BusinessMirror November 22, 2023

PHL, US set joint review of cyber threats in ’24

By Samuel P. Medenilla @sam_medenilla

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RESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said the government is set to come out with a comprehensive assessment of the country’s existing cyber threats next year.

Speaking at a forum organized by the Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies in Hawaii last Monday, the chief executive announced plans to convene the inaugural interagency Philippines (PH)-United States (US) Cyber Dialogue in early 2024.

The review, he said, will be used by both governments to “enhance cooperation” to combat emerging cyber threats.

“We anticipate many areas where the US, as a leader in innovation and emerging technology, can also be our major partner,” Marcos said.

“Our cooperation on cybersecurity is also a priority, as it impacts both national and economic security. Critical infrastructure, whether with respect to ports, to energy, telecommunications, they will require cybersecurity measures to be in place for the country to be resilient,” he added.

The cyber dialogue is among the series of Philippines-US activities to be held next year, which includes the country’s hosting of the first high-level US Presidential Trade and Investment

Mission and the 2024 Indo-Pacific Business Forum.

Earlier this year, Kaspersky Security Network issued a report which showed the country was the second country with the most cyber attacks in 2022 after Mongolia.

Among the cyber threats identified by Kaspersky were worms and file viruses, drive-by downloads or the unintentional downloading of malicious code, and engineering attack or malware, which appears to be a legitimate program.

The Department of Information and Communications (DICT) said the country suffered 3,000 “high level cyberattacks” from 2020 to 2022.

In the same period, it also monitored 54,000 cyber threats.

Last month, several government websites suffered from cyber attacks including those of the House of Representatives, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Bureau of Immigration (BI).

Concerned about the potential implications on national security by such cyber attacks, Marcos ordered the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) to protect the country from such threats.

BusinessMirror A broader look at today’s business

www.businessmirror.com.ph

n Wednesday, November 22, 2023 Vol. 19 No. 42

10-MO BIR TAKE UP 11% ON DIGITALIZATION PUSH P25.00 nationwide | 2 sections 24 pages | 7 DAYS A WEEK

By Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas @jearcalas

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HE Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) said its January-toOctober collections rose by 11 percent on an annual basis to over P2.1 trillion, driven by its digitalization efforts and campaign against fake receipts.

The BIR said its total revenue collections during the 10-month period reached P2.132 trillion, or P213 billion higher than the P1.919 trillion recorded in the same period of last year.

“With the intensification of the Bureau’s tax enforcement activities, specifically on the campaign against sellers and buyers of fake receipts, and with the continuous streamlining and digitization of the BIR’s core services, we hope See “Digitalization,” A2

IT’S A WRAP! Minutes before 5:00 in the morning of Tuesday, November 21, 2022, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri banged the gavel to mark the

end of the period of interpellations and debates on House Bill No. 8980 or the proposed 2024 national budget of P5.768 trillion. Aside from Zubiri, 18 other senators remained in the session hall to deliberate on the proposed budgets of 21 agencies. Senators who stayed until morning were Senate President Pro tempore Loren Legarda, Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva, Deputy Majority Leaders Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito and Mark Villar, Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros, Senators Sonny Angara, Nancy Binay, Pia and Alan Cayetano, Jinggoy Estrada, Win Gatchalian, Robinhood Padilla, Grace Poe, Ramon Bong Revilla Jr., Francis “Tol” Tolentino, as well as Senate Minority Leader Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III, Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, and Senator Cynthia Villar who are not in the photo. Related story on budget in A16, “Senators reprimand tourism exec for rude text messages on budget.” BIBO NUEVA ESPAÑA/SENATE PRIB

7 IN 10 PINOYS SEE THEIR JOBS CHANGING DUE TO A.I.–POLL

By Cai U. Ordinario @caiordinario

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EVEN out of 10 Filipinos believe their jobs w ill change because of Artificial Intelligence (AI), according to LinkedIn’s 2024 workplace trends survey.

The data showed the majority or 76 percent of Filipinos see a “significant” change in their jobs next year due to AI. The data also showed that 8 in 10 or 84 percent said they will not shy away from conversations about the impact of AI on their jobs and expressed

confidence in initiating such discussions with their bosses. “[There was] a 70 percent global increase in conversations about AI on LinkedIn [that] occurred between December 2022 and September 2023,” LinkedIn said in a statement.

The same LinkedIn research found that more than half or 55 percent of the Philippine workforce already use generative AI. In Southeast A sia (SE A) markets, including the Philippines, job posts mentioning AI or Generative AI have doubled See “AI,” A2

Over half of items on Noche Buena list had price hikes

By Andrea E. San Juan @andreasanjuan

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RICES of over 150 stock keeping units (SKUs) of Noche Buena products such as cheese, sandwich spread, ham, fruit cocktail, keso de bola, and mayonnaise have increased, according to the 2023 “mock-up” Noche Buena Price Guide of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

“For the increase, [the biggest] increase [was on] cheese which increased by 49 pesos, and then the others that increased: sandwich spread, ham, fruit cocktail, keso de bola, mayonnaise,” DTI-Consumer Protection Group (CPG) Assistant

Secretary Amanda Nograles said at a media briefing on Tuesday.

In a Viber message, Nograles told the BusinessMirror that “On ham, 3 SKUs decreased by as much as 12.7 percent, 6 did not change while all others, except 1 SKU, kept the increases up to a maximum of 3.7 percent.”

For keso de bola, 5 SKUs decreased by as much as 7.8 percent, 2 SKUs did not change, and highest increase was at 8.1 percent.

Meanwhile, a total of 6 mayonnaise SKUs and 19 sandwich spread SKUs kept the increase within 5 percent.

See “Noche Buena,” A2

TOP-RANKING GOCC Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin and GCG Chairperson Marius P. Corpus (fifth and sixth left) confer the award on the National Home Mortgage Finance Corporation (NHMFC) as one of the top-ranking government-owned and -controlled corporations in the calendar year 2022 Corporate Governance Scorecard for GOCCs. Also in photo are GCG Commissioners Atty. Brian Keith F. Hosaka and Atty. Geraldine Marie Berberabe-Martinez, NHMFC Vice President for Securitization Group Maria Luisa M. Favila, NHMFC President Renato L. Tobias, NHMFC Vice President for Corporate Support and Services Group Carolina C. Cortez, NHMFC Acting Corporate Secretary Atty. Joshua Emmanuel L. Cariño and NHMFC Compliance Officer Atty.

Siegfrid E.G. Lapasaran. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

PESO EXCHANGE RATES n US 55.4930 n JAPAN 0.3740 n UK 69.3995 n HK 7.1208 n CHINA 7.7445 n SINGAPORE 41.4808 n AUSTRALIA 36.3812 n EU 60.7204 n KOREA 0.0431 n SAUDI ARABIA 14.7965 Source:

BSP (21 November 2023)

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Wednesday, November 22, 2023

BusinessMirror

China: Code of conduct only for SCS claimants won’t do

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By Malou Talosig-Bartolome

EIJING has nixed the idea of Manila to have a separate code of conduct only among Southeast Asian claimants of the South China Sea.

Mao NIng, spokesperson of China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said there was already an agreement in 2008 called Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) for the Association of

Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) and China to craft a set of rules of engagement in the disputed sea.

Aside from the Philippines and China, other Southeast Asian countries which claim wholly or

partly the South China Sea are Brunei, Malaysia and Vietnam.

“Formulating a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea [COC] is an important task for China and Asean countries to implement the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea [DOC]. Any departure from the DOC framework and its spirit will be null and void,” Mao said in a briefing to reporters.

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said Monday that the Philippines found the AseanChina negotiations as “slow.”

“We have taken the initiative to approach those other countries around Asean with whom we h ave e x i st i ng ter r itor i a l conf licts, Vietnam being one of

them, Malaysia being another and to make our own code of conduct.

“Hopefully this will grow further and extend to other Asean countries,” Marcos Jr. said.

Marcos Jr. also accused China of constructing artificial islands closer to the coast of Palawan.

Mao reiterated Beijing’s position that it owns the entire South China, with claims which are “solidly grounded in history and the law.”

“China carrying out construction activities on its own territory is a matter purely within the scope of China’s sovereignty and other countries have no right to point fingers at it,” Mao added.

DepEd sets ‘catch-up Fridays’ for learners

By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco @claudethmc3

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TA RT I NG Ja nu a r y ne x t year, every Friday will be a “catch-up” day in schools to improve the academic performance of learners, Vice President

and Education Secretary Sara Z. Duterte announced on Tuesday.

“Magkakaroon tayo ng catch-up Fridays para sa reading, health, values, at peace education. Sa loob ng lahat ng public schools pagbabasa ang pangunahing gawin natin sa araw ng Biyernes simula

January 12, 2024,” Duterte said in her speech during the culmination of the National Reading Month Celebration at the Esteban Abada Elementary School in Quezon City.

“Kailangan po natin ng isang araw kung saan kailangan nating

humabol doon sa kung saan natin gustong dalhin ang mga bata. Hindi paulit-ulit na lang tayo sa ating ginagawa pero halos wala naman tayong nakikitang pagbabago, wala tayong nakikita na improvement sa ating mga learners,” Duterte added.

She said students from kindergarten to Grade 12 will spend time to read books and other reading materials based on their interests during catch-up Fridays.

The DepEd chief added the teachers will ask them to write essays, analysis and reviews of the books and other materials out of the books they have read.

She said the program is also part of the learning recovery plan of DepEd to enable students to catch up and improve their comprehension due to the learning gap induced by the Covid-19 pandemic which physically closed schools in the country.

The DepEd chief indicated that the program is part of the overall Matatag Agenda of the DepEd to improve the quality of basic education in the country, which will run 2028.

AI. . .

Continued from A1

in 2023 from 2021 levels.

In addition, these job posts have seen their applications grow by almost two times in SEA over the last two years, compared with the growth of job posts that don’t mention them. “ I n tod ay ’s e ver - c h a ng i ng work environment, staying ahead is no longer an advantage. It’s a necessity,” LinkedIn said. “LinkedIn members are optimistic that AI will usher in more career opportunities and enable them to focus on more important work.”

LinkedIn data also showed that skills required to perform successf u l ly in any job have changed by an average of 25 percent globally since 2015.

This is more pronounced in the Philippines, which LinkedIn said had a rate of change at 31 percent.

Digitalization. . .

Continued from A1

to encourage all non-compliant taxpayers to comply fully with the provisions and requirements of the tax laws so we can attain, and even surpass, our annual collection target this year,” BIR Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui Jr. said in a statement on Tuesday.

In October alone, the BIR said it collected P274.429 billion, almost 47 percent higher than the P186.759 billion it posted in the same month last year. The higher ea r nings a l lowed t he BIR tosurpass its collection target by P21.654 billion.

For this year, the BIR is tasked to collect at least P2.639 trillion in revenues, nearly 13 percent over its P2.3355 trillion actual full-year collections last year.

BIR officials earlier disclosed that the bureau is banking on increased consumer spending during the holiday season and higher government spending in the remaining months to meet its P2.6-trillion revenue-collection target this year.

BIR Assistant Commissioner Jethro M. Sabariaga said the bureau remains optimistic that it will hit collection targets this year on the back of better economic activities. (Related story: https://businessmirror.com. ph /2023/10/27/ bir-holidayspending-to-bring-revenues/) Based on end-October figures, the BIR needs to collect a combined amount of P507 billion in November and December to meet its full-year revenue target.

The BIR is behind its revenue collection target in the nine months ending in September, according to latest Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) data.

Treasury data showed that the bureau collected only P1.858 trillion out of its P1.933 trillion programmed target for the January to September period.

The data showed professionals in the Philippines think the importance of soft skills will increase further.

These soft skills like problemsolving (77 percent), creativity (77 percent), and communication (76 percent) will become more critical as AI tools become more widely used at work.

“The advancement of AI technology is set to accelerate these shifts further, with skill changes reaching at least 65 percent globally by 2030,” LinkedIn said.

The study also showed that more than half or 55 percent of Filipinos believe AI will create more job opportunities outside metro cities.

Filipinos, LinkedIn said, believe this will happen because more people can actively upskill in AI and leverage AI resources to work remotely.

The data also showed one in two Filipinos believe AI-related skills will allow them to be on a more level playing field with other professionals despite their educational qualifications.

“The LinkedIn study shows that Filipino profe s s ion a l s b e l ie ve A I will contribute to more equitable career opport u nit ies for t he loca l workforce,” the LinkedIn statement read.

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Noche Buena Continued from A1

For cheese, she said half of the SKUs increased by at most 5 percent, while 2 SKUs increased by 13 percent.

Meanwhile, 10 SKUs of pasta and macaroni decreased prices and another 10 did not change prices.

For spaghetti sauce SKUs, 9 either decreased or did not change prices while 7 remained the increase within 5 percent while for tomato sauce SKUs, 5 had no change while 5 kept the increase within 5 percent.

On fruit cocktail, increases ranged from 1.3 percent to 6.4 percent. For all purpose cream, 1 SKU decreased while 9 are new SKUs. Out of the 240 SKUs that will be included in the 2023 Noche Buena price guide for goods commonly used for the Christmas Eve feast, Nograles said prices of 34 SKUs did not change while prices of 21 SKUs declined.

Prices of 152 SKUs increased. In particular, Nograles said, “Only 1 to 5 percent increase [was posted by] 83 SKUs.” She added that prices of 37 SKUs increased by 6 to 10 percent and those of 32 SKUs, by more than 10 percent.

Nograles said the Noche Buena price guide will prevail until December 31, 2023 which is also the day of the Media Noche [New Year’s Eve] feast.

For his part, Trade and Industry Secretary Alfredo E. Pascual said the prices listed in the price guide were provided by manufacturers.

Pascual also explained the purpose of the price guide, saying, this guide is aimed at providing consumers a wide variety of options.

“They will see which ones are priced low, which ones are priced high. So we leave it up to the consumers to decide based on the consumers’ spending propensity or spending capability,” the Trade chief said.

Pascual reiterated, however, that the Noche Buena Price Guide is not the same as the Suggested Retail Price (SRP) Bulletin which contains the basic necessities and prime commodities (BNPCs) indicated in the Price Act. Nograles pointed out the difference between the force of a Price Guide and an SRP bulletin. She said, “If a retailer, a supermarket, grocery store or wet market does not comply with the Noche Buena price guide, it will not be a source of a Notice of Violation. Instead, we will talk...We will engage with manufacturers to help them conduct dialogues with retailers and distributors on why they are not compliant with the Noche Buena price guide.”

The SRP bulletin, on the other hand, can be a source of Notice of Violation (NOV).

At the briefing on Tuesday, the Trade officials unveiled the “mock-up” Noche Buena Price Guide but said that they will release it in two newspapers on November 22.

Wednesday, November 22, 2023

www.businessmirror.com.ph • Editor: Vittorio V. Vitug

DA’s Tiu Laurel, Herbosa top list of nominees for CA confirmation

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HE confirmation hearings before the bicameral Commission on Appointments (CA) are under way, with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. having submitted the ad interim appointment of Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. for consideration.

CA Assistant Minority Leader and Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny Pimentel disclosed this development on Tuesday, saying that Laurel, along with Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, is part of a group of 57 presidential appointees, mainly comprising foreign service officers, awaiting their confirmation hearings.

“Secretary Laurel and Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa are on top of the new batch of 57 presidential appointees—mostly foreign service officers—awaiting their confirmation hearings,” Pimentel said.

As mandated by the Constitution, the 25-member CA is responsible for assessing the competence, fitness, and integrity of key presidential appointees, including Cabinet members, and subsequently approving or disapproving them. Pimentel urged the public to provide relevant information, written reports, or sworn or notarized complaints or oppositions to the appointees through the CA Secretariat.

“We would urge the public to submit to the CA Secretariat any information, written report, or sworn or notarized complaints or oppositions to the appointees,” Pimentel said.

Pimentel’s announcement followed a challenge from Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) to Laurel regarding the withdrawal of

the Frabelle Group of Companies’ 944-hectare reclamation project in Bacoor Bay. This project, conducted in collaboration with the Bacoor City government and Diamond Export Corp., has faced opposition.

Pimentel said he expects the CA committees concerned to schedule their respective confirmation hearings soon, “considering that we only have a few session days left before Congress goes on recess for the Christmas holidays.”

Congress is set to adjourn for the holidays on December16 and will resume session on January 22, 2024.

Under CA rules, officials who fail to obtain the commission’s consent by the time Congress adjourns will have to be reappointed

by Malacañang.

Laurel ran the family-owned Frabelle Group of Companies before he was appointed by the President to head the Department of Agriculture on November 5.

The Frabelle Group of Companies holds diversified businesses through Frabelle Fishing Corp., Frabelle Cold Storage Corp., Westpac Meat Processing Corp., Eoana Canning and Food Processing Corp., Frabelle Shipyard Corp., and Frabelle Properties Corp.

Aside from Laurel and Herbosa, Pimentel said 55 newly appointed officers at the Department of Foreign Affairs await confirmation. This includes individuals nominated for promotion to various ranks within the foreign service, reflecting the government’s ongoing commitment to strengthening diplomatic capabilities and representation.

Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz

Greenpeace decries ‘one-sided’ US-PHL nuke deal, urges PBBM to cancel deal

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REENPEACE Philippines decried as one-sided the nuclear cooperation agreement signed by Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla and US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken at the sidelines of the AsiaPacific Cooperation (Apec) meeting in San Francisco, USA last week.

According to Greenpeace, the nuclear deal will leave the Philippines at the losing end of the deal, calling on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to cancel the agreement.

“The Philippine government just signed an objectionable one-sided deal that would benefit only the US nuclear industry, while leaving Filipinos shouldering all potential losses,” said Greenpeace campaigner Khevin Yu. “When the US exports its nuclear technology and fuel, we will still be the ones to end up shouldering the huge costs for the eternal storage of radioactive waste and the costs for all problems that may arise. We’re already dealing with the enormous costs of climate impacts, and we’d have to deal with nuclear risks on top of it,” said Yu. Greenpeace maintains that nuclear power is the most expensive, most dangerous, and dirtiest form of electricity.

According to Greenpeace, the costs for nuclear power do not only include capital costs and operations but also handling and storage of radioactive nuclear waste, as well as costs for dismantling and decommissioning.

Moreover, certain costs will be shouldered not by the private company but by the government, including the costs of damages from a nuclear accident, as well as costs for the final repository of nuclear waste.

Volatile prices, dwindling supplies

ACCORDING to Greenpeace Philippines, radioactive fuel is produced by only a few companies globally and is subject to price volatility due to demand and dwindling supplies of uranium.

The 123 Agreement was signed the same month that plans for the first commercial small modular reactor (SMR) in the US were scrapped due to massive cost overruns. SMRs are still untested and unproven, with no viable commercial model in operation. Greenpeace warns that should the Philippines pursue this, it would become a guinea pig in a very risky and expensive experiment that could cost people’s lives and health.

“With this deal, the DOE also just kissed energy sovereignty goodbye,” added Yu. “The government’s energy strategy to pursue fossil gas and nuclear is setting us up for heavy reliance on imported fuel. Under the 123 Agreement, we’d be entirely dependent on the nuclear industry for ever ything—know-how, design, construction, operation, fuel, the works.”

“Contrast this with renewables, where the Philippines has a clear edge. The Philippine government needs to focus on clean, renewable energy—proven technologies that take advantage of indigenous power sources from the wind and sun. Our energy must serve the best interests of the Filipino people, not any other country, and certainly not the interests of corporations looking to expand their destructive profiteering.”

Jonathan L. Mayuga

Govt labor union lauds Makati for early bonus of civil servants

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ABOR group Confederation for Unity, Recognition and Advancement of Government Employees (COURAGE) hailed on Tuesday Makati City for giving out early year-end bonuses to government workers.

Mayor Abigail Binay ordered the release of year-end bonuses amounting to P569.47 million for Makati City government workers.

(Related story: https://businessmirror. com.ph/2023/11/20/makati-cityemployees-to-receive-bonuses-early/) “We thank the good Mayor of Makati City, Abigail Binay for providing the much needed benefits to the employees especially as the yuletide nears,” said COURAGE National President Ferdinand Gaite.

Around 8,185 city government employees have benefited from the bonuses. Moreover, they will receive an additional P11,000 bonus

by mid-December, said Binay.

The early release of the yearend bonus will help the workers to “avoid the Christmas rush” and be able to prepare for the December traditional celebrations, said Binay in a statement.

“These benefits will surely help the rankand-file employees who have to contend with the high cost of basic goods which normally surges during Christmas,” Gaite told the BusinessMirror.

In a viber message, Gaite said he wishes that other mayors and government agencies will use Makati City as an example and provide early year-end bonuses to their respective civil servants.

“We hope that other Mayors, other heads of government agencies and especially the one in Malacañang to emulate the example set by Mayor Binay,” he said. Patrick V. Miguel

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DOJ junks falsification raps against Fil-Indian billionaire in siblings’ row

By Joel R. San Juan

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@jrsanjuan1573

HE Department of Justice (DOJ) has dismissed the falsification of public documents charges filed against Filipino-Indian billionaire Rajiv Chandiramani, his mother Pushpa and five others in connection with the disposition of their more than P1 billion worth of estate properties and business interests.

In a 20-page resolution issued

by Assistant State Prosecutor Eric Opriasa, the DOJ found lack of probable cause to warrant the filing of a case for violation of paragraph 1 of Article 172, in relation to Article 171, of the Revised Penal Code (falsification of public documents) before the trial court against the respondents.

Also cleared of any wrongdoing were Rajiv’s business associates Janet de Luna Cardinal, Maria Anita Turqueza, Rommel Olayber, Christina Gutierrez and Angelito Manuel.

The complaint was filed by Rajiv’s estranged brother Amith Prem Chandiramani, who accused the respondents of conspiring to effect the illegal transfer to Rajiv

of several properties and business interests worth billions of pesos that were lawfully willed to him by their father Prem, before he passed away on December 26, 2011.

Amith said he was shocked upon learning about the illegal transfer and eventual sale of the properties that started sometime in 2018 or seven years after his father’s death.

In dismissing the complaint, the DOJ pointed out Amith’s failure to disclose in his complaintaffidavit that sometime in July 2022, he previously filed a similar complaint for falsification of public documents against Rajig and their mother and several other respondents before the Office of the Prosecutor (OCP)

of Makati City involving the sale and mortgage of real properties subject of the case.

It also noted that Amith failed to disclose that the OCP-Makati City already issued a resolution on August 17, 2022 which deemed his complaint withdrawn after he executed an affidavit of desistance praying for the withdrawal or dismissal of his complaint.

The DOJ said Amith was silent about the compromise agreement that he and Rajiv entered into on August 1, 2022, covering the subject, in order to end their rift and upon persuasion of family members.

Rajiv earlier said he agreed to a compromise with Amith in the spirit of family ties and relations, which led to the mutual withdrawal of the cases that they filed against each other.

The DOJ resolution noted that the compromise agreement provides a waiver and quitclaim covering any and all potential claims or rights against each other arising from, or in connection with the cases, as well as the estate of their late father.

Consequently, the DOJ noted, Amith received millions of pesos from Rajiv, apart from the fact that the latter bound himself to support Amith in the amount of P600,000 monthly until the total amount of payments reached P150 million.

T he DOJ pointed out that Amith never denied receiving

millions from Rajiv upon the execution of their compromise agreement and the monthly support of P600,000.

“The compromise agreement agreed into by Amith and Rajiv was in the nature of an extrajudicial compromise agreement.

Perusal of the same shows that it contains all the elements of a valid contract. Likewise, it has been mutually agreed upon by Amith and Rajiv without any act of force, fraud or undue intimidation,” the DOJ noted.

Furthermore, the DOJ noted Amith admitted that he recognizes the validity of the transfer of the properties subject of the questioned sale and mortgage instruments.

Amith, according to the DOJ, even acknowledged that all these transactions were made with his knowledge and consent.

“Under these circumstances, A mit h cannot any more deny that his signatures and the signatures of their deceased father appearing in the subject sale and mortgage instruments relating to the contested transfer of real properties were falsified,” the resolution read.

“By his [Amith] own admission, action and declaration that he recognizes the validity of transfers of the subject real properties, including the fact that the transfers were made with his knowledge and consent, his claim of falsification is effectively negated,” it added.

Aggravated fraud cases to be filed soon in Italy vs Alpha Assistenza

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HE Philippine Consulate General in Milan expects the filing soon of criminal cases against those involved in defrauding a hundred Filipinos who paid exorbitant fees for relatives in the Philippines to secure what later turned out to be nonexistent jobs in Italy.

The Consulate said it expects cases of aggravated fraud against officials of Alpha Assistenza SRL to be filed in two weeks by Atty. Bruno de Blasi, the Italian lawyer

who was selected to represent the 100 complainants based in Italy.

The Consulate awarded De Blasi the contact to provide legal services to the complainants on Sunday after submitting the most competitive proposal among four lawyers who expressed interest in the case.

The complainants in Italy represent a total of 269 Filipinos in the Philippines who were said to have been been made to pay at least €3,000 each for jobs in Italy—that

later turned out to be nonexistent—under the decreto flussi program.

De Blasi met with complainants at the Kalayaan Hall of the Consulate also on Sunday shortly after he and Consul General Elmer G. Cato signed the contract that would allow him to represent them before Italian courts.

The hiring of a lawyer to represent complainants against Alpha Assistenza in Italy was among the recommendations made by Cato to the Department of Foreign

Padilla’s reso to PCO: Widen awareness on WPS issues

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O counter the threats from propaganda, misinformation and fake news on the West Philippine Sea ( WPS) issue—especially amid the rise of social media—Senator Robin Padilla prodded Malacañang’s communication arm to boost public awareness on the matter.

In filing Senate Resolution 864, Padilla urged the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) to “communicate to the public in an understandable way” the relevant legal documents, international treaties and bilateral and multilateral agreements on government’s actions in the West Philippine Sea. “As the nation’s security landscape continues to evolve,” the Padilla Resolution

said, “it is incumbent upon the PCO to provide clear, up-to-date and accurate information on matters of public concern relating to the securit y challenges confronting our country.”

Padilla chairs the Senate Committee on Public Information and Mass Media.

The senator noted that “coinciding with the seriousness of this issue is the risk of spreading propaganda, misinformation, and fake news with the advent of social media, which can greatly impact our pursuit of good governance and ultimately undermine democracy.”

He pointed out that the territorial claim in the West Philippine Sea issue “remains a primary national interest in the

Philippines, since the government’s filing of an arbitration case against China under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea [Unclos] in January 2013, which was ruled in favor of the Philippines in 2016.”

Padilla also noted that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. stressed in his State of the Nation Addresses (SONAs) in 2022 and 2023 that “the government will continue to uphold its sovereign rights and preserve territorial integrity in defense of rules-based international order.”

The senator also recalled that Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez had also noted in the aftermath of the Ayungin Shoal incident in August that the continuing tension between China and

Affairs as early as August 31, 2023. He made the recommendation a few days after the Consulate launched an investigation into the complaints filed by an initial nine individuals against Alpha Assistenza CEO Diane Krizelle Respicio.

Foreign Affairs Secretar y Enrique Manalo approved the endorsement of Migrant Workers Affairs Undersecretary Jose Eduardo De Vega to assist the complainants using the DFA’s Legal Assistance Fund (LAF). the Philippines over the WPS is “far more serious than how people perceive it is.”

Padilla’s resolution mandates PCO to inform the public of various treaties and documents that served as the basis of the Philippines’ policies and actions surrounding the territorial dispute in the WPS, including:

n the Unclos n 2016 Arbitral Ruling n US-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty n Reciprocal Access Agreement “It is understood that matters that may have repercussions or may compromise the nation’s defense and security are naturally excluded from any public information and awareness campaign,” he added.

Butch Fernandez

PHL Red Cross, partners address youth unemployment; push skill devt initiatives

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R ADUATION ceremony of PRC’s Employment Project participants IN September 2023, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported that the employment rate among the youth, aged 15 to 24 years old, was 86.9 percent.

With that, 13.1 percent of Filipino youth were unemployed. Youth unemployment is higher than overall unemployment, which is 4.5 percent.

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC), in partnership with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda), technical-vocational schools, and the Spanish Red Cross, is making strides in helping the youth and other vulnerable groups gain skills for employment or

GRADUATION ceremony of PRC's Employment Project participants

self-employment. The PRC project covers the tuition fees for the beneficiaries and also provides them with meals and

transportation allowances.

“We are committed to assisting the youth and other vulnerable groups among

our kababayans in finding employment or engaging in self-employment,” said PRC Chairman and CEO Richard “Dick” Gordon.

On November 13, 2023, 54 youth and members of other vulnerable groups f ro m M a n i l a , Ca l o o c a n , a n d Pa s ay received their certificates from Tesda for completing courses such as baking, h o u s e ke e p i n g, a n d c a re g i v i n g. Th e graduation ceremony was held at Manila Atelier of Food Arts and Hospitality Inc. in UN Avenue, Ermita Manila.

“The primary goal of PRC’s Employment Project is to enhance the connectedness of urban poor communities to better access economic opportunities,” explained PRC Secretary-General, Dr. Gwen Pang.

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Wednesday, November 22, 2023

Upbeat on modular reactors, Meralco says ‘stars aligned’ with ‘123’ signing

O

Economy

FFICIALS of the Manila Electric Company (Meralco) conveyed a positive outlook on the development of micro modular reactors (MMR) in the Philippines.

“The stars were aligned with the signing of the 123 agreement with the US government, and also the House Bill which is now with the Senate,” said Meralco Executive Vice President Ronnie Aperocho.

Meralco has tapped US-based nuclear developer Ultra Safe Nuclear Corp. (USNC) to conduct a prefeasibility study for the potential deployment of one or more MMR energy systems in the 14 pre-identified areas cited by the Department of Energy (DOE). The agreement builds on the partnership between the two companies announced in August.

“We are aligning with the plan of the DOE, which is looking at 14 areas. It’s better to follow what the DOE will say. Work has started. The pre-feasibility has started. It will take four months. I think if we can complete it much earlier than the four months schedule then that would be great. After that, we have to decide on what to do next, but most definitely, it’s a full-study,” said Aperocho.

The 123 agreement, meanwhile, lays the legal framework for potential nuclear power projects with US providers. It aims to facilitate Philippine-US cooperation in the safe and secure use of nuclear energy taking into full account the standards and safeguards set by the International Atomic Energy Agency, as well as in accordance with respective national laws, international agreements, and regulations.

Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Raphael Lotilla signed the Agreement on behalf of the Philippines as Chair of the Philippine Nuclear Energy Program InterAgency Committee (Nepiac) while Secretary

of State Antony J. Blinken signed on behalf of the US. Upon entry into force, the 123 Agreement will allow the transfer of information, nuclear material, equipment, and components directly between the Philippines and the US or through persons authorized by their respective authorities to engage in transfer activities, which will support potential nuclear power projects with US providers. The Agreement will likewise pave the way for streamlining the licensing requirements for the private sector with respect to investments on nuclear-related intangible transfers of technology (ITT).

Meralco Chairman Manuel Pangilinan said the MMR could be deployed in Island provinces and cities. “You could disperse the deployment of modular technology in an archipelago like the Philippines so you don’t have to build conventional power plants that are big to achieve economies of scale,” said Pangilinan, adding that the firm has discussed with USNC “whether we could buy a modular plant proof of concept here which we could employ.”

The negotiations for the 123 Agreement, which took about seven months, were led

by DOE Undersecretary Sharon S. Garin for the Philippine side and Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Ann Ganzer for the US side. Other members of the Philippine Negotiating Team are the Department of Foreign Affairs-Office of American Affairs, Department of Science and TechnologyPhilippine Nuclear Research Institute, Department of Trade and Industry-Strategic Trade Management Office, and the Department of Justice. The US Negotiating Team included representatives from the US-DOE National Nuclear Security Administration, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and the US Embassy in Manila. Lenie Lectura

Editor: Vittorio V. Vitug • www.businessmirror.com.ph

DOST spreads out to regions to tap more business startups

By Manuel T. Cayon @awimailbox

I

LOILO CITY—The government science and technology sector has spread out wider to the regions to establish more and better support facilities for startup businesses and in search of more investible solutions to the many challenges in society.

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) said its three planning councils - Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD), the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD), and the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD)—have initiated a funding program to help the startups “overcome their research and development roadblocks, to strengthen their intellectual

property (IP) by means of protection, and development of the appropriate IP strategies”.

It said the funding program called Startup Grant Fund (SGF) was able to provide P230 million to more than 60 startups.

It said it wanted to accelerate the growth and strengthen the startup ecosystem across the country and its “proactive efforts” allowed the agency to reach all 16 regions through the Regional Startup Enabler for Ecosystem Development (ReSEED) Program, which was funded with P120 million.

Meanwhile, the DOST also disclosed that the Women Helping Women Innovating Social Enterprises (WHWISE) Program has helped 15 enterprises of women since 2021 with a total funding of P53 million.

To increase the involvement of the regions and encourage more startup businesses to flourish across

the country, it said it established the Technology Business Incubation (TBI) in various higher education institutions and state universities and colleges which agreed to collaborate.

In the TBIs are the startup projects mentored to full-blown business operations. The startups are mostly about providing solutions to communities and industries such as health and sanitation, traffic, environmental and flooding concerns and agricultural problems on pest, irrigation and post-harvest operations.

As of 2023, the DOST established 54 TBI networks “and is pursuing to add 27 new TBIs with a funding of PHP 400 million in the next two years”.

“We at DOST recognize the crucial role we play in assessing, monitoring, developing, and expanding the Philippine Startup Development Program as mandated in the Innovation Startup Act,” said DOST Secretary Renato U.

Solidum, Jr. in a statement.

Solidum added that since the enactment of the Innovative Startup Act and its Implementing Rules and Regulations in 2019, the DOST has left an indelible mark on the landscape of Philippine startups.

RA 11337 or the Innovative Startup Act enabled the development of the Philippine Startup Development Program where startups will be supported by the respective mandates of national government agencies through programs, benefits, and incentives starting from the onset of ideas, development of products, to marketing, and expansion.

Solidum also emphasized that “DOST, DICT, and DTI are here to support you, provide programs, resources, funding opportunities, and mentorship to help you [startups] thrive and succeed.”

The DOST said it took the forefront to spur innovation across the country “as it leads the Innovative Startup Steering Committee, with members composed of representatives from the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).”

DENR set to revise guidelines for mining social devt schemes

T

HE Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is set to partially revise the guidelines for the Social Development and Management Programs (SDMP) to ensure lasting benefits for host communities beyond the life of the mines.

DENR Undersecretary for Integrated Environmental Science Carlos Primo David bared the plan to align the SDMP with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Consultations with the mining sector are ongoing to incorporate provisions in the SDMP that promote responsible business actions to achieve the SDGs, said David, a licensed geologist and environmental science expert.

SDMP is defined as a comprehensive five-year plan to improve the living standards of host and neighboring communities. It is mandated under Republic Act No. 7942, or the Philippine Mining Act of 1995, which is implemented through DENR Administrative Order (DAO) No. 2010-21, or the Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Philippine Mining Act of 1995.

David underscored the need to make existing SDMP initiatives more strategic, consistent with the SDGs and the Philippine Development Plan for 2023-2028.

David clarified that the SDMP guidelines would not be revised entirely, but will include additional provisions based on

stakeholder consultations. Consultation with the community relations officers of mining companies was held on Nov. 16, 2023.

“The whole world has agreed to adopt the SDG in 2015. Therefore, the SDMP—its whole framework, should be aligned with the SDG. Hopefully, the revised SDMP for next year would align its programs towards achieving SDG goals, given the newly proposed guidelines,” David said.

SDGs are 17 interlinked goals adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015 as a global call to address poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental protection, peace, and justice. Comprising 169 specific targets, the SDG serves as a global blueprint to end extreme poverty, reduce inequality, and protect the planet by 2030.

SDMPs outline objectives to boost the economic contributions of mineral resources while safeguarding the environment, supporting affected communities, and developing local scientific and technical resources. The goal of SDMPs is to create responsible, self-reliant, and resource-based communities capable of managing community development programs independently.

“The SDMP is a program that is unique to the Philippine mining industry, and we should be very proud of it. In all mining activities that we should be doing, this is something that we should be proud of,” David said, noting that although some SDMP-accredited activities align with certain SDGs, there are several additional SDGs that the SDMP does not currently fulfill.

For instance, improvements in living standards

should be sustained even after mining operations cease, and communities should transition to alternative livelihoods, reducing dependence on mining income.

By law, mining contractors and permit holders are required to allocate 1.5 percent of operating expenses to the SDMP. Of the amount, 75 percent must be spent on community development programs; 15 percent on mining technology and geosciences advancement programs; and 10 percent on information, education, and communication programs.

From 2002 to 2027, the total approved SDMP commitment reached P28 billion, with P17.7 billion allotted for 2002-2022. So far, the reported SDMP expenditure for 2002-2022 is P13.2 billion, with the potential for increased disbursement in the future. SDMP activities include livelihood programs, educational support, health and medical assistance, public infrastructure, and sociocultural and religious support.

David emphasized the importance of maximizing the impact of SDMP initiatives, ensuring they have a lasting effect. For SDG Goals 1 (No Poverty) and 2 (Zero Hunger), companies should focus on reducing maternal and neonatal mortality by providing healthcare access, education, and resources for pregnant women. SDMP projects could also include neonatal facilities and transportation for complicated pregnancies.

The DENR is also looking into the inclusion of small-scale miners into the SDMP, to capacitate small miners and enhance resilience in mining communities. Jonathan L. Mayuga

News BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph | Editor: Vittorio V. Vitug

Wednesday, November 22, 2023

A5

Group: Illegal software imperils infra projects Roderick L. Abad |

Contributor

P

@rodrik_28

HILIPPINE authorities must closely monitor the software being used by private engineering and design contractors, particularly those involved in public works and infrastructure projects, according to The Software Alliance or BSA.

The trade group said the use of illegal software in major national infrastructure projects not only jeopardizes their integrity but also signals the growing concern

on intellectual property rights enforcement in the region.

A ccord i ng to B S A Sen ior Director Tarun Sawney, thousands of engineering and design firms

WHO: Personal data of Filipino vaxxers not from our servers

By Malou Talosig-Bartolome @maloutalosig

T

HE World Health Organization (WHO) has denied reports that the personal data of Filipinos who took the Covid-19 vaccines that were leaked to the dark web came from their servers.

“WHO does not collect, process or store any personally identifiable information (for example, names, email addresses, phone numbers, etc.) in relation to Cov id-19 immunization,” the WHO said in a statement.

During the pandemic, the United Nations agency said it collected only aggregated data at population level from national health authorities, such as the total number of Covid-19 infections, deaths, and the number of vaccine doses administered. The same practice also applies to all other WHO member-countries.

These data are “crucial for monitoring the progress of Covid-19 vaccination efforts nationally and globally.”

“WHO does not have access to underly ing personal data, which is the exclusive domain of governments,” it added.

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) had earlier confirmed that based on the monitoring of the Philippine National Computer Agency Response Team, the WHO was hacked and its database of Philippine and India Covid-19 vaccines were released to “platforms.”

“Reports that a data breach linked to WHO or WHO-hosted databases has occurred are false and inaccurate. WHO abides by principles related to personal data protection embodied in the United Nations Principles on Personal Data Protection and Privacy,” the UN agency said.

DOH role

W HET HER or not t he W HO

ser ver was compromised, the Department of Health (DOH) may be held responsible for the data breach, according to a cybersecurity expert.

Francisco A shley Acedillo, Director, Philippine Institute of Cybersecurity Professionals said the Data Privacy Act mandates t he “secur it y, accountabi l it y and responsibility of personal information” of Filipinos.

If the data was shared by the DOH to the WHO, then the DOH should also be equally liable, he added. “ The DOH’s act of sharing information with third parties, e.g WHO, still carries with it the responsibility on the part of the former to ensure that the latter can and will secure such information, especially if these a re person a l i n for m at ion of Filipinos,” Acedillo said.

This is not the first time that the health information of Filipinos was leaked online. Earlier, member data of Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) was also uploaded to the dark web after the Medusa ransomware hacked the Philhealth office computers because Manila refused to pay ransom.

“The latest confirmed breaches resulting in the release of personal information on our citizens in the custody of the DOH, and previous to this, those in the custody of PhilHealth, highlights the need for heads of agencies and data protection and information security officers to heed the law and take these security and protective measures seriously.

“If necessary, the force of law must be emphasized, if only to demonstrate this seriousness and acknowledge the magnitude of the problem of a general lack of cybersecurity, sadly, even in government,” Acedillo said.

If the claim of the WHO is true, he added, “then the breach may have happened on the DOH’s end.”

PHL hoteliers want clearer roadmap for tourism recovery Continued from A16 His statement followed Senator Nancy Binay’s announcement that the country welcomed some 4.72 million international visitors from January to November 20, 2023, just 80,000 less than the 4.8-million target arrivals this year.

Binay, chair of the Committee on Tourism, was the sponsor of DOT’s

proposed P3.4-billion budget for 2024 at the chamber’s plenary hearing early Tuesday morning.

“So I think by end of December, we will hit a higher target,” she said. Under the NTDP’s mediumterm scenario, the DOT projects international arrivals to reach 5.8 million this year.

The Senate quickly approved the proposed budget of the DOT

involved in vital public works projects locally may be using unlicensed software, thus posing a risk to public safety.

“There is too much at stake in the development of national infrastructure projects for businesses involved in these to take shortcuts like using unlicensed software,” he said, while calling for them to cease this practice immediately.

“It’s crucial for business leaders in engineering firms to take proactive measures to ensure that software is properly licensed, and therefore receiving security updates,” he added.

BSA is encouraging governments and businesses in the Philippines and the rest of Southeast Asia to guarantee the utilization of licensed and secure software in critical public works projects.

Considering that these projects receive substantial budgets from

By Samuel P. Medenilla @sam_medenilla

T

HE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the United States (US) Indo-Pacific Command on Tuesday started their threeday joint maritime and air patrols in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. made the announcement in a brief post in his social media accounts.

He said the event is a “significant initiative” by the country and the US to “bolster the interoperability” of their military forces.

“Through collaborative efforts, we aim to enhance regional security and foster a seamless partnership with the United States in safeguarding our shared interests,” the President said.

“I am confident that this collaboration will contribute to a more secure and stable environment of our people,” he added.

The joint patrols will run until November 23, 2023.

The initiative is part of a se-

the national government, Sawney said taxpayers deserve to know that public works are designed using proper software for their safety.

Regionally, BSA said authorities found out that some companies used deceptive practices where end users presented outdated software licenses to falsely imply compliance, only to be exposed dur ing t horough PC c hec k s.

Given this, BSA underscored the importance of effectively enforcing software intellectual property laws across the region.

In Thailand, an investigation conducted by the Economic Crime Suppression Division of the Royal Thai Police revealed that a local distributor of measurement tools for dam safety had been using unlicensed software to design blueprints related to specialized measurement instruments used in

national infrastructure projects and other crucial applications.

In Malaysia, authorities raided engineering design firms engaged in projects spanning public infrastructure, real estate, and construction.

This included an engineering consultancy company involved in vital public works projects like national rail construction. The firm reports annual revenues of nearly $1.5 million and assets of over $1.7 million.

Meanwhile, the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) revealed that counterfeit and piracy reports across a range of products grew by a whopping 286 percent during the first half of 2023. In 2022, IPOPHL recorded 52 reports, and the number has increased to 200 this year, reflecting a concerning trend in copyright infringement nationwide.

“While some countries in the

region are rigorously enforcing software licensing laws, there is a need for other nations to intensify their efforts in this regard,” said Sawney.

“Collaborating with BSA to educate engineering and design firms on the advantages of licensed and secure software can be highly beneficial. BSA is fully committed to supporting initiatives that advocate for the use of legal software in public works projects. Our primary goal is to safeguard society from potential risks and ensure public safety remains a top priority,” he added.

True to its collaboration with governments across the globe, BSA said it will strengthen the educational campaign it launched last year by continuously publishing a survival guide that outlines emerging cyber risks and provides advice for business leaders for enhancing cybersecurity.

PHL, US start joint maritime patrols

A PHILIPPINE coast guard ship sails past a Chinese coast guard ship during a joint Philippine and US exercise in 2019. PHOTOGRAPHER: TED ALJIBE/AFP/GETTY IMAGES/BLOOMBERG NEWS

ries of events under the Mutual Defense Board-Security Engagement Board (MDB-SEB) of Manila and Washington.

Aside from the joint patrol, the MDB-SEB framework also includes the Balikatan exercises held by Philippine and US military forces annually.

The government is currently tr y ing to boost its mar itime security through the modernization program of the AFP and the Philippine Coast Guard as well as security agreements with other allies like the US amid the country’s ongoing territorial dispute with China in the WPS. Marcos has expressed his concern on the ongoing construction of military bases by China in the WPS, which continue to get closer to the country’s coastal areas despite government’s protests against it.

Experts: Women climate champions key to success of PHL green shift

By Cai U. Ordinario

T

@caiordinario

HE lack of women leaders and champions in climate change-related activities and sectors, such as renewable energy and agriculture, could make it difficult for countries like the Philippines to make the just transition to a green and more sustainable future.

In the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Gender Forum 2023, the focus was on women leading climate action in Asia and the Pacific.

ADB noted that there are two billion women in the region who have the ability to tip the scales in terms of creating sustainable solutions for countries, the region, and the world.

In her keynote address, the 2023 Women’s International Network for Disaster Risk Reduction (WIN DRR) Leadership Awardee Shaila Shahid said climate change is a “planetary emergency” that cannot be ignored and women have a crucial role to play in fighting it.

“When we talk about gender inequality and climate change, these are not separate challenges, climate change is a threat to women.

But the good news is and the hope is that two billion women and girls in this region can act as solution multipliers,” Shahid said.

She also noted that women have demonstrated wisdom and potential at the forefront of

and its attached agencies without undergoing interpellation.

Of the P3.4-billion proposed appropriations, P2.45 billion will be allocated to the Office of the Secretary, P123.23 million to the Intramuros Administration, P317 million to the National Parks and Development Committee, and P14.17 million to the Philippine Commission on Sports Scuba Diving. The Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority also sought P20 million in budgetary support, while the Tourism Promotions Board asked for P410 million.

climate action. Women, she said are considered “first responders” given their “resilience and coping abilities in the face of natural disasters.”

“More often than not, women are still seen as victims or passive actors and rather than as critical stakeholders. This marginalization from planning, decision-making, and agenda-setting processes must end.

Our aspirations for sustainable and resilient societies must be firmly rooted in a commitment to reducing inequalities,” she added.

ADB Southeast Asia Regional Department Director General Winfried Wicklein said the number of women and women leaders in sectors that are crucial in the fight against climate change are low.

Wicklein told reporters on Tuesday that at best, the proportion of women employees in sectors such as energy, only reached 30 to 40 percent. He said that this level is already the global average.

He admitted that this cannot change overnight. More needs to be done in terms of education to ensure that women are able to access opportunities in science and technology.

He said access to opportunities in science and technology as well as role models in the field are needed. Enrollment in science and technology courses or the pursuit of these degrees can pave the way for them to join

industries linked to clean and renewable energy as well as technology which could be used for agriculture.

“Maybe (there’s a need for) scholarships, maybe leadership programs for women. And identifying role models in the energy sector, renewable energy sector of successful women leaders, (that can) inspire younger females to take up science and technology in college and university. So there’s a lot of things that can be done, but it just takes time and persistence and it has to start now,” Wicklein said.

During the forum, ADB Department of Communication and Knowledge Advisor Susann Roth noted that in ADB itself, the seven energy directors are all men. She noted that ADB is trying to get at least one woman to occupy this post.

Roth said this shows that even in international organizations, there is room for improvement in terms of increasing women’s participation and leadership roles in climate change-related activities and fields.

Wicklein said ADB is widening its talent pool and reaching out to more women who can be part of the Manila-based multilateral development bank. The ADB, which is positioning itself as the region’s climate bank, has not had a woman president since its foundation in 1966.

“We are actively looking at our recruitment practices, reaching out to women, reaching out to qualified women, but not a woman for the sake of (being) a woman, you call it tokenism, but really targeting women to come to join ADB (and) work with us and stay here. (Unfortunately,) they leave after two years. That doesn’t help also,” Wicklein said.

“So we really want to create a very well balanced workforce, but not only women also other ethnicity. We want to be balanced and you know, (welcome) all kinds of genders and however people identify themselves as,” he added.

In his opening remarks, ADB President Masatsugu Asakawa said ADB is committed to creating opportunities for women to lead as part of their mission to provide $100 billion in climate financing by 2030 while supporting gender responsive climate financing.

Asakawa said this is crucial given that the Conference of Parties (COP) 28 is only a week away. The coming summit will include discussions that will demonstrate that women must be at the center of climate action.

He said supporting women as changemakers is essential to the region’s efforts to combat the ill effects of climate change. Women in the region, two billon-strong, he said, can be a postive force when it comes to climate action.

Senators reprimand tourism exec for rude text messages on budget

also to make very clear that she acted on her own, and without the imprimatur of the Department of Tourism, or any other attached agency or official of the DOT. That being said, Mr. Senate President, she earlier apologized personally to the Senators.”

The DOT chief said Carrion would be investigated for her actions and will receive “the ap propr i ate p enalt y that is appropriate to the impropriety of her actions.” Malacañang announced the appointment of Carrion to the PRA board in September. Stella F. Arnaldo

Continued from A16 Hontiveros thanked her fellow senators for having her back, and said government agencies should have no “sense of entitlement” regarding the hearing of their respective budgets.

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco publicly apologized to the senators on behalf of her

department, and revealed that Carrion also approached her and “demanded” that the DOT budget be prioritized in the hearing. Later, informed about Carrion’s texts to senators, Frasco demanded the latter “issue an immediate and personal apology to all of the senators, including the good Senate President for having acted at the height of impropriety, and

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BusinessMirror

Wednesday, November 22, 2023 Republic of the Philippines

8

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

KODO (PHILIPPINES) INC. Bldg. 1, Panorama Compound 5, Blk 3, Lot 5, Laguna Technopark Annex, Poblacion, City of Biñan, Laguna

November 22, 2023

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

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

NO.

ESTABLISHMENT

1

CBPHIL MANUFACTURING CORP. Lot 3, Sooner Farm Compound, Timbao, City of Biñan, Laguna

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL, POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

DU, SHIWEI

Basic Qualification:

Assistant Plant Manager

Can speak in English and Chinese language and with excellent managerial skills

Brief Job Description: Organize and manage the day-to-day activities for plant operations

Salary Range:

9

Block 1, Lot 1, Phase 2B, Lima Technology Center, Bugtong Na Pulo, City of Lipa, Batangas

10

Php90,000 Php149,999

2

COST PLUS, INC

UTEKAR, MANISH NARAYAN

Basic Qualification:

National Hi-way, Tagapo, City of Santa Rosa, Laguna

Accounting Officer

Must have a degree in Accountancy and must have knowledge in general ledger, books of entry and expert in accounts payable & accounts receivable

Brief Job Description: Create and process of invoices, cross check of invoices with payments and expenses and manage company’s account receivables and payables

11

Unit 1-5 Orient Goldcrest, Suntrust Ecotown Bldg. 2, Lot 8, Blk. 8, Sahud Ulan, Tanza, Cavite

HUANG, YIXIONG

Basic Qualification:

Production Manager

Must have expertise in a manufacturing company

Brief Job Description: Maintain quality management system and continuously improve product quality

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Island Cove II, Covelandia Road, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

Php30,000 Php59,999 D AND S INDUSTRIES (PHILIPPINES) CORPORATION

LIXIN PLASTIC AND ELECTRONIC COMPANY LTD., INC. Block 1, Lot 1, Phase 2B, Lima Technology Center, Bugtong Na Pulo, City of Lipa, Batangas

Salary Range:

3

LIXIN PLASTIC AND ELECTRONIC COMPANY LTD., INC.

www.businessmirror.com.ph KUBOTA, YUSUKE

Basic Qualification:

Treasurer

College graduate and with experience in managing financial activities

Brief Job Description: Manage and oversee the financial activities and sales operation of the Company

Salary Range:

CHANG, JUI-FENG

Basic Qualification:

Injection Department Operations Senior Manager

Must be Engineering graduate and have knowledge in injection molding

Brief Job Description: Oversee and manage all aspects of the injection molding process to ensure smooth and efficient operation

Salary Range:

LIANG, QI

Basic Qualification:

Mold Department Senior Manager

Must have at least 7 years of work experience in plastic mold and tooling management

Brief Job Description: Monitor and manage the work assignments and personnel for the tool room and plastic manufacturing Engineering department

Salary Range:

Island Cove II, Covelandia Road, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

Php150,000 Php499,999

Able to speak, read and write Chinese and Burmese language

Lot C2-9, Carmelray Industrial Park II, Milagrosa, City of Calamba, Laguna

TEJIMA, YOSHIAKI

Basic Qualification:

Director

With at least 10 years of experience in tube assembly/ wire harness manufacturing, able to speak Japanese language

Brief Job Description: Develop and execute business strategies to achieve short- and longterm goals

13

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Island Cove II, Covelandia Road, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

Php90,000 Php149,999

Chinese Customer Service Representative

Able to speak, read and write Chinese language

5

HONDA PARTS MANUFACTURING CORPORATION 101 North Science Avenue, Laguna Technopark, Phase II, Biñan, City of Biñan, Laguna

SHIKATA, ATSUSHI

Basic Qualification:

CEQ and General Manager – Quality Control Division

Must have expertise and specialization on the specific functions, business acumen, strategic planning skills and strong global network

Brief Job Description: Support quality control division associates in understanding their roles and responsibilities and to improve organization structure

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Island Cove II, Covelandia Road, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

Chinese Customer Service Representative

Able to speak, read and write Chinese language

Salary Range:

Island Cove II, Covelandia Road, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

Php90,000 – Php149,999 HONDA PHILIPPINES, INC. Lot 34, Phase 1-B, Road 3, First Philippine Industrial Park, Ulango, City of Tanauan, Batangas

EBARA, TAKAYUKI

Basic Qualification:

Assistant to the President

Must have a Bachelors’ degree major in International Trade / Marketing / Business Management and exceptional communication skills in Nihongo (preferably JLPT N2-N1 passer) and English language

Brief Job Description: Recommend strategic programs in implementing business goals in line with global Honda directions

Chinese Customer Service Representative

Able to speak, read and write Chinese language

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Island Cove II, Covelandia Road, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

Chinese Customer Service Representative

Able to speak, read and write Chinese language

JAE PHILIPPINES, INC.

TANAKA, GO

Basic Qualification:

JPI Bldg., Linares Extension, Gateway Business Park, Javalera, City of General Trias, Cavite

General Manager for Finish Goods Production & Engineering

Must possess wide technical & engineering knowledge of products & processes used in the manufacture of electronic connectors & harness.

Brief Job Description: Oversee the production operations (harness) including product development, sustaining engineering and technical procedures and programs in manufacturing

Salary Range: Php500,000 and above

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Island Cove II, Covelandia Road, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

Php30,000 Php59,999

Basic Qualification:

Chinese Customer Service Representative

Able to speak, read and write Chinese language

Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

17

Salary Range:

LIU, HAITAO

Php90,000 Php149,999 7

Php30,000 Php59,999

Basic Qualification:

Brief Job Description: Salary Range:

Salary Range:

HU, ZIQI

Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

16

Php30,000 Php59,999 Basic Qualification:

Brief Job Description: 6

Salary Range:

GAO, YANYAN

Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP.

Php30,000 Php59,999 Basic Qualification:

Brief Job Description:

15

Salary Range:

CHEN, CHANGCHUAN

Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries 14

Php30,000 Php59,999 Basic Qualification:

Brief Job Description:

Salary Range:

Salary Range:

CAI, RUIJIAN

Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries HEWTECH PHILIPPINES CORP.

Php30,000 Php59,999

Burmese Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description:

4

Salary Range:

Basic Qualification:

Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP.

Php30,000 Php59,999

KYAW SWAR SOE

Brief Job Description:

12

Php60,000 Php89,999

Salary Range: Php30,000 Php59,999

LIU, MINGJUAN

Basic Qualification:

Chinese Customer Service Representative

Able to speak, read and write Chinese language

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

Salary Range: Php30,000 Php59,999

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph 18

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Island Cove II, Covelandia Road, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

SHEN, MINGZHEN

Basic Qualification:

Chinese Customer Service Representative

Able to speak, read and write Chinese language

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries.

19

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Island Cove II, Covelandia Road, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

20

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Island Cove II, Covelandia Road, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

Chinese Customer Service Representative

Able to speak, read and write Chinese language

21

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Island Cove II, Covelandia Road, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

22

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Island Cove II, Covelandia Road, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

Able to speak, read and write Chinese and Indonesian language

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Island Cove II, Covelandia Road, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

Taiwanese Customer Service

Able to speak, read and write Chinese and Taiwanese language

Brief Job Description:

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Island Cove II, Covelandia Road, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

Able to speak, read and write Chinese and Vietnamese language

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Island Cove II, Covelandia Road, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

30

Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

Able to speak, read and write Chinese and Vietnamese language

Salary Range:

Basic Qualification:

Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

Able to speak, read and write Chinese and Vietnamese language

Php30,000 Php59,999

VY VAN VINH

Basic Qualification:

Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

Able to speak, read and write Chinese and Vietnamese language

Salary Range: Php30,000 Php59,999

TOYODA, HIROYUKI

Basic Qualification:

Vice President

Must be fluent in English and Japanese language and must have 10-year experience in plastics or chemical sales.

Brief Job Description: Develop and prepare proposal to prospective clients by reviewing their areas of needs and offering them the company’s available product that will best suit their requirements for their consideration

Salary Range: Php150,000 Php499,999

ZHANG, XINGGUO

Basic Qualification:

Business Development Manager

Must be fluent in reading and speaking Chinese language and with knowledge in transformer manufacturing

Brief Job Description: Responsible for the development of the company global customer and ensure customers’ demands properly attended

Salary Range:

NEWLY EVER RISE ELECTRONICS-PHILIPPINE BRANCH Block 4, Lot 4, Phase 2, Cavite Economic Zone, Tejeros Convention, Rosario, Cavite

32

PANASONIC MANUFACTURING PHILIPPINES CORPORATION San Isidro, Taytay, Rizal/ Laguna Technopark, Don Jose, City of Santa Rosa, Laguna

PENG, PENG

Basic Qualification:

Power Supply Technical Adviser

Must be fluent in reading and speaking Chinese language and must have knowledge in transformer manufacturing

Brief Job Description: Give important advice and supervise the manufacturing activities and personnel in applying established principles aimed to eliminate manufacturing difficulties in accordance with the standards

Salary Range: Php30,000 Php59,999

KAMADA, RYOICHIRO

Basic Qualification:

Sales Adviser

Must have at least 5 years work experience as Sales and Marketing Staff in electric work business

Brief Job Description: Plan and direct the implementation of new product development to ensure the timely introduction of products that respond to consumer needs

Salary Range: Php90,000 Php149,999

Salary Range: Php30,000 Php59,999

PHAN MINH THUY

Basic Qualification:

Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

Able to speak, read and write Chinese and Vietnamese language

Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

Salary Range:

Php30,000 Php59,999

Php30,000 Php59,999

NGUYEN THI NGOC

NEWLY EVER RISE ELECTRONICS-PHILIPPINE BRANCH Block 4, Lot 4, Phase 2, Cavite Economic Zone, Tejeros Convention, Rosario, Cavite

Php30,000 Php59,999

Basic Qualification:

Brief Job Description:

NAGASE PHILIPPINES INTERNATIONAL SERVICES CORPORATION Unit 4, 125 North Science Avenue, Phase 2, Laguna Technopark, Biñan, City of Biñan, Laguna

Salary Range:

NGUYEN THI KIM NGAN

Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

25

29

31

Brief Job Description:

Able to speak, read and write Chinese and Vietnamese language

Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

Php30,000 Php59,999

Basic Qualification:

Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

24

Island Cove II, Covelandia Road, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

Salary Range:

NGUYEN THANH HAI

Brief Job Description:

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP.

Php30,000 Php59,999

Basic Qualification:

Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

23

28

Salary Range:

LI, CHIA-JUNG

Brief Job Description:

Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

Php30,000 Php59,999

Indonesian Customer Service Representative

Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

Basic Qualification:

Brief Job Description:

Salary Range:

Basic Qualification:

Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

TRUONG VAN BE

Brief Job Description:

MARIANA

Brief Job Description:

Island Cove II, Covelandia Road, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

Php30,000 Php59,999

Basic Qualification:

Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP.

Salary Range:

TANG, LUWEI

Brief Job Description:

27

Wednesday, November 22, 2023

33

PHISONIC TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION Unit A1, Blk. 1, Lot 6, Phase 2, Golden Gate Business Park, Buenavista II, City of General Trias, Cavite

XIAO, DONGMING

Basic Qualification:

Surface Mount Technology Manager

Must be graduate of any Bachelor’s degree and have the ability to work with cross functional teams

Brief Job Description: Monitor employee work performance relative to expectations and maintain material workflow through the facility daily

Salary Range: Php60,000 Php89,999

Salary Range: Php30,000 Php59,999

Any person in the Philippines who is competent, able and willing to perform the services for which the foreign national is desired may file an objection at DOLE Regional Office IV-A located at 3rd and 4th Floors, Andenson Building II, Parian, Calamba City, Laguna, within 30 days after this publication.

Please inform DOLE Regional Office IV-A if you have any information on criminal offense committed by the foreign nationals.

26

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Island Cove II, Covelandia Road, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

TRAN VONG BAU

Basic Qualification:

Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

Able to speak, read and write Chinese and Vietnamese language

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

Salary Range: Php30,000 Php59,999

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

A7

A6 A8

BusinessMirror

Wednesday, November 22, 2023

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

66 GLOBAL SOLUTIONS INC. 5/f 6/f 7/f And 10/f Ssk Building, Block 7 Lot 5 Kennedy Road Cor. Mindanao Avenue, Don Galo, City Of Parañaque

CHEN SOOK FOON Admin Manager 1.

Brief Job Description: Oversee all support and clerical work within a company.

CHEN, LIZHEN IT Technical Mandarin 2.

Brief Job Description: Oversee all support and clerical work within a company.

No.

14.

Basic Qualification: Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.

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

15.

Basic Qualification: Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.

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

3.

Brief Job Description: Oversee all support and clerical work within a company.

Basic Qualification: Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 17.

KELVIN CHONG YU CHOI IT Technical Mandarin 4.

Brief Job Description: Oversee all support and clerical work within a company.

Basic Qualification: Excellent communication skills. Both verbal and written.

Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999 18.

LE, ZHIQIANG IT Technical Mandarin 5.

Brief Job Description: Oversee all support and clerical work within a company.

Basic Qualification: Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 19.

LI, JINGJING IT Technical Mandarin 6.

7.

8.

9.

Brief Job Description: Perform diagnostic test and troubleshooting to identify client’s issues.

LI, ZHIJIANG IT Technical Mandarin Brief Job Description: Oversee all support and clerical work within a company.

LIU, JUN IT Technical Mandarin Brief Job Description: Oversee all support and clerical work within a company.

LIU, ZHONG IT Technical Mandarin Brief Job Description: Oversee all support and clerical work within a company.

NG CHUN YIN IT Technical Mandarin 10.

Brief Job Description: Perform diagnostic test and troubleshooting to identify client’s issues.

NGUYEN THI HONG IT Technical Mandarin 11.

12.

Brief Job Description: Perform diagnostic test and troubleshooting to identify client’s issues.

NGUYEN THI VAN ANH IT Technical Mandarin Brief Job Description: Oversee all support and clerical work within a company.

Basic Qualification: At least an Associate’s Degree in Computer Science, Networking or Programming.

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

Basic Qualification: Excellent communication skills, verbal and written.

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

Basic Qualification: Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.

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

Basic Qualification: At least an Associate’s Degree in Computer Science, Networking or Programming.

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

Basic Qualification: Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.

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

TRUONG NGOC ANH IT Technical Mandarin Brief Job Description: Oversee all support and clerical work within a company.

Brief Job Description: Perform diagnostic test and troubleshooting to identify client’s issues.

WANG, ZHUSHENG IT Technical Mandarin Brief Job Description: Oversee all support and clerical work within a company.

XU, ZHONGSHENG IT Technical Mandarin Brief Job Description: Oversee all support and clerical work within a company.

YANG, TUOTUO IT Technical Mandarin Brief Job Description: Oversee all support and clerical work within a company.

AGUS WIJAYA Indonesian Speaking Customer Service Officer 20.

Brief Job Description: Manage a large amount of calls, and handle customer concerns.

ANGELINE PUTRI SALSABILLA Indonesian Speaking Customer Service Officer 21.

Brief Job Description: Manage large amount of calls, and handle customers’ concerns.

ANJANI MELENIA Indonesian Speaking Customer Service Officer 22.

Basic Qualification: At least an Associate’s Degree in Computer Science, Networking or Programming.

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

Brief Job Description: Oversee all support and clerical work within a company.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.

No.

27.

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

Basic Qualification: Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.

Brief Job Description: Manage large amount of calls, and handle customers’ concerns.

CHRISTINE Indonesian Speaking Customer Service Officer 23.

Brief Job Description: Manage large amount of calls, and handle customers’ concerns.

DAVID Indonesian Speaking Customer Service Officer 24.

Brief Job Description: Manage large amount of calls, and handle customers’ concerns.

KENNETH LOUIS FAVIAN Indonesian Speaking Customer Service Officer 25.

Brief Job Description: Manage a large amount of calls, and handle customer concerns.

RASOOL, GHULAM Sales Manager 28.

13.

Brief Job Description: Oversee all support and clerical work within a company.

Basic Qualification: Excellent communication skills. Both verbal and written.

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

LIDYO Indonesian Speaking Customer Service Officer 26.

Brief Job Description: Manage a large amount of calls, and handle customer concerns.

Brief Job Description: Achieve growth and hit sales targets by successfully managing the sales team. Design and implement a strategic business plan that expands company’s customer base and ensure its strong presence.

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

Basic Qualification: Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.

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

HO TUYET ANH Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative 29.

Basic Qualification: Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.

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

Brief Job Description: Provides services to products, promotion website connection issues and others via chat or email or QQ.

LY MY YEN Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative 30.

Brief Job Description: Provides services to products, promotion website connection issues and others via chat or email or QQ.

Basic Qualification: Excellent communication skills. Both verbal and written.

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

Basic Qualification: Excellent in reading, writing, and speaking in foreign languages.

ZHAN, XIAOJING Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative 31.

32.

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

Basic Qualification: Foreign language speaking.

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

33.

34.

Brief Job Description: Perform data and facilitate in delivery to all end users.

Brief Job Description: Review diagnostics and assess the functionality and efficiency of systems.

Brief Job Description: Develop and maintain standard operating procedures for all business functions.

JIANG, JIA-RU Mandarin Speaking Technical Support Manager 35.

Basic Qualification: Excellent in reading, writing and speaking in foreign language.

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

MA, JING Mandarin Speaking Data Analyst

HUYNH BOI LINH Mandarin Speaking Operations Specialist

Basic Qualification: Excellent in reading, writing and speaking in foreign language.

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

Brief Job Description: Provides services to products, promotes website connection issues and others via chat or email or QQ.

CHIU, CHE-HENG Mandarin Speaking HR Specialist

Basic Qualification: Excellent in reading, writing and speaking in foreign language.

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

Brief Job Description: Manages departmental budget and tracks spending on equipment.

WANG, LEI Mandarin Speaking Technical Support Specialist 36.

Brief Job Description: Places software into production by loading software into a computer and entering necessary commands.

Basic Qualification: Excellent in reading, writing, and speaking in foreign languages.

WU, YU-MIN Mandarin Speaking Technical Support Specialist

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

Basic Qualification: Excellent in reading, writing, and speaking in foreign languages.

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

Basic Qualification: Foreign language speaking.

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

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Finance, Business Administration, or similar, a Master’s degree in a relevant field will be advantageous and at least two years of experience as a sales manager.

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

ACSTREAM MANAGEMENT INC. 9/f Sterling Centre, 131 Dela Rosa Cor. Ormaza Sts., San Lorenzo, City Of Makati

37.

PAN, SHUOYANG IT Technical Mandarin

Brief Job Description: Manage large amounts of calls, and handle customers’ concerns.

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

786 RABIA TRADING INC. L 14 & 16 B18 Unit E, Bf Resort Drive Bf Resort Village, Talon Dos, City Of Las Piñas

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

Basic Qualification: At least an Associate’s Degree in Computer Science, Networking or Programming.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION NORMA ELSE CAROLINA Indonesian Speaking Customer Service Officer

7 PRIME TECH, INC. 10/f Ewestpod, Eton Westend Square, Yakal St. Cor. Don Chino Roces Ave., San Antonio, City Of Makati

Basic Qualification: Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.

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

SHIA, YI-SHIUAN A.K.A. HSIA, YI-HSUAN IT Technical Mandarin

VU THI LAN HUONG IT Technical Mandarin 16.

GENG, XIAONAN IT Technical Mandarin

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Brief Job Description: Places software into production by loading software into a computer and entering necessary commands.

Basic Qualification: Good verbal and written communication skills in Mandarin language.

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

Basic Qualification: Good verbal and written communication skills in Mandarin language.

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

Basic Qualification: Good verbal and written communication skills in Mandarin language and at least 6 months of related experience in this field.

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

Basic Qualification: Good verbal and written communication skills in Mandarin language.

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

Basic Qualification: Good verbal and written communication skills in Mandarin language and at least 6 months of related experience in this field.

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

Basic Qualification: Good verbal and written communication skills in Mandarin language and at least 6 months of related experience in this field.

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

Basic Qualification: Good verbal and written communication skills in Mandarin language.

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

Basic Qualification: Good verbal and written communication skills in Mandarin language and at least 6 months of related experience in this field.

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

Basic Qualification: Good verbal and written communication skills in Mandarin language and at least 6 months of related experience in this field.

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

ADVANCE BEYOND INTERNATIONAL CONSULTING, INC. Unit 511 Campos Rueda Bldg., 101 Urban Ave., Pio Del Pilar, City Of Makati

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION AN, YU Client Support Specialist

38.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

Brief Job Description: Provide support to all leads and existing customers, focusing on increasing customer satisfaction, building relationships, and achieving revenue goals. Provide timely and accurate responses to customer inquiries and reports, knowledge of industry trends, and market intelligence with team members.

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

Basic Qualification: Can speak, write, and type in Mandarin language.

No.

47.

48.

39.

Brief Job Description: Manage and oversee the execution of projects under responsibility to ensure that all projects are done according to plan and objectives.

YUAN, FENG Marketing Manager Brief Job Description: Oversee and monitor the marketing material.

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

ALL DIRECTIONS TRAVEL AND TOUR INC. 1960, A. Mabini St., Barangay 701, Malate, City Of Manila

YU, LIYONG Chinese Consultant

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Basic Qualification: Vocational/College level or Graduate. Must have relevant business and employee management working experience or similar field.

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

HAN, YINJI Project Manager Brief Job Description: Plan and develop the project idea.

WILCZYNSKI, MARTIN RAFAEL Global Operations Manager

40.

Brief Job Description: Standardize and integrate local controlling processes and practices. Act as key contact for corporate controlling in a country and standardize/integrate local controlling processes and practices (incl. legal entity controlling).

Ensure implementation of and adherence to global controlling strategy and directives and implementation and operation of global and local systems, tools and processes as well as alignment of global guidance with local specifics. Strive for continued process optimization, synergies and innovation.

49.

50.

51.

52.

Salary Range: Php 500,000 and above 53.

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

YANG, WANWEI Key Accounts Specialist Consultant 41.

Brief Job Description: Oversee the relationships of the company with Chinese clients and responsible for obtaining and maintaining long-term key customers by comprehending their requirements.

42.

Brief Job Description: Providing data analytics and data management for the company.

TANG WAI HONG Operations Analyst 43.

Brief Job Description: Providing data analytics and data management for the company.

TONG, WENJING Operations Analyst 44.

Brief Job Description: Providing data analytics and data management for the company.

Basic Qualification: Can develop strong positive relationships with executive and management contacts and able to speak and communicate using Mandarin language.

Brief Job Description: Manage train and monitor team members.

45.

Brief Job Description: Overseeing daily business activities.

GONG, YUHE Billing And Collection Supervisor Brief Job Description: Manage billing and collection.

WEI TAO Cost Analyst - Construction Brief Job Description: Field cost support, and interface with cost engineer.

DONG NENG Field Office Supervisor Brief Job Description: Supervise field construction techniques.

LONG DINGHUA Field Office Supervisor Brief Job Description: Supervise construction techniques.

ZHU, JUN Field Office Supervisor 54.

Brief Job Description: Prepare regular reports on expenses and office budgets.

Maintain and update company databases.

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

46.

Brief Job Description: Review all commercial plans to deliver maximum margin.

62.

Basic Qualification: 3 to 5 yrs. of working experience.

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree holder, and construction management work experience.

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

63.

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

Basic Qualification: Has extensive experience in data analytics and data management and is proficient and able to communicate in Mandarin or any Chinese language.

55.

56.

WU YILIN HR Generalist Brief Job Description: Responsible for creating new onboarding plans.

LEI HAOLAN HR Manager/Document Controller Brief Job Description: Conduct interviews and strategic planning.

ZHANG, JUNLIN Motor Pool Supervisor 57.

Brief Job Description: Supervised mechanics and staffs in repairs, rescue and other motor pool assignments.

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

Basic Qualification: Has extensive experience in data analytics and data management and is proficient and able to communicate in Mandarin or any Chinese language.

58.

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

WANG YU Operation Supervisor Brief Job Description: Maintain and provide efficient backup supply.

XIONG, KUI Project Coordinator 59.

Basic Qualification: Must know how to speak Mandarin and English languages.

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

Basic Qualification: 3 to 5 yrs. of working experience.

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

Brief Job Description: Ensure all projects are delivered on time, and develop detailed programs.

YUAN SHUAI Site Superintendent Brief Job Description: Direct day-to-day construction activities.

64.

Brief Job Description: Responsible in operating of Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) according to tunneling parameters.

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

WU, LICHAO Mandarin Customer Support Representative 65.

Basic Qualification: Technical experience in construction management supply.

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

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree holder and construction management work experience.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for ensuring schedules/assisting managers in administrative tasks.

LIU, LAIJIN Project Development Officer 60.

Brief Job Description: Monitor progress milestones of PPP. Conduct research on the development of PPP.

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

BENAMEUR, ALIX JEAN PIERRE Project Manager 66.

61.

Brief Job Description: Planning and overseeing projects.

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree holder, and construction management work experience.

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

Basic Qualification: Hydraulic project experience, and TBM expertise.

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

Basic Qualification: With Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science or any related course, with a minimum of 1-year IT experience and able to speak and write in Mandarin language.

Brief Job Description: Organize and supervise the preparation of all deliverables, and ensure quality of all deliverables and delivery in a timely manner.

Basic Qualification: Master’s Degree in Engineering.

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

ELECTRO NATION CORPORATION 3188 3g 3f Shi Yunzhi Bldg., Teacher’s Village, Gen. T. De Leon, City Of Valenzuela

HUANG, CHAOGANG Inside Sales Representative – Bilingual (Mandarin) Brief Job Description: Sell products, communicate with customers, and making outbound calls to potential customers.

Basic Qualification: Must speak, read and write Mandarin language.

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

ENOVELL-TECH Unit 506, The Boni Tower, Plainview, City Of Mandaluyong

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

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree holder, and construction HR management work experience.

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

68.

Basic Qualification: Excellent interpersonal skills and Mandarin language fluency.

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

Basic Qualification: Supervisory skills, and knowledgeable in Tunnel Boring Machine parts.

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

Basic Qualification: Technical work experience in construction management supply.

Brief Job Description: Facilitate communication between parties who speak two different languages.

LEI, YULIANG Logistic Manager 69.

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

70.

YAN, BOXIANG Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Assisting clients by providing information on services.

LI, XIAOBING Marketing Consultant 71.

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree holder, and construction management work experience.

FW HOLDINGS CORPORATION 599, P. Ocampo St., Barangay 729, Malate, City Of Manila

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

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

Basic Qualification: Proven experience as Logistic Manager, excellent communication, interpersonal and presentation skills.

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

Basic Qualification: Fluent in written and verbal Mandarin and English languages.

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

FUN J. SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT CORP. Unit 1202 12th Floor Lot 7 Block 5 One World Place 32nd Street, Bonifacio Global City, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

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

Basic Qualification: Construction work experience, and TBM expertise.

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

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

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

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree holder, and construction management work experience.

Basic Qualification: Proven experience as Mandarin Technical Project Manager.

FIBERHOME PHILS., INC. 20/f Nex Tower, 6786 Ayala Ave., San Lorenzo, City Of Makati

Brief Job Description: Write report with suggestion for improvements new ideas.

FUNG, YIU SING Executive Chef 72.

CHEN, JUNJIE Project Manager

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

EGIS RAIL PHILIPPINES INC. Unit 703 Citystate Center, 709 Shaw Blvd., Oranbo, City Of Pasig

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

Basic Qualification: College graduate. With previous Construction Management work experience prior to his employment.

Basic Qualification: Technical work experience in construction supervision.

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

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

Basic Qualification: Construction management work experience and bachelor’s degree holder.

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

DIGISPARK TECH CORP. Unit 3 16th Floor Ore Central Building, 31st Street Corner 9th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City Fort, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

Basic Qualification: Excellent interpersonal skills and Mandarin language fluency.

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

CHEN, SHAOQING Commercial Manager

WU XIAOWEI Project Manager

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

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

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

HOU, LIGUO Mandarin Technical Project Manager

Basic Qualification: Has extensive experience in data analytics and data management and is proficient and able to communicate in Mandarin or any Chinese language.

CEEC TOWER INC. Unit 3208 & 3209, 32nd Floor High Street South Corporate Plaza Tower 2, 26th St. Cor. 11th Ave. Bonifacio Global City, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

YANG, SHA Executive General Manager

Basic Qualification: 3 to 5 yrs. of working experience.

No.

67.

CASPO INCORPORATED 43/f, 45/f, 49/f Pbcom Tower, 6795 Ayala Ave. Cor. V.a. Rufino St., Bel-air, City Of Makati

AGUSTIANTO Operations Analyst

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

BAI, JUNXIANG TBM Specialist WANG JINCHAO Assistant Supervisor

A9

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

CHINA INTERNATIONAL WATER AND ELECTRIC CORP. (BRANCH OFFICE) 5/f, Two E-com Mall Of Asia Complex Bldg., Harbor Drive St., District 1, Barangay 76, Pasay City

BAYER BUSINESS SERVICES PHILIPPINES, INC. 6th Floor Science Hub Tower 1, Campus Avenue Corner Turin Street, Mckinleyhill Cyberpark, Pinagsama, City Of Taguig

Basic Qualification: Master’s degree in Economics or Finance. A minimum of 5 years of supervisory or management experience with increasing responsibility. A minimum of 10 years of experience in Controlling, preferably business budgeting, control, procurement chain and strategic planning.

Preferably 3-5 years of relevant work experience in an international environment. Experience with developing and implementing accounting and finance principles and practices. Project management of larger projects. Senior Financial & Management responsibilities preferably experience with multiple business groups or businesses, experience working in international organizations.

Wednesday, November 22, 2023

Brief Job Description: Ensuring promptness, freshness and quality of dishes.

Coordinating cook’s tasks.

Basic Qualification: Ability to think strategically and analytically.

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

Basic Qualification: College graduate. With previous work experience in a related position.

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

GIGA INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT INC. 2/f Lipam’s Building, 40 Presidents Avenue, B. F. Homes, City Of Parañaque

BusinessMirror

A10 A6 Wednesday, November 22, 2023

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION LI, JUNQI Chinese Customer Service Representative

73.

74.

77.

78.

79.

80.

81.

DHIMAS ADI NUGRAHA Indonesian Account Specialist

Basic Qualification: Exceptional ability to provide technical support and resolve queries.

Brief Job Description: Maintaining hardware and software installations.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for ensuring an organization remains in good financial standing.

Brief Job Description: Evaluating reporting system in place and developing new ones.

83.

85.

Basic Qualification: Foreign language speaking.

IHSAN MUHAISIN NASUTION Indonesian IT Support Specialist Brief Job Description: Maintaining hardware and software installations.

Basic Qualification: Exceptional ability to provide technical support and resolve queries.

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

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

Brief Job Description: Maintaining hardware and software installations.

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

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

RUWIDAH SUWANI Indonesian IT Support Specialist

Basic Qualification: Foreign language speaking.

Brief Job Description: Maintaining hardware and software installations.

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

95.

96.

97.

98.

99.

100.

Basic Qualification: Foreign language speaking.

101.

102.

103.

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

86.

Brief Job Description: Collaborate with cross-functional, teams to translate digital, strategies into product deliverables.

Basic Qualification: Exceptional ability to provide technical support and resolve queries.

104.

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

Basic Qualification: Foreign language speaking.

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

87.

88.

Brief Job Description: Collaborate with cross-functional, teams to translate digital, strategies into product deliverables.

Brief Job Description: Collaborate with cross-functional, teams to translate digital, strategies into product deliverables.

Brief Job Description: Collaborate with cross-functional, teams to translate digital, strategies into product deliverables.

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

Basic Qualification: Foreign language speaking.

Basic Qualification: Foreign language speaking.

Basic Qualification: Foreign language speaking.

107.

Basic Qualification: Foreign language speaking.

Basic Qualification: Foreign language speaking.

Brief Job Description: Supervises the performance of training activities.

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

BENEDIKTA JUNIATI Indonesian Trainer

Basic Qualification: Foreign language speaking.

Brief Job Description: Supervises the training activities of the company.

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

BILLY NATANAEL LEPA Indonesian Trainer

Basic Qualification: Foreign language speaking.

Brief Job Description: Supervises the performance of training activities.

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

CARWYLLO Indonesian Trainer

Basic Qualification: Foreign language speaking.

Brief Job Description: Supervises the performance of training activities.

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

MELI SARTIKA Indonesian Trainer

Basic Qualification: Foreign language speaking.

Brief Job Description: Supervises the performance of training activities.

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

MUHAMMAD RIZKY Indonesian Trainer

Basic Qualification: Foreign language speaking.

Brief Job Description: Supervises the performance of training activities.

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

UCI LELI HARIATI SINAGA Indonesian Trainer

Basic Qualification: Foreign language speaking.

Brief Job Description: Supervises the training activities of the company.

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

VERNANDO Indonesian Trainer

Basic Qualification: Foreign language speaking.

Brief Job Description: Supervises the performance of training activities.

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

DESI Indonesian Retention Specialist

Basic Qualification: Foreign language speaking.

Brief Job Description: Maintaining hardware and software installations.

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

VIOLITA DEVI Indonesian Trainer

Basic Qualification: Foreign language speaking.

Brief Job Description: Supervises the training activities of the company.

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

YUNG HUI IRWAN Indonesian Trainer

Basic Qualification: Foreign language speaking.

Brief Job Description: Supervises the performance of training activities.

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

Brief Job Description: Answering employee questions regarding computer system.

112.

113.

114.

115.

89.

Brief Job Description: Collaborate with cross-functional, teams to translate digital, strategies into product deliverables.

RHOMA ORAMA MUSTAFA Indonesian Retention Specialist 90.

Brief Job Description: Collaborate with cross-functional, teams to translate digital, strategies into product deliverables.

Basic Qualification: Foreign language speaking.

108.

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

Basic Qualification: Foreign language speaking.

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

109.

Brief Job Description: Assist customers through chat or email.

CHEN, HSIANG-LIN Mandarin Customer Service Staff Brief Job Description: Assist customers through chat or email.

CHEN, YAO-HUI Mandarin Customer Service Staff Brief Job Description: Assist customers through chat or email.

HSU, SHAO-CHIEN Mandarin Customer Service Staff Brief Job Description: Assist customers through chat or email.

LIU, YU-CHIAO Mandarin Customer Service Staff Brief Job Description: Assist customers through chat or email.

LO, CHUNG-HUNG Mandarin Customer Service Staff Brief Job Description: Assist customers through chat or email.

SU, YU-HAN Mandarin Customer Service Staff Brief Job Description: Assist customers through chat or email.

TONG, ZHOU Accounts Officer (Mandarin Speaking) 116.

Basic Qualification: Mandarin language speaking and skilled in using MS office with 1-year work experience.

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

Brief Job Description: To create and maintain, extensive financial and process payment.

JONY ANDREAS Indonesian Customer Support Representative 117.

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

CHIENG GUI SIN Malaysian Customer Support Representative Brief Job Description: Support customers by providing helpful information, answering questions and responding to complaints.

MA, MING Mandarin Customer Support Representative 119.

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

Basic Qualification: Foreign language speaking.

Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999 YANG, FEI Mandarin Customer Support Representative Basic Qualification: Foreign language speaking.

Basic Qualification: Mandarin language speaking and skilled in using MS office with 1-year work experience.

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

Basic Qualification: Mandarin language speaking and skilled in using MS office with 1-year work experience.

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

Basic Qualification: Mandarin language speaking and skilled in using MS office with 1-year work experience.

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

Basic Qualification: Mandarin language speaking and skilled in using MS office with 1-year work experience.

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

Basic Qualification: Mandarin language speaking and skilled in using MS office with 1-year work experience.

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

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Chinese dialect (Mandarin, Fukien, Cantonese).

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

INVECH TREASURE PROCESSING CORPORATION 2nd, 3rd, 4th & 5th Floor Building E, Six West Campus, Le Grand Avenue, Mckinley Hill, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

120.

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

GLVICTORY TECHNOLOGY INC. Unit 1, 14/f 6789 Tower, Ayala Ave., Bel-air, City Of Makati

CHAO, BO-XIANG Mandarin Customer Service Staff

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

INFINI CONSULTANCY GROUP INC. Rm 2a 2/f Ma Daniel Bldg., 470 San Andres Cor. M H Del Pilar Sts., Barangay 701, Malate, City Of Manila

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

THANT ZIN AUNG Myanmari Customer Support Specialist 121.

RAHMAT WIRAHMAN Indonesian Retention Specialist

Brief Job Description: Assist customers through chat or email.

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

AULIA SAFIRA PUTRI Indonesian Trainer

SHIN, HAE KYUN Korean IT Support Specialist

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

CHEN, HUNG-YU a.k.a. HANK CHEN Mandarin Customer Service Staff

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

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

Brief Job Description: Answering employee questions regarding computer system.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Basic Qualification: Foreign language speaking.

Brief Job Description: Collaborate with cross-functional, teams to translate digital, strategies into product deliverables.

JANG, JAEYOUNG Korean IT Support Specialist 106.

ARCHIUS VICTOR NOFANGANDO BIDAYA Indonesian Retention Specialist

Brief Job Description: Collaborate with cross-functional, teams to translate digital, strategies into product deliverables.

110.

118.

105.

ALOYSIUS ARLIANTO Indonesian Retention Specialist

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

YULIANA WIJAYA Indonesian Retention Specialist

Basic Qualification: Foreign language speaking.

Brief Job Description: Collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate digital, strategies into product deliveries.

Brief Job Description: Maintaining hardware and software installations.

94.

Basic Qualification: Exceptional ability to provide technical support and resolve queries.

Basic Qualification: Foreign language speaking.

WILLY VIRGO Indonesian IT Support Specialist

93.

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

KHATRINE Indonesian IT Support Specialist

Brief Job Description: Track main industry trends in Korea through blogs, micro blogs and forums.

Brief Job Description: Maintaining hardware and software installations.

No.

111.

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

ERIN Indonesian IT Support Specialist

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Foreign language speaking.

YOGI GIVAN HERLANGGA Indonesian Retention Specialist

Basic Qualification: Exceptional ability to provide technical support and resolve queries.

Brief Job Description: Maintaining hardware and software installations.

92.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

RIO SETIAWAN Indonesian Retention Specialist

SAFRILLAH Indonesian Retention Specialist

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

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

STEFANUS SETIAWAN Indonesian IT Support Specialist 84.

Basic Qualification: Foreign language speaking.

Brief Job Description: Maintaining hardware and software installations.

HERMAN WIJAYA Indonesian IT Support Specialist

91.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

SHINTA NENDY DEVICHA Indonesian Retention Specialist

Basic Qualification: Foreign language speaking.

Brief Job Description: Maintaining hardware and software installations.

No.

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

ADI KURNIAWAN SETIYOBUDI Indonesian IT Support Specialist

LORENZA Indonesian IT Support Specialist 82.

Basic Qualification: Foreign language speaking.

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

FELIX DEMAS RAHARJA Indonesian Finance Officer 76.

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

Brief Job Description: Manage large amount of calls, and handle customer concerns.

MARBULAN Indonesian Comptroller 75.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Basic Qualification: Mandarin language speaking and skilled in using MS office.

Brief Job Description: Experts at their product and their primary duty is to resolve customer issues quickly and efficiently.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Basic Qualification: Mandarin language speaking and skilled in using MS office with 1-year work experience.

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

NGU, NGOC TOAN Vietnamese Customer Support Representative 122.

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

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

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

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

NGUYEN NHAT NAM Vietnamese Customer Support Representative 123.

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

TRAN ANH THU Vietnamese Customer Support Representative 124.

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

NGUYEN, DAO TRUNG HIEU Vietnamese Customer Support Specialist 125.

Brief Job Description: Experts at their product and their primary duty is to resolve customer issues quickly and efficiently.

NGUYEN, MANH TUONG Vietnamese Customer Support Specialist 126.

Brief Job Description: Experts at their product and their primary duty is to resolve customer issues quickly and efficiently.

PHAM, CONG TUAN KHANH Vietnamese Customer Support Specialist 127.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

Brief Job Description: Experts at their product and their primary duty is to resolve customer issues quickly and efficiently.

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Able to speak and write in Vietnamese language and at least college level with related BPO work experience.

No.

136.

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

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

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

LI, SHUROU Chinese Speaking-marketing Operations Manager Brief Job Description: Manage technical aspects of key marketing systems.

137.

Brief Job Description: English or Japanese language translation for development projects and management of engineers.

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

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

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin and Cantonese languages, excellent communication skills, and proven track record of building, training, motivating a marketing/ operations department.

No.

Basic Qualification: University graduate with a bachelor’s degree. Fluent in Japanese and English languages (verbal and written) with Japanese Language Proficiency Test N1. Must have knowledge about Information Technology.

ZENG, ZHONGHUA Chinese Technical Works Supervisor 148.

149.

128.

Brief Job Description: Experts at their product and their primary duty is to resolve customer issues quickly and efficiently.

LI, YI Civil Work Technologies 150.

151.

MMC CONSTRUCTIONS INCORPORATED 6/f Cocofed Bldg., 144 Amorsolo St., San Lorenzo, City Of Makati

LOW SOON HOCK Mandarin HR Officer 138.

Brief Job Description: Observing labor laws and employment legislation across the entire company.

HO WEI GIAP Sales Mandarin Officer 139.

Brief Job Description: Developing and sustaining long-lasting relationships with customer.

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

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

152.

WU, PINGBIN Sales Mandarin Officer 140.

Brief Job Description: Developing and sustaining long-lasting relationships with customer.

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

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

129.

Brief Job Description: Experts at their product and their primary duty is to resolve customer issues quickly and efficiently.

TRAN, BA CUONG Vietnamese Customer Support Specialist 130.

Brief Job Description: Experts at their product and their primary duty is to resolve customer issues quickly and efficiently.

TRAN, DANG KHOA Vietnamese Customer Support Specialist 131.

Brief Job Description: Experts at their product and their primary duty is to resolve customer issues quickly and efficiently.

VU, XUAN BACH Vietnamese Customer Support Specialist 132.

Brief Job Description: Experts at their product and their primary duty is to resolve customer issues quickly and efficiently.

XIN, YONGFU Project Supervisor 141.

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

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

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

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

Brief Job Description: Deliver services and support to end-users using an operating automated call distribution phone software, via remote connection or over the internet.

KIM, HYUN JIN Treasurer 142.

PHYO PHYU NOE President And Chief Executive Officer

Brief Job Description: Recruit employees and conduct orientations, and assist senior HR managers in researching.

NIKO ALFONSO SIHOMBING Indonesian - Customer Service Support 135.

Brief Job Description: Reports on the daily operations of all call center activities performing customer oriented-telephone and activities.

LOVE TRAVEL AGENCY, INC. 2f-9 Gateway Bldg., Cartimar, Taft Ave., Barangay 39, Pasay City

Brief Job Description: Manages the profitability & growth that directs the organization in establishing long-range plans, strategy & policy and creating, communicating and implementing the organization’s vision, mission & overall direction.

PHILIPPINE TRAILBLAZERS TECHNOLOGY CORP. 2f Bachrach Bldg Ii 23rd St., Cor Railroad St., Barangay 653, Port Area, City Of Manila

KOU, SHIJIE Sales Representative

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

Basic Qualification: With relative work experience.

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

Basic Qualification: With relative work experience.

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

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin and English languages both written and verbal.

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

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin and English languages both in written and verbal, and with working knowledge in the field of construction.

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

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin and English languages both in written and verbal, and with working knowledge in the field of construction.

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

Brief Job Description: Serves as primary contact for problem resolution and information gathering regarding customer complaints and work assignment.

155.

Brief Job Description: Serves as primary contact for problem resolution and information gathering regarding customer complaints and work assignment.

Basic Qualification: A native speaker of Vietnamese language and fluent in English language (spoken and written).

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

Basic Qualification: A native speaker of Vietnamese language and fluent in English language (spoken and written).

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

SAGILITY PHILIPPINES B.V. BRANCH OFFICE 12th Floor Plaza E Bldg., Northgate Cyberzone Fcc, Alabang, City Of Muntinlupa

VU QUANG HUY Vietnamese Speaking Associate Brief Job Description: Handle inbound and outbound member, provider, and physician calls. Handle customer service inquiries from members, providers, physicians, and internal and external clients related to pharmacy benefits, while maintaining productivity standards and performance guarantees where applicable.

Basic Qualification: College graduate of any 4-year course or minimum of 2-year college level education with at least 1-year relevant working experience.

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

Salary Range: Php 500,000 and above

Brief Job Description: They ensure that the customer is satisfied and adequately taken care of while making a purchase.

Basic Qualification: Can speak and write Mandarin and English languages fluently.

HARDI SETIAWAN Indonesian Language - Support Officer

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

Brief Job Description: Assist in planning & administration of the organization’s daily operations.

NOVIA ANDRIATI Indonesian Language - Support Officer 146.

Brief Job Description: Assist in planning & administration of the organization’s daily operations.

GOENKA, HEMANT Multilingual Marketing Manager 157.

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

Basic Qualification: Must fluently speak and write Indonesian language to cater to foreign markets.

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

GUO, XINLIAN Mandarin-speaking Operations Management Specialist 158.

Brief Job Description: The Mandarin-speaking product specialist will be a strategist and a leader able to steer the company to the most profitable direction while also implementing its vision, mission and long term goals.

Basic Qualification: Must fluently speak and write Indonesian language to cater to foreign markets.

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

GAO, ZONGYANG Mandarin-speaking Product Specialist 159.

147.

Brief Job Description: Gathers and analyzes information to identify new markets and customers.

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin and English languages.

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

SF EXPRESS PHILIPPINES INC. 4/f Pcci Corporate Center, 118 L.p Leviste St., Bel-air, City Of Makati

PHOENIXFIELD, INC. 7/f Iacademy Plaza, 324 Sen. Gil Puyat Ave, Bel-air, City Of Makati

Basic Qualification: Good understanding of the full recruitment process.

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

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin and English languages both in written and verbal, and with working knowledge in the field of construction.

SCV TEXTILE TRADING, INC. Unit 27g 27/f Burgundy Corporate Tower, 252 Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., Pio Del Pilar, City Of Makati

Basic Qualification: With relative work experience.

Basic Qualification: Possesses bachelor’s degree in any field. Fluent in Bahasa Indonesia language.

154.

Basic Qualification: Must be experienced working for multi-industry in high level roles.

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

LEEKIE ENTERPRISES, INC. 8/f Techzone Bldg., 213 Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., San Antonio, City Of Makati

NGUYEN, TUNG LINH Customer Support Staff - Vietnamese Language

156.

143.

145.

134.

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

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

KNW TECHNOLOGY INC. 103 Equinox Plaza, Sierra Madre, Highway Hills, City Of Mandaluyong

TRAN THI THUY DANH HR Specialist

Brief Job Description: Providing advice on financial matters impacting on the company as a whole.

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s/college degree in any field.

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

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

PEPSI-COLA PRODUCTS PHILIPPINES, INC. 26th Flr., Filinvest Axis Tower Two Bldg., Northgate Cyberzone, Fcc, Alabang, City Of Muntinlupa

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

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

Brief Job Description: Plan all construction operations and schedule intermediate phases to ensure deadlines will be met, and acquire equipment and material and monitor stocks to timely handle inadequacies.

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

ONTOP TOUR OPC Unit 2315 Capital House Building, 9th Avenue Cor. 34th Street, Bonifacio Global City, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

144.

133.

Brief Job Description: Support the development of OHS policies and programs, and advise and instruct on various safetyrelated topics (noise levels, use of machinery).

STEWARD GANI Indonesian-language Customer Support Staff

JIU ZHOU TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL, INC. U-3401 34/f Pbcom Tower, 6795 Ayala Ave. Cor. V.a. Rufino St., Bel-air, City Of Makati

HO YEN DIEN Vietnamese Technical Support Representative

Brief Job Description: Communicating with other team members to ensure that all requirements are met.

Basic Qualification: Demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Brief Job Description: Plan and coordinate administrative procedures and systems to devise ways to streamline processes.

MA, ZUYI Project Manager

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

NEW PBY CONSTRUCTION CORPORATION 21st Floor Menarco Tower, 32nd Street Bonifacio Global City, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig PHAN HONG HANH Vietnamese Customer Support Specialist

Brief Job Description: Manage design, develop, create and maintains smallscale through to large-scale construction projects in a safe, timely and sustainable manner.

CHEN, AIPING Multilingual Safety Officer

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

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

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

Brief Job Description: Manage, design, develop, create, and maintain smallscale through to large-scale construction projects in a safe, timely and sustainable manner.

LI, BOFAN Multilingual Administration Manager

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

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

Brief Job Description: Provides work direction and participates in the construction, installation, operation, maintenance, inspection and repair of electronic, electrical, mechanical, scientific instrumentation, and other various systems.

GOU, QUANTAO Civil Work Technologies

153.

PHAM, XUAN DAT Vietnamese Customer Support Specialist

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

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

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

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

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

MICOWORKS PHILIPPINES, INC. Unit Lg21 Star Centrum Condo, Sen. Gil Puyat Ave. Cor. Malugay St., Bel-air, City Of Makati

HTET HTET LWIN THEIN Product Development Assistant Manager

A11

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

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

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

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

Wednesday, November 22, 2023

HA THI LE QUYEN Vietnamese Language - Marketing Officer

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree holder.

Brief Job Description: Create specific promotions for affiliates.

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

POWERCHINA PHILIPPINES CORPORATION Unit 2101 21/f Bdo Equitable Tower, 8751 Paseo De Roxas, Bel-air, City Of Makati

Brief Job Description: The Mandarin-speaking operation management specialist will be a strategist and a leader able to steer the company to the most profitable direction while also implementing its vision, mission and long term goals.

Basic Qualification: Proven experience as Mandarin-speaking product specialist, excellent communication, interpersonal and presentation skills.

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

Basic Qualification: Proven experience as Mandarin-speaking product specialist, excellent communication, interpersonal and presentation skills.

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

SINOMA HDZC PHILIPPINES CO., INC. Unit 406 4/f National Life Insurance Bldg., 6762 Ayala Ave., San Lorenzo, City Of Makati

BusinessMirror

A12 A6 Wednesday, November 22, 2023

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

CHEN, JIAN Equipment Manager 160.

Brief Job Description: Planning, organizing, directing, controlling, and evaluating projects.

LIN, XIAN Equipment Manager 161.

Brief Job Description: Planning, organizing, directing, controlling, and evaluating projects.

TU, JIANFEI Equipment Manager 162.

Brief Job Description: Planning, organizing, directing, controlling, and evaluating projects.

ZHANG, DENGCHAO Equipment Manager 163.

Brief Job Description: Planning, organizing, directing, controlling, and evaluating projects.

ZHANG, DUOCHAO Equipment Manager 164.

Brief Job Description: Planning, organizing, directing, controlling, and evaluating projects.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Know how to speak, write, and read English language and with 3 to 5 years of work experience.

165.

Brief Job Description: Assist in the planning of the organization’s daily operation.

YOSEPH ANDERSON Indonesian Language - Support Officer 166.

Brief Job Description: Assist in the planning of the organization’s daily operation.

STEPHANIE LIM Indonesian Language-support Officer 167.

Brief Job Description: Assist in the planning and administration of the organization’s daily operation.

173.

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

Basic Qualification: Know how to speak, write, and read English language and with 3 to 5 years of work experience.

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

174.

Basic Qualification: Know how to speak, write, and read English language and with 3 to 5 years of work experience.

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

Basic Qualification: Know how to speak, write, and read English language and with 3 to 5 years of work experience.

175.

Basic Qualification: Know how to speak, write, and read English language and with 3 to 5 years of work experience.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

WANG, LANG Chinese IT Specialist Brief Job Description: Maintain the operations of electronic gaming devices.

CHUONG CAM LIN IT Specialist Brief Job Description: Maintain the operations of electronic gaming devices.

HA THI THIEN IT Specialist Brief Job Description: Maintain the operations of electronic gaming devices.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: College graduate with experience in maintaining gaming devices, and fluent in Mandarin and English languages.

No.

ARANTES SOARES DE SOUSA, DANILO Client Care Associate 176.

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

Brief Job Description: Manage activities requests for support and information and operational issues for visa’s global clients and processors in a 24/7 support model using shared services best practices to align with client and internal expectations.

186.

177.

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

Basic Qualification: College graduate with experience in maintaining gaming devices, and fluent in Mandarin language and gaming devices.

187.

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

Basic Qualification: College graduate with experience in maintaining gaming devices, and fluent in Mandarin and English languages.

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

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree with a 3-5 year’s work experience in payment industry field.

188.

JUNPUTSON, SUCHADA Thai Marketing Specialist 178.

Basic Qualification: Must fluently speak and write Bahasa Indonesian language to cater foreign markets.

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

Brief Job Description: Conduct market research to find answers about consumer requirements, habits and trends.

189.

LIMPANUDOM, JEERAWAN Thai Marketing Specialist 179.

Brief Job Description: Conduct market research to find answers about consumer requirements, habits and trends.

190.

168.

Brief Job Description: Provide professional end-user support via telephone, email or web using one or more languages other than English & Filipino particularly French.

Basic Qualification: Average written & verbal communication skills other than English & Filipino particularly Dutch.

192.

169.

170.

Brief Job Description: Manages daily operations of the IT department.

TAN PEI XIN Malaysian Admin Support Specialist Brief Job Description: Manages daily operations of the IT department.

180.

Brief Job Description: Conduct market research to find answers about consumer requirements, habits and trends.

194.

TONPHAN, PADCHA Thai Marketing Specialist 181.

Basic Qualification: At least 19 years old.

Ability to speak, write and communicate in their respective language.

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

HUYNH THI THUY KIEU Vietnamese Marketing Specialist 182.

Basic Qualification: At least 19 years old.

Ability to speak, write and communicate in their respective language.

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

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

Brief Job Description: Conduct market research to find answers about consumer requirements, habits and trends.

195.

Basic Qualification: Ability to speak, write and communicate in Vietnamese language.

172.

Brief Job Description: Maintain the operations of electronic gaming devices.

TANG, GUIBING Chinese IT Specialist Brief Job Description: Maintain the operations of electronic gaming devices.

WANG, HUI Chinese Language Support Service 196.

Basic Qualification: College graduate with experience in maintaining gaming devices, and fluent in Mandarin and English languages.

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

ZHAO, CHAO Chinese Language Support Service 197.

Brief Job Description: Provide support services across technology programs and projects.

REFKY IRLANDI Indonesian Language Support Service 198.

Brief Job Description: Provide support services across technology programs and projects.

SEBASTIAN WILLY ANDA Indonesian Language Support Service NGUYEN, HOAI KIM THY Vietnamese Marketing Specialist 183.

Brief Job Description: Conduct market research to find answers about consumer requirements, habits and trends.

Basic Qualification: Ability to speak, write and communicate in Vietnamese language.

199.

Brief Job Description: Provide support services across technology programs and projects.

NGUYEN VIET DUC Bilingual Administrative Support 184.

Brief Job Description: Provides administrative support to ensure efficient operation.

THONGMEE, PHOOWANAT Bilingual Marketing Staff 185.

Brief Job Description: Conduct marketing activities. Create promotion of products and services offered by the company and track their success.

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking English and Mandarin languages.

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

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking English and Bahasa languages.

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

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking English and Bahasa languages.

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

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking English and Thai languages.

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

Basic Qualification: Proficient in Mandarin language.

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

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking Chinese language.

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

Basic Qualification: Proficient in Chinese language.

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

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking Chinese language.

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

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking Chinese language.

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

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking Chinese language.

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

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking Chinese language.

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

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking Chinese language.

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

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking Chinese language.

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

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 MAN VA DAU Vietnamese Language Support Service

Basic Qualification: College graduate with experience in maintaining gaming devices, and fluent in Mandarin and English languages.

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

Brief Job Description: Provide support services across technology programs and projects.

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

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

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

171.

Brief Job Description: Provide support services across technology programs and projects.

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking English and Bahasa languages.

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

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

SU, YI Chinese IT Specialist

Brief Job Description: Provide support services across technology programs and projects.

LIN, CHIH-CHUN Chinese Language Support Service

Basic Qualification: Ability to speak, write and communicate in Thai language.

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in English and their respective native language for the position applied for. Fluent in Chinese Mandarin language is an advantage.

Brief Job Description: Provide support services across technology programs and projects.

LI, YANG Chinese Language Support Service

Basic Qualification: Ability to speak, write and communicate in Thai language.

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

Brief Job Description: Provide support services across technology programs and projects.

HU, ZHI Chinese Language Support Service

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

TIAN XIA TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL, INC. 6/f Filinvest Cyberzone Bldg. B, Superblock A Central Business Park 1 Bay City St., Barangay 76, Pasay City

CHIANG, RUEI-PENG a.k.a. CHIANG, CHUN-JUNG Chinese IT Specialist

SOPA, KITTIYAPORN Thai Marketing Specialist

Brief Job Description: Provide support services across technology programs and projects.

GUO, XIAO Chinese Language Support Service

STEFANINI PHILIPPINES, INC. 3f, 5f, 6f Imet Bpo Tower Metro Bldg., Metrobank Ave. Roxas Blvd., Barangay 76, Pasay City

YATCHAME, N’TIKIMI AMOS Multilingual Helpdesk Technician Support

Brief Job Description: Provide support services across technology programs and projects.

CHEN, WEI-TSE Chinese Language Support Service

Basic Qualification: Ability to speak, write and communicate in Thai language.

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

Brief Job Description: Provide support services across technology programs and projects.

SONGTHANONDON, WARAPORN Bilingual Support Service

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

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

Brief Job Description: Provide support services across technology programs and projects.

MERRY Bilingual Support Service

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

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in English and their respective native language for the position applied for. Fluent in Chinese Mandarin language is an advantage.

Brief Job Description: Provide support services across technology programs and projects.

LUCKY HIDAYAT Bilingual Support Service

193.

Basic Qualification: Fluently speak and write Indonesian language to cater foreign markets.

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

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

Brief Job Description: Provide support services across technology programs and projects.

LEONG FOOK WENG Bilingual Support Service

191.

SUN, YU-HSUAN a.k.a. SUN, HSIAO-HUA Chinese Technical Support Representative

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

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

WANFANG TECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENT, INC. 6-9/f Tower 2 Double Dragon Plaza, Edsa Cor. Macapagal Ave., Barangay 76, Pasay City

Basic Qualification: Fluently speak and write Indonesian language to cater foreign markets.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION DEWI KHUSNIATY Bilingual Support Service

VISA PHILIPPINES BUSINESS PROCESSING CENTER, CORP. Unit 1501-p Five E-com Center, Pacific Drive, Mall Of Asia Complex, Pasay City

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

SMARTMONETA INC. 6/f Iacademy Plaza, 324 Sen Gil Puyat Ave., Bel-air, City Of Makati

JULIE SUWANTO Indonesian Language - Support Officer

No.

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking English and Vietnamese languages.

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

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking English and Thai languages.

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

200.

Brief Job Description: Provide support services across technology programs and projects.

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking Vietnamese language.

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

*Date Generated: Nov 21, 2023 In the ad material of Notice of Filing of Application for Alien Employment Permits published on November 21, 2023, the position of LIM JINQ HOWN under the company ANOC99 CORPORATION, should have been read as MALAYSIAN CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE and not as published.

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

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

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

TheWorld BusinessMirror

Wednesday, November 22, 2023 A13

Israeli troops battle militants across north Gaza, which has been cut off from services for weeks

By Wafaa Shurafa & Samy Magdy

D

The Associated Press

EIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip—Israeli troops battled Palestinian militants in a dense, urban refugee camp on Tuesday as they expanded operations across northern Gaza, where residents have been without electricity, water or access to humanitarian aid for weeks.

The front line of the war, now in its seventh week, has shifted to the Jabaliya camp, a dense warren of concrete buildings near Gaza City that houses refugees from the 1948 war surrounding Israel’s creation and their descendants. Israel has been bombarding the area for weeks, and the military said Hamas fighters have regrouped there and in other eastern districts after being pushed out of much of Gaza City.

Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, an Israeli military spokesman, said late Monday that Israeli forces had a “full grasp” on Jabaliya and were starting to dismantle a Hamas brigade there. It was not possible to independently confirm details of the fighting.

Footage released by the military in recent days shows soldiers and tanks operating in dense urban neighborhoods where nearly every building appears to be damaged or destroyed.

The war sparked by Hamas’ surprise October 7 attack into Israel has exacted a heavy toll on Palestinian civilians, particularly those

who remain in the north after Israel repeatedly called on people to flee south. Israeli forces cut off the north in their ground invasion late last month, though tens of thousands have since fled south through corridors announced by the military.

It’s unclear how many people remain in the north, but the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees estimates that some 160,000 people are still in its shelters there, even though it is no longer able to provide services. Some 1.7 million Palestinians, about three fourths of Gaza’s population, have fled their homes.

Hundreds of thousands of people have packed into U.N.-run schools and other facilities across southern Gaza that now serve as shelters. As they have overflowed, people have been forced to sleep on the streets outside, with little shelter from winter rains that have hit the region in recent days.

Across Gaza, there are shortages of food, water and fuel for generators to power basic infrastructure. There has been a ter-

A WOUNDED Palestinian child receives medical treatment at the Nasser Hospital following Israeli bombardment on Khan Younis refugee camp in southern Gaza Strip on Monday, November 20, 2023. AP/MOHAMMED DAHMAN

ritory-wide blackout since Israel cut off fuel imports at the start of the war.

Israel continues to strike what it says are militant targets across Gaza, including in the southern evacuation zone, often killing women and children, and officials have said it may soon expand its operations in the south.

Fighting around hospitals

TENS of thousands of Palestinians in the north had sheltered in hospitals, but those have steadily been emptied out as the fighting has reached their gates, and most are no longer operational.

Marwan Abdallah, a medical worker at the Indonesia Hospital near Jabaliya, said heavy fighting outside its gates on Tuesday prevented ambulances from bringing wounded people in for treatment.

“The situation is worsening hour by hour,” he said.

Palestinian officials said an Israeli shell struck the hospital early Monday, killing 12 people. Israel denied shelling the hospital, but said its troops returned fire on

China welcomes Arab and Muslim foreign ministers for talks on ending war in Gaza

By Ken Moritsugu

B

The Associated Press

EIJING—China’s top diplomat welcomed four Arab foreign ministers and the Indonesian one to Beijing on Monday, saying his country would work with “our brothers and sisters” in the Arab and Islamic world to try to end the war in Gaza as soon as possible.

The ministers from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, the Palestinian Authority and Indonesia chose to start in Beijing a tour to permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, a testament to both China’s growing geopolitical influence and its longstanding support for the Palestinians.

T he ministerial committee stressed Monday the need for an immediate stop to “military escalation” in Gaza and to propel the political process forward with the goal of lasting peace, as well as “hold the Israeli occupation accountable for the blatant v iolations and cr imes in the Gaza Strip and occupied West Bank,” according to a statement published by the Saudi foreign ministry on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told the foreign diplomats that their decision to start in Beijing shows their high level of trust in his nation.

“China is a good friend and brother of Arab and Islamic countries,” Wang said in opening remarks at a state guest house before

CHINESE Foreign Minister Wang Yi, foreground center, stands with his counterparts from left, Palestine Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki, Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Jordanian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi, Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Hissein Brahim Taha and their delegations as they pose for a group photo prior to their meeting at the Diaoyutai state guesthouse in Beijing on Monday, November 20, 2023. China’s foreign minister welcomed five Arab and Islamic counterparts to Beijing on Monday, saying his country would work with “our brothers and sisters” in the Arab and Islamic world to try to end the fighting in Gaza as soon as possible. AP/ANDY WONG

their talks began. “We have always firmly safeguarded the legitimate rights and interests of Arab (and) Islamic countries and have always firmly supported the just cause of the Palestinian people.”

China has long backed the Palestinians and been quick to denounce Israel over its settlements in the occupied territories. It has not criticized the initial Hamas attack on October 7—which killed about 1,200 people—while the United States and others have called it an act of terrorism. However, China does have growing economic ties with Israel.

The Saudi foreign minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, called for an immediate cease-fire and the entry of humanitarian aid and relief to the Gaza Strip.

“There are still dangerous developments ahead of us and an urgent humanitarian crisis that

requires an international mobilization to deal with and counter it,” he said.

He added they appreciated the resolution issued by the United Nations Security Council, calling for urgent and extended humanitarian pauses in Gaza, “but we still need more efforts and cooperation.”

The visit came after Arab and Muslim leaders condemned the “brutal Israeli aggression” against the Palestinians at a rare joint summit of the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation hosted by Saudi Arabia last week.

The secretary general of the OIC, Hissein Brahim Taha, is also accompanying them on the trip.

China—the world ’s secondlargest economy after the US—has become increasingly outspoken on international affairs and even

militants who targeted them from inside the 3.5-acre (1.4 hectare) compound.

Health Ministry spokesperson Ashraf al-Qidra said roughly 200 wounded patients and their companions were evacuated from the hospital to southern Gaza on Monday in a rescue effort coordinated by the UN and the International Committee for the Red Cross.

Between 400 and 500 wounded remain at Indonesia Hospital, Ashraf told Al-Jazeera television.

Some 2,000 displaced Palestinians also are sheltering there.

A similar standoff played out in recent days at Shifa Hospital, Gaza’s largest, which has been at the heart of warring narratives over Hamas’ alleged use of civilian infrastructure. Israel has provided some evidence in recent days of a militant presence at the hospital but has yet to substantiate its claims that Hamas had a major command center beneath the facility.

Hamas and hospital staff have denied the Israeli allegations.

Health workers say scores of critigotten directly involved in some recently, albeit cautiously.

In March, Beijing helped broker an agreement that saw Saudi Arabia and Iran reestablish ties after seven years of tension in a role previously reserved for longtime global heavyweights like the US and Russia.

Israel’s retaliatory strikes on the Gaza Strip have so far killed more than 11,500 people, according to Palestinian health authorities. Another 2,700 have been reported missing, believed buried in rubble.

“This isn’t Israel’s first war against the Palestinian people,” said Riyad Al-Maliki, the Palestinian Authority foreign minister.

“However, Israel wants this to be its last war, where it takes full control of the Palestinian people’s presence on what’s left of the historical land of Palestine.”

Israel’s ambassador to China, Irit Ben-Abba, said Monday, that her country is allowing sufficient humanitarian aid into Gaza in collaboration with international organizations and that “putting pressure on Israel in this regard is politically motivated and is not conducive to the humanitarian assistance which is needed.”

She also said that they hoped for “no one-sided” resolution by the Security Council and that they expected a clear statement calling for the “unconditional release of the 240 hostages” who were abducted by Hamas during its attacks, “rather than calling for a cease-fire.”

The Associated Press video producer Olivia Zhang in Beijing and writer Kareem Chehayeb in Beirut contributed to this report.

cally ill and wounded patients as well as medics are still stranded at Shifa after 31 premature babies were successfully evacuated to hospitals in Egypt and southern Gaza. Israeli forces entered the hospital last week after days of heavy battles outside its gates.

Michael Ryan, a senior World Health Organization official, said Monday that care for complex medical cases—including most cancer and kidney dialysis patients—is no longer available in Gaza and that remaining hospitals would likely be overwhelmed by some 5,500 births expected in the next month.

“The hospital situation—the primary health care system situation—in Gaza is catastrophic and it is the worst you can imagine (in the) north,” he said.

Rising toll

MORE than 12,700 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry in the West Bank. Officials there say another 4,000 are missing.

Their counts do not differentiate between civilians and combatants.

Israel says it has killed thousands of militants.

The Palestinian Health Ministry bases its count on information gathered by its counterpart in Hamas-ruled Gaza, which has been unable to fully update casualty figures for more than 10 days because of the breakdown in services and communications in the north.

About 1,200 people have been killed on the Israeli side, mainly civilians during the October 7 attack, in which Hamas dragged some 240 captives back into Gaza.

The military says 68 Israeli soldiers have been killed in Gaza

ground operations.

Talks on hostage releases

ISR AEL, the United States and Qat a r, wh ic h med i ates w it h Hamas, have been negotiating for weeks over a hostage release that would be paired with a temporary cease-fire and the entry of more humanitarian aid.

Hamas has released four hostages, Israel has rescued one, and the bodies of two were found near Shifa.

Izzat Rishq, a senior Hamas official, said Tuesday that an agreement could be reached “in the coming hours,” in which Hamas would release captives and Israel would release Palestinian prisoners. Hamas’ leader in exile Ismail Haniyeh also said they were close to a deal, but similar predictions in recent weeks have proven premature.

Israel ’s t hree-member war Cabinet met with representatives of the hostages’ families Monday evening. A relative of a hostage said the officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, told families the government considers the release of hostages and the defeat of Hamas to be “equally important.”

Udi Goren, whose cousin Tal Chaimi is in captivity in Gaza, said that was “incredibly disappointing” for the families, as Israel has said it could take months to dismantle the militant group.

“We will not stop fighting until we bring the hostages home, destroy Hamas and ensure that there is no more of a threat from Gaza,” Netanyahu said on social media after the meeting.

Magdy reported from Cairo. Associated Press writer Melanie Lidman in Jerusalem contributed.

US Defense Secretary Austin meets Zelenskyy in Kyiv to show steadfast support for Ukraine

By Tara Copp & Felipe Dana

The Associated Press

K

YIV, Ukraine—US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin made an unannounced visit to Kyiv on Monday in a high-profile push to keep money and weapons flowing to Ukraine even as US and international resources are stretched by the new global risks raised by the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Austin, who traveled to Kyiv by train from Poland, met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov and Chief of Staff Gen. Valerii Zaluzhnyi.

While there, Austin announced the Pentagon would be sending an additional $100 million in weapons to Ukraine from US existing stockpiles, including artillery and munitions for air defense systems. The package also includes another High Mobility Artillery Rocket System, or HIMARS. Austin said Ukraine’s effort to defeat Russian forces “matters to the rest of the world” and that US support would continue “for the long haul.”

Zelenskyy said Austin’s visit was “a very important signal” for Ukraine. “We count on your support,” Zelenskyy said, thanking Congress as well as the American people for their backing.

This is Austin’s second trip to Kyiv since Russia’s 2022 invasion, but he’s making it under far different circumstances, as the world’s attention is drawn to the Middle East and signs of fatigue set in with the almost 21-month Russia-Ukraine war.

Austin’s first visit occurred in April 2022, just two months after the start of the war. At the time, Ukraine was riding a wave of global rage at Moscow’s invasion, and Austin launched an international effort that now sees 50 countries meet monthly to coordinate on what weapons, training and other suppor t could be pushed to Kyiv.

But the conflict in Gaza could pull attention and resources from the Ukraine fight. The US has worked feverishly

since the October 7 attacks by Hamas on Israel, and the weeks of devastating bombardment on Gaza by Israel that has followed, to prevent the conflict from turning into a regional war. Even as Austin stood in St. Michael’s Square in Kyiv, the first question asked at a press briefing at the end of the short visit was about Israel’s use of US-provided weapons in that conflict, instead of about Ukraine.

Both conflicts have already seen significant US military support. To back Israel and keep that conflict from spreading, the US has already committed two carrier strike groups, scores of fighter jets and thousands of US personnel to the Middle East, and has had to shift its force posture and conduct airstrikes against Iranianbacked militant groups that are now hitting US bases in Iraq and Syria on a regular basis.

For Ukraine, the US has already provided more than $44 billion—and allies have sent an additional $35 billion—in weapons packages that range from millions of bullets to air defense systems, advanced European and US battle tanks and, finally, pledges for F-16 fighter jets.

But Ukraine still needs more, and after almost 20 months of shipping arms to Ukraine, cracks are beginning to show.

Some European countries such as Poland have scaled back support, noting their need to maintain adequate fighting ability to defend themselves.

Ukrainian officials have strongly pushed back on suggestions they are in a stalemate with Russia after a long-awaited counteroffensive over the summer did not radically change the battle lines on the ground. In a visit to Washington last week, Andriy Yermak, head of the president’s office, provided no details but confirmed that Ukrainian forces had finally pushed through to the east bank of the Dnieper River, which has essentially served as the immovable front line between Ukrainian and Russian forces for months.

Copp reported from Washington.

A14 Wednesday, November 22, 2023 • Editor: Angel R. Calso

Opinion BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

editorial Winning the fight against hoarders and profiteers

T

he first quarter of any given year is traditionally a slow period for stores in the Philippines. Demand for foodstuff and other consumer items usually tapers off by this time after the buying frenzy during the Christmas holidays. Because of this, the pace of price hikes in the January-to-March period is usually slower.

The African swine fever (ASF), however, disrupted this pattern in recent years. Pork was the single biggest reason behind the acceleration of the inflation rate in the early part of 2021. (See, “Pork prices push up inflation to 2-yr high in January; 4.2% data tests BSP policy,” in the BusinessMirror, February 5, 2021). At the time, consumers saw double-digit increases in the price of their favorite protein source due to supply constraints caused by the fatal hog disease.

A recent warning issued by the Department of Agriculture that the country will again experience shortages of key commodities by the end of the year could again put pressure on inflation in the early part of 2024. In the DA’s presentation during a recent House Committee on Agriculture and Food hearing, the agency signaled that the country would end 2023 with thin supplies or deficits in pork, fish, corn and onion. (See, “Shortages in key food stocks seen by yearend,” in the BusinessMirror, November 21, 2023). The corn deficit was estimated at 712,206 metric tons, while the fish shortfall was pegged at 38 days.

What could compound the food supply situation of the Philippines is the expectation that India is not lifting its restrictions on rice exports anytime soon. Bloomberg reported that India—the world’s top rice exporter—will maintain its curbs on overseas sales well into a next year. (See, “India seen keeping rice export bans into 2024, holding up global prices,” in the BusinessMirror, November 20, 2023). This will be problematic for the Philippines particularly if El Niño rears its ugly head, which could result in droughts in rice-producing areas.

Unfortunately for consumers, these signals mean opportunities for unscrupulous traders to again make a killing from the sale of commodities that are in short supply. The country saw this last year, when onion prices skyrocketed to unprecedented levels. This happened despite the warning made by officials of the Bureau of Plant Industry that there will be a shortfall of onion during the fourth quarter of 2022.

Threats of sanctions or imprisonment have yet to deter hoarders or profiteers from taking advantage of supply shortfalls. There’s a need for authorities to carry out these threats and put hoarders and profiteers behind bars. Until now, the government has yet to prosecute the people behind the mess that was the spike in onion prices during the last quarter of 2022.

The state must unmask these profiteers and hoarders and file cases against them to protect consumers, particularly those belonging to the Bottom 30 of the population. The current administration needs to show its resolve to win the fight against hoarding and profiteering if it is to make good on its promise to improve the quality of life of every Filipino.

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Hostage talks progress as Israel-Hamas fighting grips Gaza

By Paul Wallace

I

sraeli forces engaged in heavy fighting with Hamas in the northern Gaza Strip overnight as the US said it was optimistic about a deal to free hostages held by the militant group.

The Israeli military and Shin Bet, the country’s domestic security service, said they killed three Hamas commanders, while fighter jets bombed more buildings and sites used by Hamas.

The main thrust of Israel’s ground offensive is eastwards into Gaza City, which the military describes as Hamas’s “center of gravity.” Israeli forces have taken control of many parts of the city’s Al Shifa hospital and over the weekend showed videos they say prove Hamas exploited the facility, building a command center and tunnels underneath it.

Hamas, backed by Iran and designated a terrorist organization by the US and European Union, used Al Shifa “to carry out gruesome terrorist activity,” Israeli military spokesman Amnon Shefler said in a briefing on Sunday night. “They have it as a command center, as a control center, as a place to hide hostages, as a place to murder and kill.”

The movement of troops into the Shifa complex last week was controversial, with the US urging Israel to exercise restraint and prioritize the safety of the patients still there as well as civilians taking shelter.

President Joe Biden said Monday that Israel and Hamas are closing in on a deal to free a group of hostages.

“I believe so,” he said when asked if a deal was near. He added that he wasn’t prepared to offer details.

US Deputy National Security Advisor Jon Finer said in an interview Sunday with NBC that the parties were “closer than we have been in quite some time, maybe closer than we have been since the beginning of this process, to getting this deal done.”

Yahya Sinwar, Hamas’s leader in Gaza, is engaged in the talks and has agreed in principle for more than 50 women and children to be released, Axios reported. In return, Israel would pause its military attacks for a specified time each day and release some Palestinians in Israeli jails.

Qatar, which hosts some of Hamas’s political leaders, is helping broker the talks.

Southern thrust

While Israel has concentrated its airstrikes and ground assault on northern Gaza, it is now turning its attention to the south, signaling the possibility of sending troops there.

In recent days, it’s dropped leaflets on Khan Younis, telling residents to leave the southern city. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on Saturday evening, said “all Hamas leaders are dead men walking” and

The United Nations says the humanitarian situation in the densely packed Gaza Strip is dire and that its roughly 2 million inhabitants need much more food and medicine. Israel, which has put the territory under an almosttotal blockade, has allowed more aid in from Egypt in recent weeks. The UN says the quantities are nowhere near enough. wouldn’t rule out ground attacks in the area.

“We’re approaching the end of our campaign in northern Gaza to root out Hamas infrastructure and will turn to the rest of the Gaza Strip,” Israeli government spokesman Eylon Levy told Bloomberg Radio on Monday.

Israel has urged civilians to evacuate to southern Gaza since the beginning of the war.

The Israeli government rejected a proposal by intelligence minister Gila Gamliel for a “voluntary resettlement” of Palestinians from Gaza at the conclusion of the war. That does not represent the official position of the Israeli government, and Gamliel is not a member of the war cabinet making decisions on the future of Gaza, an Israel official said.

The conflict erupted on Oct. 7 when Hamas militants swarmed southern Israel from Gaza, killing around 1,200 people and taking 240 hostage. Israel’s retaliatory attacks have led to more than 13,000 deaths,

according to the Hamas-run Health Ministry in the Palestinian enclave.

The United Nations says the humanitarian situation in the densely packed Gaza Strip is dire and that its roughly 2 million inhabitants need much more food and medicine. Israel, which has put the territory under an almost-total blockade, has allowed more aid in from Egypt in recent weeks. The UN says the quantities are nowhere near enough.

On Monday, an Arab delegation headed by Saudi Arabia’s top diplomat visited China and met Foreign Minister Wang Yi. They called for de-escalation in Gaza to end the “catastrophe” there.

The risks of the war turning into a wider Middle East conflict were again underscored on Sunday when Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen seized a cargo ship in the Red Sea that’s owned by an Israeli businessman.

European natural gas futures increased as much as 6.9 percent on Monday, largely on renewed concerns that the Israel-Hamas war could affect vital waterways for energy and freight markets.

Tokyo-based Nippon Yusen KK said the Galaxy Leader, a vehicle carrier that it chartered, was taken in the southern part of the Red Sea. The Houthis said it was diverted to the Yemeni coast and warned they may attack more Israel-linked vessels. With assistance from Gwen Ackerman, Sam Dagher, Rachael Dottle, Sylvia Westall, Jordan Fabian, Jennifer Jacobs and Stephanie Lai /Bloomberg

Manga artists, taxi drivers hit as Japan tax frustrations mount

By Mia Glass

F

rom manga artists to independent taxi drivers, Japanese freelancers and small businesses frustrated with the potential loss of a tax break are among the growing numbers pushing down Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s approval rating to record lows.

About 4.6 million businesses that were previously exempt from paying sales tax have been impacted by a new invoice system that came into operation last month, according to the Cabinet Secretariat.

Exempt businesses that pocketed the sales tax they charged clients will now have to hand that extra income over to the government if they adopt the system. Those that don’t switch to the new procedure may lose customers or face demands to lower their prices. All those embracing the new invoices will have a lengthier billing process to follow.

The new system comes amid growing dissatisfation over Kishida’s stance on taxation, a factor that has driven down public support despite his unveiling of a ¥17 trillion ($115 billion) economic package.

“The number of people affected

who think this is unfair isn’t small, so it’s one reason for his unpopularity, though not the biggest reason,” said Mari Iwashita, chief market economist at Daiwa Securities Co., referring to the invoice system.

The introduction of the new invoice system should help bring in more tax revenue for the government and will clarify whether companies have paid the full 10 percent sales tax rate or a lower 8 percent rate applied to certain goods in Japan.

Freelancers and small businesses making less than ¥10 million ($65,900) a year remain exempt from paying the tax if they stay outside the invoice system. But their clients will be less willing to shell out the levy if they can no longer include the payment in their own tax accounts.

The situation has created a movement of hundreds of thousands of

The situation has created a movement of hundreds of thousands of independent contractors and freelancers protesting against the government. Some of the protesters marched with posters in front of Kishida’s residence at the end of September. A campaign called Stop Invoice has garnered over 560,000 signatures on an online petition so far.

independent contractors and freelancers protesting against the government. Some of the protesters marched with posters in front of Kishida’s residence at the end of September. A campaign called Stop Invoice has garnered over 560,000 signatures on an online petition so far.

Some of them argue that the extra money they get to keep without the invoice system is an important part of the income for low earning freelancers and small businesses.

“The biggest problem for us is that we’ll lose our vital assistants,” said manga artist Leon Yutaka in a speech at the protest in front of Kishida’s

building. “They have very low annual incomes to begin with. If they have to pay consumption tax, they are going to start wondering why they’re even doing this job.”

Another source of frustration is the extra administrative work needed.

An online poll of around 1,500 companies conducted in October by Teikoku Databank Ltd. said that over 90 percent of the businesses had concerns about the new setup, with 70 percent citing the increased workload of the billing process as the top reason.

Kishida’s government has explained that the new set up is necessary to increase transparency, especially for the transaction of goods that have the reduced tax rate. Economists say the system is largely in line with procedures overseas and helps ensure that the sales tax is getting paid by all.

Various support measures have been put into place by the government to ease the burden on businesses, such as transitional tax deductions, and the expansion of IT subsidies for small businesses that use the invoice system.

Still, the invoice system is one of See “Manga,” A15

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Opinion BusinessMirror

Wednesday, November 22, 2023 A15

Position Paper on Philippine-China disputes in the West Philippine Sea

Submitted to the Senate Committee on National Defense and Security, Peace, Unification and Reconciliation, Committees on Foreign Relations, Public Works and Finance and Special Committee on Philippine Maritime and Admiralty Zones, that are conducting public hearings on the West Philippine Sea by the International Law and Relations Society of the Philippines, an intellectual society composed of retired Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Reynato S. Puno, retired CG Admiral Joel S. Garcia, Dr. Melissa Loja, Prof. Romel Bagares and Atty. Al Soriano.

Part One

L

ast November 9, the Philippine Daily Inquirer reported that “a Chinese ship again fired a water cannon to impede a routine resupply mission to BRP Sierra Madre, the country’s military outpost on Ayungin (Second Tomas) Shoal in the West Philippine Sea xxx.” Consequently, the Philippines filed another diplomatic protest against China, the 58th in number. Again, the Chinese Coast Guard dismissed the protest claiming the waters of Ayungin Shoal belong to China. It warned that the Chinese Coast Guard “will continue to carry out law enforcement activities in the waters under China’s jurisdiction in accordance with the law, and resolutely safeguard China’s national sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.”

The clash of actions between the Philippines and China is not expected to be settled in the near future. On the contrary, it is developing into another potential flash point on international peace and security as other states have started to take active sides in the controversy.

Our Congress is conducting public hearings to promulgate necessary legislations to protect the sovereignty and sovereign rights of the Philippines in this dispute with China. With the intent of aiding in the crafting of these legislations, we are respectfully submitting this Position Paper to clarify the domestic and international laws on the matter.

This Position Paper addresses the following questions: 1. What is a military force? What is a law enforcement force? Is there a real distinction?

2. What is the legal significance of the distinction between a military force and a law enforcement force in the context of the territorial, maritime and resource disputes in the West Philippine Sea (WPS)?

3. What is the status of a coast guard in general? What is the status of the CCG? What about the Vietnamese Coast Guard (VCG) and the PCG? 4. Bearing in mind the nature of the CCG and PCG, are their law enforcement activities in the WPS transformed into military activities by the presence of the Philippine Navy (PN), US Navy (USN) and Chinese Navy (CN)?

4.1 Do the Mutual Defense Board (MDB) and Security Engagement Board (SEB) have legal authority to seek or allow the assistance of an armed or unarmed aircraft of the USN during a Philippine law enforcement activity in the WPS? What about in a military activity?

4.2 What are the legal and political implications of the prominent role of military forces in addressing

Manga . . .

continued from A14

the tax issues weighing on Kishida’s popularity.

Opinion polls over the weekend showed Kishida’s support dropping into the lower half of the 20 percent range. A government move to return a portion of income tax has drawn unexpected criticism from voters unhappy that it won’t deliver any cash until early next summer.

The surveys showed respondents are also concerned about the impact of the tax rebate on Japan’s finances, with long-term funding still undecided for Kishida’s ramped-up spending on defense and measures to raise the nation’s birthrate.

The new invoice system is estimated to increase tax revenues by about ¥248 billion ($1.6 billion) according to 2019 data from the Ministry of Finance, so it’s unlikely Kishida will consider any U-turn.

“As social security costs increase due to the rapidly aging population, consumption tax is seen as a source of revenue that will be broadly and fairly shared among all generations,” Kishida said in parliament last month. “Thus, we do not plan to lower the sales tax rate, or scrap the new system.” With assistance from Isabel Reynolds /Bloomberg

disputes in the WPS? 5. What legal and non-military courses of action may the Philippines take to respond to the recent collision at sea and blockade by Chinese vessels against Philippine resupply vessels?

5.1 Was the collision an act of war?

5.2 Was the blocking maneuver an act of war?

6. Scenarios that can play out between the Philippines and China in their dispute in the WPS? Part 1 of this Position Paper discusses what is a military force vis-àvis a law enforcement force and their difference. Parts 2, 3 and 4 discuss in general the nature and significance of the distinction between military and law enforcement forces. Part 5 examines the important implications in municipal and international law of the distinction between military and law enforcement forces in the concrete context of the disputed territorial, maritime and air spaces in the South China Sea (SCS). Part 6 plays out the different actions that China and the Philippines may take against each other in view of their dispute especially in regard to the EEZ/CS being claimed by the Philippines in the WPS.

Legislative background

The foregoing questions regarding military engagement and law enforcement and the legal significance of their difference were engendered by statements made in two public hearings at the Philippine Senate.

First, during the public hearing of the Special Committee on Philippine Maritime and Admiralty Zones on October 23, 2023, the discussion centered on the proposed provision in the maritime zones bill regarding countermeasures that the Philippines can take against China for the collision and blockade that took place in the vicinity of Ayungin Shoal. The

summary below is based on the official transcript of the hearing: Starting at 34:43: the Department of Justice (DOJ) explained that draft Section 12 of the bill expressly recognizes the right of the Philippines to take counter-measures other than use of force against the flag state of any foreign vessel found to have violated the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) in the Philippine EEZ as well as its archipelagic waters. The DOJ emphasized the appropriateness of such countermeasures as a response to incidents similar to that on October 23, 2023 when Chinese vessels rammed into and blockaded Philippine resupply vessels in the area of Ayungin Shoal.

Starting at 1:16:23: Senator Tolentino instructed that the bill expressly apply the provisions on maritime zones [and on countermeasures] to the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG) and Bajo de Masinloc (BDM), including such features as Subi Reef and those occupied by foreign countries. Resource person Prof. Jay Batongbacal affirmed that the application of maritime zones to the offshore features will not violate international law and the Award in the South China Sea Arbitration. Foreign resource person Prof. Stuart Kaye (University of Wollongong) pointed out that such maritime zones may only be generated by normal baselines around the various features.

The legality of the proposed provisions is highly suspect. The proposed provisions appear to amend Presidential Decree 1596 as it will replace the boundaries enclosing the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG). They ascribe a full suite of maritime zones and air spaces to unnamed features being claimed by the Philippines, including those that are occupied by other states and those that have been declared by the Arbitral Tribunal in the South China Sea Arbitration to be mere low tide elevations.

Moreover, the proposed provision on countermeasures would have contentious application to the personnel, vessels and aircraft of foreign military and law-enforcement forces in the maritime zones and air spaces of disputed features in the WPS, including those of the state currently in possession.

Second, during the public hearing of the Committee on National Defense and Security on September 12, 2023, the exchange of views between Senator Robin Padilla and Department of National Defense (DND) Undersecretary for Strategic Assessments and Planning Ignacio Madriaga and PCG Admiral Artemio Abu revolved around the role of military forces vis-à-vis law enforcement forces in the enforcement and defense of the rights of

the Philippines in the WPS. There is no available official transcript of the exchange. With caution, the following unofficial and partial summary is adopted: Starting at 54:25: Senator Padilla inquired whether on August 13, 2023 an aircraft of the United States Navy conducted fly-bys while BRP Cabra and BRP Sindangan of the PCG escorted a vessel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that was transporting provisions for Philippine troops on board BRP Sierra Madre on Ayungin Shoal.

Starting at 54:49 and 55:07: Undersecretary Madriaga confirmed the presence of a US Navy Poseidon aircraft during the re-supply and added that said presence was coordinated with the AFP through the Mutual Defense Board (MDB) and Security Engagement Board (SEB).

Starting at 55:16 and 55:46: Senator Padilla inquired whether the Philippines is already deploying its military forces, with the support of the US military, vis-a-vis the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) as a civilian/non-military force, and whether such deployment of military forces violates international law.

Starting at 55:54 and 1:01:22: Undersecretary Madriaga responded that it is the presence of the CCG in the Philippine exclusive economic zone that is illegal whereas the presence of the Philippine military and PCG as well as the US military in the Philippine EEZ is legal. Senator Padilla pointed out that there is no question about the legality of the presence of the Philippine military and PCG in our own EEZ. Rather, the question is whether the deployment of the Philippine military units in the WPS would constitute an act of war or an escalatory action given that these military units are engaged in functions relating to the conduct of warfare whereas the CCG, a non-military unit, is engaged only in police functions. Senator Padilla reminded the Committee that when the Philippines deployed the navy to Scarborough Shoal, China also deployed its naval forces, thereby causing a naval standoff.

Starting at 56:28, 58:37 and 1:00:40: Undersecretary Madriaga replied that no act of war was committed as no armed attack took place. Moreover, the deployment of the Philippine military and US navy was not escalatory as the CCG is also a military force, given that it is part of China’s People’s Liberation Army.

Admiral Artemio Abu confirmed that the CCG is under the PLA. The line of questioning of Senator Padilla presupposes a distinction between a military force and a law enforcement force. The responses of Undersecretary Madriaga and

Admiral Abu appear to deny the distinction.

Part 1 What is a military force? What is a law enforcement force?

Is there a real difference?

We start with the basic proposition that there is a distinction between military forces and law enforcement forces. The distinction is based on the principle of posse comitatus. In the Philippines, the principle of posse comitatus is mandated by the Constitution, laws and case law. International conventions also recognize the distinction between military forces and law enforcement forces and their respective activities.

1.1 Posse comitatus According to the principle of posse comitatus, a government may call upon its civilian citizens to assist in law enforcement but it “may not use any part of the armed forces to execute the laws,” except as provided by the Constitution or law.

The prohibition generally covers situations in which civilians are subjected to regulatory, prescriptive or compulsory military power. While the grant of exception is a legislative function, the determination of the factual necessity for permissible military intervention in civilian affairs is an executive function.

1.2 Philippine Constitution, laws and jurisprudence The 1987 Philippine Constitution and laws distinguish between military forces and law enforcement forces following the principle of posse comitatus. Thus, our Constitution defines the armed forces and law enforcement forces differently.

Article II, Section 3 enshrines the principle that “civilian authority is, at all times, supreme over the military,” and assigns to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) the function of “secur[ing] the sovereignty of the State and the integrity of the national territory.” Article XVI, Section 6 provides that the AFP shall be a “citizen armed force” whose function is to ensure the “security of the State.”

In contrast, Article XVI, Section 4 provides that the Philippine National Police (PNP) shall be “one police force, which shall be national in scope and civilian in character.”

To ensure the civilian character of the PNP, Article XVI, Section 5(4) prohibits any “member of the armed forces in the active service [from being] appointed or designated in any capacity to a civilian position in the Government including government-owned or controlled corporations or any of their subsidiaries.”

Executive Order 292 (Administrative Code) and Republic Act 6975 (Department of Interior and Local

Israel reveals signs of Hamas activity at Shifa, but a promised command center remains elusive

By Josef Federman | The Associated Press

J

ERUSALEM—Three weeks ago, the Israeli military unveiled a detailed 3D model of Gaza’s Shifa Hospital—showing a series of underground installations that it said was part of an elaborate Hamas command and control center under the territory’s largest health-care center.

Days after taking control of the hospital, the military has yet to unveil this purported center. But it has released videos of weapons allegedly seized inside the hospital, a tunnel running through the complex and videos appearing to show Hamas militants dragging hostages through the hospital’s hallways. Israel says there will be much more to come.

What Israel finds—or fails to find —could play a large part in its efforts to rally international support for its war against Hamas, launched on Oct. 7 in response to a bloody cross-border attack by the Islamic militant group.

Here is a closer look at Israel’s raid on the Shifa Hospital.

Why does it matter?

Gaza’s hospitals have played a cen-

tral role in the dueling narratives surrounding the war.

Hospitals enjoy special protected status under the international laws of war. But they can lose that status if they are used for military purposes.

Israel has long claimed that Hamas uses hospitals, schools, mosques and residential neighborhoods as human shields. In particular, it says Hamas has hidden command centers and bunkers underneath the sprawling grounds of Shifa. The United States says its own intelligence corroborates those claims. Hamas denies the allegations. Israel says other hospitals are similarly used for military purposes.

It has ordered the evacuations of a number of Gaza hospitals, including Shifa, as it presses ahead with its ground operation against Hamas.

The UN and other international organizations say these evacuations have endangered patients and overwhelmed the remaining hospitals in the besieged territory.

With Israel already facing mounting international criticism of its offensive, a failure to uncover a significant Hamas presence could step up the pressure to halt the operation. Israel

has vowed to press ahead until it destroys Hamas.

What has Israel found?

The Israeli military has released videos showing AK47s, ammunition and other military equipment it said was found in the hospital’s MRI unit. It also said it discovered a Toyota pickup truck filled with weapons in a hospital garage. The vehicle appears to be the same type of truck used by Hamas militants during the October 7 incursion.

On Sunday, it released a video of a 55-meter (60-yard) tunnel in a hospital courtyard. The underground structure was heavily fortified and led to a blast-proof door with an opening that Israel says was meant to be used

by Hamas snipers.

It also released security-camera images of Hamas militants escorting what Israel said were two hostages—one from Thailand, the other from Nepal—who were seized in the October 7 cross-border attack. One video showed a group of men forcefully dragging their hostage through the hospital’s main entrance and down a hallway. The other showed a

group of men, including at least one gunman, pushing a motionless man on a stretcher in a hallway. Hospital workers could be seen in both videos looking on. The videos had time stamps from the morning of October 7, matching the time of the attack. But the faces of the two purported hostages were blurred, making it difficult to verify the authenticity of the videos.

The army also released photos of what it said were two military jeeps stolen from the Israeli military. The photos showed the jeeps parked in the hospital complex on the morning of the attack.

“By now the truth is clear: Hamas wages war from hospitals, wages terror from hospitals,” said the Israeli military’s chief spokesman, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari. “Everyone who cares about the future of humanity must condemn Hamas.”

Hamas played down the images, saying it had been offering the men in its custody medical treatment.

“We put our fighters at risk to guarantee the injured prisoners the best treatment possible in the Gaza Strip’s hospitals,” the militant group said in a statement.

Government Act) maintain the distinction between the AFP and the PNP. RA 6975 expressly provides that the Philippine National Police (PNP) shall perform police functions and remain of “civilian character,” hence, “[n]o element of the police force shall be military nor shall any position be occupied by active members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.” The PNP assumed the maritime law enforcement functions of the PCG when the latter was under the Philippine Navy.

As early as Commonwealth Act (CA) No. 1 (National Defense Act of 1935), the function of the armed forces has been the preservation of the state. The Administrative Code defined this to mean the defense of “the territory of the Republic of the Philippines against all enemies, foreign and domestic.” In line with this function, it prohibits any active member of the armed forces from being “appointed or designated in any capacity to a civilian position in the Government including government-owned or controlled corporations or any of their subsidiaries.”

In Carpio v. Executive Secretary, the Supreme Court stressed that the deliberate separation between military and law enforcement forces follows the principle of posse comitatus that “a police force is a civilian function, a public service, and should not be performed by military force.” In Alih v. Castro, it further held that law enforcement through the military violates the principle of civilian supremacy at all times.

In Integrated Bar of the Philippines v. Zamora, however, the Supreme Court upheld the President’s use of the Philippine Marines in conducting joint visibility patrols with the PNP to address the rise in violent crimes.

It is important to distinguish between military forces and law enforcement forces because the level of force that they can employ in the discharge of their duty differs from each other. The level of force that can be used by the military is higher for it follows the principle of military necessity.

The Supreme Court recognizes the principle of military necessity, according to which, in times of international or non-international armed conflict, the military may employ the level of force necessary to ensure that a person is denied “any opportunity to threaten the security of our military forces or the success of our military operation.” Military necessity is a criminal defense under Article 11(5) of the Revised Penal Code, provided the conditions are fulfilled.

To be continued

Osama Hamdan, a top Hamas leader based in Beirut, acknowledged that Israel could find a tunnel “here or there.” “We don’t deny there are hundreds of kilometers of tunnels in and around Gaza,” he told a news conference. But he said Hamas does not use hospitals for militant activities.

What hasn’t Israel found?

Israel has not said where the Shifa tunnel leads to or given specifics on what it was used for.

It also has not yet provided anything close to the images of underground bunkers and conference rooms it showed in that Oct. 27 illustration. Hamdan, the Hamas leader, mocked the Israeli discoveries so far. “The Israelis said there was a command and control center, which means that the matter is greater than just a tunnel,” he said.

Israeli military officials say those initial illustrations were “conceptual” and not meant to be taken literally.

They have also promised many more discoveries as troops continue the painstaking task of scouring a complex spread out over more than 10 acres (40,000 square meters).

A16 Wednesday, November 22, 2023

COMELEC GETS P500M MORE PHL hoteliers want clearer FOR ’24, EVE OF ELECTION YR roadmap for tourism recovery T

By Ma. Stella F. Arnaldo

P

agencies raising national security concerns. But several Chinese visitors have been caught overstaying beyond the term of their visas, and involved in illegal activities. China was the second largest source market for tourists in 2019, sending some 1.7 million of its citizens to key destinations in the Philippines.

The Department of Justice now wants VFS Global, a long-time visa processor for many countries, to help speed up the issuance of visas to Chinese visitors. On Monday, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said VFS has the “capability to check the authenticity of the data submitted by those applying for visas.” (See, “DOJ wants DFA out of visa issuance to Chinese visitors,” in the BusinessMirror, November 21, 2023.)

@akosistellaBM Special to the BusinessMirror

HILIPPINE hotel owners and operators need a clear direction from the government on how it will achieve the pre-pandemic arrivals of 8.26 million and how the industry can help attain this goal.

Benito C. Bengzon Jr., executive director of the Philippine Hotel Owners Association, told reporters that while fiscal incentives are already in place to attract investors to the hospitality industry, “it can be better. Under the current framework, there are still restrictions on the areas where hotels can be built.

So what we want basically is just in general terms to review the entire investment package to make it easier for the investors to come in, in the areas of tax holidays, removal of the locational restrictions, etc.” PHOA, which has 200 member hotels with a room inventory of 40,000, is currently working with the Department of Tourism (DOT) on the Philippine Hotel Strategic Action Plan.

He also pointed out the importance of “a very clear and targeted marketing promotions campaign. Of course, we will support the Department of Tourism [but] we would appreciate if we can be given the clear direction of our marketing positions.” He noted that hoteliers want to know, “What would be our priority markets in the coming years? For example, if we are going to reach 8.2 million [international tourist arrivals], where will the numbers come from? So the hotels, can also make their adjustments.”

Relying on Chinese market

UNDER the National Tourism Development Plan for 2023-2028, the DOT projects the Philippines will likely recover and attract 8.4 million inter-

AT a year-end media briefing on Tuesday, Philippine Hotel Owners Association Executive Director Benito C. Bengzon Jr. says memberhotels enjoyed higher occupancy rates and revenue this year compared to 2022.

Zubiri to DOT: Place more ads

PHOTO BY STELLA ARNALDO

national tourists by 2025 under a conservative baseline scenario.

The DOT is relying on the Chinese market to push arrivals back to the pre-pandemic levels, and has forced the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to fast-track the implementation of an electronic visa scheme for the market, despite intelligence

IN a related development, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri urged the DOT to place more advertisements in international news networks to bring in more foreign tourists to the country. “Hopefully we reach 5 million [arrivals] by December. More ads, guys, I see ads on CNN and BBC, but we don’t have ads there,” he said.

Continued on A5

HE Senate has granted the Commission on Elections (Comelec) an additional P500 million for next year’s budget in preparation for the midterm elections scheduled in 2025.

The P500 million will be used for the procurement of supplies, materials, among others, amounting to P400 million. The remaining P100 million will be used for the warehousing of automated counting machines, said Senator Imee Marcos, chair of the electoral reforms committee.

“Ang talagang hinihingi nila…in the preparation for 2025 (polls), ‘yung P5.96 billion man lang [ay] i-restore (What they were asking for…in the preparation for 2025 polls, is the P5.96 billion to be restored),” said Marcos.

In September, Comelec Chairman George Garcia appealed to the House of Representatives to restore “at least” P5 billion which was removed from their budget. He said it would cover overtime pay for election staff, transportation of votecounting machines, and printing of ballots.

According to Garcia, the approved budget of Comelec could only cover the May 2025 midterm elections.

At the Senate hearing, Marcos said the additional P500 million budget given to Comelec is also for the procurement of materials, the IT systems, and many more.

At least P19.8 billion would be allocated for the lease of automated counting machines of around 11,613 units, the senator added.

Marcos also recommended that Comelec “lease without the option to purchase” given the past experience where the machines used in past elections could no longer be used again because of their outdated system.

The budget by the Senate will only cover the 2025 National and Local elections (NLE), said Garcia.

There are two elections scheduled in 2025: the midterm elections in May, and the Barangay and Sangguniang Elections (BSKE) in December.

“Wala pa po tayong budget para sa BSKE ng 2025 (We still have no budget for 2025 BSKE),” Garcia told the BusinessMirror. Patrick V. Miguel

WORLD FISHERIES DAY Fishers from Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya), joined by activists, converge at the Department of Agriculture (DA) in Quezon City on World Fisheries Day, November 21, 2023. Their collective effort aimed to implore DA Secretary Francisco Tiu-Laurel Jr. to cease his family's reclamation project in Bacoor City, Cavite, which they blame for displacing over 700 fishing families in the last two years and threatens more than 1,000 coastal families. NONOY LACZA

Senators reprimand tourism exec for rude text messages on budget

T

IRED after days and long hours of hearing budget presentations of different government agencies in plenary sessions, senators were suddenly energized at past 1 a.m. on Tuesday and took turns lambasting a newlyappointed tourism official for what they described as “inappropriate” text messages.

Before discussing the proposed P3.4-billion budget of the Department of Tourism (DOT) sponsored

by Committee on Tourism chair Senator Nancy Binay, Senator Jinggoy Estrada took to the floor to reveal how Cynthia Carrion, general manager of the Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA), has been texting senators, complaining that Deputy Minority Leader Senator Risa Hontiveros’s interpellations of budget sponsors of government agencies, had been holding up the hearing of DOT’s own budget.

“No one has the right to tell us

to stop talking here,” roared Estrada. “It is our duty and our job to [hear the budgets]. Imagine, telling the Senate President [Juan Miguel Zubiri], ‘We’ve been here since 1 pm (on Monday) waiting for DOT’s budget to be heard.’ We’ve (Senators) been working since last week deliberating on the budgets of all the departments here, then [you’re] telling the Deputy Minority Leader to stop asking questions …. Who are you to tell us to stop asking questions? Remember, if one of us tells the sponsor to defer the budget of DOT, what will happen to you?”

For his part, Zubiri, who said Carrion was a family friend, stressed “when I heard you had been texting other members of the Senate, particularly insulting messages to Senator Hontiveros to stop asking questions of the budget of the DENR because you want DOT to be next in line, that is not proper, that is inap-

propriate. And the sad part about it is, she doesn’t know you from Adam.” Other senators texted were Senators Cynthia Villar and Pia Cayetano.

This is not the first time that Carrion, a former aerobics instructor and classmate of former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, has attracted undue attention. In January 2003, she was transferred to the then Philippine Visitors and Conventions Corp., after her colleagues at the Philippine Sports Commission complained to Arroyo about Carrion’s alleged arrogant behavior, and after her name was dragged in alleged anomalous transactions.

Under the last administration, Carrion was head of the Corregidor Foundation Inc., which the Commission on Audit f lagged for “unauthorized” payments to personnel from 2018 to 2022 amounting to some P61.7 million.

Continued on A5

Companies BusinessMirror

Editor: Jennifer A. Ng

Wednesday, November 22, 2023

B1

Philex Mining secures ₧100M Vista Land starts ₧10B bond offer syndicated debt for Silangan

By VG Cabuag

P

@villygc

HILEX Mining Corp. announced last Tuesday of having secured a P100-million syndicated debt facility for Silangan Mindanao Mining Co. Inc., which Philex Mining refers to as the “Silangan project.”

In its disclosure, an omnibus loan and security agreement were signed between Philex Mining executives and the lenders led by Union Bank of the Philippines, Security Bank Corp. and Bank of the Philippine Islands.

BDO Capital and Investment Corp. was named as lead arranger.

The shares of Philex Mining closed on Tuesday at P2.86 apiece.

Philex Mining President and CEO Eulalio B. Austin Jr. considers the debt facility as “another positive

milestone to support the ongoing development” of the Silangan project.

“All these would not have been made possible, without the favorable climate for mining that the (current) administration. had created,” Austin added.

According to Philex Mining’s website (https://www.philexmining.com. ph/silangan/), the Silangan Project, located in Surigao del Norte, consists of two deposits: Boyongan and Bayugo. The copper-gold porphyry

deposits are located in the Surigao Mineral District at the north-eastern tip of Mindanao Island in the Philippines, approximately 750 kilometers southeast of Manila. The deposits, occurring in one intrusive complex, are the two major assets of the Silangan project.

“Our stock rights offer last year raised net proceeds of P2.6 billion,” Philex Senior Vice President and CFO Romeo B. Bachoco said.

According to Bachoco, Philex Mining used the proceeds from the stock rights offer to commence the development of Phase 1 of the Silangan project. This phase covers the Boyongan ore deposit, he added.

It “has an estimated mine life of 28 years based our declared mineable reserves of 81 million tonnes at 0.67 percent copper and 1.13 grams/ tonne gold, containing an estimated recoverable copper of 993 million pounds and 2.8 million ounces of gold,” Bachoco said.

According to Philex Mining, development works continue in the Silangan project with the ongoing underground tunneling works, passing the 210 meters mark or about 35 percent of the distance towards the ore body.

Clearing works and access road to the tailings-storage facility (TSF) area are nearing completion with the issuance of the permit by the Municipality of Sison, Surigao del Norte, for the construction of the TSF, the company added.

Philex Mining said its management is in the final stages of evaluating the proposals and is set to award the contract for the TSF as well as for the process plant under an EPCM (engineering, procurement and construction management) arrangement, it said.

Touted as one of the top three mining projects in the country, the Silangan copper and gold project is targeted to commence commercial operations by first quarter of 2025.

JG Summit RE unit hits milestone

By Lenie Lectura @llectura

M

ERBAU Corp., the renewable energy (RE) arm of JG Summit Holdings, Inc., has completed the installation of 13.811-megawatt (MW) peak solar power for the integrated petrochemical complex of JG Summit which houses JG Summit Olefins Corp.

(JGSOC) manufacturing plants and the packaging division of Universal Robina Corp. (URC).

The solar project, which covers the rooftops of nine buildings, involved two phases. Completed in December last year, the first phase of the solar project has a capacity of 5.8 MW.

Phase 2, with a capacity of 8.0 MW, was completed in April 2023.

Located in Barangays Simlong and Pinamucan Ibaba, Batangas City, the construction of the solar project commenced in August 2022.

“This milestone marks a significant step in our journey as we aim to become a leading renewable energy company in the country,” said Merbau President Patrick Henry C. Go. The solar project is expected to reduce the company’s power consumption and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through the use of renewable energy sources.

It is foreseen to generate an estimated energy savings of 17.8 gigawatt hour per year and a projected

GHG emissions reduction of 17,000 tonnes annually from both JGSOC and URC warehouses and building offices within the petrochemical complex.

The successful completion of the project highlights the collaboration and close partnership between Merbau and its EPC (Engineering, Procurement and Construction) contractor Upgrade Energy Philippines (UGEP), one of the leading players for commercial and industrial solar rooftop, utility-scale solar, and wind in the Philippines.

“The project reinforces UGEP’s commitment as a leading player in the country’s energy transition goals and demonstrates our dedication to

driving sustainable solutions and contributing to a greener future,” said UGEP President Ruth Yu-Owen.

On Merbau’s future plans, Go shared that the company is currently looking into a portfolio of projects in partnership with Robinsons Land Corp. for its malls and industrial warehouses; URC, for its manufacturing plants and distribution channels; Cebu Pacific; and, other companies within the Gokongwei Group.

“We also plan to expand our RE portfolio to be able to deliver power to eligible end-users outside of the Group in our commitment to solidify our dedication to sustainable and innovative energy solutions,” added Go.

Angkas taps DICT taps firm for access to GIDAs HMDF for riders’ add’l benefits T

By Lorenz S. Marasigan @lorenzmarasigan

D

BDOYC Inc., doing business as Angkas, announced having tapped the services of the Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-IBIG Fund) for its riders.

According to the firm, the partnership aims to improve the social safety net as well as offers riders accessible and sustainable housing loan options.

“Par tner ing w ith Pag-IBIG strengthens our bikers’ social safety net. We do this because we recognize their daily efforts on the streets and commitment to delivering quality service to our customers,” Angkas CEO George Royeca said.

Royeca added they see bikers “at the core of our operations.”

He said the activity they held recently “reflects our commitment to providing the help and support they deserve, acknowledging their hard work and dedication.”

“It’s also an opportunity for us to listen and discover how we can better serve them,” Royeca added.

Angkas biker Joseph Santillan Jr. expressed his gratitude, saying that “Angkas values its bikers, offering free haircuts and dental check-ups.” Roderick L. Abad

HE Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) announced it has teamed up with ComClark Network and Technology Corp. to provide digital access to more than 2,000 geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDA) across the country.

At the launch and ceremonial turn-over of equipment of the Universal Internet Subscription for GIDA (UISG) Project on Tuesday, DICT Secretary Ivan John Uy said the collaboration between the government and the private sector plays a key role in “ensuring that the benefits of the digital revolution reach every corner of our nation.”

“The Free Public Internet Access Program, under the Broadband ng Masa Initiative, seeks to bridge the digital divide and connect Filipinos to limitless opportunities the digital economy offers. Our collaboration with ComClark for the UISG Project exemplifies our dedication to turning this vision into reality,” he said.

The UISG Project involves the deployment of fixed VSATs (satellite communications), fiber technology, and satellite-communications-on-the-move terminals to more than 2,000 areas identified

as socially and economically disadvantaged.

Uy noted that this will greatly aid the DICT in assisting other government agencies and local government units (LGUs) with their connectivity needs during calamities.

“Today, we are putting marginalized communities and groups front and center of the digital agenda. We are honored to be in close partnership with the DICT in this nationwide effort to bring connectivity to the farthest reaches of the country,” ComClark COO Benedicto Bulatao said.

Bulatao noted that an unprecedented 145 gigabits (MIR) bandwidth capacity was allocated for the mixed-technology project.

The project will use “a variety of technology [that are] appropriately matched to the areas for deployment.”

For areas w ith v iable geographical terrain, fiber-enabled access points will be established.

These fiber-enabled access points number around 1,400 sites. Hilly and mountainous areas, meanwhile, will be serviced with fixed VSATs, which can be distributed to far-flung and isolated communities nationwide to provide satellite-enabled connectivity.

In addition, 34 SatCom on the Satellite-on-the-Move terminals will also be deployed.

These are portable antennas

that can be hooked up to moving vehicles, either automobiles or watercraft, making them ideal for augmenting disaster and emergency response. These units come with a carry-on case and a generator set.

The UISG Project, through engagements with an assortment of connectivity providers, currently tracks a total of 4,741 active sites in 1,871 locations, providing connectivity across all 17 regions of the country.

To date, these access points have already allowed the public to consume a total of 806TB of internet data.

The supply of these managed services between DICT and ComClark is a project implemented with We Are IT Philippines, Inc. and Telered Technologies and Services Corp.

Currently, 97 percent of the sites have already been activated and accepted and are expected to be completed by the end of this year.

“It is no secret that the archipelagic and widely varying terrain of the Philippines poses a significant challenge to the provision of internet connectivity to all. This is why the DICT engages with capable and reliable service providers, such as Converge, so everyone gets the best possible service, regardless of where they are,” DICT Undersecretary Jeffrey Ian Dy explained.

P

ROPERTY developer Vista Land and Lifescapes Inc. has set the price of its interest rate for its peso-denominated fixed-rate bonds.

In its disclosure, rates were set at 7.5426 percent for its paper with a tenor of three years, due December 2026 Series F and at 7.6886 percent for its debt with a tenor of five years, due December 2028 Series G. The company said the Securities and Exchange Commission has already issued the Certificate of Permit to Offer Securities for Sale in relation to the offer, sale, and issuance by the Company fixed rate bonds consisting of P6 billion worth, with an oversubscription option of up to P4 billion.

The said offering is the the first tranche of the P35 billion worth of fixed rate bonds, which was registered under shelf registration.

The bonds will be offered from November 21 to 29, 2023 through China Bank Capital Corp., SB Capital Investment Corp. and Union Bank of the Philippines, acting as the joint issue managers, joint lead underwriters and joint bookrunners.

Picazo Buyco Tan Fider and Santos is acting as counsel to the

company while Romulo Mabanta Buenaventura Sayoc and delos Angeles is acting as counsel to the joint lead underwriters and joint bookrunners.

The bonds are set to be issued on December 6, 2023.

Shares of Vista Land closed on Tuesday at P1.66 apiece.

Vista Land earlier said its income for the nine months of the year was up 70 percent to P8.21 billion from last year’s P4.82 billion.

As of the end of the third quarter, the company has launched 27 projects with an estimated project value of about P40 billion.

“We are delighted with our results, as we remain optimistic with the industry for the rest of the year with the strong GDP (gross domestic product) growth of 5.9 percent coupled with sustained growth in overseas Filipino remittance and revenge spending from consumers, all of which contributed to the positive performance of the group,” Vista Land Chairman Manuel B. Villar Jr. said. He said the company has been launching more project this year which was a factor in the 10 percent growth in its reservation sales to P53.1 billion for the period. VG Cabuag

FDC pre-registers fixed rate bonds with SEC

F

ilinvest Development Corp., the holding firm of the Gotianun group, announced last Tuesday it filed a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for the shelf registration of peso-denominated fixed rate bonds of up to P32 billion.

FDC said it will immediately issue P10 billion in fixed-rate bonds as the first tranche of the bond program with an aggregate principal amount of up to P7 billion and an oversubscription option of up to P3 billion.

Each tranche of the bond program will be rated by Philippine Rating Services Corp.

The bonds shall be offered to the public at face value through the joint lead underwriters and bookrunners, with the Philippine Depository and Trust Corp. as the registrar of the offer bonds.

It is intended that upon issuance, the offer bonds shall be issued in scripless form, with PDTC maintaining the registry of bondholders, and listed on the Philippine Dealing and Exchange Corp., the company said.

The offer bonds shall be issued in minimum denominations of P50,000 each, and in integral multiples of P10,000 thereafter.

The offer bonds shall be traded in denominations of P10,000 in the secondary market.

BDO Capital and Investment

Corp., BPI Capital Corp., China Bank Capital Corp., East West Banking Corp., First Metro Investment Corp., RCBC Capital Corp. and SB Capital Investment Corp. have been appointed as the joint lead underwriters and bookrunners for the offer.

The company earlier said its attributable net income for the nine months of the year grew 57 percent to P5.9 billion from P3.8 billion last year.

The growth was driven by a 26 percent increase in total revenues and other income to P64.6 billion, a 26 percent increase from the previous year’s P51.1 billion.

“We are pleased to report the strong performance of our portfolio with an impressive broadbased growth in revenues and profit across all our business segments in banking, real estate, hotels, power and sugar despite the challenges of high interest and inflation rates. With enhanced business strategies and execution, and a resilient organization, we look forward to sustaining, if not accelerating, our growth in 2024 and the years ahead,” FDC President and CEO Chiqui A. Huang said.

The increases reflected mainly the continued recovery of the businesses over prior periods which were adversely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, the company said. VG Cabuag

B2

Wednesday, November 22, 2023

Companies BusinessMirror

Six firms offer over 3,000MW baseload capacity to Meralco

S

By Lenie Lectura

@llectura

IX power firms offered the Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) over 3,000 megawatts (MW) of baseload capacity for delivery starting a year from now.

Meralco needs 1,800MW of baseload power generation capacity due for delivery in November 2024. A pre-bid conference for the six firms that submitted expression of interest to Meralco’s competitive selection process (CSP) held last Monday.

“More than 3,000 megawatts participated and I think there were three SMC (San Miguel Corp.) plants, one GNPD (GN Power Dinginin Ltd. Co.) and one solar company; I can’t remember all,” said Meralco Head of Regulatory Management Office Jose Ronald V. Valles.

Another pre-bid conference is scheduled on November 24 while the deadline for submission of comments is on December 1. ”The schedule of awarding is last week of December. What we have right now is only the submission of interest. So we don’t know yet if all of these companies will eventually make it to the final round, if they

will decide to submit a bid,” added Valles, a lawyer.

The list of firms that formally expressed interest to join the competitive bidding are GNPD, First NatGas Power Corp., SP New Energy Corp., Mariveles Power Generation Corp., Excellent Energy Resources Inc. (EERI) and Masinloc Power Partners Co. Ltd. (MPPCL).

Four of the six offers are coal; the remaining two are solar and gas.

Valles said there is no preferred technology because “the CSP guidelines of ERC (Energy Regulatory Commission) says that they should be transparent and not discriminatory although we are trying to observe also the advisory of the DOE (Department of Energy) that what needs priority are indigenous sources.”

Meralco has set on December 26 the new deadline for bid submission of the 1,800MW. EERI and MPPCL won in the first

AirAsia hailed SEA’s ‘most punctual’ airline

B

UDGET carrier Philippines AirAsia Inc. announced last Tuesday it was hailed as the “most punctual airline in Southeast Asia” by aviation analytics group LNRS Data Services Ltd. (trading as Cirium).

Citing data from Cirium, Philippines AirAsia President and CEO Ricardo P. Isla said the Filipino carrier led the list in Southeast Asia for October, after posting an on-time performance (OTP) of 85.02 percent: 85,22 percent for on-time arrival and 84.66 percent for on-time departures for the 3,432 flights it had, flying over 630,000 guests to domestic and international destinations.

“Being punctual is our greatest commitment to our guests. We would like to ensure the timely departure and arrival of our aircraft with the utmost consideration to safety. For the remaining months of 2023, we are doubling down on our efforts to promptly, safely, and conveniently fly our guests to their families not only in Manila but also in various provinces in time for the holidays,” Isla said.

Philippines AirAsia’s sister companies AirAsia Malaysia (AK), Thai AirAsia (FD), and Indonesia AirAsia (QZ) also made the top 10 list.

“Maintaining daily tasks such as close coordination with each department to meet the allotted ground time, pushing the early departure of first wave of flights, quick turnaround of all flights, early completion of ground support equipment, and the swift coordination w it h a ir por t and A ir Traffic Control offices also contributed to our positive OTP,” Isla added. Lorenz S. Marasigan

CSP. However, they moved to terminate the power supply agreements (PSAs) because the ERC failed to act on their applications within the six-month “longstop date,” or the period in which the ERC is supposed to approve or disapprove the application of a distribution utility (DU) and its power supplier for the implementation of their PSA. Once the longstop date is over, the power supplier has the right to terminate the PSA by providing a written notice of such termination to the DU. Meralco and EERI filed their joint application last March 24, 2021, while the joint application of Meralco and MPPCL was filed on March 18, 2021. The longstop dates lapsed on September 23, 2021, and September 17, 2021, respectively.

Meralco said the 1,800MW capacity is needed to meet the growing

MUTUAL FUNDS

demand of its customers starting next year. It expects electricity sales within its franchise area to grow between 4.5 percent and 4.7 percent this year from 2022.

Last year, Meralco’s energy sales volumes increased by six percent to 48,916 gigawatt hours (GWh) from 46,073 GWh in 2021 brought about by the minimal restrictions in commercial and social activities. Sales mix continued to shift towards the commercial segment, Meralco had reported.

“For October alone, we’re seeing around 5.2 percent increase then November, December it is still that much. So, on average, five percent per quarter. That would be around 4.7 percent for the year,” said Meralco Chief Commercial Officer and First Vice President Ferdinand O. Geluz.

November 21, 2023

NAV One Year Three Year Five Year Y-T-D

per share Return* Return Stock Funds ALFM Growth Fund, Inc. -a 201.83 -1.38% -3.56% -3.94% -1.25% -3.21% ATRAM Alpha Opportunity Fund, Inc. -a 1.3965 5.63% 4.14% 0.55% 1.29% 3.89% ATRAM Philippine Equity Opportunity Fund, Inc. -a 2.792 -1.98% -3.57% -6.09% -2.99% -4.22% Climbs Share Capital Equity Investment Fund Corp. -a 0.665 -1.83% -5.39% -5.36% n.a -4.9% First Metro Consumer Fund, Inc. -a 0.6116 -7.64% -6.01% -5.57% n.a -5.7% First Metro Save and Learn Equity Fund, Inc. -a 4.4423 -2.54% -3% -2.94% -0.94% -4.47% First Metro Save and Learn Philippine Index Fund, Inc. -a 0.6617 -3.95% -4.28% n.a n.a -5.62% MBG Equity Investment Fund, Inc. -a 84.45 10.67% -2.97% -4.89% n.a 12.13% PAMI Equity Index Fund, Inc. -a 41.0641 -3.03% -3.7% -3.17% n.a -4.92% Philam Strategic Growth Fund, Inc. -a 428.34 -1.76% -4% -3.19% -1.21% -3.61% Philequity Dividend Yield Fund, Inc. -a 1.1511 -1.85% 0.29% -1.4% n.a -2.04% Philequity Fund, Inc. -a 32.3306 -1.17% -1.63% -2.12% 0.75% -2.9% Philequity MSCI Philippine Index Fund, Inc. -a 0.8245 -1.08% -3.07% n.a n.a -2.86% Philequity PSE Index Fund, Inc. -a 4.3182 -2% -2.79% -2.31% 0.53% -3.95% Philippine Stock Index Fund Corp. -a 718.44 -2.1% -2.96% -2.38% 0.48% -4.07% Soldivo Strategic Growth Fund, Inc. -a 0.6511 -0.91% -3.1% -5.02% n.a -3.41% Sun Life Prosperity Philippine Equity Fund, Inc. -a 3.2104 -2.57% -3.43% -4.35% -1.28% -4.83% Sun Life Prosperity Philippine Stock Index Fund, Inc. -a 0.8147 -2.45% -3.28% -2.7% n.a -4.37% United Fund, Inc. -a 3.001 -2.02% -2.68% -2.68% -0.19% -3% Primarily invested in Peso securities (units) COL Equity Index Unitized Mutual Fund, Inc. -a 1.0112 -2.47% n.a n.a n.a -4.26% COL Strategic Growth Equity Unitized Mutual Fund, Inc. -a,20.9906 n.a n.a n.a n.a n.a Philequity Alpha One Fund, Inc. -a 0.9751 -4.07% -2.34% n.a n.a -6.81% Philippine Stock Index Fund Corp. -a 871.92 -2.25% n.a n.a n.a -4.14% Exchange Traded Fund (shares) First Metro Phil. Equity Exchange Traded Fund, Inc. -a,c97.5065 -1.54% -2.64% -2.08% n.a -3.57% Primarily invested in foreign currency securities (shares) ATRAM AsiaPlus Equity Fund, Inc. -b $0.8119 -4.02% -11% -3.02% -1.88% -4.71% Sun Life Prosperity World Voyager Fund, Inc. -a $1.5769 9.51% -0.3% 5.88% n.a 10.74% Balanced Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities (shares) ATRAM Dynamic Allocation Fund, Inc. -a 1.4477 -1.96% -4.04% -2.42% -2.03% -2.49% ATRAM Philippine Balanced Fund, Inc. -a 2.1208 5.16% -1.64% -0.54% -0.08% 0.74% First Metro Save and Learn Balanced Fund, Inc. -a 2.4269 -1.72% -2.26% -0.47% -1.27% -3.13% First Metro Save and Learn F.O.C.C.U.S. Dynamic Fund, Inc. -a 0.1846 -3.1% -2.13% n.a n.a -4.6% NCM Mutual Fund of the Phils., Inc. -a 1.883 0.71% -1.14% 0.67% 0.89% -0.21% PAMI Horizon Fund, Inc. -a 3.4375 1.2% -2.89% -0.2% -0.03% -0.07% Philam Fund, Inc. -a 15.0638 0.19% -3.55% -0.76% -0.33% -0.5% Solidaritas Fund, Inc. -a 1.98 0.6% -1.56% -0.52% 0.74% -0.33% Sun Life of Canada Prosperity Balanced Fund, Inc. -a 3.2959 0.52% -2.29% -1.84% -0.65% -1.01% Sun Life Prosperity Dynamic Fund, Inc. -a 0.8663 1.04% -0.34% -1.19% n.a -1.43% Primarily invested in Peso securities (units) Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2028, Inc. -a 0.919 2.4% -3.06% n.a n.a 0.42% Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2038, Inc. -a 0.808 -0.85% -4.78% n.a n.a -3.3% Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2048, Inc. -a 0.7878 -1.75% -5.02% n.a n.a -4.22% Primarily invested in foreign currency securities (shares) Cocolife Dollar Fund Builder, Inc. -a $0.0319 0.03% -6.62% -1.63% -0.2% -1.54% PAMI Asia Balanced Fund, Inc. -b $0.8782 1.4% -7.76% -1.38% -1.49% 4.55% Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Advantage Fund, Inc. -a $4.068 5.37% -1.98% 3.25% 2.6% 5.77% Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Wellspring Fund, Inc. -a $0.9873 1.81% -4.58% 0.18% n.a 1.62% Bond Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities (shares) ALFM Peso Bond Fund, Inc. -a 388.48 3.29% 1.69% 2.56% 2.09% 2.77% ATRAM Corporate Bond Fund, Inc. -a 1.8997 1.68% 0.05% 0.51% -0.1% 1.33% Cocolife Fixed Income Fund, Inc. -a 3.2947 2.51% 0.89% 2.2% 3.71% 2.67% Ekklesia Mutual Fund, Inc. -a 2.2454 4.22% -0.65% 1.11% 1.09% 2.75% First Metro Save and Learn Fixed Income Fund, Inc. -a 2.426 1.71% -0.28% 1.94% 1.04% 1.46% Philam Bond Fund, Inc. -a 4.1994 1.84% -3.09% 1.66% 0.37% 1.43% Philam Managed Income Fund, Inc. -a 1.3618 3.36% 1.18% 2.96% 1.69% 3.21% Philequity Peso Bond Fund, Inc. -a 3.9789 4.09% 0.14% 2.73% 1.23% 2.85% Soldivo Bond Fund, Inc. -a 1.0429 3.13% 0.24% 3.34% n.a 2.59% Sun Life of Canada Prosperity Bond Fund, Inc. -a 3.2594 4.4% 0.78% 3.44% 1.74% 3.61% Sun Life Prosperity GS Fund, Inc. -a 1.7419 3.54% 0.03% 2.67% 1.16% 2.72% Primarily invested in foreign currency securities (shares) ALFM Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -a $490.71 2.65% 0.61% 1.9% 2.44% 2.21% ALFM Euro Bond Fund, Inc. -a Є211.89 1.51% -1% -0.07% 0.73% 1.06% ATRAM Total Return Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -b $1.0189 0.32% -6.9% -1.91% -0.09% 0.94% First Metro Save and Learn Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -a $0.0242 1.68% -2.98% -0.49% n.a 2.11% PAMI Global Bond Fund, Inc. -b $0.8375 -2.31% -8.43% -3.96% -3.33% -6.94% Philam Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -a $2.1877 2.74% -4.64% 0.47% 1.43% 0.35% Philequity Dollar Income Fund, Inc. -a $0.0607507 1.98% -0.7% 1.32% 1.56% 1.76% Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Abundance Fund, Inc. -a $2.6423 -1.34% -6.37% -1.63% -0.02% -2.91% Money Market Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities (shares) ALFM Money Market Fund, Inc. -a 136.34 2.46% 1.74% 2.54% 2.01% 2.32% First Metro Save and Learn Money Market Fund, Inc. -a 1.1041 3.14% 1.8% n.a n.a 2.84% Sun Life Prosperity Peso Starter Fund, Inc. -a 1.3709 2.71% 1.95% 2.46% 1.97% 2.43% Primarily invested in Peso securities (units) ALFM Money Market Fund, Inc. -a 104.07 3.98% n.a n.a n.a 3.58% Primarily invested in foreign currency securities (shares) Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Starter Fund, Inc. -a $1.0925 2.29% 1.29% 1.5% n.a 2.18% Feeder Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities (units) ALFM Global Multi-Asset Income Fund, Inc. -a 41.5933 -6% n.a n.a n.a -2.55% Sun Life Prosperity World Equity Index Feeder Fund, Inc. -a 1.387 9.02% 8.44% n.a n.a 12.57% Sun Life Prosperity World Income Fund, Inc. -a,1 0.9632 n.a n.a n.a n.a n.a Primarily invested in foreign currency securities (Units) ALFM Global Multi-Asset Income Fund, Inc. -a $0.772 -3% -7.33% n.a n.a -2.28% a - NAVPS as of the previous banking day. b - NAVPS as of two banking days ago. c - Listed in the PSE. 1 - Launch date is August 22, 2023.

2 - Launch date is October 6, 2023.

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

pifa. com.ph to see the latest NAVPS/NAVPU.”

www.businessmirror.com.ph

PSE STOCK QUOTATIONS

November 21, 2023

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

ASIA UNITED BDO UNIBANK BANK COMMERCE BANK PH ISLANDS CHINABANK EAST WEST BANK METROBANK PB BANK PHIL NATL BANK PSBANK RCBC SECURITY BANK UNION BANK BRIGHT KINDLE COL FINANCIAL PHIL STOCK EXCH SUN LIFE

63,000 198,990,624 8,295 109,436,766 2,048,105 241,051 48,319,867 706,920 613,078 37,514 289,850 14,747,385 4,612,143.50 4,180 332,440 6,800 265,010

-9,000 33,546,053 755 -20,870,325 -380,510 105,600 16,659,686.50 550 -59,850 -5,370,897 -108,366.50 -2,780 6,800 251,750

INDUSTRIAL ACEN CORP 4.89 4.9 4.89 4.95 4.88 4.9 3,403,000 16,683,040 ALSONS CONS 0.54 0.55 0.55 0.55 0.55 0.55 217,000 119,350 ALTERNERGY HLDG 0.83 0.84 0.83 0.84 0.82 0.84 791,000 656,370 ABOITIZ POWER 36.55 36.7 36 36.7 36 36.7 667,100 24,428,385 RASLAG 1.21 1.23 1.2 1.23 1.2 1.23 130,000 156,370 BASIC ENERGY 0.178 0.184 0.178 0.187 0.177 0.179 2,920,000 518,380 FIRST GEN 17.84 18.12 18.12 18.12 17.84 17.84 195,000 3,513,142 FIRST PHIL HLDG 63.35 63.5 63.35 63.5 63.35 63.5 44,940 2,849,063.50 MERALCO 373 375 377.2 378 373 373 166,580 62,444,430 MANILA WATER 17 17.28 17.16 17.36 17 17 847,300 14,510,462 PETRON 3.27 3.29 3.3 3.3 3.25 3.29 621,000 2,042,850 REPOWER ENERGY 6.56 6.6 6.7 6.7 6.6 6.6 47,600 314,578 SYNERGY GRID 5.89 5.96 6 6.1 5.85 5.96 1,208,400 7,156,231 SHELL PILIPINAS 12.4 12.42 12.46 12.46 12.4 12.42 4,700 58,386 SPC POWER 7.6 7.72 7.6 7.79 7.6 7.72 36,200 279,167 AGRINURTURE 1.29 1.3 1.33 1.4 1.3 1.3 666,000 889,520 AXELUM 1.85 1.88 1.8 1.9 1.8 1.89 31,000 56,800 CNTRL AZUCARERA 10.56 11.72 10.68 11.72 10.54 11.72 1,200 12,864 CENTURY FOOD 30.5 30.7 29.95 31 29.8 30.5 5,796,800 175,857,090 DEL MONTE 7.2 7.69 7.19 7.75 7.19 7.2 1,600 11,738 DNL INDUS 6 6.01 5.99 6.14 5.99 6 13,505,900 81,093,103 EMPERADOR 20.7 20.75 20.8 21 20.7 20.75 7,353,400 152,578,670 SMC FOODANDBEV 49.65 50 49.55 50.25 49.55 50 33,120 1,653,676 FIGARO COFFEE 0.63 0.64 0.63 0.64 0.62 0.63 3,671,000 2,314,580 FRUITAS HLDG 1.09 1.1 1.23 1.24 1.09 1.1 19,558,000 22,124,080 GINEBRA 166.8 168.5 169.9 169.9 166.8 168.5 170 28,632 JOLLIBEE 235 238 228 238 228 238 2,262,540 529,862,552 KEEPERS HLDG 1.45 1.48 1.45 1.5 1.45 1.48 566,000 837,440 LIBERTY FLOUR 11.6 15.5 15.5 15.5 15.5 15.5 100 1,550 MAXS GROUP 3.61 3.65 3.69 3.69 3.61 3.65 49,000 179,260 MONDE NISSIN 7.8 7.82 7.78 7.84 7.66 7.82 11,876,300 92,301,786 SHAKEYS PIZZA 9.2 9.31 9.31 9.31 9.2 9.31 16,700 153,980 RFM CORP 2.98 3 2.98 3 2.98 3 950,000 2,849,940 ROXAS HLDG 0.5 0.59 0.59 0.59 0.52 0.59 5,000 2,740 SWIFT FOODS 0.055 0.07 0.055 0.055 0.055 0.055 20,000 1,100 UNIV ROBINA 113.5 113.8 113.4 113.8 111.6 113.8 595,740 67,519,142 VITARICH 0.5 0.52 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 1,000 500 CONCRETE B 38.05 48.8 48.75 48.8 48.75 48.8 200 9,755 CEMEX HLDG 0.81 0.83 0.86 0.87 0.79 0.85 123,000 100,600 EC VULCAN CORP 0.81 0.83 0.81 0.83 0.81 0.83 307,000 251,230 EEI CORP 5.87 5.9 5.99 6.03 5.8 5.9 898,800 5,342,280 MEGAWIDE 3.1 3.13 3.1 3.13 3.03 3.13 262,000 803,000 TKC METALS 0.41 0.44 0.46 0.46 0.44 0.44 40,000 18,200 CROWN ASIA 1.52 1.56 1.55 1.56 1.5 1.5 1,086,000 1,660,520 EUROMED 0.76 0.84 0.84 0.84 0.84 0.84 14,000 11,760 LMG CORP 2.49 2.63 2.51 2.51 2.49 2.49 23,000 57,390 PRYCE CORP 5.19 5.2 5.28 5.28 5.2 5.2 400,300 2,081,568 GREENERGY 0.28 0.285 0.26 0.285 0.26 0.285 30,040,000 8,367,000 INTEGRATED MICR 3.45 3.46 3.48 3.48 3.41 3.46 44,000 150,690 IONICS 1.1 1.11 1.12 1.12 1.08 1.11 1,206,000 1,330,470 SFA SEMICON 1.9 2.05 1.9 2.05 1.9 2.05 434,000 882,260 CIRTEK HLDG 1.69 1.71 1.75 1.75 1.67 1.71 48,000 81,300

-6,395,660 -340,060 -7,267,130 -1,764,234 145,927 6,247,558 2,310,832 -3,290 -6,630 -1,329,495 -47,196 2,337 -23,090 -19,499,080 -8,855,486 88,666,795 -727,305 -17,010 -37,480 153,699,048 -27,179,818 13,830 -141,000 7,248,130 29,390 -963,012 160,820 163,350.00 -10,350 16,800

HOLDING & FRIMS

ABACORE CAPITAL AYALA CORP ABOITIZ EQUITY ALLIANCE GLOBAL ANSCOR COSCO CAPITAL DMCI HLDG GT CAPITAL JG SUMMIT LODESTAR LOPEZ HLDG LT GROUP PRIME MEDIA SM INVESTMENTS SAN MIGUEL CORP SEAFRONT RES TOP FRONTIER

45 131.7 7.16 104 30.1 8.78 52.7 8.6 18.4 54.3 22.9 70.7 58.8 1.39 2.78 170 2,650

1.02 642 47.3 10.28 11.3 4.53 9.22 560.5 37.85 0.405 4.37 8.96 2.8 826.5 106 1.51 98.05

45.95 131.9 7.54 104.5 30.4 8.8 52.8 8.7 18.48 55.85 23.5 71 59.4 1.4 2.79 175 2,700

1.03 646 48.65 10.3 11.32 4.62 9.3 561 38 0.415 4.45 8.98 2.89 827.5 107.5 1.76 104

45 129.5 7.55 104.5 30.4 8.77 51.5 8.6 18.44 54.25 23 71.9 59.5 1.39 2.8 170 2,652

1.02 647 48 10.4 11.32 4.55 9.3 560.5 38.95 0.405 4.37 9 2.8 835 107 1.55 98.05

45 131.9 7.55 105.6 30.4 8.8 52.8 8.6 18.44 56 23.5 72.7 59.5 1.4 2.8 170 2,652

1.05 647 48.65 10.4 11.32 4.61 9.38 571 39 0.405 4.37 9 2.9 840 108 1.55 98.05

45 129.5 7.54 103.8 30.1 8.77 51.5 8.6 18.4 54.25 23 70.7 59 1.39 2.79 170 2,650

1.01 637.5 47.25 10.14 11.32 4.53 9.2 560.5 37.4 0.405 4.37 8.95 2.71 825 106.2 1.55 98.05

45 131.9 7.54 104 30.1 8.8 52.8 8.6 18.42 54.25 23.5 70.7 59.4 1.4 2.79 170 2,650

1.03 646 48.65 10.28 11.32 4.6 9.3 560.5 37.85 0.405 4.37 8.98 2.9 827 107.5 1.55 98.05

1,400 1,517,710 1,100 1,050,450 67,800 27,400 919,960 82,200 33,300 690 12,600 207,800 77,750 3,000 119,000 40 100

522,000 197,300 274,000 8,704,100 4,600 520,000 2,079,500 108,900 1,467,400 110,000 6,000 1,711,000 210,000 247,480 442,950 8,000 60

535,720 126,855,175 13,261,330 89,285,894 52,072 2,370,490 19,268,463 61,430,645 55,692,245 44,550 26,220 15,368,278 584,040 204,857,115 47,616,692 12,400 5,883

PROPERTY AYALA LAND 29.7 29.85 29.8 29.9 29.6 29.85 8,016,200 238,947,010 AYALA LAND LOG 1.59 1.63 1.64 1.65 1.6 1.63 912,000 1,471,330 ALTUS PROP 8.96 9.37 8.98 8.98 8.96 8.96 1,800 16,130 ARANETA PROP 0.97 0.98 1.02 1.02 0.97 0.99 632,000 622,460 AREIT RT 29.75 29.8 30.5 30.5 29.8 29.8 4,077,600 122,602,435 A BROWN 0.65 0.69 0.65 0.69 0.65 0.69 9,000 5,890 CITYLAND DEVT 0.69 0.72 0.74 0.74 0.73 0.73 219,000 159,880 CEB LANDMASTERS 2.51 2.56 2.58 2.58 2.5 2.51 338,000 850,450 CENTURY PROP 0.3 0.31 0.31 0.31 0.3 0.31 650,000 195,650 CITICORE RT 2.51 2.53 2.51 2.53 2.51 2.52 1,078,000 2,717,500 DOUBLEDRAGON 8.07 8.15 7.79 8.18 7.79 8.15 1,178,100 9,471,041 DDMP RT 1.22 1.23 1.22 1.22 1.2 1.22 2,055,000 2,484,270 DM WENCESLAO 6.18 6.3 6.29 6.29 6.18 6.18 43,000 267,358 EMPIRE EAST 0.134 0.137 0.139 0.139 0.134 0.137 4,140,000 560,010 EVER GOTESCO 0.28 0.295 0.285 0.295 0.28 0.295 1,020,000 292,800 FILINVEST RT 2.8 2.85 2.9 2.9 2.76 2.8 3,141,000 8,783,200 FILINVEST LAND 0.54 0.55 0.57 0.57 0.54 0.55 9,925,000 5,455,170 GLOBAL ESTATE 0.75 0.76 0.75 0.76 0.74 0.76 442,000 331,480 8990 HLDG 8.22 8.64 8.8 8.85 8.16 8.79 78,800 647,442 GOLDEN MV 752 786 786 786 775 786 190 148,020 PHIL INFRADEV 0.5 0.54 0.57 0.57 0.5 0.5 37,000 19,210 CITY AND LAND 0.77 0.78 0.79 0.79 0.77 0.77 30,000 23,180 MEGAWORLD 2.03 2.06 2.02 2.06 2.02 2.06 13,378,000 27,378,410 MRC ALLIED 1.52 1.59 1.6 1.65 1.53 1.53 107,000 167,140 MREIT RT 11.98 12 12 12 11.88 11.98 234,200 2,799,380 PREMIERE RT 1.51 1.57 1.51 1.58 1.5 1.57 697,000 1,072,290 PRIMEX CORP 2.49 2.6 2.46 2.74 2.46 2.5 8,000 20,770 RL COMM RT 4.67 4.69 4.75 4.75 4.66 4.69 828,000 3,884,620 ROBINSONS LAND 14.5 14.52 14.58 14.66 14.5 14.5 560,000 8,128,770 PHIL REALTY 0.15 0.158 0.16 0.161 0.16 0.161 100,000 16,020 ROCKWELL 1.35 1.41 1.35 1.35 1.35 1.35 2,000 2,700 SHANG PROP 3.6 3.61 3.61 3.67 3.6 3.61 56,000 203,910 STA LUCIA LAND 3.22 3.27 3.23 3.27 3.23 3.27 19,000 61,850 SM PRIME HLDG 31.25 31.35 31.65 31.85 31.2 31.25 5,339,500 168,044,200 VISTAMALLS 2.38 2.45 2.32 2.32 2.32 2.32 1,000 2,320 SUNTRUST RESORT 0.75 0.78 0.75 0.75 0.75 0.75 267,000 200,250 VISTA LAND 1.63 1.66 1.65 1.67 1.63 1.66 121,000 199,400 VISTAREIT RT 1.66 1.69 1.67 1.69 1.66 1.69 632,000 1,057,400

SERVICES ABS CBN 3.46 3.6 3.57 3.6 3.57 3.6 18,000 64,350 GMA NETWORK 8.2 8.23 8.23 8.28 8.17 8.2 152,700 1,254,227 MLA BRDCASTING 7.4 8.45 7.4 7.4 7.4 7.4 100 740 GLOBE TELECOM 1,730 1,760 1,720 1,760 1,715 1,760 40,850 71,229,940 PLDT 1,252 1,260 1,246 1,260 1,243 1,260 106,870 134,083,655 APOLLO GLOBAL 0.014 0.015 0.015 0.015 0.014 0.015 26,400,000 370,900 CONVERGE 8.02 8.05 8.01 8.12 7.96 8.02 4,510,800 36,186,177 DFNN INC 3.05 3.06 3.07 3.07 3.06 3.06 202,000 618,140 DITO CME HLDG 2.28 2.3 2.36 2.36 2.23 2.28 7,643,000 17,419,820 NOW CORP 1.24 1.25 1.23 1.24 1.22 1.24 465,000 569,590 TRANSPACIFIC BR 0.133 0.139 0.133 0.133 0.132 0.132 160,000 21,220 ASIAN TERMINALS 15.48 15.9 15.92 15.92 15.92 15.92 100 1,592 CHELSEA 1.27 1.3 1.27 1.3 1.27 1.3 385,000 499,450 CEBU AIR 32.35 32.4 32.3 32.8 32.3 32.4 499,100 16,250,790 INTL CONTAINER 214 214.8 212 214.8 211.6 214.8 1,078,910 230,350,904 LBC EXPRESS 17 18.82 17 18.88 17 18.88 900 15,488 MACROASIA 4.11 4.13 4.17 4.17 4.13 4.13 126,000 522,050 METROALLIANCE A 0.5 0.53 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 67,000 33,500 PAL HLDG 5.25 5.39 5.25 5.39 5.25 5.39 13,300 70,122 HARBOR STAR 0.79 0.8 0.81 0.82 0.79 0.81 47,000 38,040 WATERFRONT 0.39 0.42 0.4 0.4 0.39 0.39 200,000 78,100 CENTRO ESCOLAR 8.3 8.93 8.28 8.95 8.28 8.93 3,000 25,500 FAR EASTERN U 572 619.5 572.5 572.5 572.5 572.5 50 28,625 IPEOPLE 6.38 7.3 7.39 7.39 6.34 6.34 2,100 13,843 STI HLDG 0.455 0.46 0.46 0.46 0.45 0.455 5,800,000 2,655,900 BELLE CORP 1.17 1.18 1.17 1.18 1.17 1.18 402,000 473,580 BLOOMBERRY 9.78 9.81 9.84 9.88 9.77 9.8 13,766,900 134,947,660 PACIFIC ONLINE 3.16 3.21 3.24 3.36 3.21 3.21 93,000 300,490 PH RESORTS GRP 0.93 0.94 0.88 0.93 0.88 0.93 2,418,000 2,216,780 PREMIUM LEISURE 0.59 0.6 0.61 0.61 0.59 0.6 2,519,000 1,504,680 DIGIPLUS 6.55 6.58 6.5 6.72 6.5 6.58 435,300 2,855,595 PHILWEB 1.74 1.82 1.78 1.82 1.74 1.82 283,000 499,220 ALLDAY 0.165 0.169 0.169 0.17 0.165 0.169 1,940,000 326,830 ALLHOME 1.22 1.24 1.26 1.27 1.22 1.24 2,764,000 3,448,310 METRO RETAIL 1.17 1.22 1.17 1.22 1.17 1.22 4,000 4,730 PUREGOLD 28.1 28.4 28.5 28.6 28.1 28.4 550,800 15,644,120 ROBINSONS RTL 38.7 39 38.45 39 38.45 39 93,800 3,638,180 PHIL SEVEN CORP 76.3 76.5 76.5 76.5 76.5 76.5 335,230 25,645,095 SSI GROUP 2.7 2.77 2.71 2.8 2.71 2.71 58,000 157,970 UPSON INTL CORP 1.66 1.77 1.77 1.77 1.77 1.77 2,000 3,540 WILCON DEPOT 19.4 19.44 19.86 19.86 19.32 19.44 3,006,800 58,871,430 APC GROUP 0.23 0.235 0.23 0.235 0.23 0.235 50,000 11,550 EASYCALL 2.3 2.6 2.3 2.31 2.3 2.31 15,000 34,600 MEDILINES 0.335 0.345 0.34 0.35 0.335 0.345 570,000 192,750 PRMIERE HORIZON 0.191 0.197 0.181 0.197 0.18 0.19 1,020,000 196,670

MINING & OIL ATOK 5 5.2 4.74 5 4.74 5 12,000 58,550 APEX MINING 2.63 2.64 2.67 2.67 2.62 2.64 4,145,000 10,977,710 ATLAS MINING 3.02 3.11 3.08 3.08 3.02 3.02 11,000 33,520 BENGUET A 4.67 4.7 4.67 4.72 4.67 4.7 198,000 930,170 BENGUET B 4.86 5 4.86 4.86 4.86 4.86 3,000 14,580 CENTURY PEAK 3.06 3.15 3.07 3.15 3.07 3.15 172,000 536,080 FERRONICKEL 2.36 2.39 2.4 2.4 2.35 2.39 508,000 1,201,090 GEOGRACE 0.03 0.035 0.031 0.032 0.031 0.032 700,000 22,000 LEPANTO A 0.072 0.073 0.077 0.079 0.071 0.073 7,090,000 525,540 LEPANTO B 0.07 0.074 0.074 0.081 0.074 0.074 1,700,000 125,920 MARCVENTURES 1.03 1.07 1.02 1.07 1.02 1.06 348,000 365,340 NICKEL ASIA 5.11 5.12 5.12 5.25 5.1 5.11 2,746,500 14,047,224 ORNTL PENINSULA 0.67 0.69 0.66 0.7 0.66 0.69 20,000 13,350 PX MINING 2.85 2.86 2.83 2.88 2.83 2.86 2,637,000 7,524,800 SEMIRARA MINING 27.9 28 28.3 28.3 27.9 27.9 2,503,500 70,179,930 ENEX ENERGY 4.9 5.09 5.1 5.1 4.9 5.09 10,000 50,139 ORNTL PETROL A 0.0081 0.0083 0.0082 0.0083 0.0082 0.0083 4,000,000 32,900 PHILODRILL 0.0081 0.0083 0.0081 0.0081 0.0081 0.0081 4,000,000 32,400 PXP ENERGY 3.97 4.15 3.91 4.15 3.88 3.97 244,000 969,510

PREFFERED ACEN PREF B 1,030 1,039 1,038 1,039 1,038 1,039 2,510 2,606,540 AC PREF B2R 485.8 490 499 499 485.8 485.8 8,170 3,973,562 BRN PREF A 96.05 98.9 98.9 98.9 98.9 98.9 10 989 CEB PREF 31.4 32 31.4 31.45 31.4 31.45 15,400 484,290 EEI PREF B 88.2 96.7 87.1 96.75 87.1 96.75 3,010 262,267.50 GTCAP PREF B 936 950 936 948 936 948 70 66,240 MWIDE PREF 4 91 93.75 92.5 93.8 90 93.8 1,790 163,091 PCOR PREF 4C 811 999 999 999 999 999 50 49,950 SMC PREF 2F 72 73 72.5 73 70 70 64,000 4,605,542 SMC PREF 2J 65.2 67.85 67.95 67.95 67.95 67.95 10,070 684,256.50 SMC PREF 2K 63.15 66.65 63 63.15 63 63.15 8,460 534,180

PHIL. DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS

ABS HLDG PDR GMA HLDG PDR

WARRANTS

TECH WARRANT

3.27 7.53

3.58 8.6 8.6 8.6 8.58 8.6 34,000

0.33

0.37

-

-

-

-

-

5,200 42,115,055 6,359,000 -70,430,336 -1,253,070 10,595,568 -27,102,100 -26,148,285 -52,059 -48,503,380 28,789,322 13,698,490 8,000 -42,248,210 9,150 37,650.00 -344,016 -46,080 -68,408 -5,900 243,750 -55,210.00 -55,020 1,140 -11,286,200 -423,100 -412,760 -1,883,800 -1,572,360 -40,964,315 -75,040 115,230 477,600 38,742,450 4,200 -1,957,307.00 -1,584,730.00 -11,047,140.00 141,895,876 8,280 -1,786 -13,850 2,340 -19,319,722 -104,700 882,746 -1,095,160 7,165,385 -1,503,055 -8,288,010 0 -4,356,448 34,600 299,270 12,080 406,700 400 -3,735,667 -21,994,100 -3,888,732 -314,500 -

292,282

289,702

-

-

SMALL, MEDIUM & EMERGING

0.455 0.465 0.41 0.455 950,000 405,600 0.76 0.76 0.76 0.76 6,000 4,560 1.01 1.01 0.99 1 987,000 991,030 -10,000 0.69 0.69 0.69 0.69 10,000 6,900 1.52 1.52 1.52 1.52 10,000 15,200 1.08 1.08 1.04 1.04 1,461,000 1,534,310 150,800 0.205 0.205 0.205 0.205 30,000 6,150 -

EXHANGE TRADE FUNDS

97.6 98 97.6 98 10,100 988,455 -191,937

BALAI FRUITAS CTS GLOBAL HAUS TALK ITALPINAS KEPWEALTH MERRYMART XURPAS

FIRST METRO ETF

0.425 0.76 0.99 0.68 1.52 1.04 0.204 97.7

0.455 0.79 1 0.69 1.79 1.05 0.22 98

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Entrepreneur BusinessMirror

The six types of buying motivators

Editor: Vittorio V. Vitug • Wednesday, November 22, 2023 B3

PHL shines in two prestigious start-up events in South Korea

I I

S there a one-size-fit-all approach to selling? My quick and short answer to this question is “no.” And in case you want a more detailed response, please read on.

That’s right, there is definitely no one-size-fit-all approach to selling.

And the reason is simple—every buyer may have different motivators for choosing and purchasing a particular product or service.

To illustrate, try to imagine this: just as you’re reading this article, your phone suddenly conked out.

Let’s say that aside from the fact that you may consider your phone as an essential part of you, your job entails you to make and receive calls to and from various clients and prospects.

In other words, without a phone, it will be almost impossible for you to achieve any substantial output.

Unfortunately, you have limited cash to spare at the moment. What kind of phone will you purchase?

On the other hand, what if you currently have more than enough cash to spare, what kind of phone will you choose?

You’d probably select a particular type of phone when presented with a specific circumstance, right?

It’s because at any given time, we may have different types of buying motivators. There’s a gamut of buying motivators, but we can actually group them into six basic types— gain, fear, pleasure, convenience, pride and peer pressure.

The Gain Motivator. It’s all about the price. Gain customers are usually focused on getting discounts, incentives, rebates, savings, special offers and various kinds of freebies. They want to get the best deal and will make sure that they “win” in every transaction. Affordability, cost-benefit analysis, value for money and return-on-investment are topics that will definitely get their attention.

The Fear Motivator. Fear is a strong motivator. People will make a purchase if they are assured that the product or service will not fail, or will not cause any damage or problems.

That’s why there are customers who would go for worry-free, money-back guarantee, no more tears, and absolute protection tag lines.

The Pleasure Motivator. There are people who decides based on what makes them feel good. They are usually jolly fellows who prefer nice aesthetics, good ambiance, wonderful experience, and lovely

conversations. Price is usually not the issue, because they are mostly focused on what is pleasurable.

The Convenience Motivator.

Ever wonder why some selling points involve the following— hassle-free, instant, quick release, fast acting, speed dial, easy-to-use and express delivery? It’s because there are customers who prefer convenience over other types of motivators. They want things to be easy and fast.

The Pride Motivator. There are customers who prefer to have the best. And that’s why you have branded and luxury items. They usually go for any offers that says exclusive, for preferred customers, VIP only, members only, limited, elite, private event, stylish, and elegant.

And although they may not usually afford the most expensive item or service, they would still certainly want to feel special and treated with utmost importance.

The Peer Pressure Motivator.

There are people who would make buying decisions based on how others made theirs. Their choice is usually hinged on what others preferred, what the majority decides, and what the bestsellers are. While most will not admit it, there are times that we all need validation and acceptance.

Keep in mind that customers and prospects may have 2 or 3 buying motivators all at the same time.

What you need to do is to focus on just one motivator at a time. And in order to determine the type or types of buying motivators, you need to ask questions, throw “trigger” words and phrases, and listen to what your customers and prospects are saying. Remember, selling is mostly about understanding and relating with people. And discovering their buying motivators represents several steps toward the right direction.

By the way, focusing on a particular motivator is not a guarantee of a sale, but it will surely increase your probability of getting that “YES!” Alexey Rola Cajilig is the President of ARCWAY Consultancy Inc. and Executive Director of ARC DOCENDI. He is a Sales Leadership Coach, Strategic Sales Operations Consultant, Christian Motivational Speaker, Human Ecologist and Author of The effective Seller. He is also the creator of ARCH Styles, a behavioral and personality assessment tool. If you have questions and suggestions, you may send an email to salesleadershipcoachlex@gmail.com.

N an extraordinary display of innovation and entrepreneurial prowess, Philippine start-ups made a significant impact on the international start-up scene at two prestigious events held in Seoul, Republic of Korea.

The Asean-Korea Startup Week 2023 held on October 19 and 20 and the ECOTHON 2023 during the COMEUP Global Startup Festival from November 8 to 10, 2023 showcased the excellence of Philippine start-ups, supported by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) under its International and Local Exposure Program (ILEAP).

The program is an initiative of the DTI that supports qualified start-ups in participating in local or international start-up events or competitions.

ILEAP was also created to provide opportunities for start-ups to showcase their innovations, network with potential investors, and contribute to the growth of the Philippine startup ecosystem.

Asean-Korea Startup Week: Celebrating Innovation Brilliance

AT least 30 start-ups, carefully selected by the 10 Asean Embassies in Korea and the Asean Coordinating Committee on Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (ACCMSME), took the opportunity to pitch their business ideas to venture capitalists from Korea at the Asean-Korea

Prime movers of leading start-up companies from the Philippines pose for a group picture for posterity during the recent 2023 Asean-Korea Startup week in Seoul, South Korea.

Ecothon 2023 DemoDay Awarding. From left, Mr. Vahn Marty Cagalawan (Sikai Inc.), Ms. Audwin Mocorro Jr. (Sikai Inc.), Mr. Chris Seung-chan Lee (ASEIC).

Startup Week 2023.

Among these, three Philippine start-ups showcased groundbreaking ideas in sectors, such as artificial intelligence (AI), e-commerce, fintech, education, and tourism.

Mata Technologies, which specializes in cutting-edge AI solutions, provided virtual tours for real estate in the Philippines.

Nanohubsis, a pioneering tech company leveraging nanotechnology for transformative products.

ChatGenie focuses on conversational AI and chatbot solutions, enhancing customer engagement for businesses.

Mata Technologies, Nanohubs, and ChatGenie not only contributed

to the vibrant Asean-Korea start-up ecosystem but also represented the Philippines with brilliance on the global stage.

ECOTHON 2023: PHL start-up reaps victory

IN a resounding victory for Philippine innovation, Sikai Inc. emerged as the winner at ECOTHON 2023 during the COMEUP Global Startup Festival also in Seoul, South Korea.

The event, centered around “Eco-entrepreneurs for a Sustainable and Innovative Business Model Development,” unfolded on November 9.

This global triumph marks a significant milestone in the third year

Representatives of emerging start-up companies ascend to the global stage during Asean-Korea Startup Week 2023 held on October 19 and 20 and the ECOTHON 2023 during the COMEUP Global Startup Festival from November 8 to 10 November 2023.

of the Philippines’ participation, as Sikai Inc. secured its position as the first-time winner at ECOTHON. The competition, spanning the Philippines, Malaysia, Lao PDR, and Indonesia, served as a prelude to the international stage.

Sikai Inc., with its focus on environmental, social, and economic sustainability, stood out among 12 participants from Ecothon winners among the aforementioned countries.

QC names 2nd batch of StartUp QC finalists for P1-M capital grant

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he Quezon City Government has formally introduced the six finalists from its second cohort under its Startup QC Program.

After going through a rigorous selection and screening process, EcoUling by Project Lily, Forent, Hibla PH, Kippap Learning, Likhaan, and Zaxxun’s Boxmatic were selected from a significant number of applicants.

“Our start-up initiative aims to create new jobs and opportunities, stimulate the entrepreneurial spirit, promote innovation, and strengthen the start-up ecosystem in Quezon City,” Mayor Joy Belmonte said.

“This is the kind of business environment we want to foster in the City. With the special focus of these start-up finalists towards sustainability and social impact, they also support our commitment to deliver

on the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals,” she added.

The finalists represent a diverse set of industries from e-commerce, sustainable products to digital platforms.

Eco-Uling by Project Lily produces eco-friendly charcoal briquettes from coconut waste while Forent is a peer-to-peer car rental platform.

On the other hand, Hibla PH bridges the gap between traditional craftsmanship and modern technology through immersive and interactive product visualization, personalization, and customization features of locally-made woven garments.

Another finalist is Kippap Learning, a unique e-learning platform that combines top-notch lecture videos, personalized mentorship, and a gamified learning management system.

Likhaan, an online platform and

social commerce app connecting a diverse range of Filipino creators; and Zaxxun’s Boxmatic automated lockers provide micro and small businesses with more cost-effective storage and logistic solutions.

For the next steps, the six finalists will progress to the coaching and mentoring phase of the program covering a wide range of business and technical training through linkages with the start-up community. This strategic collaboration has provided start-ups in Quezon City with a comprehensive ecosystem of support composed of members of the government, academe, and private sector, thus equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to hone their business models and positioning them towards long-term success.

Mayor Joy Belmonte stressed the significance of a city being both innovative and supportive of business-

es, stating that local governments should create an inclusive environment that promotes growth and progress for all types of businesses.

“With funding, mentorship, learning sessions, incentives, and business assistance from the local government, StartUp QC seeks to establish a city with a robust entrepreneurial and innovative ecosystem involving the academe and private sector located in the metropolis,” she added.

StartUp QC Program partners include the Department of Information and Communications Technology, the Department of Trade and Industry, Quezon City University, Ateneo De Manila University, Miriam College, Thames International, Technological Institute of the Philippines, and the University of the Philippines Diliman, along with StartUp Village and Launchgarage.

Mayor Marcy and Rep. Maan open Christmas shoe bazaar and bancheto in Marikina City

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N a bid to strengthen the industry of shoemaking and help local businesses by providing subsidies, the Marikina City Government officially opened the Marikina Christmas Shoe Bazaar and Banchetto on Monday, November 13, 2023.

Mayor Marcelino “Marcy” Teodoro and Marikina First District Rep. Marjorie Ann “Maan” Teodoro led the opening of the much-anticipated annual shoe bazaar on the ground floor of the city’s multi-level parking located in front of the City Hall.

Mayor Marcy underscored the importance of providing the public easy access to high-quality, durable, and affordable shoes, bags, and other leather products made by the master craftsmen and shoemakers of Marikina.

“Bakit ginagawa itong bazaar? Hindi lang para magkaroon ng access ang mga kababayan, kapag sabi ko na kababayan, hindi lang taga Marikina—ibig kong sabihin lahat, magkaroon ng access, makabili sila ng sapatos na gawa sa Marikina, iyong

matibay, iyong maganda, iyong may quality.

Iyon po ang dahilan kung bakit tayo may shoe bazaar, maliban po doon sa kabuhayan na dulot nito,” Mayor Marcy said.

During the opening of the bazaar, Mayor Marcy signed Ordinance No. 121, Series of 2023.

The measure exempts shoe and leather goods retailers of the Philippine Footwear Federation Incorporated (PFFI) from payment of rental fees, including electricity charges for the use of stalls on the ground floor of the city governmentowned multi-level parking building from November 2023 to January 2024.

By exempting participating retailers from rental and other fees, Mayor Marcy explained that the measure seeks to help businesses in Marikina and provide their needs to further boost the city’s local economy.

“Ang tawag ho doon ay hindi libre, socialized, subsidized—sina-subsidized po natin kung saan po tayo mahina—kung saan may pangangailangan,” he said.

“Gusto nating palakasin ang industriya ng sapatos sapagkat kapag napalakas po natin ang industriya ng sapatos ay nakakapagbigay ho tayo nang maraming trabaho.”

Mayor Marcy emphasized that shoes crafted in Marikina have exceptional quality, durability, and most importantly, exquisite beauty.

“Iyong sapatos Marikina ay hindi lang dekalidad, hindi lang matibay, higit sa lahat ay maganda iyong craftsmanship, at napakamura. Wala kang mabibiling ganito kamurang sapatos sa ibang lugar na ganito ang quality o ang kalidad,” he said.

“At iyon ang pangalawang dahilan kung bakit tayo nagkakaroon ng mga shoe bazaar.

Hindi lang para maipamalas o mapakita, kundi para magkaroon ng access, magkaroon ng pagkakataon ang mga kababayan natin, hindi lang dito sa Marikina, kundi pati ’yung mga kababayan natin na nanggagaling sa ibang lugar—Quezon City, Pasig, dito sa bandang likod ng Antipolo. Ang nakakatuwa po ay talagang proud ang mga nakakabili ng sapatos dito sa Marikina,” he continued.

Mayor Marcelino “Marcy” Teodoro and Marikina First District representative Maan Teodoro (not in the picture) lead the opening of the Marikina City Christmas Bazaar and Banchetto at the Freedom Park on Monday on November 13, 2023. Also present during the event were members of the city council, shoemakers, business owners, and city hall officials. Marikina lgu photo.

This year, a total of 47 local manufacturers of shoes, bags, and other leather goods have participated in the bazaar showcasing their respective products proudly made in Marikina.

The shoe bazaar will run from November 13, 2023, to January 15, 2024.

Present during the bazaar’s opening

were Vice Mayor Marion Andres, members of the City Council, officials from the Philippine Footwear Federation Incorporated, and other city officials.

Meanwhile, the City Government has also brought back the Banchetto after its success during the recently concluded Palarong Pambansa held in the city last

August. The Banchetto, located at the Freedom Park in front of the City Hall, features delicious local food delicacies and snacks in Marikina.

“Itong Banchetto, nakita po natin noong Palarong Pambansa ay nag-dra-draw ng crowd. Talagang tayong mga taga Marikina, mahilig kumain. Kaya ho mas maganda ho ngayon dahil bukod ho sa pwede silang mamili sila ng sapatos na pampasko okaya mga bag at wallet na pwede nilang iregalo.

Pwede na rin silang mag-bonding kasama ang kanilang mga barkada at pamilya sa banchetto,” Rep. Maan said.

The lawmaker said women involved in conflict or who have experienced violence were given the opportunity to sell their products for them to earn for their children and families.

“At higit sa lahat, gusto ko rin i-note na may kakaiba sa banchetto na gagawin natin na mayroon tayong mga kababaihan involving conflict o mga may karanasan sa violence na kasama sa banchetto natin,” Rep. Maan said.

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Banking&Finance BusinessMirror

Wednesday, November 22, 2023 • Editor: Dennis D. Estopace

www.news.businessmirror@gmail.com

for treasuries Solons brace for global minimum Demand up, asking yields ease corporate tax regime via new bill

By Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas @jearcalas

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By Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz

@joveemarie

O prepare for the consequences of the imposition of the global minimum corporate tax, the House Committee on Ways and Means approved last Tuesday several proposals aimed at enhancing Republic Act (RA) 11534 or the “Create” law.

Albay Rep. Joey Sarte Salceda said his committee put forward the unnumbered substitute bill or the proposed “Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy (“Create More”) law. This as Salceda urged Manila to prepare for the potential impacts of the tax agreement by members of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

The agreement on a fundamental reform of the international tax architecture among nearly 140 countries in October 2021 may require multinationals currently in the Philippines to pay a top-up tax in their countries of origin.

“We need to prepare for when countries accede to this regime,” Salceda said. He added that the OECD’s “Inclusive Framework on Base Erosion and Profit Shifting,” introduces a 15-percent global tax for multinational companies with minimum annual revenues of EUR 750 million.

Enhanced deductions

HIGHLIGHTING that key Philippine trade partners, such as Japan and Korea, have already approved legislation on the matter, Salceda stressed that the Philippines needs to be proactive in adapting to these changes.

“Major Philippine trade partners like Japan and Korea have already approved their legislation on the matter. So, it will already definitely affect us. Among all Asean-6 economies, only the Philippines has not made significant progress in implementing the rules,” the lawmaker said. “But it will come; and when it does, it could affect our tax incentives system.”

According to Salceda, those who are under an income tax holiday or a special corporate income tax regime of 5 percent might be required to pay a top-up tax in their home countries.

“When that happens, our tax breaks will be quite ineffective in promoting foreign investments,” he explained. “So, we have to imagine new non-tax incentives such as infrastructure and market promotion that make doing business here

easier and more profitable.”

Thus, Salceda said, amendments to RA 11534 should consider how to evolve a tax-incentive regime that complies with the global minimum tax but still attracts foreign investors.

The lawmaker said he is “personally thinking of a tax regime where we impose a 15-percent corporate income tax rate, plus enhanced deductions for 25 years.”

Streamlined VAT

THE bill approved by the House Committee on Ways and Means last Tuesday seeks to establish a more streamlined value-added tax (VAT) refund system for registered business enterprises (RBEs). This proposed change is intended to offer businesses a more efficient and predictable process for claiming refunds.

Acknowledging the challenges and opportunities for improvement that have arisen during the implementation of the Create law, Salceda emphasized the original goals of the legislation.

The lawmaker said RA 11534 was designed to address tax uncertainty, provide relief to businesses impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic and simplify the country’s intricate tax incentives system.

Salceda openly admitted that despite the initial success of the Create law—the Philippines saw foreign direct investment (FDI) hit $10.5 billion—challenges emerged. The global economic downturn, coupled with a significant interest rate hike by the US Federal Reserve, led to a 23-percent year-on-year decline in the Philippines’s FDI performance, bringing it down to $9.2 billion, according to Salceda.

Highlighting the role of uncertainty in the implementation of VAT and tax administration provisions, the lawmaker noted the dampening effect on investor sentiment and added complexity to doing business.

Among the specific challenges associated with RA 11534, Salceda emphasized the need to address issues related to the implementation of VAT and tax administration provisions.

Audits, rules

IN response to these challenges, the “Create More” proposal aims to institutionalize risk-based audits conducted by the Commission on Audit (COA) for tax refunds.

Moreover, the bill provides various conditions regarding VAT for the sale of goods and services, depending on the nature of the transaction.

Some of the conditions outlined in the proposed measure includes imposing a 12-percent VAT on the sale of goods and/or services by unregistered and registered domestic market enterprises to another unregistered and registered domestic market enterprise. Such rate is also sought to be applied to the sale of goods and/or services to a non-registered export enterprise.

Meanwhile, the sale of goods and/or services by a VAT-registered seller to registered export enterprises, regardless of location, shall be subject to 0-percent VAT. The sale of goods and/or services by a registered export enterprise to another export enterprise shall be subject to specific rules. One rule is applying a zero-percent VAT on the sale of goods and/or services to another export enterprise if the seller is VAT-registered and enjoying an income tax holiday.

The second rule is, if the seller is enjoying the 5 percent special corporate income tax incentive, the sale of goods and/or services shall be VAT-exempt.

Holidays, DMEs

THE proposal also provides clear guidelines for the sale, transfer, or disposal of previously VAT-exempt imported capital equipment, raw materials, spare parts, and accessories.

If the purchaser is a registered export enterprise, regardless of location, the transaction shall be subject to zero-percent VAT. If the seller is a registered domestic market enterprise, regardless of location, the transaction shall be subject to 12-percent VAT based on the net book value of the capital equipment, raw materials, spare parts, or accessories, unless the purchaser is a registered export enterprise.

In such cases, the transaction shall be subject to zero-percent VAT. The proposal also provides special consideration for large domestic market enterprises (DMEs).

Under the bill, DMEs with an investment capital of at least $500 million or its equivalent in Philippine pesos, which are import-substituting or cater to non-residents, may avail of zero-percent VAT on local purchases and VAT exemption on importation of capital equipment, raw materials, spare parts, or accessories.

However, this must be ap-

proved by the Fiscal Incentives Review Board during the availment period.

Also, during the period of availment of the income tax holiday and the enhanced deduction regime, the registered-business enterprise local tax shall be imposed, according to the “Create More” measure.

LGUs’ flexibility

RECOGNIZING the importance of population as a key factor in determining the impact of enterprises on local communities, the bill proposes that the remaining 50 percent of revenues be apportioned based on the population of each local government unit (LGU). This ensures that areas with larger populations and potentially higher service demands receive a proportionate share of the revenue.

Acknowledging the diverse economic landscapes and unique challenges faced by LGUs, the proposed bill grants flexibility to these entities. It allows LGUs to reduce or waive the rate of tax, or their share thereof, when collaborating with other local units covering the same enterprise. This flexibility allows LGUs to tailor their approach to the specific needs and circumstances of their communities.

To ensure efficient and simplified compliance with tax rules and regulations, a separate service or unit within the Bureau of Internal Revenue would be created for RBEs. The commissioner will prescribe the manner and place of filing returns and payments of taxes by RBEs through this specialized service or unit, the proposal read.

Urgent matter

MEANWHILE, Salceda invited the Department of Finance (DOF) and other stakeholders to contribute their suggestions for amendments to the Create Law, ensuring compliance with the global minimum tax scheme.

He emphasized the urgency of the matter, stating that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has instructed the committee to complete the approval process by the end of the month.

Salceda said he has instructed the DOF and other stakeholders “to propose these enhancements so we can discuss them on the floor.”

However, he said he moved to approve the bill last Tuesday “so we make progress already on the issues already resolved.”

“For today, I beg the indulgence of the stakeholders that we approve a bill so that we have something to discuss on the House floor,” Salceda said on November 21. “The President has instructed us to get this done, and the leadership is trying to approve it by the end of this month.”

BIR Commissioner Lumagui wins ‘Man of the Year’ 2023

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UREAU of Internal Revenue (BIR) Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui Jr. receives another award: the “Man of the Year”

by Asia Leaders Awards 2023. In an exclusive event held last November 20, 2023, Asia Leaders Awards announced that Lumagui bagged the “Man of the Year” award for this year. The award is given to worldclass leaders, both in the private and public sectors.

This award is in recognition of his efforts in leading the BIR to greater heights as he steers the agency as its youngest Commissioner in history. The award is a timely testimonial of Lumagui’s legacy in the BIR as he celebrates the anniversary of his appointment as Commissioner in the same week.

“This award is a testimony of the past year’s performance of the BIR. This award memorializes my

anniversary as the Commissioner of the BIR as this recognition coincides with the same week of my appointment last year. Let this be a foundation of greater things to come.” Lumagui stated.

Using the four pillars of his administration, Lumagui led the BIR into a historic year.

Fearless and aggressive enforcement

LUMAGUI led the BIR in executing numerous enforcement activities.

This includes a Nationwide Raid against Illicit Tobacco, Nationwide Raid against Excisable Goods, Nationwide Filing of Run After Tax Evaders cases, and Run After Fake Transactions Task Force. These are all firsts in the history of the BIR.

Excellent taxpayers service

LUMAGUI has also made the lives of taxpayers, including both busi-

nessmen and individuals, easier.

This includes an ongoing nationwide ISO certifications, BIR MultiSectoral Working Group, cutting in half of VAT refund requirements, and exemption of small-scale famers from issuing receipts.

Digitalization

LUMAGUI also wants the different tax administration processes to be automated for the benefit of taxpayers. As such, he has spearheaded the Electronic Invoicing/ Receipting System, Online Registration and Update System, Taxpayer Registration-Related Application Portal, eAppointment, Electronic One-Time Transaction System, Enhanced eComplaint System, and the Internal Revenue Integrated System.

Integrity and professionalism

LUMAGUI also commits to clean

the ranks of the BIR regularly. In an effort to stop corruption in the BIR, he has already removed 26 and suspended two employees. He even filed a criminal case against a BIR employee who was found to be tampering with POS machines.

Lumagui was also awarded as a Rising Tiger & Nation Builder by the Rising Tigers Magazine last October. He also received an award from the National Tobacco Administration for leading the fight against illicit tobacco products last August 2023.

He was also recognized for his good governance by the Kaya Natin! Movement for Good Governance and Ethical Leadership last June 2023.

The BIR was also recognized as performing “extremely well” by Department of Finance Secretary Benjamin E. Diokno in a DOF press release dated November 15, 2023.

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HE demand for long-term government securities more than doubled to over P70 billion as investors’ asking yields for Treasury bonds (T-bonds) dropped on the back of easing inflation and pauses in monetary policy rates.

Tuesday’s auction by the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) saw total bids for the 15-year T-bonds reach P71.303 billion, more than triple the P20billion programmed amount for the tender.

With the high demand and easing yields, the Treasury made a full award of the tender raising the full P20 billion amount.

The tender saw yields averaging at 6.593 percent, lower than the comparable PHP BVAL yield of 6.78 percent. The debt papers fetched rates between 6.483 percent and 6.65 percent.

Rizal Commercial Banking Corp.

(RCBC) Chief Economist Michael L. Ricafort said the results of Tuesday’s auction were in stark contrast with the previous 15-year T-bonds tender that resulted in a full rejection.

Ricafort also noted that the total bids in the recent tender were “unusually higher” compared to previous auctions in recent months.

“Lower auction yield also due to the latest rate pause by the Fed and the [Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas] and possible Fed rate cut/s in 2024 that could be matched locally,” the RCBC executive said.

“Also supported by easing inflation trend moving closer to the central bank’s inflation target, as largely supported by the easing trend in global oil prices to the lowest in 3 to 4 months as well as the recent decline in U.S. Treasury yields to 2-month lows for the 10-year benchmark to 4.48 percent (down from the immediate high of 5.02 percent posted on October 23, 2023,” Ricafort added.

This month, the national government programmed to borrow as much as P225 billion from the tender of T-bonds and Treasury bills.

The national government has been struggling to borrow its full target amount from the domestic market as investors have been asking for higher than acceptable yields, particularly for T-bills, amid volatile market conditions.

Harvesting progress and the benefits of taxes

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OR the second consecutive year, BusinessMirror won the top prize of the Bright Leaf Agriculture Journalism Awards. Henry Empeño’s article titled “Good as Gold” was adjudged the Agriculture Story of the Year during the awarding ceremony held last week at the Fairmont Hotel in Makati City.

Business Mirror Reporters Cai Ordinario, Jovee Marie dela Cruz and Jovy Noelle Rodriguez garnered the Best National Feature Story award for their report on “Skyrocketing Sugar Prices Stoke Industry Liberalization Stakes” in the 2023 edition of the annual competition, with “Harvesting Progress” as this year’s theme.

Winners in 10 other categories were Genory Vanz Alfasain of Sunstar Davao, Carmela Reyes-Estrope of Philippine Daily Inquirer, Erwin Nicavera of Sunstar Bacolod, Shyla Francisco of TV5 Network, Zhander Cayabyab of RMNDZXL, Rhoy Cobilla of Edge Davao, Wilfredo Lomibao of Sunday Punch, Bong Sarmiento of MindaNews, Jervis Manahan of ABS-CBN News and Cristina Eloisa Baclig of Inquirer.net.

They received prizes and trophies from officers of Bright Leaf’s Presentor PMFTC Inc. led by Director for Global Communications Dave Gomez and External Affairs Director Chita Herce. Over the past 16 years, the Bright Leaf Awards have recognized outstanding stories and photos depicting agricultural and rural development.

Funding countryside development

THE National Internal Revenue Code of 1997, as amended by the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (Train) Law of 2017, mandates that an excise tax of 4 percent is imposed on minerals or quarry resources based on the actual market value of their gross output at the time of their removal.

Local government units (LGUs) are entitled to a 40 percent share of the gross earnings from mining taxes and royalties from mineral reservations under the Local Government Code of 1991.

The collected tax is to be divided among LGUs hosting the mining operations: 35 percent to the barangay; 45 percent to the municipality; and, 20 percent to the province.

But for several decades, many LGUs have not received their rightful share of the excise taxes. For example, the province of Eastern Samar still has to get its more than P100 million estimated mining tax share from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).

Governor Ben Evardone has been requesting the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and the DBM to release the province’s excise tax share. Up to now, the BIR’s Revenue Accounting Division is still processing the pertinent tax data to support the release of the

Finex free enterprise Joseph Araneta Gamboa funds due to the LGUs of Eastern Samar, the municipality of Guiuan, and its barangays hosting the mine sites.

LGU officials expect the national government to remit their respective tax shares in 2024 based on the joint certification issued by the BIR and the Bureau of the Treasury.

Evardone also met with officers of mining companies operating in the province and asked them to settle at once their unpaid real property taxes (RPT).

Six of these miners have combined RPT arrears of some P133.9 million based on their ore stocks transport permits issued by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

Provincial Treasurer Antonia Macawile disclosed that Evardone wants the miners to settle their RPT arrears because the unpaid taxes will go a long way in funding development projects such as roads, bridges, school buildings, and water supply facilities for Eastern Samar’s half a million citizens.

According to Provincial Legal Officer Eden Balagasay, Evardone instructed his staff to find out what social and community development programs have been carried out by the mining companies for their workers and the residents of the host-communities in their concession areas. This was during his dialogue with the miners held in Borongan City.

He warned them that he would not hesitate to ask the DENR to revoke their mineral production sharing agreements or MPSAs should they be found not in full compliance with their environmental and social protection obligations.

These MPSA holders have been involved in mining activities on the island of Homonhon, where Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan first landed in 1521 when he “discovered” the Philippines for the Spanish Empire.

Other similarly situated LGUs should emulate Eastern Samar’s initiative to channel funds generated from taxation to the social and economic development of their respective areas for the longterm welfare of their constituents.

Joseph Gamboa is the vice-chairman of the Ethics Committee of the Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines (Finex) and a director of Noble Asia Industrial Corp. The views expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the opinion of these institutions and the BusinessMirror. #FinexPhils www.finex. org.ph.

Image BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Editor: Gerard S. Ramos • Wednesday, November 22, 2023

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Dealing with negative relationships at work BEA ALONZO

Magic Liwanag

Multifaceted pros experience the power of #ThePortraitExpert

WITH consumers increasingly living in the realm of social media, it surprises no one that IT powerhouse OPPO’s latest flagship series, the Reno10 Series 5G, puts the Telephoto Portrait Camera in the forefront so users can get professional-level imaging capabilities and experience the power of #ThePortraitExpert with their photos. With the technological developments showcasing the brand’s outstanding pro level imaging capabilities, the Reno10 5G, Reno10 Pro 5G, and Reno10 Pro+ 5G are the next items you should put on your shopping list.

The OPPO Reno League, a group of personalities and content creators who represent the brand locally—namely Nadine Lustre, Bea Alonzo, David Licauco, Laureen Uy, Magic Liwanag, Rei Germar, David Guison, EJ Nacion, Vanie Gandler, and Mark Nicdao—already got their hands on an OPPO Reno10 Series 5G device and are loving it. Here, some share their initial thoughts and reasons why they are obsessed with their OPPO Reno10 Series 5G smartphone.

Brand ambassador Bea Alonzo expressed her excitement for the OPPO Reno 10 5G series. “It redefines what it truly means to live like a pro,” she added. The actress-entrepreneur-content creator describes how she spent her days using her OPPO Reno10 Series 5G. “Flashback to when I started using OPPO with my everyday job, errands and personal trips. I couldn’t be happier with the output. Beautiful images. It’s nice to be able to look back on these moments in perfect detail with the camera’s telephoto feature.”

“You step into the world of limitless creativity with the newest OPPO Reno10 Pro+ 5G. I can’t imagine the content I can do with its ultra-clear pro portrait camera system,” says photographer Magic Liwanag.

“The telephoto lens shoot amazing results with the best subject-background compression. It can definitely capture picture perfect moments. Decked with a Telephoto Portrait Camera, a first in the Reno series, you know it’ll be 10x awesome. Technology is inevitable, yes, but this is what keeps us creators on our toes.”

Just like everyone else who’s already experienced what has been touted as #ThePortraitExpert, professional photographer and OPPO Reno League member Mark Nicdao gushes about how outstanding his OPPO Reno10 Pro+ 5G is.

“I have been documenting my adventures with #ThePortraitExpert—and it has been nothing short of magical.” The Reno10 Series 5G highlights the telephoto lens, allowing users to showcase stunning portraits in high definition. Athlete and Instagram content creator Vanie Gandler shared how she has enjoyed capturing moments using the Telephoto Portrait Camera feature. “It provides professional portrait focal lengths and ultra-clear portrait images.”

With the OPPO Reno10 Series 5G phone, you can fully experience the imaging powerhouse that is your smartphone.

More information is available on www.oppo.com/ph or the brand’s official social media pages on Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.

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N average, people spend a third of their life at work. It matters that you have good working relations with most of the people at work because you will be spending a lot of time with them. I say most because you will really not get along with everyone in your team because of differences in personality, work ethics, and background. But just because you do not get along with someone does not mean that you will not work well together. When dealing with people you do not get along with, you need to keep it professional.

You also need to understand that people’s personal circumstances will affect their work. Personal matters like health, finances, caring for family members, and other issues have a way of creeping into their work life. They might be taking these issues with them, and that is why they become difficult to work with. While this explains some people’s behavior, this should not be used as an excuse for negativity. And while you cannot control the way they act, you can control yours.

The first thing you need to do is to stop reacting.

This does not mean accepting their behavior but giving yourself time to process where they are coming from. When confronted with an outburst, ask how they are doing. Sometimes, people just need to be heard. They might not know that they are already acting irrationally and they need to be called out. If you feel the need to react, do so by asking if something happened to make them feel that way.

If the cause of their irrational behavior is not personal in nature, you need to identify where the friction is coming from so you can determine if you can do something and if it is something you can avoid in the future. If you are leading a team, most friction happens because of a perceived unequal distribution of tasks. As a manager, you need to ensure everybody gets their fair share of the team’s work. As a leader, you need to manage your team’s perception by being transparent on the workload and tapping people for their strengths.

After knowing what is making them act out negatively, put yourself in their shoes. Sometimes, you just have to stop being right and start understanding where they are coming from. A little empathy goes a long way in discovering what you can do to smoothen out the relationship. You also need to stop focusing on who is right and start working on how to move forward. Always think in terms of how to work well

together so that tasks are finished on time. Remember that in the workplace, your end goal should be to finish the tasks assigned to you in the most effective and efficient way. Your goal is to balance your team’s objectives with their individual concerns.

You also need to acknowledge that you might have something to do with the negative behavior. Clarify if there is something you have done in the past that resulted in how they are behaving toward you. Assure them that you intend to repair the relationship so that you both can work better together. Take the effort to volunteer help if you see them struggling with their work. This way, they will know that you are sincere in mending the relationship.

Keep the communication lines open. If you are leading a team, assure your team that you listen to them by applying suggestions that benefit the whole team. As a manager, listen to your team so that everyone works well with each other. As a leader, your team needs to understand that you have their best interest at heart. And all of this starts with effective ways of communicating with people. If you find yourself being consistently misunderstood, you might need to work on the way you communicate. It is not enough that people know you are approachable; they also need to know that you will listen.

When trying to resolve issues with someone seems to be circuitous, try to look for ways to move forward without antagonizing each other. You both need to agree on what areas you can trust each other by identifying mutually beneficial goals. For everything else, agree on what each one can do to avoid antagonizing the other. Mutually beneficial goals also

provide a neutral ground from which goodwill can take root. Who knows, you might find other things you can both agree on.

Remember that if the negative behavior cannot be resolved at the moment, you have the option to walk away so that emotions do not get the best of you. When two people’s safe space is threatened, both should walk away from each other to preserve whatever good is left of the work relations. Once emotions settle down, you might discover a new perspective you have not known before and see the issue from their view. Talk to the other person only when both of you are prepared to deal with your issues.

In the end, if you have done everything but you cannot be friends with a colleague or a member of your team, you might need to look for a way out. If there is animosity or the desire to bring the other person down, it might indicate that you have to look for alternatives rather than working it out with the person. There are cases when trying to resolve it will only be counterproductive and could lead to more conflicts that might affect the entire team. Talk to your human resources and work with them to look for alternatives if there is really no way to repair the work relationship.

In an ideal work environment, you will get along well with everyone. But the reality is that you will always find someone in the office who will antagonize you one way or the other. The good news is that while you cannot control their reactions, you can control yours. After doing what you can, you will just have to find another way to do your work without them. n

❶

PHOTO BY DYLAN GILLIS ON UNSPLASH

❶ THE Vessel Lounge chair

❷ THE

Pumaimanlang

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Furniture design exhibit pays tribute to Filipino artists LIKHAYAN: Creatives Supporting Creatives, a core collection of furnishing projects which pay homage to local Filipino artists, will be open to the general public on Sunday, November 26, 2023 at Ayala Malls, Manila Bay. The initiative supports the newlypromulgated Philippines Creatives Industries Development Act, or Republic Act 11904, which aspires for the promotion of the industry’s development.

It likewise intends to protect and strengthen the rights and capacities of content providers, indigenous cultural communities, and stakeholders.

The exhibit, conceptualized by the Interior Design innovators from the

De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB), is an annual weeklong artform showcase which explores different materials through models.

The event will serve as a platform for the trailblazers to present their inventions, prototypes, and immerse in real-life experiential learning.

It will feature the students’ 44 creations—innovative chairs, coffee and console tables—which are reinterpretations of the different styles and forms of visual arts.

Their pieces were motivated by the works of visionaries, to include Joshua Carlos Barrera, Jinggoy Buensuceso, Kathleen Sareena Dagum, Leeroy New, Krista Nogueras, Emman Ogena,

Teody Boylie Perez, Rustom Cleofe Villamor, and Ralph Arellano Villaluz.

The team also captured ideas from the ceramics of Pablo Capati III, Catherine Choachuy, Lanelle Abueva Fernando, Rita Badilla-Gudiño, Alyssa Kangleon, Rosa Mirasol, Patricia Paner, Jon and Tessy Petyyjohn, and Ma. Patricia Camille Tolentino.

The evocative artworks of painters Ivy Asi, Keanna Camille Kotico Cosiñero, Jimmy Enrije Chung, Mars Pamisa, Imelda Pilapil, Ronaldo Ruiz, and Justine Velasquez likewise ignited the spark of the students to build their compositions.

The learners gained concepts from the memorable pictures of photographers Ara Custodio, Sara

Erasmo, JL Javier, Cris Magsino and Hannah Reyes Morales, as well as delicate potteries molded by Augusto Bigyan and EJ Espiritu, and detailed sculptures of Romeo Castillo, Julie Lluch Dalena, Willy Tadeo Layug, Jerson Muñoz, and Herminio Tan. The groundbreaking movies of renowned directors Glenn Barit, Martika Escobar, and Dan Villegas, and the artistic outputs of college students Cyrus Joshua Bon, Mateo Cacnio and Angelina Vasquez also served as influences.

The novel exhibition will be open to the public until December 2, 2023 at the 5th Floor, Ayala Malls, Manila Bay. More information can be found at www.instagram.com/likhayanbenilde/.

B6

Wednesday, November 22, 2023

www.businessmirror.com.ph

MEMBERS TO EXPECT HIGHER BENEFITS FROM PHILHEALTH

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HE Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) is set to adjust the rates of most of its benefit packages starting in 2024, which will result in increased financial coverage for Filipinos’ hospitalization expenses.

The adjustment is prompted by the increasing costs of healthcare in the country brought about by inflation. It was in 2013 when the state insurer first implemented the case rate payment system wherein PhilHealth reimbursed a fixed amount for a specific medical condition or surgical case.

“It is about time that PhilHealth adjusts its rates in order for our members to cope with the increasing cost of medical care. We want our members to feel the value of their benefits which translates to meaningful financial risk protection.

Our fellow Filipinos have to experience their benefits in PhilHealth,” Emmanuel R. Ledesma, Jr., PhilHealth President and Chief Executive Officer said.

The case rates are likely to increase to a maximum of 30 percent across all cases.

This is expected to lower out-of-pocket expenses of patients during hospitalization and in the availment of PhilHealth benefits for outpatient care.

However, to minimize untoward inflationary effects after rate adjustments, PhilHealth said it will prescribe a cost-sharing

mechanism wherein health facilities and the members will have fixed co-payment rates on top of what is being paid for by PhilHealth as the insurer. This way, health facilities will be more efficient in the use of resources to achieve desired health outcomes, while members can predict how much they should pay for amenities and other extra services availed of beyond those provided in basic or ward accommodations. Other strategies to control the untoward effects of this adjustment include measures to prevent insurance fraud and doctor moral hazard.

“This will be our way of controlling healthcare costs, in making member’s expenses predictable, and in discouraging irrational use of healthcare services among facilities”, the PhilHealth chief clarified.

PhilHealth shall adopt a variable inflation adjustment across types of health facilities, which means that higher-level facilities shall get higher adjustments in rates up to a maximum of 30 percent.

The upward adjustment in case rates is on top of the ongoing benefit expansion and rationalization that was already approved by the PhilHealth Board. “The massive increase in our case rates benefits is different from the previous ones and we will release more benefits enhancements this year. Let’s respond to the call of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as well as

our stakeholders including Congress and patient groups to make the benefits even more significant for members wherever they are in the country” For 2023, PhilHealth implemented the expansion of dialysis coverage to 156 sessions from the previous 90 sessions. It also rationalized the rates for conditions mostly availed of among Filipinos. Recently, it released its Circular 2023-0021 where it increased coverage for ischemic stroke from P28,000 to P76,000, and hemorrhagic stroke from P38,000 to P80,000. It is set to release a circular before year-end to widen its coverage for pneumonia high-risk from P32,000 to P90,100.

The state health insurer also launched its Outpatient Mental Health Package in mid-October, and will soon launch a package for Severe Acute Malnutrition. It also started to enhance its various Z Benefits Packages. In 2024, Z Benefits for breast cancer shall likewise be expanded which will include coverage of targeted therapy of up to P1 million per patient per year.

“PhilHealth will continue to respond to Filipinos’ needs in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s 10-point agenda, especially in the area of affordable and universal health care for all Filipinos,” Ledesma stressed.

PCSO first to provide aid in quake hit South Cotabato, other areas

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ROVING that it is ready and able to provide necessary aid and help during calamities and emergency situations, the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) wasted no time in sending its relief teams shortly after a 7.2 magnitude earthquake hit South Cotabato, Sarangani and General Santos City in the afternoon of November 17, 2023.

PCSO General Manager Melquiades Robles promptly directed its branches and Small-Town Lottery (STL) operators in the damaged areas, to distribute food packs to affected families and victims, ensuring that swift assistance reaches those in need.

“Our deepest concern lies with the families affected by the earthquake. Through our close collaboration with local government units, we aim to ensure that these families receive the necessary assistance during this challenging time,” GM Robles said.

He continued: “As part of our commitment, we have established a direct presence in the affected provinces and towns, actively coordinating with relevant organizations to ensure timely relief services

and essential supplies to the affected communities”.

The PCSO also offered to provide medical aid to individuals injured or hospitalized due to the calamity through its Medical Assistance Program (MAP).

Additionally, the agency has allocated calamity funds to support affected communities in their recovery from the devastating effects of the natural disaster.

Among those that responded promptly to GM Robles’ call are the PCSO South Cotabato Branch Office and STL Operators, Tentro Gaming and Leisure Corporation, and JGM Gaming & Leisure Corporation.

The STL operators teamed up with concerned local government units November 19 for the distribution of food packs to 200 families in Barangay Hall, Malapatan, Sarangani Province, and an additional 200 families in Barangay Bula, General Santos City.

The PCSO’s relief initiatives showcased its dedication to fulfilling its mandate as the government’s principal charitable arm, putting the welfare of the people at the forefront of its operations.

German shipowner strengthens ties with Pinoy seafarers, families

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HE Dohle Group, a German shipping company, and its Philippine manning arm Dohle Seafront held their first National Family Day this post pandemic era at Dohle Haud Manila headquarters.

The event, which was the first national gathering of the group for its Filipino crew since the pandemic, is a testament to the enduring trust of the German group with its Filipino workforce, bringing to together 80 crewmembers and 85 of their family members.

“Filipino seafarers are the backbone of our industry. Their dedication, expertise, resilience, and loyalty have been instrumental in our group’s success. We are committed to strengthening our Filipino community of seafarers and families, ensuring that they continue to play a vital role in our company’s future,” said Johann Diercks, Managing Director of German-based shipping company Dohle Schiffarts-KG during the program.

In 2015, Dohle Seafront partnered with Educhild Philippines, a non-profit organization

present all over 30 countries, to run a parenting course for the families of its seafarers. The program covered topics such as transnational parenting and financial investment.

Dohle Seafront Family Program (DSFP) won the Heart of OFW’s Company of the Year award at the ASIA CEO AWARDS in 2018 followed by AREA Investment in People Awards 2019 in Taipei, Taiwan.

At the onset of pandemic, Dohle Seafront diversified its Family Program by creating sustainable localized community units called Dohle Seafront Family Hub. These hubs provide localized programs and support in key cities in the country including Iloilo, Cebu, Bohol, Davao, Batangas, Cavite, Rizal and NCR-Manila.

“We believe that strong family units are essential to the well-being of our seafarers,” says Atty. Iris Baguiat, President of Dohle Seafront.

“We have always been dedicated of helping our seafarers strengthen their family units true to our commitment of German Precision + Filipino Heart”.

For more than 40 years, DOHLE Group has been deploying excellent crewing services to international shipowners and operators globally.

In his speech, Diercks emphasized the Group’s commitment to support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly on quality education, good health and well-being, and decent work. In addition, Diercks, an advocate for gender equality, stated that the group has been preparing to introduce female cadets and seafarers to its growing workforce.

In 2018, Dohle Seafront growing partnership with the International Maritime Employers’ Council enabled the German shipping company to sponsor the training and education of maritime cadets at the Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific.

Before this, Dohle Seafront had a groundbreaking partnership with Dualtech Training Center Foundation, Inc. in 2015 to provide their scholars, sourced from marginalized communities in the country, with working opportunities at sea as engine ratings.

INTERNATIONAL REALTORS CONVENTION. The Chamber of Real Estate & Builders’ Associations, Inc. (CREBA) led a 100-strong delegation of Filipino International Realtor Members to the annual convention of the US-based National Association of Realtors (NAR) in Anaheim, California. CREBA and NAR have been bilateral partners since 2011, with exclusive rights to the protection of the Realtor brand in the Philippines, with CREBA national president Noel Toti M. Cariño serving as 2022 NAR International Director.

Experience Christmas in Japan at MITSUKOSHI BGC

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ITSUKOSHI BGC is set to bring a touch of Japanese magic to the heart of Manila this holiday season as it officially launches its Christmas concepts with a Christmas Display Lighting Ceremony.

This year, MITSUKOSHI BGC unveils a dazzling display of lights and activities that promises to capture the essence of a Japanese Christmas in the Philippines. The ceremony will feature traditional Japanese elements infused with the festive spirit, including performances, seasonal treats, and, of course, the grand illumination of MITSUKOSHI BGC’s light installation and its unique centerpiece, featuring Shirakawa-go, which is registered as a World Heritage Site that is illuminated only six times a year during winter. The light-up event here is a popular event that represents winter in Japan. Shoppers can expect an immersive celebration that blends cultural richness with the warmth of the holidays.

“We are thrilled to share a slice of Japanese Christmas with the Manila community,” said Mitsunori Morohoshi, MITSUKOSHI BGC General Manager. “Our goal is to create a magical experience that blends Japan’s and the Philippines’ cultural richness with the warmth of the holidays.”

Join MITSUKOSHI BGC as it celebrates the yuletide season with various Japanese Christmas concepts and activities for a unique and distinctly Japanese experience starting with the mall decorations, where guests will be treated to depiction of winter destination in Japan.

From November 18 to December 24, shoppers can engage in exciting activities taking place in different areas of the mall. Patrons have the opportunity to indulge in immersive activities the

whole family can enjoy, such as Bag and Chopstick Making Classes. Kids can also try their hand at making mugs and bowls at the Christmas Pottery Class or blending traditional matcha drinks at the Christmas Matcha Making Class.

Make sure to visit the gift-wrapping booths to give your Christmas gift list a colorful twist. For every single or accumulated receipt amounting to P3,000, shoppers can have their purchases gift-wrapped Furoshiki style.

Get a chance to win all-access shopping and dining tickets to your favorite stores at MITSUKOSHI BGC! From December 4 to 21, every purchase of P1,000 or more in single receipts from any MITSUKOSHI BGC store grants you an entry into the raffle. Simply scan the QR Codes around the mall, complete a e-raffle coupon, and submit it along with the validated receipt.

Winners will be announced after the raffle draw on December 23, 2023.

On Christmas Eve, select shoppers will receive a free authentic Japanese Christmas cake, a famous Christmas Eve delicacy in Japan. Rounding up the holiday cheer is a musical play with Santa & Friends.

Sing to your heart’s desire and create a memorable experience for the whole family.

Don’t miss out on a truly unique Christmas experience at MITSUKOSHI BGC. To know the latest about MITSUKOSHI BGC, visit their website, Facebook, and Instagram page. Don’t miss out on your chance to own a slice of Japan in the heart of BGC. Learn more about The Seasons Residences. Visit The Seasons Residences website or email invest@federalland.ph to schedule a private viewing at the showroom located at 7th Avenue corner 34th Street, Grand Central Park, BGC.

BusinessMirror

Editor: Tet Andolong

Wednesday, November 22, 2023 B7

TAALDC brings back the real Tagaytay experience

1-BEDROOM unit

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Garden lounge

By Rizal Raoul S. Reyes

agaytay City, considered as the second summer capital of the Philippines, has developed a solid reputation as a weekend getaway of choice for city dwellers in Metro Manila seeking a quick respite from the hustle and bustle of urban living.

In the present day, Tagaytay City has witnessed various residential real estate developments in the area that have offered opportunities for more and more Filipinos to enjoy the locale while partaking in a worthwhile investment as well.

With its cool climate and strategic location, numerous property developers embarked on their respective projects offering a compelling proposition for a genuinely comfortable and convenient year-round Tagaytay lifestyle.

Tagaytay All Alpha Landholdings and Development Corporation (TAALDC) has come out with its One Tolentino East Residences, is a unique high-rise condominium neighborhood that promises to be the most

ideal leisure home in the famed ridge community. Moreover, it vows to bring back the real essence of Tagaytay City by offering ample spaces in their units that ensures comfort and convenience.

One Tolentino East Residences offers one-of-a-kind advantages and benefits that make it more than just a vacation house. With its inimitable location, spaciousness and overall innovative design, it brings to reality the desire of many urbanites to increasingly call Tagaytay home,” said Gerard Ceballos, President of Tagaytay All Alpha Landholdings and Development Corporation (TAALDC) during the recent press launch held in Makati City Ceballos said timing for TAALDC’s entry

is just appropriate as lots of urbanites want to get away from the hustle and bustle of Metro Manila. He added TAALDC will be there to provide their needs of a big space and sufficient greenery, “Most of the developments now have smaller cuts. We’re bringing back the early developments specifically the 90s and 200s wherein you have ample space,” he said.

Ceballos said TAALDC has the financial muscle to proceed and complete the more than P1 billion project.

Unlike other developers where they conduct pre-selling before the start of the development, Ceballos said TAALDC is doing it simultaneously.

He said TAALDC is already done with the excavation and will proceed now with the other stages of development. Completion of the three-tower project is 2026.

Building on valuable experience One Tolentino East Residences is the developer’s maiden residential project, building on valuable experience and expertise in developing and managing a number of hotel projects in Tagaytay. Not surprisingly, the condo community brings the best attributes of a hospitality establishment into daily living.

First and foremost, One Tolentino East Residences has a strategic location. It is situated in perhaps one of the most prime spots in the area.

Traversing the Santa Rosa–Tagaytay Road from Manila, the development is right around the corner after the famous Tagaytay Public Market. The superior views of the Taal volcano and lake are the perfect complement to the cool climate of Tagaytay—both the strongest draws of visitors to the place.

One Tolentino East Residences offers generous spaces in promoting luxury living. which is perfect for Luxury of space forms another distinctive aspect of living in One Tolentino East Residences, perfect for families and groups. Thoughtful space planning resulted in generous unit sizes, with one-bedroom configurations starting at 51 square meters up to a sprawling 174 square meters for three-bedroom cuts. There is even a select inventory of penthouse units with up to 253 square meters of space.

Green engineering and other features Catherine Saldańa, the principal architect of One Tolentino East Residences said the project will use the Building for Ecologically Responsive Design Excellence

(BERDE) and the Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies (EDGE) for its rating standard.

Other distinguishing features of One Tolentino East Residences add to safety and security in everyday condo living.

Residents can enjoy peace of mind with a smart building system that boasts of a Japanese-developed earthquake-resilient system, among others. Amenities that enhance the leisure and recreational atmosphere include a pool, gym, lounge, function room and commercial establishments for daily conveniences.

Most importantly, a home at One Tolentino East Residences is a rewarding investment. At present, units at One Tolentino East Residences range from P9 million to P 14 million, with the exclusive penthouse units priced at P32 million. It aims to generate P1.6 billion in sales in the first 18 months.

One Tolentino East Residences will have 519 1-bedroom units, 140 two-bedroom units, 34 three-bedroom units and 7 penthouse units.

Unit owners can realize value whether using it as a secondary home or collecting rental income. Being a quintessential tourist spot, property prices in the area can only increase over time.

AppleOne signs agreement with Marriott International Building Dreams, Winning Awards: RLC Residences gets global recognition in Dubai to introduce JW Marriott Residences to Panglao Island

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n a promising kickoff to the month, the residential division of Robinsons Land Corporation, RLC Residences, has clinched two prestigious awards for its dedication to constructing beautiful, well-designed condominiums in the Philippines.

D u b a i - b a s e d I nt e r n at ion a l Business Magazine Awards hailed RLC Residences as the recipient of Real Estate Developer of the Year Philippines and Best Property Development Company in the Philippines 2023 during its recent awarding ceremony at Atlantis The Palm, Dubai. The annual awarding ceremony honors the extraordinary accomplishments of companies from various sectors such as real estate in the Middle East, Europe, Asia, Africa, and America.

“It is an honor to receive international recognitions like these for RLC Residences. We are proud of the work that we do and of our commitment to building nurturing condo spaces so our homeowners can design and live their best lives. Thank you so much, International Business Magazine Awards, for recognizing our efforts to Raise, Live, and Connect not just here in the Philippines but also in other parts of the world,” says Karen Cesario, RLC Residences Senior Director, Marketing Head and Chief Integration Officer.

The awards also came in time for the brand’s efforts to expand its network in Dubai, as RLC Residences prepares to open its new office in

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the city. This strategic move aims to provide delightful customer service to investors and homebuyers in the Middle East region who have long supported the brand and its projects.

Now in its 6th year, the International Business Magazine Awards annually highlights the exemplary endeavors of corporations that consistently demonstrate exceptional leadership abilities. This UAE-based online publishing company continuously strives to acknowledge and appreciate the hard work and dedication to achieving success in the competitive world of international business.

Learn more about RLC Residences and its projects by visiting rlcresidences.com or by following them on Facebook and Instagram.

EBU CITY, PHILIPPINES (October 23, 2022)—AppleOne Group, one of the Philippines’ premier and award-winning real estate developers, announces the signing of an agreement with Marriott International, the global leader in the hospitality industry, to bring JW Marriott Residences to Panglao Island, Bohol on October 20, 2023.

This represents AppleOne’s commitment to deliver exceptional and world-class properties for discerning buyers and luxury aficionados in the Philippines, as well as solidify the strong relationship between AppleOne and Marriott.

This follows both parties’ signing the management agreement last June for JW Marriott Panglao Island Resort & Spa, which will be colocated to The Residences and is slated to be the first luxury hotel in Panglao Island, Bohol.

Rooted in sophistication, the JW Marriott Residences Panglao Island is set to be a haven for luxury homebuyers who seek an ultra-premium lifestyle paired with exceptional service and well-being experiences. The property will be situated on an idyllic beachfront 7-hectare site in Bohol offering views of Maribojoc Bay and surrounded by lush parkland.The development designed by the award-winning Architect Blink Design Group is anticipated to feature approximately 70 Residences, ranging from 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom, and villas to cater to a wide range of lifestyles, complete with private amenities including a pool and lounge. The JW Marriott Panglao Island Resort & Spa will be co-located to The Residences and is slated to feature 80 luxury rooms.

AppleOne Group is known for their innovative real estate developments, including The

(FROM left) Marriott International Senior Director, Mixed-Use Development Asia Pacific (excluding China) Penny Trinh; Marriott International VP for Hotel Development Asia Pacific Steve Baek, AppleOne President and CEO Ray Manigsaca; AppleOne co-founder and Chairman Venus Manigsaca Residences at Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort.

CEO of AppleOne Ray Manigsaca said “AppleOne Group is honored to announce our strategic agreements with Marriott International to introduce the JW Marriott Residences brand to the Philippines. The development is poised to offer a unique lifestyle that combines modern luxury and the sophisticated spirit of the JW Marriott brand. This project underscores our unwavering commitment to creating distinctive living spaces that exemplify the highest standards of luxury and sophistication.”

The new development is expected to entice local and international homebuyers and those who aspire to live in serenity on the island. Erico Aristotle Aumentado, Bohol Governor, adds, “I am genuinely delighted that AppleOne Group

has signed an agreement to introduce the JW Marriott brand to the paradise island of Panglao. This development is undoubtedly gamechanging for the province and will also create new opportunities for the Boholano people.”

Chief Development Officer for Asia Pacific (excluding China) at Marriott International Shawn Hill adds, “The Philippines is a captivating destination, characterized by its natural landscapes, vibrant culture, and the genuine warmth of Filipino hospitality. We are delighted to introduce the JW Marriott brand to the Philippines.”

For more information about the project and future updates about this new development, please visit www.api.com.ph or www. marriott.com.

Sports

WUSHU GOLD IN WORLDS

BusinessMirror

B8 | W

ednesday, November 22, 2023 mirror_sports@yahoo.com.ph Editor: Jun Lomibao

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ARK RAGAY, Mark Polo and Vincent Ventura ruled the men’s duilian event to win the country’s lone gold medal in the 16th World Wushu Championships on Tuesday in Forth Worth, Texas.

Ragay, Polo and Ventura scored 9.616 points in winning the title, beating Brunei’s Majdurano Joel Bin, Majallah Sain and Abel Wee Yuen Lim (9.613) to a silver finish

and Spain’s Nestor Urzainqui Milla, Aidan Martinez and Victor dela Plaza Schineper (9.433) to the bronze.

“They executed to near perfection and showed what we Filipinos are capable of achieving,” Wushu Federation of the Philippines president Freddie Jalasco said. Our [sanda] fighters and taolu [forms] specialists are world class as evidenced by their performances here.”

The duilian—a sparring event

with or without weapons—topped the silver medals Jennifer Kilapio, Arnel Mandal and Clemente Tabugara clinched in sanda and Agatha Wong in women’s taijiquan.

Russel Diaz bagged the country’s lone bronze medal in men’s 48 kgs of sanda.

Wong and Singapore’s Zeanne Zhue Ning had identical 9.776 scores but Ning was awarded tha gold medal because of a higher degree of difficulty.

Wong is coming off a silver medalfinish in the recent World Combat Games in Saudi Arabia. Josef Ramos

Tim Cone: Forces have to be right E

Salvador shocks Jahns; top guns breeze through in TCC Match Play

TIM CONE gets his fifth Virgilio “Baby” Dalupan Coach of the Year award.

By Josef Ramos

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N Asian Games gold medal beaming in his already stacked credentials, the nagging but obviously logical question to ask Earl Timothy “Tim” Cone is: Will he be available as permanent head coach of the national men’s team?

“Am I open to it? Certainly, I’m always open to the challenges of doing something spectacular,” Cone

Letran, UP VC make PNVF Challenge Cup quarterfinal round

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NBEATEN Letran and UP Volleyball Club beat separate rivals to complete the quarterfinal cast in the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) Challenge Cup women’s division on Tuesday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila.

The Lady Knights cruised past the University of Batangas, 25-23, 25-19, 25-23 as the UP Volleyball Club edged out Parañaque City, 2518, 25-10, 26-28, 25-17 in the final elimination-round playdate.

Letran completed a 3-0 sweep of Pool C while the UP Volleyball Club caught the last bus at second place w ith a 2-1 record in Pool A entering the knockout rounds of the tourney supported by the Philippine Sports Commission, PLDT, Rebisco, A kari, Foton and CBPI. The Lady Knights, under the tutelage of new mentor and former Ateneo coach Oliver Almadro—a Letranite himself—rode on the previous wins against the Rizal Technological University-Basilan, 25-22, 25-11, 22-25, 25-13, and Arellano, 25-21, 25-10, 25-20, to score another sweep of UB. Tied with Parañaque City at 1-1 prior to the match, the UP Volleyball Club notched the big win in the virtual knockout duel to secure second place in Pool A after its erstwhile victory against the Volida Volleyball Club, 25-11, 25-15, 25-16.

told reporters on Monday night at the Novotel in Cubao where he received his fifth Virgilio “Baby” Dalupan Coach of the Year trophy during the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Press Corps Annual Awards Night.

“But again, the forces have to be right to be able to jump into the storm and sail,” added the 65-yearold owner of 25 PBA titles who was the press corps’ best coach in 1994, 1996, 2014 and bubble year 2020.

“We have to figure out what

direction or vision [to take],” added the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel’s chief tactician. “Once we do that, then we can decide who’s to lead that.”

The call for the two-time PBA grand slam coach to permanently handle the national team continues to reverberate after that October 6 night in Hangzhou when he steered a hastily-formed team to the Asian Games gold medal that ended five decades of drought in the sport Filipinos love so well.

But Cone has always stayed humble despite the historic achievement.

“I’m always trying to say that it’s a very complex question, it doesn’t deserve a simple yes or no answer,” he said. “There are a lot of things that need to happen in terms of planning and the coming together of the PBA and the SBP [Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas.”

“All those things that need to come together to be able to answer that question,” he added.

SBP has yet to discuss its plans on Gilas Pilipinas which has Cone as interim coach, replacing Chot Reyes.

POGOY BACK ON CHRISTMAS DAY

TNT coach and team manager Jojo Lastimosa said that one of his chief gunner, Roger Pogoy, is expected on the court when the Tropang Giga play the Ginebra Gin Kings on Christmas Day. “It’s no longer six months, we’re looking at December 25 for Roger [Pogoy] to play against Ginebra,” said Lastimosa also during the PBAPC awards night where he was named the Danny Floro Executive of the Year.

Lastimosa said that Dr. Miguel Valera cleared Pogoy, who was sidelined by myocarditis after his stint with Gilas Pilipinas in the FIBA World Cup. “It’s going to be a consolation if he plays by December. We miss Roger now that Mikey Williams isn’t there,” Lastimosa said.

TNT recently terminated the noshow Williams’s contract.

TNT, meanwhile, battles Terrafirma at 4 p.m. on Wednesday and NorthPort takes on NLEX at 8 p.m. at the resumption of the Commissioner’s Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Fortuna shows Constantino door at TCC

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IKHA FORTUNA stirred up play right at the start of the International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) The Country Club (TCC) Match Play Invitational, bundling out top seed and defending champion Harmie Constantino behind a big charge late in their backside start at the TCC course in Santa Rosa, Laguna, Tuesday.

In an exhilarating display of skill and determination, Fortuna pulled ahead in a fierce duel as she took Nos. 15, 16 and 17. Though Constantino won No. 18 with a four-foot birdie set up by a superb approach shot while battling the gusts, the former re-asserted her might in the last nine holes to pound out a convincing

JEN GOULD tries to score for University of the Philippines.

5&3 victory and advance to the quarterfinals.

“I guess the key was my driving and putting. I just really stayed out there as much as I can,” said Fortuna, the former amateur standout who came up short in her breakthrough bid in the regular Ladies Professional Golf Tour (LPGT) in at least two occasions. “I took it one shot at a time and stayed focused on my game plan all day.”

Amateur Laurea Duque likewise produced a compelling performance, overcoming second seed Florence Bisera with a late surge, winning the par-5 No. 8 on their way home and hacking out a 1-up escape to set up a quarters clash with Apple Fudolin, who shouldered herself past Rev Alcantara for a similar 1-up victory.

MIKHA FORTUNA pulls ahead in a fierce duel as Angelo Que books convincing win. ROY DOMINGO

Manila expo sets stage for big RnR weekend

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TRADE fair dedicated to health and fitness is set to unfold Thursday at the Midtown Wing Exhibit Area of Robinsons Place Manila, ushering in the eagerlyawaited Asics Rock n’ Roll Running Series Manila presented by AIA Vitality weekend.

With a sold-out participant count of 9,400, anticipation is high for the second edition of Southeast Asia and Asia’s largest running series firing off Sunday midnight at Rizal Park.

The race will cut across Manila’s iconic landmarks, including the National

Will Adamson oust Ateneo?

ATENEO stakes its crown Wednesday when it battles dangerous Adamson University, needing a win to sneak into the Final Four of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Men’s basketball championship.

The 2 p.m. clash at the MOA Arena in Pasay City was forged when the Adamson Soaring Falcons grabbed a stunning win from the grave on Sunday.

Adamson’s live-for-another-day win came in the form of an improbable triple from Matthew Montebon in the dying seconds of its game against University of the East (UE).

So surreal was Montebon’s off-balanced shot from deep left that when the ball swished the net, it triggered a crowd roar heard as far as the Pasay City Hall.

Shocked beyond belief, the UE Red Warriors froze,

“Our match was really intense.

I birdied No. 6 to draw level for the match and made a 10-footer for par on the next to keep it all-square,” said Duque, who then drilled in a two-foot birdie putt on the eighth to snatch the lead.

“Yvonne played really well but I think the key holes were on Nos. 6 and 7,” added Duque.

Fortuna, ranked last in the Ladies Philippine Golf Tour field of 16, faces Seoyun Kim for a spot in the semifinals after the young Korean repelled amateur and two-time LPGT winner Mafy Singson, 2-up, in their side of the head-to-head battle.

“I’m not going to change much. I just really need to be patient and take it day-by-day,” said Fortuna when asked of her plans against the Korean.

failing to convert in their feeble counter-attack in the last 2.6 seconds as Adamson carted away a 63-61 victory.

Still, I give credit to UE, which played its hearts out despite already being out of the running for a Final Four slot even before the first jump ball was contested.

That’s what you call playing your guts out up to the last ounce of your strength, even as only prestige was at stake.

Museum, the Walled City of Intramuros, Manila Cathedral, Manila City Hall and the Kartilya ng Katipunan.

Prior to hitting the city streets, participants are required to visit the AIA Vitality Health and Wellness Expo for bib number and kit claiming.

The expo will be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday.

Running until Sunday, the expo offers sponsors and backers a chance to engage with potential customers and clients in a friendly environment.

The expo and festival area, however, will move to the Quirino Grandstand Sunday midnight in time for the 42K marathon run at 12:01 a.m. to be followed by the 21k, 10K and 5K races. Providing

entertainment at flag-off till finish cut off time are DJ Shai, Kokoi Baldo, Reujen Lista and the Trinidad band, Gracenote and Mojofly.

Title sponsor ASICS aligns this event with the Department of Tourism’s “Love the Philippines” campaign. It features four categories with routes showcasing the capital city’s famous landmarks.

It also coincides with Manila’s 451st founding anniversary with AIA Vitality as the presenting sponsor and support from partners such as Lungsod ng Maynila, DTCAM, Love the Philippines, National Parks Development Committee, Rizal Park, Intramuros Administration, MMDA, Lightwater, 2GO, Pagcor, Hype-Pro, Regent Foods Corp., The Philippine Star, One Sports+, Cignal, Sportograf. com and Ilaw ATBP.

Pride is such a prime commodity in sports.

That’s what also makes the UAAP a beacon of sportsmanship, a true test of character and dignity.

Hooray to UE! But back to the Ateneo-Adamson knockout today.

For sure, Adamson will play with maximum momentum on its side as its thriller of a win over UE could spur victorious sparks in the Falcons’ mission.

You don’t waste that gift of a miracle by not playing with all your strength, with all your heart, with all your mind.

As for Ateneo, it must forget that bitter 82-79 weekend loss to arch-rival De La Salle. As has been repeatedly said, never dwell on the past.

Move on. There is still a mountain to scale for Ateneo should it succeed to overcome a foe as pesky as Adamson.

And that’s none other than the University of the Philippines (UP), which nabbed the No. 1 spot to earn a twice-to-beat bonus against today’s winner of the Adamson-Ateneo playoff.

LMER SALVADOR pounced on Keanu Jahns’ costly mishit on No. 8 and went on to essay a big 4&3 triumph as the International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) The Country Club (TCC) Match Play Invitational unfolded with a blend of unexpected turns and seasoned triumphs Tuesday in Santa Rosa, Laguna.

Top seed Jhonnel Ababa, defending champion Tony Lascuña, Miguel Tabuena, Justin Quiban, Angelo Que, Rupert Zaragosa, Ira Alido and Guido van der Valk all sailed through with convincing victories while a couple of matches went past 18 holes to highlight the start of the head-to-head clashes in the P2 million championship at the TCC course.

But Salvador took the spotlight in fair conditions at one of the country’s toughest courses, seizing the opportunity when Jahns faltered on No. 8, turning what seemed like an impending defeat into a surprising triumph.

“I don’t even know how I won,” said the reticent former Order of Merit (OOM) winner, underscoring the unpredictable nature of his comeback.

One hole down after seven holes, Salvador appeared resigned after Jahns almost reached the par-5 No. 8 in two. But the Fil-German uncharacteristically fouled up on his third shot and ended up with a par while Salvador stuffed his approach shot from 100 yards to within six feet and made the putt to draw level.

The veteran Davaoeño campaigner then won four of the next seven holes as Jahns failed to recover his rhythm as the former advanced against Del Monte’s Reymon Jaraula, who edged Gerald Rosales, 1-up.

Ababa, whose victories at Villamor-Philippine Masters and at South Pacific propelled him to his first Philippine Golf Tour (PGT) OOM crown, trampled Ferdie Aunzo, 3&2; while Lascuña, who dominated Jahns’ 4&3, to rule the inaugural staging of the event that took over from the North and South Duel at Villamor last year, dominated Gab Manotoc, 5&4.

The other half of the semifinals pits No. 2 De La Salle against No. 3 National University (NU) Bulldogs at the Smart Araneta Coliseum beginning Saturday, November 25.

Like UP, De La Salle also enjoys a twice-to-beat advantage against No. 3 NU. But which between Ateneo and Adamson will UP face in the Final Four?

If luck—like lightning—should strike twice, Adamson could be it.

THAT’S IT The referees in the recent Magnolia-Ginebra Phiilippine Basketball Association game were suspended for committing a non-call on a foul against a Gin King.

Just right. This marked the second time that league officials censured erring referees. That deserves applause as disciplinary actions against refs will surely strengthen the fans’ belief in the unadulterated integrity of our games.

Take a bow, Commissioner Willie Marcial.