prospects, in the context of its external environment, lead to the creation of value in the short, medium and long term. The <IR> is not meant to replace the traditional FS and reports prepared by accountants, but is intended to supplement the reports to be made available to the users of the FS. Though there are already other reports, including the Annual Report and Corporate Governance Report, being prepared by enterprises, the <IR> will result not necessarily in more reporting but better reporting. The limitations of the traditional reporting can sufficiently be addressed with the inclusion of the <IR> in the reporting menu made available to the users of the FS and other reports. The many issues on environmental impact reporting are also being addressed by a number of organizations in the various reports that they prepare. Business enterprises and accountants have long been exposed and involved in environmental accounting and corporate social reporting, which contain information on how enterprises and environment are impacting each other and the programs being adopted to alleviate the environmental problems. Another positive development in this area is the emergence of sustainability reporting. As defined in Wikipedia, a sustainability report is

Kapunan. . .

continued from A10

Nothing in this provision prohibits a media outlet from giving higher discounts; Provided that the discount it gives one candidate shall be the same discount it gives to other candidates of the same position. In no case shall rate charged to registered political parties and registered candidates be higher than rates charged to nonpolitical advertisers. Any person found guilty of violating this Section shall be punished with imprisonment of not less than one year but not more than six years and shall not be subject to probation. In addition, any person convicted of any violation shall be sentenced to suffer disqualification to hold public office and deprivation of the right of suffrage. Any political party found guilty shall be sentenced to pay a fine of not less than P10 million, which shall be imposed upon such party after criminal action has been instituted in which their corresponding officials have been found guilty. For candidates for president, vice president and senators who proceed to the Second Round, the Comelec is required to purchase radio and television time for debates among

Though there are already other reports, including the Annual Report and Corporate Governance Report, being prepared by enterprises, the <IR> will result not necessarily in more reporting but better reporting. The limitations of the traditional reporting can sufficiently be addressed with the inclusion of the <IR> in the reporting menu made available to the users of the FS and other reports. an organizational report that gives information about economic, environmental, social and governance performance. Several global organizations are developing knowledge bases and reporting framework and standards on sustainability reporting, including the Global Reporting Initiative and the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board. I encourage our accountants in the Philippines to participate in these initiatives and developments. As participants and members of the business ecosystem, we are duty bound to first be aware of these important developments, and, second, to actively be proficient over time for us to engage as part of what we do at work and in our community. I anticipate that <IR> and thinking and sustainability reporting will more and more be ingrained in the Philippine setting. To be continued Joel L. Tan-Torre is a certified public accountant who placed No. 1 in the May 1979 CPA Board Examinations. He was the former commissioner of the Bureau of Internal Revenue from 2009 to 2010 and the chairman of the Professional Regulatory Board of Accountancy from 2014 to August 2018. This column accepts contributions from accountants, especially articles that are of interest to the accountancy profession, in particular, and to the business community, in general. These can be e-mailed to boa.secretariat.@gmail.com

these candidates within the area of coverage of such radio and television stations and shall organize town hall debates for these candidates. A candidate who fails to participate for two consecutive debates without lawful excuse shall be disqualified from continuing as a candidate, unless by reason of physical disability. In such a case, the candidate shall be allowed to appoint a representative in the debate. To oversee the implementation of this Act, the proposed bill provides for the creation of the “Campaign Advertisements Oversight Management Office” under the supervision of the Comelec (Section 9). While well intentioned, it is already clear that this bill, if approved, will be honored more in its breach than its observance. Public office in this country, sadly and frustratingly, is not a public trust but is private property—and like private property, it can be bought, stolen, borrowed and inherited. Which is why candidates will spend whatever it takes to win an election and acquire that public seat. And, of course, once elected, to get back all that they have spent and more, much, much more! I once ran for a Senate seat in my recent past—the lesson I learned… never again! I will choose other battles to fight.

Servant leaders must possess certain traits. Some are highlighted here relative to PPPs. (1) Take initiative. One of the traits of true servant leaders is initiative. Servants must be proactive and not sit idly by while the communities live in a poor or dismal quality of life. First necessary steps include having a vision, adopting PPP as a strategy,

knowing the needs of the people and learning about PPPs. (2) Focus on the goal. All throughout the process—from conceptualization, selection of PSP, award, construction and project implementation—the stakeholders must not lose sight of the goal. (3) Be competent. Once PPP is set as a strategy, and a PPP project

Monday, November 19, 2018 A11

is seen as priority, government and the PSP must have the necessary competencies (financial, technical, regulatory, operations and maintenance) and must have the tenacity to pursue the project because it redounds to the public good. (4) Listen and understand. Since PPP is for the people, the government and the PSP must talk to and listen to the people and understand their needs. A project that is not needed will not be used. A project that is not structured well will fail. (5) Stir imagination. PPPs call for innovation. PPP advocates must stir the imagination of stakeholders who do not have an operative understanding of what a PPP is and the benefits of PPP. Those who have undertaken PPP projects may conduct round-table discussions to present their experiences in making a leap of imagination. (6) Withdraw yourself. Reflection is key for servant leaders pushing PPPs. In pursuing PPPs, servant leaders must withdraw and reflect to

A different kind of snatching Siegfred Bueno Mison, Esq.

THE PATRIOT

NATCHING means to take a hold of or grasp abruptly. In everyday lingo, snatching has evolved into a negative connotation, which means to rob or seize one’s property with evil intentions or with reckless abandon. Snatchers are menace to the community. Carpe diem, on the other hand, is defined as the enjoyment of the pleasures of the moment without concern for the future. “Seize the day” in Latin, carpe diem is often used as a mantra for people to think and act more decisively. Opportunities may pass the longer we ponder our decisions. Both terms, snatching and carpe diem, involve seizure; one is more of the physical act, while the other is more of a mindset. One real-life example of a good snatch is what has happened and is happening in the city of Dumaguete whose name was coined from the Cebuano word dagit, which means “to snatch.” Historically, Dumaguete was named as such because of frequent “snatching” raids by Muslim pirates on this coastal community centuries ago. Nowadays, Dumaguete practically snatches its visitors from wherever they come from. These visitors end up staying, living, working or retiring in Dumaguete. Chester Lee is one recent acquaintance of mine who migrated from Manila to Dumaguete. Born, raised and educated in Manila, Chester has worked in the scuba diving industry for quite some time before deciding to pack up his bags and relocate to this part of the country. He appreciates the relaxing atmosphere and the warmth of the people, not to

mention the quality of education. His children, he says, will definitely attend Silliman University. He now manages the Sea Explorers Dive Center at Pura Vida resort in Dauin, Negros Oriental, a leisurely half-hour drive from the City of Gentle People. Another recent acquaintance, Edward Lee also relocated from Cebu to Dumaguete 30 years ago, perhaps for the same reason as Chester. As a businessman, Edward was attracted by the city’s peace and order, its commercial accessibility both in terms of transportation and communication, and the educational environment for his four children. From a part-time helper in his uncle’s business, Edward is the proud owner of Lee Plaza malls with branches in Negros Oriental and Dipolog. I assume that both Chester and Edward were “snatched” by the city in the same way a lot of foreigners have been, in recent years. Understandably, with a dollarfriendly cost of living, Dumaguete has been voted in the top 10 cities around the world for retirement by

Forbes magazine. Records in the Bureau of Immigration revealed that Dumaguete has the highest number of permanent residents coming from Europe and North America. Records from the Philippine Retirement Authority also revealed that Dumaguete has registered the highest number of foreigners with a PRA retiree’s visa. What makes Dumaguete enchanting is the combination of simplicity and sophistication of its culture. Its beaches, dive sites, rivers and mountains remain as a natural attraction. It remains as a small city compared to the other cities in the region (Bacolod, Cebu and Iloilo) but, at the same time, is big enough to accommodate visitors from all over the world. More known as a university town because of the prominence of both Silliman University and St. Paul’s University, Dumaguete has gradually evolved into a self-sustaining and magnetic community. It is charming enough for visitors to be “snatched” to live, work or stay there, in the spirit of carpe diem. In a professional setting, my law firm once had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to snatch an account— a client that lays the golden egg so to speak. However, due to some competing interests that ended in partners’ disagreement, the firm ended up losing the client to another. We never seized the moment. At a personal level, I once had a friend who virtually snatched her lover’s heart. Similar to Dumaguete, my friend has the physical looks and a heartwarming personality that any man would be attracted to. She has about everything any man would long for in a life partner. The whirlwind attraction came so naturally and easily that her lover

resolve impasses in negotiations in the terms of the PPP contract. Some degree of detachment is needed. Rate adjustments and performance-based mechanisms must be resolved in favor of the public good. (7) Persuade, not coerce. If only one stakeholder supports a PPP project, then it is bound to fail. None of the stakeholders should be forced to accept a PPP project. Persuasion and influence, not coercion or threats, are needed. The government must market and sell the idea so that the PSPs and the community will own and be involved in the PPP project. (8) Foresight, please. Servant leaders must take stock of current resources, acknowledge the strengths and weaknesses of the organization, and plan and strategize. It takes foresight to see the future of a PPP project. Seeing water down the road today when water is not available requires foresight, which must be shared amongst all PPP stakeholders. We are called to serve. Let us all be servants of the public.

simply could not control his emotions toward her. In these cases, do we allow these opportunities in business and in our personal lives to snatch us and be under its control, or do we seize the opportunity ourselves and take control? “In God We Trust” is more than just a slogan that is prominently displayed at the provincial capitol of Negros Oriental, whose capital is Dumaguete. Trusting God gives believers true joy when His will is no longer a mystery, because He has made it known to us through His Word. With the gift of wisdom, our outlook becomes eternal, our attitude changes from fear to confidence, and worry has no place in our minds. In the Bible, Daniel 11:32 says, “The people who know their God will display strength and take action.” As such, whenever there are opportunities ready to snatch us, we need to trust the Spirit within to tell us what to do. We all carry the knowledge of a breakthrough or a blessing. Our hearts will know when the opportunity is in accordance to His will. In 1 Corinthians 2:10, the Bible tells us, “We know about these things because God has sent His Spirit to tell us.” His wisdom within us puts us in a position to succeed in accomplishing His will. Let’s put a stop to this kind of snatching. Our Spirit within will show us something during the night that changes how we feel in the morning. That’s the reason I enjoy looking at the sunrise and the sunset. Through Him, we receive insights that give us hope, direction and the courage to fight for what He promised us in His Word. By being constantly surrounded by Him through people and events He sends our way, let us allow Him to snatch us instead.

Want to see your dystopian future? Look at China By Cathy O’Neil Bloomberg Opinion

OUTH Koreans are worried about the surveillance state. At a recent conference that was supposed to be about protests—such as pro-democracy demonstrations and the #MeToo movement—journalists invariably asked me one question: How do we maintain democracy in an age when governments and companies are collecting ever more data on everything we do? They’re right to be concerned. If people don’t recognize the danger, they might eventually be unable to protest at all. Thanks to their proximity to China, South Koreans are witnessing up close that country’s efforts to deploy big data technology as a tool of social control. Omnipresent surveillance cameras, trained in facial recognition, record people’s whereabouts. The ubiquitous social credit score monitors how people behave on the

train, whether they pay their bills on time, and whether they participate in undesirable organizations. This is a real threat. The potential accuracy and reach of government surveillance will only increase as the data pile up and the technology improves—particularly in places such as China, where there are few if any privacy protections. Worse, in many cases, it doesn’t even have to work as advertised. The mere knowledge that they are being watched will often be enough to keep people in line. And if mistakes are made—if, for example, the system misidentifies criminals or wrongly dings someone’s social score—repressive governments won’t necessarily be held to account. China’s heavy-handed approach is spreading. Venezuela is reportedly using Chinese technology to create its own social credit score. The Saudi government has been monitoring Twitter to identify and punish political dissidents—an effort in which the consulting company McKinsey

Governments will wage the next cold war with technology, in large part against their own citizens, but the nature and ideology of that conflict are still uncertain. So far, China’s version appears to be in the lead, in part because the world’s great superpower, the United States, still hasn’t figured out what its strategy will be. Discussions about the use of big data and artificial intelligence in the US and China tend to frame it as a technology race, rather than a clash of values.

may have (perhaps inadvertently) played a role. Governments will wage the next cold war with technology, in large part against their own citizens, but the nature and ideology of that conflict are still uncertain. So far, China’s

version appears to be in the lead, in part because the world’s great superpower, the US, still hasn’t figured out what its strategy will be. Discussions about the use of big data and artificial intelligence in the United States and China tend to frame it as a technology race, rather than a clash of values. From that perspective, privacy protection is merely a pesky constraint to the innovation that will bring about the brave new world. Trying to compete with China in developing social control technology would be a terrible mistake. Europe’s General Data Protection Regulation explicitly disavows such an approach, choosing instead to defend human dignity and freedom. In the US, though, people are too distracted by the political circus to take on a creeping surveillance state, starting with big tech firms such as Facebook, which have demonstrated their incapacity to promote democratic values over profit. We need to do better, and soon.

2nd Front Page BusinessMirror

A12 Monday, November 19, 2018

PhilSys to cover 25M Pinoys each year from 2020–PSA

By Cai U. Ordinario

@cuo_bm

QUARTER of the population will have national IDs or be registered in the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) every year starting 2020, according to the country’s statistics agency. In a presentation at the First Philippine Data Festival last week, Gina A. Perido of the Philippine Statistics Authority’s Planning and Management Service said that by January 2019, around a million households with an average of four to five members each, will be registered under the Proof of Concept project of the PSA and the PhilPost. By September, during the full implementation of the PhilSys, around 5 million Filipinos will have their IDs. “The 1 million households will include the recipients of unconditional cash transfer [UCTs]. This includes four to five registrants each household,” Perido told the BusinessMirror. “But these are just preliminary estimates.”

By 2020, which coincides with the start of the PhilSys registration for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in coordination with the Department of Foreign Affairs, around 25 million will be registered. Between 2021 and 2023, around 75 million more Filipinos will be registered in the PhilSys. The target is to register 25 million Filipinos here and abroad every year. The PhilSys is going to be the government’s central identification platform for all citizens and resident aliens in the Philippines. Perido said the PSA is the primary implementing agency for the PhilSys Act and will be tasked with the overall planning, management and administration of the PhilSys.

₧130M-₧140M

The amount the PSA will pay PhilPost for the PhilSys proofof-concept phase from January to June 2019, compared to an arrangement with the private sector, which could cost around P500 million Earlier, National Statistician Lisa Grace S. Bersales told reporters that the PSA had to decline the two unsolicited proposals they received in favor of piloting the PhilSys with another government agency. Bersales said the PSA’s agencyto-agency (A to A) arrangement with PhilPost is cheaper at around P130 million to P140 million, compared to an arrangement with the private sector, which could cost around P500 million. She said that with this, the PSA can avoid spending for a “wrong” system during the proof-of-concept phase of the PhilSys to be conducted between January and June 2019. After the proof of concept is completed, Bersales said the PSA will procure hardware and software systems at an estimated cost of P1.4 billion. This will include the

entire system or “end to end” from the PhilSys registration to the issuance of the IDs. Meanwhile, the PhilSys shall streamline and expedite applications for the availment of, among others, social welfare and benefits from the government; tax-related transactions; opening of bank accounts; and transactions for employment purposes. Under the law, the PhilSys will contain the registrant’s biometric information, along with seven demographic data: full name, sex, date of birth, place of birth, blood type, address, nationality and three optional information— marital status, mobile number and e-mail address. The PhilSys Act requires that said personal information be kept in a resilient data system to ensure that the people’s right to privacy, confidentiality and other basic rights, such as those guaranteed by the Data Privacy Act of 2012, are upheld. The National Economic and Development Authority said agencies such as the National Privacy Commission, and the Department of Information and Communications Technology will develop and implement measures to keep the database of the PhilSys registry secure and private.

PHL, others tag products for tariff cuts under RCEP By Bernadette D. Nicolas

@BNicolasBM

EVERAL economies backing the world’s largest free-trade deal are considering agricultural products as part of their sensitive lists, most of which are being exported by the Philippines.

This as the 10 member-states of Association of Southeast Asian Nations and six Asia-Pacific countries are targeting to finally forge the China-backed Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) in 2019. In a message to the BusinessMirror, Trade Secretary Ramon M. Lopez identified prod-

NORTHEAST MONSOON AFFECTING NORTHERN AND CENTRAL LUZON TROPICAL DEPRESSION (OUTSIDE PAR) 1,100 KM EAST OF MINDANAO as of 4:00 am - November 18, 2018

ucts for which some markets are amenable to tariff-reduction coverage once the RCEP takes effect, and some products for which they are open to a gradual tariff reduction, but for over a 20-year period. Under the proposal of some marketcountries, Philippine products which will have reduced tariffs immediately once the

RCEP is enforced in some markets include frozen fishes, such as tunas and mackerel, prawns, crabs, potato starch, cocoa powder, jams and jellies. As for some markets, products which will undergo gradual tariff reduction in a period of 20 years include dried nuts, dried pineapples, lemon juice, lubricating oils, plastics (eg., plates, sheets), valves, parts of electrical appliances, octopus, instant noodles, biscuits, mango juice, paints and varnishes, polymers, rubber gloves, knitted fabrics, footwear, auto parts and accessories. For other markets, products such as copra, crude oil, cane sugar, chocolate and confectionery will already be covered by tariff reduction once the RCEP takes effect. On the other hand, other markets would like a gradual tariff reduction for over 20 years for fishes (eg., tunas, salmon, sardines), papaya, pasta noodles, distilled spirits, tobacco, silica sand, laundry soap, activated carbon, tableware and kitchenware, rubber gloves, ball point pens, turmeric, bay leaves, cosmetics, precious stones, electrical circuits, pressure reducing valves, stoves and ranges. Sought for clarification on by how much tariffs will be reduced for these markets, Lopez had yet to reply, as of press time. Moreover, the trade chief said that rice, corn, sugar, some vegetables and pork were included by the country on its own highly sensitive list. This means that there will be no tariff reduction on these products. “All countries have their own sensitive lists. Ours is rice, sugar, some vegetables and pork,” Lopez said. Seven out of 18 chapters under the deal have already been finished as negotiations have already entered the “most critical” stage since the economies involved are now focused on market access to goods, investments and services. Nonetheless, Lopez earlier told the BusinessM irror that they are already 90 to 95 percent done with those chapters, and this is why he remains bullish that next year’s target will be met. Aside from the 10 Asean members, the deal also involves six of the bloc’s trading partners—China, Australia, India, Japan, New Zealand and South Korea. In 2016, RCEP negotiating countries comprised almost half of the world’s population and about 30 percent of global GDP and over 25 percent of world exports.

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Bird flu, rice consumption stories bring Bright Leaf honors to BusinessMirror

BusinessMirror’s Cai U. Ordinario (second from left) and Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas (right) receive their trophies for Best Agriculture Feature Story-National and Best Agriculture News Story-National, respectively, at the 12th Bright Leaf Journalism Awards from Bayen Elero-Tinga, external affairs director for PMFTC Inc. (left) and Lawrence Chew, PMFTC Inc. president. ROY DOMINGO

OR the second time in a row, the BusinessMirror, the country’s leading business newspaper, won two awards in a single year at the 12th Bright Leaf Agriculture Journalism Awards. This is the first time a single news outfit won two awards in two consecutive years since Bright Leaf began in 2007. BusinessMirror’s 22-yearold reporter, Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas, bagged the Best Agriculture Feature Story (National) of the year, the same award he received last year from the awardgiving body. This year, jurors adjudged Arcalas’s story titled “Fowl farmers’ fears persist 1 year after bird flu flare-up: PHL poultry raisers on ground zero still coping,” as worthy of honor. The story focused on the outbreak of the Avian Influenza (AI), which began in Pampanga, and the lives of the poultry raisers a year after the tragedy. It also unveiled the plans and reforms the government would undertake to ensure a better response to future AI outbreaks. The article was also the BusinessMirror’s first multimedia story as the business paper ventures into the digital age of reportage. The story “Snapshot of riceconsu mpt ion d at a rem a i ns

grainy as Pinoys grapple with supply, prices,” which Arcalas coauthored with his senior reporter Cai U. Ordinario won the Best Agriculture News Story (National). This is Ordinario’s first Bright Leaf award and adds to her third-straight Best Macroeconomy Reporter award from the Economic Journalists Association of the Philippines. The article focused on the data challenges in food consumption in the Philippines, particularly on rice consumption. The story revealed the government uses two conflicting data sets to determine rice consumption nationwide. “Beyond the simple recitation of facts that are uncovered by those practicing agriculture journalism, there is the engagement between tone and diction and, above all, the provision of new knowledge and awareness that are anchored on science,” writer and Philippine Star columnist Krip Yuson said in his speech at the Fairmont Hotel in Makati City. Yuson is the head of the panel of judges for this year’s Bright Leaf Awards. This year’s winners also included Henrylito Tacio of Edge Davao who bagged the Agriculture Story of the Year Award for his series, “The grass that feeds Continued on A2

BIR collection officers now allowed to accept fast-lane payments By Rea Cu

@ReaCuBM

HE Bureau of Inter nal Revenue (BIR) has issued Revenue Memorandum Order (RMO) 49-2018, enabling authorized Revenue Collection Officers (RCO) to accept payments done through the bureau’s onetime transactions (Onetts) or its fast lane. Based on RMO 49-2018, RCOs are allowed to accept payment of taxes made through Onett during tax deadlines including payment of capital gains tax, documentary stamp tax, donors tax, and estate tax, among others. “The concerned RCO shall, on a daily basis, have the collections deposited with the concerned Authorized Government Depository Bank [AGDB], by separating the cash and check deposit slips for all Onetts from the other tax types,” the RMO said. The BIR explained that the passage of Republic Act (RA) 11032, or the Ease of Doing Business and

Efficient Government Service Delivery Act will call for the amendment of certain policies in line with the bureau’s frontline services, thus, the issuance of RMO 49-2018. “To cope with these changes, RCOs assigned in each Revenue District Offices [RDOs] which are already authorized to accept tax payments during tax deadlines, shall in addition to such, be allowed to accept tax payments relative to Onetts...Provided, however, that for Onett-related taxes above P20,000, the RCO shall only accept manager’s or cashier’s check as payment,” the RMO added. Under the previously issued RMO 4-2007, which prescribes the guidelines on the issuance of Revenue Official Receipts by RCOs in areas where there are Authorized Agent Banks (AABs), the issuance of the ROR was limited to tax payments not exceeding P10,000 per return whether in cash or in check. The BIR said the RMO is also See “BIR,” A2

Editor: Efleda P. Campos

Companies BusinessMirror

Monday, November 19, 2018

Long, tough job for Mislatel By Lorenz S. Marasigan

@lorenzmarasigan

HILE it has yet to receive a confirmation order declaring it the new major telco player on Monday, Mislatel Consortium has three months to complete all necessary permits, licenses, and securities before being officially awarded the third telco license and the accompanying frequencies.

PT&T went as far as the Supreme Court on Friday to plead for its cause. However, Rio said his group is confident of meeting its timelines for the selection process. “They did not follow the process, which involves the proper appeal before the NTC en banc. Instead, they went directly to the Supreme Court, and in doing that, they committed what is called forum shopping, which is not allowed,” he said. Rio said his agency is generally glad to near the end of the third telco search, as this could help to improve the quality of the country’s Internet—considered one of the worst in the region, based on third-party surveys. “Mislatel made a commitment to greatly improve our telecommunication industry that can bring us on a par with Singapore and is putting a hefty performance bond if they fail in [their] commitments in a five-year period,” he said. He noted that neither Globe Telecommunications Inc. nor Smart Communications Inc. made such commitments in their more than two decades of operation. “They never posted any performance security. For the first time in our history, we required a new telco player to come up with time-bound commitments and put their money where their mouth is,” Rio said. Mislatel committed to initially cover 37 percent of the whole Philippines with a minimum Internet speed of 27 Mbps through a P150-billion capital and operational expenditures budget. Based on the terms of reference for the third telco selection, companies must exceed the following

minimum levels of service for the first year: 10 percent of the population, 5 Mbps speed and a P40-billion capital. Mislatel’s five-year commitment entails P257 billion in total money spent, which should provide for a 84-percent coverage with a minimum Internet speed of 55 Mbps. Both Globe President Ernest L. Cu and Smart Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan painted this as a faraway dream, as the two incumbents worked on their network for decades before effectively providing mobile Internet services to Filipinos. They also said the entry of the third telco won’t greatly impact their margins, even as Fitch Ratings noted pressures on capital expenditures and revenues given that the new player is expected to enter the battle through a price war. “We use the same equipment, and we go through the same permitting process,” Cu said. For his part, Pangilinan said the effect of the third telco “depends on how fast it can build its infrastructure.” Rio painted a rosier picture for the third telco. However, he noted that given the magnitude of commitments, Mislatel must work with smaller players to successfully deliver them. “One of the best ways Mislatel can comply with its commitments is to use all existing facilities and services of the other small players, like the tens of thousand kilometers of fiber-optic cables of PT&T and Converge ICT, the satellite network of Chavit Singson’s Sear, the fiber on air of Now, etc.,” he said. Thus, the third telco will spur business for small telcos and last mile links.

Acting Secretary Eliseo M. Rio Jr. of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) said the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) should be able to grant the confirmation order to Mislatel on November 19, per the timeline set in the terms of reference for the third telco search. “They will be given the confirmation order, then they will have to go through the post-qualification process,” he said via phone interview on Sunday. “It means that from being provisional, Mislatel now becomes the new major player.” Rio said the post-qualification process involves: forming the official company through the Securities and Exchange Commission, getting necessary approvals from the Philippine Competition Commission and the National Economic and Development Authority; and most important, posting the performance bond, which, in Mislatel’s case, is P25.7 billion. “Only then can we give them the

certificate of public convenience and necessity and the frequencies for them to operate. They will be given a maximum of 90 days to finish this,” he said. Mislatel—led by Udenna Corp., Chelsea Logistics Holdings Corp. and China Telecom Corp. Ltd.—was the only compliant bidder at the November 7 auction for the third telco license. Hopefuls that failed to qualify were Philippine Telegraph and Telephone Corp., and Luis Chavit C. Singson-backed Sear Telecommunications Inc. The two disqualified parties sought a reconsideration of their defective bids—PT&T lacking a technical capability certificate and Sear’s absent participation bond— but were rejected for lack of merit. Both companies also sought Mislatel’s disqualification, claiming that the consortium used Mindanao Islamic Telephone Corp.’s alleged defective and exclusive congressional franchise to clinch for the third telco spot.

Max’s Group reports 32% hike in 3rd quarter income

Japan’s Okada plans to retire in PHL

AX’S Group Inc. (MGI), the Philippines’s largest casual dining restaurant chain, has reported a net income of P118.5 million for the third quarter of 2018, up 32 percent from P90 million, for the same period last year. For the first nine months, systemwide sales grew 9 percent to P13.8 billion, from P12.6 billion with a steady same-store sale showing of 4 percent. Restaurant sales increased 9 percent to P8.3 billion, from P7.6 billion on the back of 38 new stores equally split between company-owned and franchised formats. Commissary sales gained 14 percent to P1.1 billion, from P997.7 million, while franchising income expanded 24 percent to P535.2 million, from P432.7 million, primarily attributed to a mix of new single and multibrand franchising sign-ups. “We managed to extend our momentum from the second quarter into the subsequent period by centering on improving productivity measures and operational performance across the business. We plan to carry a similar mindset and at the same time ramp up new store openings ushering into the Christmas season. Accordingly, we are determined and confident in our ability to finish the year on a strong note while putting ourselves in a unique position to grow further come 2019,” MGI President and Chief Executive Officer Robert Trota said. As of September 2018, MGI opened 38 new stores including eight abroad. This brings the company’s total branch network to 681 outlets, with 57 built across various cities in North America, the Middle East and Asia. PNA

By VG Cabuag

@villygc

APANESE gambling magnate Kazuo Okada said he plans to retire in the Philippines as he is impressed by the country’s labor force. He formed the view from observing the Filipinos at work in the integrated resort in Entertainment City in Parañaque that was named after him. In a statement, Okada said he is “determined” with his retirement plan in the country, which he can do so as a holder of an investors/ retirees visa. Okada said he had an opportunity to become the next big thing in the US casino scene some 10 years ago, but he opted to invest in the Philippines instead, seeing its huge potential for development. Okada cofounded Wynn Resorts with Steve Wynn, initially investing around $260 million for

a 50-percent stake in the company. He had a chance to take over Wynn Resorts as Wynn was in the middle of a divorce, but he was focused on his initial plan to put up a casino property in the Philippines. “I hadn’t really had ambitions of doing so. Going back in time, back to 2008, I was thinking about moving forward and developing something with local partners in the Philippines in 2010,” Okada said in a statement. Okada said he even enticed Wynn to join his business venture in the Philippines. He decided to invest in the Philippines, even if the trend back then was for investors to go to China. “I had explained to Steve Wynn that I found some local partners in the Philippines and invested into a property where a casino can be

established,” Okada said. Okada suffered several setbacks as he was removed as a director of Okada Holdings Ltd., which controls 68 percent of Universal Entertainment Corp. Universal owns almost all of Tiger Asia, which owns the local operator of Okada Manila, Tiger Resorts Leisure and Entertainment Inc. With his removal from Okada Holdings, he was also taken out from Tiger Resorts in June last year. Okada, however, was able to regain control of Okada Holdings Ltd. and is currently in the process of regaining his place in Tiger Resorts through an intra-corporate lawsuit that he filed before the Parañaque Regional Trial Court. He asked the local court to reinstate him as shareholder, director, chairman and CEO of Tiger Resorts.

More Meralco customers going prepaid

HE Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) has registered over 96,000 prepaid electricity service (PRES) customers at end-September this year. PRES, branded as Kuryente Load, allows customers to buy prepaid credits to keep electricity going in their homes. It also allows customers to monitor and control their consumption through daily balance notifications. The service is more affordable with denominations of as low as P100. Customers may reload anytime, anywhere through multiple loading channels, such as Meralco business centers, Bayad Center outlets and e-load retailers. “The demand for prepaid metering continues to grow with a total of 96,717 activated prepaid meters as of September 30, 2018,” said Meralco in a report.

The average per capita monthly consumption of prepaid metering accounts increased to 142 kilowatt hour for the nine-month period ended September 30 this year from 136 kWh during the same period a year ago. In 2017 Meralco activated additional 48,735 PRES customers, cumulative of 89,717. Last year’s activations was an all-time high, doubled year-on-year. The prepaid electricity service is available in residential areas in the cities of Manila, Mandaluyong, Makati and Pasig, municipalities of Angono, Cainta, Binangonan, and Taytay in Rizal, and parts of Taguig, Pasay, San Juan, Parañaque, Novaliches, Caloocan, Cavite, Tagaytay and Bulacan. Prepaid electricity predominantly attracted residential customers, as well as retail estate developers, who

cater to students as well as young families living in low, mid and highresidential rise buildings. Based on research from actual consumer usage, customers who shifted from postpaid to prepaid are able to effectively monitor their consumption daily via text messaging service, and as a result, they can save an average of 20 percent on electricity consumption. This translates to total savings of around P300 per customer. The PRES runs on the latest smart meters as outages are detected instantly, allowing for faster restoration. The prepaid meter system allows customers to monitor their electricity consumption, allowing them to budget their consumption and expenses. It will also enable them to monitor their electricity consumption as it happens. Lenie Lectura

AC Energy hopes for early sale of Lanao coal-fired power plant By Lenie Lectura

@llectura

C Energy Inc. is eyeing to c lose in t he next few months a deal with an investor for the sale of the 4x135-megawatt (MW) coal-fired power plant in Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte, in Mindanao. AC Energy President Eric Francia said the power arm of conglomerate Ayala Corp. is in “active discussions with parties.” “I can’t comment because we have a nondisclosure agreement with our potential partners/investors. Of course, we can’t say who these parties are,” said Francia. “But I would probably make a decision in the next couple of months. It’s fluid because we started this process earlier this year and we always said it’s actually flexible.” There is no decision yet if AC Energy will opt for a partnership or sell the power asset. “Some of the investors have expressed interest to partner with us still at a platform level but some investors expressed interest to have a path to control, ultimately buy out everything,” Francia said. The group of businessman Manuel V. Pangilinan earlier expressed interest. “We heard about that. We’re trying to get data. What I am told, it is a coal project. It seems to be almost finished so it’s ready for operation. It looks interesting because we don’t have to wait for all sorts of approval. We will probably take a look at it,” said Pangilinan, chairman of the Manila Electric Co. whose unit is involved in power generation business. For now, AC Energy’s focus is to finish construction of the Kauswagan plant by 2019. “Again, our top priority at this point is to finish the Kauswagan project by 2019. We don’t want to lose focus. First quarter is our target for the start-up of unit 1 and thereafter every couple of months for the other units.” The project proponent is GN Power Kauswagan Ltd. Co. Francia said AC Energy’s committed equity is around 70 percent with a value of about $250 million. Francia said the capacity of the three of the fours units are already contracted. AC Energy is on the lookout for off-takers for the remaining 135 MW amid oversupply of power in Mindanao. “We will continue to look for customers. But there’s oversupply in Mindanao so it’s not easy. But the good news with having

an extra unit is that we will be able to serve our customers almost to close to 100 percent of availability, because if one unit is down we have a back up reserve,” he said. He is also confident that demand for power in Mindanao will grow as the Department of Energy (DOE) expects demand to hit 2,100 MW peak next year. This and the Mindanao-Visayas Interconnection Project of the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP), which will be completed by 2021, “will open up a new department for Kauswagan.” Fra nc i a sa id t he power plant’s large capacity and strategic location will surely attract investors. “There’s quite a bit of interest in Kauswagan because it’s a sizeable plant. It’s the most competitive in Mindanao. It’s strategically located because it will be the major substation that will ultimately be connected to Cebu because the Mindanao-Visayas interconnection typically needs two major substations to balance the frequency.” Francia explained, “That’s why...if you look at the NGCP plan, while [the subsea cable] ter minates in Zamboanga, there’s an overhead line that connects directly from the cable landing to Kauswagan. So that forms an integral part of the backbone to connect Mindanao and Visayas.” Aboitiz Power Corp. earlier acquired a 49-percent voting stake and 60-percent economic interest in AA Thermal, AC Energy’s thermal business, for $579.2 million. The assets initially consist of AC Energy’s limited partnership interests in GNPower Mariveles Coal Plant Ltd. Co., the owner and operator of an operating 2x316-MW coal plant in Mariveles, Bataan, and in GNPower Dinginin Ltd. Co., the developer and owner of a 2x668-MW supercritical coal plant project in Dinginin, Bataan. The transaction forms part of the company’s goal to achieve 5 gigawatts from a balanced mix of renewables and thermal assets by 2025. “We’re close to 50-50. We’re in a nice position. This is our objective for 2025 to be at least 50 percent renewables. We are trimming down to achieve this balance. So, this selldown of AA Thermal to Aboitiz helps balance our portfolio and allows us to raise capital for our growth. We can maintain the balance we have now in 2018 all the way to 2025,” said Francia.

Companies BusinessMirror

Monday, November 19, 2018

PSE STOCK QUOTATIONS

November 16, 2018

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

ASIA UNITED 59.45 59.5 58.05 59.5 58.05 59.5 35020 2081912 2044459 BDO UNIBANK 123.5 124 118 124 118 124 2907720 356521832 89692829 BANK PH ISLANDS 88.2 88.9 85.25 89.3 85.25 88.9 5045250 442561958.5 167640651 CHINABANK 27.75 27.8 28 28 27.7 27.7 225900 6281415 -246775 EAST WEST BANK 10.66 10.7 10.38 10.8 10.38 10.66 169800 1801458 -142808 METROBANK 70.3 70.75 69.55 70.9 69.55 70.3 9522400 668731561.5 6637106 PB BANK 10.64 11.1 11.08 11.1 11.08 11.1 2300 25516 PHIL NATL BANK 40 40.3 39 40.7 39 40 38200 1525875 -964075 PSBANK 71.6 73.5 73 73 71.5 71.5 1650 118816 PHILTRUST 105.2 115 105.2 105.2 105.2 105.2 30 3156 RCBC 28.1 28.2 27.95 28.1 27.9 28.1 118900 3332950 -799125 SECURITY BANK 139.5 140 139.2 146.1 139.2 140 1792230 253211923 -155718340 UNION BANK 65.9 65.95 65.85 65.9 65.85 65.9 1820 119854.5 -30295.5 BRIGHT KINDLE 1.55 1.57 1.53 1.55 1.48 1.55 60000 90050 BDO LEASING 2.33 2.39 2.35 2.35 2.33 2.35 10000 23460 COL FINANCIAL 15.2 15.64 15.66 15.66 15.2 15.2 3300 51492 FERRONOUX HLDG 3.75 3.96 3.86 3.96 3.75 3.96 106000 405500 IREMIT 1.4 1.44 1.39 1.45 1.38 1.45 254000 354750 MEDCO HLDG 0.47 0.475 0.475 0.48 0.455 0.475 550000 257400 4550 MANULIFE 835 845 835 835 835 835 50 41750 NTL REINSURANCE 0.76 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8 4000 3200 PHIL STOCK EXCH 174.1 184 183 184.8 175 184 2490 443031 221993 INDUSTRIAL ALSONS CONS 1.24 1.25 1.23 1.25 1.23 1.25 124000 152600 ABOITIZ POWER 31.6 31.65 31.7 31.7 31.4 31.65 2650500 83778205 4521365 BASIC ENERGY 0.223 0.226 0.223 0.227 0.223 0.226 1960000 439450 318260 FIRST GEN 17.34 17.38 16.94 17.68 16.9 17.38 5267300 91555682 1885360 FIRST PHIL HLDG 64.35 64.7 63.9 64.85 63.9 64.35 227680 14651098 667029.5 PHIL H2O 4.49 4.55 4.5 4.64 4.42 4.55 81000 364430 MERALCO 376.6 384 381.6 388 376.6 376.6 306890 117669404 72193266 MANILA WATER 25.7 25.75 25.5 25.85 25.5 25.7 435700 11193050 9753510 PETRON 7.84 7.9 8.13 8.23 7.8 7.84 2839400 22510337 -12208623 PETROENERGY 4.05 4.14 4.07 4.07 4.04 4.05 94000 382110 PHINMA ENERGY 0.92 0.93 0.93 0.93 0.91 0.93 433000 394690 PHX PETROLEUM 10.94 11.06 10.58 11.06 10.56 11.06 176800 1937874 PILIPINAS SHELL 48.5 48.55 49.95 50 48.5 48.5 1346400 65900925 -14994395 SPC POWER 5.22 5.27 5.25 5.3 5.2 5.27 1849100 9677510 AGRINURTURE 17.28 17.36 17 17.5 17 17.36 866900 15017466 -1177248 CNTRL AZUCARERA 16 17.42 16 16 16 16 1000 16000 CENTURY FOOD 14 14.06 13.4 14.1 13.4 14 760100 10597088 9984974 DEL MONTE 6.7 6.8 7 7 7 7 1900 13300 DNL INDUS 10.74 10.8 10.92 11 10.74 10.8 1354100 14704492 559400 EMPERADOR 6.91 6.92 6.99 6.99 6.9 6.92 280500 1938231 -1623974 SMC FOODANDBEV 83.35 83.95 84 84 83.35 83.95 5421070 454371950 66570129 ALLIANCE SELECT 1.07 1.08 1.04 1.08 1.02 1.07 8766000 9243480 14990 GINEBRA 22.55 22.8 23.5 24 22.8 22.8 68100 1576760 JOLLIBEE 282 282.2 284.8 284.8 280 282 514500 145383724 40371888 MACAY HLDG 8.63 9.8 8.62 9.8 8.62 9.8 1200 10580 2585.9999 MAXS GROUP 10.5 10.52 10.6 10.86 10.5 10.5 59800 634592 -106004 PEPSI COLA 1.47 1.57 1.46 1.52 1.45 1.49 226000 335170 -301400 SHAKEYS PIZZA 10 10.04 10.04 10.04 9.99 10 62800 628066 RFM CORP 4.61 4.66 4.65 4.66 4.6 4.66 3000 13910 -4600 ROXAS HLDG 2.82 2.96 3 3 3 3 1000 3000 SWIFT FOODS 0.122 0.125 0.121 0.121 0.121 0.121 20000 2420 UNIV ROBINA 130.7 131 129 133.5 128 131 782860 102528191 19566456 VITARICH 1.42 1.43 1.39 1.44 1.37 1.43 4207000 5972480 171210 VICTORIAS 2.33 2.35 2.33 2.33 2.33 2.33 50000 116500 93200 CEMEX HLDG 1.99 2 1.96 2.01 1.96 1.99 5310000 10578960 -3189140 EAGLE CEMENT 15.4 15.42 15.2 15.4 15 15.4 319400 4907716 -151438 EEI CORP 8.8 8.84 8.88 8.9 8.84 8.84 19900 176600 HOLCIM 6.1 6.2 6.21 6.21 6.21 6.21 100 621 MEGAWIDE 17.5 17.6 17.3 18.3 17.02 17.6 7455800 131513416 -29368738 PHINMA 8.01 8.92 8.3 8.5 8.3 8.5 3400 28420 TKC METALS 0.85 0.87 0.87 0.89 0.85 0.88 6000 5190 VULCAN INDL 1.48 1.49 1.5 1.54 1.47 1.48 4790000 7177250 77410 CHEMPHIL 171.8 199.8 171.8 171.8 171.8 171.8 50 8590 CROWN ASIA 1.4 1.46 1.47 1.47 1.39 1.39 73000 102200 LMG CHEMICALS 4.65 4.98 4.7 4.7 4.65 4.65 13000 60550 MABUHAY VINYL 3.2 3.33 3.3 3.33 3.3 3.33 6000 19830 PRYCE CORP 5.2 5.78 5.12 5.45 5.12 5.2 8300 44027 -10400 CONCEPCION 33.7 35 35 35.2 34.95 35.2 7700 270490 -108980 GREENERGY 1.61 1.62 1.64 1.64 1.6 1.62 7404000 11982960 2285650 INTEGRATED MICR 8.65 8.66 8.45 8.9 8.4 8.66 7919200 68,213,846( 37,315,081.0004) IONICS 1.47 1.48 1.5 1.5 1.46 1.48 171000 250880 PANASONIC 5.8 6.05 6 6 6 6 2400 14400 SFA SEMICON 1.23 1.24 1.3 1.3 1.22 1.24 190000 237750 CIRTEK HLDG 36.6 36.9 36.85 37 36.5 36.9 82400 3034580 HOLDING & FRIMS ABACORE CAPITAL 0.47 0.475 0.445 0.48 0.445 0.475 23810000 11106250 3526600 ASIABEST GROUP 22 22.5 22.5 23.25 21.5 22 32800 721025 AYALA CORP 905 906 898 915 898 905 405360 367103355 -32949090 ABOITIZ EQUITY 46.25 46.3 46.5 46.95 45.1 46.3 2005200 92896345 24667560 ALLIANCE GLOBAL 10.64 10.7 10.42 10.72 10.3 10.7 11630400 124134826 -79042926 ANSCOR 6.2 6.22 6.26 6.26 6.2 6.2 47500 295190 93000 ATN HLDG A 1.46 1.47 1.48 1.48 1.4 1.47 20667000 29929700 ATN HLDG B 1.46 1.47 1.47 1.49 1.43 1.47 5644000 8263310 1382320 BHI HLDG 1400 - 1489 1507 1489 1507 65 97165 -7535 COSCO CAPITAL 7.02 7.03 7.07 7.07 7 7.03 1470400 10348910 5867746 DMCI HLDG 12.66 12.7 12.7 12.88 12.66 12.7 3544200 45326182 33845020 GT CAPITAL 807 809.5 730 815 730 807 315380 250702265 99216825 JG SUMMIT 44.9 45 45.6 46 44.5 45 2528000 114717505 -23189705 LODESTAR 0.51 0.52 0.52 0.52 0.5 0.51 8000 4120 LOPEZ HLDG 3.75 4.04 3.8 3.8 3.74 3.75 2097000 7873740 -5432570 LT GROUP 15.9 16 15.98 16.02 15.84 16 1844300 29467800 16997382 MABUHAY HLDG 0.52 0.54 0.53 0.53 0.51 0.52 1746000 920980 METRO PAC INV 4.49 4.5 4.55 4.57 4.49 4.5 41512000 187103200 -100564000 PACIFICA 0.033 0.034 0.034 0.034 0.033 0.033 4100000 138400 PRIME ORION 2.43 2.44 2.42 2.44 2.4 2.44 699000 1696270 PRIME MEDIA 1.16 1.2 1.16 1.16 1.16 1.16 79000 91640 SOLID GROUP 1.28 1.31 1.34 1.34 1.28 1.28 89000 114280 SYNERGY GRID 565 570 540 697 496 570 8310 5012505 -112000 SM INVESTMENTS 888 890 890 908 878 890 405010 361282490 18837055 SAN MIGUEL CORP 168.5 169.2 169.2 170 168.5 168.5 203630 34434507 2475857 WELLEX INDUS 0.212 0.213 0.21 0.219 0.209 0.213 2130000 453810 23100 ZEUS HLDG 0.192 0.215 0.194 0.194 0.194 0.194 10000 1940 PROPERTY ARTHALAND CORP 0.53 0.54 0.52 0.54 0.52 0.54 729000 385030 AYALA LAND 39.3 39.35 39 39.7 39 39.35 16213200 638610775 -25517885 ARANETA PROP 1.78 1.8 1.8 1.8 1.78 1.78 2000 3580 -1800 BELLE CORP 2.23 2.24 2.19 2.3 2.18 2.23 390000 874550 -405950 A BROWN 0.77 0.78 0.76 0.78 0.75 0.77 2201000 1698130 CITYLAND DEVT 0.86 0.88 0.84 0.88 0.84 0.88 886000 744610 CROWN EQUITIES 0.211 0.219 0.21 0.22 0.206 0.22 7950000 1692940 6320 CEB LANDMASTERS 3.76 3.8 3.79 3.8 3.7 3.8 2083000 7861290 3193420 CENTURY PROP 0.41 0.415 0.415 0.415 0.4 0.415 2660000 1082550 -16600 CYBER BAY 0.34 0.365 0.325 0.34 0.325 0.34 320000 107300 DOUBLEDRAGON 17.82 18.1 17.3 18.1 17.2 18.1 1281700 22925220 17022052 DM WENCESLAO 7.59 7.6 7.55 7.65 7.55 7.6 156700 1189615 -6080 FILINVEST LAND 1.47 1.48 1.43 1.47 1.43 1.47 8632000 12575730 5694540 GLOBAL ESTATE 0.99 1 0.99 1.01 0.99 0.99 2430000 2432990 8990 HLDG 7.2 7.27 7.19 7.3 7.18 7.3 183600 1327856 IRC PROP 2.44 2.45 2.35 2.48 2.35 2.44 16569000 40129160 -237580 CITY AND LAND 0.8 0.88 0.78 0.85 0.78 0.85 424000 331000 MEGAWORLD 4.35 4.54 4.51 4.65 4.35 4.35 14140000 64212770 16441140 MRC ALLIED 0.35 0.355 0.345 0.36 0.34 0.35 32390000 11370250 638149.9998 PHIL ESTATES 0.44 0.45 0.45 0.45 0.44 0.44 1160000 514000 PRIMEX CORP 3.58 3.61 3.6 3.6 3.58 3.6 769000 2764630 -305200 ROBINSONS LAND 20.4 20.5 20 20.75 19.9 20.4 1452500 29709205 6938835 PHIL REALTY 0.36 0.365 0.37 0.37 0.36 0.36 80000 29200 ROCKWELL 1.91 1.94 1.94 1.94 1.91 1.93 42000 80940 54140 SHANG PROP 3.12 3.15 3.15 3.15 3.15 3.15 1000 3150 STA LUCIA LAND 1.12 1.13 1.14 1.14 1.14 1.14 5000 5700 SM PRIME HLDG 32.3 32.65 31.9 32.65 31.75 32.65 33679700 1087232225 -303580280 STARMALLS 4.1 4.15 4.02 4.18 4.02 4.15 233000 967090 -166000 SUNTRUST HOME 0.68 0.71 0.71 0.71 0.71 0.71 1000 710 VISTA LAND 5.19 5.2 5.2 5.2 5.16 5.2 1890000 9812973 276845 SERVICES ABS CBN 19.84 19.86 19.8 19.9 19.7 19.86 24500 485768 GMA NETWORK 5.24 5.25 5.22 5.27 5.22 5.27 53000 278067 MANILA BULLETIN 0.36 0.38 0.39 0.39 0.36 0.36 250000 91200 MLA BRDCASTING 15.12 16.44 16.46 16.46 16.44 16.44 1300 21380 GLOBE TELECOM 1925 1926 1897 1929 1893 1925 81425 156467055 34329525 PLDT 1165 1187 1190 1225 1165 1165 108705 129507880 13342290 APOLLO GLOBAL 0.037 0.039 0.037 0.039 0.037 0.039 1300000 50100 DFNN INC 7.6 7.65 7.51 7.65 7.51 7.65 379600 2868210 IMPERIAL 1.87 1.89 1.87 1.87 1.87 1.87 1000 1870 ISLAND INFO 0.095 0.097 0.091 0.098 0.091 0.097 5110000 472370 -47500 ISM COMM 7.81 7.82 7.75 8 7.53 7.81 47364900 367397600 -7818247 JACKSTONES 3.25 3.45 3.44 3.46 3.27 3.45 14000 47160 NOW CORP 3.1 3.11 3.01 3.3 3 3.1 8304000 26303460 923920 TRANSPACIFIC BR 0.36 0.365 0.335 0.365 0.335 0.36 58760000 20868900 1642550 PHILWEB 3.13 3.14 3.07 3.29 3.07 3.14 679000 2149860 2GO GROUP 9.65 9.69 10 10.38 9.58 9.65 95400 924230 -55059.9997 CEBU AIR 65.25 65.7 63 65.75 63 65.25 879360 56997916.5 27244329 CHELSEA 7.63 7.65 7.75 7.75 7.5 7.64 3996600 30520866 394400 INTL CONTAINER 93.8 94 92.3 94 92.3 94 1464760 136303912 16965326 LBC EXPRESS 13.84 14.36 14.38 14.4 13.84 14.36 3500 49478 LORENZO SHIPPNG 0.69 0.7 0.69 0.7 0.68 0.7 140000 96990 -9800 MACROASIA 14.2 14.38 14.52 14.64 14.14 14.38 2124500 30409078 -5262190 METROALLIANCE A 1.14 1.2 1.12 1.22 1.11 1.21 70000 83510 PAL HLDG 8 8.15 7.99 8.35 7.99 8 17500 142799 HARBOR STAR 3.28 3.29 3.45 3.54 3.21 3.29 4138000 13847450 155450 WATERFRONT 0.47 0.48 0.465 0.48 0.46 0.47 1190000 560550 CENTRO ESCOLAR 7.8 7.99 7.8 7.8 7.8 7.8 24500 191100 STI HLDG 0.58 0.59 0.6 0.61 0.58 0.58 2501000 1481530 -372500 BERJAYA 1.67 1.68 1.58 1.7 1.58 1.67 1965000 3255960 14940 BLOOMBERRY 7.33 7.4 7.64 7.79 7.3 7.33 15210100 114466956 -62180832 PACIFIC ONLINE 10.22 10.78 10.26 10.86 10.24 10.24 26000 267214 LEISURE AND RES 2.76 2.78 2.69 2.88 2.58 2.78 740000 2030550 -420 MANILA JOCKEY 5.36 5.5 5.66 5.66 5.35 5.5 25100 134659 MELCO RESORTS 7.13 7.14 7.14 7.15 7.13 7.13 2211200 15772041 -7568722 PREMIUM LEISURE 0.64 0.67 0.65 0.68 0.64 0.64 4009000 2613740 -196020 TRAVELLERS 5.14 5.15 5.14 5.14 5.12 5.14 268000 1375539 -25700 METRO RETAIL 1.98 2.02 1.95 2.05 1.93 1.98 428000 849130 43740 PUREGOLD 41.9 42 41.9 42.4 41.9 42 1199100 50363150 -33178595 ROBINSONS RTL 76.7 77 75.45 77 75.45 77 551470 42188346.5 -29642594 PHIL SEVEN CORP 106.8 108 110 110 107.5 109.5 1380 151115 33000 SSI GROUP 2.7 2.72 2.68 2.74 2.65 2.72 1976000 5344710 1378220 WILCON DEPOT 12.32 12.36 12.36 12.64 11.84 12.36 8031300 98955414 22401468 APC GROUP 0.35 0.36 0.365 0.365 0.35 0.36 1040000 372900 EASYCALL 5.29 5.3 5.4 5.4 5.1 5.29 184900 960734 26525 GOLDEN BRIA 313 320 319 320 319 320 3040 972760 IPM HLDG 7.15 7.3 7.2 7.2 7.15 7.15 12000 85939 PRMIERE HORIZON 0.315 0.325 0.315 0.325 0.305 0.32 730000 231700 SBS PHIL CORP 6.79 6.98 6.82 6.82 6.79 6.79 12400 84316 29876 MINING & OIL ATOK 14.02 15 13.62 15.9 12.6 15.78 40600 600404 APEX MINING 1.77 1.8 1.75 1.81 1.75 1.8 4855000 8629040 3868260 ABRA MINING 0.0021 0.0022 0.0021 0.0021 0.0021 0.0021 6000000 12600 ATLAS MINING 2.35 2.95 2.35 2.35 2.35 2.35 1000 2350 CENTURY PEAK 1.91 1.92 1.95 1.95 1.91 1.92 85000 163450 48750 DIZON MINES 7.01 7.02 6.91 7.03 6.91 7.01 315700 2212953 FERRONICKEL 1.73 1.74 1.71 1.74 1.7 1.74 569000 980490 -42960 GEOGRACE 0.2 0.205 0.196 0.205 0.196 0.205 410000 83770 LEPANTO A 0.1 0.102 0.097 0.102 0.097 0.1 2490000 247770 LEPANTO B 0.097 0.109 0.097 0.109 0.097 0.109 40000 4050 MARCVENTURES 1.11 1.2 1.12 1.12 1.12 1.12 15000 16800 NIHAO 0.99 1.01 1.01 1.01 0.99 1.01 3000 3010 NICKEL ASIA 2.29 2.3 2.37 2.37 2.29 2.3 4184000 9662200 -4061480 OMICO CORP 0.52 0.6 0.52 0.52 0.52 0.52 6000 3120 ORNTL PENINSULA 0.89 0.9 0.91 0.92 0.87 0.9 835000 750860 165220 PX MINING 2.75 2.76 2.85 2.9 2.75 2.76 3210000 8958930 -4397200 SEMIRARA MINING 25.75 26 25.85 26.25 24.85 26 2802400 72562960 -10415945 UNITED PARAGON 0.0058 0.0062 0.0059 0.0059 0.0059 0.0059 5000000 29500 ORNTL PETROL A 0.012 0.013 0.012 0.013 0.012 0.013 10300000 124400 ORNTL PETROL B 0.012 0.013 0.013 0.013 0.012 0.012 50300000 653600 -585000 PHILODRILL 0.011 0.012 0.011 0.012 0.011 0.011 6300000 72300 PHINMA PETRO 4.06 4.08 4.11 4.19 4.08 4.08 297000 1231540 PXP ENERGY 18.02 18.06 18 18.26 17.98 18.06 2596300 46924704 3608794

PREFFERED AC PREF B1 AC PREF B2 ALCO PREF B DD PREF GTCAP PREF A LR PREF MWIDE PREF PNX PREF 3A PNX PREF 3B PCOR PREF 2B SMC PREF 2B SMC PREF 2D SMC PREF 2G SMC PREF 2H SMC PREF 2I

465 486 96 97 890 1.02 99.3 99.5 102.1 1002 75.1 71.35 74.5 72.2 73

PHIL. DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS GMA HLDG PDR

5.06

470 487 99 98 924 1.03 101 102.7 108.5 1005 75.3 73 74.8 73.8 73.5

465 487 95.5 97 915 1.03 101 102 109.5 1001 75.7 71.35 75 73 73.5

465 487 95.5 97 915 1.03 101 102 109.5 1001 75.7 73 75 73.8 73.5

465 487 95.45 97 915 1.03 101 102 108.8 1001 75.3 71.35 74.8 72.4 73.5

465 487 95.45 97 915 1.03 101 102 108.8 1001 75.3 73 74.8 73.8 73.5

10 20 10000 1900 4090 70000 50 1000 40 50 2280 2000 1040 7500 1060

4650 9740 954525 184300 3742350 72100 5050 102000 4366 50050 171728 144350 77796 550246 77910

5.25

9600

50400

WARRANTS LR WARRANT

1.72

SMALL & MEDIUM ENTERPRISES ITALPINAS 4.25 XURPAS 1.19

1.77

1.69

1.79

1.62

1.72

236000

406080

4.29 1.2

4.1 1.19

4.41 1.22

4.1 1.16

4.29 1.2

1362000 1361000

5840070 1617670

-105400 -59000

EXHANGE TRADE FUNDS FIRST METRO ETF

106.5

107

104.9

106.5

104.9

106.5

6290

668665

Editor: Efleda P. Campos

Manila Water, Maynilad back Kaliwa Dam project

By Jonathan L. Mayuga

@jonlmayuga

HE government’s two major private concessionaires—Manila Water Co. Inc. and Maynilad Water Services Inc.—have expressed full support for the controversial New Centennial Water Supply Project-Kaliwa Dam of the Duterte administration. The multibillion-peso project, part of the Duterte administration’s water security and “Build, Build, Build” programs, will supply an additional 600 million liters/day (MLD) by 2023 to Metro Manila and the nearby provinces of Cavite, Rizal and Bulacan. T he P 1 2. 2- bi l l ion K a l iw a Dam project will be funded by a P10.2-billion package under China’s Official development assistance and a counterpart fund of P2 billion from the Philippine government. Several groups have been calling on the government not to proceed with the Kaliwa Dam project, one of the most delayed infrastructure projects. They cited concerns with the environmental

impact of the project, its alleged dislocation of communities and the terms of the Chinese funding. The expression of support came two days before President Duterte formalizes the deal with Chinese President Xi Jinping on November 20, instead of November 21, as earlier reported. The construction of the large dam will be undertaken by the China Energy Engineering Corp. (CEEC) and is expected to be completed by 2023, or possibly earlier. “Manila Water strongly supports the water security advocacy of MWSS and the recent creation of a technical working group to develop the Water Supply Masterplan for both East and West

STOCK-MARKET OUTLOOK LAST WEEK

SHARE prices closed higher last week, despite the main index closing at its lowest in 23 months, after investors picked up cheaper stocks as a result of a fall of prices as the market was elated with the rate increase of the Central Bank. The benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange index gained 114.52 points to return to 7,009.08 points. “In the beginning of the week, the market continued its losing streak from the week before. We saw the main index close at its lowest level for 2018 on Tuesday. A recovery then came in the middle of the week. Investors reacted positively to the rate increase this week,” Christopher Mangun, research head at Eagle Equities Inc., said. “The BSP raised interest rates by another 25 basis points on Thursday, which then propelled the index to open much higher the next day and then end the day up more than a hundred points,” he said. Value turnover continued to pick up at a weekly average of P6.74 billion, but foreign investors returned to become net sellers at P2.87 billion. Most of the subindices ended on the green, led by the broader All Shares index that rose 40.64 points to close at 4,310.52. The Financials index gained 89.31 to 1,661.84, the Industrial index climbed 95.60 to 10,672.85, the Holding Firms index was up by a measly 0.07 to 6,914.29, the Property index added 36.01 to 3,426.47, the Services index was down 2.4 to 1,381.18, and the Mining and Oil index plunged 172.10 to 8,948.12. Losers still managed to edge gainers 127 to 102, and 20 shares were unchanged. Top gainers were Synergy Grid and Development Phils Inc., Manila Broadcasting Co., BHI Holdings Inc., Atok Big Wedge Co. Inc., Grand Plaza Hotel Corp. and Italpinas Development Corp. Top losers, meanwhile, were Macay Holdings Inc., Benguet Corp. B, SFA Semicon Philippines Corp., Philex Mining Corp., Cebu Landmasters Inc. and Macro Asia Corp.

THIS WEEK

SHARE prices may continue its recovery this week, but the advice from analysts is to trade the range as there are not enough signs that point to an upward trajectory. “Timed with [Chinese] President Xi Jinping’s anticipated visit to the Philippines on November 20 and 21, market participants will be eager to see price actions on sectors likely to benefit from potential investment deals, like infrastructure, energy, property, telco, agriculture and mining,” online trader 2TradeAsia said. The broker sees immediate support at 7,000 and resistance of between 7,200 and 7,400. Meanwhile, Eagle’s Mangun said based on the increase in trading volume and the pickup in trading of blue chips, the market is positioning itself to start going up. “The next major resistance comes in at 7,200, and if it breaks above it, then 7,500 will be the next target, which can be where the market will be by the end of the year. We may see investors start to move in and pick up blue chips that are currently undervalued,” he said.

STOCK PICKS

BROKER Regina Capital and Development Corp. gave a hold recommendation on the stock of Jollibee Foods Corp. as it tests its strong resistance level of P280 per share. “If it is able to breach the said level, the stock may initially swing as high as P292,” the broker said, adding its reading suggests bullishness on the stock but it may not last. Jollibee shares closed on Friday at P282 apiece. Meanwhile, the broker also gave the same recommendation on the stock of San Miguel Food and Beverage Inc. (SMFB) after the stock, fresh from its follow-on offering last week, traded sideways. “The support at P80.90 proved to be a strong level and due to lack of significant movement in the stock, we recommend to hold for now,” it said. SMFB shares closed at P83.95 apiece. VG Cabuag

Zones to sustain national development,” Manila Water President and CEO Ferdinand M. de la Cruz said in a statement released through the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System. The MWSS is taking the lead in the project’s implementation. “Given the 96-percent dependency of Metro Manila on Angat Dam, we underscore the urgency of building new water sources, including the already approved Kaliwa Dam project. We will continue to work with MWSS and other related agencies in updating the much-needed master plan to address the future demand of the metropolis,” de la Cruz added. “The Kaliwa Dam project is in line with government efforts to ensure water supply sustainability and reliability for Metro Manila residents. It is an additional raw water source that will augment the supply from Angat Dam, which is currently the only major source being tapped,” Maynilad President and CEO Ramoncito S. Fernandez said for his part. The construction of the new dam is essential to meeting the increasing demand for clean water, particularly in Metro Manila, with its estimated population of 12 million. It will also reduce Metro Manila’s dependence on the raw

MUTUAL FUNDS

water supply from Angat Dam, source of around 97 percent of the raw water supply. “Maynilad affirms the need for developing this new water source, and is committed to support[ing] the MWSS in implementing the project,” Fernandez said. Saying the MWSS is in a catchup mode to avert a water crisis in the coming years, MWSS Administrator Reynaldo Velasco credited the Duterte administration for its political will in helping avert a possible water shortage in the future in Metro Manila. He noted that since the construction of the Angat Dam more than 60 years ago, no new surface water dam was ever developed. A concrete water reser voir embankment hydroelectric dam, the Angat Dam also supplies irrigation needs of farmers in Pampanga and Bulacan. It was a part of the Angat-Ipo-La Mesa water system. The construction of the dam began in 1961, but it was only completed and opened on October 16, 1967. The concrete dam has a height of 131 meters and the base is approximately 550 meters. T he A ngat Dam is located w ithin the A ngat Watershed Forest Reserve in Barangay San Lorenzo, Norzagaray, Bulacan.

November 16, 2018

NAV ONE YEAR THREE YEAR FIVE YEAR Y-T-D PER SHARE RETURN* RETURN STOCK FUNDS ALFM GROWTH FUND, INC * 237.73 -16.49% -1.18% 0.09% -18.92% ATRAM ALPHA OPPORTUNITY FUND, INC.* 1.363 -15.33% 3.91% 1.79% -14.64% ATRAM PHILIPPINE EQUITY OPPORTUNITY FUND, INC.* 3.6678 -17.51% -0.56% -0.99% -20.14% CLIMBS SHARE CAPITAL EQUITY INVESTMENT FUND CORP.* 0.8445 -16.67% N.A. N.A. -16.96% FIRST METRO CONSUMER FUND ON MSCI PHILS. IMI, INC. * ********* 0.7735 N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A. FIRST METRO SAVE AND LEARN EQUITY FUND,INC.* 4.8795 -16.77% -3.01% -0.54% -18.85% MBG EQUITY INVESTMENT FUND, INC. * ****** 107.96 N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A. ONE WEALTHY NATION FUND, INC.* 0.7821 -19.12% N.A. N.A. -21.21% PAMI EQUITY INDEX FUND, INC.* 45.9606 -15.81% -0.28% N.A. -18.5% PHILAM STRATEGIC GROWTH FUND, INC.* 481.55 -15.82% -1.53% -0.67% -18.17% PHILEQUITY DIVIDEND YIELD FUND, INC.* 1.1872 -13.7% 0.53% N.A. -15.46% PHILEQUITY FUND, INC.* 34.5767 -13.78% 0.94% 2.25% -15.86% PHILEQUITY PSE INDEX FUND INC.* 4.6222 -15.81% 0.3% 1.99% -18.54% PHILIPPINE STOCK INDEX FUND CORP.* 771.76 -15.68% 0.08% 1.84% -18.39% SOLDIVO STRATEGIC GROWTH FUND, INC. * 0.808 -14.3% -1.96% N.A. -16.45% SUN LIFE PROSPERITY PHILIPPINE EQUITY FUND, INC.* 3.8505 -13.3% 0.4% 0.52% -15.93% SUN LIFE PROSPERITY PHILIPPINE STOCK INDEX FUND, INC.* 0.8897 -15.94% 0.11% N.A. -18.62% UNITED FUND, INC.* 3.2934 -12.12% 1.58% 0.97% -15.43% EXCHANGE TRADED FUND FIRST METRO PHIL. EQUITY EXCHANGE TRADED FUND, INC.* *** 103.1682 -15.3% 1.24% N.A. -18.09% ATRAM ASIAPLUS EQUITY FUND, INC.** $0.9407 -14.12% 1.29% -0.24% -15.12% SUN LIFE PROSPERITY WORLD VOYAGER FUND, INC.* $1.1928 -3.13% N.A. N.A. -5.72% BALANCED FUNDS PRIMARILY INVESTED IN PESO SECURITIES ATRAM DYNAMIC ALLOCATION FUND, INC.* 1.5955 -12.36% -2.64% -2.37% -14.38% ATRAM PHILIPPINE BALANCED FUND, INC.* 2.1299 -11.64% -0.43% -0.31% -13.31% FIRST METRO SAVE AND LEARN BALANCED FUND INC.* 2.4066 -11.67% -3.96% -2.83% -13.12% GREPALIFE BALANCED FUND CORPORATION* **** 1.2595 -12.13% N.A. N.A. -13.43% NCM MUTUAL FUND OF THE PHILS., INC* 1.7836 -8.36% 0.02% 0.16% -10.48% PAMI HORIZON FUND, INC.* 3.3667 -12.45% -1.77% -0.98% -14.07% PHILAM FUND, INC.* 15.2203 -11.77% -1.56% -0.96% -13.31% SOLIDARITAS FUND, INC.* ******** 1.9829 -10.17% -0.27% 1.2% -11.56% SUN LIFE OF CANADA PROSPERITY BALANCED FUND, INC.* 3.5188 -10.09% -0.57% -0.36% -11.95% SUN LIFE PROSPERITY DYNAMIC FUND, INC.* 0.8981 -9.65% -0.97% N.A. -11.98% PRIMARILY INVESTED IN FOREIGN CURRENCY SECURITIES COCOLIFE DOLLAR FUND BUILDER, INC.* $0.0347 -3.69% -0.72% 1.68% -3.88% PAMI ASIA BALANCED FUND, INC.* $0.9323 -10.65% 1.2% -1.35% -10.96% SUN LIFE PROSPERITY DOLLAR ADVANTAGE FUND, INC.* $3.4806 -2.59% 3.6% 2.14% -4.71% SUN LIFE PROSPERITY DOLLAR WELLSPRING FUND, INC.* $1.036 -5.69% N.A. N.A. -6.85% BOND FUNDS PRIMARILY INVESTED IN PESO SECURITIES ALFM PESO BOND FUND, INC.* 342.07 1.86% 1.96% 1.66% 1.47% ATRAM CORPORATE BOND FUND, INC.* ******* 1.8518 -2.65% -0.87% -0.74% -2.14% COCOLIFE FIXED INCOME FUND, INC.* 2.955 5.51% 5.37% 5.25% 4.71% EKKLESIA MUTUAL FUND INC.* 2.1235 0.97% 1.43% 1.05% 1.01% FIRST METRO SAVE AND LEARN FIXED INCOME FUND,INC.* 2.203 -0.41% -0.09% 0.16% -0.6% GREPALIFE FIXED INCOME FUND CORP.* P 1.5599 -3.2% -0.59% -1.44% -3.08% PHILAM BOND FUND, INC.* 3.8439 -5.23% -1.18% -0.98% -5.09% PHILEQUITY PESO BOND FUND, INC.* 3.4692 -0.73% 0.15% -0.24% -1.02% SOLDIVO BOND FUND, INC. * 0.8811 -4.62% -1.37% N.A. -4.56% SUN LIFE OF CANADA PROSPERITY BOND FUND, INC.* 2.7483 -1.03% 0.67% 0.1% -1.03% SUN LIFE PROSPERITY GS FUND, INC.* 1.5237 -1.68% 0.17% -0.31% -1.68% PRIMARILY INVESTED IN FOREIGN CURRENCY SECURITIES ALFM DOLLAR BOND FUND, INC. * $446.52 0.43% 2.27% 3.03% 0.13% ALFM EURO BOND FUND, INC. * Є213.01 -0.07% 1.12% 1.56% -0.33% ATRAM TOTAL RETURN DOLLAR BOND FUND, INC.** $1.1218 -1.17% 0.8% 1.75% -1.08% FIRST METRO SAVE AND LEARN DOLLAR BOND FUND, INC.* $0.0248 - 0.8% 0.54% N.A. -0.8% GREPALIFE DOLLAR BOND FUND CORP.* $1.6879 -4.64% -0.47% 1.13% -4.72% MAA PRIVILEGE DOLLAR FIXED INCOME FUND, INC. N.S. N.S. N.S. N.S. N.S. MAA PRIVILEGE EURO FIXED INCOME FUND, INC. ЄN.S. N.S. N.S. N.S. N.S. PAMI GLOBAL BOND FUND, INC* $1.023 -5.17% -0.72% -2.63% -4.7% PHILAM DOLLAR BOND FUND, INC.* $2.1342 -4.6% 0.28% 2.45% -5.19% PHILEQUITY DOLLAR INCOME FUND INC.* $0.0568953 -1.04% 0.85% 1.84% -0.53% SUN LIFE PROSPERITY DOLLAR ABUNDANCE FUND, INC.* $2.8705 -4.49% 0.5% 1.68% -4.72% MONEY MARKET FUNDS PRIMARILY INVESTED IN PESO SECURITIES ALFM MONEY MARKET FUND, INC.* 120.25 2.51% 1.74% 1.49% 2.24% PHILAM MANAGED INCOME FUND, INC.* 1.176 1.75% 0.43% 0.41% 1.61% SUN LIFE PROSPERITY MONEY MARKET FUND, INC.* 1.2136 2.51% 2.2% 1.48% 2.37% PRIMARILY INVESTED IN FOREIGN CURRENCY SECURITIES SUN LIFE PROSPERITY DOLLAR STARTER FUND, INC.* ***** $1.0137 1.56% N.A. N.A. 1.5% * - NAVPS AS OF THE PREVIOUS BANKING DAY ** - NAVPS AS OF TWO BANKING DAYS AGO *** - LISTED IN THE PSE. **** - RE-CLASSIFIED INTO A BALANCED FUND STARTING JANUARY 1, 2017 (FORMERLY GREPALIFE BOND FUND CORP.). ***** - LAUNCH DATE IS NOVEMBER 6, 2017 ****** - LAUNCH DATE IS JANUARY 08, 2018 ******** - RENAMING OF THE FUND WAS APPROVED BY THE SEC LAST APRIL 13, 2018. ********* - BECAME A MEMBER SINCE APRIL 20, 2018. ******* - ADJUSTED DUE TO CASH DIVIDEND ISSUANCE LAST JANUARY 29, 2018

www.businessmirror.com.ph

The World BusinessMirror

Editor: Angel R. Calso • Monday, November 19, 2018

Pence-Xi clash at Apec shows US-China divide still widening

NITED STATES Vice President Mike Pence traded sharp barbs with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in back-to-back speeches at a regional summit, showing that neither country appears to be giving ground in an escalating trade war. Xi received applause on Saturday when he told the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Papua New Guinea that implementing tariffs and breaking up supply chains was “short-sighted” and “doomed to failure.” He called for a stronger World Trade Organization and defended his signature “Belt and Road” initiative, saying it’s “not a trap as some people have labeled it.” Speaking moments later, Pence told delegates the US offers countries in the region “a better option’’ for economic and diplomatic relations than Beijing’s heavy-handed approach. He warned against taking Chinese loans, saying the US “doesn’t drown our partners in a sea of debt” nor offer “a constricting belt or a one-way road.” The back-and-forth on a cruise ship docked in Port Moresby, the capital, suggested the world’s biggest economies remained far from

a deal to end a damaging trade war even after President Donald J. Trump said he was optimistic about a resolution. Trump and Xi are scheduled to meet a few weeks from now at the Group of 20 summit in Buenos Aires. Trump told reporters on Friday that the Chinese response to US trade demands was largely complete but was missing four or five big issues. Those comments helped US stocks erase losses, as investors bet on whether Trump will impose even more tariffs on Chinese goods than the $250 billion already in place. China has slapped tariffs on $110 billion in imports from the US in retaliation. On Saturday Pence warned that Trump could still put more tariffs on China. “We hope for better, but the United States will not change course until China changes its

ways,” he said. Later, Pence told reporters he was “very hopeful” the US and China could reach a deal, but “things have to change” for that to happen. “We’re in a very strong position,” Pence said when asked whether there was a deadline to end the trade war. “The American people know that we have to do something to reset this relationship with China economically. So, I don’t think there’s a timetable.” Xi gave no indication of giving in on some key US demands, including an end to technology transfer, support for staterun enterprises, and giving up on its Made in China 2025 plan to lead the world in key industries. He said intellectual proper t y r ights are impor tant to protec t i nnovat ion but t he y shouldn’t widen the digital gap between countries. Xi also made a veiled reference to a new grouping known as “the Quad” that aims to counter China’s influence in the Asia Pacific. Consisting of the US, Japan, India and Australia, the group met in Singapore in the past week to discuss ways to cooperate. “Attempts to form exclusive blocs or impose one’s will on others should be rejected,” Xi said. “History has shown that confrontation, whether in the form of a cold war, a hot war or a trade war,

California death toll rises to 76

will produce no winners.” China’s growing military prowess and debt-fueled economic aid to smaller countries has increased concerns that it could seek a base for its armed forces in the Pacific or Indian Oceans. The nation’s growing influence in Papua New Guinea was on display in Port Moresby: dozens of red Chinese flags line a new six-lane highway built by China, while a giant billboard shows Xi shaking hands with Prime Minister Peter O’Neill. Pence said on Saturday the US would partner with Papua New Guinea and Australia in redeveloping the Lombrum Naval Base on Manus Island. Still, while US allies like Australia welcome American firepower in the region, they also worry about its tactics on trade. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison used his speech at Apec to strongly criticize the US-China trade war while inviting other nations to participate in a revamped Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). “ Tit-for -t at protec t ion i sm and threats of trade wars are in no one’s interests economically, and undermine the authority of the global and regional trading rules that benefit us all,” Morrison said. Trump’s withdrawal from the TPP last year and his push for bilateral trade deals are causing

HICO, California — Northern California crews battling the country’s deadliest wildfire in a century were bracing for strong winds, with gusts up to 50 miles per hour, creating the potential to erode gains they have made in containing a disaster that has killed at least 76 and leveled a town. Even as hundreds of searchers sift through the rubble in the town of Paradise looking for the dead, nearly 1,300 people remain unaccounted for more than a week after the fire sparked in Butte County, Sheriff Kory Honea announced on Saturday night. Authorities stressed that the long roster does not mean they believe all those people are missing. Honea pleaded with fire evacuees on Saturday to review the list of those reported as unreachable by family and friends and call if they are safe. Deputies have located hundreds of people to date, but the overall number keeps growing because they are adding more names, including those from the disaster’s

chaotic early hours, Honea said. “It’s really very important for you to take a look at the list and call us if you’re on the list,” he said. The remains of five more people were found on Saturday, including four in the decimated town of Paradise and one in nearby Concow, bringing the number of dead to 76. Honea said among the dead was Lolene Rios, 56, whose son Jed tearfully told KXTV in Sacramento that his mother “had endless amount of love for me.” President Donald J. Trump toured the area on Saturday, joined by California’s outgoing and incoming governors, both Democrats who have traded sharp barbs with the Republican administration. He also visited Southern California, where firefighters were making progress on a wildfire that tore through communities west of Los Angeles from Thousand Oaks to Malibu, killing three people. The president pledged the full support of the federal government.

Gov. Jerry Brown and Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom thanked him for coming out. “We’ve never seen anything like this in California, we’ve never seen anything like this yet. It’s like total devastation,” Trump said as he stood amid the ruins of Paradise. Rain was forecast for midweek, which could help firefighters but also complicate the search for remains. Northern California’s Camp Fire has destroyed nearly 10,000 homes and torched 233 square miles (603 square kilometers). It is 55-percent contained. The fire zone in Northern California is to some extent Trump country, and that enthusiasm was on display as dozens of people cheered and waved flags as his motorcade went by. Kevin Cory, a wildfire evacuee who lost his home in Paradise, praised Trump for coming to a state that is often at odds with the White House. AP

‘Damaging’

“BY withdrawing from multilateral trade agreements and pursuing unilateral tit-for-tat tariffs that are damaging not just for the US and China, but for the broader regional and global trading system, the Trump administration is putting itself at odds with America’s Asian allies and partners,” he said. “That’s the concern.” Pence is representing Trump at the summits after the president opted not to attend—becoming the first US head of state to skip the marquee Asian conferences since 2013. The vice president said he spoke twice with Xi during the summit, “briefly and candidly,” and told him Trump was looking forward to meeting him in Argentina. Pence said he encouraged Xi to come to the “G-20 understanding that their markets have to open up, that President Trump believes that a deal is possible.” “But we also believe we’re in a very strong position,” Pence told reporters on Sunday. “And we will continue to stand firm to achieve the kind of free, fair and reciprocal trading relationship that the American people want.” Bloomberg News

Pence: Taiwan’s Apec envoy asked to start free-trade talks

NITED STATES Vice President Mike Pence said that Taiwan’s representative at a regional summit spoke to him about a possible trade deal. Pence on Saturday met with Morris Chang, who is leading the island’s delegation at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Papua New Guinea. Apec is the only major regional forum that includes Taiwan as a member. “The conversation with them was about economics,” Pence said. “They were strong supporters of TPP [Trans-Pacific Partnership] and they made a case for being considered for a free-trade agreement. And I assured them we would carry back that ask.’’ Pence declined to say whether the administration would enter trade talks with Taiwan, adding that President Donald J. Trump would make that decision. The Trump administration has supported Taiwan by sending warships through the Taiwan Strait and approving legislation to allow high-level diplomatic visits to Taipei. That’s drawn protests from Beijing, which considers the island a province. Earlier this month, a top Chinese official gave National Security Adviser John Bolton a pointed warning on Taiwan, as the two sides began a round of high-level meetings in Washington. Before joining the administration in March, Bolton had been a prominent advocate for revisiting the US’s “one-China policy,” in which it acknowledges Beijing’s position that Taiwan is part of China. Bloomberg News

EU to tighten rules on foreign investments to fend off China

PRESIDENT Donald J. Trump visits a neighborhood impacted by the Woolsey Fire on Saturday, November 17, in Malibu, California. AP PHOTO/EVAN VUCCI

concern among allies, according to Ashley Townshend, director of the foreign policy and defense program at the United States Studies Centre at the University of Sydney.

HE European Union is hammering out the first blocwide rules to prevent foreign investments from threatening national security, as Chinese acquisitions foster political unease. Negotiators representing EU governments and the European Parliament may agree on draft legislation to screen foreign direct investments on November 20, according to Franck Proust, a French member of the 28-nation assembly. Both sides have settled on 95 percent of the text and the goal at the meeting in Brussels is to bridge differences over the remaining part, which includes the politically sensitive matter of how far EU members can push concerns about FDI with their peers, said Proust. The deliberations show how a large degree of EU business is progressing in the shadow of the Brexit drama, which will include a special European summit on November 25 to endorse a divorce deal. “Everybody has the common will to work in the same direction,” Proust, the chief negotiator for the EU Parliament, said in an interview last week at the assembly’s headquarters in Strasbourg, France. “I remain positive.” Concerns are mounting across the western world about nationalsecurity risks tied to foreign investment, particularly by China. Last year US President Don-

ald J. Trump blocked a Chinesebacked investor from buying Lattice Semiconductor Corp. as a result of national-security worries and Germany moved to shield cuttingedge technologies after a bid by China’s Midea Group Co. for robot maker Kuka AG prompted an outcry. Earlier this year, the German government stopped a Chinese bid for the first time by vetoing the potential purchase of machinetool manufacturer Leifeld Metal Spinning AG. “We are making up for lost time,” Proust said. “All the world’s other powers have their own investmentscreening systems. Only Europe doesn’t have such a tool.” The European Commission, the EU’s regulatory arm, proposed in September last year a bloc-wide “cooperation mechanism” for foreign direct investments through a combination of data collection, information exchange and peer pressure. The law would create an alert mechanism for future foreign investments in Europe and a central-

ized database of ones that occur after the system enters in force without taking the ultimate power of approving deals away from individual EU governments. While having ceded power over monetary, competition and trade policies to the EU, member-countries still jealously guard their sovereignty in areas including investment and security.

Sovereign control

THE goal of the proposed European investment-screening framework, according to the commission, is to limit foreign threats to “critical infrastructure,” including in the energy, transport, communications, data, space and financial industries, and to “critical technologies,” such as semiconductors, robotics and artificial intelligence. In backing these provisions, the negotiators for EU governments and Parliament have agreed to add such areas as water, health, defense, media, biotechnology and food security to the scope. Bloomberg News

B4 Monday, November 19, 2018

MERALCO HOLDS STRATEGIC PLANNING SESSION WITH MARIKINA CITY L.G.U. A MAGICAL HOLIDAY SPECTACLE AT SM MEGAMALL

HERE’S nothing more magical than unicorns, rainbows and candycolored dreams, as SM Megamall delighted shoppers with dreamy and magical #ChristmaSMoments at the launch of its “Dreamagination: A Magical Holiday Spectacle” celebration on November 8, held at the Mega Fashion Hall. “Every year we challenge ourselves to come up with a theme that surpasses the grandness of the previous year. We are very excited with this holiday season , because we know our customers would love this year’s colorful and magical theme,” said Christian

Mathay, SM Supermalls assistant vice president for mall operations. At the media launch hosted by Tim Yap and Karla Aguas, the mall unveiled its 45-foot Christmas centerpiece adorned with candycolored jewels, rainbows, and iconic unicorn and toy soldier dolls. SM Megamall welcomed the holidays with whimsical performances by local and international acrobats, such as twin ballerinas Annika and Tisha; Eric Aranas as toy soldier and parkour stunts by members of the Ninja Academy as elf jumpers; the aweinspiring acts by global Vertical and Trapeze dancers;andspiralpoleandropedancerKristel

de Catalina of Pilipinas Got Talent Season 6. More exciting events await shoppers exclusively at SM Megamall this season! Mallgoers are invited to visit the DC Justice League Christmas capers for a chance to play fun, interactive games. You can grab latest Justice League merchandise at DC popup stores at The Event Center, Mega A and The SM Store, and Mega B at the Event Center from November 16 to January 14, 2019. S h a re d re a my a nd m a g ic a l #ChristmaSMomentswithfriendsandfamily at #MegaChristmas2018 holiday spectacle.

G.A.C. MOTOR OPENS PREMIER DEALERSHIP IN PASIG CITY

EGADO Car Sales, an exclusive dealer of China’s fastest-growing automaker GAC Motor vehicles, opened GAC Motor Metrowalk in Pasig City on November 8. Strategically situated in the heart of the Metro, GAC Motor Metrowalk Pasig has a wide area of 3,200 square meters, boasting of a spacious showroom that can accommodate up to 10 vehicle displays. It was also designed with six service bays equipped with five vehicle lifters. Customers can fully enjoy world-class

amenities as GAC Motor Pasig offers hot and cold beverages, high-speed wireless Internet connection, home theater-like lounge and a lot more. Everyone will surely have the best customer experience while taking a pick from the wide range of top-quality cars. “We would like to invite everyone in the first GAC Motor dealership. We would like you to experience firsthand the world-class type of dealer facilities,” GAC Motor Metrowalk Pasig branch head Brennan Lim said. GAC Motor Metrowalk is committed to

provide every Filipino with the best product deals and services. GAC Metrowalk also offers a variety of luxury vehicles for every Filipino’s needs: GA4 sedans (available in 1.5-liter manual and 1.3-liter gas-turbo automatic transmissions), GA8 executive sedans (available in four and five-seater variants), GS4 subcompact SUV, GM8 premium seven-seater mini van, and the flagship model GS8 large SUV (available in 4x2 and 4x4 variants). Visit them at GAC Metrowalk Complex Pasig from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

HE Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) and the Marikina City government recently held a strategic planning session serving as the culmination of a series of planning activities between the local government unit (LGU) and the power utility, which is aimed at aligning the city’s future plans with Meralco’s electrical capital projects. The planning initiative signifies the electric distribution utility’s commitment to support the city’s rapid economic growth through various infrastructures that would further improve the supply, reliability and efficiency of its electric service in the city. Projects discussed in the strategic planning were the IKOT public transport, which entails the adoption of electric vehicles through E-Sakay, Meralco’s e-vehicle subsidiary;

solar installation in community infrastructures, such as school and office buildings; and evacuation centers, with the help of Spectrum, the power utility’s solar-energy arm; and the installation of metered streetlights on major roads to realize the city’s vision of becoming a model of safety. The LGU also committed to facilitate permits on all Meralco’s future projects and keep the power utility on the loop of the city’s comprehensive land-use plan for the next five years. In photo taken at the end of the session are (from left) Meralco Home and Microbiz Central Business area head Redel M. Domingo, Marikina Mayor Marcelino R. Teodoro, Meralco Marikina Business Center head Marelito C. Diesta and Meralco Network asset planning head Engr. Roberto D. Isip Jr.

WOOD PRODUCTS FOR CHRISTMAS, ANYONE?

ITH the Christmas season fast approaching, WoodWorks products are now available via online purchase and in an upcoming bazaar. Its latest product is a wooden block that can be constructed as a multipurpose phone stand, pencil/pen holder and decoration piece according to one’s personalized design. WoodWorks utilizes 100-percent reclaimed wood in support of efforts to protect the environment. The company donates 10 percent of all of its profits to the Haribon Foundation. For further details, e-mail at kvidanes@mischool.edu.ph.

IN MEMORIAM Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos led a feeding program for child evacuees at the Tacloban Evacuation Center on November 8, in commemoration of the anniversary of Supertyphoon Yolanda (international code name Haiyan); and as an early celebration for her birthday on November 12. Marcos narrated the lessons learned from the supertyphoon as she called on to the people to go all out for disaster preparedness.

NEGROS OCCIDENTAL CONGRESSMAN ALFREDO BENITEZ GRACES 27TH C.R.E.B.A. NATIONAL CONVENTION

EP. Alfredo B. Benitez of the Third District of Negros Occidental (second from left), chairman of the Committee on Housing and Urban Development at the House of Representatives, graces the opening ceremonies of the 27th national convention of the Chamber of Real Estate and Builders’ Associations Inc. (Creba) held from October 17 to 20 in La Union. With the theme “A Home for Every Filipino: Building

Homes, Building Communities, Building Lives”, the convention discussed comprehensively Creba’s 5-point agenda for housing, which aims to accelerate housing production to the level of 10 million units in a span of 20 years. In photo are (from left) convention chairman lawyer Antonio M. Bernardo, Benitez, Creba National President Noel Toti M. Cariño and deputy convention chairman Jocelyn V. Yumul.

‘NOTHING BUT PROFESSIONALISM’ Sports BusinessMirror

| Monday, November 19, 2018 mirror_sports@yahoo.com.ph Editor: Jun Lomibao

Stephen Curry says that the rift between Kevin Durant and Draymond Green isn’t something that can doom the Warriors this season. AP

ALLAS—Golden State’s Stephen Curry knows that the rift between teammates Kevin Durant and Draymond Green might be viewed by outsiders as something that can doom the Warriors this season. To them, he has a message. “That’s not going to happen,” Curry said. Curry spoke publicly on Saturday night for the first time about the testy exchange between Durant and Green—they went at each other late in what became an overtime loss to the Los Angeles Clippers last Monday night, and the fallout has been a major talking point around the National Basketball Association (NBA) since—and lauded both players for the way they’re handing the situation. “I think the way we’ve handled it as a team, the way

Draymond’s handled it, the way KD’s handled it, it’s been nothing but professionalism,” Curry said. Green is getting the weekend off; the Warriors held him out of their game in Dallas on Saturday because of an ongoing issue with a toe on his right foot, and he isn’t expected to play when the two-time defending NBA champions visit San Antonio on Sunday. It’s been a rocky couple of weeks for Green. He hurt the toe against Memphis on November 5, missed Golden State’s next two games, returned for the game against the Clippers—the one where he had the dustup with Durant—and was suspended by the Warriors for their next game, against Atlanta on Wednesday. Green then played in Houston the next night, on a minutes restriction because of the toe, and went scoreless. “We decided to give him some time off,” Warriors

76ERS OVERCOME WALKER’S 60 PTS C

HARLOTTE, North Carolina—JJ Redick jokingly bet new 76ers teammate Jimmy Butler on the bench that he wouldn’t call “game” on the final shot. Butler responded with “bet.” Butler, in his third game with his new team, drained a three-pointer as time expired in overtime and Philadelphia overcame a National Basketball Association (NBA) seasonhigh 60 points from Kemba Walker to beat the Charlotte Hornets, 122-119, on Saturday night. “As much as I wanted the shot to go in to win the game, I also wanted it to go in because I didn’t want Kemba to give me 70,” Butler said with a laugh. “I wanted it to stop at 60.” Walker’s 60 points were a career high and topped Klay Thompson’s 52 for Golden State against Chicago on October 29 for most in the league this season. But the twotime All-Star was noticeably upset after the game about the team’s third loss this season to the 76ers, two of which have come in overtime. “I’m still proud, that’s an unbelievable thing to do right there,” Walker said of scoring 60 points. “I’m just mad that we lost. I’m a competitor. It would have been even better with a win.” Philadelphia Coach Brett Brown called Walker’s effort “amazing and incredible.” “We tried double-teaming him, we tried hardhedging him,” Brown said. “The reality of it is, is that you have Joel [Embiid] and Jimmy in that situation a lot and he is doing that against two all-league defensive players. He is just hard to guard and he is really unique.... Sixty points in an NBA game against a pretty good defensive team is a remarkable effort.” Walker had 37 and 30 points in his previous two games against the 76ers, but only shot a combined 33 percent. This time he was making everything, including banking in a three-pointer to give the Hornets the lead with 44

Kemba Walker’s 60 points are a career high and topped Klay Thompson’s 52 for Golden State against Chicago on October 29 for most in the league this season. AP

seconds left in regulation after they had trailed by 17 earlier in the game. Walker held up his palms and shrugged his shoulders after the ball went in, similar to that famous gesture by Hornets owner Michael Jordan many years ago with the Bulls. Walker finished 21 of 34 from the field and had six three-pointers. He made all 12 foul shots and had seven rebounds and four assists. But while Walker had the big numbers, Butler made the big plays. Along with his gamewinner, he also blocked Walker’s shot on a drive with 15 seconds left and then saved the ball from going out

of bounds. Walker thought he got fouled, but it wasn’t called. “That was an incredible 20 seconds of Jimmy Butler,” Brown said. Butler Said: “I didn’t think [Walker] would settle for a jump shot in that moment. So he did what I wanted him to do [and drove]. I just got a piece of the ball.” As for the game-winner, he said it’s a shot he practices often, and worked on it 50 times earlier that morning. Butler scored 15 points and said he is adapting well to his new teammates. AP

Coach Steve Kerr said. “We don’t know how long it will be, but the toe has been lingering, the injury has been lingering. He felt and we felt and our training staff felt that we’re spinning our wheels a little bit if we keep playing him. We’ve got to get him better.” Curry missed his fifth straight game on Saturday with a strained left groin, and is likely to miss at least another week before he’s cleared to return. He wasn’t in Los Angeles for the Clippers game. “It’s been different. It’s been tough,” Curry said. “Obviously it sucks not being able to play, sucks when you’re not with the team and something like that happens.” Curry was asked why he thinks Durant and Green will reconcile. “They have a lot of equity built in their relationship,”

Zverev

Curry said. “They’ve won championships together. They’ve brought out the best in each other. Obviously, I don’t think they’ve had an incident to this level, but you don’t have the experiences that you’ve had and go through the journey that we’ve been on and let it be derailed by something like that.” The Warriors are trying this season to join only the Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Lakers and Chicago Bulls as franchises to win three consecutive NBA titles. Curry said that will be foremost in the Warriors’ collective thoughts going forward. “We have the opportunity to do something extremely special this year,” Curry said. “There’s going to be ups and downs and bumps in the road, whether it’s self-inflicted or whether it’s from outside. At the end of the day nothing should distract us from what our goal is.” AP

NBA RESULTS LA Clippers 127, Brooklyn 119 Indiana 97, Atlanta 89 New Orleans 125, Denver 115 Orlando 130, LA Lakers 117 Philadelphia 122, Charlotte 119, OT Utah 98, Boston 86 Houston 132, Sacramento 112 Toronto 122, Chicago 83 Dallas 112, Golden State 109 Oklahoma City 110, Phoenix 100

Mavs outlast Warriors, Magic stop Lakers’ run D

ALLAS—Luka Doncic gave the Dallas Mavericks a glimpse of an exciting future—and extended a bad week for the Golden State Warriors. The rookie scored 24 points, including a short jumper that put Dallas in front for good, and the Mavericks beat the Warriors, 112-109, on Saturday night. The 19-year-old from Slovenia arrived in the National Basketball Association (NBA) having led Real Madrid to the 2018 Euro League title. On Saturday, he hit a 10-footer in the lane with 1:10 left to put Dallas up, 109-108, then sealed the game with two free throws with seven seconds remaining. “I’ve been doing this when I was in Madrid, too,” Doncic said. “I love the last-minute shot. [But] of course it’s different. It’s the NBA. It’s the best league in the world.” Golden State played without injured starters Stephen Curry and Draymond Green and lost for the fourth time in six games. The Warriors dropped back-to-back games for the first time this season, and on Saturday they led by eight points in the second half before the Mavs rallied. Kevin Durant scored 32 points, but only three in the fourth quarter on 1-for-7 shooting. Klay Thompson added 22 for the two-time defending NBA champions. Durant missed two shots and Thompson one in the final minute, all of which could have either tied the game or put Golden State ahead. “You don’t set NBA records being frustrated,”Thompson said. “I’m not going to go over here and dwell on missing a couple of shots, missing a game-tying shot this early in the season.” Harrison Barnes had 23 points for the Mavericks, who have won four in a row. It was just the second time Dallas has beaten Golden State in their past 19 meetings, the other coming on December 30, 2015—one of only nine games the Warriors lost that regular season. An 8-0 Mavs run early in the fourth quarter, capped by Dwight Powell’s three-point play, gave Dallas its first lead since early in the third quarter, 93-92, with 9:18 to play. After Golden State surged ahead again, the Mavericks hung tough and Dorian Finney-Smith’s fast-break lay-up put Dallas back up, 107-106, with 1:45 remaining. “Our guys worked incredibly hard to wear on them throughout the game and we made their shots a little more

difficult,” Mavericks Coach Rick Carlisle said. “When you work as hard as we did, you get luck to go your way.” MAGIC END LAKERS’ STREAK THERE was a closer on the floor when the Lakers faced the Magic, and it wasn’t LeBron James. Nikola Vucevic had 36 points, including eight straight in a crucial stretch of the fourth quarter, and Orlando beat Los Angeles, 130-117, on Saturday night in Orlando, ending the Lakers’ four-game winning streak. James was on the bench the entire fourth quarter as the Lakers went to a small lineup to trim a 21-point deficit to just 10 with more than four minutes to play. Vucevic snuffed out the rally right there, getting a three-point play against Michael Beasley and following that with five more points to push the advantage back to 13 with just over two minutes to go. “We have other guys who could do that, but it is a responsibility I take on myself to finish out games, especially when I have it going,” Vucevic said. “I had a good matchup and I wanted to keep it going, that’s all.” Vucevic hit 15 of 23 shots, including 10 of 14 in the second half. He got help from D.J. Augustin, who had 22 points and seven assists, and Evan Fournier, who scored 15. Terrence Ross had 13 points and Aaron Gordon and Jonathon Simmons scored 12 each for the Magic. “When teams downsize, they’re not going to be able to guard [Vucevic] one-on-one,” Magic Coach Steve Clifford said. “He’s either going to be able to get good shots like he did tonight, or we’re going to be able to play out of doubleteam, where he is a great passer.” The Lakers got 22 points from James, 19 from Lance Stephenson and 17 from Brandon Ingram, but were down 15 early in the second half and never got closer than 10 in the fourth quarter. “I give credit to that group that was out there,” James said. “They continued to fight.” “I always appreciate guys not giving up,” Lakers Coach Luke Walton said. “If you’re up or down 20, an NBA game is never over. We gave ourselves a chance and unfortunately they hit some shots that took the lead back up.” AP

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C2 Monday, November 19, 2018

BALL BOY ‘HELPS’ ZVEREV PREVAIL

Zverev

ONDON—After pulling off one of the biggest wins of his career, Alexander Zverev was left apologizing for an unforced error he didn’t make. Zverev denied Roger Federer a shot at a 100th career title by beating the Swiss great, 7-5, 7-6 (5), at the ATP Finals on Saturday to advance to the championship match against Novak Djokovic. Federer was leading the second-set tiebreaker, 4-3, and in the ascendancy of a rally on a Zverev service point when a ball boy at the back of the court dropped a ball. Zverev immediately signaled for the point to be stopped and the umpire ordered the point to be replayed. Zverev served an ace before going on to close out the match moments later. “I want to apologize for the situation in the tiebreak,” said Zverev, who was booed by some of the crowd during his on-court interview. “The ball boy dropped the ball so it’s in the rules that we have to replay the point. “I’m a little bit upset about the whole situation because this is not how I wanted it to end.” Zverev is the youngest player at 21 to reach the final since 2009 and the first from Germany since 1996. He will face five-time champion Djokovic, who defeated Kevin Anderson, 6-2, 6-2, to extend his semifinal win-loss record at the tournament to 7-1. Federer, 37, was seeking a record-extending seventh title, but was unable to cope with the pressure created by Zverev’s power and precision at the O2 Arena. “He [Zverev] apologized to me at the net,” Federer said. “I was like, ‘Buddy, shut up. You don’t need to apologize to me here. Congratulations on a great match and a great tournament so far. All the best for the finals.’ And you move on.” An inspired series of shots earned Zverev the first break points of the match in the 12th game and Federer sent a forehand wide to fall behind. Federer willed himself to a break for 2-1 in the second set, but Zverev quickly composed himself to hit straight back in the following game. Zverev overcame the freak interruption to establish a 5-4 lead in the tiebreaker, and Federer netted the simplest of forehand volleys to bring up match point. He saved the first, but Zverev confidently put away a backhand drive volley to set up a shot at the biggest title of his career and leave Federer waiting until next season for his 100th title. “Overall, I’m happy how the season went,” said Federer, who picked up his 20th Grand Slam title at the Australian Open. “There’s many positives. So I’m excited for next season.” Despite having reached only one Grand Slam quarterfinal this year, Zverev is the only active player outside the Big Four of Djokovic, Federer, Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray to have won three Masters titles. But victory at the tour’s flagship event would exceed those achievements. “Novak right now is the best player in the world,” said Zverev, who lost to Djokovic in the round robin. “You have to play your best game to even have a chance. I hope I’ll be able to do that tomorrow.” AP

LONG RIDE Matteo Guidicelli (third from left) and triathlete August

Benedicto (left) lead a group of riders at the Kalayaan Flyover in the Long Ride (40-kilometer) category of the second Sun Life Cycle PH at Bonifacio Global City over the weekend. The event, organized by Sunrise Events Inc. and held to promote a healthy lifestyle, was graced by three-time Tour de France green jersey winner Robbie McEwen and other Star Magic artists.

Japan builds for 2020 Olympic gold

AGOYA, Japan—Coming off a strong showing against a team of Major League Baseball (MLB) All-Stars, Japan Manager Atsunori Inaba has every reason to be confident about his team’s chances of winning a gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Japan won the six-game exhibition series, 5-1, against an MLB squad featuring National League Rookie of the Year Ronald Acuna Jr., fellow nominee Juan Soto and veteran catcher and nine-time gold glove winner Yadier Molina. The tour was a chance for Inaba to gauge the progress of his young players ahead of the Olympics their capital will be hosting in less than two years. Players like 23-year-old Seiji Uebayashi and Sosuke Genda stepped up against the major leaguers and performed well. “I told my players to play this series with Tokyo 2020 in mind,” Inaba said. “We used a lot of young players and it was a valuable experience for them. I hope they continue making progress.” The host country has set an ambitious target of 30 gold medals at the 2020 Games and few would be more coveted than the top prize in baseball, the most popular sport in Japan. Japan has never won gold in the Olympics but won the World Baseball Classic in 2006 and 2009, and has produces players the caliber of Ichiro Suzuki and Shohei Ohtani. Miami Marlins Manager Don Mattingly, who managed the MLB tour of Japan, said Japan has a good chance to win gold. “The WBC is a pretty good indication,” Mattingly said. “They’ve won it a couple of times and do a good job of doing what you have to do to win games. There are a number of countries that are going to put pretty good teams out there and in that type of format anything can happen but [Japan] has a great chance because of the way they play the game.” Baseball will be returning to the Olympics for the first time since 2008, and part of the reason it was reinstated by the IOC was because of its popularity in Japan. Some of the games will be held in Fukushima, an area devastated by the 2011 earthquake, tsunami and nuclear disaster. AP

Former investigator brands Wada’s decision ‘cowardly’

T the same time the World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) announced changes to its governance structure, the agency’s former lead investigator wrote an op-ed piece arguing its leaders should be replaced, and said the decision to reinstate Russia’s suspended antidoping agency came via a “cowardly” process that betrayed clean athletes. Jack Robertson, who led the initial Wada probe into doping inside the Russian sports system, wrote an op-ed that came out during the agency’s leadership meetings this week in Baku, Azerbaijan. “Wada’s sole reason for existence is to safeguard the rights of clean athletes to fair competition, and yet that has become a secondary concern, when it is a concern at all,” Robertson wrote in an op-ed published on the ITV News web site. He described reluctance at Wada to grapple with the Russian scandal when details first emerged, and said the decision to reinstate Rusada “is in keeping with Wada’s culture in recent years as it responded to revelations about Russia’s state-sponsored doping program.” “As usual, Wada took the cowardly step of appearing to pass the buck to an expert committee that never had any real independence and predictably recommended that Russia be reinstated,” Robertson wrote. One member of that committee, Canadian Olympic gold medalist Beckie Scott, resigned her position on the panel after it made the recommendation. AP

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Monday, November 19, 2018

RAMIREZ ACTS ON EMBATTLED SPORTS BODIES

HILIPPINE Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman William Ramirez reminded officials of embattled national sports associations (NSAs) to “remind ourselves of the duty [they] have to act for the betterment of Philippine sports.” Ramirez presided over sports leaders who are experiencing leadership crises in their respective NSAs with the goal of helping resolve the intramurals. The meeting was held before the weekend at his office at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex. Ramirez presided over discussions with swimming and dragonboat officials. “We are here to listen to everyone’s concern

and that, despite all of these issues and concerns, we have to unite and make sports accessible to every Filipino, as our President [Duterte] has instructed,” Ramirez said. Former PSC Chairman and swimming champion Eric Buhain, swimming coach Pinky Brosas and Joan Mojdeh joined the dialogue, which five swimming groups, including the Philippine Swimming Inc., attended. Officials of the disenfranchised Philippine Dragon Boat Federation under Maj. Gen. (retired) Charly Holganza also had their own dialogue with Ramirez. Ramirez said the facts and testimonies gathered from the dialogue will be forwarded

to the Philippine Olympic Committee. A similar dialogue was also conducted with taekwondo and table tennis officials. Teachers with zero coaching background, meanwhile, are now inspired to coach after a fiveday pilot test conducted by the PSC-Philippine Sports Institute Grassroots Coaching Certification Program held at the Davao del Norte Sports and Tourism Complex in Tagum City recently. Jerlyn Mae Joy Jabonillo, 32, a Mapeh teacher at San Roque Elementary School, Department of Education Panabo City Division, said she was inspired by the program to pursue a coaching task. “This is really a challenge for me. I am excited to go back and work with my husband,

who is the one coaching our track and field athletes,” Jabonillo said. Jabonillo also said that the lecture on Sports Psychology by Dr. Karen Trinidad was an eye-opener for her. “The athletes are the coaches’ priority, their welfare and their wellbeing,” she said. Maria Emmelyn Alinas, 39, of Mabunao Elementary School in Panabo City, also thanked organizers of the coaching program. “This is my first time, I have no background in swimming. But I learned the fundamentals of the sport,” Alinas said. PSC consultant Prof. Henry Daut said neophyte coaches attended the pilot test. The next stage, he said, will be held in Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley before proceeding to Davao City and Digos City with Palarong Pambansa coaches as participants.

PHL DRIBBLERS TACKLE JORDAN J

UNIVERSITY of the East’s Philip Martin Manalag tries to elude two National University defenders. NONIE REYES

une Mar Fajardo and Jayson Castro head a new-look Team Pilipinas that battles Jordan in a friendly match on Monday at the Meralco Gym in Pasig City. As part of its preparation for the fifth window of the 2019 Fiba World Cup Asian Qualifiers, the nationals will host the Middle East squad at 8 p.m. It will one of the nationals’ four tuneup matches against visiting nations. They will meet Jordan again on Wednesday and

TAMS REMAIN IN SEMIS RACE By Ramon Rafael Bonilla

AR Eastern University (FEU) pounced on an undermanned Adamson University, 82-56, a huge victory that kept the Tamaraws in the hunt for the last Final Four berth in Season 81 University Athletic Association of the Philippines men’s basketball action on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena. The Tamaraws gored their way past a Soaring Falcons side that missed scoring machines Jerrick Ahanmisi (fever and sore throat) and Sean Manganti (sprained ankle) to forge a triple tie for third to fifth place in race for semifinals berth. FEU, University of the Philippines (UP) and De La Salle finished the regular season with similar 8-6 won-lost cards. The Fighting Maroons, however, finished third by virtue of

having the best quotient, forcing FEU and De La Salle to dispute the last Final Four slot in a playoff on Wednesday. Ateneo (12-2) and Adamson University (10-4) are safely perched in the 1-2 spots with a twice-to-beat advantage in the semifinals. “This is a big win for us because they missed Manganti and Ahanmisi,” Tamaraw Head Coach Olsen Racela said. “But we have one more game to play to make it to the semifinals. It’s going to be a tough matchup.” Wendell Comboy had 11 points and four rebounds for FEU, while Arvin Tolentino and Hubert Cani each added 10 points. Jerom Lastimosa was the lone double-digit scorer with 11 points for the Soaring Falcons. Troy Rike booked a double-double and Senegalese center Issa Gaye conducted a clinic in defense as National University (NU) bid goodbye to the tournament with a 79-71 victory over

Lebanon on Friday and Sunday. Holding a 5-3 won-lost record, the country sits in third place in Group F behind Australia (7-1) and Iran (6-2). New Zealand (7-1) tops Group E, with second placers Lebanon and South Korea, both with 6-2 cards, trailing. Only the top seven teams from the continent will advance to the World Cup next year in China. Aiming for nothing but two straight wins, the national team wishes to hurdle Kazakhstan

University of the East (UE) also on Sunday. In his final game as a Bulldog, Rike registered 17 points and 13 rebounds, while Gaye stuffed the stat sheet with 12 points, six boards and eight blocks—a gem of a defense that made the Red Warriors look much more hapless than the pathetic performance they showed under a new coach this season. NU finished the season with four wins and 10 losses. It will be the third straight year that the Sampaloc-based squad will miss the Final Four. Still undecided if he will use his last year of eligibility with the Red Warriors, scoring machine Alvin Pasaol acknowledged the toughness of the squad even after a poor finish of only one win in 14 games. “We can’t blame anyone about our performance. We fought well. This was a rollercoaster ride for us,” Pasaol, who topscored with 20 points with 14 rebounds and four blocks, said.

UCATI MotoGP rider and World Superbike Champion Carlos Checa will grace the Panigale V4 Experience starting on Wednesday up to Friday at the Clark International Speedway in Pampanga. Joining Checa are European Women’s Supersport champion Rebecca Bianchi, Ducati’s WSBK Stock 1000 riders Federico Sandi and TJ Alberto—the only Filipino in the Stock 1000, which is part of the World SBK Championship. The event is headed by Ducati DRE Lead Technical Manager Dario Marchetti. A Ducati Open Trackday, will be held on Wednesday and will culminate the V4 Experience event. The trackday is open to all owners of motorcycles with displacements of 400cc and above, regardless of brand. For a nominal fee of P1,500, participants will be entitled to the use of the racetrack, an event shirt, refreshments, including breakfast and lunch, and a meet and greet with

MARTIR TOP GUN Lt. JG Marly Martir of the Philippine Navy

(fourth from left) is congratulated by officials of the Association of Firearms and Ammunition Dealers Inc. (Afad), led by Jethro Dionisio (wearing jersey t-shirt) and Philippine National Police brass under Chief Director General Oscar D. Albayalde (center), for bagging the Lady Classic Division and Lady Shoot Off categories at the 2018 Far East Asia IPSC Handgun Challenge in Pattaya, Thailand, in September. The ceremony, a time-honored tradition of Afad in recognizing Filipino world-class shooters, was held during the opening of the 26th Defense and Sporting Arms Show Part 2 at the SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City last Thursday. The country’s longest-running gun show is open to gun enthusiasts until Monday.

Where to, Pirates? Rick Olivares | bleachersbrew@gmail.com

Bleachers’ Brew After back-to-back National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) first runners-up finishes and a D-League title, where do the Lyceum of the Philippines University (LPU) Pirates go from here? Before we answer that...let’s take a look at San Beda University (SBU) is losing and who they will field for next season. They are losing Robert Bolick Jr., Jayvee Mocon, Jeramer Cabanag and Ranbill Tongco. I would like to assume that Donald Tankoua will return. If not, perhaps, Arnaud Noah who was not lined up this season could be back. They will still have the services of Kemark Carino and Calvin Oftana, so there is still ceiling. They have two take charge players in Clint Doliguez and James Canlas. And Even Nelle who should run their offense. Beatable? Perhaps. But until that is done on the hardcourt, San Beda remains the defending champion and the class of the NCAA.

So on to the Lyceum Pirates. I have no idea how teams are formed, but I am a firm believer that any team should look at the defending champion to see how they can get past them. I feel that there were three advantages to San Beda and they used that to the hilt. One, they had game-changing players in Bolick, Mocon, James Canlas and Clint Doliguez. LPU only had CJ Perez (we can argue that Tankoua offset Lyceum’s Mike Nzeusseu). Two, the Red Lions could play in different ways—half-court offense and uptempo. LPU was more effective in the latter than the former. Three, I felt SBU liked to attack inside and really make teams pay a price. Looking at the LPU Pirates, they are losing the do-it-all swingman CJ Perez, MJ Ayaay, Kim Sinco and Jeric Serrano. CJ is going to be tough to replace and with all due respect to the others, there are others

waiting in the wings to step up. This was supposed to be the season where the Pirates finally ascended to the NCAA throne. But they somewhat sputtered in the second round. They caught their second wind by dispatching Letran in the Final Four but wrongly—and unfairly I might add—dealt with off-court issues that hurt and distracted them leading up to their finals match up with San Beda. Can they regroup and make another run at the title next season? During the 2018 Filoil Flying V Preseason Cup, they unveiled part of their future when they unleashed another deadly backcourt duo in Archie Salo and Casper Pericas and forwards Yancy Remulla and Jerwyn Guinto. Jason David and Renzo Navarro, two more refugees from San Sebastian, will be eligible to play next season. I think that Lyceum will have strengthened their backcourt and small forward position, but the jury is out on their four and five spots. If Guinto plays better than older brother, Bradwyn, who played solid for San Sebastian and is now in the pros, then he can help. I like the four, but in my opinion, they need to build that frontline with not only rim protectors but inside forces. Mike Nzeusseu will need all the help he can get because he cannot do this alone. Rhanzelle Yong should supposedly regain his form in a few months’ time after that ACL injury. But

that’s theoretical. I recall pointing out I believe that Arellano University—back when they had their threeheaded guard corps of Jio Jalalon, Kent Salado and Donald Gumaru—didn’t win because they didn’t have the front court to back up Dioncee Holts, who wasn’t even a center to begin with. They eventually got Lervin Flores, but even he wasn’t enough. In my opinion, all the past NCAA champions, including the San Sebastian and Letran squads, won with a solid frontline. The Stags had Ian Sangalang and Calvin Abueva, and between the two of them, they were a handful. Letran had Jom Sollano and Kevin Racal down low with Rey Publico, Christian Balagasay and Felix Apreku providing help. I thought that Lyceum relied on a transformed center in Nzeusseu and Perez to help out. Toci Tansingco is far removed from playing outside since his National University days as he prefers to bombard outside. They key to winning outside having blue chip stars is a balanced team that can put the hurt inside and outside. And of course, showing up for the big games. It would be interesting to see how Lyceum—as well as Letran, Perpetual Help, College of Saint Benilde and even Mapua (not to mention the others)—build their team to unseat the Red Lions. We’ll find out in four months when the summer leagues tip off.

on November 30 and Iran on December 3 National Coach Yeng Guiao has also named Christian Standhardinger, Arwind Santos, JP Erram, Beau Belga, Troy Rosario, Gabe Norwood, Matthew Wright, Marcio Lassiter, Alex Cabagnot, Stanley Pringle, and cadet players Kai Sotto and Ricci Rivero on the pool. “We’re thankful to Jordan and Lebanon for going here just to play tune-up games with us. It will be helpful for both teams,”

Guiao said. “We’re going to play each of them twice. Good for us, at least, we don’t have to go abroad,” he added. Expected to join the practices soon after the conclusion of the Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup are Japeth Aguilar, Greg Slaughter, LA Tenorio and Scottie Thompson of Barangay Ginebra, and Ian Sangalang and Paul Lee of Magnolia.

Ramon Rafael Bonilla

World champ Checa graces Ducati event

DUCATI will officially present the 2019 Panigale V4 Motorcycles at the Clark International Speedway.

the Ducati World class racers. Ducati will officially present the 2019 Panigale V4 Motorcycles in the Philippines, and this will allow Ducati enthusiasts to share a riding experience with the Ducati Champions on a World Class machinery around the Clark International Speedway. Ducati Philippines conceptualized the event to provide

Filipino motorcycle aficionados with a once-in-a-lifetime experience of being on the same track with the world-class riders. Ducati Philippines is the first to introduce this concept to the Philippines as early as 2012 as initiated by Ducati Ceo Toti Alberto to level up Philippine racing.

Dear God

EAR God, we need You to help us resist going along with the crowd when they do things that would displease You. Let our words and action be a constant beacon, drawing the lost to You. Inspire us in our thoughts, words and actions so we are constant followers in Your loving care. Amen. GIVE US THIS DAY SHARED BY LUISA LACSON, HFL Word&Life Publications • teacherlouie1965@yahoo.com

Editor: Gerard S. Ramos • lifestylebusinessmirror@gmail.com

RANDOLPH PETALCORIN sketch

Life BusinessMirror

AND THEN SOME: IT’S JUST LIPSTICK? D4

Monday, November 19, 2018

Here comes the Pinoy contingent, Kuala Lumpur TOTA PULCHRA

Globe 0917 Lifestyle teams up with New Balance for latest streetwear collection

MISS CHARLIZE

@misscharlize

N 2013 renegade fashion designer Avel Bacudio was awarded “Asia’s Most Influential Designer” at the Mercedes-Benz Stylo Asia Fashion Week, a showcase at Malaysia Fashion Week (MFW) held in Kuala Lumpur. The next year, luxewear expert Albert Andrada was adjudged “Asia’s Most Connected Designer.” Filipino designers have been participating in this Asia and Oceania fashion spectacle but the Philippines hasn’t figured in the winner’s rostrum since 2014. Former Fashion and Design Council of the Philippines President Dong Omaga-Diaz, the head and mentor of every contingent to MFW, wants to remedy this drought. “For this year, I want a representation of the whole Philippines that’s why I decided to open participation for designers not only from Manila but all parts of the archipelago. There are so many designers from the regions who are just waiting for their one big chance to show their fashion statements on a legitimate venue,” Omaga-Diaz said. The annual event is a collaborative effort between Stylo International and luxury automaker MercedesBenz. Stylo is a concept by Malaysian PR practitioner Dato’ Nancy Yeoh as president and CEO, with legendary designer Prof. Dato’ Jimmy Choo as mentor/adviser. More than 100 fashion and accessories designers from 16 Asian countries and Australia will present their collections from November 19 to November 25 at the Publika Gallery Mall. “I chose this particular group of Filipino designers, in consultation with Timothy Chen of Asia Fashion Inc., the trade platform of MFW, not only because of their design skills but also because of their attitudes

DONG OMAGA-DIAZ

ADANTE LEYESA creations

and levels of professionalism.The Mercedes-Benz Asia Stylo Fashion Week is not only a venue to do fashion shows but also to do business,” the Paris-trained Omaga-Diaz said. Here are the Philippine representatives and their design perspectives: ■ ADANTE LEYESA, BATANGAS CITY. “Nostalgia” Sweet rain in June White blooms of the coffee trees Fireflies in the night My encounter with fairies My muse. All vivid recalls of my childhood memory ...back home ■ DODJIE BATU, DAVAO CITY. I accept the challenge of menswear. There are only a few designers who do menswear, that’s why I am filling this void. It’s more challenging because there is a very thin line of it to be over-designed. I think more men prefer comfort and exquisite fitting more than a new silhouette. So, I only tweak a little just to make a difference but don’t go overboard. I’m also introducing a new Philippine weave made of yarn and raffia. ■ JET SALCEDO, ILOILO CITY. My collection is named

“We Men,” glamorized androgynous streetwear in glittery silver and matte black using elegant stretch, sequined mesh and silver mesh. ■ JOR-EL ESPINA, ILOILO CITY. “Fixation” is a collection that marries the soft, feminine, romantic flow of the piña fiber to the stiff, masculine, harsh, brute appeal of leather. It is a paradox of sorts. A marriage of yin and yang. Infatuation and obsession—a fixation on fashion. ■ LEN NEPOMUCENO-MORTEL, BANGKOK, THAILAND. My inspiration for this collection flutters on the pedagogy of diversity, a mixture of cosmopolitan living and streetwear. Fabrics are easy, jerseys with fishnet, mostly loose trousers, layering and draping in some, structured and clean in others. Colors are black and white, the very essence of stylish elegance, with snakeskin details. ■ RANDOLPH PETALCORIN, BUTUAN CITY. The intricate and colorful weaving patterns of the ethnic people of Mindanao is where my collection starts. Beadwork is quite heavy in some numbers but in neutral shades. Embroidery is quite prominent in some details. The materials used are crepe,linen, neoprene, lace and chiffon. The whole collection is definitely about dressing a Mindanaoan lass glamorously. ■

NEED to step up your streetwear game? 0917 Lifestyle has you covered. The lifestyle brand of Globe has teamed up with New Balance for its fall collection, The Next Move. Stand out in style with the collection’s athleisure shirts, jackets, caps, and even 0917-exclusive New Balance 574 sneakers. 0917 has been making waves in the apparel scene since it was launched in 2016. Now, athletic footwear and fitness apparel brand New Balance tries out the new market of stylish techies with its partnership with the telco’s popular clothing brand. The highlight of the collection is the classic New Balance 574 silhouette but with an added Globe flair. Personalized especially for those who love 0917, this sneaker’s laces and colorway are exclusive to 0917 Lifestyle. It’s made of core suede and mesh fabric to deliver durability and flexibility, without sacrificing comfort and style. For added support and balance, the Encap cushioning and shock dispersion technology will keep you on your feet comfortably. With this fashionable yet functional pair, you’re guaranteed to boost your sneaker game. Complete your OOTD with other pieces from the collection, such as shirts, dresses, jackets and even socks and caps. “The Next Move is the shared story of 0917 Lifestyle and New Balance. We wanted to create pieces that would run alongside people’s goals and passions. We’re so thrilled to have partnered with the iconic sneaker brand to create such a standout collection that features one of their classic models,” says Leah de Guzman, Globe Lifestyle head. Since 2016, the brand has launched collections of its original designs, such as Bloc Parade, Pop Art and Galactic Pop. They’ve launched apparel collections in partnership with Netflix’s Stranger Things, Mickey & Minnie, Star Wars and Marvel Studios’s Avengers: Infinity War. 0917 Lifestyle The Next Move Collection is now available on the Globe Online Shop (bit.ly/2PDPG3D) and in select Globe Stores.

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Today’s Horoscope By Eugenia Last

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Jodie Foster, 56; Meg Ryan, 57; Allison Janney, 59; Ann Curry, 62. HAPPY BIRTHDAY: Emotions and money won’t mix well this year. Concentrate on how best to establish your lot in life and where you want to head in the future. Don’t be fooled by someone trying to get you to move in a direction that isn’t your first choice. Take a stand and make your objectives clear. Your lucky numbers are 2, 13, 21, 26, 32, 37, 44.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Keep your emotions out of your decision-making. Change can be good if it is projected with precision and a clear head. Know what you want, and make choices based on what’s realistic. Personal improvements are featured. ★★★

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Keep your secrets hidden. Listen more and reveal less. Don’t let anger or a stubborn attitude cause you to make a mistake. Work on self-improvement, not trying to change others. Hard work will lead to good results. ★★★

HOLIDAY HARDWARE Parisian’s Jayne bag with studs

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Good things are heading your way. Look for an opportunity to advance, to improve your image or to take care of a pending problem that can make a difference in your future advancement. A partnership looks promising. Romance is encouraged. ★★★★

WILD THINGS Animal-printed boots with zipper details

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Be careful whom you trust or share your plans with. Someone will steal your ideas or take credit for something you did. Don’t be shy. If you have something to flaunt, step into the spotlight. Don’t make physical or personal alterations. ★★

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Jump into the fast lane and get things done. Speak up and share your feelings. Opportunity knocks, making it your responsibility to take advantage of whatever comes your way. Don’t be fooled by someone’s pie-in-the-sky ideas. Trust in your plans. ★★★★★

Christmas shopping made easier with curated gift sets CLASS ACT Pointed toe mules and classic square

bags

IT’S HIP TO BE SQUARE FOR THE HOLIDAYS Square-toe flats and sleek bags

In holiday style W

HAT’S in-store for shoe lovers during the holidays? Update your shoe wardrobe with trends ranging from updated classics like kitten heels to modern innovations like PVC details from the Parisian Shoes and Bags Holiday Collection. Here’s how you can have high style and lots of fun: ■ TAKE A BOW. Who What Wear UK says that Magda Butrym’s bow-fronted satin mules were the most Instagrammed shoes of the press appointments for A/W18. And it’s not surprising: there’s nothing like stepping out for the holidays with a feminine touch. ■ SEEING CLEARLY. The Spring 2018 runway was full of PVC goodies, and Parisian incorporated similar pieces in their collections. This will add a modern touch to your holiday look. ■ CALL OF THE WILD. Who What Wear UK reports that leopard print prowled many A/W18 runways, and animal patterns extended to zebra prints at Tom

Ford and Balenciaga and (faux) stamped crocodile everywhere else. ■ KITTEN HEELS. Love ’em or hate ’em, kitten heels are back. This playful style from Parisian is practical for both fancy events and in the workplace. ■ SQUARE TOES. While pointed pumps are still very fashionable, Who What Wear UK reports that the hippest out there are opting for square toes. This trend began last summer, but with Loewe, Alexander McQueen and Victoria Beckham leading the way, the microtrend is set to go macro at Parisian. ■ SLINGBACK THROWBACK. For a bit of 1980s nostalgia, you’ll want to scoop up a pair of slingback shoes with modern touches like pastel shades and kitten heels. Complete your holiday look with Parisian’s assortment of arm candies: from quilted to studded bags, and round crossbody to evening clutches. ■

THE holiday season is meant to be a fun-filled one, but for some of us, it turns into a crazed and stressful rush of gifthunting for family and friends. The perfect gift for beauty enthusiasts, however, is in plain sight and it’s sitting in the nearest Beauty Bar branch (www.beautybar.com.ph). Through several premium brands, the Somerset Toiletry Co. offers gift sets that will help you tick off names on your Christmas shopping list for both the men and the women in your life. ■ CHRISTMAS IN BLOOM: AAA FLORAL COLLECTION. Whoever said that florals were exclusive to spring? Breaking that mold, Aromas Artesanales De Antigua (AAA) has released special gift sets fully stuffed with its luxurious bodycare products that will leave anyone smelling like a bouquet of fresh blooms. Under its selections, AAA offers hand cream sets of threes, floral soap sets, travel collections and bath sets that come in lush scents of Lavender, Lily of the Valley, White Jasmine and Orange Blossom. ■ FOR THE FRAGRANT FANATIC: NATURALLY EUROPEAN COLLECTION. Present someone with the gift of travel through the scents of the European countryside, with this body-care collection inspired by the luscious landscapes around the continent. With home items such as soaps, shower gels and hand washes, these practical gifts are made with essential oils and nourishing ingredients. ■ YOUR HOLIDAY MIX: NOVELTY COCKTAIL SHOWER GELS AND MR GROOMING KITS. For the trendy friend in your circle, Novelty is offering fresh and sweet-scented shower gels packaged in cocktail glasses with your pick of either Piña Colada or Mojitos. For the men in your life, men’s lifestyle brand MR offers grooming kits to keep his beard in check. Whichever gift set you choose, these options are no-fail presents that will put a smile on anyone’s face.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Don’t jump into something because someone else does. Stick to what you know and do best. Focus on taking care of your responsibilities and helping those you know appreciate you and what you have to offer. ★★★

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Emotions will flare up when dealing with domestic matters or personal relationships. Try not to overreact, or the situation will turn into a battle that will be difficult to rectify. You’ll get much further ahead using intelligence and charm. ★★★

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Truth should be behind the choices you make, and your motives should be out in the open for all to see. An upfront attitude will gain respect and help you get your way. Anger will result in unwanted problems and loss of time. ★★★

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): You’ll thrive on change, excitement and adventure. Past relationships will reflect insight into current connections. A change that will configure future plans can be made based on your findings. ★★★★★

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): You may not like the changes taking place around you, but if you look closer, you will see there is a positive that can transform from the negative you are witnessing. ★★

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): It’s your turn to implement positive change. Size up your situation and consider your options. There is money to be made, as well as contractual changes that will give you more clout. Go after what you want, and put your skills to good use. ★★★★

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): You’ll be fed false information. Don’t rely on what you hear. Make assessments based on what you see, and be willing to put in the extra time to implement what you want to see transpire. Set ground rules. ★★★ BIRTHDAY BABY: You are outgoing, aspiring and smooth. You are assertive and energetic.

‘stand-up edibles’ BY TIMOTHY E. PARKER The Universal Crossword/Edited by Timothy E. Parker

ACROSS 1 ___ Wars 5 BBs and such 9 Moisten meat a bit 14 Adjutant 15 Every fourth “year” 16 “Ladies and gentlemen...” e.g. 17 Veggie on hillsides with water 20 Magazine release 21 Type of devil? 22 Morsels 23 Eight bits 25 Proficiently 27 Frost work 30 Archaic before 32 Muhammad’s religion 36 On ___ basis (for testing) 38 Batting average raisers 40 Prohibition, e.g. 41 Some pale sweets 44 Common Market (Abbr.) 45 Not long from now 46 Rules a realm 47 Potter’s Malfoy

49 Snares for fish 51 Memorization by repetition 52 Newspaper think piece 54 Certain weeder 56 Sound of pain 59 Uncultured person 61 Ryan Tannehill’s city 65 Colorful breakfast item 68 Prefix with “structure” 69 Atmosphere about someone 70 Not have but need 71 With more guards? 72 Type of ladder 73 “___ Tu” (1974 hit song) DOWN 1 Hindu dress 2 Neither wins nor loses 3 Throws into the mix 4 Turn in again, as a test 5 He beat Ernie Terrell in 1967 6 Patch applier 7 “Give that ___ cigar!” 8 Like basso singing 9 “Who’s Who” piece

10 11 12 13 18 19 24 26 27 28 29 31 33 34 35 37 39 42 43 48 50 53 55 56

Pesters Swirl a spoon Home run gait Periods of two or more of 40-Across Lock go-with Society page newbie Verizon, for one Hosiery material U-turn from caressed With “the,” not this or that Mary Mary singer Campbell Emulated the sun “Unhand me, you cad!” “Looks ___ everything” Spinning pool shot Writer of tales with morals Half statue Catacamas is there 5-Across firer Stick but good “And ___ off!” Before, way-old Dingo’s prey Kyoto waist sashes

57 58 60 62 63 64 66 67

Bone from the elbow Sleeve finale Extremely dry, in champagnes A great distance Timid rodents Squid squirtings Tender start? Navigational aid

Solution to Friday’s puzzle:

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Monday, November 19, 2018

ANGEL AQUINO and Tony Labrusca in Glorious

CECILE LICAD

PAL FLIES CECILE LICAD TO MANILA THIS November, awaken the holiday spirit with the much-awaited concert of acclaimed pianist Cecile Licad on November 27, 7 pm, at the main lounge of Manila Polo Club in Makati City, titled Cecile Licad: I Love Chopin. Coproduced by the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra Society Inc. (PPOSI) President Zenaida R. Tantoco, along with Amelita Guevara and her son Chips, this special performance was made possible through Philippine Airlines and the PAL Foundation as they fly Cecile from New York City round trip for this event to let Filipinos once again enjoy and revel in her talent. PAL Foundation aims to support world-class Filipino artists in promoting their talent and artistry on the global stage. Another momentous evening that will surely be remembered, numerous sponsors excitedly await her arrival and performance to hear her all-Chopin recital, including Kevin and Michelle Tan of Megaworld Corp. who are looking forward to the concert of their favorite pianist; along with CFO and Managing Director of Ayala Corp. TG Limcaoco, who will also be in attendance together with his family who are piano enthusiasts. Events that bring together old friends are even more memorable, and the same can be said for Piki Lopez of First Gen Corp. and his wife Monina, whom Cecile looks forward to seeing. Also supporting this concert are Samsonite, the worldwide leader in high-quality cases, bags and accessorie; and arts and culture patron Danny Dolor. Cecile Licad, a Steinway artist globally, will be playing on a Steinway B-211 grand piano, a masterfully crafted, Germanmade instrument with uncompromising sound and touch, provided by Steinway Boutique Manila. The very piano Cecile will play on will be on sale that evening with a significant discount. Giving more Filipinos the chance to experience her performance, HSBC will be inviting their Premier clients to the grand musical event to hear the impressive musicality of the multi-awarded classical pianist. The Peninsula Manila, Cecile Licad’s comfortable “home away from home,” will be hosting her stay while she’s here in Manila. After the Manila recital, Licad will then go to the provinces for five outreach destinations: Nelly Garden Iloilo (November 29, 6 pm), Molo Church Iloilo (November 30, 6:30 pm), SM Iloilo (December 1, 7 pm), CAP Auditorium Baguio City (December 6, 7:30 pm) and Gerry Roxas Foundation Auditorium in Roxas City (December 8, 6 pm). Malayan Insurance Co. Inc., a fan of Cecile, supports this concert, as well as Ralph’s Wines and Spirits. This special performance is a fund-raising event for the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra Society Inc., and Childhope Philippines Inc., a foundation that has cared for over 10,000 street children since 1989. Donation in the amount of P5,000, P10,000 and P30,000 are accepted, which entitles donors to one ticket each. For information, contact Lulu Casas (lgcasas@rgoc.com. ph, 0917-5708301) or Chips Guevara (chipsg@gmail.com, 0917-8103245).

Truly blessed ALL ACCESS RICKY GALLARDO

rickygallardoTFI@gmail.com

GELESS actress, brand ambassador and lifestyle authority Angel Aquino told us that she was pleasantly surprised by the buzz being generated by the independently produced movie, titled Glorious, for the iWant digital platform of ABS-CBN. iWant, formerly known as iWant TV, is the content platform exclusively available in Philippine territories, where registered users are allowed access to live video streams or content produced specifically for this platform, on any screen and device. “Majority of the content on the new iWant will be free,” said Elaine Uy-Casipit, the Digital Media Head of ABS-CBN, “so viewers and fans are able to stream original films and series, music and concerts, and their favorite shows.” The

streaming service went live last weekend on the Web and via its app available as a free download on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Produced by Dreamscape as iWant’s initial offering, Glorious is written and directed by Concepcion Macatuno. With its much talked-about trailer registering more than 17 million views before it was launched last Saturday, the network and all its subsidiaries are ecstatic over the overwhelming feedback the film has been getting. Happiest is Dreamscape head Deo Endrinal, who personally handpicked Aquino to play the lead character in the movie. Aquino, who is also part of the main cast of the long-running TV series Ang Probinsyano, shared that she’s grateful for the trust and care that the Dreamscape team has been giving her since she first worked with the unit in 2013, for the very successful TV series Honesto. “I have to admit I had questions when Glorious was first presented to me and my manager, and we knew it will be a leap-of-faith type of decision in the event that we accepted. But we gave our full trust to Deo knowing that he has an eye for projects that can be game-changers. We’re happy the way things have evolved and I’m personally glad that my character is able to empower and inspire both men and women within my age bracket, and to

remind many that age is just a number and that love, like happiness, is a decision.” Aquino is glad that the leading-man role landed on the lap of promising actor Tony Labrusca. “I think Tony and I are a match. He is such a gentle soul. I’m glad we worked on this together and made even the most challenging days of the shoot more manageable because we were a real tandem.” Principal photography took less than half a month in scenic Sagada and beautiful Baguio during the monsoon months of August and September. Having lived in Baguio during her university years, Aquino immediately felt at ease when filming started. “I suggested to our director that the sensitive scenes should be done with utmost realism, like how two people who are madly and deeply in love with each other express their innermost passions and emotions—of course in the most creative and cinematic ways that the camera can allow,” Aquino explained. During the special screening of Glorious at the new Power Plant Santolan, Aquino was very happy to see industry bigwigs and her fellow celebrities who came in full force to support her movie. “I was very surprised with the outpouring of love. It was very humbling that so many of them took time out to support us. It was such a glorious occasion. We’re very blessed indeed.” ■

Justin Bieber, ex-neighbor settle long-running egging suit BY ANDREW DALTON The Associated Press LOS ANGELES—Justin Bieber has agreed to settle a long-running lawsuit filed by a former neighbor whose house the pop singer egged. A document filed on Friday shows the case has been resolved in its entirety. No details were given about the terms. Jeffrey and Suzanne Schwartz filed a lawsuit in early 2015 that alleged they suffered emotional harm because of the egging and other actions by Bieber when he lived next door. The 24-year-old pop singer has already served

probation in a criminal plea deal after the 2013 incident, and paid $80,000 in restitution for the damage he caused. The lawsuit alleged Bieber spit in Jeffrey Schwartz’s face and terrorized the family with loud parties, drug use and aggressive driving while living in a gated community in the celebrity enclave of Calabasas. It sought more than $25,000 in damages for assault and battery, trespassing and infliction of emotional distress claims. Bieber’s lawyers argued that the restitution he already paid and the punishment he was given were sufficient, and that he did not rightly owe more for

emotional damages. Messages left for lawyers from both sides were not immediately returned. During an August hearing, Judge Elaine W. Mandel, who had taken over the case after three years, expressed skepticism at the plaintiffs’ claims. She grilled the Schwartz’s lawyer Brian J. Kim to explain what damages Bieber caused the plaintiffs, calling them “minimal.” She also did not appear inclined to admit much of the evidence the plaintiffs want to introduce at trial, including dozens of media stories about Bieber’s misbehavior.

Dingdong, Dennis join forces in new prime-time drama ‘Cain at Abel’ TONIGHT, November 19, GMA unleashes a stirring new tale of brotherhood and sacrifice with its highly anticipated prime-time showcase, Cain at Abel. Headlining the series are the network’s top male stars Dingdong Dantes as Daniel and Dennis Trillo as Miguel/Elias, who are both looking forward to this unique project. “’Yung istorya nakatutok sa dalawang magkapatid na lalaki. Dito iikot ang kwento,” said Dingdong. “It is the central plot of the whole teleserye. Para sa akin, kakaiba talaga siya. And the fact that I will be working with Dennis Trillo after a long time and, of course, si Solenn fresh from Alyas Robin Hood, we’re going to explore something else here. Most of the people in the cast, like Sanya, first time ko makakatrabaho kaya these things excite me.” For Dennis, it’s both the people and story that excite him, “Bukod sa makakatrabaho, ’yung project mismo exciting s’ya dahil ngayon lang ako ulit gagawa ng action-drama sa TV. ’Yung

makasali ako sa show na ito, makatrabaho ulit si Dong, at siyempre ’yung buong kwento, malaking project siya talaga, kaya masaya ako na part ako ng programa.” Cain at Abel is an action-family drama about two brothers, Daniel and Miguel, who grew up in two very different worlds. As children, they were separated by fate. Daniel was raised comfortably in the city by his father. Miguel, on the other hand, was taken by his mother who later changed his name to Elias. They relocated to a poor fishing village where they struggled to make ends meet. Years later, Daniel and Miguel/ Elias are drawn together by their mutual affections: the father who brought them apart, the mother they yearn for, and the woman they both love. Playing vital roles in the lives of the brothers are Solenn Heussaff as Abigail, the bold, sophisticated and adventurous lover of Daniel; and Sanya Lopez as Margaret, the principled, responsible and

inspiring girlfriend of Miguel/Elias. Also part of the powerhouse ensemble are: Eddie Gutierrez, Chanda Romero and Dina Bonnevie. Also in the cast are Ronnie Henares, Tommy Abuel, Bing Pimentel, Renz Fernandez, Ervic Vijandre, Marc Abaya, Carlo Gonzales, Boy 2 Quizon, Pauline Mendoza, Vince Vandorpe, Shyr Valdez, Leandro Baldemor and Euwenn Aleta. Featuring in special guest roles are Yasmien Kurdi, Diana Zubiri, Gio Alvarez, Rafael Rosell, David Remo, Seth de la Cruz and Ashley Cabrera. The creative team of the TV series is headwriter John Roque with writers Anna Aleta A. Nadela, John Paul J. Bedia and Brylle Tabora; and sharing the directing chores are Don Michael Perez and Mark Reyes. Created by the GMA Drama group, this original series is headed by SVP for Entertainment Group Lilybeth G. Rasonable. Cain at Abel airs on weeknights after 24 Oras.

DINGDONG DANTES and Solenn Heusaff

DENNIS TRILLO and Sanya Lopez

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It’s just lipstick? AND THEN SOME DINNA CHAN VASQUEZ @dinnachanvasquez luckydinna@gmail.com

T is just a simple nude lipstick but people—women, men, adults, children—camped out at the entrance of a mall at the dawn of the big launch just so they’d get dibs on it and a chance to meet and greet the creator, a petite doe-eyed girl whose humor captivated millions all over the world. “I couldn’t believe it! I mean, I know my fans would definitely show support and purchase the lipstick but camping out outside of malls at dawn was something else! They never fail to amaze me. I’m truly grateful and overwhelmed. And I really do hope they loved the lipstick I crafted specially for them,” said Maine Mendoza in a reply to questions sent through her management team. I was very surprised to receive the answers, to be honest, because I know Maine has been busy with a movie and a sitcom (Daddy’s Gurl), aside from her daily show Eat Bulaga! The year has been surprisingly amazing for the 23-year-old that even she, who should be used to success and attention by now, is still surprised. Her #MACMaker lipstick, @mainedcm, sold out online and in physical stores. At presstime, it was available online via MAC Cosmetics’s web sites in different countries but has since been sold out (in minutes, most of the time). “I’m just so thankful that people who love me embraced this product as much as they have embraced me. I’m just so happy that in my own little way, I was able to make one woman beautiful by using the @mainedcm lipstick,” said Maine. MAC Cosmetics Philippines General Manager Gay Lao Chen recalled the first time she and the brand’s marketing met Maine at a restaurant in Quezon City. This was in early January. “When she walked in, she was so simple and unassuming that we were immediately charmed. She was very natural with us and we didn’t feel that she was a celebrity at all. You can also notice that she was

CCP Vice PresidentArtistic Director Chris B. Millado (left) and Bench/ Suyen Corp. Chairman Ben Chan (fourth from right) together with TernoCon mentors Gino Gonzales, Inno Sotto, Cary Santiago, JC Buendia and Len Cabili, with models wearing their ternos during the press conference held at Bench Cafe. KIKO CABUENA

an introvert but she tried her best to involve herself in the conversation. We were all immediately fans, if we weren’t before.” Chen also replied to criticisms that the @mainedcm lipstick is too light to be worn by those with darker skin tones. “The @mainedcm shade can certainly be used by everyone—perhaps a little lip pencil can make the color deeper, pinker, peachier or browner to suit the taste of the person. The feedback or criticisms are alright with us. This is what can help us do better in the future. I believe Maine created a shade to the best of her ability—something that everyone can wear.” I’m an NC38 in MAC foundation and that’s pretty dark by Filipino standards but I can wear @mainedcm with Kat Von D Everlasting Lip Liner in Lolita II. I normally wear red lipstick and hardly look okay in nudes but everytime I wear @mainedcm, I get compliments and this brings me to the point that beauty is something very personal. I made the lipstick work because I wanted it to. Please take note that the tube I’m using now is a press sample from Maine. The other tube that I have, which I bought, is browner than the sample. The sample has a lot of white in it but it’s still very wearable. It’s actually my favorite nude lipstick. Another way to wear the lipstick is to combine it with other shades. I like @mainedcm with MAC Powder Kiss in Devoted to Chili. My friend, on the other hand, combines @mainedcm with Whirl lipstick. So many people I know supported @mainedcm not because they are fans but because they said Maine made them feel empowered as women. It was the same for me. I think that what made Yaya Dub and, eventually, Maine Mendoza herself such a big star was that she was and remains relatable. And as a woman, it’s puzzling and slightly offensive to hear that she isn’t beautiful—because she is, with a tiny face, round eyes, full lips and flawless complexion. To Maine, @mainedcm now means more than just her handle on social media. “@mainedcm feels like a little legacy to me. It was indeed a great honor to have made a lipstick [and not just a lipstick, it’s a MAC lipstick!] under my name, to choose the color based on my taste.” Oh, by the way, Maine’s lipstick was such a hit that people continued to buy her favorite MAC shades (like Ruby Woo and others) long after @mainedcm had sold out. So is there a chance that the shade will be made permanent? “It’s too early to tell,” said Chen. ■

CCP AND BENCH JOIN IN PRESERVING THE FILIPINO TERNO THE successful turnout of the “Fashioning the Terno” mentoring program for regional designers in 2017 inspired both the Cultural Center of the Philippines, through the CCP Cultural Exchange Department (CED), and Bench to team up anew in undertaking a second phase for 2018, titled TernoCon, a ternomaking convention and contest for regional designers. TernoCon was presented in a press conference held at the Bench Café in Taguig City recently, graced by Filipino professional designers Inno Sotto, JC Buendia, Cary Santiago and Len Cabili. The contest proper was held at the CCP Main Theater stage on November 11, where 28 finalists from 17 provinces nationwide vied for the Gold, Silver and Bronze awards for two categories: Balintawak Cocktail Terno and Formal Evening Terno. The program also included performances by the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, Ramon Obusan Folkloric Group, MEN Vocal Ensemble and the Sinala Manunubli from Batangas,

and an exhibition of dolls in ternos by Pampango artist Cholo Ayuyao at the Main Theater Lobby. It also showcased new couture ternos by Inno Sotto, JC Buendia, Cary Santiago and Len Cabili. The winners were chosen by a select team of experts who judged the entries based on adherence to tradition and competition guidelines; craftsmanship/execution of design; creativity and wearability/functionality. The contest and cultural performance was aired live via streaming at 7:30 pm through the CCP and Bench Facebook page. Marlon Tuazon from Pampanga won in the two categories. TernoCon was aimed to encourage the use of the terno as a popular form of formal dress; to connect the knowledge and skills from “Fashioning the Terno-Phase 1” to a contemporary application in terno-making; and to inspire and motivate regional designers to create ternos that are on a par with the construction skills of senior fashion designers.

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To give a great presentation, distill your message to just 15 words By Tricia Brouk

EARLESS public speaking is about more than combating nerves. It’s about knowing the technique, the art and the business of public speaking. You must also: Know how to pitch. When you master the written pitch, you’ll get to speak on more stages. Start with the idea, and why you are the right person to deliver it onstage. While it must be a big idea, you need to be able to communicate it in 15 words or less. Don’t save the most important part of your pitch for the end; people may stop reading before they ever get to it. And don’t try to sell your book or business in a pitch for a speaking gig. Know your audience. When you do research on your audience ahead of time, you can craft your talk with the language your audience speaks. You have to know who you’re talking to. Know your objective. If you want your audience to accept your ideas, or change their opinion about something, how are you going to get them to do it? You can inspire, motivate or even scare them into changing their minds. But you can’t do any of those things until you know what you want the ultimate outcome to be. Know the difference between a good and a bad talk. A bad talk is

one that meanders, does not have a clear through-line, ends more than once and is apologetic. A bad talk is

HEN your team wants to learn a new skill, where do they turn first? YouTube? Their corporate training programs? No. Think of all the smart people you hire and surround yourself with every day, and how much could be gained if peers shared their expertise with one another to learn and build new skills. Unlike some learning methods—like tests or exams, or high-pressure demonstrations of skills—peer-to-peer learning creates a space where the learner can feel

The economics of discrimination in 1930s Germany

By Kilian Huber, Volker Lindenthal & Fabian Waldinger

ARGE-SCALE, governmentd irected d iscr imination against a group of people is extremely damaging to those being targeted. It also permeates every aspect of society, including business. Despite the importance of the issue, we currently have little evidence on how costly discrimination against highly qualified individuals in leading positions can be. We analyzed discrimination against senior managers with Jewish origins in Nazi Germany. Using data on individual managers and corporations, we learned more about how the stock prices and the profitability of firms evolved when Jewish managers were removed from the German economy because of rising anti-Semitism. We collected new data on almost 30,000 manager positions in German firms listed on the Berlin Stock Exchange, and found that managers of Jewish origin (either practicing Jews or Christians with a Jewish ancestor) held around 15 percent of senior management positions in 1928 and 1932. By 1938 virtually no Jewish managers remained in firms listed in Berlin. We then compared firms with Jewish managers to other firms that had not employed any managers of Jewish origin and, therefore, remained unscathed. We controlled for a number of factors that may have affected firm stock prices, including connections to the Nazi party; the financial reporting period; and the firm size, age and industry.

We found that losing the Jewish managers changed the observable characteristics of senior managers at firms that had employed Jewish managers in 1932. Specifically, the number of managers with managerial experience, university degrees and connections to other firms (measured by seats on other supervisory boards) fell significantly. These effects persisted at least until the end of our sample period in 1938. Firms that had lost Jewish managers did not replace them with managers of similar characteristics. A likely explanation is that there were very few adequate replacements. The stock prices of firms with Jewish managers fell sharply after the Nazis grabbed power in 1933, as the Jewish managers started to leave their firms. These losses persisted until the end of our stock price sample period in 1943. The stock price of the average firm that had employed Jewish managers in 1932 declined by about 12 percent after 1933, relative to a firm without Jewish managers in 1932. While our study covers what’s arguably the most severe form of discrimination against a particular group of individuals, even less severe forms of discrimination can lead to a loss of talent. Kilian Huber is a fellow in macroeconomics at the Becker Friedman Institute of the University of Chicago. Volker Lindenthal is a postdoctoral researcher at the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich. Fabian Waldinger is a professor of economics at the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich.

Using analytics to align sales and marketing teams By Andris A. Zoltners, PK Sinha & Sally E. Lorimer

M so well rehearsed that you sound robotic and scripted, or so unrehearsed that you stumble too often.

Know yourself. Public speaking

is hard work. It’s time-consuming,

and it’s emotionally and physically draining, especially if you are an introvert. Practice by going to events and coming out of the corner. Fearless speaking is the sum of many parts; it’s not just about

wrangling the butterflies in your stomach. Tricia Brouk is a director, writer and TEDx producer, and executive producer of Speakers Who Dare.

HOW TO HELP YOUR EMPLOYEES LEARN FROM EACH OTHER By Kelly Palmer & David Blake

Monday, November 19, 2018 E1

safe taking these risks without a sense that their boss is evaluating their performance while they are learning. The dynamics of hierarchy disappear. And the format itself helps employees develop management and leadership skills. To make any peer-to-peer learning program successful for your team, we recommend a few best practices:

Appoint a facilitator. Although the structure of peer learning is horizontal rather than hierarchical, it’s important to have a neutral party who is not the team’s manager facilitate the program

to keep in on track.

Build a safe environment. Some suggestions: confidentiality must be honored; feedback should always be met with gratitude; participants should practice empathy, putting themselves in others’ shoes; and participants should never be mocked or embarrassed for expressing themselves in front of their peers. Focus on real-world situations. Whenever possible, these sessions should focus on genuine problems to solve.

Encouragenetworking. Some organizations build companywide campaigns in an effort to get everyone involved. With a well-built peer-to-peer learning program in place as a complement to more traditional learning programs, your team will build lasting skills and relationships that will allow them to bring the skills they learn in those programs into their daily work. Kelly Palmer is the chief learning and talent officer at Degreed and coauthor, with David Blake,of The Expertise Economy.Blakeisacofounder and the executive chairman of Degreed.

ANY companies struggle to deliver a consistent and easy buying experience for their customers. As customers have begun interacting with sellers through web sites, e-mails, texts, social-media posts and print and TV ads, as well as salespeople, it’s become difficult for companies to synchronize these communications. When it’s time to actually buy, customers may do so via purchasing portals, Internet chat reps, call centers, field salespeople or other sources. For companies that sell to businesses, meeting the buying needs of today’s customers requires a mindset shift. Companies need an orchestrator to ensure marketing and sales outreach is well-coordinated and aligned with customer buying needs. In some cases, the orchestrator is a computer system. In other cases, the orchestrator is a person enabled by data and analytics. Amazon is a prime example of a company using a computer system to effectively orchestrate customer buying. Amazon’s analytics use data to make inferences about what products each customer might buy. The analytics also suggest an automated yet coordinated way to reach each customer with the right offer at the right time. For example, Amazon makes customized purchase suggestions on its web site; if a customer clicks on a suggestion but doesn’t

purchase, Amazon can follow up with a reinforcing e-mail or post on the social-media platform the customer uses. For larger accounts and more complex purchases, companies are giving account managers responsibility for orchestrating marketing and sales outreach to customers. In their expanded role, account managers decide what the company should offer each customer, along with the best message timing and delivery channel (e.g., digital message, phone call, personal visit). Account managers are more effective when they are armed with insights from data and analytics. For example, a telecom company can use predictive analytics to help account managers orchestrate outreach to underperforming, high-potential customers. The insights can help account managers offer the right products with the right sales messages, thus increasing sales. As the volume, variety and velocity of business data escalate, analytics, including artificial intelligence, will play an even bigger role in the effort to improve the customer buying experience. Andris A. Zoltners is a professor emeritus at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management and a cofounder of ZS Associates. PK Sinha is a founder and co-chairman of ZS Associates. Sally E. Lorimer is a marketing and sales consultant and a business writer based in Northville, Michigan.

E2 Monday, November 19, 2018 • Editor: Efleda P. Campos

Education BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Education deprivation affects 6 of 10 Filipino families, initial PSA data show

By Cai U. Ordinario

@cuo_bm

HE dream for a better life, a comfortable life, has always included the education of Filipino children. Based on the AmBisyon 2040, the Philippines’s long-term vision, 73 percent of families want their children to be college-educated by 2040. However, this aspiration may be difficult to attain given the latest data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), which showed Filipino families were most deprived in education. PSA data showed that, of the 13 indicators, educational attainment had the highest incidence of deprivation among families at 59.3 percent in 2016 and 49.4 percent in 2017. This meant 6 out of 10 families in 2016 and 5 out of 10 families in 2017 were deprived of basic education. This also means that 6 out of 10 families in 2016 and 5 out of 10 families in 2017 had at least one family member aged 18 years old and above who did not complete basic education. “It means whatever interventions government is doing, we still don’t feel the impact,” National Statistician and Civil Registrar General Lisa Grace S. Bersales told the BusinessMirror in an interview. “The impact still needs to be felt, so it’s possible that there’s some lag to the high impact effect of the government’s intervention.”

AmBisyon, targets

IN order to meet the AmBisyon by 2040, the national government has laid out education targets, which not only focused on tertiary education but also primary and secondary schooling. Based on the AmBisyon, Filipinos want to take up courses related to various fields, such as education science and teacher training, 16.5 percent; business administration, 12.7 percent; information technology-related, 11.6 percent; and tourism and hospitality. The list also includes industries,

such as engineering and technology, 10 percent; law and jurisprudence, 10 percent; medical and allied industries, 6.9 percent; trade, craft and industrial, 6.7 percent; and maritime, 4.8 percent. In order to be on track to meeting these, the government, through the Philippine Development Plan 2017 to 2022, has identified a number of basic education targets and strategies. The government aims to increase functional literacy for kindergarten to 95 percent, from 74.65 percent, the baseline using 2015 data; elementary, 95 percent from the 91.05-percent baseline; and junior high school, 75.44 percent from the 68.15 percent baseline. Functional literacy, according to the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization, was more than just being able to read and write. Functional literacy means literacy and numeracy skills combined. These are part of lifelong learning aims—included among the Sustainable Development Goals. “While functional literacy and numeracy will mean different things in different countries and to different organizations, our own view is that they both involve a continuum of skills development that builds over time,” according to a Unesco blog written by Luis Crouch, chief technical officer of the International Development Group and Silvia Montoya, director of the Unesco Institute for Statistics. This also means mastery of basic skills. To this end, the government aims to increase the proportion of elementary students to 74.39 percent from 63.93 percent, and junior high school, 20 percent from 14.37

HIGH-SCHOOL students attend the flag raising on their first day of school in this file photo. They are among the many aspiring for free education when they reach college. Initial data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed 6 of 10 Filipino families suffer deprivation of basic education services. NONIE REYES

percent of performing at moving toward or approximately mastered skills. The government also aims to bring down the proportion of students at low mastery to 10 percent from 14.88 percent for junior high school.

Completion rate

APART from functional literacy, the government also aims to increase the completion rate for basic education. For elementary education, the government aims to increase this to 90 percent from 83.43 percent, and for junior high school, 78.48 percent. “Lifelong learning will be pursued to attain both personal and national goals. Filipinos will be equipped with 21st-century skills to engage in meaningful and rewarding careers in today’s changing world of work,” the PDP stated.

Interventions

IN order to attain these basic education goals, the government aims to strengthen programs for early childhood care and development in order to adequately prepare for basic education and push for the full implementation of the K to 12. The list of interventions also includes strengthening inclusion programs, such as ensuring that learners with special needs, indig-

enous peoples, and out-of-school children and youth are provided with the appropriate educational interventions. The government also aims to develop and improve interventions to keep children in school, such as feeding programs, counseling programs, remedial classes and conducive learning environments. The administration also aims to continue curricular reforms, which will focus on culture and the arts, drug-abuse prevention, reproductive health, gender, environment, disaster-risk reduction and management, and climate change. In order to enhance teacher competencies, the government aims to undertake a responsive preservice education curriculum, mentoring, school learning action cells, workshops, organized training, eLearning and learning visits. Bersales said government interventions also include the Pantawid ng Pamilyang Pilipino Program which aims to provide Conditional Cash Transfers (CCTs) to families who keep their children in school. The CCTs help efforts to implement the K to 12 basic education system, which adds two more years in the years of basic schooling of children. The CCTs started with 284,000 beneficiary households in 2008. By 2015 beneficiaries reached

4.1 million households. In terms of population, the number of beneficiaries rose from 662,000 children aged zero to 18 years old in 2008 to 10.2 million in 2015. Today, the program covers about 79 percent of poor households whose income is less than the amount needed to basic necessities. The CCT extends a health grant of P500 monthly year-round and an education grant of P300 per child for 10 months each year to each participating household. To receive these cash grants, pregnant women must avail themselves of pre- and postnatal care, and be attended during childbirth by a trained professional; and parents or guardians must attend the familydevelopment sessions, which include topics on responsible parenting, health and nutrition. Other conditions: children aged 0 to 5 must receive regular preventive health check-ups and vaccines; those aged 6 to 14 must receive deworming pills twice a year; and children aged between three and 18 must enroll in school, and maintain an attendance of at least 85 percent of class days every month.

Multidimensional poverty

THE data was based on the initial methodology developed for the Multidimensional Poverty Index.

While the MPI has not yet been approved by the PSA Board, chaired by Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia, the PSA was allowed to release the information to elicit comments. PSA said the MPI “is a measure that intends to capture deprivations on various dimensions. Thus, the MPI provides information on which dimension the Filipinos are most deprived in.” This is different from the methodology currently being used to estimate poverty, which only looks at income. The current methodology for the MPI has 13 indicators. For education, these are school attendance and educational attainment; while for health and nutrition dimension, the indicators are hunger, food consumption and health insurance. For the housing, water and sanitation dimension, the indicators are ownership of assets, toilet facility, source of water supply, tenure status of dwelling, housing materials and electricity. In terms of employment dimension, the indicators are underemployment and working children not in school. Bersales said the MPI, being a new methodology, still needs to be improved and does not constitute official data. These improvements can come from stakeholders, such as the Department of Education (DepEd), who can provide better data or understanding when it comes to basic education deprivation. “The statistics that we released were meant to catalyze discussion and to ask the questions you’re asking. With your questions, we will also see what we can provide from the data but also this will, we can ask our education, DepEd would be one of the possibilities,” Bersales explained. “In fact, DepEd could actually question what we have, this is the reason why we’re releasing it. This is not yet official statistics, but we just got the approval of the PSA Board, who allowed us to release the information to get comments,” she added. Realizing the dreams of over a hundred million Filipinos is a Herculean task. But Bersales said discussions and consultations can help agencies like the PSA provide information that will make this task manageable and attainable in the not-so-near future.

Out-of-school kids deserve chance to be productive

ANILA—As a child, Joemar Cancino dreamed of making five-star hotels and skyscrapers brightly shine with his electrical skills. He wanted to be an electrical engineer, but his family’s financial status forced him to quit school and work odd jobs to earn money. “Mga pitong taon na po ako nagtatrabaho. Trese po ako nang tumigil sa pag-aaral, kasi sabi ng mga magulang ko nahihirapan na sila papag-aralin ako [I’ve been working for seven years. I was 13 when I stopped studying, because it’s difficult for my parents to send me to school],” he told the Philippine News Agency. Cancino, now 20, said his current work as a jeepney electrician allows him to support his parents and younger siblings who are still studying in elementary schools in Pangasinan. “Pang-apat po ako sa aming pitong magkakapatid, pero ako na po ang inaasahan ng mga magulang ko sa pinansyal dahil may asawa’t anak na po ang mga nakakatanda kong kapatid [I’m fourth in a family of seven

children, but my parents rely on me for our financial needs because my older siblings already have their own families],” he said. Working on a commission basis, Cancino does not have a steady income. “Sa P300 po na bayad, P100 ang akin. Minsan nakaka-anim na jeep ako sa isang araw, pero hindi araw-araw maraming nagpapagawa [For a P300 fee, I get P100. Sometimes I’m able to fix six jeeps a day, but it’s not every day, that we have a lot of customers],” he added. When asked if he still wants to finish a vocational course related to his line of work, Cancino said he is not sure as he needs to spend more time working to provide for his family’s needs. “Elementary lang po kasi tinapos ko, kung sana noon pa nalaman ko na mayroong mga scholarships na pwede makatulong makatapos ako ng pag-aaral, di ba po? [I only finished elementary, if I only knew earlier about scholarships that could help me finish my studies, right?],” he said. Cancino is part of the 9 per-

cent of the estimated 39.2 million Filipinos, aged six to 24 years old, who are out-of-school children and youth (OSCY). The Philippine Statistics Authority defines OSCYs as family members, six to 14 years old, who are not attending formal school. They are also family members, 15 to 24 years old, who are currently out-of-school, not gainfully employed and have not finished college or any postsecondary or vocational course. Karol Mark Yee, chief of party of Youthworks Philippines, said OSCYs are generally seen as lazy and unproductive members of society, that is why some business owners are having second thoughts about hiring them. “But the truth is, most of them are unable to finish school because of poverty,” he said. YouthWorks PH is a five-year partnership between the United States Agency for International Development and Philippines Business for Education (PBEd) that engages and mobilizes the private sector to address the education needs of the

youth, as well as skill requirements of employers. It aims to improve access to training and employment opportunities for at least 40,000 youth through an innovative work-based training approach. Saying that OSCYs are not lost causes and worth investing in, Yee said that their collaboration with companies and organizations has already positively changed their mindset toward OSCYs. “Punlaan, Messy Bessy and SKILLS in Cebu, for example, are tech-voc [technical-vocational] institutes or companies with training programs that aim to train at-risk youth. In January we’ll be rolling out our information, education and communication campaign... before we start recruiting eligible youth beneficiaries in February,” he added. Yee said every OSCY has the potential to be a contributor to the country’s economy if they are given a second chance to study and earn at the same time. On September 3 then-Technical

JOEMAR CANCINO, 20, works as a jeepney electrician in Quezon City to support his parents and siblings in Pangasinan. PNA PHOTO BY MA. TERESA MONTEMAYOR

Education and Skills Development Authority Director General Guiling Mamondiong and PBEd Executive Director Lovelaine Basillote signed a memorandum of understanding for YouthWorks PH and Tesda to develop work-based training programs for unemployed youth. The agreement also covers curriculum improvements and industry immersion of trainers. This followed an earlier agreement between YouthWorks PH and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) on providing

training programs for eligible youth and linking them to employment opportunities. These agreements will see DOLE, Tesda, PBEd and USAID working together to provide innovative work-based training approach for jobless youth in areas such as Metro Manila, Iloilo, Cebu, Zamboanga, Cagayan de Oro, General Santos and Davao. Some of the industries covered are construction, hospitality and tourism, agriculture, manufacturing, energy, and banking and finance. PNA

Marketing BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Editor: Efleda P. Campos • Monday, November 19, 2018 E3

CENTENNIALS: CONSUMERS OF THE FUTURE AND THEIR ONLINE BUYING BEHAVIOR

PR Matters By Bong R. Osorio

ENTENNIALS—also known as generation Z—are those born between now and 1995. Accounting for about 277 million of Southeast Asia’s population, 50 percent of them spend more than $30 a month on online shopping, while 9 percent spend over $100 monthly. The size of this new generation alone makes them attractive for retailers, but the behaviors of this group make them lucrative in terms of its online shopping and e-commerce potential. They are the consumers of the future. A white paper called “Here Comes the Centennial: Southeast Asia’s New Generation of Shoppers,” developed by Dentsu Aegis Network, a multinational media and digital marketing communications company, in collaboration with econsultancy, a strategic consulting group, was launched recently. It investigates the online buying behavior of Centennials— a generation described by Merrill Lynch as those who grew up with a smartphone in hand; and active social-networks engagement is a way of life. They communicate in real time with messages and emoticons and have no memory of a once-disconnected world. Nick Waters, CEO of Dentsu Aegis Network Asia Pacific, said: “All eyes are on Southeast Asia as the world’s next consumer powerhouse, with its young population and increasing purchasing power. Close to 280 million centennials— tomorrow’s consumers—call this region home. Enabled more than ever before by technology and data, we are seeing incredible potential for growth in the region and our latest research Here Comes the Centennial: Southeast Asia’s New Generation of Shoppers, helps us understand what is important for these consumers of the future and how businesses can adapt and position effectively for Southeast Asia’s future retail landscape.” The research is based on a survey of 3,055 consumers in Southeast Asia aged 16 to 23, within the centennial age bracket, carried out in August 2018. Respondents were sourced via a survey panel from Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. Those who had not shopped online were disqualified. Below are some of the interesting findings: Despite being digital natives, the concept of a cashless society has yet to fully take off for centennials in the six countries surveyed. 56 percent of survey respondents still prefer paying cash on delivery for their purchases. The next generation of online shoppers also enjoy having a variety of payment methods, as 43 percent will readily abandon their purchases because their preferred payment option is not available. Centennials use social-media platforms differently compared with previous generations in their buying journey. Social-media applications (47 percent) such as Facebook and Instagram are the second-most popular place for centennials to shop in. Close to half of the survey respondents (49 percent) also turn to social media when they are researching for more information on their future purchases, rather than asking friends (45 percent) and family (27 percent). As part of their online shopping experience, centennials understand the benefits that technology brings to them. About 82 percent state they are “excited about futuristic shopping technology, such as virtual reality,” while 76 percent are “happy to share data with web sites if it makes recommendations from them more relevant.” Also, 88 percent of centennials “expect to be able to find products online easily,”while 86 percent state they “will not use an app or web site that takes too long to load.” Also, 82 percent agree they “will not use an app or web site that is difficult to

navigate.” Use of the Internet is part of the buying journeys of centennials. However, the route is so much more converged than other generations. centennials like to use both online and offline: 97 percent browse for products online before purchasing online (“Webrooming”) and 90 percent look for products in store before buying online (“showrooming”). At the end of 2017, Southeast Asia had 330 million monthly active Internet users—an increase of 70 million users from just two years earlier. This makes the region the third largest in the world in terms of Internet users, with research by Google and Temasek revealing that more than 90 percent of the region’s Internet users are on smartphones, with an average usage of mobile Internet of 3.6 hours per day. Brand name and image is no longer a priority of centennials. This makes the end-to-end brand experience more important than ever for retailers. Only 11 percent cite having a prestigious or famous brand as one of their top 3 attributes when choosing where to shop. This means retailers need to work harder to get their brand experience perfect to capture the attention of tomorrow’s consumers. Centennials will be the world’s most demanding consumers. They will set high standards and expectations of the online shopping experience. Technology will be an integral part of this experience, as 82 percent of centennials are excited about futuristic shopping technology such as virtual reality. Personalization is key as well, as 76 percent of respondents are happy to share data with web sites, if it makes more relevant recommendations. E-commerce within Southeast Asia has made an incredible expansion in a short period of time. In 2017 estimated e-commerce sales in the region totaled $10.9 billion in gross merchandise value, which is almost double that of the $5.5-billion GMV in 2015. This growth not only presents an opportunity for those selling online, but also a risk for traditional retailers that do not move quickly. Centennials are buying an array of products online. These products range from electronics and beauty, to travel and entertainment. However, fashion is by far the most popular product that centennials are purchasing online. Centennials are demanding a more seamless shopping experience across channels and devices. They are always on their mobile devices and are making purchasing decisions in between places. Every store in the world is literally in the consumers’ pockets; they can hang out with their friends, sip lattes and shop online—all at the same time. Alin Dobrea, head of Brand Marketing in Zalora, stated, “As a fashion e-retailer, we need to be present in all the different touch points and continue to capture them while they’re on the go. Consumers of the future want to have options anywhere and everywhere.” Retailers of all types of products must act quickly. Not only is the size of the market substantial, but the environment for consumers is high-

ly likely to shift to an “online first” model where most purchases begin and finish online in the decades to come. For those who continue to sell only in-store, diminishing profits will be a near certainty. Centennials are socially and environmentally conscious. As such, brands need to show they are good corporate citizens and are contributing to the welfare of society to get most support. This also means that communications and political correctness counts as an image builder, so have a point of view on issues. The centennials’ buying journey is

now accepted as no longer being linear. Consumers are bouncing around the different aspects of the buyer’s journey—discovery, consideration, and decision—as new information is revealed. Consumers today are likely to interact with many sources of information online, from their initial “zero moment of truth” that initiates a search for information, right through to an online purchase. Centennials are impatient and expect that all information should be available as quickly as possible. Retaining customers is a major challenge in an environment where choice is ample. There are four takeaways from our survey as the centennials’ reasons for becoming a return custome—price, quality, delivery and customer service. It is not surprising that having the best prices (82 percent) is the main reason centennials return to an online store to make further purchases. “Centennials are coming of age in an era when high-speed internet is always available, and they expect technology and brand experiences that are fast, responsive and seamless. The survey showed that 86 percent of centennials will not use an

app or web site that takes too long to load and 82 percent will not use an app or web site that is difficult to navigate. This means that retailers can, therefore, no longer just provide well-designed stores or rely solely on brand campaigns to drive sales. Instead, they need to focus on the utility of their online offering to make the purchasing journey easy to complete,” declared Jefrey Gomez, managing director of econsultancy Asia Pacific. PR Matters is a roundtable column by members of the local chapter of the United Kingdom-based International Public Relations Association (Ipra), the world’s premier organization for PR professionals around the world. Bong R. Osorio is a communications consultant of ABS-CBN Corp., SkyCable, Dentsu-Aegis Network, government projects among others, after retiring as vice president and head of the Corporate Communications Division of ABS-CBN. We are devoting a special column each month to answer our readers’ questions about public relations. Please send your questions or comments to askipraphil@gmail.com.

E4 Monday, November 19, 2018

Perspective BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

A LOOK INSIDE THE TACTICS OF DEFINERS, FACEBOOK’S ATTACK DOG SHERYL SANDBERG, Facebook’s chief operating officer, during a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, September 4, 2018. A few days before Sandberg testified, a small firm called Definers Public Affairs, which had focused on the internet company’s competition, set its sights on a new target: the senators. ERIC THAYER/THE NEW YORK TIMES

By Jack Nicas & Matthew Rosenberg

New York Times News Service

AN FRANCISCO—A small firm called Definers Public Affairs brought the dark arts of Washington’s backroom politics to Silicon Valley when, while working for Facebook, it began disparaging other tech companies to reporters.

But a few days before Sheryl Sandberg, Facebook’s chief operating officer, testified to Congress in September, Definers set its sights on a different target: the senators about to question Sandberg. In one document circulated to reporters, Definers tallied what software the 15 members of the Senate Intelligence Committee used to track visitors to their Senate websites. Another document detailed how much each senator spent on Facebook ads and how much they had received in campaign donations from Facebook or other big tech companies. Known in the political business as opposition research, the documents pushed out by Definers neatly provided reporters with the ammunition they would need to suggest the senators grilling Sandberg were hypocrites for criticizing Facebook. While senators are no strangers to opposition research—they use it all the time against political rivals—they take a dimmer view when it is used against them outside of election season. That is especially true when the research is being paid for and shoveled to reporters on behalf of a company that is saying it wants to work with lawmakers, not against them. And companies facing scrutiny in Washington usually avoid doing anything that could antagonize lawmakers. “At the same time that Facebook was publicly professing their desire to work with the committee to address these issues, they were paying a political opposition research firm to privately attempt to

undermine that same committee’s credibility,” Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia, the top Democrat on the panel, said in a statement. “It’s very concerning.” The documents obtained by The New York Times provide a deeper look at Definers’ tactics to discredit Facebook’s critics. The Times reported on Wednesday that Definers also distributed research documents to reporters that cast liberal donor George Soros as an unacknowledged force behind activists protesting Facebook, and helped publish articles criticizing Facebook’s rivals on what was designed to look like a typical conservative news site. Late Wednesday, after The Times published its findings, Facebook cut ties with the firm. “I understand that a lot of D.C.-type firms might do this kind of work. When I learned about it I decided that we don’t want to be doing it,” Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook’s chief executive, said on Thursday during a call with reporters. Colin Reed, managing director of Definers, said in an email that his firm simply compiled public information and what Definers did was “standard operating procedure” for public affairs outfits. “It shouldn’t be surprising to reporters at The New York Times that a PR firm would be providing context for reporters ahead of a client’s testimony on Capitol Hill,” he wrote. Facebook initially hired Definers to monitor news about the social network. It expanded its relationship with the firm in October

MARK ZUCKERBERG, the chief executive of Facebook, testifies before the House Energy and Commerce Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington, April 11, 2018. On November 15, 2018, Zuckerberg held a conference call with reporters to discuss how the social network manages problematic posts and its community standards, but the call quickly went sideways. TOM BRENNER/THE NEW YORK TIMES

2017 when scrutiny of Facebook was increasing over how Russian agents had used the site to sow discord before the 2016 US election. Definers began doing some general communications work, such as running conference calls for Facebook. It also undertook more covert efforts to spread the blame for the rise of the Russian disinformation, pointing fingers at other companies like Google. A key part of Definers’ strategy was NTK Network, a website that appeared to be a run-of-themill news aggregator with a rightwing slant. In fact, many of NTK Network’s stories were written by employees at Definers and America Rising, a sister firm, to criticize rivals of their clients, according to one former employee not allowed to speak about it publicly. The three outfits share some staff and offices in Arlington, Virginia. Before Sandberg’s Senate tes-

timony, Facebook lobbyists pushed lawmakers to refrain from questioning her about privacy, censorship and other issues, and to stick to election interference. The committee’s chairman, Sen. Richard Burr, R-NC, was swayed and warned members to stick to the hearing’s planned topic, The Times reported Wednesday. Facebook had also lobbied for the hearing to include a Google emissary of similar rank to Sandberg. Burr invited Larry Page, a Google co-founder, but he did not show up. Instead, Sandberg sat alongside an empty chair behind a placard for Google. In an email days before the hearing, a Definers employee pressed a Times reporter to write that Facebook was taking the senators’ concerns seriously while Google was irresponsible for skipping the hearing. The day before the hearing,

NTK Network reported that Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Florida, had suggested that Google was possibly a monopoly. The next day, shortly after the hearing ended, NTK Network posted another story highlighting Rubio’s criticism of Google during the hearing. Those pieces were just two of at least 11 negative items NTK has posted about Google since late March, including an article questioning why Zuckerberg needed to testify to Congress at another hearing earlier in the year but a Google executive did not. Like the documents on the senators, Definers distributed other memos that sought to lay out evidence for angles that it wanted reporters to pursue. The memos were typically based on public information like press clippings and social media posts. Definers urged reporters to explore the financial ties between

Soros and Freedom From Facebook, a coalition of groups that had criticized the company. The idea was to persuade reporters that the coalition was not a sincere movement of like-minded groups but rather an orchestrated campaign by a rich, partisan opponent. A two-page document that Definers distributed about Freedom From Facebook noted that “at least four of the groups in the coalition receive funding or are aligned with George Soros, who has publicly criticized Facebook.” The four groups named in the document do appear to have received funding from Soros’s Open Society Foundations. A second, 12-page document sought to link Freedom From Facebook to Soros and to David Brock, a Democratic operative who is widely portrayed in conservative circles as a master of political dirty tricks. While pushing the connection to Soros, the document highlighted that protesters from Freedom From Facebook held up signs with images reminiscent of old, antiSemitic propaganda. Definers said in a statement that the document was “entirely factual and based on public records.” Eddie Vale, a Freedom From Facebook spokesman, said the coalition’s primary funder was the computer scientist David Magerman but he declined to disclose other funders. Vale said the coalition did not receive money from corporations. Open Society Foundations said it did not fund the coalition. Laura Silber, a spokeswoman for Open Society Foundations, said the philanthropy’s president spoke with Sandberg on Thursday and requested that Facebook commission an independent review of the company’s relationship with Definers, with results made public within three months. The recent work by Definers was not the first time Facebook has tried to smear its rivals. In 2011, Facebook hired the public-relations firm Burson-Marsteller to urge reporters to investigate Google for invading people’s privacy. The move backfired when reporters revealed the plan.