BusinessMirror September 04, 2021

Why did this happen?

Why did this happen?

Luzon power supply declined by 2000 MW,

resulting in rotating of Luzon power supplybrownouts: declined by 500 2000MW MW, the decline due brownouts: to limited Malampaya resulting inwas rotating 500 MW of Luzon power supply declined bybecause 2000 MW, gas MW was of the supply declineand was1500 due to limited Malampaya resulting in rotating brownouts: 500 MW of the unavailability of critical coal plants. gas supply and 1500 MW was because of the decline was duedid to limited Malampaya This unavailability not happen by the unavailability of critical coal plants. gas supply and 1500 MW was because of chance.

Historical data show specific This unavailability did not happen by coal the unavailability of critical coal plants. plants experienced several outages chance.

Historical data show specificofcoal This unavailability didseveral notpast happen by of varying length over the two years. plants experienced outages chance.

Historical data show specific coal varying length over the past two years. plants experienced several outages of varying length over the past two years.

Mitsubishi Power claims Mindanao power outages are due to hydropower intermittency.

Data show otherwise.

COAL PLANTS WITH DERATED* CAPACITY COAL PLANTS WITH DERATED* CAPACITY COAL PLANTS WITH DERATED* CAPACITY

MINDANAO BASELOAD REQUIREMENTS The figure shows the average 24-hour load profile in the Mindanao grid.

SLPGC Unit 1 SLPGC Unit 1

Ilijan Unit 1 Ilijan Unit 1

145MW out of 150MW Fullout rating 145MW of 150MW Full rating

SLPGC Unit 1

1323MW

1265MW

1295MW

IlijanT Unit 2 Ilijan Unit 2

358MW out of 600MW Full 358MW outrating of 600MW Full rating

358MW out of 600MW 358MWFull out of 600MW T rating Full rating

Ilijan Unit 1

358MW out of 600MW

Source: WESM Prices and Schedules; WESM SO Advisories FullMarket rating Full rating

*lowered rated capability because of deterioration or inadequacy

Source: WESM Market Prices and Schedules; WESM SO Advisories

2019

2020

489MW

Ilijan Unit 2

*lowered rated 358MW out capability of 600MW because of deterioration or inadequacy *lowered rated capability because of deterioration or inadequacy Full rating

Source: WESM Market Prices and Schedules; WESM SO Advisories

145MW out of 150MW

TOTAL UNUSED TOTAL UNUSED CAPACITY CAPACITY 489MW TOTAL UNUSED 489MW CAPACITY

T

COAL ON SHUTDOWN SHUTDOWN COAL PLANTS PLANTS ON

2021

COAL PLANTS ON SHUTDOWN

The baseload plant requirement in Mindanao is no more than 1350MW. Baseload is the minimum amount of power required to be supplied 24/7.

GNPower GNPower Unit Unit22 GNPower Unit Unit 11 GNPower Currently in shutdown Forced outage for a few Currently in shutdown Forced outage for a few hours since 01/08/2021 on 06/01/2021 since 01/08/2021 hours on 06/01/2021 GNPower Unit 1 GNPower Unit 2 17 outages outages of ofvarying varying 1717outages outages in in 2.3 2.3 years years 17 lengths 8 years operational in 2.3 years  in shutdown for a few 8 years operational lengthsoutage in 2.3 years Currently Forced 8 years years operational 8 operational since 01/08/2021 on 06/01/2021 hours 17 outages in 2.3 years 17 outages of varying   lengths in 2.3 years 8 years operational 8 years operational

MINDANAO HYDROELECTRIC PLANTS

BusinessMirror The figure shows the average 24-hour load profile in the Mindanao grid.

ROTARY CLUB OF MANILA JOURNALISM AWARDS

2006 National Newspaper of the Year 2011 National Newspaper of the Year 2013 Business Newspaper of the Year 2017 Business Newspaper of the Year 2019 Business Newspaper of the Year



SualUnit Unit22 Sual

Agus2-1

8-month shutdown 8-month shutdown from 09/16/2020 to from 09/16/2020 to 05/11/2021 05/11/2021 17-dayshutdown shutdownfrom from 8-month shutdown 17-day 05/16/2021 05/16/2021 toto to from 09/16/2020 06/02/2021 06/02/2021 05/11/2021 14outages outages 2.3 years 14 inin2.3 years 17-day shutdown from 21years yearsoperational operational 21 05/16/2021 to



Sual Unit 2

 

TOTAL UNUSED TOTAL UNUSED EJAP JOURNALISM AWARDS

 

TOTAL UNUSED 2018 BANTOG MEDIA AWARDS

06/02/2021 14 outages in 2.3 years 21 years operational

Source: WESM SO SO Advisories Advisories Source:WESM WESMMarket MarketPrices Prices and and Schedules; Schedules; WESM

CalacaUnit Unit2 2 Calaca Currently in shutdown in shutdown Currently since 12/3/2020 since 12/3/2020 Calaca Unit 2years outages 2525 outages in in 2.32.3 years  36 years operational  in shutdown 36 years operational Currently since 12/3/2020 25 outages in 2.3 years  36 years operational

BUSINESS NEWS SOURCE OF THE YEAR CAPACITY (2017, 2018,CAPACITY 2019)

~1500MW ~1500MW

DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

CAPACITY PHILIPPINE STATISTICS AUTHORITY DATA CHAMPION

~1500MW

Source: WESM Market Prices and Schedules; WESM SO Advisories

A broader look at today’s business

TIMELINE OF SHUTDOWNS SHUTDOWNS

Agus2-2

www.businessmirror.com.ph

n

Saturday, September 4, 2021 Vol. 16 No. 325

P25.00 nationwide | 14 pages | 7 DAYS A WEEK TIMELINE OF SHUTDOWNS May May 22

GNPowerUnit Unit11 GNPower

May May99

May May16 16

May 2323 May

May 3030 May

June 6 6 June

June 13 13 June

Who is profiting from the power outages?

Hydroelectric plants plants in in Mindanao Mindanao are are NOT NOT intermittent. intermittent.

Hydroelectric It provides flexible generation.

They provide flexible generation.

Flexible generation is the ability of a plant to ramp up and down to support system requirements.

on shutdown shutdown since since 01/08/2021 on 01/08/2021

May 2

on planned shutdown on planned shutdown since 03/20/2020 since 03/20/2020

GNPower PowerUnit Unit22 GN GNPower Unit 1

May 9

P

OWER outages are back with a vengeance. Those of us in Luzon remember the rotating brownouts from May 31 to June 1. More recently, there was a blackout that affected the whole of Eastern Visayas, Bohol, Cebu and Negros on August 20.

Department of Energy (DOE) Visayas Field Office Director Russ Mark Gamallo told The Freeman that the transmission line of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) that runs from Quiot, Pardo, in Cebu City to Colon, Naga, tripped late that Friday night and caused a blackout in areas covered by the CebuLeyte-Samar-Bohol portion of the Visayas grid which started at 11:56 pm. The Negros and Panay

portions of the grid were spared.

Mindanao has not been spared from the power outages if we are to believe Mitsubishi Power Asia Pacific’s news headline from its webpage: “Mitsubishi Power Secures Three-Year Agreement to Maintain Boilers Crucial for Reliable Energy Access in Mindanao.” Mitsubishi Power stated, “Therma South Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of AboitizPower and supplements power generation required to

Mitsubishi Power claims Mindanao power outages are due to hydropower intermittency.

Data show otherwise.

May 30

start-up on 06/02/2021 start-up on 06/02/2021 on shutdown since 06/01/2021

on shutdown since 05/16/2021 start-up on 05/10/2021 on shutdown since 05/16/2021

onon planned shutdown shutdown since 09/16/2020 on shutdown since 09/16/2020 since 03/20/2020

start-up on 5/12/2021 start-up on5/7/2021 5/12/2021 start-up on 05/6/2021 on shutdown since

CalacaUnit Unit 2 Calaca Sual Unit 22

on shutdown since 12/03/2020 shutdown since 12/03/2020 ononshutdown since 09/16/2020

Calaca Unit 2

start-up on 06/02/2021

on shutdown since 05/16/2021

start-up on 5/12/2021

on shutdown since 12/03/2020

Why do do power power rates Why rates soar during outages soar do during outages Why power rates and shutdowns? and shutdowns? soar during outages and shutdowns?

A closer look at PH Power Crisis

Source: WESM Market Prices and Schedules; WESM SO Advisories

Power Outages and Rates in Luzon, from May to June 2021

Why did this happen?

The graph below shows electricity price The graph below shows electricity price doubled when the Sual power plant (the largest doubled when in thethe Sual power plant (the largest power station Luzon grid) experienced an

Luzon power supply declined by 2000 MW, resulting in rotating brownouts: 500 MW of the decline was due to limited Malampaya gas supply and 1500 MW was because of the unavailability of critical coal plants.

This unavailability did not happen by chance. Historical data show specific coal plants experienced several outages of varying length over the past two years.

power station in shows the Luzon experienced The graph below price unplanned shutdown inelectricity thegrid) summer of 2021. an unplanned shutdown the summer of largest 2021. doubled when the Sualin power plant Due to the deficiency of Sual, other(the more Due tostation the deficiency of were Sual, other more power in theplants Luzon grid)needed experienced an expensive power to meet expensive power were needed meet unplanned shutdown intime. the summer of to 2021. power demand inplants real power demand in real Due to the deficiency oftime.

Sual, other more expensive power plants were May needed to meet 2 May 9 power demand in real time. May 2 May 9

Sual Unit 2 Sual Unit 2

SLPGC Unit 1

Ilijan Unit 1

Ilijan Unit 2

145MW out of 150MW Full rating

358MW out of 600MW Full rating

358MW out of 600MW Full rating

TOTAL UNUSED CAPACITY

489MW

on shutdown since 09/16/2020

Cost (PHP/kWh) Cost (PHP/kWh) Cost Source: WESM Final GWAP (PHP/kWh)

PHP7.83 PHP7.83

PHP7.83

May 16

May 23

May 30

May 23

start-up on on shutdown since 05/16/2021 05/12/2021 start-up on May 16 on shutdown May since 23 05/16/2021 May 30 05/12/2021

start-up on 05/12/2021

PHP3.66

PHP3.66

June 6

May 30

on shutdown since 05/16/2021

June 13

June 6

June 13

start-up on 06/02/2021

June 6 June 13 start-up on 06/02/2021

start-up on 06/02/2021

PHP8.60 PHP8.60

PHP4.25

PHP4.25

PHP8.60

PHP4.25

PHP3.66

Source: WESM Final GWAP

Source: WESM Final GWAP

GENERATOR WEIGHTED AVERAGE PRICE (GWAP) GENERATOR WEIGHTED AVERAGE PRICE (GWAP) GENERATOR WEIGHTED AVERAGE PRICE (GWAP)

*lowered rated capability because of deterioration or inadequacy

Source: WESM Market Prices and Schedules; WESM SO Advisories

May 2 09/16/2020 May 9 on shutdown since

Sual Unit 2

COAL PLANTS WITH DERATED* CAPACITY

T

on shutdown since 09/16/2020

May 16

COAL PLANTS ON SHUTDOWN Type something

Type something

Type something

GNPower Unit 1 Currently in shutdown since 01/08/2021 17 outages in 2.3 years 8 years operational

GNPower Unit 2 Forced outage for a few hours on 06/01/2021 17 outages of varying lengths in 2.3 years 8 years operational

Sual Unit 2 8-month shutdown

from 09/16/2020 to 05/11/2021 17-day shutdown from 05/16/2021 to 06/02/2021 14 outages in 2.3 years 21 years operational

  

The figure shows the average 24-hour load profile in the Mindanao grid.

Feb 2021

Mar 2021

Apr 2021

Calaca Unit 2

PHP2.68/kWh

PHP2.18/kWh

PHP3.98/kWh

PHP4.42/kWh

Currently in shutdown since 12/3/2020 25 outages in 2.3 years 36 years operational

PHP2.68/kWh

PHP2.18/kWh

PHP3.98/kWh

TOTAL UNUSED CAPACITY

~1500MW

Source: WESM Market Prices and Schedules; WESM SO Advisories

Type something

Jan 2021

Type something

MINDANAO BASELOAD REQUIREMENTS

June 6 June 13 onon shutdown since 06/01/2021 shutdown since 06/01/2021

on shutdown since 01/08/2021 start-up on 05/6/2021 on shutdown since 5/7/2021 start-up on 05/6/2021 on shutdown since 5/7/2021

SualUnit Unit222 Sual Unit GN Power

Source: WESM Market Prices and Schedules; WESM SO Advisories Source: WESM Market Prices and Schedules; WESM SO Advisories

By Alberto Dalusung III & Jephraim Manansala

May 16 May 23 start-up start-upon on05/10/2021 05/10/2021

Jan 2021

Jan 2021

Feb 2021

Feb 2021

Mar 2021

Mar 2021

Apr 2021

PHP4.42/kWh Apr 2021

May 2021

Jun 2021

PHP7.81/kWh

PHP5.63/kWh

Type something May 2021

Jun 2021

PHP7.81/kWh

PHP5.63/kWh

May 2021

Jun 2021

PHP2.68/kWh PHP2.18/kWh PHP3.98/kWh PHP4.42/kWh PHP7.81/kWh May 31- June PHP5.63/kWh 1, 2021 The Secondary Price Cap Mechanism by the ERC (9000 level, indicated by the dashed line) PHP9.64/kWh was triggered multiple times – indicating an abnormally high pricing in the power market.

May 31- June 1, 2021 GWAP during Summer 2021 is significantly than previous GWAP by the dashed line) The Secondary Price Cap Mechanism by thehigher ERC (9000 level, indicated GWAP during multiple the May 31June 1 outage isansignificantly than previous GWAP market. MayPHP9.64/kWh was triggered times – indicating abnormallyhigher high pricing in the power 31- June 1, 2021 The Secondary Price Cap2021 Mechanism by the ERC (9000 level, indicated by the dashed line) GWAP during Summer is significantly higher than previous GWAP Source: WESM Final GWAP PHP9.64/kWh was triggered multiple times – indicating an abnormally high pricing in the power market.

GWAP during the May 31- June 1 outage is significantly higher than previous GWAP GWAP during Summer 2021 is significantly higher than previous GWAP Source: WESM Final GWAP Datasets GWAPused: during the May 31- June 1 outage is significantly higher than previous GWAP

     

WESM Market Prices & Schedule; WESM Market Bids and Offers; WESM Final GWAP;

Source: WESM Final GWAP WESM System Operator Advisories; DOE List of Existing Power Plants

1323MW

TIMELINE OF SHUTDOWNS

1265MW

1295MW

May 2

2019

2020

2021

The baseload plant requirement in Mindanao is no more than 1350MW. Baseload is the minimum amount of power required to be supplied 24/7.

Datasets used: WESM Market Prices & Schedule; WESM Market Bids and Offers; WESM Final GWAP; Photos by Fré Sonneveld/Unsplash; Alexander Schimmeck /Unsplash WESM System Datasets used: Operator Advisories; DOE List of Existing Power Plants

GNPower Unit 1

on shutdown since 01/08/2021

GN Power Unit 2

on planned shutdown since 03/20/2020

May 9

May 16

May 23

icsc.ngo

WESM Market Prices & Schedule; WESM Market Bids and Offers; WESM Final GWAP; WESM System Advisories; DOE List of Existing Power Plants Photos

by FréOperator Sonneveld/Unsplash; Alexander Schimmeck /Unsplash May 30

start-up on 05/10/2021

June 6

June 13

icsc.ngo

Photos by Fré Sonneveld/Unsplash; Alexander Schimmeck /Unsplash

icsc.ngo

on shutdown since 06/01/2021

start-up on 05/6/2021 on shutdown since 5/7/2021

Sual Unit 2

on shutdown since 05/16/2021

on shutdown since 09/16/2020

start-up on 06/02/2021

start-up on 5/12/2021

Calaca Unit 2

on shutdown since 12/03/2020

Source: WESM Market Prices and Schedules; WESM SO Advisories

MINDANAO HYDROELECTRIC PLANTS The figure shows the average 24-hour load profile in the Mindanao grid.

Agus2-1

Agus2-2

Hydroelectric plants plants in in Mindanao Mindanao are are NOT NOT intermittent. intermittent.

Hydroelectric It provides They provideflexible flexiblegeneration. generation.

Flexible generation is the ability of a plant to ramp up and down to support system requirements.

A closer look at PH Power Crisis

PESO EXCHANGE RATES n US 50.0120 Why did this happen?

Power Outages and Rates in Luzon, from May to June 2021

Why do power rates soar during outages and shutdowns?

meet the region’s baseload requirements to reduce the frequency and duration of power shortages in Mindanao, due to hydropower intermittency.” On the company’s The graph below shows electricity price LinkedIn page, Mitsubishi repeated doubled when the Sual power plant (the largest the strange claim, but with a broadpower station in the Luzon grid) experienced an er brush: “Mindanao, Philippines unplanned shutdown in the summer of 2021. has Due experienced power shortages to the deficiency of Sual, other more due expensive to thepower intermittency replants were needed toof meet power demand in real time. newable energy.”

Unfortunately, Mitsubishi May 2 May 9 made two crucial errors in its May 16 statement. First, Mindanao has Sual Unit 2enough baseload capacmore than ity because its requirement is no more than 1,350 megawatts (MW), while coal dependable capacity in Cost Mindanao alone is PHP7.83 2,041 MW, ac(PHP/kWh) PHP3.66 cording to DOE data. Geothermal on shutdown since 09/16/2020

start-up on 05/12/2021

will add another 104 MW to Mindanao’s baseload capacity. Moreover, a quick look at the June to August 2021 hydropower operations in Mindanao does not show the intermittency claimed by Mitsubishi.

Hydropower is known to be seasonal—but not intermittent.

The Oxford dictionary defines “intermittent” as “stopping and starting often over a period of time, but not regularly.” The Mitsubishi May 23 May 30 June 6 June 13 webpage report attributes intermittency to renewable energy, specifically to hydropower. However, hydropower is not intended to be a source of base­load power. It is incorrect to claim it is the cause of power outPHP8.60 ages experienced today in Mindanao.

on shutdown since 05/16/2021

start-up on 06/02/2021

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: ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

24 INCH GAUGE CONSTRUCTION INC. L4 Blk. 4 Near Kay Buboy Bridge San Dionisio Parañaque City

WANG, XIAOSHUANG Marketing Specialist

1.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for coordinating with other marketing and sales professionals to implement innovative campaigns for branding or product launches

Basic Qualification: Ability to work under pressure and motivation to succeed in a competitive environment; Should have a bachelor’s degree in journalism, marketing, communications or a related field; Good communication and interpersonal skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

See “dole ncr” on A5-A7

PHP4.25

Continued on A2

Source: WESM Final GWAP

n JAPAN 0.4550 n UK 69.2016 n HK 6.4355 n CHINA 7.7465 n SINGAPORE 37.2584 n AUSTRALIA 37.0139 n EU 59.3893 n SAUDI ARABIA 13.3362

GENERATOR WEIGHTED AVERAGE PRICE (GWAP)

Source: BSP (September 3, 2021)

NewsSaturday BusinessMirror

A2 Saturday, September 4, 2021

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Red flags and border tests vs. Public Enemy No. 1

O

By Henry Empeño

LONGAPO CITY—Extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures. And in the fight against a resurgent Covid-19 virus, government officials in Zambales and this city are boosting their arsenal with anything from granular lockdowns and containment zones, entry restrictions and barangay checkpoints, enforced antigen testing at the border, and yes, red flags to mark areas with case spikes.

Zambales Gov. Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. said the confirmation of Delta variant cases in the locality, as well as the surge of cases in three municipalities, prompted the provincial interagency task force (PIATF) to “escalate the quarantine classification of Zambales” to general community quarantine (GCQ) with heightened restrictions on August 21.

“Our medical team is already overwhelmed with the continuous Covid-19 infections in the province,” Ebdane said.

“With its constant mutations and its capacity to wreak significant political, economic and social upheaval, Covid-19 could be considered today as Public Enemy Number 1,” Ebdane said.

Tough choices

ZAMBALES, which previously enjoyed relatively lax controls under a modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) classification, had reverted to restrictions that were lifted just a few months ago when infections were declining.

Today, curfew hours have been extended by three hours—from 10

p.m. to 4 a.m. previously to 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Persons below 15 years and over 65, as well as those with immunodeficiency, comorbidity or health risks, are pregnant, must remain home at all times, regardless of vaccination status.

Liquor ban is enforced provincewide, religious gatherings are limited to 10 percent of venue capacity, al fresco dining to 30 percent, and only immediate family members can join weddings, birthdays and funerals.

Hotels are open at 30 percent capacity, but services like dining and spa are disallowed, just like those at indoor entertainment venues—bars, cafés, karaoke joints, casinos and cockpits, even amusement centers and sports courts.

At the border, PIATF personnel inspect travel passes and Covid-19 test results, and enforce a “mandatory test upon entry” rule—a tough measure that initially earned public disapproval but soon gained “normalcy” in these abnormal times.

This border regulation required all workers residing in Zambales but working elsewhere, or those residing elsewhere but working in Zambales

and crossing the Subic or Sta. Cruz town border daily, to take a rapid antigen test weekly, either at the border triage or their respective rural health units.

Travelers from areas under Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) or modified ECQ who stay in Zambales for more than 24 hours must submit negative results of reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests 48 hours prior to entry.

Barangays are authorized to make similar inspections where necessary, as the fight against Covid-19 reverted to the local level.

In cases where five or more positive cases are confirmed in an area, granular lockdowns are imposed in barangays.

Red markers

IN Olongapo City, which maintains a separate count of Covid-19 cases, a similar situation of Covid-19 surges and the emergence Delta variant cases prompted City Hall to “reestablish stricter quarantine protocols and restrict movement to minimize possible virus transmission.”

An order signed by Mayor Rolen Paulino Jr. on August 31 imposed curfew from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m., restricted the movement of persons below 15 years and over 65, enforced border control at the two major entry points in the city, and limited persons in public areas to just 30 percent of venue capacity.

Paulino also ordered granular lockdowns as necessary “to contain localized spikes in Covid-19 cases and prevent further increase and spread of the virus.”

Authorities also officially operationalized the red-flagging of areas with high Covid-19 cases, a practice introduced at Barangay New Kalalake last August when officials placed red flags at street corners to warn passers-by.

dispensary and satellite emergency unit at the Subic airport for lack of personnel.

SBMA’s Eisma said 13 frontline health workers of the agency had tested positive for Covid-19 and had to be on quarantine for 14 days.

Failures and foils

SBMA Chairman Wilma Eisma and Dr. Erlinda Alconga inspect a Red Cross medical tent that will augment Subic’s Covid-19 isolation and treatment capacity.

The city also prohibited leisure travel, and banned the entry of travelers from ECG, MECQ and GCQ areas except when accessing essential goods and services.

Returning residents from ECQ and MECQ zones are also required to present a letter of acceptance from the barangay of destination, and should quarantine for 14 days upon arrival.

Condition critical

MOST residents agree the tough measures are needed under the circumstances—when Covid-19 numbers are rising and when their own lives and those of their loved ones are at stake.

According to the Department of Health (DOH), there were already 4,785 confirmed Covid-19 cases in Olongapo as of September 1. Of these, 451 are active, 4,192 are recoveries and 143 are deaths.

In Zambales at the same date, records showed a total of 7,206 confirmed cases with 770 of them active, 6,221 recoveries, and 215 deaths.

While these figures were way lower than other areas in Central Luzon in the same period—Bulacan, for example, had 76,387 confirmed cases with 7,233 of them active, while Angeles City had a total of 11,665 with 853 active—the spiraling cases simply cannot be ignored.

Zambales Provincial Health Office (PHO) data showed daily new Covid-19 cases rising from zero last March 1 and single-digit numbers in early March to record numbers that brought the provincial hospital to critical admission level in recent months.

Thus, from a total of 175 active cases on March 31, the PHO counted 277 on April 30; 427 on May 31; 614 on June 30; 367 on July 31; and 928 on August 31.

Records also show the growing gap between the number of confirmed

cases and those who recovered.

Daily new cases outpaced recoveries even more in August.

Full facilities

THE rising cases are straining the capacity of local hospitals and medical facilities. Two weeks ago, Baypointe Hospital and Medical Center, the only hospital in the Subic Freeport Zone that admits Covid cases from Olongapo City, Bataan and Zambales, accepted a medical tent from the Philippine Red Cross to augment its Covid-19 isolation and treatment capacity.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma, who facilitated the Red Cross donation, said the medical tent is invaluable to the Subic Bay Freeport.

Dr. Erlinda Alconga, Baypointe’s infectious diseases expert, said more patients seek entry at the hospital because they have Covid pneumonia.

“Before, our bed capacity for Covid cases was only 29, but now we attend to about 40 to 50 patients at Baypointe,” Alconga said. At that time, Alconga said 68 patients were on the waiting list of those seeking admittance.

Last week, the governmentowned James L. Gordon Memorial Hospital (JLGMH) in Olongapo City also erected its own tent outside, while the Zambales government said it will put up with the Department of Public Works and Highways a modular-structured hospital to increase local capacity.

At the same time, hospital officials said they would limit admissions of OB-Gyne and pediatric patients because many healthcare workers at JLGMH had tested positive for the virus.

SBMA recently suspended all face-to-face operations at its medical

SO, where and how did Covid-19, the ultimate Public Enemy Number 1 in Zambales and elsewhere, gain an upper hand? And what could be done locally to win the war?

With local community transmission of the virus and the limited capacity of local medical facilities, experts say the battle has shifted back to local frontlines, particularly among individuals.

In a recent public appeal, the Olongapo City Medical Society (OCMS) implored residents to help fight Covid as a community, noting that city hospitals “are in full capacity and with long queues of patients still awaiting beds.”

The medical group then urged people to observe basic health protocols like wearing masks and face shields; washing hands and disinfecting surfaces; observing social distancing; and most of all, staying home except for essential trips.

Local officials also called on people to get vaccinated. In Zambales, the PHO has reported a total of 49,553 individuals having had their first dose; and 57,027, their second dose. In Olongapo, around 32,000 individuals, or 10 percent of the population, have been fully vaccinated, said Olongapo Vice Mayor Jong Cortez.

“Vaccination is the key,” noted Cortez in a reply to inquiry by the BusinessMirror. “The more the national government supplies vaccines to every LGU and we could administer it to our people, the sooner we can protect ourselves and restart the economy.”

He preached caution, though, on the revised target and program of socalled population protection by the national IATF—vaccinating 50 percent of the population instead of the original goal of 70 percent to achieve herd immunity. The latter goal, he stressed, is “the tried and tested benchmark in over 40 years of controlling pandemics.”

Cortez also said that public attitude on the pandemic is also important. “In the absence of vaccines, our safety and health is entirely dependent on the cooperation and discipline of everybody by following IATF health protocols and taking a positive mindset— that I am positive, you are positive, and everybody is positive,” he said.

Who is profiting from the power outages?

Continued from A1

In reality, Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) data shows that the normal operation of hydropower in Mindanao provides flexible generation to balance real-time supply and demand. The company also cannot extend the absurd claim to blame variable renewable energy sources such as wind power, whose supply to Mindanao is zero, or solar power, a huge source of affordable flexible power generation which Mindanao should drastically grow, but which comprises only a minuscule 83.87 MW of the island’s supply today. In fact, if we examine the WESM data on solar and wind power plants in Luzon and Visayas, we find their performance to be in line with their expected variable generation.

In the normal course of business, lower demand combined with lower supply subject to price caps means lower revenue and even losses. However, despite extended outages experienced by coal power plants and lower demand due to the pandemic, many power companies with coal portfolios managed to perform extremely well. A power company reported its income leaped by 171 percent to more than P10 billion, while another reported a 270-percent increase of P4-billion consolidated net income for the second quarter versus 2020. Other generation companies reported similar marked improvements in their financial performance this year. All of which was attributed by power companies to high WESM sales and favorable market conditions.

And yet, consumers had to pay higher electricity bills due to the spikes in spot market prices.

The coal plant outages have coincided with very high prices at the spot market. Because of their size, when any large coal plant fails, other more expensive power plants have to fill the gap. Based on the volume of spot transactions from WESM during the outages and the previous month’s average cost, the additional cost to consumers was a hefty P1 billion in just two days of outages.

Coal plants down

BUT here’s the reality government officials need to confront. Four coal power plants were down from May 31 to June 1 this year, while two Ilijan gas power plants were running at 60 percent capacity due to restricted Malampaya gas supply.

Luzon power supply also declined by 2,000 MW resulting in rotating brownouts.

The operating histories of these coal plants show each of these plants registered 14 to 25 outages of varying duration since March 2019. Even more disturbing: shortduration unplanned outages still occurred even after planned and extended outages in all four coal power plants. A 36-year-old coal plant had cumulative outages of 14 months during the period. The same plant has actually been down for nine months since December 2020 up to this very day. What is surprising is that a new plant — only eight years old and utilizing the latest technology—has been

down and offline for eight months since January 2021 up to this day.

The operating data of these coal plants provide the empirical evidence to support the claim that coal power plants are unreliable and behind the high price of electricity. Therefore, based on empirical evidence from WESM, it is the coal power plants that are intermittent while the same data show that variable renewables are not.

Since consumers are paying billions more, who is profiting from the power outages? It is bad enough that families in lockdown have to suffer brownouts during the pandemic. It is worse when companies possibly made a windfall from their suffering. While generation companies with outages suffered from lower revenues, did their parent companies, subsidiaries or sister companies somehow profit from the higher WESM prices?

Considering that electricity is a major expense for most Filipinos, we enjoin the DOE, the Energy Regulatory Commission and other regulatory agencies to alleviate the burden caused by the prolonged outages and ensure that nobody is unduly profiting from this inopportune situation.

Alberto Dalusung III is the Energy Transition Advisor of the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities and former Director for Energy Planning of the DOE. Jephraim Manansala is the Chief Data Scientist of the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities.

News BusinessMirror

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

D

pursue the exploration of our indigenous resources like gas and oil in the West Philippine Sea,” the energy chief said in Filipino.

He added five service contracts were awarded since the government lifted the ban on exploration activities in the West Philippine Sea last year.

“The agency has recommended the awarding of four more service contracts for exploration in the West Philippine Sea,” Cusi added.

He said the DOE continues to partner with the international community to study potential power sources in the future.

The DOE has partnered with Australian and Japanese firms to study hydrogen as the fuel of the future.

Cusi said the Nuclear Energ y Program Inter-Agency Committee is also looking into the potential of nuclear energy to be part of the country’s energy mix.

He said the DOE assures there is a sufficient supply of power across the country, additional power capacity to be installed in the coming years amid the growing demand, and lowering power rates. PNA

Senators press to widen probe into ₧47-B pandemic funds despite Palace diatribes

By Butch Fernandez

S

enate probers, unfazed by President Duterte’s diatribes, affirmed determination to pursue an ongoing inquiry into alleged anomalies attending the disbursement of the P47-billion fund to contain the deadly Covid contagion.

Senate President Vicente Sotto III confirmed the senators’ readiness on Friday to mount a thorough inquiry, more so that they are unearthing a lot of “interesting” details worth pursuing.

The Senate leader assured that, if need be, the senators will consider an option to convene as a Committee of the Whole to expand the inquiry amid new issues cropping up regarding the reported transfer of P47 billion from the Department of Health’s (DOH) pandemic fund to the Procurement Service of the Department of Budget and Management (PS-DBM).

Set for Tuesday, September 7, 2021, Senate probers will conduct the fourth Covid hearing of the Blue Ribbon Committee, chaired by Senator Richard Gordon, who confirmed

that among those expected to testify are: Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr., and former Budget Undersecretary Lloyd Christopher Lao. Senate sources said Blue R ibbon probers are still tracking down the whereabouts of businessman Michael Yang and other officers of Pharmally and other companies that provided the medical supplies.

This developed as Minority Leader Franklin Drilon decried Malacañang’s “personal attacks” against the senators, adding this will not derail the lawmakers from conducting the probe to validate reports indicating irregularities attending the bulk purchase of face masks, personal protective equipment (PPE), and other medical supplies.

According to Drilon, the senate probers will not be distracted by “side issues” and will pursue efforts to verify reports on alleged attempts to dip into public funds.

He was referring to the transfer of P47.7-billion pandemic funds to the Procurement Service of the DBM.

DFA: Repatriated Pinoys from Macau reaches 4,397

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he Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Friday mounted the 22nd special f light for distressed Filipinos in Macau, raising the number of repatriates from the special administrative region (SAR) to 4,397.

Onboard the latest flight were 197 repatriates, bringing the total number of overseas Filipinos from Macau who have benefited from the DFA’s repatriation program to a total of 4,397 since the start of the pandemic.

Phi lippine Consu l Genera l to Macau SAR Porfirio M. Mayo Jr.

led the Consulate in assisting the repatriates. He renewed his call on all Filipinos in Macau intent on returning home to register their det a i l s w it h t he Consu l ate. A l l repatr iation f lights from Macau are closely coordinated w ith the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OW WA) Region III, and Philippine A irlines.

Overseas Filipinos in Macau intent on returning to the Philippines are requested to register their details at the Consulate’s online registry at https:// tinyurl.com/repatMacau.

DOH and DepEd to issue rules on holding of dry run for F to F classes in select schools

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he Departments of Health (DOH) and Education (DepEd) are set to issue joint guidelines on the possible holding of a dry run for limited face to face (F to F) classes in 120 schools nationwide.

Undersecretar y Maria Rosario Vergeire, however, stressed that the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases has yet to endorse the DepEd proposal for the approval of President Duterte.

“This [proposal to hold F to F classes in120 schools] was based on our discussions with DepEd, based on their proposal for additional 20 [more] schools. But [the proposal is] still to be decided by IATF,” Vergeire told the BusinessMirror.

Vergeire said that the schools were chosen by DepEd for the F to F based on the agency’s “risk assessment tool.”

“DepEd has a risk assessment

tool, inc luded here are the r isk classification of areas of DOH. We will issue joint guidelines,” Vergeire added.

O n T hu r s d a y n i g ht , D e p E d Undersecretar y Nepomuceno Malaluan said they were informed that the “DOH has announced 120 schools planned for pilot face-toface, subject to the approval by the President.”

“This number, higher than the 100 we presented to the Senate, was based on the request by Secretary [Leonor] Briones for additional allocation for private schools, and DOH is agreeable to the addition of 20 private schools,” Malaluan said.

“We will disclose the process upon approval of the joint DepEd-DOH guidelines,” he added.

It may be recalled that in June, Duterte rejected again the proposal of in-person classes amid the threat of Covid-19. Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco

A3

HCWs paint grim scenario on Covid sprike as 20,310 new cases logged

DOE expects 7,712 MW addl power supply from ’21 to ’27

epa r tme n t o f E n e r g y (DOE) Secretary Alfonso Cusi said the country may expect additional 7,712 megawatts of power supply from 2021 to 2027.

During President Duterte’s Talk to the People late Thursday night, Cusi said the construction of new power sources is under way this year and in the coming years to augment the needed power requirements as the Philippine economy continues to expand.

He said between 2016 and 2020, installed capacity grew from 21,424 MW to 26,287 MW, increasing by 4,863 MW. Cusi added that the energy stakeholders have been preparing for the anticipated depletion of the Malampaya natural gas field through building new liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities and exploration of indigenous power sources.

By next year, two LNG projects are expected to go online—the LNG project of AG&P and Osaka Gas by the second quarter and the LNG facility of First Gen and Tokyo Gas by third quarter, Cusi said.

“Aside from LNG, we continue to

Saturday, September 4, 2021

By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco

T

he Healthcare Professionals A lliance Against Covid-19 (HPAAC) on Friday warned the ongoing surge in Covid-19 infections around the country could be a grim indication that worst is yet to come.

“The pandemic will get more serious,” co-convener Dr. Maricar Limpin said during the group’s media briefing, adding that their worst fears may already be unfolding, as she explained that the health-care system could no longer respond to rising Covid cases.

On Friday, the Department of Health (DOH) logged 20,310 cases, the country’s second-highest daily total, bringing the total number of infections in the country to 2,040,568. There were also 7,710 recoveries and 193 deaths.

HPAAC also called on the government to come up with “permanent solutions” to the pandemic.

“These lockdowns are just band aid solutions,” Limpin stressed.

Tired, crying and angry In a news statement read during the briefing, the HPAAC pointed out that the health-care system could no longer appropriately respond to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The group said that hospital emergency departments are mostly in full capacity, while some patients are waiting in the hallways and parking lots of the hospitals.

“Maraming hindi na nakakaabot at namamatay na lamang sa bahay o sa sasakyan habang palipat-lipat na naghahanap ng bakanteng kama [Many

patients have died in their houses or vehicles without even obtaining a hospital bed],” the group said.

They stressed that most of the health-care workers (HCWs) are tired, crying and angry.

“Nagdudugo ang puso namin, at humihingi kami ng patawad, sa mga pasyenteng kinakailangang tanggihan dahil di na kayang ma-admit [Our hearts are bleeding, and we apologize to the patients for we couldn’t admit you anymore],” they added.

Strengthen health-care system capacity in regions Dr. Gregorio Ocampo, president of the Philippine College of Chest Physicians, meanwhile, called on the government to also provide the necessary medical equipment like ventilators

and oxygen supply.

He, however, did not give the exact numbers of ventilators and oxygen that hospitals in the provinces need.

“The chest physicians are complaining of lack of ventilators and oxygen in the provinces. While in Metro Manila, their need can easily be provided, our fellow doctors in the provinces are also hoping that they will be provided with adequate help for them to fight this pandemic,” he said in a mix of Filipino and English as he underscored the need to strengthen the health-care system capacity in the provinces.

Meanwhile, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire assured, “We are one with HPAAC.” She said that the DOH is helping the hospitals, especially the small treatment facilities.

Grab starts online supermarket in Philippines for user growth

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rab Holdings Inc., set to go public in the US through a deal with a blank-check company, is launching an online supermarket in the Philippines as it tries to move beyond meal deliveries and ride-hailing to boost revenue.

Consumers in Metro Manila area, with a population of more than 13 million, will be able to order vegetables, meat, seafood and other

groceries via the Grab app for next day delivery, the company said in a news statement released on Friday.

Grab has already rolled out online supermarket services in Malaysia and Singapore, and it’s preparing to enter Thailand this year, said Russell Cohen, Grab’s managing director for operations.

“We want consumers to think of Grab when they think of food, from

grocery shopping to meal delivery,” he said in an interview. Grab is also piloting a feature that lets users order and pay for food at restaurants using its app in Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia, he said.

Grab is trying to capture broader opportunities in the food services market to drive user growth. T he online grocery market in Southeast Asia is expected to almost triple

to $11.9 billion in 2025 from $4.1 billion in 2020, according to Euromonitor International.

The region’s online meal delivery transactions are also expected to triple, reaching $28 billion by 2025 as consumers continue to seek convenience post-pandemic, according to a Grab-commissioned report by Euromonitor released Friday.

Bloomberg News

Duterte steps up attacks on Gordon as Blue Ribbon calls anew his friend Michael Yang

P

By Samuel P. Medenilla

RESIDENT Duterte late Thursday stepped up his attacks on Senator R ichard J. Gordon, who leads a Blue Ribbon inquiry into the questioned use of billions in pandemic funds involving a friend of the President.

Duterte said he wants the Commission on Audit (COA) to investigate the finances of the Philippine Red Cross (PRC), a nongovernment humanitarian organization, to reveal how its funds were allegedly used by Gordon, also its chairman, for political purposes.

In his public address, Duterte accused Gordon of using PRC as a “milking cow” to finance his election campaigns since the lawmaker was appointed as Red Cross chairman from 2004 to the present.

The senator had earlier told CNN Philippines’s “The Source” he was dismayed that Duterte had taken the matter to a personal level, and noted

that the President was showing signs of panic as the inquiry advances. He said such remarks would not distract the Senate probers.

Duterte on Thursday cited the report of an unnamed senator in 2017, who supposedly accused Gordon of allocating P193 million worth of pork barrel funds to PRC so he could use it for his election campaign.

“I would like to see the audit [the finances] of the Red Cross and maybe I can. I will demand the executive department that we be furnished copies of your audit taken by COA,” Duterte said.

Duterte’s latest attack on Gordon comes just days before the Blue Ribbon holds its third hearing, for which it has sent fresh subpoenas to Michael Yang, a former presidential adviser linked to Pharmally, a company awarded P8.7 billion in contracts in the summer of 2020 despite its small capitalization (P625,000), scanty track record, and reports that some key executives evaded criminal charges overseas. Duterte

has defended Yang as someone who helped bring in Chinese investors into the country.

On Thursday night, Duterte said he wants Gordon to be replaced as head of PRC after the lawmaker threatened to stop the testing of overseas Filipino workers (OFW) last year after the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) took months to pay PRC for about a billion worth of tests it conducted.

During that time, Gordon explained that unless they were immediately paid by PhilHealth, they would be forced to stop conducting the test since they are running out of funds to procure the necessary supplies to conduct more tests.

PhilHealth was later able to settle its late payment and PRC continued with its testing of OFWs. In the first months of the pandemic in 2020, the government had relied heavily on Gordon and the PRC to help set up testing sites when these were barely available across the country.

Duterte also accused PRC, under the administration of Gordon, of overcharging for Covid-19 vaccines manufactured by Moderna as well as not giving discounts to senior citizens and persons with disabilities for Covid-19 testing.

Duterte also accused Gordon of lobbying the appointment of some officials to “protect his interest” when he still served as chairman of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA).

This was the second time this week Duterte singled out Gordon, whose Blue Ribbon Committee is currently investigating alleged anomalies in the government.

Duterte insists the Senate probe is baseless and is being used by some lawmakers to promote themselves to the public ahead of the 2022 national and local elections.

Last Monday, Duterte criticized Gordon for being “too talkative” and being fat. He also criticized the hairstyle of Panfilo Lacson, another senator active in the inquiry.

PRC Board affirms support for Gordon, says they are not subject to COA audit

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ollowing President Duterte statement that he wants the Commission on Audit (COA) to audit the Philippine Red Cross (PRC), the humanitarian organization stressed that “being a non-government organization,” they are not subject to audit by the country’s state auditors.

The PRC said that they undergo regular audit by a private international accounting firm.

“The PRC audit is conducted by a private international accounting firm, which is also the auditor of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, which receives a copy of the independent audit report,” the statement signed by the 19 members of the Board of Governors of the PRC, read.

The PRC officers stressed that in their regular operations and the hundreds of millions entrusted to them by their our local and international partners for initiatives in major disasters like Typhoon Haiyan, Tropical Storm Ondoy, and Tropical Storm Sendong, to name a few, “there have been no findings of any wrongdoing on the part of the institution or its officers.”

“The Philippine Red Cross, the country’s foremost humanitarian organization, is always guided by the seven fundamental principles of the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntar y ser vice, unity, and universality. To alleviate human suffering is the objective of every initiative that we undertake,”

the statement said, adding that PRC is governed by a “Board of Governors that has been united in the policies we espouse and in supporting the leadership and management of the PRC.”

Support for Gordon

The PRC officers said that the respect and unity among the Board, management, staff, and the two million volunteers of the PRC is what allows them to perform their humanitarian duties.

“In this time of strife for our people when we are focused on alleviating human suffering, we will continue to ensure that our people receive the help and succor that they desperately need.

We express our staunch and unequivocal support for Chairman Dick Gordon, himself an unsalaried volunteer like the rest of the Board, who has transformed the PRC into the responsive and modernized institution that it is today.”

The PRC officers declared they will stand “solidly” behind Gordon as “he leads the valiant efforts of the PRC to serve millions of suffering Filipino people, especially during this protracted pandemic.”

“Our mission to aid and comfort the afflicted and to save lives beckons every day, and amidst the suffering of our people, we will continue to fulfill our mandate and find ways to uplift the life of every Filipino,” they said.

Testing

The PRC recalled that months before the Covid-19 pandemic unleashed havoc on our country, the leadership

of the PRC, seeing what was happening in other parts of the world, took immediate and decisive measures to ensure that they are “Always First, Always Ready, Always There” to respond to the devastation that the virus would cause to our people.

This foresight, they added, allowed them to quickly establish molecular laboratories for RT-PCR testing, a service that the PRC had never offered before.

“It was not long before the PRC was doing the bulk of the country’s testing, at its height covering 45 percent of the requirement, picking up the slack for the government. Today, we are the largest testing provider in the country and have conducted over 4 million tests.”

They pointed out that the PRC, as defined by R.A. 10072, is “a voluntary, independent, and autonomous, nongovernmental organization.”

“As such, we do not receive appropriations from the government.

The bulk of our funds come from private donations of generous indiv iduals, cor porations, and partner international Red Cross and Red Crescent societies who trust in our ability to deliver life-sav ing ser v ices to the most v ulnerable.

Sometimes, agencies like the Department of Health, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office choose to voluntarily donate to the PRC for specific programs. W hile these donations constitute a small

part of our funds, they are properly liquidated and no dispute has ever been raised regarding them.”

Fiscal responsibility

They said that when the PRC temporarily suspended the testing of patients who were supposed to be covered by PhilHealth when the state health insurer had an outstanding balance of almost P800 million and had failed to make payment as promised, “we did so because we were exercising fiscal responsibility.”

To begin with, the PRC officials said, the Covid-19 testing should be the job of the government but still they merely stepped up when there was a need that the government could not address.

“To allow our finances to bleed from operational expenses and supplies related to testing because the government does not pay its obligations would severely compromise our much-needed services to the suffering and marginalized. Such irresponsibility would also cause us to lose credibility with and confidence of our donors and jeopardize our ability to raise funds and continue to serve our people through our other services, such as blood banks (serving almost 50 percent of the national blood requirement), a dialysis center, disaster management, ambulances (170 units), safety, sanitation, and housing (151,000 houses for disaster victims),” the PRC officers said.

Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco

A4

Saturday, September 4, 2021

The World BusinessMirror

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

Biden: Ida, wildfires show ‘climate crisis’ has struck W

ASHINGTON—Preside nt Jo e Bide n on Thursday pledged robust federal help for the Northeastern and Gulf states battered

by Hurricane Ida and for Western states beset by wildfires—with the catastrophes serving as deadly reminders that the “climate crisis” has arrived.

“These extreme storms, and the climate crisis, are here,” Biden said in a White House speech. “We must be better prepared. We need to act.”

The President said he will further press Congress to pass his nearly $1 trillion infrastructure bill to improve roads, bridges, the electric grid and sewer systems.

The proposal intends to ensure that the vital networks connecting cities and states and the country as a whole can withstand the flooding, whirlwinds and damage caused by increasingly dangerous

weather. Biden stressed that the challenge transcends the politics of a deeply divided nation because of the threats posed by the storms and fires.

“It’s a matter of life and death and we’re all in this together,” the President said.

Scientists say climate change increases the frequency of extreme weather events—such as large tropical storms, and the droughts and heatwaves that create conditions for vast wildfires. US weather officials recently reported that July 2021 was the hottest month ever recorded in 142 years of record-keeping.

Ida was the fifth-most powerful storm to strike the US when it hit Louisiana on Sunday with maximum winds of 240 kph, likely causing tens of billions of dollars in flood, wind and other damage, including to the electrical grid.

The storm’s remnants dropped devastating rainfall across parts of Maryland, Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey on Wednesday, causing significant disruption to major population centers.

The storm has killed more than 30 people in the Gulf and northeastern US More than 1 million homes and businesses in Louisiana and Mississippi remained without power after Ida toppled a major transmission tower and knocked out thousands of miles of lines and hundreds of substations. New Orleans was plunged into total darkness; power began returning to parts of the city Wednesday. Biden is set to visit Louisiana on Friday to survey some of the damage and meet with government officials there.

Biden said the f looding in Louisiana was less than the region experienced 16 years ago during Hurricane Katrina, crediting federal investments in the area’s levee system.

“We know that there is much to be done in this response on our part,” Biden added. “We need to get power restored. We need

to get more food, fuel and water deployed.”

He said he was receiving hourly updates on the disaster response and outlined efforts by the federal government to ease recovery efforts, including by making satellite imagery available to utility companies and waiving some regulatory requirements.

At Biden’s request, the Energ y Department said it was releasing 1.5 million barrels of oil from the nation’s Strategic Petroleum Reser ve to ensure a steady fuel supply in the Gulf region, where sunken vessels are blocking key supply lines along the Mississippi R iver.

The oil will be used by ExxonMobil at its Baton Rouge refinery.

The company has agreed to replenish the strategic reserve, which is used as an emergency stockpile, within three months.

The President also scolded insurers who are declining to pay for the costs of damage or hotel stays for people who had to evacuate their homes.

“Don’t hide behind the fine print and technicalities,” Biden

warned the insurers. “Do the right thing and pay your policyholders what you owe them.”

Biden said separately that the Pentagon was assisting with ongoing firefighting operations in California against the Caldor fire.

Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards suggested Biden’s Friday visit would be crucial for the President to understand the destruction by seeing the widespread damage for himself. “ There’s nothing quite like visiting in person,” Edwards told reporters Wednesday following a briefing with local elected officials in Jefferson Parish, which took direct blows from Ida. “When you see it for yourself, it is just so much more compelling.”

Asked what type of assistance he planned to request from Biden, Edwards said, “Quite frankly, the list is going to be very, very long.”

But he said a priority would be for a housing program to help people rebuild.

The White House says Biden has held several conference calls with governors and local officials to discuss preparations and

needs after the storm, and has received briefings from Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator (FEMA) Deanne Criswell.

FEMA had sent tons of supplies, including generators, tarps and other materials to the region before the storm, and federal response teams are working on search and rescue.

Biden’s trip Friday to the Gulf region will cap a difficult stretch for the president, who oversaw the chaotic exit of the US military from Afghanistan after a 20-year engagement. That included the deaths of 13 US service members helping evacuate more than 120,000 Americans, Afghan allies and others fleeing life under Taliban rule.

As Ida bore down on the Gulf Coast on Sunday, Biden was at Dover A ir Force Base in Delaware to witness the return of the remains of the 13 US servicemen and women who were killed in suicide bombing last week at Afghanistan’s air port in Kabul, where the evacuations were taking place. AP

GM, Ford halt some production as global chip shortage worsens

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E T R O I T—T h e g l o b a l shor t age of computer chips is getting worse, forcing automakers to temporarily close factories including those that build popular pickup trucks.

General Motors announced Thursday that it would pause production at eight of its 15 North American assembly plants during the next two weeks, including two that make the company’s top-selling Chevrolet Silverado pickup.

Ford will stop making pickups at its Kansas City Assembly Plant for the next two weeks. Shifts will be cut at two more truck plants in Dearborn, Michigan, and Louisville, Kentucky.

The cuts will compound an already short supply of cars, trucks and SUVs on dealer lots nationwide that have pushed prices to record

levels. Automakers reported that US dealers had just under a million new vehicles on their lots in August, 72 percent lower than the 3.58 million in August of 2019.

“It now appears to be accelerating in the wrong direction,” said Jeff Schuster, president of global vehicle forecasting for LMC Automotive, a consulting firm.

Industry analysts say the Delta variant of the novel coronavirus has hit employees at chip factories in Southeast Asia hard, forcing some plants to close. That’s worsened a chip shortage that was starting to improve earlier in the summer.

“Now the prospects for new sales for the rest of the year continue to dim with the reality that tight inventory will last well into 2022,” said Kevin Roberts, director of industry insights for

Cargurus.com.

Demand for trucks, SUVs and other autos is strong, but buyers are growing frustrated due to lack of inventory and high prices. US light vehicle sales fell nearly 18 percent in August compared with a year ago, while the average vehicle sale price hit over $41,000, a record, according to J.D. Power.

Sales of Ford’s F-Series trucks fell nearly 23 percent for the month.

The August sales dip and inventory shortages prompted Schuster to cut his US sales forecast for the year to 15.7 million. Until the pandemic hit, sales had been running around 17 million per year.

Consumers who need a new vehicle don’t have many choices with dealer supplies so short, Schuster said. Some have left the market because they can’t find anything

that meets their needs. For others, “pricing is through the roof, so they can’t afford it and aren’t willing to spend what it’s going to cost to get that vehicle.”

GM is shutting down pickup truck plants in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and Silao, Mexico, for a week starting Monday. A plant in Wentzville, Missouri, that builds midsize pickups and big vans will close for two weeks.

Other plants that make small and midsize SUVs will be idled for two weeks or longer.

“These recent scheduling adjustments are being driven by the continued parts shortages caused by semiconductor supply constraints from international markets experiencing Covid-19related restrictions,” GM said in a news statement. AP

NZ police kill ‘terrorist’ after he stabs 6 people

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ELLINGTON, New Zea l a nd—New Zealand authorities were so worried about an Islamic extremist they were following him around-the-clock and were able to shoot and kill him within 60 seconds of him unleashing a f renzied k nife attac k t hat wounded six people Friday at an Auckland supermarket.

Three of the shoppers were taken to Auckland hospitals in critical condition, police said.

Another was in serious condition, while two more were in moderate condition.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said the incident was a terror attack. She said the man was a Sri Lankan national who was inspired by the Islamic State group and was well known to the nation’s security agencies.

Ardern said she had been personally briefed on the man in the past but there had been no legal reason for him to be detained.

“Had he done something that would have allowed us to put him into prison, he would have been in prison,” Ardern said.

The attack unfolded at about 2:40 p.m. at a Countdown supermarket in New Zealand’s largest city.

Police Commissioner Andrew Coster said a police surveillance team and a specialist tactics group

had followed the man from his home to the supermarket.

But while they had grave ongoing concer ns about the man, t hey had no pa r t ic u l a r reason to t h in k he was pl a nning a n at t ac k on Fr id ay, Coster sa id.

T he ma n appea red to be going into the store to do his g rocer y shopping.

“He entered the store, as he had done before. He obtained a knife from within the store,” Coster said.

“Surveillance teams were as close as they possibly could be to monitor his activity.”

Witnesses said the man shouted “Allahu Akbar”—meaning God is great—and started stabbing random shoppers, sending people running and screaming.

Coster said that when the commotion started, two police from the special tactics group rushed over. He said the man charged at the officers with the knife and so they shot and killed him.

One bystander video taken from inside the supermarket records the sound of 10 shots being fired in rapid succession.

Coster said there would be questions about whether police could have reacted even quicker. He said that the man was very aware of the constant surveillance and they needed to be some distance from him for it to be effective. AP

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

No.

24 INCH GAUGE CONSTRUCTION INC. L4 Blk. 4 Near Kay Buboy Bridge San Dionisio Parañaque City

WANG, XIAOSHUANG Marketing Specialist 1.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for coordinating with other marketing and sales professionals to implement innovative campaigns for branding or product launches

KANAGALA, RAHUL Technical Manager Basic Qualification: Ability to work under pressure and motivation to succeed in a competitive environment; Should have a bachelor’s degree in journalism, marketing, communications or a related field; Good communication and interpersonal skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

15.

2.

Brief Job Description: Build sustainable relationship of trust through open and interactive communications in mandarin speaking

LI, FUPING Customer Service Representative Mandarin Speaking 3.

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LUO, SHIGU Customer Service Representative Mandarin Speaking 4.

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MI, LIJIAO Customer Service Representative Mandarin Speaking 5.

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MOC THUY ANH Customer Service Representative Mandarin Speaking 6.

Brief Job Description: Build sustainable relationship of trust through open and interactive communications ijn mandarin speaking

WU, GUOQING Customer Service Representative Mandarin Speaking 7.

Brief Job Description: Build sustainable relationship of trust through open and interactive communications ijn mandarin speaking

Basic Qualification: Knows how to recommend products or services to management by collecting customer information and analyzing customer need Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knows how to recommend products or services to management by collecting customer information and analyzing customer need Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knows how to recommend products or services to management by collecting customer information and analyzing customer need

HOANG THI HIEN Seller Support Associate 16.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knows how to recommend products or services to management by collecting customer information and analyzing customer need Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knows how to recommend products or services to management by collecting customer information and analyzing customer need

17.

8.

Brief Job Description: Supervise and evaluated the H&S personnel and other staff preofesional provides training tools, techniques to enable others to achieve standards and HSE requirements RUIZ MIRANDA, CARLOS Land Surveyor

18.

9.

Brief Job Description: Verify accuracy of survey data. conduct layouts and topographical surveys, plan and conduct structural surveys

HUANG, XIAOFEI Chinese Speaking Marketing Consultant 10.

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

19.

20.

SHI, JIAHAO Chinese Speaking Marketing Consultant 11.

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

YUAN, CHUANYUN Chinese Speaking Marketing Consultant 12.

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

21.

ZHAO, HAORAN Chinese Speaking Marketing Consultant 13.

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

22.

JANUAR AKBAR FIDARYANSYAH IT Consultant

23.

14.

Brief Job Description: Advises on matters regarding the implementation and maintenance of proprietary it system of alfamart in relation to store inventories and other digitalized aspect of store operations

ALSTOM TRANSPORT CONSTRUCTION PHILIPPINES, INC. 4/f U-2c One E-com Center Moa Ocean Drive Brgy. 076 Pasay City

24.

Brief Job Description: Handles the concerns of the people who buy their company's products or services.

ZENG, CHUNTAO Mandarin Customer Relations Officer

25.

Brief Job Description: Handles the concerns of the people who buy their company's products or services.

ZHANG, XINWANG Mandarin Customer Relations Officer Brief Job Description: Handles the concerns of the people who buy their company's products or services.

ZHENG, YAN Mandarin Customer Relations Officer

27.

Brief Job Description: Handles the concerns of the people who buy their company's products or services.

HU, KAI Mandarin Customer Service 28.

Brief Job Description: Offer full range of customer service to employer and clients.

TANG, LEI Mandarin Customer Service 29.

Brief Job Description: Offer full range of customer service to employer and clients.

LE THUY TIEN Vietnamese Customer Service

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

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

Brief Job Description: Handles the concerns of the people who buy their company's products or services.

WEI, NANA Mandarin Customer Relations Officer

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

Basic Qualification: Expert technical skills and intimate understanding of proprietary systems of alfamart, can understand and speak Bahasa

Brief Job Description: Handles the concerns of the people who buy their company's products or services.

LI, QIANLEI Mandarin Customer Relations Officer

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

ALFAMART TRADING PHILIPPINES, INC. Sm Corporate Office Bldg. E J.w. Diokno Blvd. Brgy. 076 Pasay City

Brief Job Description: play a principal role in establishing a top levels safety culture by enhancing communicating implementing and enforcing safety systems and process across the project HUANG, ZHENG Mandarin Customer Relations Officer

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

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

Brief Job Description: Handles the concerns of the people who buy their company's products or services.

CARRETERO MARTIN, CESAR Superintendent

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

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

Brief Job Description: Offer full range of customer service to employer and clients.

CHEN, JINBAO Mandarin Customer Relations Officer

26.

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

CAI, WEIFENG Customer Service Representative

Basic Qualification: Bachelor or Master’s degree Salary Range: Php 90,000 - Php 149,999

Basic Qualification: native Vietnamese speaker , ability to maintain high levels of confidentiality and data security standards

32.

33.

Brief Job Description: Customer service representative

LAN, AIQI Customer Service Representative 34.

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking foreign language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Brief Job Description: Customer service representative

WEI, ZHAOLAN Customer Service Representative 35.

Brief Job Description: Customer service representative

Brief Job Description: Offer full range of customer service to employer and clients.

YAN, XIAOLONG Customer Service Representative Basic Qualification: At least college level and able to speak, read, write and type fluently in Mandarin language.

36.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Has excellent problem-solving and communication skills in Mandarin, with related BPO experience

BAI, JUNWEI Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service representative

Brief Job Description: Customer service representative

ZHAN, SUQIONG Customer Service Representative 37.

Brief Job Description: Customer service representative

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Experience in a High density , Urban Environment , Excellent in communications skills.

Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999 Basic Qualification: Has excellent problem-solving and communication skills in Mandarin, with related BPO experience Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

ZHOU, PENG Customer Service Representative 38.

HE, SHUANG Chinese Speaking Client Relations Officer 39.

Basic Qualification: Has excellent problem-solving and communication skills in Mandarin, with related BPO experience Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Has excellent problem-solving and communication skills in Mandarin, with related BPO experience

40.

41.

42.

43.

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

Basic Qualification: High school graduate in Chinese, can speak and write fluent Chinese Mandarin, can operate Mandarin Characters Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Brief Job Description: Assist / help customers, Give customers information about products and services

Brief Job Description: Assist / help customers, Give customers information about products and services

ZHAO, YUE Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative 44.

Basic Qualification: At least college level and able to speak, read, write and type fluently in Mandarin language.

Basic Qualification: At least college level and able to speak, read, write and type fluently in Mandarin language.

Brief Job Description: Assist / help customers, Give customers information about products and services

TRAN THI QUYEN Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative

Basic Qualification: At least college level and able to speak, read, write and type fluently in Mandarin language.

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

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: High school graduate in Chinese, can speak and write fluent Chinese Mandarin, can operate Mandarin Characters Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: High school graduate in Chinese, can speak and write fluent Chinese Mandarin, can operate Mandarin Characters Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: High school graduate in Chinese, can speak and write fluent Chinese Mandarin, can operate Mandarin Characters Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: High school graduate in Chinese, can speak and write fluent Chinese Mandarin, can operate Mandarin Characters Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: High school graduate in Chinese, can speak and write fluent Chinese Mandarin, can operate Mandarin Characters Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Must understand and speak well in Chinese Language; Knowledgeable in basic computer operations.

Basic Qualification: Must understand and speak well in Chinese Language; Knowledgeable Brief Job Description: Collects and analyse customer information for data banking; Prepares in basic computer operations. products or service reports by collecting and analysing customer information; communicate directly with clients and encourage Salary Range: trusting relationships.

Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

LOO KAR JUN Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative

Basic Qualification: Has excellent problem-solving and communication skills in Mandarin, with related BPO experience

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

Basic Qualification: High school graduate in Chinese, can speak and write fluent Chinese Mandarin, can operate Mandarin Characters

Brief Job Description: Collects and analyze customer information for data banking; Prepares products or service reports by collecting and analyzing customer Salary Range: information; communicate directly with clients and encourage Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 trusting relationships.

LIU, BIN Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative

Basic Qualification: Has excellent problem-solving and communication skills in Mandarin, with related BPO experience

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

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

BOUVARDIA INC. Unit-25d 2/f Zeta Ii Bldg. Salcedo St. San Lorenzo Makati City

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

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

Basic Qualification: At least college level and able to speak, read write and type fluently in MANDARIN language.

RAN, YONGMIN Chinese Speaking Client Relations Officer

Basic Qualification: Has excellent problem-solving and communication skills in Mandarin, with related BPO experience Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Brief Job Description: Customer service representative

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

BOTA ENTERTAINMENT CONSULTANCY SERVICES INC. Chuan Hong Tower Unit 402 434 M. De Santos St., 025 Bgy. 270 San Nicolas Manila

Brief Job Description: Assist / help customers, Give customers information about products and services

INN BRAN ROI NU Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk 45.

Brief Job Description: Enters customer and account data and keeping and maintaining information confidential

Basic Qualification: Proficiency in handling customer questions about services or products / Excellent Mandarin communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficiency in handling customer questions about services or products / Excellent Mandarin communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficiency in handling customer questions about services or products / Excellent Mandarin communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficiency in handling customer questions about services or products / Excellent Mandarin communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficiency in handling customer questions about services or products / Excellent Mandarin communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

CHINA HARBOUR ENGINEERING COMPANY 5/f Rm 501 Ramon Magsaysay Center 1680 Roxas Blvd. 076, Bgy. 699 Malate Manila CHEN, ZHENG Survey Officer Of PRDP 46.

BILLION DRAGON OUTSOURCE PHILS., INC. 3/f Ayala Mall Southpark National Road Alabang Muntinlupa City

31.

Brief Job Description: Customer service representative

FU, PINGFAN Customer Service Representative

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

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking foreign language

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Brief Job Description: Execute assigned business projects according to client’s requirements Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

CHIA TONG SIN Malaysian Customer Service

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

ACE VELOCITY CONSULTANCY INC. 37/f Lkg Tower 6801 Ayala Ave. Bel-air Makati City

No.

BIG EMPEROR TECHNOLOGY CORP. 5f-13f, Jiaxing Tower Building Aseana Avenue, Aseana Business Park Tambo Parañaque City

Salary Range: Php 90,000 - Php 149,999 Basic Qualification: Minimum of 5 years experience in civil construction in general, with focus on highways, bridges and other structures.

Brief Job Description: Execute assigned business projects according to clients requirements WU, I-YING Mandarin Speaking Financial Consultant

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

Basic Qualification: 10 Years construction related experience , in H&S for role major project

Brief Job Description: Act as primary interface between amazon and 3rd party sellers, providing phone and/or email support

LEE, MENG-HSIEN Mandarin Speaking Financial Consultant

ACCIONA CONSTRUCTION PHILIPPINES INC. 21/f Tower 2, The Enterprise Center 6766 Ayala Ave. Cor. Paseo De Roxas San Lorenzo Makati City MORANTE ROSALES, RAUL ENRIQUE Health & Safety Manager

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

ANDES CONSULTING ADVISORY INC. 22/f Robinsons Summit Center 6783 Ayala Ave. Bel-air Makati City

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knows how to recommend products or services to management by collecting customer information and analyzing customer need

Brief Job Description: Plan and manage activities for the project in support of the Project Manager

A5

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

AMAZON OPERATION SERVICES PHILIPPINES, INC. B21 Three E-com Moa Complex Harbour Drive Cor. Bay Shore Brgy. 076 Pasay City

8 STONE BUSINESS OUTSOURCING OPC 5-10/f Tower 1 Pitx Kennedy Road Tambo Parañaque City DO THU HANG Customer Service Representative Mandarin Speaking

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Saturday, September 4, 2021

47.

Brief Job Description: Survey control and daily survey work

LI, RUOFEI Survey Officer Of PRDP Brief Job Description: Survey control and daily survey work

Basic Qualification: College Graduate Speaks Mandarin fluently Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College Graduate Speaks Mandarin fluently Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

BusinessMirror

A6 Saturday, September 4, 2021

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

48.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION LI, HONGCHAO Survey Officer Of PRDP Brief Job Description: Survey control and daily survey work

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

No.

Basic Qualification: College Graduate Speaks Mandarin fluently Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

68.

Brief Job Description: customer service representative

49.

Brief Job Description: Writing reports, company brochures and similar documents LIU, LIN Marketing Assistant

50.

Brief Job Description: Writing reports, company brochures and similar document MA, SEN Marketing Assistant

51.

Brief Job Description: Writing reports, company brochures and similar document SUN, HUANHUAN Marketing Assistant

52.

Brief Job Description: Writing reports, company brochures and similar documents ZHAO, JINZI Marketing Assistant

53.

Brief Job Description: Writing reports, company brochures and similar document

HUANG, HAI Sale Executive Officer 54.

Brief Job Description: Setting sales goals and developing sales strategies

JIANG, KAILING Sale Executive Officer 55.

Brief Job Description: Setting goals and developing sales strategies

LI, MIN Sale Executive Officer 56.

Brief Job Description: Setting goals and developing sales strategies

LI, XIAOLING Sale Executive Officer 57.

Brief Job Description: Setting sales goals and developing sales strategies

WU, SIGAO Sale Executive Officer 58.

Brief Job Description: Setting sales goals and developing sales strategies

YOU, JIULIN Sale Executive Officer 59.

Brief Job Description: Setting sales goals and developing sales strategies

Basic Qualification: Knowledge of relevant marketing tools and applications is a plus Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

60.

Brief Job Description: Develops loan and deposit business and other financial products/ services to existing and potential customers

61.

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

CHEN, JUNJIE Chinese Cargo Office Agent 62.

Brief Job Description: Prepare airline and custom documentation SU, SHUICHUN Chinese Cargo Office Agent

63.

Brief Job Description: Prepare airline and custom documentation

Basic Qualification: Knowledge of relevant marketing tools and applications is a plus

64.

Brief Job Description: Researches and develops various marketing strategies for products and services and implements marketing plans and works to meet sales quotas

LIN, JIANHUI Marketing And Sales Agent 65.

Brief Job Description: Researches and develops various marketing strategies for products and services and implements marketing plans and works to meet sales quotas

Brief Job Description: customer service representative

HE, QI Customer Service Representative 70.

Brief Job Description: CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

Basic Qualification: Knowledge of relevant marketing tools and applications is a plus Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

HUANG, YIFENG Customer Service Representative 71.

Brief Job Description: customer service representative

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Functional knowledge of standards business tools, techniques and software

JIAO, GUOQING Customer Service Representative 72.

Brief Job Description: Customer service representative

LI, HUAQUAN Customer Service Representative 73.

Brief Job Description: Customer service representative

66.

Brief Job Description: Monitor search algorithms, develop and integrate content market strategies

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION TRINH THI ANH Customer Service Representative

86.

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

LI, XIAOWEN Customer Service Representative 74.

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

75.

76.

Brief Job Description: Customer service representative

YANG, JIZENG Customer Service Representative 77.

Brief Job Description: Customer service representative

CONG, YUXUAN Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Supports customers by providing helpful information, answering questions, and responding to complaints

GAO, LU Customer Service Representative 79.

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

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

HO DANG KHANH Customer Service Representative 80.

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

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

HU, YONGJIE Customer Service Representative

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Can contributes information, ideas, and research to help develop marketing strategies; can help to detail, design, and implement marketing plans for each product or service being offered.

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

Basic Qualification: College graduate, fluent in English, preferably 6 months to 1 year experience to the same field

88.

Basic Qualification: High School graduate in Chinese curriculum, can speak and write fluent Chinese Mandarin, can operate computer Mandarin characters

Basic Qualification: High school graduate in Chinese curriculum can speak and write fluent Chinese mandarin can operate computer mandarin characters

Basic Qualification: High school graduate in Chinese curriculum , can speak and write fluent Chinese mandarin , can operate computer mandarin characters

Basic Qualification: High school graduate in Chinese Curriculum, Can Speak and Write Fluent Chinese Mandarin, Can Operate Computer Mandarin Characters

81.

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

LI, XIN Customer Service Representative 82.

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

LIM YEONG CHYAN Customer Service Representative 83.

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

NGHIEM DUY TUAN Customer Service Representative 84.

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

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

Basic Qualification: College Graduate Level, preferably with Customer Service or sales experience, fluent in Mandarin and basic English

89.

90.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College Graduate Level, preferably with Customer Service or sales experience, fluent in Mandarin and basic English

91.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College Graduate Level, preferably with Customer Service or sales experience, fluent in Mandarin and basic English

KAO, YU-EN a.k.a. KAO MING-YUAN Mandarin Accounts Staff 92.

Brief Job Description: Responsible in answering customer questions about product and services of the company LAU WEI HOU Mandarin Accounts Staff

93.

94.

Brief Job Description: Responsible in answering customer questions about product and services of the company

TNAY YU JOU Mandarin Accounts Staff Brief Job Description: Responsible in answering customer questions about JACKY WONG SIEH CHEAH Mandarin Supervisor

95.

Brief Job Description: Responsible in answering customer questions about product and services of the company LIAO, PEI-YIN Mandarin Technical Support

96.

Brief Job Description: Responsible in answering customer questions about product and services of the company

GUO, JIANZHONG Network Technical Engineer 97.

Brief Job Description: Establish and maintain network performance; Builds net configuration and connections

HUANG, RONGHUA Network Technical Engineer 98.

Brief Job Description: Establish and maintain network performance; Builds net configuration and connections

JIAN, JIAEN Network Technical Engineer 99.

Brief Job Description: Establish and maintain network performance; Builds net configuration and connections

LAM, YUNG YUNG International Marketing Specialist 100.

Brief Job Description: Collaborate with domestic marketing team

LIU, YUNQING Quantity Survey Specialist 101.

67.

CHEN, RONGQUAN Customer Service Representative

CHEN, RONGQUAN Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description: Customer service representative

Brief Job Description: Customer service representative

85.

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

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

Basic Qualification: College Graduate Level, preferably with Customer Service or sales experience, fluent in Mandarin and basic English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College Graduate Level, preferably with Customer Service or sales experience, fluent in Mandarin and basic English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College Graduate Level, preferably with Customer Service or sales experience, fluent in Mandarin and basic English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College Graduate Level, preferably with Customer Service or sales experience, fluent in Mandarin and basic English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College Graduate Level, preferably with Customer Service or sales experience, fluent in Mandarin and basic English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Proficiency in English, Mandarin and other Multi - Lingual language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficiency in English, Mandarin and other Multi - Lingual language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficiency in English, Mandarin and other Multi - Lingual language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficiency in English, Mandarin and other Multi - Lingual language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficiency in English, Mandarin and other Multi - Lingual language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Fundamental knowledge of telecom network roll out; network optimization workflow operations and maintenance Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fundamental knowledge of telecom network roll out; network optimization workflow operations and maintenance Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fundamental knowledge of telecom network roll out; network optimization workflow operations and maintenance Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Brief Job Description: Specializing aspects of the contractual and financial side of construction projects

Basic Qualification: Strong professional global networks and experience in marketing Salary Range: Php 90,000 - Php 149,999 Basic Qualification: Degree in Civil Engineering and international experience in quantity surveying construction projects Salary Range: Php 90,000 - Php 149,999

INVECH TREASURE PROCESSING CORPORATION Ground, 2nd, 3rd And 4th Floor Eight West Campus Mckinley West Fort Bonifacio Taguig City JI, ZHENGJUN Mandarin Customer Support Representative 102.

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

LI, XIA Mandarin Customer Support Representative 103.

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

Basic Qualification: College Graduate level, preferably with customer service or sales experience, fluent in mandarin and basic english

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

GOLDEN TOPPER EQUITY HOLDINGS (PHILIPPINES) INC. 12/f Cocolight Bldg. 39th St. Cor. 11th Ave., Bgc Fort Bonifacio Taguig City

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

FAREAST OUTSOURCE PROCESSING INC. 7th, 8th, 9th Flr. Nu Tower Moa Coral Way Brgy. 076 Pasay City TOW SWEE HENG Customer Service Representative

Basic Qualification: College Graduate level, preferably with customer service or sales experience, fluent in mandarin and basic english

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

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College Graduate level, preferably with customer service or sales experience, fluent in mandarin and basic english

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

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

FRONTIER POINT MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS INC. 29/f Techzone Bldg. Sen. Gil Puyat Ave. San Antonio Makati City

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College Graduate level, preferably with customer service or sales experience, fluent in mandarin and basic English

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

ZHANG, DONGLIANG Customer Service Representative

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College Graduate level, preferably with customer service or sales experience, fluent in mandarin and basic english

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

ZENG, YAN Customer Service Representative

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College Graduate level, preferably with customer service or sales experience, fluent in mandarin and basic english

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

XU, RICHANG Customer Service Representative

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

Basic Qualification: Have skills in documentation

Basic Qualification: Can contributes information, ideas, and research to help develop marketing strategies; can help to detail, design, and implement marketing plans for each product or service being offered.

Basic Qualification: High school graduate in Chinese curriculum , can speak and write fluent Chinese mandarin , can operate computer mandarin characters

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

Basic Qualification: Able to speak and write in MANDARIN/FUKIEN and at least college level with related BPO experience.

Basic Qualification: Have skills in documentation

Basic Qualification: High school graduate in Chinese curriculum , can speak and write fluent Chinese mandarin , can operate computer mandarin characters

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

WANG, XIAOLONG Customer Service Representative

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

78.

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

Brief Job Description: customer service representative

SUN, JIANYUAN Customer Service Representative

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

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

Basic Qualification: High school graduate in Chinese curriculum can speak and write fluent Chinese mandarin can operate computer mandarin characters

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

Basic Qualification: Functional knowledge of standards business tools, techniques and software

Basic Qualification: banking experience specifically in the field of corporate banking/ account management/sales.

Brief Job Description: Customer Service Representative

OU, SHENGLING Customer Service Representative

Basic Qualification: Functional knowledge of standards business tools, techniques and software Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

87.

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

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

Basic Qualification: Functional knowledge of standards business tools, techniques and software Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

WANG, LIANHE Customer Service Representative

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

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Functional knowledge of standard business tools, techniques & software

Basic Qualification: High school graduate in Chinese curriculum , can speak and write fluent Chinese mandarin , can operate computer mandarin characters

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

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Functional knowledge of standard business tools, techniques & software

Basic Qualification: High school graduate in Chinese curriculum can speak and write fluent Chinese mandarin can operate computer mandarin characters

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

Basic Qualification: Knowledge of relevant marketing tools and applications is a plus

EVERLOUNGE INC. 27th/f Robinsons Summit Center 6783 Ayala Ave. Bel-air Makati City PHAM VAN THINH SEO Specialist

Basic Qualification: High school graduate in Chinese curriculum can speak and write fluent Chinese mandarin can operate computer mandarin characters

No.

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

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

EASTERN GOLD CORPORATION 503 Nueva St Binondo Manila HUANG, DANYI Marketing And Sales Agent

69.

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

DEXIN 999, INC. Red Hotel No. 345 Edsa Cor. Don Carlos Revilla St. Barangay 147 Pasay City ZHANG, TAOTAO Mandarin Customer Support Representative

FAN, YONGQIANG Customer Service Representative

Basic Qualification: Knowledge of relevant marketing tools and applications is a plus

CTBC BANK (PHILIPPINES) CORP. 16-19 Flr. And Unit 2201 & 2202 2nd Flr., Fort Legend Tower 31st. St. Cor. 3rd Ave. Fort Bonifacio Taguig City CHI, YUNG-HON Taiwan Business Relationship Manager

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

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

CITY OF GOOD HOPE HOLDINGS CORP. Unit 401 Valero One Center 102 Valero St. Bel-air Makati City JIA, SHUMING Marketing Assistant

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION DUAN, RUNYUAN Customer Service Representative

www.businessmirror.com.ph

WU, HAIJIAN Mandarin Customer Support Representative 104.

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

Basic Qualification: Able to speak and write in MANDARIN/FUKIEN and at least college level with related BPO experience.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak and write in MANDARIN/FUKIEN and at least college level with related BPO experience.

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

Basic Qualification: Able to speak and write in MANDARIN/FUKIEN and at least college level with related BPO 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 YANG, RUINAN Mandarin Customer Support Specialist

105.

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

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Able to speak and write in MANDARIN/FUKIEN and at least college level with related BPO experience.

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

No.

HARVINDER SINGH GREWAL Chief Automation Consultant 106.

Brief Job Description: 25 years experience in fully automated logistics, supply chain, retail and manufacturing.

LENGLERDPHOL, PHANUPHONG Sales Advisor 122.

107.

108.

123.

124.

TEO LING KWANG Mandarin Director

Basic Qualification: Can speak mandarin

Brief Job Description: Plan and monitor

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

HUANG, LUNI Mandarin Human Resource Specialist

Basic Qualification: Can speak mandarin

Brief Job Description: Recruiting staffs who can speak Mandarin

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

109.

Brief Job Description: Provides extremely flexible web development services, from full stack solutions to updating existing content,

SUI, TIANCI Mandarin Speaking Web System Development Consultant 110.

Brief Job Description: Provides extremely flexible web development services, from full stack solutions to updating existing content,

XIAO, TONG Mandarin Speaking Web System Development Consultant 111.

Brief Job Description: Provides extremely flexible web development services, from full stack solutions to updating existing content,

XUE, LIHUI Mandarin Speaking Web System Development Consultant 112.

Brief Job Description: Provides extremely flexible web development services, from full stack solutions to updating existing content,

ZHAO, DAWEI Mandarin Speaking Web System Development Consultant 113.

Brief Job Description: Provides extremely flexible web development services, from full stack solutions to updating existing content,

Basic Qualification: 18-55 y/o, with at least 6 months experience, with good oral and written

Basic Qualification: 18-55 y/o, with at least 6 months experience, with good oral and written

125.

114.

Brief Job Description: Apply diagnostic utilities to aid in Troubleshooting

126.

127.

128.

115.

Brief Job Description: Prepare and maintain company documents and reports and coordinate for daily administrative reports

LIM TECK HUI Chinese Speaking Business Analyst 116.

Brief Job Description: Planning, maintaining and coordinate the development of primary and secondary market research

ZHANG, JIAYI Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative 117.

Brief Job Description: Assist/ help customers, give customers information about products or services

ZI, WEI Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk 118.

Brief Job Description: Enters customer and account data and keeping and maintain information confidential

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

Basic Qualification: Proficiency in handling customer questions about services or products / excellent mandaring communication skills

119.

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

QIAN, SHAOFENG Mandarin Customer Support Representative 120.

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

ZHANG, KUI Mandarin Customer Support Representative 121.

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

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

Brief Job Description: Maintain the operation of electronic device

Brief Job Description: Maintain the operation of electronic device

Brief Job Description: Maintain the operation of electronic device

Brief Job Description: Maintain the operation of electronic device

129.

Brief Job Description: Maintain the operation of electronic device

VO NGUYEN THANH IT Specialist 130.

Brief Job Description: Maintain the operation of electronic device

Basic Qualification: 200 vacancy/college graduate with experience in maintaining gaming devices, fluent in mandarin and English speaking Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

131.

Brief Job Description: Customer service

LENG, RUQIAN Customer Service Representative 132.

Brief Job Description: Customer service

Basic Qualification: Proficiency in handling customer questions about services or products / excellent mandaring communication skills

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: 200 vacancy/college graduate with experience in maintaining gaming devices, fluent in mandarin and English speaking

Basic Qualification: 200 vacancy/college graduate with experience in maintaining gaming devices, fluent in mandarin and English speaking

LIM BOON CHUANG Customer Service Representative 133.

Brief Job Description: Customer service

Basic Qualification: 200 vacancy/college graduate with experience in maintaining gaming devices, fluent in mandarin and English speaking Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: 200 vacancy/college graduate with experience in maintaining gaming devices, fluent in mandarin and English speaking

134.

LING CHING WEI Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service

NG LAY PIN Customer Service Representative 135.

136.

Basic Qualification: Able to speak and write in MANDARIN/FUKIEN and at least college level with related BPO experience.

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

Brief Job Description: Customer service

Brief Job Description: Customer service

SAI MOON AUNG Customer Service Representative 137.

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

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

Brief Job Description: Collaborating with the marketing manager, internal teams, clients and partners on marketing strategy LU, BOYING Marketing Staff (Mandarin Speaking)

143.

Brief Job Description: Collaborating with the marketing manager, internal teams, clients and partners on marketing strategy SONG, XIAOKANG Marketing Staff (Mandarin Speaking)

144.

Brief Job Description: Collaborating with the marketing manager, internal teams, clients and partners on marketing strategy

WEI, GUOJIN Marketing Staff (Mandarin Speaking) 145.

Brief Job Description: Collaborating with the marketing manager, internal teams, clients and partners on marketing strategy

ZHANG, XUDONG Marketing Staff (Mandarin Speaking) 146.

Brief Job Description: Collaborating with the marketing manager, internal teams, clients and partners on marketing strategy ZHOU, YECHANG Marketing Staff (Mandarin Speaking)

147.

Brief Job Description: Customer service

THI KUAN MING Customer Service Representative 138.

Brief Job Description: Customer service

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

Brief Job Description: Collaborating with the marketing manager, internal teams, clients and partners on marketing strategy

Basic Qualification: Bachelor Degree in Marketing Business or related field.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Bachelor Degree in Marketing Business or related field.

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

Basic Qualification: Bachelor Degree in Marketing Business or related field.

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

Basic Qualification: Bachelor Degree in Marketing Business or related field.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Bachelor Degree in Marketing Business or related field.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Bachelor Degree in Marketing Business or related field.

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

Basic Qualification: Bachelor Degree in Marketing Business or related field.

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

Basic Qualification: Bachelor Degree in Marketing Business or related field.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Bachelor Degree in Marketing Business or related field.

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

YOFC INTERNATIONAL (PHILIPPINES) CORPORATION U-307-309, #99 Reliance It Center Bldg. E. Rodriguez Jr. Ave. Ugong Pasig City

WU, SONG Project Manager 148.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for completing the work assigned by the leadership.

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

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

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

ZONAC AND SHIBATA SERVICES INC. 4/f Pbcom Tower 6795 Ayala Ave. Cor. Rufino St. Bel-air Makati City Basic Qualification: At least college/level. Must be fluent in Mandarin and basic English

HUANG, XIANGHAO Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative 149.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: At least college/level. Must be fluent in Mandarin and basic English

Brief Job Description: Responsible in answering customer questions about product and services of the company

LI, BING Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative 150.

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

Basic Qualification: At least college/level. Must be fluent in Mandarin and basic English

151.

Brief Job Description: Responsible in answering customer questions about product and services of the company

Basic Qualification: At least college/level. Must be fluent in Mandarin and basic English

PHUN THI THANH VAN Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative 153.

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

Basic Qualification: At least college/level. Must be fluent in Mandarin and basic English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: At least college/level. Must be fluent in Mandarin and basic English

Brief Job Description: Responsible in answering customer questions about product and services of the company

Basic Qualification: Proficiency in English, Mandarin, and other multilingual language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Proficiency in English, Mandarin, and other multilingual language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficiency in English, Mandarin, and other multilingual language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficiency in English, Mandarin, and other multilingual language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

ZX-PRO TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION 16/f Robinsons Cybergate 3 Pioneer Brgy. Barangka Ilaya Mandaluyong City

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: At least college/level. Must be fluent in Mandarin and basic English

Brief Job Description: Responsible in answering customer questions about product and services of the company WANG, DI Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 152.

OOI CHIA HUA Customer Service Representative

Basic Qualification: Able to speak and write in MANDARIN/FUKIEN and at least college level with related BPO experience.

142.

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

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

Basic Qualification: Able to speak and write in MANDARIN/FUKIEN and at least college level with related BPO experience.

Brief Job Description: Collaborating with the marketing manager, internal teams, clients and partners on marketing strategy

QIAN, DESHENG Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: proficiency in handling customer questions about services or products / excellent mandarin communication skills

141.

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

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficiency in handling customer questions about services or products / excellent mandarin communication skills

Brief Job Description: Collaborating with the marketing manager, internal teams, clients and partners on marketing strategy

CHAN KHAI CHOONG Marketing Staff (Mandarin Speaking)

Basic Qualification: 200 vacancy/college graduate with experience in maintaining gaming devices, fluent in mandarin and English speaking

XINCHUANG NETWORK TECHNOLOGY, INC. 3rd, 5th-10th Flr. Alabang Zapote Rd. Almanza Uno Las Piñas City ARR SHOUNT Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description: Resolve product or services problems by clarifying the customer’s complaint. Correction or adjustment.

CHEN, FEI Marketing Staff (Mandarin Speaking)

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

TRIVES TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION Tower 4 Bayport West Naia Garden Residence, Naia Road Tambo Parañaque City LIANG, JIANXING Mandarin Customer Support Representative

Brief Job Description: Monitoring and maintaining computer systems and networks

DESY NATALYA IT Specialist

TOPAZBLITZ INC. Unit No. Unit 2c, Flr. No. 4/f, One E-com Center Building Bldg. Ocean Drive St., Mall Of Asia Complex Subd. Zone 10, Barangay 076, District 1 Pasay City HWONG MEE YIEN Chinese Speaking Admin Associate

Basic Qualification: Can speak Mandarin

YUAN, MINGYUAN Chinese IT Specialist

Basic Qualification: 18-55 y/o, with at least 6 months experience, with good oral and written

Basic Qualification: Can speak and write fluent Korean language preferably 6 months experience in office staff

140.

LI, SULIN Mandarin Technical Support

WANG, JIAHUI Chinese IT Specialist

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

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

139.

BAI, DONGBO Marketing Staff (Mandarin Speaking)

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

CHENG, LANTIAN Chinese IT Specialist

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: 18-55 y/o, with at least 6 months experience, with good oral and written

SU, GUANGYAO Customer Service Representative (Mandarin Speaking)

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

Brief Job Description: Maintain accurate sales record

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: 18-55 y/o, with at least 6 months experience, with good oral and written

Basic Qualification: 10 years experience in Paper Industry; Worked as Sales Advisor in Multinational company; Experienced overseas.

Basic Qualification: Can speak Mandarin

CHEN, BAOYUAN Chinese IT Specialist

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

YEONG-WONHI GROUP OF COMPANIES HOLDINGS INC. Unit. No. Rm. 300 Bldg. No. 2217 Sata Bldg. Taft Avenue St. Zone 5, Barangay 038 District 1 Pasay City

WANG, QIN Mandarin Customer Service

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

SKYLUCK CORPORATION #360, Unit 243 Shaw Center Mall Shaw Blvd. Penthouse Shaw It Center Mandaluyong City IM, SANGGI Korean Technical Support Staff

Brief Job Description: Provide technical expertise and knowledge in the field of marketing; Plans, directs, and supervises and control selling price strategies to achieve company sales volume and target collection.

No.

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

OKKDA ASIA TECHNOLOGY INC. Unit 5b 5/f Marvin Plaza 2153 C. Roces Ave. Pio Del Pilar Makati City LI, LUOYI Mandarin Speaking Web System Development Consultant

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

URBANDIDEAS INC. Unit 17-m Burgundy Corporate Tower 252 Sen. Gil Puyat Ave. Pio Del Pilar Makati City

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

OCEANIC SYMPHONY SERVICES INC. 3/f Salcedo One Center 170 Salcedo St. San Lorenzo Makati City

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

UNITED PULP AND PAPER CO., INC. 9th Flr. Fort Legend Tower 3rd Ave. 31 St. Fort Bonifacio Taguig City

ISOC HOLDINGS, INC. Unit 601-609 Hanston Bldg. Don F. Ortigas Jr. Road Ortigas Center, San Antonio Pasig City Basic Qualification: Set up fully automated cold storage warehouse with minimum 85,000 pallets positions successfully roll at warehouse management system and transport management system.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Saturday, September 4, 2021

Brief Job Description: Assist/ help customers, give customers information about products or services

BUZILO, KRISTINA Russian Speaking Customer Service Representative 154.

Brief Job Description: Assist/ help customers, give customers information about products or services

Basic Qualification: Proficiency in handling customer questions about services or products / excellent mandarin communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficiency in handling customer questions about services or products / excellent mandarin communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

*Date Generated: Sep 3, 2021 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-NCR Regional Office located at DOLE-NCR Building, 967 Maligaya St., Malate Manila, within 30 days after this publication.

Please inform DOLE-NCR if you have any information on criminal offense committed by the foreign nationals.

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

Basic Qualification: At least college/level. Must be fluent in Mandarin and basic English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

ATTY. SARAH BUENA S. MIRASOL REGIONAL DIRECTOR

A7

A8 Saturday, September 4, 2021

ExportUnlimited BusinessMirror

ARB co-op seeks to retain contract with banana export plantation firm

T

HE Davao Marsman Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries MultiPurpose Cooperative (DAMARB MPC), representing 697, or 92 percent, of the 762 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARB) of the Marsman Estate Plantation Inc. (MEPI), wants to continue with its contract of lease with the export banana plantation company.

Hernando Rivero, chairman of DAMARB MPC, in a news statement, said the farmer-members have recognized the importance of having a lease contract with a stable company, which has become more significant these days as they face the challenges brought about by the pandemic that is affecting not only the country but the entire world.

“The other 164 ARBs who chose not to lease their lands to MEPI, like the members of Marsman Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Cooperative [MARBCO] and later Marsman Individual Farming Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Cooperative [MIFARBCO], opted to acquire the land through the voluntary offer to sell [VOS] scheme of DAR ]Department of Agrarian Reform] and to become independent growers,” he said.

Right now, Rivero said, the MARBCO and MIFARBCO ARBs are buried in debt to their investors and have been delinquent in their land amortizations with the Land Bank of the Philippines.

“Sadly, their farms are now fac-

ing serious problems with Panama disease that are threatening their existence. This is also the fate of many other independent growers in the banana industry,” he said.

“Compare this with us at DAMARB whose members remain insulated from these problems because we have a fixed land rental scheme, which MEPI recognizes come hell or high water,” he pointed out.

The DAMARB MPC issued the statement in the light of developments where the Presidential Agrarian Reform Council (PARC) is expected to decide soon on DAMARB MPC’s and MEPI’s motions for reconsideration on PARC’s Resolution 2016-30-05 dated September 12, 2016. This resolution approved the revocation of the lease agreement of MEPI and DAMARBDEVCO (now DAMARB MPC).

While the motions for reconsideration were pending resolution, MEPI and DAMARB MPC continued to talk and amended their land lease contracts under the guidance of the Provincial Agrarian Reform

Coordinating Committee in Davao del Norte.

The latest amendment to the contract made in December 2019 and signed by individual ARBs saw land rentals and incentives increasing from the existing P50,000 per hectare per year to P90,000, recognized as among the highest-ever land rental plus the incentive, not only in the banana-growing industry but in the entire farming sector.

In retrospect, Rivero said, it was perhaps one of the best decisions made by the members of DAMARB MPC because, in the succeeding years, the banana sector suffered severe setbacks brought about by Panama disease and the substantial drop of banana prices in the international markets.

According to data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), total Cavendish exports in 2020 reached only 3.4 million metric tons (MT), or 17 percent lower than the record-high shipment of 4.1 million MT in 2019.

The PSA data also showed that export receipts from Cavendish shipments in 2020 declined by 20.6 percent to $1.55 billion from $1.95 billion.

From January to June, the situation was worse as total Cavendish exports dropped by 88.5 percent or to 1 million tons from 2 million tons, Rivero said.

Export values for the same period, meanwhile, fell 75 percent to $499 million from $875 million.

“In our 5th Amendment to contract of lease, each of our ARB-member is entitled to receive an annual variable production incentive beginning 2019. For the years 2019 and 2020, since MEPI achieved a produc-

tion of more than 4,300 boxes, our ARBs received an additional P80,000 for two years,” he said.

Rivero also pointed out that MEPI “assumed the payment of all local taxes for our lands and for its improvements. To compare, real property taxes on the lands awarded to ARBs of other cooperatives remain delinquent because of their inability to pay the same.”

He also noted that “each memberARB, or in his stead a member of his household, is granted employment preference, health insurance, and even mortuary benefit in case of death of the ARB.” “It is worthy to emphasize that these economic benefits neither cost the government nor the ARB a single centavo as the properties were donated to us, in consideration for the lease,” he said.

Rivero said their group prefers “to stick it out with MEPI, and we hope the government will not revoke our agreements with MEPI. Otherwise, the government will impoverish us instead of empowering us all the more during this time of the pandemic.”

The MEPI donated the 799-hectare banana plantation to DAMARB MPC in consideration of a leaseback agreement of 30 years, with corresponding land rentals to be paid by MEPI. The lease agreement was approved by the PARC, which, at that time, was headed by former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, on the condition that the land would be subdivided and individually titled to the ARBs who could then freely choose what they want to do with their own land. PNA

Japan manufacturing edges down as Delta squeezes supply chains

J

APAN’S factory output edged down in July as the highly contagious delta variant of the coronavirus weighed on global supply chains and crimped production of cars, chemicals and electronics.

Overall Industrial output dropped 1.5 percent, following a 6.5-percent gain in June, the economy ministry reported on Tuesday. Economists had forecast a 2.5-percent drop. Manufacturers surveyed in the report said they planned to raise output this month and next.

Separate reports showed strength in the jobs market that may have been aided by temporary hiring associated with the Olympics. The unemployment rate edged down to 2.8 percent and a measure of demand for work-

ers showed job offers outnumbered seekers by the biggest margin since May 2020.

While the spread of the delta variant is exacerbating the global supply chain crunch by disrupting shipping and forcing production halts in Asia, economists said they see the problems as temporary and Japan’s recovery should continue limping along this quarter as vaccination rates climb.

Key insights

“THE delta variant will come more under control at some point so ultimately that effect will be temporary,” said economist Takeshi Minami at Norinchukin Research Institute. He added that he’s projecting continued growth for the economy

in the third quarter underpinned by exports and relatively resilient consumer spending.

Still, the nation’s production could slow further if the pandemic and chip shortages drag on. Toyota Motor Corp. earlier this month said it will suspend output at almost all its domestic plants for several days in September, forcing a 40-percent cut in production plans.

The latest wave of the virus is hitting manufacturers from multiple directions. At home, Japan is enduring its worst Covid-19 outbreak and a widened state of emergency that could deter shopping somewhat, even though consumers are becoming inured to the situation.

Meanwhile, factory stoppages and

lockdowns in places like Vietnam are stopping the flow of essential parts and components. Other disruptions include a shutdown at a key Chinese seaport this month and near-record shipping delays off Los Angeles and Long Beach.

What Bloomberg economics says...

“A SURPRISE tightening in Japan’s labor market in July was driven by demand for workers in the manufacturer sector as well as temporary needs related to the Tokyo Olympics.

But details suggest weakness persists.

The number of unemployed fell, but the number of people who lost their jobs involuntarily rose,” Yuki Masujima, economist Bloomberg News

High-end coffee shortage pushes up prices for cheaper varieties

C

OFFEE buyers are coming to terms with a global shortfall of arabica coffee, the high-end kind favored by cafes like Starbucks Corp., and turning to cheaper beans, driving up prices.

Robusta coffee capped the biggest monthly increase in more than seven years as demand soars amid multiple supply headwinds. Such beans are considered lower quality, and are often used in instant coffee products and blends.

Severe drought and frost slashed the production outlook for arabica beans in top supplier Brazil. Roasters in the South American nation are expected to use more of the less expensive type to meet demand and cover the shortfall.

“The fact is there’s going to be a shortage, and Brazil’s robusta crop will go more toward meeting domestic needs,” said Judy Ganes, the president of J. Ganes Consulting.

The November contract rose 0.4 percent to close at $2,026 a ton in London, the highest settlement for a most-active contract since September 2017. For the month, the price surged more than 13 percent, the most since early 2014. That’s boosting the cost outlook for companies that use the beans, such as Nestle

SA’s Nescafe brands.

Robusta crops are also seeing headwinds. Vietnam, the biggest producer of the variety, has imposed Covid-related curbs that are slowing shipments. The South Americans also don’t have enough shipping containers, leading to delays.

The popularity of arabica beans has soared in recent years, unlike robusta. Now, the shortage could change the dynamic. In the 12 months ending July 2021, world exports of arabica climbed 4.7 percent to 82.63 million bags, while robusta exports saw a decline of 3.6 percent over the period, according to data from the International Coffee Organization.

In other soft markets, raw sugar, arabica coffee and cotton slid in New York, all paring gains for the month amid a general commodity slump Tuesday.

“It’s a risk-off day. It all boils down to Covid,” Ganes said. “It started with endof-the-month selling” and markets are also reacting to moves by the European Union to ban American travels amid a surge in Covid infections. For arabica, there’s an overreaction to ample rains expected in the first few days of September, mostly in Espirito Santo, the biggest Brazilian growing state of robustas, she added. Bloomberg News

China’s factory output slows as export demand weakens

B

EIJING—China’s factory activity decelerated in August as export demand weakened, a survey showed Tuesday.

The monthly purchasing managers’ index of the Chinese statistics bureau and an official industry group declined to 50.1 from July’s 50.4 on a 100-point scale on which numbers above 50 show activity increasing.

A sub-measure of new exports fell by a full point from the previous month to 46.7, according to the National Bureau of Statistics and the China Federation of Logistics

& Purchasing.

Officials have warned demand for Chinese exports was likely to weaken in the second half of the year.

Factory and consumer activity have been dampened by flooding in July and tighter anti-coronavirus controls.

In a report on the latest manufacturing figures, researchers at the Chinese investment bank CICC said they expected “the slowdown in demand will continue.”

“Overall the manufacturing industry will show a steady slowdown,” it added. AP

OurTime BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Editor: Angel R. Calso • Saturday, September 4, 2021 A9

Remembering Tandang Sora’s heroism during 1896 Revolution

M

By Severino Samonte

ANILA—On August 29, 1896, the 84-yearold revolutionary heroine “Tandang Sora,” or Melchora Aquino in real life, was jailed by the Spanish government at the old Bilibid prisons in Manila for refusing to disclose the hiding place or places of “Katipunero” leader Andres Bonifacio and his men.

Philippine history books said that prior to her incarceration, the then 84-year-old woman, also commonly called as the “Mother of the Revolution,” was arrested by the Spanish authorities in Bar-

rio Pasong Putik in the then municipality of Novaliches in the old province of Manila.

She got the ire of the foreign colonizers because she became an active supporter of the revolution

Why we missed hugs

By Kory Floyd

brace, the intimacy of a kiss or the calming feeling of holding someone’s hand. When the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued its advice to stay 6 feet apart from others back in March 2020, that suddenly made affectionate touch a scarcity.

As a social scientist, I have been studying the communication of affection for over two decades. Affectionate communication comes in many forms, and not all of them have been curtailed by the pandemic. Even with social distancing, people can still say “I love you.”

They can also share affectionate text messages and social-media posts—and thanks to platforms such as Zoom and Skype, they can see each other’s faces and hear each other’s voices. The one experience it has not been able to facilitate, however, is touch. Individuals cannot hug their grandchildren, kiss their friends, or hold the hand of a dying loved one via Microsoft Teams or Google Hangout.

R

OSE GAGNON could not hug her grandchildren for several months.

Not being able to see and touch her loved ones every day because of Covid-19’s social distancing protocols was taking a toll on the mental health of the 85-year-old. Like many, she was feeling lonely and yearning for an emotional connection that had been hampered by the inability to embrace those most important to her.

That’s when Gagnon’s granddaughter Carly Marinaro devised an innovative solution in the form of a “hug time” device. Inside a frame made of PVC piping, Marinaro fashioned a see-through plastic barrier with two arm attachments, so that grandmother and granddaughter could share a hug while minimizing the risk of exposure to the coronavirus.

Like Gagnon, many Americans have missed the warmth of an em-

THE Tandang Sora Shrine on Banlat Road, Tandang Sora, Quezon City. PHOTO COURTESY OF NHCP

raised by the members of the Kataastaasan, Kagalanggalangang na Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan (KKK) against over 300 years of Spanish rule in the Philippines.

Prior to her arrest, she was ad-

What people have suffered during the pandemic is “touch hunger,” a colloquial term for what social scientists call “affection deprivation,” a state in which individuals want or need more affection than they receive. And here’s why that matters.

Touch hunger impairs well-being

SIMILAR to regular hunger, touch hunger serves as an alert that something important is missing—in this case, the sense of security, intimacy, and care that comes with tactile contact. As people have taken pains to socially distance, many have discovered the sense of deprivation that can accompany the lack of affectionate touch.

Touch hunger is essential to well-being throughout our life span. Psychologist Ruth Feldman has demonstrated that touch is instrumental for healthy physical and cognitive development begin-

Beyond loss

By Nick Tayag

MY SIXTY-ZEN’S WORTH

‘I

N the midst of life, there is death.”

Recently, I caught my wife silently grieving while staring at her cell phone. Another of her dearest FB friends had died. It was the third in the past one and half years of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Last May, a former classmate of mine died of Covid in a tent outside the full-packed emergency room that could no longer take in patients. I know of an entire family that got severely infected and two of the members are now gasping literally for oxygen.

As someone commented, Twitter and Facebook are starting to look like obituary sections of a newspaper. The prospect of losing a dearest one is a stark reality that we now face on a daily basis. Every one of us is just six degrees away from someone who has been felled by a variant of the dreaded virus. The echo of the poet’s words is getting nearer and louder: “don’t ask for whom the bell tolls…”

A son, a daughter, a widow, a friend must now be searching for answers to such questions as why them? How do I cope with an empty house? How do I bear loneliness?

How do I look forward to the coming years when he/she who’d been beside me all these years is now suddenly gone?

Indeed, the sudden and unexpected absence of someone you have been with day in and day out for so many years can be painfully conspicuous.

How does one advise those grieving and left behind? What answers can we give them? What should we do or say to ease their grief?

Unfortunately, there is no prescribed formula or instant balm to give someone who is grieving the death of loved ones. For no two people respond to the same stressful situation in exactly the same way. Mourning is a highly personal process. Each individual must find his way of coping.

The family members left behind cannot even have the traditional “burol” or viewing. Health protocol mandates that the corpse of a Covid-19 victim must be cremated right away.

No time for the relatives and friends to express their collective grief. They must move on.

But it is easier said than done. Death is one of those facts of life we acknowl-

edge more with our brain than we do with our heart. Often, even when the brain acknowledges the loss, the rest of us will be trying hard to deny it.

As there are no surefire ways of coping, there is really no fixed time for recovering from the pain. Anna Quindlen relates in her essay “Life After Death” that when she was asked by someone about the pain of losing a dear one, “When does it stop hurting?” In all candor, she says, the answer is “if it does, I will let you know.” This must be agony that an acquaintance is going through, who is now left alone in an empty house, still inconsolable five months after losing both his parents to the virus.

That’s what happened to Mar y McC lure Gou ld ing , a professional psychotherapist who went through a difficult journey through the process of mourning when her husband died after a lingering illness.

Her experience shows that nobody can ever be adequately prepared for the death of a loved one. Her book A Time To Say Goodbye reveals how she went to find all sorts of ways to forget about her loss. A few of the things she did make sense.

One is to let it out by all means.

Don’t bottle the pain. Pour it out until it exhausts itself. Cry copiously. Tears actually afford us a necessary release of our intense feelings.

Talk about it. Put it into words. As Shakespeare so poetically puts it: “Give sorrow words,

vised by Bonifacio to seek shelter at the house of her relatives in the then remote and mountainous Novaliches town.

Despite intensive grilling by the authorities, she refused to divulge the whereabouts of Bonifacio and his men who often converged at the forest of Novaliches, including in the then Barrio Binugsok (now Barangay Kaligayahan), where an ancient duhat (native blackberry) tree was renamed as “Katipunan Tree” in 1980 to perpetuate the memory of Tandang Sora, Bonifacio and the KKK. It was under the shade of that duhat tree that Tandang Sora often fed and gave medical attention to sick and wounded Katipuneros, while also giving motherly advice to them.

After five days in jail, she was banished on September 2, 1896 to Marianas islands, where she joined many other exiled Filipino

rebels and supporters, including Apolinario Mabini, considered as the “Brains of the Revolution” and the “Sublime Paralytic.”

During the American regime that started with the arrest of Gen. Emilio F. Aguinaldo in Palanan, Isabela on March 23, 1901, she was freed by the Americans because of old age. She was 91 years old when she returned to Manila in February 1903.

She went back to her birthplace in Banlat and stayed with one of her daughters until her death in March 1919 at age 107.

She was buried at the Veterans’ Mausoleum at the Manila North Cemetery.

On her 158th birthday on January 6, 1970 and 51 years after her death, Tandang Sora’s remains were exhumed and transferred to her shrine at the Himlayang Pilipino Memorial Park in Barangay Pasong Tamo,

Novaliches.

A final transfer of the heroine’s remains was made on January 6, 2012, her 200th birth anniversary. This time, she returned to where she was born in 1812—in Banlat, Balintawak, which eventually became a part of Novaliches when it was created as a town of Bulacan province in September 1855.

There have been conflicting dates of her death, although occurring in the same year.

According to the marker at the Tandang Sora Shrine in Banlat, the date of her death was February 19, 1909.

On the other hand, most history books, including that of Dr. Gregorio F. Zaide, a noted FilipinoAsian historian, and his daughter, Dr. Sonia M. Zaide, a professional lecturer in several Metro Manila universities, Tandang Sora died on March 2, 1919. PNA

ning in infancy. During adulthood, affectionate touch contributes to both psychological health and the body’s ability to manage stress and reduce inflammation.

And among the elderly, affectionate touch can enhance calmness and responsiveness for those suffering from dementia.

Touch is so powerful, in fact, that even imagining touch can reduce stress and pain, according to psychologists Brittany Jakubiak and Brooke Feeney.

When people feel deprived of touch, therefore, it is understandable that their well-being can suffer.

Even in normal times, touch hunger is associated with greater stress, anxiety and loneliness; lower-quality sleep; and reduced satisfaction and closeness in romantic relationships. Add to that the restrictions on touch introduced by Covid-19 and it makes sense why so many are suffering. In fact, research has demonstrated that the benefits of affectionate interaction—includ-

ing touch—are heightened during experiences of distress.

Biological psychologist Karen Grewen and her colleagues have shown that hugging a romantic partner reduces the extent to which stressful situations elevate blood pressure and heart rate, whereas psychologist Sheldon Cohen and colleagues found that hugging protects the body against the stress of a viral exposure.

Not everyone needs the same amount of affectionate touch, of course, any more than everyone needs the same amount of food or sleep. Like many characteristics, the need for touch varies from person to person, according to communication scholars Laura Guerrero and Peter Andersen. Some people are even what Andersen calls “touch avoidant,” meaning they often find interpersonal touch stressful instead of pleasurable.

Receiving touch can be uncomfortable for those with physical conditions such as rheumatoid ar-

thritis, or mental health conditions such as autism spectrum disorder.

People who have been traumatized or sexually abused may also find touch to be triggering.

It is also worth noting that not all forms of touch are equally beneficial. Some perfunctory touches, such as a handshake, may be largely benign, whereas aggressive or abusive touch often precipitates longterm health detriments.

For those who are missing touch, however, research suggests some substitutes. Sharing affection with a pet has stress-alleviating benefits.

Self-massage, such as of the hands or neck, can have calming and painreducing effects. Even hugging a pillow reduces the brain’s experience of stress. These are all imperfect substitutes, to be sure, but until Covid-19 is a memory, they may be useful for those suffering from touch hunger.

the grief that does not speak, whispers the oe’r-fraught heart, and bids it break.” Someone said somewhere that the only grief that does not end is grief that has not been fully faced. The writer John Bailey eventually recovered from the pain of his loss by writing about his wife, the famous novelist Iris Murdoch who died of Alzheimer’s disease. Goulding was able to find a way to put her pain into words. She talked about it with her friends. She wrote a journal, which later on became a book.

Since most of us are into social media, it would be a good idea to launch an online spiritual community that encourages sharing. One can find solace and comfort in the company of people who have a listening heart.

Our spiritual beliefs can also be a source of strength. Spiritual counseling can be one of the many supports that enable individuals to grieve courageously and move on.

When you are able to, share your thoughts and feelings with those who are grieving like you.

Find an advocacy that will occupy the mind. That’s what Goulding did, when she went on tour giving seminar talks about healing the mind.

Find a new setting or environment. One of the things Goulding did was to pack up things that reminded her of her husband and then stored or sold them away.

She even moved out of the house where she and her late husband lived because it contained too

many memories of him. But in the Philippines, nobody moves out. Not when lockdowns come and go.

But the most sensible thing in Goulding’s book that caught my attention was her realization that this was just another stage in her life, that even after tragedy, life can be an adventure.

After struggling for three-anda-half years and learning to recover from her grief, she found the key to it all: “As my mourning eased, I had to learn to love myself as well.”

Anna Quindlen says many of us are defined by who we have lost. Define us, yes, but not confine us. Goulding’s mistake was to define herself solely by what she had lost. She had been widowed, but that was not solely her identity. She finally realized that she is a woman for whom life is also a miracle of loving and being loved. She had finally accepted that she was now in the next stage of her life. Her life with her husband was one of the stages of her life. Now she discovered she was in a new and interesting era.

Loss can be transformative.

Learn something new. Photography. Ikebana. The arts. So many choices. So many possibilities. A newly discovered interest or avocation helps expand the mind and enrich the spirit.

A male friend of mine found out that he still could still paint and thereafter devoted his time to painting again and has had two exhibits already. Another

(This story was supplied by The Conversation for AP customers). colleague, a former art director and director of commercials, became a widow when his wife died of cancer a few years ago. Now in his mid-70s, he lives alone, thriving as a fencing coach, teacher, cartoonist, and filmmaker.

As Victor Frankl, the noted logotherapist, says: It’s not what life does to you, it’s what you do with what life does to you. In her book The Courage to Grieve, Judy Tattelbaum says that in order to survive, we must learn to face loss and grief fully and to trust that we can recover and re-create our lives. For just as death of a spouse is inevitable, so is recovery. In the end, she urges the bereaving family members to use “our loss in loving testimonial to the deceased as a step in our growth, as a positive turning point in our lives.” In our loss can be our gain.

For those who have not experienced a death in our immediate family or within our social circle, let the death of others make us treasure more fully the loved ones we have. Let us devote more time and attention on our family. As the poet Meng Sheng writes: The dead are gone and with them we cannot converse.

The living are here and ought to have our love.

Ultimately, we who are surviving this pandemic can only turn to our faith in a greater being to sustain us. Let’s be consoled by the PSALM: “I believe I shall see the good things of the lord in the land of the living.”

A10 Saturday, September 4, 2021

Education BusinessMirror

Filipino-American kids embrace Pinoy culture W

ASHINGTON, D.C.—The Philippine Embassy in the United States capital city and the United Federation of Fil-Am Educators (UNIFFIED) Maryland Chapter staged the culmination program of “Silid-Aralan sa Embahada 2021.”

More than 60 Filipino-American kids and youth successfully completed the modules of this year’s program at the Philippine Chancery Annex Building on August 14. It was composed of topics on Philippine history and geography, national symbols, values education, arts and crafts, folk songs and folk dances, original Pilipino music or OPM, Filipino traditional games, cuisine, national language, folktales and plays, as well as national costumes.

President Malou Cadacio of UNIFFIED-Maryland delivered the program’s welcome message, followed by a slideshow with lessons and activities facilitated by volunteer teachers and partner organizations for the whole week. Youth class participants Milo Lopez and

Roxy Hodzic, as well as UNIFFIEDMaryland’s Luz Sumingwa hosted the program.

“We hope...all…these experiences, lessons, knowledge and traditions will not just be confined in the oneweek program, and that you will carry them…as you grow older. There’s no age limit to learning,” said Philippine Embassy Chargé d’Affaires a.i. Jaime Ramon Ascalon Jr. in his message for the Fil-Am youth in attendance. “[E]xplore and study on your own, practice what you have learned whenever you can… Always be proud of your unique Filipino heritage and identity.”

Dance performances by UNIFFIED teachers, a storytelling segment by Ascalon, poetry reading, balagtasan, cooking demonstrations, a drama

ATTENDEES enjoy treats from a Philippine-based quick-serve restaurant DFA

play, as well as folk singing and dancing by the kids and youth participants were featured as intermission numbers.

Participants Athena Lannu of the Kids Class expressed her appreciation, on behalf of the students, for the program which helped her connect and understand her Filipino heritage. Kristine Remudaro, who spoke for the parents, also expressed her hopes that the program will reach more Filipinos and Fil-Ams in the future.

Silid-Aralan sa Embahada is an annual partnership between the

Philippine Embassy and UNIFFIEDMaryland in preserving Filipino culture and tradition, in celebration of the country’s “Buwan ng Wika,” or Language Month. This year’s program was made possible with the support of the Filipino American Cancer Care, The Filipino Class of Baltimore, Pinakatay Arnis Sigidas, Migrant Heritage Commission, and Jollibee USA. The event was conducted in a hybrid format via Zoom and limited in-person attendance, with consideration of health protocols and regulations.

Xavier-Ateneo, Cebu Landmasters seal collaboration on ‘Campus of the Future’—CDO’s university township

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EADING Vis-Min developer Cebu Landmasters Inc. (CLI) recently announced the signing of a memorandum of agreement to acquire 14.3 hectares of Xavier University (XU)-Ateneo de Cagayan’s Manresa Property in uptown Cagayan de Oro (CDO) City—the proceeds of which will be used to develop the new XU Masterson Campus, which at 21 hectares will be three times larger in area than the current school grounds.

Provisions in the agreement prepared by XU and endorsed by Jesuit leaderships in the Philippines and in Rome were approved by the Vatican after a thorough two-year review process. This also followed a series of several consultations in 2019 with XU’s employees, students, alumni, parents, city officials, clergy and other members of the CDO community.

The new XU Masterson Campus, named after the late Fr. William Masterson SJ, is seen to spur development in Northern Mindanao with a sustainable and new normal-ready campus master plan. It is characterized by an abundance of space, green

ARCHITECT’S perspective of the XU Masterson Campus

areas, wide roads, dedicated bike lanes, campus-wide wireless connectivity, as well as healthy and adaptable learning facilities for virtual and physical classes. This “Campus of the Future” aims for a more socially relevant and inclusive learning institution focused on strengthening XU’s colleges and schools.

The master plan of the XU Masterson Campus will blend seamlessly with the adjacent Manresa Town to be developed by Cebu Landmasters—

a 14.3-hectare mixed-use university town with generous open spaces providing XU students convenient and safe residential options, easy access to commercial establishments and future-ready offices. This concept creates strong synergies which will benefit both XU and the surrounding uptown CDO community.

After the necessary permits are secured, development of the campus is scheduled to begin in the second quarter of 2022. The 21-hect-

are “Campus of the Future” will be supplemented by over 25 hectares of surrounding forested area. The Masterson Campus is scheduled to open in 2024. Prior to that, the current campus will still continue operating in downtown CDO. On the other hand, CLI also targets to complete Phase 1 of its Manresa Town development over the same period.

“We envision an academically stronger university in this new campus—one that will facilitate learning in the new normal and at the same time, produce men and women for others that can make relevant contributions to Mindanao,” said Fr. Mars P. Tan SJ, president of XU and an environmentalist.

CLI Chairman and CEO Jose Soberano III declared that the listed company is honored to be part of this game-changing project for both XU and CDO: “Both CLI and XU have always shared the same goal: This New Campus and University Town is truly for the betterment of the people of Cagayan de Oro City. This development will serve as a key catalyst for both the education and economy in the entire region.”

PLDT, Smart boost online learning with strengthened telco network

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ITH another school year set to start in the era of the pandemic, access to reliable Internet connection remains crucial for students and learning institutions for online education.

Among them is Von Gerald Abalos, a student from Tagum City in Mindanao.

He was among the beneficiaries of a recent partnership between the local government unit of Tagum and PLDT wireless arm Smart Communications Inc. that provided Smart Bro Pocket Wi-fi devices with load allocation for the city’s scholars.

“These devices are really a big help to us students,” Abalos said. “We can now attend our online classes with less to no interruptions. Also, we can use this to connect with our classmates and friends whom we miss so much,” he added.

The devices allow students to connect to Smart LTE—the country’s fastest mobile network according to third-

TAGUM City scholars will receive Smart Bro Pocket Wi-fi devices with load allocation for online learning

party analytics firms like Ookla. To date, Smart said it serves 96 percent of the Philippine population from Batanes to Tawi-Tawi.

Also among students benefiting from Smart LTE-powered devices for

online learning is elementary student Ioan Salomon from Kapitan Moy Elementary School in Marikina City. According to Salomon, they are now able to participate and keep learning after their initial difficulties in adapting to

the new normal in their school: “The stable connection lets me connect to my online classes better.”

Connectivity has not only benefited students who need to connect to classes, but also schools that have had to shift even their recognition rites online to honor graduates through live streaming their ceremonies.

In Camarines Norte, for example, PLDT and Smart have partnered with the provincial government to ensure continuous Internet service during the recent virtual recognition rites of their scholar-graduates for School Year 2020-2021.

“We thank PLDT and Smart for their continued partnership, and for ensuring that we had strong and reliable connectivity during our recognition rites, [which fostered] better online experiences,” said Jhing Calimlim, community affairs officer of Camarines Norte’s provincial government unit, and head of its scholarship program.

Editor: Mike Policarpio

Benilde names new set of officers

ONG

LACSON

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E La Salle-College of Saint Benilde President Br. Edmundo Fernandez FSC recently announced the appointment of Benhur Ong as chancellor effective September 1.

An educator and administrator at Benilde for more than 20 years, Ong served as dean of the School of Management and Information Technology, and pioneered innovative courses such as the Philippines’s firstever Bachelor of Science in Information Technology-Major in Game Design and Development.

Ong was previously the vice chancellor for Administration and Chief Infrastructure and Construction Management Office. He spearheaded the completion of the recently opened Atrium@Benilde, as well as the Sports and Dormitory Building.

Said appointee is a member of the technical panel for Business Management Education of the Commission on Higher Education.

Br. Fernandez likewise announced the appointments of Angelo Marco Lacson as vice chancellor for Academics, and Ma. Veronica Templo-Perez as vice president for Lasallian Mission and Student Life.

Lacson, who has been with the college since 2002, was dean of the School of Hotel, Restaurant and Institution Management and became the special assistant to the vice chancellor for Academics.

TEMPLO-PEREZ

As dean, he strengthened academic linkages with other local and global institutions, including Vatel International Business School in France, Italian Culinary Institute for Foreigners, Italian Food Style Educate, Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management, and the International Trainee Network in the United States.

Meanwhile, Templo-Perez brings with her two decades worth of experience in teaching, volunteerism and administration. She served as dean of the School of Deaf Education and Applied Studies, as well as concurrent director for Saint Brother Jaime Hilario Institute, then was the director for the Center for Inclusive Education.

Well-versed in Lasallian spirituality and formation, TemploPerez is a communicator, Filipino sign-language or FSL interpreter, as well as an advocate of diversity and inclusion. She was one of the key stakeholders who championed the passing of the FSL Law of 2018.

Pinay English teacher gets Harvard U scholarship, cites EducationUSA aid

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EARS ago, Filipino teacher Nicah Santos could only dream of studying in the United States and attending the prestigious Harvard University…

But with her efforts and guidance from EducationUSA Philippines, she is now on-track to begin her Master’s degree in Education Leadership, Organizations and Entrepreneurship at Harvard’s Graduate School of Education on a partial scholarship.

During the pandemic, the former English teacher at Xavier School-San Juan focused on her graduate-school applications. She took advantage of the free collegeadvising service being offered by the EducationUSA office in the US Embassy in the Philippines.

“EducationUSA provided helpful advice about preparing my application materials, and was so encouraging throughout the process,” she said.

Said office gives free advising services to prospective global students in more than 170 countries.

It offers resources and tools to help learners navigate the five steps to US study: researching schools, identifying financial-aid opportunities, completing the application, obtaining a student visa, and preparing for departure.

Santos encourages other Filipinos to find a good-fit US graduate school that also matches their career plans.

“Find a program that aligns perfectly with your career goals and interests,” she said. “Grad schools seek out prospective students whose values and ambitions align with their own. If it feels right for you, then it may very well

SANTOS

be for you.”

According to her, she’s now excited to “learn from the world’s brightest minds in education and learning design.”

“Harvard’s career services office has provided such helpful guidance in figuring out [the next steps] in my career,” the Pinay English teacher claimed. “With the university’s help, we students underwent a skills-gap analysis, [where we figured out the] knowledge, skills and experiences we needed to gain to reach our dream positions and companies,” she said.

There are more than 4,700 accredited higher education institutions in the US, and an EducationUSA adviser can help students narrow their options, define their priorities, and plan their college careers. EducationUSA does not offer scholarships, but can assist students in identifying scholarship and financial-aid opportunities.

More information is available via http://educationusaph.org/about and https://educationusaph.org/ GradSchoolFair2021.

Tourism&Entertainment BusinessMirror

Editor: Carla Mortel-Baricaua

Saturday, September 4, 2021 A11

THE PHILIPPINES: A RISING TOURISM DESTINATION IN A POST-COVID WORLD

Batad Rice Terraces in Banaue, Ifugao.

Bike zipping amid the Chocolate Hills of Bohol.

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River —a New 7 Wonders of the World.

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Paddleboarding at Sugba Lagoon in Siargao.

The Hanging Coffins of Sagada.

Intramuros in Manila—one of the world’s leading tourist attractions.

n the article “Rising Stars in Travel” by travel writer Jared Ranahan of Forbes. com, the well-respected American business and financial news publication, the Philippines was named among seven countries (the others are Ethiopia, Iran, Myanmar, Georgia, Slovenia and Tunisia) that “have potential to become major tourist destinations in a post-Covid world.”

Even as the global tourism industry struggles in the midst of the unprecedented downturn due to the pandemic, many nations around the world are preparing for a boom in international visitors once travel is more feasible. These seven highly underrated countries have the ingredients to become worldclass destinations and establish themselves as a prominent regional force for tourism—pristine natural beauty, historic ruins, and fascinating cultural experiences.

The Philippines offers unique experiences for all kinds of tourists looking for a relaxed and laid-back getaway from the hustle and bustle of their everyday lives, from sandy shores to dreamy mountain scapes to awe-inspiring cities steeped in cultural heritage.

Of course, the No. 1 tourist destination in the country is still the 10.32-sq-km resort island of Boracay, famous for its 4-km long, powder-fine white beach, which is lined with a number of world-class resorts and hotels. Across the island from white beach is Bulabog Beach, a windsurfing and kite boarding mecca. Awarded as the Best Island in the World by the international travel magazine Travel + Leisure (T+L) in 2012, Boracay was also at the top of the “Best Islands in the World” list published by the international magazine Condé Nast Traveler. In 2016, Boracay headed the magazine's list of “Top 10 Destinations To Watch.”

Similarly, Travel + Leisure cited the island province of Palawan as the world’s best island in the 2020

Boracay—t he country’s No. 1 tourist destination.

World’s Best Awards, besting 24 (Galapagos Islands in Ecuador, Maui in Hawaii, Bali in Indonesia, Great Barrier Reef Islands in Australia, etc.) others in the world’s islands category with a score of 94.83. Boracay also made it to No. 14 in T+L’s World Best Island list and was hailed 5th in Asia that same year.

Offering some of the most beautiful white-sand beaches, resorts and scenery such as striking limestone cliffs extending directly from the ocean, here you can also dive in World War II shipwrecks off Coron (a piece of nature and history enveloped in one destination), explore old-growth rain forests and paddle into Puerto Princesa Subterranean

Korea Announces Plans to Host Yeosu World Island Exhibition in 2026

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orea will debut a new international event, the Yeosu World Island Exhibition, to be held in 2026. The decision was announced on August 9th after the exhibition passed the screening process by the Ministry of Strategy and Finance.

Located in Korea’s island-filled south coast, the city of Yeosu is a scenic coastal retreat which served as the host city for the 2012 World Expo, attracting an estimated 7 million visitors from around the world.

Since the expo, the city served as a popular incentive tourism destination, attracting large-scale incentive travel groups from Infinitus and Amway in 2014. The city is also in

close proximity to Suncheon, home to the new Unesco World Heritage, “Getbol, Korean Tidal Flats.”

The “2026 Yeosu World Island Exhibition” will be held in Yeosu’s Dolsan Jinmo District from July 17 to August 16, 2026, under the theme “Connecting the Island, Sea and the Future.” The exhibition will feature eight permanent exhibition halls showcasing the future, culture and ecology of the island as well as special tours including the Yeondo Bridge Tour and Healing Island Tour.

The city of Yeosu anticipates more than 2 million visitors from 30 countries to attend the Yeosu World Island Exhibition, and the event is estimated to create over

6,000 jobs and create an economic ripple effect of more than 400B KRW. With official approval from the government, Jeollanam-do Province and Yeosu City will begin preparation for the exhibition at full speed, including content development, establishing organizing committees, and domestic and international promotion.

Kwon O-bong, mayor of Yeosu City, stated, “The Yeosu World Island Exhibition is the world’s first festival for countries with islands to gather and share the history and culture of islands. We will use this opportunity to develop Yeosu into a world-class marine tourism resort city.”

Vigan City—A Unesco World Heritage Site.

River, one of the world’s longest subterranean rivers, a Unesco World Heritage Site (1999) and a New 7 Wonders of Nature in 2012.

Last year, Condé Nast Traveler also cited the Hidden Beach in El Nido as one of the 30 Best Beaches in the World.

Speaking of diving, the Philippines was recognized, for the second time, as the world’s leading dive destination during last year’s 27th World Travel Awards, besting other famous dive destinations such as the Azores Islands, Bora Bora, French Polynesia, Cayman Islands, Fiji, Galapagos Islands, Great Barrier Reef, Australia, Maldives and Mexico. Similarly, Intramuros in Manila, a well preserved example

of Spanish colonial architecture, was named as the world’s leading tourist attraction winning, for the first time, against Acropolis in Greece, Burj Khalifa in Dubai, Grand Canyon National Park in the United States, Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania and Taj Mahal in India, among others.

Siargao, in Northern Mindanao, also won as the World’s Leading Island Destination. The “Surfing Capital of the Philippines,” its Cloud Nine, a dramatic and powerful reef break, was recently dubbed as the Top 8 among the World’s Best Surfing Spots by CNNGo, a travel site of CNN International.

It is also home to beautiful whitesand beaches, naturally carved tide pools, mangrove forests, coves, serene lagoons and caves.

Speaking of Spanish colonial architecture, aside from having world-class diving sites, beautiful white-sand beaches and worldclass resorts, Cebu and Bohol are also home to many Spanish-era churches, ancestral houses and watchtowers. Though many Bohol churches were destroyed or heavily damaged during the October 15, 2013 earthquake, almost all have been rebuilt and faithfully restored. When in Bohol, a visit to the Chocolate Hills, a National Geological Monument proposed for inclusion in the Unesco World

Heritage List, is a must.

Way up north in Luzon is Vigan, a Unesco World Heritage Site.

The best preserved example of a planned Spanish colonial town and one of a few left in the country whose old structures have remained mostly intact, its main draw are its sett pavements, Earthquake Baroque church and stone houses (bahay na bato) which fuse native Philippine and Oriental building design and construction.

In May 2015, Vigan was officially recognized as one of the New 7 Wonder s Cities (together with Beirut, Doha, Durban, Havana, Kuala Lumpur and La Paz).

Also up north in Luzon is where you w il l find the spectacu lar mountain scenery of Cordillera Administrative Region, home to the spectacular Ifugao Rice Terraces, a Unesco World Heritage Site inscribed in 1995; the 2,922-m (9,640 ft) Mount Pulag (the highest peak in Luzon and the third highest in the country), a mountaineers delight; the much-loved, cloud-wreathed and pine-clad Baguio City, the “Summer Capital of the Philippines;” the mighty and swirling Chico River of Kalinga, a white water rafting and kayaking destination; and Banaue and Sagada (home to the “hanging coffins” and Sumaguing Cave), both heaven for adventurers.

A12 Saturday, September 4, 2021 • Editor: Gerard S. Ramos

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Globe empowers start-up founders in 5G Hackathon

REPRESENTATIVES from Accenture’s partner educational institutions that will each receive a grant to help them conceptualize, run and implement innovative initiatives during the online announcement of the IT firm’s initiative.

IT firm supports edutech initiatives with P80M in grants

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T solutions company Accenture has given P80 million in grants to 10 universities and academic institutions in the Philippines to help them conceptualize, run and implement innovative initiatives in emerging technologies, sustainability, and inclusion and diversity.

The universities and academic institutions include Adamson University Technology Business Incubator for Neo-Environmental Science and Technology; Asian Institute of Management Dado Banatao Incubator; Ateneo de Manila University (Ateneo Innovation Center and Ateneo Blockchain Labs); FEU Institute of Technology; Technological Institute of the Philippines-Nurture Innovation Technology Revolution Office; University of Santo Tomas (UST DOST-TOMASInno Center and College of Information and Computing Sciences); University of the Philippines Engineering Research and Development Foundation Inc. with University of the Philippines Sustaining Collaboration in an Advanced Learning Environment (UPSCALE); De La Salle University Animo Labs Foundation Inc.; Miriam CollegeTechnology Business Incubator program; and De La Salle College of Saint Benilde Hub of Innovation.

“This grant program helps build the foundation

through which our universities and academic institutions can further develop Filipino technology talent to look ahead to the future and solve pressing challenges using advanced technologies. With the accelerated pace of innovation today, we’re proud to help inspire and motivate our youth to take on this opportunity to learn, experiment and test ideas, and support them as they do it over and over again,” said Arvin Yason, Innovation lead for Accenture Technology in the Philippines.

“This collaboration with Accenture will encourage not only academic research and technologies that foster innovation, but also pave the way for the adoption of these technologies into various industries,” said Valentin Reyes, president of UP Engineering Research and Development Foundation Inc. The grant will boost Miriam College-Technology Business Incubator program and support secondstage start-ups that are female-led and focused on edutech. It will also provide additional support for senior high school/junior high school programs to encourage female students to sign up for STEM majors.

Among the schools that will get grants under the focus areas of advancing blockchain innovation and solutions, 5G, cloud and other emerging technologies are Adamson University, Asian Institute of Management, Ateneo de Manila University, FEU Institute of Technology, Technological Institute of the Philippines, University of Santo Tomas, and the University of the Philippines.

“Now more than ever, there is a greater need to bring together the brightest minds and industry experts to help solve real-world problems. By coming together, Ateneo and Accenture will be at the forefront of harnessing education, research and technological innovation that will pivot a future driven by shared

values and success, collaboration and sustainability,” said Rodolfo P. Ang, vice president for Administration and Information Systems at Ateneo de Manila University.

De La Salle University will get a grant under the focus area of sustainability, which supports programs that seek to create cross-industry platforms which support sustainability efforts in the country.

With inclusion and diversity also a focus area, Accenture supports the development of female-led technology entrepreneurs and start-ups by the Miriam College and the De La Salle College of Saint Benilde.

“We aim for thought leadership in the development and application of new technologies and innovation in ESG reporting to foster greater industry-academe collaboration toward improved environmental sustainability, greater inclusion and diversity,” said Br. Edmundo Fernandez, FSC, president of De La Salle College of Saint Benilde.

“By continuing our collaboration with leading universities and academic institutions in the Philippines, we are helping to boost the local innovation ecosystem. By supporting on-campus labs and incubators that are embarking on initiatives to accelerate the use of new technologies, develop more sustainable business practices, and foster a more inclusive culture in the technology field, we are helping to nurture the next generation of Filipino technologists that will solve complex business and social challenges in the future,” said Ambe Tierro, Accenture’s Technology lead in the Philippines, Africa and Asia-Pacific.

Yason said the grant is part of a multi-year program which Accenture will introduce to other academic institutions in different parts of the country. ■

TEN groups move forward and are one step closer to bringing their ideas to life in the Globe 5G Hackathon, the first and biggest event of its kind in the Philippines.

Together with De La Salle University (DLSU) Animo Labs, Globe screened over 100 idea submissions and brought them down to 30 for the Idea Pitch Competition round. Among those, 10 groups emerged, namely Alaga Health, LunaX, bant.

AI, OHC, D’Hacks, Team CamvS, Handuraw, Team Cardinals, iGAT, and Tenth Maria, which were a mix of students and young professionals.

Focus areas for the competition were particular to how Globe’s 5G Technology can positively impact society (education, health care, livelihood), industries (retail, manufacturing, logistics, e-commerce), and build intelligent cities (disaster risk management, sustainability, asset and resource management, transportation).

Some ideas that the Top 10 groups presented included a telehealth marketplace and service hub, a virtual patient simulator for medical students, simulating virtual laboratories for students, a road safety mobile app, an online service mall, a fishing forecast mobile app, a food waste management app, and many more.

“We are excited to explore and support these big business ideas using the promising technology of 5G as we aim to create and deliver a richer and fuller customer experience,” said Issa Guevarra-Cabreira, Globe chief commercial officer.

Since the Idea Pitch Competition, the Top 10 teams have been assigned mentors, given additional workshops and are now in the process of prototyping their ideas in preparation for the 5G Hackathon Demo Day on September 21.

The final 10 teams will be given a chance to win up to P620,000 worth of prizes and the opportunity to work with Globe and 917Ventures in scaling their business ideas.

“More than the overwhelming response we’ve gained from our participants, we are proud to be innovating with such young, brilliant and passionate minds in the first-ever Globe 5G Hackathon,” shared Vince Yamat, managing director of Globe’s 917Ventures.

The Globe 5G Hackathon Headquarters is powered by Globe Prepaid’s Virtual Hangouts. In this experiential space, participants collaborate and learn beyond the classroom.

As the first mobile operator in Southeast Asia to commercially launch 5G AirFiber for Home use in 2019, Globe is the pioneer in 5G technology in the Philippines. Its 5G outdoor coverage in the National Capital Region has reached 92 percent as of June this year and currently has 1,759 5G sites nationwide.

To know more about the business ideas and prototypes from the Top 10 teams, Globe 5G Hackathon’s Demo Day will be aired publicly on Globe’s official Facebook and Twitter pages on September 21.

Apple loosens app store payment rules in lawsuit settlement

BY MICHAEL LIEDTKE The Associated Press BERKELEY, California—Apple has agreed to let developers of iPhone apps e-mail their users about cheaper ways to pay for digital subscriptions and media by circumventing a commission system that generates billions of dollars annually for the iPhone maker.

The concession announced late Thursday, which covers e-mailed notifications but does not allow inapp notifications, is part of a preliminary settlement of a nearly two-year-old lawsuit filed on behalf of iPhone app developers in the US. It also addresses an issue raised by a federal court judge who is expected to soon rule on a separate case brought by Epic Games, maker of the popular video game “Fortnite.”

Apple announced the news in a “background” briefing with reporters in which it insisted on anonymity for participating executives and would not allow any direct quotations.

Under long-standing Apple rules, makers of iPhone

apps were forbidden to e-mail users with information on how to pay for services outside the app, which would circumvent Apple commissions of 15 percent to 30 percent.

The concession now opens one way for app developers to more aggressively encourage its users to pay in other ways, so long as the companies obtain consumer consent.

Apple will also set up a $100 million fund to pay thousands of app developers covered in the lawsuit sums ranging from $250 to $30,000. App developers will get more flexibility to set different prices within their apps, expanding the options from about 100 to 500 choices.

The compromise addresses a concern that US District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers repeatedly raised while presiding over the high-profile EpicApple trial. She openly wondered why Apple couldn’t allow developers to display a range of payment options within their apps, much like brick-andmortar retailers can show a range of different credit cards they accept in addition to cash.

Apple still isn’t allowing developers to use in-app notifications to prod consumers to explore different payment options.

But just being able to e-mail users to explain why they should pay outside the app is a breakthrough for developers who have complained about Apple’s commissions as a form of price gouging for years.

Richard Czeslawski, one of the app developers that filed the lawsuit Apple is settling, hailed the freedom to e-mail users as a “game changer” in a declaration field with the court in Oakland, California. App developers “will take full advantage of this change in customer communications as a way to further reduce the commissions paid to Apple,’” predicted Czeslawski, CEO of Pure Sweat Basketball.

Apple already has been tinkering with its app store commission system in response to legal pressure and mounting scrutiny among lawmakers and regulators around the world taking a harder look whether the company’s ironclad control of the store is stifling competition and innovation.

Earlier this year, Apple lowered its in-app

commissions from 30 percent to 15 percent for developers with less than $1 million in annual revenue—a move covering most of the apps in its store. As part of the settlement announced on Thursday, Apple is guaranteeing the lower commission for small developers will be extended for at least three more years.

But the lower commissions don’t help the largest app makers, like Epic and Spotify, which are the leaders in a coalition trying to topple Apple’s so-called walled garden that prevents outsiders from offering other options. Apple maintains it prevents alternative stores from offering apps on its iPhone to protect its own customers’ security and privacy, while its critics contend the company is simply trying to protect a cash cow that that generates billions of dollars in profit annually.

Those tensions are likely to come to a boil when Gonzalez Rogers issues her ruling in the Epic case.

Gonzalez Rogers will also approve or disapprove the proposed settlement announced on Thursday. A hearing on that is scheduled October 12.

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Editor: Gerard S. Ramos

• Saturday, September 4, 2021 A13

Question and Axies BSP cites PayMaya

BY RIZAL RAOUL S. REYES FINTECH PayMaya recently achieved a milestone when it was recognized by Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas as an Outstanding Partner at the recently held 2021 Outstanding BSP Stakeholders’ Appreciation Ceremony, themed “Pagpupugay at Pagkilala sa Gitna ng Hamon ng Pandemya.”

“We give recognition to you, our partners, who have gone beyond the call of duty in the name of service at the height of the global health crisis. As we gear up toward recovery, we are also building the foundation of the ‘New Economy’ through digitalization and financial inclusion. Financial technology makes transactions easier and faster, which in turn speeds up income. It also makes financial products and services accessible to a greater number of people, which in turn enhances financial inclusion,” BSP Governor Benjamin Diokno said during his keynote address at the event.

For his part, Orlando B. Vea, PayMaya founder and CEO, said: “We are truly honored to be recognized by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas as one of its Outstanding Partners.

Financial inclusion is our nation’s collective responsibility. At PayMaya, we support every effort to bring digital financial services to all Filipinos. We are grateful for this recognition.”

Vea stressed PayMaya has been staunch partner of the BSP in driving financial inclusion in the country by building an end-to-end digital ecosystem to enable all consumers, merchants, communities and the government with cuttingedge financial technologies.

He said PayMaya spearheaded the drive in broadening access to financial services to Filipinos through its PayMaya mobile wallet and Smart Padala by PayMaya remittance services. As of end-June 2021, it counts 38 million registered users under its consumer platforms or more than half of the adult population in the Philippines.

To boost digital transactions around the country, Vea said PayMaya continues to empower businesses of all sizes, especially micro, small and medium enterprises, with inclusive payment solutions so they can accept digital payments from anyone, whether online or in-store.

It is also the first financial technology company to adopt QR Ph, the national standard for merchant payments introduced by the BSP. PayMaya also formed a partnership with government agencies and local government units (LGUs) to push for broader use of digital payments for fees and taxes, and distribute financial assistance to citizen beneficiaries. It is also one of the financial services providers for the Social Amelioration Program distributed through the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

Last year, PayMaya launched the LGU Embracing and Accelerating Digitalization (LEAD) Program to help local governments promote digital payments for their citizens, micro-entrepreneurs and small businesses—down to the sari-sari store and palengke levels. Through virtual roadshows, PayMaya joins the BSP, the Department of Trade and Industry, and other partners for financial education.

Furthermore, PayMaya has been promoting “digital bayanihan” under its PayMaya It Forward program to enable digital donations for various humanitarian organizations, such as the Philippine Red Cross, Unicef, Oxfam Pilipinas, UP PGH Medical Foundation, and Caritas Manila.

Google to invest $1.2B in Germany cloud computing program BERLIN—Google said on Tuesday that it is investing €1 billion ($1.2 billion) by 2030 to expand its cloud computing infrastructure in Germany and to increase the use of renewable energy.

The Internet giant said it plans to add new cloud computing centers in the Berlin region and in the town of Hanau, close to the DE-CIX data exchange in Frankfurt.

Google said it would purchase more than 140 megawatts of electricity from the German subsidiary of French utility company Engie over the coming years to operate the data centers. The company said Engie will guarantee that 80 percent of the electricity comes from carbon-free sources, including a new solar park and 22 existing wind parks in Germany. Google said it aims to use 100 percent renewable energy by 2030.

Germany’s economy minister, Peter Altmaier, called the announcement a “strong signal” for green energy and digital infrastructure. AP

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HIS is the second part of our interview with Vince Golangco, founder of WhenInManila. com and one of the top 100 Axie Infinity players in the world.

You know when a game has reached mainstream interest when all the news outlets and even TV magazine shows are featuring it. Much like how Counter-Strike introduced pinoys to first-person shooters, Ragnarok to online MMORPG, and Dota to MOBA, Axie Infinity will be remembered as the game that made people aware of NFTs (non-fungible tokens) and blockchain gaming.

Axie Infinity is a blockchain computer game that was released in 2018 by the Vietnamese developer Sky Mavis. The gameplay is a cross between Pokemon and Hearthstone—the adorable monsters from Pokemon combined with the turn-based card game from Hearthstone. What makes Axie Infinity different from all other games is its “play-to-earn” mechanics that lets you earn cryptocurrency in the form of Small Love Potions (SLP). These coins can then be converted to pesos or any local currency. Because of this, the game has blown up locally and internationally especially during the pandemic due to the possible earnings you can receive from playing the game.

Vince said it was the gameplay that got him interested in Axie Infinity—but it was the opportunity to earn from it that got him hooked.

“Unlike other games where you just throw away your money buying virtual items, Axie actually lets you earn money—which gives me more reasons to keep playing it.”

With his commitment and gaming skills, Vince quickly became one of the top 100 Axie players in the world, even entering the Top 10 rankings during certain points of the season.

Unfortunately, tempting as it may seem, playing the game requires a bit of an investment—something not everyone could afford.

Vince said when he first started playing, an Axie costs about $100 and since you need three to form a team, you initially have to spend about $300 (roughly around P15,000). Now, a good Axie sells for $500 each, meaning you have to invest around $1500 (P75,000) just to be able to start playing.

This is where the “scholarship” program comes in.

Scholars are people who want to play the game but don’t have the monetary resources to do so. They’re essentially bankrolled by “managers”—like Vince who face the opposite dilemma: they have (the cash) or axies but don’t have the time to play with them.

A scholarship is exactly what it sounds—a manager gives scholars some of their unused Axies so they’ll play for them, splitting whatever the earnings the scholar gets while playing the game. Think of it like the “boundary” system for taxis (or jeep/tricycle), since the owners can’t drive all their vehicles at the same time, they hire drivers who in turn remit a certain amount of “boundary” everyday.

Axie Infinity uses NFTs for the rights to each pet that is purchased. To grow these pets, you purchase or farm SLPs. You can sell these pets or SLPs for cryptocurrency, then swap into your respective currency.

Much like how he started with When In Manila, Vince’s first scholars were friends who wanted to try out the game. Now, he currently has around 20 scholars and is searching for more via When in Manila Play.

WIMPLAY SCHOLARS

WHEN In Manila Play is the niche page of When in Manila that is purely devoted to gaming. Vince says he felt it was a natural progression to complement the content of the main web site as they cater to a wider audience. Other niche WIM pages include WIMYummy, WimFunny, WIMAdventures, WimTechnology and WIMKids.

This is also where Vince is searching for his next Axie scholars.

Among his most popular scholars who stream for WIMPlays are Courbs (Courtney Sayson), Farima, Alvin, Misaki, Aya, Mikikay, dabern, Kat Lacanilao, Xands and staceyibalagtas, all of which you can meet

and follow via their Facebook Page and joining their Discord group.

More than a Facebook streaming site, Vince envisions WIMPlay as a community that will foster positivity through gaming. Besides Axie Infinity, WIMPlay streamers also play the most popular games such as Valorant, Call of Duty, Mobile Legends, and Genshin Impact, among many others. They also have a YouTube channel where you can find tutorials and explanatory videos about everything you need to know about Axie Infinity—definitely a must-watch for those who want to become an Axie scholar. Vince says they reward the scholarships to their most active members on their Facebook page and Discord.

“We are not looking for the most experienced or most skilled gamers to be our scholars. What’s more important for us is their commitment and personality, especially for those who also want to do livestream for us. It may be a play-to-earn opportunity, but we don’t want to deprive our scholars of the fun element so they could still enjoy the game,” says Vince.

laws the government decides to implement.

“Before anything else, I believe that this unique opportunity is a blessing for job-seeking Filipinos, and people from all over the world. With that, Sky Mavis [the company behind Axie Infinity] themselves released a statement, saying: ‘Play-to-earn is an important shift in the nature of work; we look forward to working with physical nations [governments] on a path forward that encourages innovation and empowers gamers.’ It is very interesting to see where these talks will lead us to next. We will of course abide by any laws that the government will implement with regards to scholars or taxes.” ■

PLAY TO EARN AND BE TAXED?

WELL, it was all just a matter of time. As the famous quote goes, “In this world, nothing is certain except death and taxes.

After issuing a memorandum circular ordering social-media influencers to register and pay taxes, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) is also going after those who are earning from playing online games, like Axie Infinity.

The BIR said that income from playing online games like Axie Infinity can be taxed. “At the end of the day, there’s a flow of income to our players, so that is still income that can be taxable,” said BIR Deputy Commissioner Marissa Cabreros. Vince says Axie presents a unique way to earn and could help those who are looking for jobs, and they would abide by any

VINCE GOLANGCO, founder of WhenInManila.com

AMAZON TEAMS WITH AFFIRM TO OFFER BUY-NOW-PAY-LATER OPTION SAN FRANCISCO—Amazon is teaming with payments company Affirm to offer online shoppers a buy-now-pay-later option that does not involve credit cards.

San Francisco-based Affirm Holdings Inc. announced Friday that its flexible payment service will soon be available on Amazon.com.

The news sent Affirm’s stock up more than 35 percent in after-hours trading.

With the service, Amazon customers can split the total cost of purchases of $50 or more into monthly payments, and are told the total cost of the transaction up front. Affirm said there are no

late fees.

Affirm said the two companies are testing the service with a group of customers and that it will be more broadly available in coming months.

Earlier this month, digital payments company Square Inc. acquired Afterpay, which provides a buy-now-pay-later option for merchants.

Installment plans are popular with retailers because they encourage customers to spend more money. And they enable customers with insufficient funds or credit at the time of purchase to walk out of a store—or check out online—with the item they want. AP

Sports BusinessMirror

A14

| Saturday, September 4, 2021 mirror_sports@yahoo.com.ph Editor: Jun Lomibao

DYIP RUN OVER GINEBRA KINGS

By Josef Ramos

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ERRAFIRMA beat reigning champion Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, 95-90, on Friday, the second giant the Dyip slayed in two days in the Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup at the Don Honorio Ventura State University gym in Bacolor, Pampanga.

Juami Tiongson again took control of the wheel in the Dyip’s first-ever victory in 17 confrontations with the Gin Kings. Terrafirma joined the league in 2014.

“I just did what I had to do,” said Tiongson, who reset his career-high of 28 points he nailed in their 110104 overtime win over San Miguel Beer on Wednesday by scattering 31 points against Ginebra.

Tiongson went on 9-of-15 shooting from beyond the arc and dished out six assists, grabbed three rebounds and made three steals in another stella performance in the league’s restart of its 46th season.

Tiongson credited his newfound accuracy and explosiveness to strength and conditioning Coach

Mico Cabungan for keeping the team in shape during the break.

“This means everything and this win won’t be possible if not for the sacrifices made by Rashawn [McCarthy] who hit the big shot, Matt [Ganuelas-Rosser] for his defense, Dray [Aldrech Ramos] and Eric [Camson] for those layup,” Tiongson said. “Everyone did his role.”

Terrafirma improved to 2-4 wonlost while Ginebra dropped to 2-3.

Carrying the momentum from their upset of the Beermen two nights ago, the Dyip held off the Gin Kings throughout and kept their poise at crunch time when the Gin Kings scored 11 straight points to cut the deficit to 85-88 with 1:15 left on Christian Standhardinger’s two free throws.

But McCarthy, who had 10 points in the game, hit a big triple to push Terrafirma ahead by six with 50.2 ticks left.

Japeth Aguilar, who finished with 16 points and six rebounds, countered with a reverse layup to keep Ginebra in the game, 87-91, with 37 seconds left.

Philip Andreas Cahilig got the offensive rebound before making

an off-balance pass to Eric Camson for an easy layup and the Dyip were well on their way, 93-87, only 17 seconds remaining.

Tiongson sealed Terrafirma’s win with two charities with two seconds left.

Ginebra’s Stanley Pringle nailed a three-pointer for the final count.

Camson contributed 15 points and 13 rebounds, while Aldrech Ramos had 11 points and Matt Ganuelas-Rosser made seven points, four assists and four steals.

“Everyone who played was determined to win, they worked really hard,” Terrafirma Coach John Cardel said. “They played as a team. I give credit to all my coaches. They really also worked hard.”

Terrafirma, which led by as many as 72-55 in the third period, outscored Ginebra from the threepoint zone, 17-9.

Standhardinger led Ginebra with 17 points and eight rebounds.

Magnolia routed winless Blackwater, 94-78, to bounce back from a frustrating defeat to Meralco.

The Hotshots improved to 5-1 while the Bossing dropped to 0-6.

Roglic nears third Vuelta crown

PRIMOZ ROGLIC keeps the lead after the last mountain stage. AP

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LTU D’EL GAMONITEIRU, Spain—Primoz Roglic moved closer to clinching his third consecutive Spanish Vuelta title after increasing his lead on the final test in the high mountains on Thursday, while

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EW YORK—Novak Djokovic missed an overhead along the way to getting broken for the only time Thursday night and stared at a man in the Arthur Ashe Stadium stands who made noise during the point.

After breaking right back in the next game of his second-round victory at the US Open, Djokovic glared in that direction again, as if to say, “How you like me now?”

Miffed as the distractions persisted, he later spoke to the chair umpire about what’s considered a no-no in tennis.

That, then, is pretty much what provided some intrigue and interest in this one, because the ultimate outcome—a 6-2, 6-3, 6-2 victory for Djokovic over Tallon Griekspoor— seemed fairly obvious after all of about 15 minutes. Or maybe even before the No. 1-ranked Djokovic and his 121st-ranked opponent stepped on court on a cool, breezy evening.

“That guy, for some reason, was calling, raising the sound and kind of screaming just before I would hit my smash, which was a big point.

Before that, he would do it a few times. After that, again,” Djokovic said. “That wasn’t nice. That’s all. I don’t mind the noise. Don’t get me wrong. I think it’s important for the entertainment, for the crowds, the music. I get it. But if someone does it over and over again...he knows why he’s doing it. The guy that I pointed out, he knew exactly what he was doing, and that’s all.”

If that bothered Djokovic, his shot-making and serving boosted his mood as he took another

Miguel Ángel López won the demanding 18th stage.

López held off a late attack by Roglic to claim the 162-kilometer route that crested three mountain passes before a finish atop the beyond-category Altu d’El Gamoniteiru.

It is the first time the Spanish Grand Tour has included the grueling ascent with an average gradient of nearly 10 percent over 14.6 kilometers. López broke away from the group of the hardiest riders, including Roglic, with around 5 kilometers to go and overtook David de la Cruz in the fog that obscured the vision of the valleys

below.

Michael Storer was eyeing a third win at this Vuelta when he started the final ascent with a twominute advantage. But he soon saw his advantage crumble as the top riders picked up the pace on the grueling upward haul.

López gave Movistar its first win at this year’s race, finishing in four hours, 41 minutes and 21 seconds.

Roglic dropped López’s teammate Enric Mas and Egan Bernal of Ineos over the final meters to finish second, 14 seconds behind López.

Roglic, the Jumbo-Visma leader, added a few seconds to his lead in the general classification. Mas is

Djokovic, a 34-year-old from Serbia who will face 2014 US Open finalist Kei Nishikori next. “I am trying to be the best I can be every single day and let’s see what happens.”

Djokovic has won their past 16 matchups, including at the Tokyo Olympics in July, although Nishikori’s last head-to-head victory came in New York seven years ago.

This was only the fourth Slam match for Griekspoor, a 25-year-old Dutchman who tends to appear on the lower-level ATP Challenger Tour.

And he never really stood much of a chance against Djokovic, who broke to lead 3-1 and was on his way.

“There’s a reason he’s the best of all-time, probably. Just, every ball comes back. You hit a great serve, the ball’s back on your feet,” Griekspoor said. “There’s just not one shot that you can go at that he’s not so good at. He’s everywhere.”

Djokovic dominated every statistical category. He served well, to the tune of 13 aces. He

NOVAK DJOKOVIC is very pleased with his level of my tennis. AP

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HE Manny PacquiaoYordenis Ugás bout last August 21 didn’t sell well to boxing fans and yielded a mere $250,000 pay-per-view (PPV) buys, according to an article written by award-winning boxing columnist Kevin Iole bared at Yahoo Sports.

The Pacquiao-Ugás buys extremely paled in comparison with the $4.6 million buys Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. reaped from the so-called “Fight of the Century” on May 2, 2015.

Pacquiao’s chief lawyer, Atty. Tom Falgui, however, said that he hasn’t received any report from fight promoter Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on the PPV sales.

Ugás beat by unanimous decision a slower and less lethal Pacquiao, 42, before a live crowd of 17,438 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas last August 21.

And because Ugás was a replacement for an injured Errol Spence Jr., the

International Boxing Federation and World Boxing Council welterweight champion, Pacquiao’s supposed purse of $5 million was also cut.

Neither Pacquiao nor PBC would say how much of the Filipino boxing icon’s purse was reduced.

But Pacquiao stressed it’s not just all about the money, telling BusinessMirror whole on hotel quarantine on Friday that he could even fight for free.

“I am not a materialistic type of guy. As I said, I can fight for free, even without money,” Pacquiao said.

“Boxing is my passion, I can fight even if there is no prize money.”

The president of his fight promotion agreed.

“Senator Manny is not fighting for the money, he fights for what he does,” MP Promotions President Sean Gibbons said.

Pacquiao will announce in October if he will retire from boxing or run for president in the May 2022 elections.

“What matters is the welfare of my fellow Filipinos,” Pacquiao said.

“When it comes to politics, the people are my priority and for the progress of our country.” Josef Ramos

Bejino, Mangliwan couldn’t pull act together in Tokyo Para Games

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LEADING the Dyip to victory is becoming a habit for Juami Tiongson.

his nearest chaser at 2:30 minutes behind with three stages to go.

López is third, 2:53 behind.

“It’s nice [to be out of the mountains]. We are all feeling the efforts from the last two days and the weeks before,” Roglic said. “I still think there are some super hard stages to come. Hopefully we can do our best and finish it off.”

Stage 19 on Friday will take riders over 191 kilometers from Tapia to Monforte de Lemos. After another hilly ride on Saturday, the race concludes with an individual time trial in Santiago de Compostela on Sunday.

Roglic won the race’s time trial on its opening stage, so Mas and López will have likely to try to finally break Roglic in the hills if

Djokovic eyeing calendar-year Slam at US Open step toward completing the first calendar-year Grand Slam in men’s tennis since 1969 and claiming a 21st major championship to eclipse the mark he shares with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.

“All in all very good, very good.

I’m very pleased with the level of my tennis,” Djokovic said. “All is going in the right direction.”

He considered this a better performance than in his win Tuesday, when he dropped a set and was taken aback by hearing what he thought were boos but actually were last-name chants of “Ruuuuune!” for his 18-year-old foe, Holger Vitus Nodskov Rune.

Here’s what matters the most: Djokovic is 2-0 at Flushing Meadows this week and 23-0 in Grand Slam tournaments this year, with five more wins standing between him and history.

“I am motivated as ever to do well,” said

PACQUIAO-UGÁS PPV FLOPS

serve-and-volleyed occasionally. He returned well enough to win half of Griekspoor’s service games. He dominated baseline exchanges.

Maybe that’s why ESPN’s telecast cut away in the third set.

About the only problems No. 1 Ash Barty and other top women encountered earlier Thursday came in the delays trying to get to Flushing Meadows in the aftermath of Hurricane Ida’s remnants blowing through the Northeast a night earlier.

Barty, a two-time major champion including at Wimbledon in July, three-time Grand Slam champ Angelique Kerber, Tokyo Olympic gold medalist Belinda Bencic, double Wimbledon title winner Petra Kvitova and other seeded women including No. 14 Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, No. 17 Maria Sakkari, No. 23 Jessica Pegula and No. 28 Anett Kontaveit all won in two sets during the afternoon to reach the third round. AP

WIMMER Gary Bejino and wheelchair racer Jerrold Mangliwan bowed out of their respective events with a whimper on Friday, capping the Philippine team’s campaign at the Tokyo Paralympic Games.

Bejino finished seventh in the second heat with a time of one minute and 28.87 seconds in the men’s 100-meter backstroke-S6 race in his fourth and final event at the Tokyo Aquatic Centre to wrap up his Paralympic debut supported by the Philippine Sports Commission.

The 25-year-old Albay native placed last overall among the field of 20 entries, 14.72 seconds behind Chinese two-time Paralympic Games silver medalist Jia Hongguang, who led the top 8 qualifiers in the afternoon finals with a time of 1:14.15.

“He [Bejino] was about .30 seconds away from his personal best. He erred going for the turn at the halfway mark so had an open turn [touching the wall]. But we are still happy with his time,” said swimming para Coach Tony Ong in the light of the challenges they faced in the Games.

Over at the Japan National Stadium under drizzling conditions, Mangliwan had another problematic start and finished dead last among eight runners in the men’s 100-meter-T52 finals, clocking 20.08 seconds in the event

handily won by American Raymond Martin in 16.99 seconds.

“I was talking to Jerrold before the start of the race and he seemed to be having problems with his rim-pusher on the racer, putting tape on it to have a firm grip. That 20 seconds is slow for him,” said athletics para Coach Joel Deriada.

Deriada pointed out that the athlete’s time was off his personal best of 18.88 seconds and a seasonbest clocking of 18.98 seconds recorded last May in the World Para Athletics Grand Prix in Nottwil, Switzerland.

With the lessons learned from the stint, Ong and Deriada shared their thoughts on how the athletes could prepare for succeeding international competitions, especially with the Vietnam Asean Para Games and Asian Para Games in China looming in 2022.

Both coaches recommended that their wards should have ready access to training facilities while the country copes with the Covid-19 pandemic.

“I recommend that the paraswimming team have full and uninterrupted access to a 50-meter pool. It is crucial to take our workouts seriously for us to prepare and present the country in the future Games very well,” Ong stressed.

“A permanent training facility is very important for the athletes and it’s difficult to train if there are disruptions, just like this pandemic,” said Deriada, adding that in the future Mangliwan could possibly train with other wheelchair racers of the national team.

Afghan Khudadadi gets chance to show wares in in taekwondo

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OKYO—Afghan athlete Zakia Khudadadi got her chance to compete in the Tokyo Paralympics on Thursday.

Khudadadi, one to two Afghans participating in the Paralympics, lost her first-round match in taekwondo in the 44-49-kilogram weight class to Ziyodakhon Isakova of Uzbekistan, 17-12.

She also dropped a losers’ bracket match against Viktoriia Marchuk of Ukraine, 48-34.

Teammate Hossain Rasouli competed on Tuesday in the long jump, where he finished last. Rasouli is a sprinter, but he arrived several days too late to run in the 100-meter race.

The Afghan athletes arrived in Tokyo days after the Paralympics opened, both fleeing Kabul for Paris, and then on to Tokyo.

Neither Khudadadi nor Rasouli have spoken in public since arriving, and officials have allowed them to skip

interviews with reporters to protect their privacy.

International Paralympic Committee spokesman Craig Spence was asked to update the status of the Afghan athletes, but could not offer much.

“We’ve left them be for the last few days to focus on competition,” he said. “We’ll now start to have conversations about what happens in terms of the closing ceremony and where they go next. Those are the conversations we’ll be having in the coming days.”

The closing ceremony is Sunday.

Several countries, including Australia, have been mentioned as possible destinations.

Also, Belgian wheelchair athlete Jochaim Gerard has been hospitalized after feeling faint on Tuesday evening in the Olympic Village.

Spence said Gerard, ranked No. 3 in wheelchair tennis, had a “cardiac” issue. He was in stable condition and was expected to remain in the hospital for tests, Spence said.

In a statement, the Belgian Paralympic Committee said Gerard “suddenly and unexpectedly felt faint” and was transported to a hospital. It said he regained consciousness in the hospital and could answer questions. AP

ZAKIA KHUDADADI couldn’t fare well enough in Tokyo. AP