BusinessMirror September 10, 2021

Covid seen in slowing PHL export growth

By Cai U. Ordinario

Exports growth is the slowest since February 2021 when exports contracted 1.4 percent. The country’s export earnings this year peaked at 74.1 percent in April.

“One reason could be the momentary closure of one of China’s major port because of Covid,” UnionBank Chief Economist Ruben Carlo O. Asuncion told the BusinessMirror. “Countries around us were having challenges already because of [the] Delta variant.”

Apart from the Delta variant, Asuncion said it is also possible that the chip shortage being experienced in the auto and electronic consumer goods also affected the country’s performance.

@caiordinario

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HE surge in Covid-19 cases in many of the country's trade partners and the ongoing container crisis may have caused the slowdown in the country’s export growth, according to local economists.

On Thursday, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported that the country’s export growth slowed to 12.7 percent in July, the lowest in seven months.

(See: https://businessmirror.com. ph/2021/09/09/phl-exports-grow12-7-in-july-in-3rd-consecutivemonth-performance-slowed/)

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PSA data showed that exports of automotive electronics contracted 52.7 percent in July 2021, the second lowest performance among commodity groups. The lowest was sugar which contracted 77.9 percent in July 2021.

BPI Chief Economist Emilio S. Neri Jr. said the bottlenecks in the supply chain here and abroad may have also tempered export growth.

He said these bottlenecks may have also caused the country's exporters to run short of raw materials, thereby cutting down their shipments to various parts of the world.

“Materials will continue to

come in and will probably keep exports strong but flow may be intermittent even through mid-2022,” Neri told the BusinessMirror.

Former Dean of the University of the Philippines School of Economics Ramon L. Clarete agreed, and said the demand for certain commodities may still be down given the current situation.

He added that the recent growth of exports in the March -to-June period may have also been caused by low base effects, given that the government closed 70 percent of the economy last year to contain the spread of Covid-19.

See “Covid,” A2

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Friday, September 10, 2021 Vol. 16 No. 331

TOP 10 RICHEST IN THE PHILIPPINES 2021 Manuel Villar

Sy siblings, Teresita (pictured), Elizabeth, Henry Jr., Hans, Herbert and Harley

Enrique Razon Jr.

1

Lance Jaime Zobel Dennis Gokongwei de Ayala Anthony & (pictured) Maria Grace and siblings, Uy Robina, Lisa, Faith, Hope and Marcia

2

3

4

$16.6 6.7 5.8 4

Tony Tan Caktiong

5

3.3

Andrew Tan

6

7

Ty siblings, Arthur (pictured), Alfred, Alesandra and Anjanette

Ramon Ang

8

9

10

2.8 2.7 2.6 2.3 2.2

(in billion dollars)

SOURCE: FORBES.COM/PHILIPPINES

The 2021 rankings for Forbes’ 50 Richest List in the Philippines is out, with some old names slipping from the Top 10, but several young entrepreneurs making the cut. Individually, former Senate President Manny Villar remains as the country’s richest, though the Sy siblings as a group remain at the top of the Forbes Richest List. For full story, see “Companies,” page B1.

D

By Bianca Cuaresma

@BcuaresmaBM

ESPITE the recently announced acceleration in the country’s inflation rate and the impending US monetary policy normalization, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Benjamin Diokno is keeping his resolve to maintain low interest rates for as long as possible to support economic recovery.

See “Despite,” A2

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FACTORY OUTPUT POSTS 3-DIGIT GROWTH AGAIN

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HE country’s manufacturing output posted another three-digit growth, the fourth consecutive level of increase this year, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

Based on the results of the Monthly Integrated Survey of Selected Industries (MISSI), the Volume of Production Index (VoPI) surged 537.9 percent in July 2021.

This is the highest growth recorded for VoPI this year.

The three-digit growth streak started in April with a growth of 156.2 percent, followed by 267.5 percent in May and 459 percent in June 2021.

“Expansion in VoPI for the manufacturing sector in July 2021 was observed in 14 out of 22 industry divisions. The fastest-growth rate was reported in the manufacture of coke and refined petroleum products at 3,525.6 percent,” PSA said.

A far second was the man-

ufacture of fabricated metal products, except machinery and equipment which posted growth of 119.8 percent; followed by the manufacture of wood, bamboo, cane, rattan articles and related products which grew 57.4 percent.

However, PSA said the remaining eight industry divisions recorded declines, with the manufacture of tobacco products registering the fastest annual decline of -55.8 percent.

Capacity utilization

Meanwhile, the country’s average capacity utilization dipped to 66.7 percent from 67.7 percent in the previous month, according to PSA data.

The sector that posted the lowest average capacity utilization rate was the manufacture of leather and related products, including footwear at 31.8 percent.

See “Factory,” A2

Human toll of purely online classes: ₧11T

O

NLINE classes could result in production losses of P11 trillion over a 40-year period, according to estimates of the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda), which underscored the need to provide for a hybrid setup allowing face-to-face classes in less risky areas.

In a Senate Finance Committee Hearing, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick T. Chua

said the losses will be spread over four decades, which is the working lifespan of individuals.

The estimate, Chua told the BusinessMirror, takes into account the low quality of education in the Philippines, which means that only 37 percent of the learning is absorbed via online classes.

In the United States, 52 percent is retained by students through virtual classes.

“What we are seeing is that the lack of face-to-face [classes] will limit the learning ability of students and that has a permanent effect over the lifespan of the student while he is in the labor force. With the best data that we have, we have an estimate that productivity loss over the next 40 years is going to be around P11 trillion for the one year where we had no face-to-face schooling,” Chua said.

Preventing further production losses is one of the reasons for Neda’s support of piloting face-to-face classes. Chua said this has already been planned for February and then August but due to the surge in cases during these periods, the government had to postpone the move which is now slated for January 2022.

n japan 0.4547 n UK 69.0674 n HK 6.4474 n CHINA 7.7598 n singapore 37.2620 n australia 36.9302 n EU 59.2507 n SAUDI arabia 13.3678

See “Human,” A2

Source: BSP (September 9, 2021)

News BusinessMirror

A2 Friday, September 10, 2021

Covid…

Continued from A1

April last year saw the steepest decline in export performance at a contraction of 41.3 percent followed by May, which contracted 26.7 percent; June, a decline of 10.1 percent. After peaking in April 2021, export earnings slowed to a growth of 30.8 percent in May and 18.8 percent in June.

“The world demand is not vibrant as well. [But I also] think they’re coming from a very low base,” Clarete told the BusinessMirror.

Meanwhile, J.P. Morgan’s Nur Raisah Rasid said in a statement that seasonally adjusted data showed exports fell 2.2 percent month on month while imports declined 6.4 per month on month.

PSA data showed imports posted growth of 24 percent in July 2021, slower than the 43.4-percent growth in June 2021 but faster than the decline of 20.8 percent in July 2020.

Import growth peaked in April 2021 with growth of 153.1 percent.

After this, import growth slowed to 55.8 percent in May; 43.4 percent in June; and 24 percent in July.

“The faster-than-expected widening of the trade deficit over recent months reflects a broad-based imports upturn and a stall in exports.

The imports rise in part reflects price effects from the broad upturn in global commodity prices,” Rasid said.

“Against a backdrop of firm commodity prices and a gradual economic reopening, we expect overall imports to trend higher in the coming quarter, raising US$ demand,” he added.

www.businessmirror.com.ph

DTI seeks early release of rules for granular lockdowns in NCR

By Tyrone Jasper C. Piad

T

@TyronePiad

HE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) hopes to finalize the granular lockdown guidelines soon in time for the rescheduled pilot testing in Metro Manila.

Trade Secretary Ramon M. Lopez told reporters on Thursday that the granular lockdown implementation was deferred as the government continues to finalize the related guidelines—a sudden move that caught many people by surprise, throwing off-track many businesses making preparations for the shift from a modified enhanced commu-

Despite…

Continued from A1

In a briefing on Thursday, the BSP chief said their latest forward guidance on monetary policy still reflects

nity quarantine (MECQ), and inviting criticism.

“Hope to finalize guidelines soon so we can start after that date,” he said, referring to September 15 when the MECQ is lifted in the National Capital Region (NCR).

“We want granular lockdown system to be more balanced in allowing more economic activities

their commitment toward preserving adequate policy support “for as long as necessary” to ensure the sustainability of economic recovery.

“The emerging outlook of a manageable inflation and nascent growth allows the BSP to maintain its accommodative monetary policy stance to

and jobs while keeping control of Covid Delta cases, the DTI chief said.

The lockdown protocol in NCR was supposed to be eased to general community quarantine (GCQ) with alert level scheme by September 8, as it was also subject to pilot testing of granular lockdown measure.

A day before the shift to GCQ, however, the Covid-19 Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) said the MECQ was extended until September 15 for NCR, deferring implementation of the previously announced measure.

Lopez earlier said that the granular lockdown guidelines break down the degree of restrictions into levels 1-4; with 4 being the most restrictive.

He stressed that people are not allowed to go in and out of the vicinity under lockdown, except for health-care workers.

The lockdown may be placed for 14 days, he said, explaining that the period may be adjusted depending on the situation.

The sudden shift to MECQ by the government was heavily criticized by the business sector, saying it should be careful when making pronouncements as they affect operations.

Among those who aired their dismay was Edgardo G. Lacson, acting president of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Lacson said that the “cancellation of the implementation of granular lockdown diminishes the credibility of official policy announcements.”

help strengthen domestic demand and support business and consumer confidence, thereby facilitating the growth momentum to gain further traction in the coming months,” Diokno said.

Forward guidance pertains to public statements from central banks concerning the likely future path of monetary policy settings based on the latest economic and financial developments.

Inflation in the country recently shot back up to 4.9 percent and hit its highest in more than two years. The US Fed, meanwhile, said that the US economy has made progress toward its goals of price stability and maximum employment and may start hiking its rates soon.

“The anticipated normalization in US monetary policy has led to some concerns regarding its financial market implications, particularly for emerging economies,” Diokno said.

“The Philippine economy is well-placed to weather an environment of tighter global financial conditions in the event of US monetary tightening, given the economy’s macroeconomic fundamentals and the continued availability of policy space from authorities,” he added.

The governor also said that against a backdrop of a more challenging global economic environment, the BSP “remains focused” on preserving the appropriately supportive stance of monetary policy amid emerging risks to the recovery outlook.

Diokno said emerging risks including the possible spillovers from external developments that may affect domestic inflation dynamics, capital flows, and the exchange rate.

“The BSP will continue to carefully communicate its future policy intentions to reduce uncertainty and foster a quicker and durable recovery,” Diokno added.

Human…

mates because of inflation adjustments. However, Chua assured that the method of ADB and Neda are the same except for the adjustment for inflation in the government estimates.

The authors noted the recent Asian Development Outlook (ADO) estimates that school closures will lead to $1.25 trillion in future earnings losses in Asia and the Pacific. This assumes that every student loses $180 every year from their expected future annual earnings.

In the same study, ADB estimated loss in lifetime earnings of Filipino children at as high as $36.138 billion under the “pessimistic” scenario. The loss in lifetime earnings could reach $26.904 billion under the optimistic scenario and $30.696 billion in the intermediate scenario.

Continued from A1

“We had the plans, it was already approved but deferred twice. But we are still keen to plot as soon as we can once this surge is over in the least risky areas. So my position is, I also don’t know what to expect but I would like to pilot so that I'll know what will happen,” Chua said.

ADB estimates

Chua said the Neda estimates are higher than the ADB esti-

Bakuna bubbles

Chua said he supported the pilot of “bakuna bubbles” proposed by the business community. He

Factory…

Continued from A1

This is the sector’s lowest since March 2021 when it posted the same average capacity utilization rate.

The rate is also slower than the 36.4 percent it posted in July 2020.

The sector that saw the largest decline in average capacity utilization rate between June and July 2021 was the manufacture of chemical and chemical products which saw a 5.8-percentage-point drop in average capacity to 57.2 in July from 63 percent in June 2021.

This was followed by the manufacture of rubber and plastic products which posted an average capacity utilization rate of 69.6 percent in July 2021, a 5.2-percentage point decline from the 74.8-percent it posted in June 2021.

However, the manufacture of wood, bamboo, cane, rattan articles, and related products posted the highest increase in average capacity utilization rate in July 2021 of 8.8 percentage points to 54.4 percent from 45.7 percent in June 2021.

PSA said 19 of the 22 industry divisions had more than 50-percent average capacity utilization rate.

This was led by the manufacture of other non-metallic mineral products at 81.1 percent; manufacture of tobacco products, 78.3 percent; and manufacture of furniture, 74.1 percent.

The MISSI is now termed the Production Index and Net Sales Index. It is a report that monitors the production, net sales, inventories, and capacity utilization of selected manufacturing establishments to provide flash indicators on the performance of the manufacturing sector.

Cai U. Ordinario

said implementing a pilot of this scheme could provide more information on which policies work and which ones do not.

He said the pilot of the bakuna bubble scheme can be done “across the board” in Metro Manila and “gradually and slowly” expand its implementation. The country could start from a capacity of 10 percent to 20 percent, and so on.

“I would not start with 50 percent or 100 percent,” Chua said.

Chua said while the situation is still volatile at this time, some efforts must be made, such as ramping up the vaccination drive to make it possible to protect millions from contracting a severe case of the virus.

Other measures include social distancing and dining out or in places that are not well ventilated.

These are the most common reasons for the spread of Covid-19.

With these safeguards in place, Chua said it is likely that activities such as dining out will not be possible for the remainder of the year.

“I think over the medium term, the 100 [percent capacity] might not be possible. But it doesn’t necessarily mean they will lose the business. We are promoting digital transactions very well. We have to look at other alternatives to operate (businesses),” Chua said.

Last week, Presidential Adviser and Go Negosyo founder Joey Concepcion said areas in Metro Manila that have high vaccination rates can be turned into "Bakuna Bubbles" where residents can move freely and enter establishments saying this can help the National Capital Region (NCR) and, eventually, the country to coexist with Covid-19. Cai U. Ordinario

The Nation BusinessMirror

Editor: Vittorio V. Vitug

A4 Friday, September 10, 2021 A3

Lorenzana pushes ‘clarifications’ on US defense commitment to Philippines

By Rene Acosta

@reneacostaBM

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efense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana has called for a review of the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) with the United States to clarify the Philippines on its ambiguities and possibly incorporate provisions that could directly deal with security issues in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) against China.

The defense chief, who is in the US for the 70th anniversary of the MDT,

said that unlike Japan’s security agreement with the Americans which covered the Japanese-claimed and occupied Senkakus being claimed by Beijing, the defense treaty is silent on the WPS, which is also a subject of China’s claims.

“Much is to be desired in terms of the 70-year-old alliance, given what is happening in the South China Sea and beyond, not to mention the Philippines’s commitment to cultivate a more balanced relations with other countries in the region,” Lorenzana

said at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, DC. While he acknowledged American officials’ consistent pronouncements of “iron clad” commitment to the defense of the country and China’s attack in the WPS would automatically active the MDT, Lorenzana wanted a “reiteration and further clarification of the precise extent of American commitments to the Philippines” under the treaty.

“This is immensely relevant against the backdrop of rising tensions in the

South China Sea, including the prospect of a Chinese Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) declaration, forcible expulsion of Filipino troops stationed over the Second Thomas Shoal [part of Philippine continental shelf] or reclamation and militarization of the Scarborough Shoal,” he said.

Pushing it further, the defense secretary wanted “revisions and additions” in the MDT and on other defense and security agreements between the two countries in order for the Philippines

have a “maximum possible cooperation and interoperability” in dealing with so-called Chinese-borne “gray zone” threats in the WPS. He identified one of the gray zone threats as that of the “state-sanctioned/ supported maritime militia forces that have been intimidating smaller claimant states and their fishermen in recent years.”

“The US Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim has publicly suggested that the MDT could also apply

to this type of hybrid warfare strategy deployed by the likes of China.

But we need more specific operational discussions and, eventually, joint activities within the bounds of our existing defense commitments,” Lorenzana said.

The defense chief also hinted for a more robust assistance in terms of assets and equipment from the US, noting that while the country is a treaty partner, it has been getting less compared with the non-treaty allies of the US.

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A4 Friday, September 10, 2021

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

17-M Pinoys likely to remain poor as govt misses 2022 poverty goal

By Cai U. Ordinario @caiordinario

S

OME 17 million Filipinos are expected to remain poor next year as the government may likely fail to meet its poverty target by 2022, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda).

In a Senate hearing on Thursday, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick T. Chua said by next year, the country’s poverty rate would be reduced to 15.7 percent.

This is 1.7 percentage points higher than the 14-percent target set by the Duterte administration.

Chua said if it were not for the pandemic, a poverty rate of 14 percent by 2022 would have easily been met. However,

due to the need to contain the virus, the government had to impose mobilit y restrictions, which caused job losses and led to an increase in poverty.

“We are hoping that by next year we will improve to as low as 15.7 percent. These are of course very fluid because every time there is a surge, that creates the need for an ECQ [enhanced community quarantine] and there

Lean season rice stockpile up 6.1% to 2.233 MMT

By Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas @jearcalas

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HE country’s total rice inventory at the onset of the lean season stood at 2.233 million metric tons (MMT), 6.1 percent higher than the 2.104 MMT recorded in the same period of last year, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said. “ Mo nt h - o n - mo nt h , r i c e stocks inventory fell by 11.8 percent f rom t he prev ious month’s inventory of 2,530.82 thousand metric tons,” the PSA said in its monthly report on the country’s rice and corn stocks inventory.

Historical PSA data showed that nationwide rice inventory as of July 1 declined for the third consecutive month. PSA data also showed that it is the lowest in four months, since the 2.080 MMT recorded in March.

The PSA said about 46.7 percent of the July 1 rice inventory were stored in commercial warehouses/ wholesalers/retailers while 44.1 percent were in households.

The PSA added that rice held

by National Food Authority (NFA) warehouses accounted for 9.2 percent of the total volume.

PSA data showed that rice inventory in the commercial sector reached 1.041 MMT, while staple stored in households was at 985,550 MT. Rice stocks in NFA warehouses were estimated at 205,820 MT, based on PSA data.

“Relative to the previous yea r’s level, r ice stoc k s in households and NFA depositories

declined by 8.2 percent and 7.5 percent, respectively. However, r ice stoc k s i n com merc i a l warehouses/wholesalers/ retailers rose by 28.9 percent,” it said.

“In comparison with previous mont h ’s level, r ice stoc k s in households, commercia l warehouses/wholesalers/retailers and NFA depositories contracted by 13 percent, 11.2 percent, and 8.6 percent, respectively,” it added.

In the same report, the PSA said nationwide corn stocks inventory as of July 1 expanded by 24.6 percent to 924,250 MT from 741,660 MT recorded in the same period of last year.

However, the latest corn inventory was 3.9 percent lower than the 962,070 MT recorded in June, the PSA added.

“Total corn stocks for the mont h compr i s e d of 10.7 percent from households and 89.3 percent from commercial warehouses/wholesalers/ retailers,” it said.

Cor n stocks held by the commerc i a l sector reac hed 825,750 MT while household corn inventory was estimated at 98,500 MT, based on PSA data.

“Year-on-year, corn stocks in households and commercial warehouses/wholesalers/ retailers rose by 28 percent and 24.2 percent from its respective levels in the previous year,” it said.

“The corn stocks in households dropped by 29.2 percent compared w ith the prev ious month ’s level. However, corn stocks in commercial warehouses/ wholesalers/retailers increased by 0.3 percent,” it added.

is the corresponding increase in the number of unemployed and poor. The sooner we address this, recover and catch up, the sooner we can bring the poverty reduction trend back,” Chua said.

Chua said in 2015, the country’s poverty rate was at 23.5 percent but this was reduced to around 17 percent in 2018 due to various reforms instituted by the Duterte administration.

However, due to the pandemic, the poverty rate increased to 18.3 percent covering 20 million of the country’s population. This year, poverty incidence is expected to decline to 17.5 percent or 19 million poor Filipinos.

“It is declining but we want it [to decline] faster,” Chua said.

This week, local economists, however, said the increase in i nf l at ion w i l l l i kely temper Philippine economic growth in the second half of the year and make it more difficult for poor Filipinos to meet their basic needs.

They made the assessment a s t he Ph i l ippi ne St at i st ic s Authority (PSA) reported that the country’s inflation rate increased to 4.9 percent in August, the highest since December 2018 when it was at 5.1 percent. (See: https://businessmirror.com. ph/2021/09/07/as-food-pricesrise-inflation-jumps-to-2year-high-of-4-9-in-august/).

The PSA data also showed the inflation rate experienced by the poorest Filipinos or the Bottom 30 percent of the population was higher at 5.2 percent in August. This is also the highest since January 2019 when the inflation rate also averaged 5.2 percent.

University of Asia and the Pacific School of Economics Dean Cid L. Terosa told the BusinessMirror that economic recovery is crucial in poverty reduction. The growth of the economy allows for the creation of more jobs, giving more Filipinos the opportunity to secure their livelihoods.

Ateneo Eagle Watch Senior Fellow Leonardo A . Lanzona Jr. and Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) Senior Research Fellow Roehlano M. Briones told the BusinessMirror that higher inf lation will not automatically lead to an increase in poverty.

Lanzona explained that higher inf lation can be good for the economy if rising commodity prices stemmed from greater demand. This will lead to higher labor productivity and incomes for Filipinos.

However, in a briefing on Tuesday, National Statistician Claire Dennis S. Mapa said the increase in inflation was mainly due to supply constraints. This, he said, was observed in the 12.4-percent increase in fish prices.

Mapa said vegetable prices rose 13.5 percent in August because of bad weather and restrictions in certain areas which made the transport of these goods more expensive.

Drilon deplores Duterte admin’s ‘skewed’ 2022 budget priorities

By Butch Fernandez @butchfBM

S

ENATE Minority Leader Franklin Drilon deplored Thursday the Duterte administration’s skewed 2022 national budget priorities leaving “in limbo” crucial funding for vaccine supply to contain the deadly coronavirus 2019 (Covid-19) contagion, even as it allocated P280 billion for the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).

The opposition lawmaker lamented that the 2022 national budget, endorsed by Malacañang for early approval by Congress “left in limbo funds for Covid-19 vaccine booster shots, health workers’ special risk allowance [SRA].”

Drilonstressed theneedforthebooster shots, reminding that vaccine efficacy wanesaftersixmonths,leavinghealth-care workers vulnerable by October.

In a news statement, the Minority Leader took issue on how the funds for Covid-19 vaccine booster shots and the special risk allowance of medical frontliners can “remain in limbo while the NTF-ELCAC is certain to receive P28 billion funding” in the proposed 2022 National Expenditures Program (NEP).

He stressed the acquisition and inoculation of booster shots is “made necessary by the fact that the efficacy of vaccines wanes after six months, leaving the health-care workers, who were among the first who were vaccinated in the country, vulnerable.”

The senator wondered whether “we will ever reach herd immunity when the vaccines’ efficacy wanes after 6 months,” noting this means that health workers vaccinated in

March would be vulnerable again by October as the effect of the vaccine wanes.

Drilon stressed the need for the Duterte administration to ensure funding is set aside, saying Dapat po itong lagyan ng tiyak na pondo, this being part of the unprogrammed funds is symbolic of the government’s priorities.”

He added that funding for NTF-ELCAC is part of the programmed appropriation, while the funds for Covid-19 booster shots in the unprogrammed fund, noting that the unprogrammed funds may only be released when total revenues exceeded the target or through loan or aid.

Drilon denounced that while the funding for the booster shots were left to chance as it is in the unprogrammed fund, the funding for NTFELCAC is guaranteed in the NEP. The Minority Leader reminded that in the face of these challenges, the proposed investment on the health and social services sectors is grossly inadequate.

He recalled that the Duterte administration is targeting to vaccinate 70 percent of the population by the end of the year and 90 percent to reach herd immunity by 2022, but the senator noted that as of September 5, only 15 million individuals have been fully vaccinated.

Drilon added: “Only when we effectively manage the threat of Covid-19 can economic activity resume.

But how can we do that if we continue to disregard as we have disregarded in this budget the health sector?”

Moreover, the senator said DOH only ranks fourth in the departments that will receive the biggest budget in 2022, with P242 billion behind the De-

partment of Public Works and Highways and the Department of the Interior and Local Government that will receive P686.1 billion and P250.5 billion, respectively.

“Billions are allocated for intelligence and confidential funds but we cannot even bother to take care of the health workers by funding their Special Risk Allowance,” Drilon decried, adding “There is no line item in the budget for hazard pay. Not a single peso is allocated for our medical frontliners’ meals, accommodation, and transportation allowance.”

At the same time, Drilon described the P5 trillion proposed national budget the “most detached from reality” for prioritizing funding anti-insurgency against the backdrop of rising cases of Covid-19 in the country due to the spread of the Delta variant.

“For the past 23 years that I have been analyzing the budget, the 2022 budget, is the most detached from reality and has the most skewed priorities,” Drilon decried. “Are we saying that insurgency has become a bigger, more dangerous threat than Covid-19 and its fast-mutating variant? Why is antiinsurgency a budget priority for the next fiscal year? Are we saying that the NTF-ELCAC is more needed than our education sector?”

The Minority Leader wondered why, amid rising incidence of hunger, t he proposed budget does not provide funds for social amelioration program or “ayuda,” while the budget for Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program barely increased, prodding the Duterte administration to “provide economic stimulus in these times when our people are in such dire.”

Pasay mayor to traders: We’re doing our best to make biz in our city thrive

By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco Correspondent

P

A S AY C it y M a y o r E m i Calixto-Rubiano has assured the city’s businessmen that the city government is meeting the challenges of the pandemic to make businesses in Pasay thrive.

“As a public servant, I would just like to assure you that Pasay as an LGU [local government unit] is meeting the challenges of the pandemic. And we are doing our best to make businesses here in our city thrive despite [the obstacles],” Mayor Emi said, during the 29th Metro Manila Business Conference hosted by Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry–National

Capital Region (PCCI-NCR) chapter, wherein she also discussed the common concerns that affect both governance and business.

She added: “As mother and mayor of Pasay I fully understand the issues being faced by the businesses in this pandemic, we share the same governance and economic concerns on employment, generating income, adjusting to new realities, safety and health of our personnel, and the long term effects of Covid-19 on the strength and viability of our institutions.”

Recently, prominent officials of Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP), Philippine Ex por ters

Confederation (PhilExport) and Philippine Hotel Owners Association (PHOAI) formed Sulong Pasay to work with the Pasay City local government unit as well as other sectors in the society to come up with solutions that would stir economic growth with health protocols in mind.

Among the conveners of Sulong Pasay are PCCI chair A leg r ia Limjoco, PCCI President and former Ambassador Benedicto Yujuico, PCCI Director Injap Sia, PCCI Director former Tourism Secretary Mina Gabor, ECOP President Sergio OrtizLuis Jr., PhilExport Chairman George Barcelon, PHOAI President Arthur Lopez and Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) Chairman and former Finance Secretary Jose Pardo.

Solons...

Continued from A10

With the expected arrival of 61 million vaccines this month and in October, Galvez, meanwhile, said the government can have 70 percent fully-vaccinated people in high-risk areas by the end of October.

Boosters

HOWEVER, Iloilo Rep. Janette Garin said the government should prioritize the administration of a third dose over herd immunity.

“The third dose is what available now, therefore we should allow LGUs and private sector to procure [vaccines]. They might be able to save us. Because if you talk about herd immunity—am sorry, even if 100 percent [of the people] are vaccinated for two doses there’s no herd immunity to talk about because of the Delta variant,” she added.

Garin also expressed concern over DOH’s budget proposal for next year, particularly the categorization of the P45-billion Covid-19 booster program under unprogrammed funds.

Unprogrammed items are only funded if the revenue collection of the government exceeds the target.

Earlier, the DOH explained that it was the DBM’s decision to place the Covid-19 booster program under unprogrammed funds pending the approval of the government’s technical panel on the use of Covid-19 booster shots.

The DOH said it proposed a P104-billion Covid-19 booster budget, but DBM slashed the proposal to P45 billion and placed it under unprogrammed funds.

Probe...

Continued from A10

“All the elements were there: confiscation of passports, deprivation of freedom, and the use of force and intimidation.

From the start, this should have been treated as more than just the usual labor violations,” Ople said.

Hold accountable

EACH of the abused HSWs received 12,000 riyals each from the Al Jeaid household, which was brokered by the POLO. The concerned HSWs claimed they were told by the POLO they will have a hard time if they file charges against Al Jeaid, who remains influential in Saudi Arabia.

Upon their arrival in the country last week, the HSWs sought the assistance of BOPC so they could hold accountable the retired general to prevent other OFWs from suffering a similar ordeal.

Ople said they hired a lawyer to handle the case of the HSWs as well as coordinate with the Philippine embassy in Riyadh to look into the case.

“Philippine Ambassador to Riyadh Adnan Alonto also promised the Ople Center that it would look deeper into the case and that the embassy has filed a Note Verbale with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to request for assistance,” Ople said.

She said Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Administrator Hans Cacdac also pledged to give aid to the five HSWs. Samuel P. Medenilla

“ These are real and urgent concerns that we need to face. You have a very timely theme, ‘Innovation for Sustainable Entrepreneurship.’

Innovation is truly the intervention that we need, both internally among ourselves and from the government,” she said.

The mayor also tackled the apparent shift in doing business in which she highlighted the emergence of online trading as one of the most dominant business modes nowadays.

“These days, an online presence is important. Physical distancing imposes restrictions to customer mobility, therefore you bring your products and services to the customer,” she said stressing that online ordering and delivery are booming.

News BusinessMirror

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Editor: Vittorio V. Vitug • Friday, September 10, 2021 A5

Duterte names ex-NTF-ELCAC spokesman Parlade to key NSC post

P

RESIDENT Duterte has appointed the controversial former spokesman of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) as deputy director general of the

National Security Council (NSC).

In a brief news statement issued last Thursday, Presidential spokesman Harry Roque confirmed the new assignment of retired Lt. Gen. Antonio Parlade Jr.

“President Rodrigo Roa Duterte signed the appointment of Mr. Antonio G. Parlade Jr. yesterday, September 8, 2021,” Roque said.

Roque said they are banking on Parlade’s experience as a star rank

official of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to redound to the benefit of the NSC. “His length of fruitful service in the military would immensely contribute in the crafting of plans

and policies affecting national security,” Roque said.

During his stint in the NTFELCAC, Parlade drew public criticisms after he accused several highprofile personalities as members of

the communist movement.

This led some lawmakers to call for the defunding of the NTF-ELCAC. Prior to his retirement last July, Parlade also resigned from his post in the NTF-ELCAC. Samuel P. Medenilla

A6

Friday, September 10, 2021

The World BusinessMirror

As Covid infections post daily record, Singapore focuses on hospitalizations A

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

Dozen Hong Kong activists plead guilty over 2020 Tiananmen vigil

S

ingapore is shifting the focus of its daily reports to hospitalizations to turn attention to its medical capacity alongside plans to manage the virus as endemic, as the country’s daily count of Covid cases in the local community rose to the highest it’s ever been.

At 81 percent, Singapore has the best vaccination rate in the world among countries of more than 1 million people, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. Yet daily cases—the vast majority of which are mild or asymptomatic—are on the rise.

There are signs that Singapore’s mass vaccination is holding down

serious cases. While the overall number of daily local cases has doubled in the past week to 347, the number of serious cases requiring supplemental oxygen or intensive care is about the same as last week.

Singapore is changing the way it reports the Covid-19 situation.

The Ministry of Health is now

leading its daily report with data on serious cases in a shift that focuses attention on its hospital capacity instead of the rising number of cases.

The city-state will no longer report the number of linked and unlinked cases “as this is no longer as relevant as before, given our current strategy of living with Covid-19,” the ministry said in a statement accompanying its daily update, which will also be cut to once instead of twice a day from Thursday.

“We are now in a very different stage of our battle against Covid-19,” the health ministry said.

The revamped reports will “reflect the salient issues” such as whether hospital capacity is getting overwhelmed, it said.

While the daily report doesn’t list Singapore’s system-wide capac it y, pre v iou s s t ate me nt s

suggest the city-state isn’t anywhere close to its limits. For example, Health Minister Ong Ye Kung in July said as many as 1,000 ICU beds could be made available to Covid-19 patients if needed. Just six are in ICU now. At its peak, in April of 2020, there were as many as 32 people in ICU. Singapore is also looking to expand its health care capacity beyond critical care. The government has space for more than 5,500 Covid-positive people with mild or no visible symptoms in community care facilities, which is about 2,000 more beds than the total number of people in Singapore who got Covid over the last month.

Additionally, the government is piloting a program that would allow some mildly ill patients to recover at home. Bloomberg News

dozen Hong Kong activists, including a former chief executive candidate and the former head of the city’s biggest protest group, have pleaded guilty to charges related to a vigil last year to commemorate the Tiananmen Square crackdown.

Albert Ho, a former Democratic Party leader who sought the city’s top office in 2012, and Figo Chan, ex-convener of the Civil Human Rights Front, were among seven defendants who pleaded guilty in District Court on Thursday to taking part in the banned protest and inciting others to do so. Another five, including former lawmakers Leung “Long Hair” Kwok-hung, Cyd Ho and Yeung Sum, pleaded guilty to a single charge of taking part in the June 4, 2020 gathering.

“No matter how they suppress us, freedom will bloom,” Chan said during the hearing. “Democracy will triumph and return.”

Thousands of activists defied a police ban to go ahead with the candlelight vigil in Victoria Park, which drew tens of thousands of people annually, including a record 180,000 on the Tiananmen crackdown’s 30th anniversary in 2019. Although government officials blame the ban on the need to prevent coronavirus outbreaks, democracy advocates have accused them of using the pandemic to curb freedoms guaranteed to the former British colony before its 1997 return to Chinese rule.

Government prosecutions have swept up scores of Hong Kong’s most prominent activists in the wake of historic street protests in 2019. Some defendants in Thursday’s case, such as Ho and Chan, are already serving jail time for their roles in separate protests and faced pressure to plead guilty to keep their prison terms from getting even longer.

Bloomberg News

The World

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A7

Covid infections surge in US: Summer of hope ends in gloom

W

ASHINGTON—The summer that was supposed to mark A mer ic a’s i ndependence from Covid-19 is instead drawing to a close with the US more firmly under the tyranny of the virus, with deaths per day back up to where they were in March.

The Delta variant is filling hospitals, sickening alarming numbers of children and driving coronavirus deaths in some places to the highest levels of the entire pandemic. School systems that reopened their classrooms are abruptly switching back to remote learning because of outbreaks. Legal disputes, threats and violence have erupted over mask and vaccine requirements.

The US death toll stands at more than 650,000, with one major forecast model projecting it will top 750,000 by Dec. 1.

“It felt like we had this forward, positive momentum,” lamented Katie Button, executive chef and CEO at two restaurants in Asheville, North Carolina.

“The Delta variant wiped that timeline completely away.”

It wasn’t supposed to be this way. More than six months into the US vaccination drive, President Joe Biden held a White House party on July Fourth to celebrate the country’s freedom from the virus, and other political leaders had high hopes for a close-to-normal summer.

Then the bottom fell out.

The summer wave was fueled by the extra-contagious Delta variant combined with stark resistance to vaccinations that formed along political and geographic lines, said Dr. Sten Vermund, of the Yale School of Public Health.

“The virus was more efficient in spreading among the unvaccinated so that you blunted the expected benefit of vaccines,” Vermund said.

The crisis escalated rapidly from June to August. About 400,000 Covid-19 infections were recorded for all of June. It took all of three days last week to reach the same number.

The US recorded 26,800 deaths and more than 4.2 million infections in August. The number of monthly positive cases was the fourth-highest total since the start of the pandemic.

The 2021 Delta-driven onslaught is killing younger Americans at a much higher rate than previous waves of the pandemic in the Northeast last spring, the Sun Belt in the summer of 2020 and the deadly winter surge around the holidays.

During the peaks of those waves, Americans over 75 suffered the highest proportion of death. Now, the most vulnerable age group for death is 50 to 64, according to data from US officials.

Overall, the outbreak is still well below the all-time peaks reached over the winter, when deaths topped out at 3,400 a day and new cases at a quarter-million per day.

T he US is now averag ing over 150,000 new cases per day, levels not

seen since January. Deaths are close to 1,500 per day, up more than a third since late August.

Even before the Delta variant became dominant, experts say there were indications that larger gatherings and relaxed social distancing measures were fueling new cases.

“We had been cooped up for over a year and everyone wanted to get out,” said Dr. David Dowdy, an epidemiologist at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. “In the face of that kind of strong change in behavior, even getting almost two-thirds of our adult population vaccinated wasn’t enough.”

The Covid-19 vaccines remain highly effective against hospitalization and death, but many tens of millions of eligible Americans remain unvaccinated.

Nearly 40 percent of Americans 12 and older are not fully protected.

In Rapid City, South Dakota, school officials have recorded nearly 300 cases among students and staff since classes began less than two weeks ago. Still, the majority of school board officials voted this week 5-2 against a proposed twoweek mask mandate.

“Nobody wanted to be here. Everyone wanted the personal freedom to be away from masks and free of illness,” said Amy Policky, who introduced the proposal with one other member. “But we have to look at the facts: We’re having illness rage through the school and the community, so what can we do?”

Still, Yale’s Vermund sees reasons to be cautiously optimistic about the next few months. Cases in most states appear to be plateauing and are likely to decline in the fall, buying health authorities more time to vaccinate adults and teenagers before flu season.

“If we can continue making progress between now and Thanksgiving, we may be able to substantially blunt the coronavirus surge in flu season,” Vermund said.

While the economy has been rebounding strongly over the past several months, hiring slowed sharply in August in a sign that the variant is discouraging Americans from flying, shopping or eating out.

And on Monday, unemployment benefits—including an extra $300 a week from the federal government—ran out for millions of Americans.

Button, the North Carolina chef, was feeling great heading into the summer.

Her team was mostly vaccinated in May and restrictions were loosening. But the crisis soon changed direction.

Button supports the mask mandate that was recently reinstated in her county but said her employees are exhausted by having to enforce it.

And since she has no outdoor seating, some diners have been less comfortable coming in.

“It’s hard to take a step forward and then take three steps back,” she said. AP

Taiwan president commissions domestic-made naval warship

S

U’AO, Taiwan—Taiwan’s president oversaw the commissioning of a new domestically made navy warship Thursday as part of the island’s plan to boost indigenous defense capacity amid heightened tensions with China.

President Tsai Ing-wen spoke at a naval base in Su’ao, on the island’s east coast, saying the ship “proves that on the path to becoming independent in national defense, no matter what difficulties arise, we can overcome them one by one.”

The ship known as the Ta Jiang and nicknamed a “carrier killer” was built by Lung Teh Shipbuilding Co., a Taiwanese company. The ship is designed to have air defense capabilities and can carry anti-ship missiles.

It is the first of six of its kind that will be commissioned by the navy.

Tsai has made boosting Taiwan’s domestic defense industry a priority. She has pushed the military aviation industry with the production of new trainer jets and called for the development of

more sophisticated systems by utilizing the island’s high-tech industries.

In addition, Taiwan is currently producing its own submarine after four years of research and design. It decided to built its own after Beijing successfully prevented it from purchasing such craft from abroad in recent years through the use of economic and diplomatic threats.

China claims Taiwan is a part of its national territory, although the two have functioned independently since a civil war in 1949.

In the past few years, Taiwan has faced increasing harassment from Beijing, which has sent fighter jets flying towards the island on a near daily basis.

On Sunday, China’s People Liberation Army sent 19 fighter jets toward the southwestern part of Taiwan’s air defense identification zone, the island’s Defense Ministry said.

In August, the PLA conducted live assault drills with a squad of fighter jets, antisubmarine aircraft and combat ships. AP

A8

Friday, September 10, 2021 • Editor: Angel R. Calso

Opinion BusinessMirror

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editorial

There’s something you can do to help

P

ublic schools nationwide will commence school year 20212022 next week, with no assurances that learners will get to see their friends everyday in school. Parents in low-risk areas are hoping that President Duterte will allow the piloting of face-to-face classes. Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque said on Monday the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) is set to present a plan to the President regarding the opening of in-person classes, particularly in areas with low Covid-19 cases.

The Department of Education hopes that more learners will enroll this school year amid the reality that the virus is still around, threatening students’ and teachers’ well-being. Covid pushed the DepEd in school year 2020-2021 to shift to online learning, television and radio-based instruction, modular and blended learning, which is a combination of two or more methods of instruction.

In the last school year, Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian said at least 2.3 million children did not enroll as the education system migrated to online modes of learning. “What we don’t want to happen is to have a permanent dislocation of children, and instead of studying, they would just go to work,” said Gatchalian, who heads the Senate committee on basic education, arts and culture.

Private schools in the country described as “a major concern” the low enrollment turnout in the private education sector in the second year of the implementation of online or distance learning system.

Joseph Noel Estrada, managing director of the Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations of the Philippines, told a recent Senate hearing that as of August 25 only 201,147 students have enrolled in private schools, considering that some have already started classes for school year 2021-2022. “We’re far from the over 2 million enrollees that we had last school year,” Estrada said, noting that private schools already saw a 50 percent decline in enrollment last school year from the 4.4 million students before the pandemic began.

DepEd figures show that 865 small private schools across the country stopped operations for the school year 2020-2021 due to low enrollment and inability to meet the requirements to conduct distance learning. Around 4,400 teachers lost their jobs and at least 56,000 students were affected. The school closures also harmed micro and small businesses that rely on school operations.

Child advocates in the Philippines warn that the prolonged closure of schools has created a crisis not just across education, but also for children’s mental health, well-being and safety. They said those who fall out of the education system are at greater risk of child marriage and other forms of abuse.

In 2020, the Department of Justice said reports of online sexual exploitation of children increased by 264 percent during the first few months of lockdown.

“Without serious, active intervention, many of these children who drop out will never get back into education,” said Rowena Legaspi, executive director of the Children’s Legal Rights and Development Center. “This will be a significant loss both at the individual level for them and their families, and also at the societal level.”

Globally, the United Nations estimates that, for the first time in history, about 1.5 billion children were out of school during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Rob Jenkins, global director of education at Unicef, said that even before the pandemic, much of the world had been experiencing a global learning crisis.

“Now we are running a risk of losing a generation of learners,” he warned. “It could have lifelong implications unless we move to catch-up programs offering full, comprehensive support to children—not just for their learning but also for their mental health, nutritional support and a sense of protection.”

Are we running the risk of losing a generation of Filipino learners because of Covid? We don’t want this pandemic to wipe out the country’s investments in human development. We have to do something to enable millions of Filipino children to access remote learning if in-person classes are still not possible.

We are all familiar with the old African proverb that says, “It takes a village to raise a child.” That’s true. Let’s not allow Covid to steal from us a generation of learners. Together, we can do it. All you have to do is ask the magic question: What can I do to help?

Since 2005

BusinessMirror A broader look at today’s business

Introducing the uSSSap Tayo Portal Aurora C. Ignacio

All About Social Security

H

ave you ever encountered visiting a page or web site of a private or government institution where their feedback mechanism is just one click away? How was your customer experience? Satisfying? Amazing? Rewarding? Or all of these?

If you were to visit the comment section of our Facebook Page, “Philippine Social Security System—SSS,” you will notice that many of the comments there are questions on how to avail of our programs and services and status verifications. The same goes for the transactions we receive through our other communication channels such as e-mail, call center, over-the-counter, postal mail, and other social-media accounts.

With the high volume of transactions that we receive, providing answers to each one of our stakeholders and the public’s queries can be a tremendous challenge. For the first seven months of 2021, our Member Services and Support Group received a monthly average of 398,705 e-mail transactions, 51,765 social-media transactions, 17,595 call center

transactions, and 1,273 mail/dropbox transactions.

Stopgap measures are in place to address this challenge, such as the continuous intensification of the dissemination of our information, education, and communication materials, and the improvement of our online presence amid the Covid-19 pandemic, among others.

Simultaneous with these measures, we have also exerted efforts to develop a long-term solution to this challenge. The realization of these efforts will be made possible through the Customer Relationship Management System portal tagged as the “uSSSap Tayo Portal” that we will launch today, September 10, 2021.

Through this portal, we aim to reduce the number of “how to” and status verification questions and

Moving towards digital payments

B

Earlier this week, we conducted the first public hearing on the measure.

And we are happy to note that both the public and private sectors welcomed the bill. They just asked that certain safeguards are included— such as a provision that allows for a transition period for the government instrumentalities and private sector proponents involved, considering that Internet connectivity is still uneven throughout the country.

Last July, the immensely popular Big Bad Wolf book sale was launched online for the first time in the country, offering shoppers nationwide a selection of up to 60,000 titles and discounts of up to 99 percent. Apparently, the online sale had stirred up much demand, the organizers extended it for another week due to popular demand—with Filipino consumers asking for stocks to be replenished.

Since the Covid-19 pandemic, such online promos have replaced the shopping bonanzas that previously attracted our people to the malls and convention centers. And where social distancing measures and safety protocols have made brickand-mortar retail untenable, online

and 8 percent in terms of value. By 2018, this had grown to 10 percent in terms of volume (roughly 470 million to 490 million per month, representing a twenty-fold increase) and 20 percent in terms of value (the equivalent of up to $24.39 billion).

Come the pandemic, the adoption rate only accelerated further such that by the first half of 2020, digital payments comprised 17 percent in terms of volume and 25 percent in terms of value.

Indeed, one can argue that the pandemic has caused a change in some Filipinos with regards to their attitudes and behaviors toward their handling of money. But that begs the question—by how much? In the October 2020 Consumer Payment Attitudes Survey by Visa, preference for cash among Filipinos had appar-

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improve the resolution time of such concerns by empowering our stakeholders and the public. It has three main features. The first is the Knowledgebase, which holds relevant information about SSS programs and services, including step-by-step guides; the second is the frequently asked questions (FAQs) section that has answers to common SSS queries; and the third is the facility for the viewing and submission of tickets wherein users can check the status of their current or previous concerns or lodge their queries and other concerns if they were not able to find the answers they needed.

The unique features of this portal will provide our stakeholders and the public with easier, simpler, and faster access to SSS information and complement other SSS electronic service channels such as the My.SSS Portal in the SSS web site, SSS Mobile App, Text-SSS, and Self-Service Express Terminals.

It can be accessed at https://bit. ly/uSSSapTayo. The Knowledgebase and FAQs section can be opened through the home page, and to view and submit tickets, users must create an uSSSap Tayo account and log in.

We are inviting everyone to join us at 10:00 a.m. today as we launch the uSSSap Tayo Portal through live streaming via our official Facebook Page. We will be having detailed dis-

Y the time this column comes out, two of the country’s biggest e-commerce platforms—Lazada and Shopee—would be wrapping up their respective “9.9” (September 9) online sales, where customers can purchase almost anything at either discounted rates or with free shipping. entrepreneurs, social media-driven shops, live selling, and e-commerce platforms have filled some of the vacuum and allowed a number of our people to continue spending for their needs and wants.

Clearly, the pandemic has accelerated the digital transformation of our people’s consumer habits —and with it, their adoption of digital forms of payment. In fact, even before the pandemic, more of our people started using online means to conduct their day-to-day transactions.

According to the Better Than Cash Alliance, digital transactions in 2013 accounted for only 1 percent of total transactions in terms of volume—some 26 million out of 2.5 billion payments per month—

cussions about the portal, including video presentations on how members, pensioners, employers, and the general public can set up their own account, generate tickets and browse through basic frequently asked questions on various SSS benefits and privileges.

The creation of the uSSSap Tayo Portal is one of the many milestones of the SSS in its digital transformation journey. Nevertheless, we remain committed to continuously improve our services to provide more convenient and efficient means of availing yourself of our programs and services.

The launch of this portal is part of the SSS’ 64th anniversary celebration with the theme, “expreSSS: Handog sa Miyembro, Serbisyong Makabago.” Aside from this, we are holding month-long online activities such as the Members’ Hour, which airs every Thursday for the month of September, Virtual Grandparents’ Day on September 17, and Virtual Balikat ng Bayan Awards on September 30, also through our Facebook Page.

See you all, and stay well and healthy!

Aurora C. Ignacio is SSS president and chief executive officer.

We welcome your questions and insights on the topics that we discuss. E-mail mediaaffairs@sss. gov.ph for topics that you might want us to discuss.

ently declined to five out of 10 from seven out of 10 before the pandemic.

If anything, it appears that while the times are a-changing, it seems we remain a country where cash is king (albeit one whose reign is being rapidly contested).

Either way, this is a welcome development, especially since the benefits of going cashless are numerous. For instance, the Better Than Cash Alliance estimated that fully digitizing social payments (such as those for the 4Ps, SSS, GSIS and PagIBIG) could save the government $100 million annually and result in 11 million additional transactional accounts among the largely unbanked population of the Philippines. Filipino businesses could even save up to $45 billion annually if they digitize their supplier payments, instead of relying on checks or even cash transfers.

It was with these in mind that we filed SBN 1764 or the Use of Digital Payments Act, which was co-authored by Sen. Grace Poe and whose counterpart in the House of Representatives was shepherded by Rep. Joet Garcia.

This measure seeks to lay down a broad policy through which national government agencies (NGAs), government-owned or See “Angara,” A9

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Opinion

SRSP is the way to go

The unselfish politician

BusinessMirror

Friday, September 10, 2021

EAGLE WATCH

TELLTALES

he Philippines is one among the most vulnerable countries in the world when it comes to disasters and climate change.

The impact of these disasters is compounded by socio-governance risks such as armed conflict, corruption, red tape, and political patronage. Truly, the millions of people living in poverty and the near-poor are always at the brink of survival when another disaster strikes.

he term “unselfish politician” may sound like an oxymoron but the truth is that such a paradox existed in the political life of our nation. In fact, we observed the 143rd birth anniversary of this extraordinary man yesterday, September 9. He is Sergio Osmeña Sr., better known as the “Grand Old Man of Cebu.” This exemplary politician is not only a model of dignity, serenity, temperance and wisdom but most of all of selflessness when others in government are driven by personal aggrandizement and selfish interest.

In my book, Osmeña is our country’s first statesman and no one comes close to him in this department. His patriotism was second to none and he was happy to subordinate his personal interests for the common weal. It’s tragic that Osmeña’s exemplary example is lost on our present crop of politicians. They profess themselves as patriots yet they will do anything to capture the presidency, or worse, circumvent the Constitution to keep it.

but of great ability, shrewdness, high ideals, and yet very practical in his methods of dealing with men and things.” Osmeña used these qualities to effectively serve his people. As the highest elected Filipino in the government, his power and prestige were only overshadowed by the American governor general. Meanwhile, he remained the president of the Nacionalista Party, a political banner that he co-founded with Quezon and other Filipino leaders. He adopted immediate and complete independence of the Philippines as its political platform, a crusade that he vigorously espoused in his patriotic paper, El Nuevo Dia. For this, some had regarded him as the Father of Filipino Nationalism. But not given to aplomb, Osmeña did not claim credit for it. But the fact is, as early as June 19, 1908, Osmeña had declared our people’s desire and readiness for independence in a speech he gave in a session of the Philippine Assembly: “Gentlemen of the Assembly... on my responsibility as Speaker of this House, I declare solemnly before God and before the world that…our people aspire for independence; that they consider themselves capable of conducting an ordered life, efficacious for themselves and for others in the concert of free and civilized nations; and that we believe that if at this instant the people of the United States should decide the case of the

Filipinos in favor of their liberty, they would, upon assuming all the consequent responsibilities, be able to comply with their duties to themselves and to others, without detriment to liberty, justice and right.”

Osmeña stayed in his post until 1916 when the Jones Law was approved, which promised independence to the Philippines. The enactment of this law by the US Congress was a tribute to Osmeña’s leadership. Under him, the Filipinos had demonstrated that they were capable of self-government. This law also created a bicameral legislature consisting of the House of Representatives (HoR) and the Senate. He chose to stay in the lower House and was elected as Speaker. Quezon, who was his deputy in the Philippine Assembly, ran for senator and was elected Senate President. As the head of the Upper Chamber, Quezon challenged Osmeña who was then the president of Nacionalista Party and charged him with unipersonal style of leadership. Quezon formed his own party and called it “Partido Nacionalista Colectivista,” or collective leadership. In the election of 1922, both Quezon and Osmeña ran for senator with their respective slates of candidates. A third party, Partido Democrata of Juan Sumulong, also took part in the elections. Not one of the 3 contending parties won the majority in either House. The feuding Osmeña and Quezon resolved their

Roger Cabiles

T

The government’s social protection (SP) programs are supposed to cushion the impact of different risks and hazards on the poor. In the Philippines, the Social Protection Operational Framework defines SP as policies and programs that seek to reduce poverty and vulnerability to risks and enhance the social status and rights of the marginalized. Some examples of social protection programs are the Sustainable Livelihood Program, Universal Health Care, emergency relief during disasters, the Social Amelioration Program in response to the pandemic, and other sector-specific programs for women, senior citizens, indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and the like.

In recent years, humanitarian actors and policy-makers have tweaked SP to make it more responsive to shocks and vulnerabilities. Shockresponsive social protection refers to social protection programs adapted and integrated with disaster risk management systems to help cope with localized stresses and largescale shocks. The goal of SRSP is to make SP responses effectively mobilized and rapidly expanded in the event of a shock or disaster. This means that even before the landfall of a typhoon, we should have anticipated, prepared, and provided SP programs so that the long-term detrimental effects can be avoided.

We have been used to doing disaster response after it strikes and after the damage has been done. Of course, providing disaster relief and the basic needs of those affected are important, but SRSP is about preparing, minimizing, and mitigating the risk so that vulnerable populations can build their absorptive capacities in anticipation of any natural or man-made disaster. For example, in Salcedo, Eastern Samar, the local government unit (LGU) partnered with organizations to be able to provide cash assistance to at-risk families three days before typhoon landfall.

They were able to do this through an innovation based on smart data early warning system combined with digital financial services technology so that targeted households can immediately access aid.

SRSP minimizes unnecessary damage to lives and livelihoods and greatly reduces the cost of responding to disasters. One significant finding is that early response protects human capital and saves us money.

Various studies show clear economic gains from early response, as it is far more cost effective than late emergency response. For example, ev-

Angara. . .

continued from A8

controlled corporations, and local government units (LGUs) are mandated to utilize digital payment platforms in their collection of taxes, fees, tolls, imposts and other revenues, as well in their payment of goods, services, and other disbursements.

Earlier this week, we conducted the first public hearing on the measure. And we are happy to note that both the public and private sectors welcomed the bill. They just asked that certain safeguards are included—such as a provision that allows for a transition period for the government instrumentalities and private sector proponents involved, considering that Internet connectivity is still uneven throughout the

ery invested dollar in early response and social transfers is equal to up to $3.30 in humanitarian response. A 2016 economic analysis estimated that the annual savings that would accrue to the Philippines as a result of introducing instruments that support SRSP would be $6.6 billion.

Recognizing how SRSP can make disaster programs more responsive and effective, national government agencies are jumping in to support it. Last July, DSWD signed a cooperation agreement with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations to establish an adaptive and shock-responsive social protection system in the Philippines.

They also launched the National ASRSP Roadmap that is approved by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council. At the local level, SRSP activities are being implemented by the Moving Urban Poor Communities Towards Resilience Project (MOVEUP 4). Part of MOVE UP activities are influencing and capacitating LGUs to review and enhance their SP programs by making them shock-responsive. Smallscale SRSP projects will be piloted in cities in Mindanao that respond to different shocks such as typhoons, flooding, and the Covid-19 pandemic. What we learn from this smallscale SRSP pilot activities will be used to advocate for replication and modelling for other LGUs. We have seen how natural and man-made disasters destroyed communities and impacted our economy. Also, this pandemic wiped out decades of investment in human development where the poor and vulnerable are the most exposed and often have the least means to cope. SP has a key role to play in ensuring the resilience of our people and our communities to both rapid and slow onset climate hazards and disasters.

We should build concerted efforts to strengthen the responsiveness of our social protection programs with attention to the most vulnerable so that we can protect our investments and hard work in reducing poverty.

SRSP and investing in resilience are the ways to go so that the hard-fought gains secured through inclusive and sustainable development will be ensured.

Mr. Roger Cabiles teaches economics at the Ateneo de Manila University. He is Head of Project and Consortium Manager of MOVEUP 4, a consortium project funded by the European Union and implemented by Action Against Hunger, PLAN International, CARE Philippines, and ACCORD Incorporated.

country. Some even suggested that the measure could facilitate government support for those communities that are “early” in their digital transformation and need a little bit more hand-holding in terms of capacitating their people and reengineering their processes.

Some issues still need to be ironed out in a technical working group. But hopefully, despite the limited session days left on account of the upcoming elections, we will be able to report out a measure that will jump-start our transition towards more digital payments.

Sen. Sonny Angara has been in public service for 17 years. He has authored and sponsored more than 200 laws. He is currently serving his second term in the Senate.

E-mail: sensonnyangara@yahoo.com| Facebook, Twitter & Instagram: @sonnyangara

Manny F. Dooc

T

Osmeña’s long and distinguished service to our country was marked by self-sacrifice. He was self-effacing, modest and unassuming unlike Manuel L. Quezon who was imperious, explosive and temperamental. But he was not timid in asserting our rights as a people. At the start of the American colonization, he founded a fearless newspaper in 1900, El Nuevo Dia (The New Day), which advocated freedom for the Filipinos. He wrote and published patriotic articles that kept alive the spirit of liberty, which our people briefly enjoyed under the blessings of independence declared on June 12, 1898 in Kawit, Cavite. Undaunted by the strict military censorship imposed by the American authorities, he promoted strong nationalism among his readers. The passage of the Sedition Act of 1902 had curtailed all forms of seditious attack against American colonialism. Eventually, the newspaper was banned and shut down after nearly three years of publication.

Osmeña was the foremost Filipino leader in the early American colonial government when he was elected as the Speaker of the First Philippine Assembly in October 1907 at the age of 29. Former Gov. General William Howard Taft, who later served as the President of the United Assembly, had remarked after witnessing Osmeña sworn into office: “He is a young man, not 30,

A9

differences and consolidated their forces against Sumulong. So as not to derail his party’s program for immediate and complete independence, Osmeña agreed for Quezon to keep the Senate presidency. Manuel Roxas, a Quezon ally, was elected to take Osmeña’s former post as Speaker of the HoR. Osmeña, a newly elected senator, became Senate President Pro Tempore under Quezon. Osmeña lost the supreme leadership of Filipinos serving the colonial government but he won our people’s respect as a champion of national unity. And this was not the full measure of Osmeña’s unselfish leadership since a greater test awaited him.

VP Osmeña could have succeeded Quezon as President of the Philippines on November 15, 1943 since the Philippine Constitution at that time placed an eight-year limit on the term of the president. The American authorities knew about this and legal experts of both countries agreed that Osmeña by operation of law would replace Quezon. Because of the war, Quezon did not want to step down although he was already sick, and on a number of occasion Osmeña had acted as president when Quezon was indisposed. Once more, Osmeña, not wanting to divide the country at a crucial time in our history, acted to preserve the unity of the Filipino leader while on exile abroad. Instead of exercising his constitutional right, Osmeña asked the US Congress to approve a resolution waiving the eight-year limit and allow Quezon to stay in office until the end of the war. This act of self-sacrifice on the part of Osmeña has no equal in our political history. In my book, Osmeña is our country’s first statesman and no one comes close to him in this department. His patriotism was second to none and he was happy to subordinate his personal interests for the common weal. It’s tragic that Osmeña’s exemplary example is lost on our present crop of politicians. They profess themselves as patriots yet they will do anything to capture the presidency, or worse, circumvent the Constitution to keep it.

WHO chief urges halt to booster shots for rest of the year

By Jamey Keaten | Associated Press

G

ENEVA—Rich countries with large supplies of coronavirus vaccines should refrain from offering booster shots through the end of the year and make the doses available for poorer countries, the head of the World Health Organization said Wednesday, doubling down on an earlier appeal for a “moratorium” on boosters that has largely been ignored.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus also said he was “appalled” after hearing comments Tuesday from a top association of pharmaceutical manufacturers that vaccine supplies are high enough to allow for both booster shots for people in well-supplied countries and first jabs in poorer countries that face shortages. He said that’s already been the case.

“I will not stay silent when companies and countries that control the global supply of vaccines think the world’s poor should be satisfied with leftovers,” he told a news conference. “Because manufacturers have prioritized or been legally obliged to fulfill bilateral deals with rich countries willing to pay top dollar, low income countries have been deprived of the tools to protect their people.”

Tedros had previously called for a moratorium on boosters through the end of September. But wealthy countries—including Britain, Denmark, France, Greece, Germany, and Spain—have begun or are considering plans to offer third shots of two-dose vaccines to their vulnerable people such as the elderly or those with compromised immune systems.

Israel has been providing third doses to a wide swath of people who already received a full two-dose regimen months earlier. And last month, United States health officials recommended that all Americans get boosters to shore up their protection

amid evidence that the vaccines’ effectiveness is falling. WHO officials insist the scientific justification for boosters remains unclear.

Tedros acknowledged that third doses might be necessary for at-risk groups, but said: “We do not want to see widespread use of boosters for healthy people who are fully vaccinated.”

Responding to the WHO calls on booster shots, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said the US has donated and shared about 140 million doses with over 90 countries, “more than all other countries combined.”

She added: “From Senegal to South Africa to India, we’ve made significant investments in boosting global productions of Covid vaccines. At the same time, the President and this administration has a responsibility to do everything we can to protect people in the United States.”

US health officials are continuing to assess the science and utility of boosters, and there are growing indications that the US may miss the Biden administration’s September 20 target date for a wide rollout of extra shots for vaccinated people.

The WHO chief said he received a message of “clear support” from health ministers at a meeting of the influential Group of 20 countries this week for a commitment to help hit a WHO target that all countries vaccinate at least 40 percent of their people by year’s end.

The WHO says 5.5 billion coronavirus vaccine doses have been administered so far, but 80 percent of those have been to upperand middle-income countries.

Rich countries have also offered to donate 1 billion doses to other countries, but fewer than 15 percent of those doses have “materialized,” Tedros said.

“A month ago, I called for a global moratorium on booster doses, at least until the end of September to prioritize vaccinating the most at risk people around the world who are yet to receive their first dose,” Tedros said. “There has been little change in the global situation since then.”

“So today, I’m calling for an extension of the moratorium until at least the end of the year to enable every country to vaccinate at least 40 percent of its population,” he said.

The WHO says 5.5 billion coronavirus vaccine doses have been administered so far, but 80 percent of those have been to upper- and middle-income countries. Rich countries have also offered to donate 1 billion doses to other countries, but fewer than 15 percent of those doses have “materialized,” Tedros said.

He noted that manufacturers have pledged to prioritize the UNbacked COVAX program, which aims to get vaccines to the neediest people in the world—no matter how wealthy the country.

“We don’t want any more promises. We just want the vaccines,” the WHO chief said.

Earlier Wednesday, COVA X managers again scaled back their target to ship doses this year, projecting about 1.4 billion doses will be available through the program by year-end—down from about 1.8 billion previously. They had origi-

nally hoped to ship 2 billion doses this year.

Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, which co-runs the program, said COVAX has faced setbacks including export restrictions from hard-hit India—a key producer of vaccines—as well as regulatory hurdles for some vaccine candidates and manufacturing troubles elsewhere. But it also said deliveries are ramping up strongly, and another 1.1 billion doses are expected to be available by yearend through the program, up from 330 million so far. Most of those doses have gone to or are destined for poorer countries.

The International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations said Tuesday that about 1.5 billion Covid-19 vaccine doses are now being produced every month, and cited projections that a total of 12 billion will have been produced by year-end.

Dr. Bruce Aylward, a top adviser to Tedros, acknowledged that “some countries may be going ahead with decisions” to widely administer boosters, but that the WHO call for a moratorium “makes a real difference.” He said some countries— which he did not identify—have approached the WHO about whether booster policies could be delayed.

But admittedly, the WHO’s first call for a moratorium through September has not fixed the gaping imbalance in access to vaccines. “[O]ur role is to make sure that we put forward the strongest possible arguments and way out of this pandemic—and the way out of that is a moratorium and to extend it,” Aylward said. “Because since the last time we called for it, the equity gap has gotten greater, the amount of vaccine available to low-income countries has gone down.” Aamer

Madhani in Washington DC contributed to this report.

A10 Friday, September 10, 2021

POE TO NEDA: GIVE US DATA TO JUSTIFY PSA

S

EN. Grace Poe prodded the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) Thursday to provide senators with necessary data on the projected impact of proposed amendments to the Public Service Act (PSA) on covered industries such as power generation, transportation, broadcasting, and telecommunications.

Poe pointed out that “liberalizing certain sectors is going through a hurdle because of national security concerns that we have to balance with economic concerns,” signalling to Neda officials that “If you are not going to make our argument strong enough by providing data, we might not be able to get what we want from here, which is the spirit of the law—liberalizing our economy.”

Poe raised the issue during the Development Budget Coordination Committee briefing for senators on the 2022 National Expenditure Program, telling Neda chief Karl Chua: “Since you are there already, I would like to air a few concerns.”

She continued: “As you [Chua] know, we are already in the period of amendments for the Public Service Act,” adding: “Perhaps, I would like to get from you, if let us say, we pass this, what are your projections? Which industries will benefit from it? How much can it

add to our economy?”

At the same time, Poe noted that while Neda is the lead agency assigned to the PSA, “there has been feedback saying the agency’s support to the crafting of the bill has been found wanting, particularly on research and data.”

She also asked Chua to provide lawmakers relevant information on how the Philippine economy and local sectors and industries will benefit from the passage of the bill.

Poe added: “We will tackle the amendments by next week. If you’re really serious about having a successful version of the bill passed, I think that you should give us projections for telcos, airlines, and shipping, especially the foreign ownership limits in all countries.”

President Duterte certified as urgent immediate passage of the amended Public Service Act and other measures seen to boost the country’s economic recovery from the pandemic.

Chua conveyed to lawmakers projections that as soon as the updated Public Service Act is passed into law, there will be marked interest especially in the telecommunications and transport sectors, considering the huge gap between what the country can provide and how much it actually needs. Butch Fernandez

Solons score NTF for sitting on multiparty vaccine deals

L

By Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz

@joveemarie

AWMAKERS on Thursday hit the National Task Force against Covid-19 for sitting on multiparty agreements (MPA) of local government units and the private sector for the procurement of vaccines.

During a hearing, House Committee on Economic Affairs Chairperson Sharon Garin of AAMBISOWA and House Deputy Speaker Rufus Rodriguez noted the delays in the signing of MPAs by vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr. and Health Secretary Francisco Duque III for the purchase of Covid-19 vaccines.

“I am really concerned, there are pending MPAs with you and you have not signed it. The cities, the provinces have already given to you.

They’re receiving no answer from your office,” Rodriguez told Galvez.

“These are money of the private entities and of the LGUs. We also have local autonomy. The MPAs should be signed and help them be able to get good pricing and even help them to get the supply,” he

added.

Rodriguez also asked the national government to respect local autonomy.

“The national government is playing God here. They say they want to protect the LGUs, but the LGUs are protecting themselves.

They have local autonomy. They know better how to protect their money. Secretary Galvez says we want to protect the LGU with the use of their money,” Rodriguez said.

For her part, Garin said there are already a number of LGUs and 300 private sector companies which have availed and signed the MPAs through the DOH and Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Disease (IATF) to procure the vaccines with

an estimated 10 million doses for their constituencies, as provided for in Republic Act 11525.

Garin said RA 11525 or the Covid-19 Vaccination Program Act of 2021 was enacted to address the adverse impact of Covid-19 through the procurement and administration of safe and effective vaccines by the national government.

She said it also provides the legal mechanism for LGUs and the private sector to source and procure, through the DOH and the task force, safe and effective Covid-19 vaccines.

RA 11525 recognizes the role of LGUs and the private sector in the vaccination program and allows LGUs and the private sector to procure Covid-19 vaccines through the DOH and NTF via MPAs. “Considering the recent surge of Covid-19 cases attributed to the more transmissible Delta variant and the confirmation of the first local case of the Lambda variant in the country, all efforts and support to ramp-up vaccination against Covid-19 should be welcomed and acted upon promptly by the concerned government agencies,” Garin said.

In other countries, Garin noted, leaders in government and private

DA bid to hike budget by ₧30B draws support

By Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas @jearcalas

L

AWMAKERS have thrown their support behind the proposed increase in the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) budget for next year by at least P30 billion, to sustain government efforts in boosting farm productivity and ensuring food security.

The DA said at least four lawmakers moved to increase the department’s budget at its 2022 budget hearing conducted by the House Committee on Appropriations last Wednesday.

Leading the bloc backing the higher DA budget was Magsasaka Partylist Rep. Argel Joseph Cabatbat, who said the 11.5-percent increase in the national budget should be “reflected” in the budget for the agri-fishery sector.

The increase in DA’s budget was also backed by Ilocos Sur Rep. Deogracias Victor Savellano, Cagayan de Oro City Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, Pangasinan Rep. Tyrone Agabas and KABAYAN Partylist Rep. Ron Salo.

The P30-billion proposed additional budget would bring DA’s total funding to P121 billion. Under the National Expenditure Program (NEP), the DA’s proposed budget for 2022 is at P91 billion, 1.05 percent higher than its P90 billion funding this year.

“Increased investments are well and good, but it is in increasing productivity levels and diversification that we will find our footing and transition towards a more vibrant agri-based food manufacturing industry and our uncontested name in export markets,” Agriculture Secretary William D. Dar said.

“Our investments should no longer be tied up in increasing production in traditional growth areas. That much is clear in the 18 key strategies we outlined in our ‘OneDA Reform Agenda’ and the food systems framework we had embraced,” Dar added.

At the hearing, Dar asked law-

makers to increase DA’s budget by at least P30 billion to bankroll programs aimed at boosting the country’s food supply.

“It is our good fortune to serve the government at such a difficult time. I humbly ask you—the Honorable Members of the House of Representatives—to consider our proposed 2022 strategies, plans and budget, for we are confident we are doing right by our expanded base of stakeholders: the farmers, fishers, consumers, entrepreneurs, and other industry partners in the Philippine food systems,” he said.

Besides sustaining efforts in rice production, Dar explained that the DA’s priorities in the succeeding years is to revitalize the hog industry and boost high-value crops production, particularly in commodities where the country has comparative advantages.

“We, therefore, seek sustained investments in rice, and increasing budgetary support for corn, highvalue crops, livestock, poultry, and fisheries,” the DA chief added.

Dar said the country “can still multiply the export potentials of Philippine mangoes, coconuts, pineapple, sugarcane, and milkfish.”

“We have made a name on the world stage through these exports, and we all know it takes deep resources to uphold world-class stature,” Dar said.

“We infused research for development, a previously ignored area, with heavy funding to develop value-added products for export markets, particularly coconut and banana,” he added.

Dar disclosed a wish to have the Philippines’s budget for agriculture on a par with Asean neighbors.

“For instance Vietnam devotes 6.5 percent of its national budget to the agri-fishery sector, while Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia have invested 3.4, 3.6, and 2.3 percent, respectively,” he said.

“We in the Philippines only allot 1.6 percent of our national budget to the agriculture sector. Hence, we have a lot of catching up to do,” he added.

sector are signing deals with manufacturers despite the lack of supply.

“Our last order was July 15. Everybody knows there’s a shortage but there are still orders coming in,” Garin said.

Galvez explains

FOR his part, Galvez said they could not sign MPAs without a direct contract and date of delivery from vaccine manufacturers.

“One, you cannot sign an MPA without a direct contract and no definite supply because this is included in the payment of terms.

That is due diligence. Second, even we have signed our contract, no supply will come to vaccinate because the supply will come in 2022,” Galvez said.

“Even I have signed, there will be no supply because there’s domestic problem in India,” he added.

Currently, Galvez also said vaccine manufacturers are not interested for MPAs as “it has become complicated and the coordination is too messy.”

“After the agreement with Manila, the Chinese ambassador and Sinovac said they will not anymore entertain any multilateral agreements,” he said.

See “Solons,” A4

Probe urged on PHL maids’ abuse case in KSA

A

MIGRANT advocate group sought a full investigation into how a retired Saudi general was still able to continue hiring overseas Filipino workers (OFW) despite a track record indicating a pattern of abuse.

In an online press briefing last Thursday, the Blas Ople Policy Center condemned how General Ayed Al Jeaid and his household treated at least five Filipino household service workers (HSW) as “modern slaves.”

“Let’s walk the talk when we say no Filipino is a slave by making sure that this sadistic family is exposed to the public and reported to the Saudi authorities for harming our women,” BOPC president Susan Ople said.

The victims include Analyn Villena, Mary Grace Bag-O, Ma. Cristina Quiachon, Annaliza Parayno and Ely Mae Merioles Ocampo, who allegedly suffered physical and verbal abuse in the household of Al Jeaid.

Continuous recruitment

OPLE questioned how Al Jeaid was able to hire the said HSWs by using different names in separate job contracts, which were approved by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), and the services of different recruitment agencies.

Bag-O’s contract was processed

by Leila International Services, Inc, while ERRX Recruitment Consulting recruited Quiachon and Villena this year.

Parayno and Ocampo were recruited by WiseRecruit Corp. to work for the general’s family in 2019.

Ople lamented how the concerned personnel in the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) treated the cases of the five HSWs as a mere labor-employer dispute instead of a more serious case of forced labor trafficking.

See “Probe,” A4

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

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

TANG, YUEXIN Marketing Specialist 1.

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

No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

HWANG, GUN HEE Korean Client Relation Specialist 14.

Brief Job Description: Good in solving problem and resolving complaints with full understanding of our administrative procedures. He is in charge in developing business growth and dealing with the difficult customer issues

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 24/7 BUSINESS PROCESSING INC. 5th-6th-7th Flr. 81 Newport Bl Newport City Brgy. 183 Pasay City

2.

WU, YANJIANG Customer Service Representative (chinese Accounts) Brief Job Description: Assists clients will all their concerns.

JUNG, JUNSIK Korean Client Relation Specialist Basic Qualification: Any nationality who can speak and write Chinese fluently. Preferably, 6 months to 1-year customer service experience. Detailoriented and has the ability to multi-task.

15.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 66 A-IDEA CONSULTING INC. Rm. 404 Caeg Building Dela Rosa St. Pio Del Pilar Makati City GAO, MIN Chinese Customer Officer 3.

Brief Job Description: Handling inbound and outbound service support calls LUO, SHIKUN Chinese Customer Officer

4.

Brief Job Description: Handling inbound and outbound service support calls RAN, SHUJUAN Chinese Customer Officer

5.

Brief Job Description: Handling inbound and outbound service support calls WANG, LEI Chinese Customer Officer

6.

Brief Job Description: Handling inbound and outbound service support calls ZHANG, FAN Chinese Customer Officer

7.

Brief Job Description: Handling inbound and outbound service support calls

JUNG, CHANGSU Korean Client Relation Specialist 16.

Basic Qualification: Proficient in reading, writing and speaking in mandarin

8.

Brief Job Description: Monitor, review and report on all marketing strategy and result

LIU, JIAN Marketing Staff Mandarin Speaking 9.

Brief Job Description: Monitor, review and report on all marketing strategy and result

LU, FEIHONG Marketing Staff Mandarin Speaking 10.

Brief Job Description: Monitor, review and report on all marketing strategy and result

WANG, XIAOLI Marketing Staff Mandarin Speaking 11.

Brief Job Description: Monitor, review and report on all marketing strategy and result

WU, XINGGUI Marketing Staff Mandarin Speaking 12.

Brief Job Description: Monitor, review and report on all marketing strategy and result

ZHENG, WEIXIANG Marketing Staff Mandarin Speaking 13.

Brief Job Description: Monitor, review and report on all marketing strategy and result

Brief Job Description: Good in solving problem and resolving complaints with full understanding of our administrative procedures. He is in charge in developing business growth and dealing with the difficult customer issues

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

KWON, SOONBEOM Korean Client Relation Specialist 17.

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

Brief Job Description: Good in solving problem and resolving complaints with full understanding of our administrative procedures. He is in charge in developing business growth and dealing with the difficult customer issues

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

LEE, HOOSUK Korean Client Relation Specialist

Basic Qualification: Proficient in reading, writing and speaking in mandarin

Brief Job Description: Good in solving problem and resolving complaints with full understanding of our administrative procedures. He is in charge in developing business growth and dealing with the difficult customer issues

18.

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

YOO, KYUMIN Korean Client Relation Specialist 19.

8 STONE BUSINESS OUTSOURCING OPC 5-10/f Tower 1 Pitx Kennedy Road Tambo Parañaque City HUANG, CHANGJIAN Marketing Staff Mandarin Speaking

Brief Job Description: Good in solving problem and resolving complaints with full understanding of our administrative procedures. He is in charge in developing business growth and dealing with the difficult customer issues

Basic Qualification: Analyze the productivity of the marketing plans and projects, recommend to senior management

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

MASERO VICENTE, JOSE LUIS General Superintendent 20.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Analyze the productivity of the marketing plans and projects, recommend to senior management Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Analyze the productivity of the marketing plans and projects, recommend to senior management

Brief Job Description: Plat a principal role in establishment a top level safety culture by enhancing communicating, implementing and enforcing safety systems and process across the project DE LA FUENTE HUERTAS, RAMON Precast Manager

21.

Brief Job Description: Review project plans requirements and specifications, understand all bid documents and access project risks

22.

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

Brief Job Description: Supervise the department and provide guidance and feedback to other marketing professionals

Basic Qualification: Analyze the productivity of the marketing plans and projects, recommend to senior management

PHAN DUC TRONG Vietnamese Speaking Customer Service Representative

23.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Analyze the productivity of the marketing plans and projects, recommend to senior management Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Brief Job Description: Deal with all customer queries / complaints should be fluent in vietnamese and english speaking

24.

Brief Job Description: Assist head chef and training staff with regards to Chinese menu

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

25.

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

ANOC99 CORPORATION 5/f To 10/f Ayala Malls Manila Bay Building D. Macapagal Blvd. Cor. Aseana Street Tambo Parañaque City

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent practical experience, experience leading a team and managing people and ability to speak and write in English and Korean fluently Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent practical experience, experience leading a team and managing people and ability to speak and write in English and Korean fluently

PANDEY, SAURABH KUMAR Service Delivery Manager

26.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent practical experience, experience leading a team and managing people and ability to speak and write in English and Korean fluently Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent practical experience, experience leading a team and managing people and ability to speak and write in English and Korean fluently

27.

JUNG, JUHWAN Customer Service Representative 28.

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

Basic Qualification: Preferably with 5yrs relevant experience and should be Mandarin and English speaking Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Preferabbly with 6mos.

- 1year experience with customer service experience

29.

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

Brief Job Description: To assist customers regarding their queries and promotions KIM, EELDOO Customer Service Representative

30.

Brief Job Description: To assist customers regarding their queries and promotions KIM, HYEONUK Customer Service Representative

31.

Brief Job Description: To assist customers regarding their queries and promotions KIM, SEHUN Customer Service Representative

32.

Brief Job Description: To assist customers regarding their queries and promotions KIM, SUNHO Customer Service Representative

33.

Brief Job Description: To assist customers regarding their queries and promotions KIM, YUNBIN Customer Service Representative

34.

Brief Job Description: To assist customers regarding their queries and promotions LEE, JONGHAK Customer Service Representative

35.

Brief Job Description: To assist customers regarding their queries and promotions SEO, MIN Customer Service Representative

36.

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

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

Brief Job Description: To assist customers regarding their queries and promotions

Basic Qualification: 21 years old and above, fluent in Korean language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: 21 years old and above, fluent in Korean language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: 21 years old and above, fluent in korean language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: 21 years old and above, fluent in korean language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: 21 years old and above, fluent in korean language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: 21 years old and above, fluent in korean language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: 21 years old and above, fluent in korean language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: 21 years old and above, fluent in korean language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: 21 years old and above, fluent in korean language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

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

WANG, YANYANG Mandarin Customer Relations Officer 37.

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

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

BITVENTURES INC. Unit 204 I Square Bldg. Meralco Ave., Ortigas Center San Antonio Pasig City

HWANG, HOJUN Korean Junior Data Analyst 38.

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

Basic Qualification: Expert in menu planning

Brief Job Description: To assist customers regarding their queries and promotions KIM, BEOMJO Customer Service Representative

Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999 Basic Qualification: 20 years of experience in construction worked as precast manager at least 15 years

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

Basic Qualification: Bachelors degree, 4+ years of optimal leading projects in relevant domain, metering products

ASIAN TECHNOLOGY SERVICES, INC. 11/f Tower 2 Double Dragon, Macapagal Blvd. Brgy. 076 Pasay City

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

Basic Qualification: extensive construction experience in a high density, urban environment , excellent communications skills

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries LAU CAM XIN Chinese Customer Service

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent practical experience, experience leading a team and managing people and ability to speak and write in English and Korean fluently

Brief Job Description: Responsible and accountable for services to account operations including coordinated management

HONG, RONGHUA Chinese Customer Service

AMAZING HOUSE, INC. G/f Oceanaire Residences, Cbpi Sunrise Drive Brgy. 076 Pasay City ZHANG, LILI Chinese Cuisine Specialist

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent practical experience, experience leading a team and managing people and ability to speak and write in English and Korean fluently

ALFANET GLOBAL SOLUTIONS, INC. Flr. No. 4th & 5th W Mall Bldg. Diosdado Macapagal Ave. St. Zone 10. Barangay 076, District 1 Pasay City WONG LING PANG Mandarin Speaking Marketing Director

No.

AMDOCS PHILIPPINES INC. 23rd, 25th, And 26th Floors Eco Tower 32nd St. Cor. 9th Ave. Bonifacio Global City Fort Bonifacio Taguig City

ACCIONA CONSTRUCTION PHILIPPINES INC. 21/f Tower 2, The Enterprise Center 6766 Ayala Ave. Cor. Paseo De Roxas San Lorenzo Makati City

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Analyze the productivity of the marketing plans and projects, recommend to senior management

Brief Job Description: Good in solving problem and resolving complaints with full understanding of our administrative procedures. He is in charge in developing business growth and dealing with the difficult customer issues

A11

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

ABSOLUTE STAFF SOLUTIONS CORP. Unit 1710 Entrata Condo Tower 1 Fcc Alabang Muntinlupa City 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

Friday, September 10, 2021

Brief Job Description: Designing and maintaining data system and databases; this includes fixing coding errors and other data related problems.

KIM, SEUNGTAE Korean Junior Data Analyst 39.

Brief Job Description: Designing and maintaining data system and databases; this includes fixing coding errors and other data related problems.

Basic Qualification: Korean national or any person proficient in Korean and English language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Korean national or any person proficient in Korean and English language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

BusinessMirror

A12 Friday, September 10, 2021

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION KIM, CHUNGHYUN Korean Junior Data Analyst

40.

Brief Job Description: Designing and maintaining data system and databases; this includes fixing coding errors and other data related problems.

MAENG, JI YOUNG Korean Junior Data Analyst

41.

Brief Job Description: Designing and maintaining data system and databases; this includes fixing coding errors and other data related problems.

OH, SEUNGHUN Korean Junior Data Analyst

42.

Brief Job Description: Designing and maintaining data system and databases; this includes fixing coding errors and other data related problems.

PARK, KEONWOO Korean Junior Data Analyst

43.

Brief Job Description: Designing and maintaining data system and databases; this includes fixing coding errors and other data related problems.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Korean national or any person proficient in Korean and English language

No.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Korean national or any person proficient in Korean and English language

55.

44.

Brief Job Description: Collects and analyze customer information for data banking; Prepares products or service reports by collecting and analyzing customer information; Communicate directly with clients and encourage trusting relationships.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Korean national or any person proficient in korean and english language Salary range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

56.

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

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

45.

Brief Job Description: PROVIDES TECHNICAL SUPPORT IN PORTUGUESE

Basic Qualification: Proficient in written and verbal communication in English language and excellent knowledge of Portuguese language proficient computer and technical skills Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

46.

Brief Job Description: Provide support through media review of sports, entertainment and adult video content for Bahasa language; adhere to the explicit media twitter rules and policies

Basic Qualification: Typing skills in Bahasa language; communication skills/Bahasa translation/ Bahasa language expertise

57.

47.

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

HUANG, YUBIN Mandarin Customer Support Representative

48.

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.

LIU, YANG Chinese Speaking Marketing Assistant 49.

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

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

58.

50.

Brief Job Description: Work closely with BD director, account management team, customer service and operations team to nurture and develop relationships with key client accounts

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Bahasa Indonesia and English language

59.

51.

52.

53.

Brief Job Description: Configure and maintain systems and networks CUI, FUXING Mandarin Customer Service Brief Job Description: To provide and maintain customer service

HUANG, HUAFENG Mandarin Customer Service Brief Job Description: To provide and maintain customer service

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

Brief Job Description: Responsible in answering customer questions about product and services of the company WANG, TING-YI Mandarin Administrative Specialist

60.

Brief Job Description: Responsible in answering customer questions about product and services of the company WENG, CHIEN-HAN Mandarin Supervisor

61.

Brief Job Description: Responsible in answering customer questions about product and services of the company GOH KOK SIONG Mandarin Technical Support

62.

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

DENG, TIANYUAN Mandarin Operating System Supervisor 63.

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

54.

Brief Job Description: An Operations manager is a key park of a management team and oversees high level HR duties

Basic Qualification: College Graduate/Level and Fluent in Mandarin/ Basic English

LU, ZHENNAN Mandarin Sales Manager 64.

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

68.

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

Basic Qualification: Proficiency in english mandarin and other multilingual language

70.

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

Basic Qualification: Proficiency in english mandarin and other multilingual language

71.

72.

73.

74.

75.

76.

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

Brief Job Description: The Chinese Customer Service Support (CCSS) will provide information to the company’s Chinese clients or customers in response to inquiries

Brief Job Description: Responsible for providing quality it support of enterprise systems throughout the Chinese clientele.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for providing quality it support of enterprise systems throughout the Chinese clientele.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for providing quality it support of enterprise systems throughout the Chinese clientele.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for providing quality it support of enterprise systems throughout the Chinese clientele.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for providing quality it support of enterprise systems throughout the Chinese clientele.

YANG, PING Chinese IT Support Specialist

77.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for providing quality it support of enterprise systems throughout the Chinese clientele.

YANG, XIANGFA Chinese IT Support Specialist

78.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for providing quality it support of enterprise systems throughout the Chinese clientele.

LAM DINH DINH IT Support Specialist

79.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for providing quality it support of enterprise systems throughout the Chinese clientele.

NGUYEN VAN DONG IT Support Specialist

80.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for providing quality it support of enterprise systems throughout the Chinese clientele.

VO HUY DOAN IT Support Specialist

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

Brief Job Description: Responsible for providing quality it support of enterprise systems throughout the Chinese clientele.

WONG YING HUA IT Support Specialist

CHEN, FURONG Pr Manager For Business Environment Improvement And Joint Initiative For Digital Inclusion Project 65.

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

Brief Job Description: Make insight analysis of Business related federal and local government laws and policies and responsible for overall external communication and the planning and implementation of external activities

XING, XINXI Solution Manager For Information And Communications Technology National Fiber Backbone Project 66.

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

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

Brief Job Description: Management of Sales Team

WANG, WEI Chinese IT Support Specialist

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

82.

Basic Qualification: With at least 2 year work experience in public relations management Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999

Basic Qualification: Have knowledge in managing incoming calls

Basic Qualification: Proficient in English written and speaking, graduate of Bachelor’s degree, must be fluent in Korean hangul

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree

WAN, QI Chinese IT Support Specialist

81.

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

Basic Qualification: Have knowledge in managing incoming calls

ZHU, JIE Senior Sales Manager

LIU, PANYANG Chinese IT Support Specialist

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

Basic Qualification: Knowledgable in computer applications

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

HUANG, WEN Chinese IT Support Specialist

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

Basic Qualification: Proven experience as Mandarin Sales Manager, Excellent communication, interpersonal and presentation skills.

Brief Job Description: Achieving business and sales objectives.

GENG, HUI Chinese It Support Specialist

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

Basic Qualification: Proven experience as Mandarin Operating System Supervisor, Excellent communication, interpersonal and presentation skills.

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree.

WANG, SHI Chinese Customer Service Representative

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

TAN, PENGBING Sales Manager

ITECHNO SPECIALIST INC. U-608 Eastfield Ctr. Moa Comp. Macapagal Ave. Brgy. 076 Pasay City 9/f 100 West Building Sen. Gil Puyat Ave. Pio Del Pilar Makati City 7/f Aseana I Bldg. Bradco Avenue Aseana Business Park Tambo Parañaque City

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

Brief Job Description: Provide and review SDH network solutions, OTN solutions, and DCI solutions for different Philippines customers ICT field; Organize training courses and transfer optical communication knowledge and skills to local Filipino employees; Organize proof of concept demo and verify solution feasibility

67.

ZHANG, YUANYUAN Technical Director For Maintenance Delivery Project Brief Job Description: Handle technical issues during network maintenance

Basic Qualification: With atleast 2 year work experience as solution manager on stem education product activities; with technical skillson OTN design, SDH network design, DCI model design, WDM equipment debugging, and POC demo skills Salary Range: Php 90,000 - Php 149,999

Basic Qualification: Must have a master’s degree in Aerospace Manufacturing Engineering. Highly proficient in Chinese and English language Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999

Basic Qualification: Must be a graduate of Bachelor’s Degree in telecommunication and communication engineering, with at least 3 years work experience in network security management and with technical skills in installation of site, commissioning of wireless site (microwave) and planning of wireless site

HXPT PHILIPPINES INC. 2904 World Plaza 5th Avenue Fort Bonifacio Taguig City

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

Brief Job Description: Manage the local staff for the technical skills improvement, manage the product delivery base on the plan and the delivery-related concerns for wireless product such as the base station controller (BSC) site, and to train subcontractor’s skills improvement

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

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

69.

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese speaking and English language

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

ZHANG, SHUMIN Wireless Product Technical Director

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

HENGTONGPH INC. Units A&b 20/f Rufino Pacific Tower 6784 Ayala Cor. V.a. Rufino St. San Lorenzo Makati City

FIRSTJVENTURES INC. Unit No. C3, Hk Sun Plaza Bldg. Macapagal Blvd. St. Barangay 076 Pasay City

LEE, SANGGIL Operations Manager

No.

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

HECTECHURE CORP. Units A&b 20/f Rufino Pacific Tower 6784 Ayala Ave. Cor. V.a. Rufino St. San Lorenzo Makati City

FIRST GREAT COMPUTER TECHNOLOGIES INC. Lot 5 Sta. Agueda Cor. Queensway Pagcor Drive Sto. Niño Parañaque City NIE, YUFAN It Technical Mandarin

Brief Job Description: Develop, recommend and assist in implementing strategies for long-range financial stability and improved efficiencies

TAI KIAN CHENG Mandarin Accounts Staff

ELITE GLOBAL BPO, INC. 6/f King’s Court 1 Bldg. 2129 Don Chino Roces Ave. Pio Del Pilar Makati City FILBELT Apac Business Development Manager

Brief Job Description: Customer Service

KANG, TING-HSUAN Mandarin Accounts Staff

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

EAST CATALYST TRADING CORPORATION 3/f Salcedo One Center 170 Salcedo St. San Lorenzo Makati City

CHEN, YI Customer Service Representative

Basic Qualification: College Graduate/Level and Fluent in Mandarin/ Basic English

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

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

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

Brief Job Description: Customer Service

TRAN DUC HIEP Operations Officer

COGNIZANT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS PHILIPPINES, INC. 2nd, 3rd, And 4th Floors, Science Hub Tower 4 Bldg. Mckinley Hill Cyberpark Fort Bonifacio Taguig City MARLINA SIREGAR Senior Process Executive-data

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

FOREVER FORTUNE HOLDING CORPORATION Excelsior Hotel 161 Roxas Blvd. Baclaran Parañaque City

CGI (PHILIPPINES) INC. 2/f One World Square Mckinley Hill Pinagsama Taguig City

GONCALVES RAMOS, DIOGO Multilingual Service Desk Member

CAI, WU Customer Service Representative

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Korean national or any person proficient in korean and english language

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

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

BOTA ENTERTAINMENT CONSULTANCY SERVICES INC. Chuan Hong Tower Unit 402 434 M. De Santos St., 025 Bgy. 270 San Nicolas Manila CHU, YU Chinese Speaking Client Relations Officer

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Brief Job Description: Responsible for providing quality it support of enterprise systems throughout the Chinese clientele.

YAN YONE KAUNG IT Support Specialist

83.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for providing quality it support of enterprise systems throughout the Chinese clientele.

Basic Qualification: A Chinese and fluent in Chinese writing and speaking language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Chinese writing and speaking language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Chinese writing and speaking language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Chinese writing and speaking language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Chinese writing and speaking language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Chinese writing and speaking language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Chinese writing and speaking language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Chinese writing and speaking language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Can speak and read Cantonese, mandarin, and Fukien language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Can speak and read Cantonese, mandarin, and Fukien language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Can speak and read Cantonese, mandarin, and Fukien language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Can speak and read Cantonese, mandarin, and Fukien language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Can speak and read Cantonese, mandarin, and Fukien language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

JDB MANAGEMENT AND CONSULTANCY CORP. 107 T & D House Magallanes St. 069, Bgy. 655 Intramuros Manila XIE, LIHUAN Strategic And Facilitation Officer 84.

Brief Job Description: Your primary function is to help the company and it’s Chinese clients to generate more income for the company

Basic Qualification: Must be fluent in Chinese language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

KINDOSAR PROCESS SOLUTIONS INC. Unit 5d, Rose Industries Bldg. Pioneer St. Kapitolyo Pasig City

85.

PARK, HYEONJEONG Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Manage Korean Customer queries/complains

KUWAIT AIRWAYS CORPORATION G/f Jeg Ii Bldg. 150 Legaspi St., Lv San Lorenzo Makati City

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

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION FAWAZ S M A M ALMUFARREH Security Supervisor

86.

Brief Job Description: Supervision over all security-related procedures, coordination with Kuwait Head Office

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

No.

Basic Qualification: College Diploma, able to read and write in Arabic Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999

102.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for handling service support calls

LOGICDOSE INC. 19f Marco Polo Ortigas, Sapphire Road Ortigas Center San Antonio Pasig City

LIU, QIAN Information Security Analyst (Chinese Speaking) 87.

Brief Job Description: Installing and use of software for data encryption to protect sensitive information

DUONG NGOC YEN Information Security Analyst (Vietnamese Speaking) 88.

Brief Job Description: Installing and use of software for data encryption to protect sensitive information

TRAN THI NGOC ANH Information Security Analyst (Vietnamese Speaking) 89.

Brief Job Description: Installing and use of software for data encryption to protect sensitive information

Basic Qualification: Can speak Chinese language and knowledgeable in information technology system

103.

Basic Qualification: Can speak Vietnamese language and knowledgeable in information technology system Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Can speak Vietnamese language and knowledgeable in information technology system Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

104.

KIM, JOON HONG Business Consultant 90.

Brief Job Description: A Business Consultant provides expert advice, analysis and solutions

105.

AN, BYEONGJUN Software Developer 91.

Brief Job Description: A software developer is responsible for the coding, design and layout of the website according to a company specifications

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

106.

92.

Brief Job Description: Resposible for handling service support calls

93.

DENG, BO Mandarin Speaking Customer Relations Service Provider Brief Job Description: Responsible for handling service support calls

94.

HUANG, TAO Mandarin Speaking Customer Relations Service Provider Brief Job Description: Responsible for handling service support calls

95.

LONG, TAO Mandarin Speaking Customer Relations Service Provider Brief Job Description: Responsible for handling service support calls

96.

LU, SIYU Mandarin Speaking Customer Relations Service Provider Brief Job Description: Responsible for handling service support calls

97.

SU, GUIBAO Mandarin Speaking Customer Relations Service Provider Brief Job Description: Responsible for handling service support calls

98.

WANG, KUN Mandarin Speaking Customer Relations Service Provider Brief Job Description: Responsible for handling service support calls

99.

WANG, LINTAO Mandarin Speaking Customer Relations Service Provider Brief Job Description: Responsible for handling service support calls

100.

WANG, JUNCHENG Mandarin Speaking Customer Relations Service Provider Brief Job Description: Responsible for handling service support calls

101.

WEI, XING Mandarin Speaking Customer Relations Service Provider Brief Job Description: Responsible for handling service support calls

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking reading and writing in mandarin

107.

108.

109.

110.

111.

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

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

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

XIE, QINGYU Mandarin Customer Service Brief Job Description: Responsible for handling service support calls

Brief Job Description: Committed to improving customer experience and operational efficiency

Brief Job Description: Committed to improving customer experience and operational efficiency ZHOU, YINGYING Mandarin Operation Specialist

112.

Brief Job Description: Committed to improving customer experience and operational efficiency HU, QINAN Mandarin Team Leader

113.

Brief Job Description: Leading the team with motivation and inspire to reach the goal and exceeding the team performances CHEN, YI-JING Mandarin Technical Support

114.

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

Brief Job Description: Responsible for handling service support calls

ZHAO, FENGLING Mandarin Operation Specialist

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

SONG, YUQING Mandarin Customer Service

ZHAO, YANLI Mandarin Operation Specialist

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

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in mandarin

No.

120.

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

121.

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

122.

123.

Brief Job Description: To troubleshoot, maintain and monitor the computer system LIU, LONG Mandarin Technical Support

115.

Brief Job Description: To troubleshoot, maintain and monitor the computer system

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in mandarin

124.

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

125.

126.

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in mandarin

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in mandarin

116.

Brief Job Description: Overall Management of the division’s operations and business activities and supervision of all staff members

128.

129.

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

130.

117.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires AUNG YIN Chinese Customer Service

118.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires BI, WENGUANG Chinese Customer Service

119.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

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

131.

132.

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries HOANG VINH PHIEU Chinese Customer Service

133.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries HUANG, LIANGJUN Chinese Customer Service

134.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires JIANG, JUN Chinese Customer Service

135.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires KELVIN TAN JIAT WEI Chinese Customer Service

136.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries KONG, XIN Chinese Customer Service

137.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries KYUE SHIN Chinese Customer Service

138.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires LI, LICHUN Chinese Customer Service

139.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries LIAO, XIJIE Chinese Customer Service

140.

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries HOANG THI TRAM Chinese Customer Service

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries HENDRI Chinese Customer Service

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. 4th-11th Flr. Nexgen Tower C4 Rd. Edsa Ext. Brgy. 076 Pasay City ANTONY Chinese Customer Service

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires HE, MIN Chinese Customer Service

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

Basic Qualification: strong leadership, high level of abilities in management of organization, human resources development, new business development and internal control.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries GAO, XING Chinese Customer Service

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries FU, LIMING Chinese Customer Service

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

MITSUI & CO. (ASIA PACIFIC) PTE. LTD. MANILA BRANCH 36/f Gt Tower International 6813 Ayala Avenue Bel-air Makati City

UMEKI, KEISUKE General Manager - Project & Machinery Division

127.

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries FU, LIANGLIANG Chinese Customer Service

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries CUI, YILIANG Chinese Customer Service

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries CHEN, QIUZE Chinese Customer Service

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries CHEN, CAIWANG Chinese Customer Service

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries CHEN, WAN Chinese Customer Service

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries CHEN, MEIFENG Chinese Customer Service

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries CHEN, DONGLIANG Chinese Customer Service

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

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION BI, XIAOYANG Chinese Customer Service

MINDSCAPE CREATIVES INC. Unit 19-o, Burgundy Corporate Tower 252 Sen. Gil Puyat Ave. Pio Del Pilar Makati City

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

YI, JUNZHU Mandarin Speaking Customer Relations Service Provider Brief Job Description: Responsible for handling service support calls

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

YANG, LIUHUA Mandarin Speaking Customer Relations Service Provider Brief Job Description: Responsible for handling service support calls

MEGA-WEB TECHNOLOGIES INC. 6,7,8,9,10,11/f Met Live Bldg. Edsa Cor. Macapagal Blvd. Brgy. 076 Pasay City CAO, HAN Mandarin Speaking Customer Relations Service Provider

YAN, FANQING Mandarin Speaking Customer Relations Service Provider Brief Job Description: Responsible for handling service support calls

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Must be Bachelor’s/ College degree in any fields, at least 2 yrs of working in the related positions, ability to maintain high level of confidentiality

XU, SHUANG Mandarin Speaking Customer Relations Service Provider Brief Job Description: Responsible for handling service support calls

MAGKING SERVICES CORPORATION Unit 5d Rose Industries Bldg. #11, Pioneer Street Kapitolyo Pasig City Basic Qualification: Must be Bachelor’s/ College degree in any fields, at least 2 yrs of working in the related positions, ability to maintain high level of confidentiality

XU, XI Mandarin Speaking Customer Relations Service Provider Brief Job Description: Responsible for handling service support calls

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

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

XIAO, YONG Mandarin Speaking Customer Relations Service Provider

Friday, September 10, 2021

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries LIN, QIUMING Chinese Customer Service

141.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Able to speak, Read, and Write Chinese language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, read, and write Chinese language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, read, and write Chinese language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, read and write Chinese language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, read, and write Chinese language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, Read, and Write Chinese language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, read and write chinese language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, read and write Chinese language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, read and write Chinese language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, read, and write Chinese language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, Read, and Write Chinese language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, Read, and Write Chinese language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, Read, and Write Chinese language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic qualification: Able to speak, read and write Chinese language Salary range: Php 30,000 - php 59,999 Basic qualification: Able to speak, read, and write Chinese language Salary range: Php 30,000 - php 59,999 Basic qualification: Able to speak, read, and write Chinese language Salary range: Php 30,000 - php 59,999 Basic qualification: Able to speak, read and write Chinese language Salary range: Php 30,000 - php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, Read, and Write Chinese language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: able to speak, read, and write Chinese language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, Read, and Write Chinese language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, Read, and Write Chinese language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, read, and write Chinese language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

A13

BusinessMirror

A14 Friday, September 10, 2021

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION LIU, YE Chinese Customer Service

142.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries LUO, MINGRONG Chinese Customer Service

143.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries MA, HENGRONG Chinese Customer Service

144.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries MA, YAOZHI Chinese Customer Service

145.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries MAI, JUNMAO Chinese Customer Service

146.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires NGUYEN NGOC TRUNG Chinese Customer Service

147.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries PENG, CHANGQIAO Chinese Customer Service

148.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries PHAM DINH DUONG Chinese Customer Service

149.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries QIANG, PEIXIN Chinese Customer Service

150.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires QIAO, JIAFEI Chinese Customer Service

151.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries QIN, XINGYE Chinese Customer Service

152.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires REN, XINCHANG Chinese Customer Service

153.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries SHI, QIANRUI Chinese Customer Service

154.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires SONG, HAOXIANG Chinese Customer Service

155.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries SONG, BIN Chinese Customer Service

156.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries SONG, JIAN Chinese Customer Service

157.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries SU, ZHIMING Chinese Customer Service

158.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries SU, WEIPENG Chinese Customer Service

159.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries SURYATI Chinese Customer Service

160.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries TEE KIN LUN Chinese Customer Service

161.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires TEOH BOON ENG Chinese Customer Service

162.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries THAN TUN Chinese Customer Service

163.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

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

No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION TRINH THI LINH Chinese Customer Service

164.

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

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

TRUONG THI BINH Chinese Customer Service

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

165.

WANG, YUXIANG Chinese Customer Service 166.

167.

168.

169.

170.

171.

172.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires XU, KANGJIE Chinese Customer Specialist

173.

174.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires CHEN, QINGQING Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service CHENG, ZHEN Customer Service Representative

175.

176.

177.

178.

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries HU, JIAN Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service

LIN, XUANHUANG Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service

LUO, JIAMING Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service WU, WENSHU Customer Service Representative

179.

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries LIU, ZHIWEN Chinese Customer Specialist

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

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries ZHAO, XUDONG Chinese Customer Service

Basic Qualification: Able to speak, Read, and Write Chinese language

Basic Qualification: Able to speak, Read, and Write Chinese language

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries YUDI Chinese Customer Service

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries YI, TAO Chinese Customer Service

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries XIE, YINRONG Chinese Customer Service

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries WU, XINGZHOU Chinese Customer Service

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

180.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries XIE, XIAOLONG Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service

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

181.

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

182.

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

YU, TAO Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service

YU, ZHI Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Able to speak, Read, and Write Chinese language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

183.

Brief Job Description: Provide product/services, information, answer questions and resolve emerging problems

No.

184.

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

185.

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

186.

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

187.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

BAI, XUE Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

HU, JICHENG Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

LEI, ZHEN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

LI, BO Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

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

188.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, Read, and Write chinese language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

189.

QIU, LIXING Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

SU, XUELI Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

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

190.

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

191.

TANG, CHUNLI Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

WANG, PAN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate/level and fluent in Mandarin / basic English

192.

WANG, DONGDONG Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

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

193.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate/level and fluent in Mandarin / basic English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

194.

Basic Qualification: College graduate/level and fluent in Mandarin / basic English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

195.

Basic Qualification: College graduate/level and fluent in Mandarin / basic English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

196.

YANG, DONGXIAN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

YANG, MIN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

YANG, CHAO Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

YUAN, CHANGCHUANG Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

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

197.

Basic Qualification: College graduate/level and fluent in Mandarin / basic English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate/level and fluent in Mandarin / basic English

198.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate/level and fluent in Mandarin / basic English

199.

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

MPOTECH DIGITAL SYSTEM INC. 2/f 331 Bldg. Sen. Gil Puyat Ave. Bel-air Makati City HENNY Indonesian Customer Service Representative

www.businessmirror.com.ph

200.

Basic Qualification: Graduate 4 years Bachelor Degree with critical thinking and problem solving skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

NEW ORIENTAL CLUB88 CORPORATION Sky Garage Bldg. Aseana Avenue, Entertainment City Tambo Parañaque City

201.

ZHANG, JIEYUN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

ZHANG, CAIHONG Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

ZHANG, YU Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

LINA MARIA BONG Indonesian Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

DO, SUNGMIN Korean Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowlegable in computer application with good oral and written cpmmunication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowlegable in computer application with good oral and written cpmmunication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

202.

203.

204.

205.

206.

207.

208.

209.

210.

211.

212.

213.

214.

215.

216.

217.

218.

219.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

BOEY CHEE SHENG Malaysian Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

CHUNG JUN DA Malaysian Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

LIM SENG HUAT Malaysian Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

TING TIONG SOON Malaysian Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

AUNG KYAW MYA Myanmari Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

AYE AYE YI @ WAN LIN YI Myanmari Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

AYE LI Myanmari Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

KHIN THAN AYE Myanmari Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

KYAN SONE PHEIN Myanmari Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

KYI HTAY Myanmari Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

MAW HWAR SU Myanmari Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

NI NI HTWE Myanmari Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

TUN YONG Myanmari Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

YAN SHIN KAI Myanmari Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

CHE HY HUNG Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

HOANG VAN LAP Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

NGUYEN HUU THANG Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

NGUYEN SI VINH Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills

No.

220.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills

221.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills

222.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills

223.

Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

NONG DINH TAM Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

PHAN VAN DUONG Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

SU MY LONG Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills

224.

THOI KIM YEN Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills

225.

TRAN VAN HUNG Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills

226.

Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

227.

GU, JIE Mandarin Administrative Specialist Brief Job Description: Creates and revises systems and procedures

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills

DUNCAN, GLEN ANDREW Senior Manager/operations Senior Manager 228.

Brief Job Description: Supervise in directing and managing the activities of the company’s mine operation.

229.

230.

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

236.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for overall direction and control of all company financial matters

QIN, FEIHONG Mandarin Customer Service Brief Job Description: Technical support service

LYU, YUEMING Heavy Equipment Chief Mechanic 231.

Brief Job Description: Manage and actual execution of the project including preparation and implementation of the project schedules manpower and vitalization

SA RIVENDELL GLOBAL SUPPORT, INC. 2741 P. Zamora St. Brgy. 097 Pasay City

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

237.

Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills

238.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills

232.

Brief Job Description: Develop business proposals, analyze current and past expenses, and develop creative strategies

ZHONG, LIHONG Business Lending Development Officer 233.

Brief Job Description: Answering inquiries, resolving problems, fulfilling requests and maintaining data base

LI, YU Chinese Customer Service Representative 234.

Brief Job Description: Answering inquiries, resolving problems, fulfilling requests and maintaining data base

REN, MINGXING Chinese Customer Service Representative 235.

Brief Job Description: Answering inquiries, resolving problems, fulfilling requests and maintaining data base

Brief Job Description: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills

Brief Job Description: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills

LEE, JINSEOK Pile Rig Operator 240.

Brief Job Description: Operate pile rig on skids, barges crawler treads or locomotive cranes to drive pilings for retaining walls, bulkheads and foundation of structures such building bridges and piers.

YOO, INSOO Pumpcrete Operator

241.

Brief Job Description: Perform pre-trip and pro-trip inspection to ensure that concrete pumps, operate boom and concrete pump to place concrete in desired location, placing special focus on provided instructions.

LI, JINMENG Project Consultant 242.

Basic Qualification: Proficient in Speaking, Reading, and Writing in Mandarin Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 243.

244.

Brief Job Description: Coordinate project management activities resources equipment and information provide analytical support to manager in executing assigned projects

KIM, SANGHO Business Development Analyst

245.

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

Basic Qualification: College graduate, fluent in English, preferably 6mos1year customer service experience

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Customer support and data base services Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Customer support and data base services Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: With experience as a pile rig operator; bilingual in English and Korean Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With experience as a pumpcrete operator; bilingual in English and Korean Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Fluent in mandarin and English language both in written and verbal must familiar in expert planning and administrative writing and reporting Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in mandarin and english language both in written and verbal must familiar in expert planning and administrative writing and reporting skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in mandarin and english language both in written and verbal must familiar in expert planning and administrative writing and reporting skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

TANZILA TRADING INC. U-29 3/f Bac. Bagong Milenyo F.b. Harrison St. Brgy. 076 Pasay City

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin both oral and written

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

Brief Job Description: Coordinate project management activities resources equipment and information provide analytical support to manager in executing assigned projects

JIN, YUTANG Project Coordinator

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

Basic Qualification: 3 yrs work experience in the same field

Brief Job Description: Cooperate project management activities resources equipment and information provide analytical support to manager in executing assigned projects

ZHOU, LUN Project Consultant

Basic Qualification: At least 10 years’ experience in operations of large mining or mineral processing site, especially in mine development and staff recruitment

Basic Qualification: 10yrs experience with sintering process

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

STONE ASIA AND SPECIALTY PRODUCTS, INC. 350 J.p. Rizal Brgy. Namayan Mandaluyong City

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

Salary Range: Php 500,000 and above

Basic Qualification: College graduate, fluent in English, preferably 6mos1year customer service experience

SB CONSTRUCTION CORP. U2702 27/f Pacific Star Bldg. Sen. Gil J. Puyat Cor. Makati Ave. Bel-air Makati City

Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Brief Job Description: Customer support and database services

PHAM THI HOA Vietnamese Customer Service 239.

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

Basic Qualification: Has knowledge in computer applications

CHEN, QIN Chinese Customer Service

LEE SIEW LING Malaysian Customer Service

Brief Job Description: Develop, implement and communicate metrics reporting processes and documentation across plants and companies in collaboration with operations, marketing and sales functions, fluency in English and Hebrew language is a must. Leading and executing various special projects with senior leadership primarily related to the evaluation of possible growth or driving operational improvement

NWAJIOBI, CHUKWUKA TIMOTHY Marketing Specialist

246.

RIGHT CHOICE FINANCE CORP. 5e-1 Electra House Bldg. 115-117 Esteban Street San Lorenzo Makati City MENG, WENBIN Business Lending Development Officer

Brief Job Description: Answering inquiries, resolving problems, fulfilling requests and maintaining data base

Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills

QINGDAO MUNICIPAL CONSTRUCTION GROUP CO., LTD. Suite 1106 Ermita Center 1350 Roxas Blvd. 072, Bgy. 668 Ermita Manila

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills

KAWAKAMI, RYO Comptroller And Executive Adviser For Financial Planning

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION SHI, JIAKANG Chinese Customer Service Representative

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

PRANCING DESEN TECHNOLOGY SERVICES INC. Unit 1620 Burgundy Transpacific Place Taft Ave. 079, Bgy. 727 Malate Manila

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills

No.

PHILIPPINE SINTER CORPORATION 23/f Oledan Square 6788 Ayala Avenue San Lorenzo Makati City

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills

Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills

OCEANAGOLD (PHILIPPINES), INC. 2/f Cjv Bldg. 108 Aguirre St., Legaspi Village San Lorenzo Makati City

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

NEWBAY INTERNATIONAL TECHNOLOGY INC. 2/f Mezzanine Tower 1 The Enterprise Center 6766 Ayala Ave. Cor. Paseo De Roxas Makati City

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills

TRUONG VAN LUAN Vietnamese Customer Service

A15

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

NGUYEN THI HOA Vietnamese Customer Service

Friday, September 10, 2021

Brief Job Description: Building and maintaining relationships with new and existing customers through prospecting and networking, must be fluent in English and Mandarin language. Assisting with the analyses of marketing data, including campaign results, conversion rates, and online traffic in order to improve future marketing strategies and campaigns

Basic Qualification: Must be flexible, analytical and good communicators, In the next few sections, we look at the academic requirements, professional certifications, and soft skill requirements for BA roles.

Fluency in English and Hebrew language is a must Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Demonstrate experience in marketing data analytics and tools.

Through understanding of marketing elements.

Fluency in English and Mandarin language is a must Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

TENGDA POWER CONSTRUCTION CORPORATION Units A&b 2o/f Rufino Pacific Tower 6784 Ayala Avenue Cor. V.a Rufino St. San Lorenzo Makati City

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate, fluent in English, preferably 6mos1year customer service experience Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate, fluent in English, preferably 6mos1year customer service experience Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: College graduate, fluent in English, preferably 6mos1year customer service experience Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

LI, SIJI Mandarin Project Monitoring Supervisor 247.

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

Basic Qualification: Proven experience as Mandarin Project Monitoring Supervisor, Excellent communication, interpersonal and presentation skills.

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

*Date Generated: Sep 9, 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.

ATTY. SARAH BUENA S. MIRASOL REGIONAL DIRECTOR

Companies BusinessMirror

Editor: Jennifer A. Ng

Ayala energy unit to invest fresh capital in RE projects

By Lenie Lectura

A

@llectura

C Energy Corp. (ACEN), the energy arm of Ayala Corp., has raised nearly $1 billion in fresh capital this year, which it can use to achieve its renewables capacity target of 5,000 megawatts (MW) by 2025.

This after its wholly owned unit ACEN Finance Ltd. successfully raised $400 million from the issuance of senior guaranteed undated green bonds, with a fixed coupon of 4 percent for life, with no step-up and no reset, priced at par.

“Including the company’s P5.4 billion stock rights offering [SRO], P10.3 billion follow-on offering [FOO], and P11.9 billion primary share investment by GIC affiliate Arran Investment Pte. Ltd. [Arran], ACEN has now raised a total of close to $1 billion in fresh capital in 2021, which it can use to fund its goal of 5,000 megawatts in attributable renewable energy [RE] capacity by 2025,” said the power firm Thursday.

The net proceeds from the green bonds will be used to finance or refinance new or existing “green” projects, such as solar, on shore

and offshore wind, and geothermal with direct emissions of less than 100g CO2/kWh. This is in accordance with the company’s Green Bond Framework (GBF), which sets out well-defined guidelines for the use of proceeds for renewable energy projects.

“We believe that this Green Bond issuance will further empower us to scale up RE investments and achieve our vision of becoming the largest listed renewable energy platform in Southeast Asia,” said ACEN President and CEO Eric Francia.

ACEN said the strong reception to the green bonds from the debt capital markets shows investors’ faith in the company, despite the challenges created by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The green bonds are issued by ACEN Finance Limited under its $1.5-billion medium-term note pro-

AC Energy’s GigaSol Palauig solar farm in Zambales. Photo from www.acenergy.com.ph

gram, guaranteed by ACEN, and are listed on Singapore Exchange Securities Trading.

BPI Capital Corp. is the Sole Global Coordinator for the transaction, while BPI Capital Corporation, Credit Suisse (Singapore) Limited, Deutsche Bank AG Singapore Branch, Goldman Sachs (Singapore) Pte., Morgan Stanley Asia (Singapore) Pte., and UBS AG Singapore Branch are the joint lead managers and joint bookrunners for the transaction, with the participation of China Bank Capital Corporation, First Metro Investment Corporation, PNB Capital and Investment

Corp., and RCBC Capital Corp. as domestic lead managers.

Last month, AC Energy said it may embark on floating solar power and offshore wind power projects to help the country attain its RE goals.

“We are aware of several companies developing floating solar, including ourselves. There’s a lot of potential. Laguna Lake, for example, is a great location for floating solar,” said Francia.

The company is already preparing to sort out the necessary permits to pursue its interest in a floating solar power project, which, he said, could be done in the next two to three years.

Sy siblings, Villar still PHL’s richest–Forbes

By VG Cabuag @villygc

T

he Sy siblings, heirs to the businesses built by Henry Sy Sr., and property tycoon Manuel B. Villar remained as the country’s richest persons, according to the 2021 edition of the Forbes’ list of the Philippines’s 50 richest.

Forbes noted that Villar is still the country’s richest in terms of individual wealth.

Despite the pandemic, the collective wealth of the 50 richest Filipinos was up by 30 percent to $79 billion. The wealth of more than half the list members went up, with four listees adding over $1 billion each, according to Forbes.

“The top three were the biggest dollar gainers by far, collectively richer by nearly $6 billion,” the magazine said.

The Sy siblings of the SM Group added $2.7 billion to remain at number one with $16.6 billion.

Villar, 71, was ranked second with a total net worth of $6.7 billion, Port magnate Enrique K. Razon Jr. leapt to third place with his $5.8-billion wealth. Razon expanded his portfolio by taking control of East Zone concessionaire Manila Water Co. Inc. Unlike the Forbes’ billionaire rankings, this list includes family fortunes, including those shared among extended families. Net worths are based on stock prices and exchange rates as of the close of markets on August 20.

The list can also include foreign citizens with business, residential or other ties to the country, or citizens who don’t reside in the country but have significant business or other ties to the country. Monde Nissin Chairman Hartono Kweefanus, an Indonesian; the company’s CEO Henry Soesanto and brothers Keng Sun and Peter Mar, heirs to a biscuit business that was sold by their family to Monde Nissin, are newcomers to the ranks.

Kweefanus became the coun-

try’s 11th richest with a wealth of $1.4 billion following the initial public offering (IPO) of Monde Nissin. He topped his sister-inlaw Betty Ang, president of Monde Nissin, who as at 18th with $1.4 billion.

Keng Sun and Peter Mar were ranked 35th with $410 million, while Soesanto was ranked 25th with $795 million.

Dennis Anthony and Maria Grace Uy, co-founders of broadband service provider Converge ICT Solutions, which made its Philippine Stock Exchange debut at the height of the pandemic in October last year, were considered as this year’s richest newcomers.

The 2021 of the Philippines’s richest list edition has a total of eight new entrants, including mass housing developers Luis Yu Jr. and Mariano Martinez Jr., owners of 8990 Holdings Inc.; husband and wife Benedicto and Teresita Yujuico, who both made significant wealth following the listing of DDMP REIT Inc., the real estate investment trust of DoubleDragon Properties Corp.

DoubleDragon Chairman Edgar J. Sia II was also on the list and was ranked 28th with $675 million.

Lance Gokongwei and siblings were ranked fourth ($4 billion); Jaime Zobel de Ayala, fifth ($3.3 billion); Jollibee Foods Cor p. founder Tony Tan Caktiong, seventh ($2.7 billion); realtor Andrew Tan, eighth ($2.6 billion); San Miguel Corp. COO Ramon S. Ang, ninth ($2.3 billion); and Ty siblings, 10th ($2.2 billion).

The youngest tycoons on the list are Sia and Davao businessman Dennis Uy while the oldest are Filinvest Group matriarch Mercedes Gotianun and Lopez Group’s Oscar Lopez.

Lucio Tan’s fortunes declined to about $1.9 billion and was ranked 12th, down from last year’s third, as the pandemic crippled Philippine Airlines which recently filed for bankruptcy in the United States.

Friday, September 10, 2021

B1

DOE moves to hike renewables share

T

he Department of Energy (DOE) is formally adopting the recommendation of the National Renewable Energy Board (NREB) to increase the minimum level of electricity contracted from renewable energy (RE) developers to 2.52 percent from the current 1 percent.

In a draft circular on the prescribed adjusted annual percentage increment of the Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS), the DOE said “the RPS Composite Team resolved to recommend for the adoption of the adjusted minimum annual incremental RE percentage of 2.52 percent for planning period 2023-2040, as recommended by the NREB.” The DOE is soliciting comments from industry stakeholders until September 10. The agency will hold a virtual public hearing on the same day.

“The adoption of the adjusted minimum annual incremental RE percentage of 2.52 percent starting 2023 is necessary to meet the aspirational RE share of at least 35 percent in the country’s energy mix by 2030

and achieve an even higher RE share by 2040,” the DOE draft circular read.

The target RE share by 2030 is expected to hit 36.96 percent and even higher by 2040 at 55.87 percent, data from the DOE showed.

The current mix is still dominated by fossil fuels at 54.6 percent, natural gas at 21.2 percent, RE at 20.8 percent and oil-based fuel at 3.5 percent.

NREB Chairman Monalisa Dimalanta is confident that the target numbers would be achieved.

“We will get to that 35 pecent RE share by 2030 and, in fact, exceed 40 percent and get all the way up to 50 percent by 2040 if there are certain policies that will be adopted to make sure that we get there,” she said.

One way to achieve this, she said, is to increase RE installations under the RPS policy. “In the public consultation that the DOE had two days ago, it already announced that some of these policies that we had recommended, they are adopting these policies. The first one, which is key, is really the increase in RPS percentage from 1 percent to 2.52 percent by 2023.” Lenie Lectura

B2

Companies BusinessMirror

Friday, September 10, 2021

‘Technology can help ease housing backlog in PHL’

T

By Tyrone Jasper C. Piad

@TyronePiad

he real estate sector seeks to address the housing backlog in the country by tapping property technology, which also promotes sustainability and affordability.

Emma Imperial, chairperson and co-founder of Proptech Consortium of the Philippines, said in an event on Thursday that technology can help plug the housing gap in the country, which is seen to hit 6.5 million units by 2030.

“If we have a lot of transparency and speed in our development world, we can do more,” she said, noting that only 200,000 units are expected to be produced annually for now.

“There is really that kind of challenge to us and what we do is that the technology can really bring the less fortunate among Filipinos this kind of opportunity to have houses that are world class and also sustainable.”

Sylvester Wong, vice president of AECOM, said cultivating data and using technology can make housing efficient and cheaper.

“It’s key here, where we can bring

together proptech and fintech, in order to create things like more affordability for the housing [sector],” he said.

Wong said proptech also enables customers to secure insurance and qualify for loan applications.

Organization of Socialized and Economic Housing Developers Chairman Marcelino Mendoza said fintech can help the unbanked apply for a housing loan.

Mendoza said upscaling the fintech platforms will aid more unbanked customers to get onboard and have financial access.

As such, he said increasing digitization bodes well for government offices, developers, suppliers and customers in the real estate market.

NEO President and CEO Raymond Rufino, meanwhile, said there should be a focus on building green, resilient and net-zero buildings to make the real estate industry sus-

tainable and to address the increasing concerns on climate change.

For a building to be net-zero, he said it should reduce its power usage, optimize the energy with technology and adopt renewable energy resources.

“Technology is often seen as being more efficient or more effective. But I think going beyond that, the ability of technology combined with entrepreneurs, combined with innovative models, then we start to really achieve a change of scenario, a change of game,” he said.

For his part, Damosa Land President Ricardo Lagdameo said the company’s flagship township development in Davao Del Norte focuses on agriculture.

He said the project has an agrotourism theme park and promotes backyard and urban farming.

“Aside from just agriculture, what we are doing is putting a lot of innovation into what we are doing so that we can promote sustainability.”

If the government fails to address the housing gap, the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) said the country’s housing backlog could balloon to 22 million in two decades.

To close the housing gap of 6.5 million between 2017 and 2020, DHSUD said the government needs to build 250,000 houses a year.

Increasing the number of houses built, the DHSUD said, will not only address the housing gap but also boost the economy. The agency noted that building one housing unit means increasing the production of no less than 80 industries.

mutual funds

September 9, 2021 NAV One Year Three Year Five Year

per share

Return*

Y-T-D Return

Stock Funds ALFM Growth Fund, Inc. -a

223.59

12.7%

-4.77%

-3.43%

-1.6%

ATRAM Alpha Opportunity Fund, Inc. -a

1.541

41.56%

1.9%

1.98%

17.36%

15.41%

-8.82%

ATRAM Philippine Equity Opportunity Fund, Inc. -a 3.0682

-6.39%

-2.07%

Climbs Share Capital Equity Investment Fund Corp. -a 0.7397 9.07%

-6.71% n.a.

-7.99%

First Metro Consumer Fund on MSCI Phils. IMI, Inc. -a 0.7654 10.24%

-3.37% n.a.

3.21%

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

16.81%

-2.44%

-1.47%

0.88%

0.7474

12.04%

4.985

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

-4.44%

-5.3%

18.95%

-4.81% n.a.

-2.57%

45.7391

14.93%

-3.26%

-2.27%

-2.37%

480.84

12.52%

-2.83%

-2.66%

-1.66%

1.1003

23.87% n.a. n.a.

0.27%

Philequity Dividend Yield Fund, Inc. -a

1.2091

19.1%

-1.88%

-1.21%

3.5%

Philequity Fund, Inc. -a

34.765

16.88%

-2.46%

-1.17%

-0.01%

Philequity MSCI Philippine Index Fund, Inc. -a

0.8943

13.92% n.a. n.a.

-2.05%

MBG Equity Investment Fund, Inc. -a

99.32

PAMI Equity Index Fund, Inc. -a Philam Strategic Growth Fund, Inc. -a Philequity Alpha One Fund, Inc. -a,d

Philequity PSE Index Fund Inc. -a

4.7016

15.72%

-2.58%

-1.52%

-1.87%

Philippine Stock Index Fund Corp. -a

785.73

15.68%

-2.53%

-1.62%

-1.99%

Soldivo Strategic Growth Fund, Inc. -a

0.7114

16.18%

-6.54%

-4.8%

-1.04%

Sun Life Prosperity Philippine Equity Fund, Inc. -a 3.6161

15.11%

-4.62%

-2.71%

-0.21%

Sun Life Prosperity Philippine Stock Index Fund, Inc. -a 0.8972 15.26%

-2.87%

-1.78%

-2.23%

United Fund, Inc. -a

-2.85%

-0.8%

-0.71%

-2.35%

-1.11%

3.2954

16.43%

-1.63%

Exchange Traded Fund First Metro Phil. Equity Exchange Traded Fund, Inc. -a,c 105.5168

15.65%

-1.89%

Primarily invested in foreign currency securities $1.2235

15.85%

6.78%

5.81%

1.71%

Sun Life Prosperity World Voyager Fund, Inc. -a $1.8648

ATRAM AsiaPlus Equity Fund, Inc. -b

23.23%

13.07%

11.94%

11.48%

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

1.6837

7.06%

0%

-1.38%

0.9%

ATRAM Philippine Balanced Fund, Inc. -a

2.2193

7.53%

-0.68%

-1.22%

-2.89%

First Metro Save and Learn Balanced Fund Inc. -a 2.6299

9.09%

0.68%

0.02%

0.11%

First Metro Save and Learn F.O.C.C.U.S. Dynamic Fund, Inc. -a 0.1935

11.21% n.a. n.a.

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

1.9675

6.92%

1.83%

0.61%

0.18%

PAMI Horizon Fund, Inc. -a

3.7079

6.35%

1.01%

-0.59%

-2.12%

Philam Fund, Inc. -a

16.5993

6.8%

1.1%

-0.6%

-1.99%

Solidaritas Fund, Inc. -a

2.0697

7.79%

-0.33%

-0.36%

-1.17%

Sun Life of Canada Prosperity Balanced Fund, Inc. -a 3.5713 8.91%

-1.35%

-1.26%

-0.05%

Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2028, Inc. -a,d 0.9899

5.52% n.a. n.a.

-3.2%

Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2038, Inc. -a,d 0.9106

8.24% n.a. n.a.

-4.07%

Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2048, Inc. -a,d 0.8983

10.06% n.a. n.a.

-3.73%

Sun Life Prosperity Dynamic Fund, Inc. -a

11.26%

1.54%

0.9014

-1.76%

-1.61%

-2.57%

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

$0.03831

-1.77%

3%

1.18%

-2.07%

PAMI Asia Balanced Fund, Inc. -b

$1.1175

7.41%

2.56%

3.27%

-2.84%

Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Advantage Fund, Inc. -a $4.8543 17.12%

9.94%

8.37%

7.56%

Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Wellspring Fund, Inc. -a $1.2328 7.79%

5.77%

4.4%

2.55%

0.59%

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

373.26

1.37%

3.07%

2.42%

ATRAM Corporate Bond Fund, Inc. -a

1.9288

-1.04%

1.17%

0.24%

1.5%

Cocolife Fixed Income Fund, Inc. -a

3.2394

1.26%

3.46%

4.21%

0.77%

Ekklesia Mutual Fund Inc. -a

2.263

-1.63%

2.17%

1.31%

-1.44%

First Metro Save and Learn Fixed Income Fund,Inc. -a 2.4413 -0.46%

3.23%

1.68%

-0.49% -3.29%

Philam Bond Fund, Inc. -a

4.4821

-4.02%

4.44%

1.21%

Philam Managed Income Fund, Inc. -a

1.3197

0.67%

4.02%

2.7%

-0.11%

Philequity Peso Bond Fund, Inc. -a

3.9873

0.87%

4.78%

2.23%

-0.34%

Soldivo Bond Fund, Inc. -a

1.0385

0.15%

4.95%

1.63%

-0.34%

Sun Life of Canada Prosperity Bond Fund, Inc. -a 3.219

1.22%

5.16%

2.5%

0.41%

Sun Life Prosperity GS Fund, Inc. -a

0.54%

4.49%

1.85%

-0.16%

1.7522

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

$488.25

2.1%

3.16%

2.09%

0.91%

ALFM Euro Bond Fund, Inc. -a

Є220.68

1.64%

1.16%

0.8%

0.68%

ATRAM Total Return Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -b $1.2099

-5.51%

-2.33%

2.62%

1.44%

First Metro Save and Learn Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -a $0.0262 - 0.38%

1.85%

0.78%

-1.5%

PAMI Global Bond Fund, Inc -b

$1.0522

-3.17%

2.51%

-1.15%

-3.71%

Philam Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -a

$2.5296

1.36%

5.35%

1.91%

-0.24%

Philequity Dollar Income Fund Inc. -a $0.0631131 3.38%

3.54%

2.1%

1.28%

Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Abundance Fund, Inc. -a $3.2017 -0.53%

3.32%

0.74%

-0.68%

2.55%

0.67%

First Metro Save and Learn Money Market Fund, Inc. -a 1.0548 1.01% n.a. n.a.

0.64%

Sun Life Prosperity Peso Starter Fund, Inc. -a,1 1.3092

0.97%

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

130.68

1.3% 1.54%

2.99% 2.78%

2.55%

Primarily invested in foreign currency securities Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Starter Fund, Inc. -a $1.0585

0.98%

1.59% n.a.

0.58%

Feeder Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities Sun Life Prosperity World Equity Index Feeder Fund, Inc. -a,d 1.354

31.8% n.a. n.a.

19.87%

Primarily invested in foreign currency securities ALFM Global Multi-Asset Income Fund Inc. -a,d

$1

6.38% n.a. n.a.

2.04

% a - NAVPS as of the previous banking day. b - NAVPS as of two banking days ago. c - Listed in the PSE. d - in Net Asset Value per Unit (NAVPU).

1 - Launch date is September 28, 2019. 2 - Launch date is November 15, 2019. 3 - Adjusted due to stock dividend issuance last October 9, 2019.

4 - Renaming was approved by the SEC last October 12, 2018 (formerly, One Wealthy Nation Fund, Inc.). 5 - Launch date is December 09, 2019.

6 - Re-classified into a Bond Fund starting February 21, 2020 (Formerly a Money Market Fund). 7 - Launch date is July 6, 2020.

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

www.businessmirror.com.ph

PSE STOCK QUOTATIONS

September 9, 2021

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

ASIA UNITED BDO UNIBANK BANK PH ISLANDS CHINABANK EAST WEST BANK METROBANK PHIL NATL BANK PSBANK PHILTRUST RCBC SECURITY BANK UNION BANK BRIGHT KINDLE COL FINANCIAL FERRONOUX HLDG MEDCO HLDG NTL REINSURANCE PHIL STOCK EXCH VANTAGE

43.8 114.8 82.9 24.35 9.19 45.45 20.2 55.65 91.05 20.1 112.9 86.05 1.1 4.3 3.31 0.325 0.64 232.2 0.88

45 115.3 83.35 24.5 9.2 45.5 20.3 56.2 109.9 20.2 113 86.5 1.17 4.32 3.35 0.35 0.69 240 0.9

43.55 114.3 83.65 24.3 9.19 45.5 20.35 56.2 96.05 20 112.4 84.5 1.11 4.3 3.49 0.325 0.65 238 0.88

45 115.7 83.8 24.6 9.27 45.65 20.4 56.2 96.05 20.2 113.5 86.6 1.11 4.32 3.49 0.355 0.69 247 0.92

43.55 114 82.9 24.3 9.18 45.35 20.15 56.2 90 19.9 112.4 84.3 1.1 4.3 3.31 0.32 0.63 232 0.87

45 114.8 82.9 24.5 9.2 45.45 20.25 56.2 90 20.1 113 86.5 1.1 4.32 3.31 0.355 0.69 240 0.88

13,100 877,450 671,340 88,000 69,600 2,137,700 301,300 10 2,000 43,200 353,540 240,850 86,000 40,000 67,000 220,000 36,000 20,080 145,000

575,690 100,685,779 55,874,100 2,154,635 641,431 97,190,930 6,090,820 562 190,227 868,040 39,949,881 20,798,213 94,680 172,310 223,260 71,400 23,180 4,850,826 127,500

-189,465 -5,436,099 -31,112,741 -7,380 -246,773.00 -50,843,120 1,027,990 23,880,422 2,160,473 19,200 2,520 4,301,310 22,000

INDUSTRIAL AC ENERGY 10.02 10.04 10 10.1 9.96 10.04 37,997,600 380,843,242 ALSONS CONS 1.16 1.17 1.17 1.17 1.16 1.17 92,000 107,630 ABOITIZ POWER 29.05 29.1 28.95 29.15 28.8 29.05 2,469,500 71,697,355 BASIC ENERGY 0.62 0.63 0.61 0.62 0.59 0.62 10,131,000 6,136,190 FIRST GEN 31.8 32 31.8 32 31.8 31.8 1,429,100 45,616,350 FIRST PHIL HLDG 78.35 78.4 78.3 78.4 78.3 78.35 4,390 344,071 MERALCO 290.4 291 292 292 289.4 291 61,920 18,004,514 MANILA WATER 17.96 17.98 18 18 17.94 17.96 191,100 3,433,246 PETRON 3.14 3.15 3.17 3.17 3.14 3.14 796,000 2,508,080 PETROENERGY 3.95 4.04 4 4 4 4 1,000 4,000 PHX PETROLEUM 12.6 12.78 12.78 12.78 12.78 12.78 20,000 255,600 PILIPINAS SHELL 19.68 19.7 19.5 19.72 19.5 19.7 78,900 1,554,172 SPC POWER 13.28 13.44 13.24 13.5 13.22 13.28 65,800 876,558 AGRINURTURE 5.35 5.4 5.4 5.49 5.33 5.4 324,000 1,754,173 AXELUM 2.77 2.78 2.7 2.78 2.7 2.78 171,000 466,290 CNTRL AZUCARERA 13.8 14.2 13.76 14.2 13.76 14.2 1,500 21,148 CENTURY FOOD 26.7 26.9 26.55 26.9 26.05 26.9 977,500 26,135,840 DEL MONTE 13.42 13.66 13.62 13.7 13.4 13.42 94,400 1,279,652 DNL INDUS 8.21 8.25 8.3 8.31 8.21 8.21 911,300 7,530,606 EMPERADOR 16.8 16.96 16.8 17.18 16.7 16.96 8,958,500 152,281,128 SMC FOODANDBEV 80.5 80.95 79.5 80.5 79.3 80.5 270,060 21,639,900 ALLIANCE SELECT 0.64 0.65 0.65 0.65 0.64 0.64 7,000 4,510 FRUITAS HLDG 1.22 1.25 1.24 1.25 1.22 1.25 2,030,000 2,516,030 GINEBRA 106.4 107 107.2 108.8 106 107 21,360 2,291,636 JOLLIBEE 201.8 202 200.6 202 200.2 201.8 141,360 28,427,808 LIBERTY FLOUR 27.6 30.2 29.65 29.65 27.6 27.6 1,900 53,050 MAXS GROUP 6.41 6.55 6.36 6.5 6.36 6.5 14,400 91,971 MG HLDG 0.214 0.222 0.221 0.222 0.213 0.222 710,000 153,850 MONDE NISSIN 17.36 17.4 17.22 17.46 17.22 17.36 15,786,600 274,265,426 SHAKEYS PIZZA 7.72 7.97 7.75 7.8 7.7 7.72 7,300 56,488 ROXAS AND CO 0.91 0.93 0.92 0.95 0.89 0.93 8,366,000 7,596,910 RFM CORP 4.51 4.62 4.62 4.62 4.6 4.6 31,000 143,120 SWIFT FOODS 0.13 0.131 0.13 0.131 0.129 0.13 4,780,000 620,560 UNIV ROBINA 144.3 145.3 144 145.6 144 144.3 394,520 57,030,958 VITARICH 0.8 0.81 0.79 0.81 0.79 0.81 258,000 205,920 CEMEX HLDG 1.28 1.29 1.26 1.28 1.26 1.28 375,000 476,680 EAGLE CEMENT 14.34 14.42 14.4 14.44 14.34 14.42 103,200 1,487,364 EEI CORP 7.95 8 8.2 8.2 7.95 8 236,500 1,901,460 HOLCIM 6.63 6.65 6.76 6.8 6.6 6.65 296,100 1,970,906 MEGAWIDE 6.2 6.22 6.25 6.25 6.16 6.22 157,900 981,491 PHINMA 14.1 14.2 14.2 14.2 14.2 14.2 34,400 488,480 TKC METALS 0.97 0.98 0.99 0.99 0.96 0.96 23,000 22,430 VULCAN INDL 1.31 1.33 1.32 1.35 1.31 1.31 2,524,000 3,343,310 CROWN ASIA 1.69 1.71 1.71 1.71 1.69 1.69 38,000 64,920 EUROMED 1.71 1.75 1.71 1.75 1.71 1.75 22,000 37,700 LMG CORP 4.23 4.59 4.23 4.23 4.23 4.23 10,000 42,300 MABUHAY VINYL 5.3 5.45 5.3 5.3 5.3 5.3 1,000 5,300 PRYCE CORP 5.41 5.45 5.41 5.41 5.41 5.41 7,100 38,411 CONCEPCION 23.25 23.3 23.25 23.25 23.25 23.25 5,500 127,875 GREENERGY 2.61 2.62 2.62 2.64 2.59 2.62 4,065,000 10,599,200 INTEGRATED MICR 8.49 8.5 8.52 8.65 8.48 8.5 202,300 1,722,798 IONICS 0.93 0.95 0.94 0.94 0.94 0.94 7,000 6,580 PANASONIC 5.88 5.98 5.99 6 5.98 5.98 8,200 49,167 SFA SEMICON 1.18 1.19 1.18 1.2 1.18 1.19 282,000 335,660 CIRTEK HLDG 4.47 4.48 4.48 4.53 4.46 4.47 858,000 3,839,850

-57,997,602 24,429,485 -501,310 -21,014,375 149,731.50 2,272,160 -43,304 -660,450 1,020,338 14,542 -519,725 27,000 547,705 -21,292 -2,807,578 30,976,806.00 -1,127,233.50 -250,000 -441,926 -73,174 12,800 -8,800 -63,563,644 -3,824 -3,584,180 -65,000 -9,417,583 -1,737,690.00 84,421 4,346 -181,710 83,700 -4,809,530 -176,902.00 21,240 187,870

HOLDING & FRIMS ABACORE CAPITAL 1.04 1.05 1.04 1.05 1.01 1.05 3,254,000 3,347,810 ASIABEST GROUP 6.11 6.13 6.07 6.29 6.07 6.13 7,100 44,120 AYALA CORP 814 818 813 819 803.5 818 226,130 184,393,350 ABOITIZ EQUITY 44.75 44.8 44.35 44.8 44 44.8 444,600 19,822,785 ALLIANCE GLOBAL 10.42 10.5 10.38 10.5 10.28 10.5 2,660,700 27,595,650 AYALA LAND LOG 5.11 5.12 5.16 5.19 5.06 5.12 4,087,300 20,886,472 ANSCOR 7 7.09 7.09 7.09 6.9 6.9 2,800 19,472 ANGLO PHIL HLDG 0.97 0.99 1 1 0.97 0.97 654,000 639,850 ATN HLDG A 0.57 0.58 0.57 0.57 0.56 0.57 1,114,000 628,870 ATN HLDG B 0.56 0.58 0.58 0.58 0.58 0.58 15,000 8,700 COSCO CAPITAL 5.15 5.16 5.01 5.16 5.01 5.16 1,202,000 6,164,483 DMCI HLDG 6.63 6.65 6.55 6.66 6.55 6.65 3,737,400 24,780,233 FILINVEST DEV 7.55 7.79 7.57 7.79 7.55 7.79 34,100 257,811 GT CAPITAL 566 569 570 572 565.5 566 187,320 106,291,420 HOUSE OF INV 3.65 3.81 3.6 3.65 3.6 3.65 452,000 1,628,850 JG SUMMIT 64.2 65 64.95 65 64 64.2 370,230 23,814,127.50 JOLLIVILLE HLDG 5.4 5.74 5.4 5.4 5.4 5.4 3,400 18,360 KEPPEL HLDG A 6 6.2 6 6.2 5.99 6.2 30,000 182,959 KEPPEL HLDG B 6 6.1 6.09 6.2 6 6.1 17,000 103,590 LODESTAR 0.74 0.77 0.75 0.78 0.71 0.74 896,000 659,040 LOPEZ HLDG 3.24 3.25 3.2 3.25 3.15 3.25 1,318,000 4,209,560 LT GROUP 9.15 9.16 9.2 9.27 9.11 9.15 7,868,800 72,194,328 METRO PAC INV 3.88 3.89 3.9 3.94 3.88 3.89 9,650,000 37,713,800 PACIFICA HLDG 3.06 3.13 3.13 3.13 3.13 3.13 3,000 9,390 PRIME MEDIA 2.13 2.14 2.05 2.15 2.05 2.13 444,000 940,560 SOLID GROUP 1.16 1.18 1.18 1.18 1.18 1.18 2,000 2,360 SM INVESTMENTS 1,008 1,017 1,024 1,024 1,005 1,008 111,805 113,110,755 SAN MIGUEL CORP 116.8 117.5 117.5 117.5 116 117.5 70,840 8,290,778 SOC RESOURCES 0.67 0.71 0.73 0.73 0.7 0.7 12,000 8,430 TOP FRONTIER 132.2 134.8 134.8 134.8 132.1 132.1 190 25,585 WELLEX INDUS 0.26 0.27 0.27 0.27 0.27 0.27 30,000 8,100

1,080,310 102,054,230 7,364,335 2,295,770 3,859,154 8,700 3,101,103 3,390,281 -21,456,065 -1,508,400 5,797,721 -21,900 -947,910 -42,721,290.00 -3,136,910 85,210 -31,472,100 -442,129 6,300 -

PROPERTY ARTHALAND CORP 0.66 0.67 0.65 0.66 0.65 0.66 54,000 35,520 ANCHOR LAND 7 7.3 7.44 7.44 7.44 7.44 200 1,488 AYALA LAND 34 34.1 33.5 34.1 33.2 34.1 5,082,100 172,700,795 ARANETA PROP 1.1 1.16 1.1 1.18 1.1 1.16 169,000 197,400 AREIT RT 37.95 38 38 38.5 37.7 38 397,600 15,128,510 BELLE CORP 1.38 1.4 1.38 1.4 1.38 1.38 63,000 87,600 A BROWN 0.84 0.86 0.85 0.87 0.84 0.86 153,000 130,290 CITYLAND DEVT 0.78 0.79 0.78 0.79 0.78 0.79 35,000 27,310 CROWN EQUITIES 0.123 0.124 0.123 0.124 0.123 0.124 3,370,000 414,560 CEBU HLDG 6.1 6.29 6.07 6.1 6.07 6.1 2,000 12,152 CEB LANDMASTERS 3.21 3.23 3.24 3.27 3.21 3.21 1,128,000 3,640,090 CENTURY PROP 0.46 0.465 0.46 0.47 0.455 0.465 13,520,000 6,251,550 DOUBLEDRAGON 10.12 10.2 10.14 10.16 10.1 10.12 126,100 1,276,588 DDMP RT 1.78 1.79 1.8 1.8 1.78 1.79 7,803,000 13,915,720 DM WENCESLAO 6.57 6.6 6.67 6.67 6.6 6.6 132,600 881,585 EMPIRE EAST 0.275 0.285 0.28 0.28 0.275 0.275 280,000 78,100 EVER GOTESCO 0.48 0.485 0.485 0.51 0.47 0.485 107,820,000 52,993,900 FILINVEST RT 7.26 7.3 7.3 7.32 7.24 7.26 6,735,500 49,109,408 FILINVEST LAND 1.09 1.1 1.11 1.11 1.09 1.1 795,000 876,260 GLOBAL ESTATE 1.13 1.14 1.18 1.21 1.13 1.15 5,608,000 6,532,350 8990 HLDG 7.3 7.47 7.47 7.47 7.47 7.47 1,500 11,205 PHIL INFRADEV 1.22 1.24 1.22 1.24 1.22 1.23 333,000 409,620 CITY AND LAND 1.26 1.28 1.26 1.28 1.24 1.26 98,000 124,600 MEGAWORLD 2.96 2.98 2.93 3 2.9 2.98 52,650,000 156,044,780 MRC ALLIED 0.315 0.32 0.315 0.32 0.31 0.32 6,260,000 1,981,350 PHIL ESTATES 0.53 0.54 0.53 0.55 0.53 0.53 1,542,000 823,730 PRIMEX CORP 2 2.03 2.01 2.04 1.99 2.03 211,000 422,500 ROBINSONS LAND 16.7 16.8 16.98 16.98 16.7 16.7 1,012,200 16,970,996 PHIL REALTY 0.26 0.27 0.26 0.265 0.26 0.265 1,250,000 325,450 ROCKWELL 1.5 1.53 1.53 1.53 1.5 1.53 117,000 177,040 SHANG PROP 2.63 2.64 2.64 2.64 2.61 2.64 37,000 97,320 STA LUCIA LAND 2.88 2.89 2.92 2.94 2.88 2.9 231,000 671,300 SM PRIME HLDG 33.65 33.7 33.85 33.85 33.5 33.7 4,693,000 158,082,005 VISTAMALLS 3.68 3.8 3.7 3.8 3.7 3.8 11,000 40,900 SUNTRUST HOME 1.75 1.76 1.78 1.78 1.71 1.75 3,262,000 5,703,550 VISTA LAND 3.62 3.67 3.64 3.67 3.6 3.67 946,000 3,439,770

SERVICES ABS CBN 11.2 11.22 10.9 11.38 10.9 11.2 456,900 5,075,818 GMA NETWORK 13.2 13.24 13.2 13.36 13.2 13.2 611,000 8,087,370 GLOBE TELECOM 2,784 2,790 2,790 2,800 2,732 2,790 112,775 312,359,610 PLDT 1,439 1,443 1,471 1,471 1,437 1,439 139,460 201,486,195 APOLLO GLOBAL 0.11 0.111 0.112 0.113 0.109 0.111 332,330,000 36,681,620 CONVERGE 31.8 32 31.7 32.2 31.65 31.8 4,321,500 137,696,230 DFNN INC 3.88 3.91 3.93 3.93 3.8 3.91 109,000 425,030 DITO CME HLDG 8.81 8.82 8.85 8.95 8.81 8.82 2,671,300 23,645,919 JACKSTONES 2.15 2.2 2.2 2.2 2.2 2.2 2,000 4,400 NOW CORP 2.05 2.06 2.05 2.08 2.03 2.05 1,015,000 2,075,990 TRANSPACIFIC BR 0.385 0.39 0.385 0.395 0.38 0.385 3,330,000 1,287,100 PHILWEB 2.22 2.24 2.29 2.32 2.24 2.24 416,000 941,900 2GO GROUP 8.1 8.2 8.2 8.2 8.02 8.2 17,500 141,872 ASIAN TERMINALS 14.1 14.26 14.1 14.5 14.1 14.26 190,800 2,692,324 CHELSEA 2.52 2.53 2.55 2.55 2.5 2.53 384,000 962,920 CEBU AIR 43.75 43.8 43.75 44 43.75 43.8 248,100 10,873,245 INTL CONTAINER 186 187 185.3 187.8 184 186 882,360 163,962,311 MACROASIA 4.73 4.74 4.68 4.84 4.61 4.74 744,000 3,505,830 METROALLIANCE A 1.68 1.7 1.69 1.7 1.67 1.7 221,000 371,500 HARBOR STAR 1.04 1.07 1.08 1.08 1.05 1.05 157,000 164,880 ACESITE HOTEL 1.63 1.65 1.65 1.65 1.65 1.65 4,000 6,600 BOULEVARD HLDG 0.094 0.095 0.095 0.097 0.094 0.095 48,780,000 4,636,110 DISCOVERY WORLD 2.26 2.35 2.26 2.26 2.26 2.26 1,000 2,260 WATERFRONT 0.53 0.54 0.53 0.53 0.53 0.53 145,000 76,850 CENTRO ESCOLAR 6.64 6.98 6.5 6.64 6.49 6.64 11,500 74,931 IPEOPLE 6.84 7.23 6.84 7.23 6.84 7.23 300 2,130 STI HLDG 0.35 0.355 0.355 0.355 0.35 0.35 150,000 52,550 BERJAYA 5.67 5.68 5.7 5.7 5.45 5.68 689,700 3,826,937 BLOOMBERRY 6.24 6.25 6.2 6.25 6.2 6.24 1,591,000 9,915,101 PACIFIC ONLINE 2.16 2.17 2.13 2.18 2.12 2.16 332,000 709,080 LEISURE AND RES 1.99 2 1.89 2.09 1.89 1.99 8,677,000 17,505,250 PH RESORTS GRP 1.55 1.56 1.55 1.56 1.54 1.56 509,000 789,810 PREMIUM LEISURE 0.435 0.44 0.44 0.445 0.43 0.44 2,510,000 1,103,750 ALLHOME 8.91 8.99 9 9.08 8.9 8.91 244,100 2,188,211 METRO RETAIL 1.29 1.3 1.28 1.29 1.28 1.29 176,000 225,440 PUREGOLD 42.8 42.9 42.9 43 42.5 42.9 259,600 11,108,015 ROBINSONS RTL 49.75 49.8 49.9 49.9 49.8 49.8 871,400 43,434,370 PHIL SEVEN CORP 87 87.2 87.5 87.5 87 87 390 33,937 SSI GROUP 1.13 1.15 1.14 1.15 1.13 1.15 335,000 381,240 WILCON DEPOT 26.3 26.35 27.45 27.45 26.3 26.3 3,833,300 102,700,170 EASYCALL 5.15 5.39 5.4 5.4 5.12 5.12 40,500 208,156 GOLDEN MV 460.6 477.6 466 477.6 466 477.6 220 104,880 PRMIERE HORIZON 1.1 1.11 1.11 1.12 1.09 1.11 8,326,000 9,210,190 SBS PHIL CORP 4.22 4.25 4.35 4.35 4.35 4.35 4,000 17,400

MINING & OIL ATOK 6.9 7 7.12 7.18 6.75 7 496,500 3,464,013 APEX MINING 1.48 1.49 1.49 1.5 1.48 1.49 333,000 495,980 ATLAS MINING 6.17 6.18 6.45 6.45 6.12 6.17 1,756,400 10,845,067 BENGUET A 5.1 5.19 5.15 5.2 4.99 5.19 26,000 134,314 COAL ASIA HLDG 0.29 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.295 0.3 240,000 70,950 CENTURY PEAK 2.75 2.8 2.8 2.8 2.7 2.8 16,000 44,700 FERRONICKEL 2.23 2.25 2.12 2.28 2.12 2.23 13,076,000 28,824,940 GEOGRACE 0.26 0.265 0.27 0.27 0.265 0.265 570,000 151,200 LEPANTO A 0.139 0.14 0.141 0.141 0.139 0.139 2,710,000 379,480 LEPANTO B 0.149 0.154 0.149 0.149 0.149 0.149 190,000 28,310 MANILA MINING A 0.01 0.011 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 28,600,000 286,000 MANILA MINING B 0.01 0.011 0.011 0.011 0.011 0.011 7,700,000 84,700 MARCVENTURES 0.98 0.99 0.97 0.99 0.96 0.99 703,000 687,160 NICKEL ASIA 6 6.01 5.9 6.06 5.9 6 6,468,500 38,877,702 OMICO CORP 0.38 0.39 0.395 0.395 0.39 0.39 300,000 117,050 ORNTL PENINSULA 0.88 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.88 0.88 280,000 250,090 PX MINING 5.63 5.67 5.71 5.71 5.55 5.63 609,900 3,425,874 SEMIRARA MINING 18.08 18.1 18.12 18.2 18.04 18.08 2,739,600 49,573,658 UNITED PARAGON 0.0075 0.0077 0.0077 0.0077 0.0076 0.0076 19,000,000 144,700 ACE ENEXOR 15.26 15.66 15.3 15.68 15.2 15.68 33,700 513,912 ORNTL PETROL A 0.011 0.012 0.011 0.011 0.011 0.011 1,800,000 19,800 ORNTL PETROL B 0.011 0.012 0.011 0.011 0.011 0.011 1,500,000 16,500 PHILODRILL 0.01 0.011 0.01 0.011 0.01 0.01 5,300,000 53,900 PXP ENERGY 6.63 6.7 6.72 6.81 6.55 6.7 490,900 3,249,417

PREFFERED HOUSE PREF B 100.5 101.7 100.5 100.5 100.5 100.5 500 50,250 ALCO PREF B 100.6 101.1 101.1 101.1 101.1 101.1 90 9,099 AC PREF B2R 520 529.5 528 528 520 520 2,000 1,040,160 CEB PREF 43.2 44 43.3 43.3 43.2 43.2 44,400 1,920,290 DD PREF 100.8 101 101 101 100.8 100.8 1,590 160,290 GTCAP PREF B 1,022 1,045 1,025 1,025 1,025 1,025 200 205,000 MWIDE PREF 100.8 101 100.8 101 100.8 100.8 5,310 535,680 MWIDE PREF 2A 105.4 105.6 105.2 105.4 105.2 105.4 800 84,280 PNX PREF 3B 105.1 106 106.8 106.8 106 106 1,260 133,640 PNX PREF 4 1,007 1,016 1,007 1,010 1,007 1,010 11,820 11,903,310 PCOR PREF 2B 1,020 1,021 1,020 1,020 1,020 1,020 30 30,600 PCOR PREF 3B 1,160 1,168 1,160 1,160 1,160 1,160 95 110,200 SMC PREF 2F 79.2 79.7 79.4 79.4 79.2 79.2 2,150 170,480 SMC PREF 2H 76.5 76.8 76.8 76.8 76.8 76.8 1,000 76,800 SMC PREF 2I 78.2 79 78.5 78.5 78.15 78.2 14,050 1,098,323.50 SMC PREF 2J 76.5 77 76.5 76.5 76.5 76.5 13,900 1,063,350

PHIL. DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS ABS HLDG PDR 10.52 10.78 10.4 10.54 10.4 10.52 107,300 1,127,984 GMA HLDG PDR 12.32 12.4 12.4 12.4 12.2 12.32 37,200 457,614

WARRANTS LR WARRANT 0.57 0.58 0.58 0.61 0.56 0.57 5,511,000 3,224,450 TECH WARRANT 1.52 1.53 1.47 1.52 1.43 1.52 4,283,000 6,396,130

22,097,795 1,942,705 44,700 27,060 308,290 -140,700 670,880 -7,409,340 -39,668 -355,300 -16,254,993 37,640 6,850 -13,750 -62,256,610 -5,400 -164,040.00 -4,562,946.00 18,200 -1,530 -87,700 -181,895 -85,370 1,318,550 25,286,910 -67,103,165 1,199,350 -12,787,790 316,860 1,612,495 3,800 -213,930.00 0 -37,820 -5,929,880 -8,048,970 653,580 18,821 -1,096,913 -58,350 -15,500 356,157 -126,880 -223,040 -3,738,460 -1,747 2,815,470 -168,180 1,490 249,434 44,700 74,690 -4,383,671 329,854 5,515,594 -71,443 -1,833,740 3,030 - -1,109,264 -

SMALL & MEDIUM ENTERPRISES ALTUS PROP ITALPINAS KEPWEALTH MERRYMART

19.5 2.02 4.18 4

FIRST METRO ETF

105

19.66 2.04 4.29 4.01

EXHANGE TRADE FUNDS

105.2

19.5 2.02 4.17 4

19.66 2.02 4.17 4.04

19.5 2.01 4.15 3.96

19.66 2.01 4.17 4.01

3,200 73,000 57,000 1,995,000

62,560 146,860 237,670 8,000,310

105.5 105.5 105 105.1 4,050 427,011

-81,200 -4,410 5,850 753,800 3,165

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Banking&Finance

BSP issues more stringent fines for violation of rules

By Bianca Cuaresma @BcuaresmaBM

T

HE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) introduced a stricter penalty framework regime which increases the monetary sanctions and expands the coverage of accountability for financial institutions that are to commit transactional violations.

In a briefing on Thursday, BSP governor Benjamin E. Diokno said adopting a more stringent penalty system for BSP-Supervised Financial Institutions (BSFIs) aims to further promote effective regulation of banks and the financial system.

“These guidelines provide more teeth to hold BSFIs and their directors or trustees, officers and employees [DTOEs] accountable for their conduct, deter the future commission of violations and sustain discipline in engaging in safe and sound banking practices,” Diokno said.

Included in the stricter framework is the increase of monetary penalty from the current P30,000 to a maximum of P1 million for each transactional violation and to P100,000.00 per calendar day for violations of a continuing nature.

Apart from the increase in monetary penalty, the guidelines provide that the BSP may also impose a fine of no more than three times the profit gained or loss avoided due to the violation.

“This is aimed at ensuring that violation of laws, rules and regulations shall not be used by BSFIs as a tool to attain economic advantage,” Diokno said.

The central bank governor also said, to ensure fairness, consistency and reasonableness in monetary penalty imposition, the BSP will consider four factors in determining the appropriate amount of monetary penalty to be imposed.

These factors are: nature, gravity and seriousness of the violation or irregularity; financial and nonfinancial impact of the violation or irregularity to the BSFI, its industry and the financial system; intentionality, frequency and duration of the violation or irregularity; and, measures undertaken to stop or correct the violation or irregularity.

“Due process shall be observed in the imposition of monetary penalties to afford the BSFIs and their DTOEs fair and reasonable opportunity to explain their side and submit supporting evidence,” Diokno said.

Napocor adds ₧300M in remittance to govt

By Lenie Lectura @llectura

S

TATE firm National Power Corp. (Napocor) has remitted P300 million to the national treasury, its top official said Thursday.

Napocor Officer-in-Charge Donato D. Marcos said the amount is on top of the company’s P600-million dividend remitted last April.

“We remit this additional dividend as a contribution to the national government’s programs in mitigating the impact of the current health crisis,” Marcos said.

The additional amount, he added, will help address the nation’s need

for additional funds in fighting the Covid-19 pandemic.

Napocor said it assures its stakeholders that the additional remittance does not compromise its operational capability and financial position. Napocor has been consistently remitting to the Bureau of the Treasury half of its income as stipulated in the Dividend Law (Republic Act 7656) since its financial turnaround in 2014.

As mandated by the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001, the Napocor is tasked to perform missionary electrification in far-flung islands and villages in the country through its 278 “Small Power Utilities Group” plants.

Beware mobile banking Trojans, Kaspersky says

By Rizal Raoul S. Reyes @brownindio

M

obile banking trojans, also known as “bankers,” are being tapped by cybercriminals to steal funds directly from mobile bank accounts, according to global cybersecurity company Kaspersky Lab. In its latest mobile threat report covering the second quarter of 2021 for Southeast Asia, the Russian cybersecurity service provider said it has monitored a 60-percent uptick in the number of attacks using malicious mobile banking Trojans—malicious software or malware—detected and blocked in the region.

Kasperksy said malwares can easily deceive users because they typically look like legitimate financial apps. However, when a victim enters their security credentials to try to access their bank account, the attackers gain access to that private information.

Since the beginning of 2021, Kaspersky said its products have foiled 708 incidents across six countries in Southeast Asia. The company achieved 50 percent of the total number of mobile “bankers” blocked in 2020 at 1,408.

Indonesia and Vietnam had the biggest number of incidents during the first half of the year. However, Vietnam and Indonesia were not in the top 10 countries affected by this threat. Vietnam and Indonesia were

ranked only 27th and 31st, respectively, as of June this year.

The five countries with the highest number of mobile banking Trojan detections in Q2 2021 are Russia, Japan, Turkey, Germany and France.

While the number of mobile banking Trojan attacks in Southeast Asia remains low at the moment, Kaspersky observed there was a rise with 367 incidents from April to June 2021 compared to 230 detections during the same period last year. It added the increase in the mobile payment users during the pandemic has been a big factor, according to Kaspersky.

“We are almost at the second year of the pandemic, which has fast-tracked the mobile payment adoption in the region at a breakneck speed. During the beginning of this health crisis, our survey already showed that the majority of internet users here have shifted finance-related activities online, like shopping [64 percent] and banking [47 percent],” Yeo Siang Tiong, General Manager for Southeast Asia at Kaspersky was quoted in a statement as saying.

In the same survey, Kaspersky disclosed that seven-in-10 (69 percent) expressed concern in conducting financial transactions online and 42 percent of the respondents admitted to being afraid about someone accessing their financial details through their devices.

BusinessMirror

Editor: Dennis D. Estopace • Friday, September 10, 2021

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Govt in wait-and-see mode on PAL bankruptcy process

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By Bernadette D. Nicolas

@BNicolasBM

HE chief of the Department of Finance (DOF) said officials need first to see the final outcome of the Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings for the Philippine Airlines Inc. (PAL) before they decide whether government banks help bail out the flag carrier.

Finance Secretary and ex-PAL CEO Carlos G. Dominguez III explained on Thursday the wait-andsee stance by noting that “bankruptcy courts do not necessarily always follow what we want.”

“We will have to wait for the result of the bankruptcy proceedings because I do not want Land Bank [of the Philippines] and [the] DBP [Development Bank of the Philippines] to go in and finance a company that is filing for bankruptcy and we don’t know how will it turn out,” Dominguez told senators during the Cabinet-level Development Budget Coordination Committee briefing on the proposed 2022 national budget.

In the meantime, Dominguez said they are already reviewing the

bankruptcy filing, which a government financial institution was able to get hold.

“We are following this very carefully and, if at the end, it looks like it will be a prudent investment for the taxpayers’ money, yes, we will participate,” Dominguez added. “But the conditions are there plus the additional conditions that we have to see the final outcome of the bankruptcy proceedings in New York.”

Apart from the condition that the government needs to wait for the outcome of the bankruptcy proceedings, Dominguez said other conditions must be met before government participates in financing the airline company.

According to Dominguez, these other conditions were also met in the

Short, sweet, and sharp planning sessions

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NE lesson I learned early during this pandemic is the need to plan short term as everything is tentative and fleeting.

So I invited Dot Miller, founder and CEO of The Solutions, a management company based in Colorado, United States of America., to speak to our association community on “Sprint Strategies: How to Engage your Members to Move your Organization Forward.”

A sprint strategy session (SSS) is one that is focused (on a specific issue to be tackled, e.g. membership growth); structured (with an organized agenda and decisions made at the end); and short (one hour or so, which can be incorporated during a board meeting). Here are salient points from Dot’s presentation: 1. Why sprint strategies? Associations are not only resource-poor but also time-poor. The need to concentrate on relevant, revenueproducing, problem-solving, and mission-driving items is more imperative than ever.

2. How to prepare for the session?

A month before the session, survey your members to do an environmental scan with questions like: n “Why did you join your association?” n “What do you find most valuable about the association?” n “What resources do you need to be successful that your association might not be doing today?” n “What are your goals of membership?” n “What are your three biggest pain points going into this year?”

Survey also those you know as thought leaders and “big idea” people outside of membership to find out the association’s SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) three weeks before the session. Pose questions like: n “What do you find most valuable about the association?” n “What are the two biggest weaknesses of the association?” n “What are the two biggest strengths of the association?” n “What one goal or task do you think the association should focus on in the next 12 to 18 months?”

One week before the session, sur-

Association World Octavio Peralta vey your board members by asking questions like: n “How is the association perceived by its members?” n “How is the association received outside the members, by the community at large and by partner organizations?” n “What are the two biggest weaknesses of the association?” n “What are the two biggest strengths of the association?” n “If your association does not exist today and you were creating it from scratch and you could only do three things, what would those be that would help support and advance the industry?” n “What strengths to bring to the association’s board of directors?”

Use all the data gathered during your sprint strategy sessions.

3. Points to consider: n Keep track of time as it is an essential part of the success. n Break into small groups (4-5 people per group). n Make sure that each person in each group has the opportunity to speak. n Have someone take notes in each group and collect these notes. n Discuss how a new program or initiative will be funded. n Leave 45 minutes at the end of the session to formulate the SMART goal, tasks, and timelines. n The four or five topics that emerged during the session could still change.

The SSS in sprint strategy session could also be a short, sweet and sharp session. Give it a try!

Octavio Peralta is founder and CEO of the Philippine Council of Associations and Association Executives and concurrently, President of the Asia-Pacific Federation of Association Organizations. The views Peralta expressed in his column do not necessarily reflect those of the BusinessMirror. E-mail: obp@ adfiap.org

case of budget carrier Cebu Pacific, wherein state-run lenders provided 18 percent of the total financing package.

The Finance chief added they are not keen on ending up owning the companies.

“So I said, what we will require in any restructuring is that, number one, major shareholders put up additional adequate capital. Number two, all the current creditors participate in relieving the financial problem of the airlines. Number three, that local banks participate in the financing,” he said.

“If all those conditions [are met], and that we are satisfied with the management of the company and only then will the government financial institutions participate, and frankly we did in the case of Cebu Pacific,” he added.

While government banks were not the biggest financiers in case of Cebu Pacific, Dominguez said they are the ones who provided “keystone finance.”

“You know the keystone in an arch is the stone without which nothing happens; the arch is not built,” he explained.

Last week, PAL announced it had filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in New York as it works out a “consensual” restructuring plan with creditors, suppliers and shareholders.

PAL said it has entered into “a se-

ries of agreements with substantially all of the Company’s lenders, lessors, and aircraft and engine suppliers, as well as its majority shareholder, to allow the Company to successfully restructure and reorganize its finances to navigate the Covid-19 crisis and emerge as a leaner and better-capitalized airline.”

The restructuring plan, which is subject to court approval, provides over $2.0 billion in permanent balance sheet reductions from existing creditors and allows the airline to consensually contract fleet capacity by 25 percent and includes $505 million in long-term equity and debt financing from PAL’s majority shareholder and $150 million of additional debt financing from new investors.

The company said it “voluntarily filed for a pre-arranged restructuring under the US Chapter 11 process in the Southern District of New York to implement the consensual restructuring plan” with creditors. PAL “will also complete a parallel filing for recognition in the Philippines under the Financial Insolvency and Rehabilitation Act of 2010.”

PAL said it will continue to operate flights in the normal course of business in accordance with safety regulations, “and the company expects to continue to meet its current financial obligations throughout this process to employees, customers, the government, and its lessors, lenders, suppliers and other creditors.”

‘Check your banknotes as fraudsters still on the loose,’ BSP warns public

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HILE scams and crimes have increasingly gone digital due to the pandemic, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) reminded the public that traditional fraudsters are still on the loose.

In a statement on Thursday, the BSP urged the public to regularly and carefully check the features of their Philippine banknotes to ensure their authenticity as the monetary authority is currently verifying reports circulating in messaging apps and social media platforms on the existence of alleged counterfeit 1000Piso banknotes.

“The BSP encourages the public to immediately report any information on counterfeiting of Philippine currency to the nearest police station or law enforcement agency for appropriate action,” the BSP said in its statement.

From January to June, the BSP led five successful law enforcement operations that resulted in the arrest of 14 individuals and the filing of nine separate criminal charges. The

BSP also regularly conducts public information campaigns to educate the public on the design, security features, and proper handling of Philippine currency as well as relevant laws, policies, and programs.

Under Republic Act 10951, counterfeiters of Philippine currency are subject to the penalty of imprisonment of at least 12 years and 1 day and a fine not exceeding two million pesos. The BSP earlier enhanced the current New Generation Currency (NGC) banknotes to incorporate the latest anti-counterfeiting technology and improve the visual and tactile differentiation of each denomination.

To ascertain the genuineness of the NGC banknotes, the BSP advised the public to use the “Feel-LookTilt” method to check the security features.

This includes “feeling” for embossed prints and tactile marks on the security paper, “looking” for verifying watermarks, security fibers and asymmetrical serial numbers, and “tilting” to verify variable inks used on the banknote. Bianca Cuaresma

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Relationships BusinessMirror

Friday, September 10, 2021 • Editor: Gerard S. Ramos

Blasts from the past

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Today’s Horoscope

By Eugenia Last

z

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Ryan Phillippe, 47; Colin Firth, 61; Amy Irving, 68; Joe Perry, 71.

Happy Birthday: Catch your breath, then get ready to spin whatever comes your way into an exciting adventure. Explore the possibilities, and expand every detail that will encourage growth. Embrace trends and align yourself with those heading in a similar direction.

It’s time to take hold of whatever situation you encounter and turn it into something positive, sustainable and lucrative. Your numbers are 7, 13, 24, 29, 32, 38, 44.

a

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Proceed with an idea, and you won’t be disappointed. Join forces with someone you love and trust, and gain momentum. What you set out to do will encourage a better relationship and a joint venture to help you achieve long-term goals. HHH

A

S a child of the late 1960s and 1970s, I have been fortunate to have grown around an incredible amount of excellent cuisines and dishes, thanks to parents who were in the habit of eating—not just Lola’s table fare but also in popular restaurants then. In those days, when money matters were not pressing as they are today, a growing middle class family could still afford to dine out every weekend, not just on special occasions.

A number of these dishes we enjoyed then, I have belatedly realized, are making a comeback, and a number of restaurants which were favorites in those days are still around today, possibly passed on to the heirs of the original owners.

During this pandemic, they have become popular again, no doubt due to our desperate need for food that comfort us and remind us of more relaxed, joyful times.

CORN DOGS

WHILE I waited for Mama to check out her purchases at the old Uni-Mart in Greenhills, I would have a corn dog at the stand near the main supermarket entrance. (The stand was beside the soft-serve ice cream kiosk, so my post-grocery shopping snack was usually either of those products.) The corn dogs at Uni-Mart were fat suckers, with a super thick deep-fried batter coating the dog. I would then ask the manong vendor to squirt on the ketchup, which he would do so in a zig-zag fashion.

It must be the Korean “invasion” which ushered the return of corn dogs, as I have seen boxes of them in neighborhood Korean stores, although I lucked out in buying a box of Willy’s Famous corn dogs (6 to a box) a few months ago via a food delivery app. They use beef franks, by the way, and now that I’m an adult, I enjoy them with a squirt of stone-ground mustard and Japanese mayo.

COOKIE MONSTER CHOCOLATE CAKE

SOME people may argue that chocolates cakes never went out of style, but I grew up with the one baked by Cookie Monster, again a kiosk at the old Uni-mart. So if there was a special occasion, or Mama just felt like it, she would buy an entire cake for the family to enjoy. And after having it for so many years, no other chocolate cake quite compares.

The cake base was moist, with the middle filled with a caramel-like cream. Its matte chocolate icing was generous, with its top in a lace-like pattern. And the best part was the

b

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Emotional matters will fester if you ignore what’s happening around you. Consider your choices, and make arrangements that will protect you, regardless of what others do or say. Look out for your interests, and make moderation a priority. HHH

c taste was perfectly balanced, never cloyingly sweet. I am told the granddaughter of the original Cookie Monster bake shop owner is now busy baking in her kitchen, giving many in my generation a happy blast from the past. I personally have not tasted it yet, so the jury (of one, haha) is still out on this one, but do check it out at Cakes by Louise on Facebook.

BARRIO FIESTA CRISPY ‘PATA’

IN my youth, if you could not afford to feed your guests an entire lechon, at least there was always crispy pata for your celebrations. Barrio Fiesta—I vaguely remember one branch to be around the Timog/Tomas Morato area where the ABSCBN complex now stands—was among the go-to restaurants then and popularized the pork knuckles, deep-fried to a crunchy, heart-stopping goodness. It became such a hit, it even surpassed the kare-kare, one of the popular original dishes on the restaurant’s menu.

A casual look through my food delivery app and community marketplace on Facebook recently showed, however, just how many restaurants and food retailers are now serving up the beloved crispy pata—from the neighborhood turo-turo to fine-dining restaurants. Even Mini-Stop sells it now. One of Barrio Fiesta’s heirs, a celebrity cook, also sells a frozen version of the delectable delight in supermarkets. But for the original, there are still Barrio Fiesta outlets in several malls, along with one on Edsa, in Greenhills, San Juan.

in Capitol Hills in Old Balara, Quezon City, it was such a popular venue for wedding receptions back in the day, with the star being usually its most tender Roast Beef with its oh-so-creamy gravy; it continues to be my favorite among its offerings. It also offers other classics like its bibingka and ensaimada, and other frozen, ready-to-heat dishes, as well as bottled atchara, tuyo, even cocktail nuts. You can order directly from its main outlet, or from its kiosks in select malls via food delivery apps.

EGG PIE

Albergus was one of the first food outlets I ordered from during the early stages of the pandemic last year. Located

THERE is just something so simple and satisfying as having a creamy egg pie snack. I grew up eating this for merienda when I would accompany Mama to the Zurbaran Market in Santa Cruz, Manila. I have a hazy recollection of what her purchases there were—usually it was an assortment of stuff for the home at bargain prices as it was like Divisoria, except to her mind, it was much safer to go to. At some point, after her shopping spree, she would bring me to one food stall which sold a luscious egg pie. What a find to Mama, I guess, considering the area.

Since the pandemic, there are now a hundred-and-one purveyors of the egg pie on the Facebook Marketplace alone. One popular chef also has a more decadent version of it, using local chocolate, in a thick, voluminous version.

Personally, I am happy with the egg pie of Bagong Pag-Asa Bakery along Road 1, which has been around since 1977. It is just a simple slice of heaven and calm, amid the chaos of the indecisiveness accompanying our community quarantines.

As they say, just eat your feelings.

What is your favorite retro dish or restaurant? n

the public who value flexibility, convenience and affordability, the P99 (one-way base fare) should be readily welcomed. Whether one wants to go on a vacation, or travel to visit family and friends, or even for work, the CEB Super Pass can be used for any of the airline’s over 30 domestic destinations.

The CEB Super Pass can also be purchased as gifts to loved ones for this Christmas season. Travel period for these passes is September 16, all the way up to September 30, 2022. Passengers who have existing Travel Funds may also make use of their virtual wallets to stock up on these vouchers.

“We want to keep inspiring the public to look forward to traveling no matter what their reason may be—be it for immediate travel, or for the coming months. Because the situation continues to be fluid, we know the CEB Super Pass is a timely option for guests who know they want or need to travel, but are unsure of destinations and dates. With this voucher, one is guaranteed a very affordable fare,” said Candice

Iyog, Cebu Pacific vice president for marketing and customer experience.

Purchasing the CEB Super Pass can be done in just four easy steps, the details of which can be found at bit.ly/CSP9-9. Once the purchase has been made, the vouchers will be sent via e-mail, for keeping until one is ready to redeem with a final place and date in mind.

Vouchers may be redeemed from September 9 to September 23, 2022.

Guests may redeem CEB Super Pass by clicking the CEB Super Pass icon under “Book” on the menu on the CEB web site. A maximum of 10 vouchers per transaction is allowed, however there is NO limit to the number of total vouchers each passenger can avail until September 16—allowing the public to buy as many vouchers as they want.

“You can count on us to ensure we continue fulfilling our commitment to provide seamless connectivity and value-for-money deals so we keep enabling the public to fly,” added Iyog.

ROAST BEEF

Have pass, will fly THE 25 th anniversary celebration of Cebu Pacific (www.cebupacificair.com) is far from over as the Philippines’s leading airline again offers its first-ofits-kind CEB Super Pass from 10 am of September 9 to 16. The carrier ushers in the so-called “ber” months with this limited time offer. Made especially for

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Create opportunities to impress and gain recognition. Be aware of the competition and the changes being made that can interfere with your plans. Think ahead, and prepare to outmaneuver anyone who gets in your way. Stick to the truth to avoid setbacks. HHH

d

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Do your best to stay out of trouble. Listen carefully and digest information without retaliating. Don’t pick a fight or spend time with people eager to upset you. Tidy up unfinished projects, and do something physical to alleviate pent-up energy. HH

e

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Be observant, or you may end up in an emotional tiff with someone close to you. Choose your words carefully, and don’t dismiss a plea for attention. Nurture what you have, and adjust if it will help to keep the peace. HH

f

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Address topics of conversation that address pending issues. Let go of the past, and make decisions that will allow you and those affected by the current situation the freedom to do what’s best. Choose a positive path, and personal growth will follow. HHHH

g

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Find a way to eliminate debt. A reasonable plan can help ease stress and give you something to strive to accomplish. An exciting opportunity will evolve through a networking event or forum you join. An old acquaintance will make a noted suggestion. HHH

h

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Keep your feelings to yourself. Consider your options for home improvements that will lighten your load physically, emotionally and financially. Living a simple lifestyle will allow you more time to explore and expand your philosophy. Congregate with people who share your beliefs. HHH

i

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Don’t buckle under pressure. Use the experience and knowledge to outmaneuver anyone trying to take over or redirect you. Focus on self-improvement and helping a cause that concerns you. Romance will lift your spirits and bring you closer to someone you love. HHH

j

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): You are overdue for a change. Gather information and verify facts. Consider how much it will cost to follow a path that excites you, and budget your way through a window of opportunity that brings you high returns. HHHH

k

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Don’t let responsibilities hold you hostage. Prepare to put everything to rest so you can move on to pastimes that offer an ultimate experience. Share your knowledge with someone who has something to offer in return. HH

l

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): A financial mistake will limit what you can afford. Don’t let anyone handle your financial, medical or legal affairs. Taking a hands-on approach to whatever concerns you will ensure that you come out on top.

Leave nothing to chance. HHHHH Birthday Baby: You are powerful, unique and persuasive.

You are sensitive and friendly.

‘whirly bird’ by david bloom The Universal Crossword/Edited by David Steinberg

ACROSS 1 Fake call from the IRS, e.g.

5 Courts 9 Good news after a job interview 14 Cab 15 Colts’ city, for short 16 Lionhearted 17 “I agree 100%!”

18 Extra-bright 19 Stereotypically cringey HS subject 20 Iconic fast-food logo (see letters 9 to 5 in this clue’s answer) 23 Ride a sloop, say 24 Writer Hemingway 28 Dutch spirit named after its original still (letters 11 to 8) 31 Comedy routines 32 ___ Pods (inedible laundry pouches) 33 Big League Chew product 34 Charitable offerings 35 Joke targets 37 Soccer great born Edson Arantes do Nascimento 38 Animal with a pouch, briefly

9 “Here today, ___ tomorrow” 3 40 Certain baby 41 Often-complex details (letters 6 to 3) 45 God, in Hebrew 46 Ilhan of The Squad 47 MTV series based on An American Family (letters 9 to 7) 53 Bipolar phase 56 Jackie Robinson’s Golden State sch.

57 “Attention, please!”

58 Startle 59 “Anything but ___!”

60 Baseball stitching 61 Uses an e-cigarette 62 Gardener’s tube 63 View on something DOWN 1 Dateless 2 Pattern for blending in, informally 3 Ice skater’s 1.5-turn feat 4 Attitudes 5 ___ the Pooh 6 Low tie 7 Skunk funk

8 In ___ (harmonized) 9 Watch carefully 10 California city north of Bakersfield 11 Send via modem, perhaps 12 December 24, for one 13 Like a cooked lobster 21 Gobbles up 22 Listens to, as advice 25 Tools used on lawns’ borders 26 What a calavera depicts, on the Day of the Dead 27 Not racy 28 Kobe robe 29 Adorable animal in a river 30 Trivial thing to pick 31 Light hair color 34 Diva’s solo 35 Knife variety 36 108-card game 37 Barbecue event popular in Hawaii 39 Teddy ___ (bear-shaped snacks) 40 Chew on wood, say 42 Whole 43 Australian animals known for

sleeping 4 Untimely comment?

4 48 Baseball great Babe 49 Video call issue 50 Seehorn of Better Call Saul 51 Security breach 52 “Let’s chat privately,” on Twitter 53 Dallas hoops pro 54 ___ carte menu 55 Kindergartner’s break Solution to today’s puzzle:

Show BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Editor: Gerard S. Ramos

• Friday, September 10, 2021

Visualizing visions and values: The films of Sine Halaga BEAUCON REVAMP SOON?

HOW true is it that a popular beauty contest will soon be back to its original home because its present benefactor has lost interest in it? The benefactor reportedly financed the beauty contest because he was interested in meeting girls but because of the pandemic, things changed and pageants are no longer good sources of trophy girlfriends. The benefactor has stopped giving money to the contest organizers, who have now been compelled to resort to money-earning popularity contests to get funds. The benefactor is angry that one of the women behind the contest, who is allegedly his girlfriend, is more into her public BF than him. The organizers have botched their first staging of the pageant, which has lost its luster considering it is considered one of the most prestigious in the country.

NOW A MOMMY

THE starlet has been given so many breaks but somehow, she has never made it. People are surprised why she and her BF are now very open about their relationship when they were quite secretive about it before, largely because of her mother being so possessive. But in 2019, she became pregnant and had to go abroad to have her baby. Since coming back to the Philippines last year, the starlet has become more defiant when it comes to handling her mom. She came back last year and told her mom there was no reason for her to be coy about her relationship status since she’s already a mom and nobody really cares.

HE’S NOT ‘GOALS’

THE husband of an TV host-actress is seen on social media as “goals” because he is handsome and comes from a good family. Well, he is attractive but he is also jobless most of the time. His wife supports his siblings and parents, and his mother is money-hungry. The TV host’s husband also had a fling with another actress and his wife forgave him for it. Does she know that he also hooked up with a former child actress before she got married? This was during a time when the TV host and the guy were not married yet. The guy just considered the former child star a fling because he is very loyal to his wife’s fat bank account. Meanwhile, she chooses to ignore his indiscretions because of her image as someone who has got it all.

SOURCE OF WEALTH

SO the secret to the seemingly never-ending wealth of this celebrity’s husband is said to be campaign funds.

The husband was already wealthy before but he got his hands on a lot of funds from the last campaign and he allegedly pocketed most of what should have been spent by his party. This is reportedly why he and his wife go through money like it was water. Does the celebrity know where her husband’s money came from? Reportedly, yes and no. She has an idea that the bulk of his wealth comes from nefarious means, but she is not absolutely sure about the source. She just likes spending, that’s all.

THIS is the second part of my capsule review, as promised, of the other films in Sine Halaga, a project of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) working with and through the Negros Cultural Foundation.

S

UMMER, the season of transitions for boys, grounds these two films: Carlo Natividad Ortiz’s Masalimuot ya Tiyagew (translated as Summer Blues) and Manie Magbanua’s Ugbos Ka Bayabas (Tender Leaves of Guava). Where Magbanua gives us a humorous, tender and loving tribute to a past unique in its depiction of a vanishing rite of circumcision that ties all men (and women, for that matter) to a vanishing community, Ortiz conflates memory with loss, rejection and with death. Did the other boy really drown, or was it a denial of a remembrance too tough to remember even up to now?

Grit and sorrow unite the films of Noel Escondo and Jordan de la Cruz. Escondo’s Lorna is about a mother seemingly resigned to her situation but in tiny details, we see her as more outspoken compared to the husband. A tragedy takes place and here is where Escondo’s gender politics becomes the film’s moving grace. Lorna sets out to sea in defiance of the old tradition that only men are charged with the labor of fishing. A different relationship happens in de la Cruz’s Salog nin Diklom (Black River) where no gender wins in the tragic fate of a woman. The river of life turns into a river of darkness in the life of a young couple, where the woman suffers from the malady that very few people do not talk about and many people do not understand. Escondo dares to make his film in black and white, underscoring the raw realities of poverty; de la Cruz edits his way to a narrative that leans toward the implicit.

Literalness is magic in Carlo Obispo’s 13 Feet. With a color palette that is limited mostly to grays and the somber, Obispo’s tale tells us about a man who saves a child from drowning. As days pass, he begins to see a transformation in his body. This is about man as the steward of nature; in the film, it bravely claims how we should become of the sea if we are to save anyone from it.

The monomyth gets critical readings in Christopher Gozum’s Mina’s Family History and James Allen Fajardo’s Looking for Rafflesias and Other Fleeting Things. Both filmmakers defy the notion of a single myth and venture into articulating the real gift of the past as myth (in Gozum’s film) and transgressing the myth as extant tales (in Fajardo’s). Mina descends from a long line of healers. Negating this lineage or forgetting about it is the filmmaker’s discourse on the power and value of heritage. More problematic is the created mythical universe of Fajardo where a tikbalang,

long acknowledged as a trickster, is deconstructed as a murderous monster. The young man said to be the offspring of the tikbalang hides the flower from any explorer but in the end, he swims with the “enemy,” the American. Let’s do a post-colonial reading: when the boy named Gubat, he of the forest and, ipso facto, the protector of the forest, befriends the botanist, does this make him a conspirator to forest exploitation?

Is the tale confused? Or are our histories really that confused?

The past is alive in the film Sa Balay ni Papang (In My Father’s House), where immediately the title itself locates the father of a cinematic tradition—the beginning of some cinemas (or theater and other arts)—in one person, Peque Gallaga. Directed by Kurt Soberano, the film freely moves between the past and the present, the artifice and the reality, nurturing the many traits of Gallaga’s cinema where boundaries are wildly breached and reconstructed as well as reimagined.

A fairy tale, albeit of the trenchant type, lives on in one film. This is Richard Soriano Legaspi’s Bakit Ako Sinusundan ng Buwan (Moon Under My Feet). The film is sheer poetry, frame after frame, scene after scene.

All the elements of romance are here—the moon, the pastoral view, a love story.

Then comes the social phenomenon of being an OFW. And yet the film never for a moment leaves the

gaze of a man returning to a present that is not his anymore and a mother the constant, ever-present, guiding “moon.” As with all the other films (and this is credit goes to the writers and directors), the audience would really never know where Bakit is leading to. But good films should have signposts. The sign is there in that enchantingly quiet space where Lino, the returning son, after inspecting their old ruin of a home, walks to his mother and, in a gesture uncommon in people of that social class, grants the old woman the softest of kiss. To this, the mother moves her lips as if in a prayer and the camera grazes over the icons on a poor altar.

All main actors in all the films of Sine Halaga are compelling, a realization that in this pandemic or in the future, we do not need the faces that used to command the screen not for their gift of performance but for their celebrity. There is a point in a screen performance where sincerity takes over technique, and this has been supremely realized by practically all the leads in Sine Halaga films.

Sine Halaga demonstrates one fact about the many filmmakers involved. They are artists but they are, first, good technicians. They know how to employ the technologies of camera, color-grading, sound design, production design, and editing to tell their story. These are our new voices and visions: filmmakers unafraid to breach rules of cultures, histories and cinema. n

GMA, Regal Entertainment seal biggest partnership TWO industry giants in broadcasting and film—GMA Network and Regal Entertainment—sealed the deal for the biggest and most exciting collaborations via a virtual contract-signing ceremony held on September 7.

GMA and Regal offer the biggest telemovie collaboration of the year with Regal Studio Presents. Set to air beginning September 11 on GMA, Regal Studio Presents is a weekly anthology that features feel-good, romantic, exciting and entertaining stories starring various GMA artists.

The two companies are also cooking up a variety of content to air across GMA channels that will definitely entice the Filipino audience. On GTV, viewers can catch Regal classic movies via Regal Treasures every Friday afternoon.

Meanwhile, Heart of Asia is set to bring the hit BL series Ben X Jim starting September 26.

Apart from these, viewers who are craving for fresh content can expect new movie features from Regal to be seen on GMA’s various platforms in years to come.

This highly anticipated partnership combines the brand of storytelling that is uniquely Regal, with the reach and broadcast capability of GMA. Present in the momentous event were GMA Network chairman and CEO Atty. Felipe L. Gozon, president and COO Gilberto R. Duavit Jr., executive vice president and CFO Felipe S. Yalong, GMA Films president and programming consultant to the chairman and CEO Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes, first vice president for program management department Jose Mari R. Abacan, assistant vice presidents for program management department Mitzi Garcia and Concie Agnes, and assistant vice president for corporate communications Jojo Aquio.

Representing Regal Entertainment were CEO and president Lily Monteverde and, COO and vice president of Regal Entertainment Inc. and Regal Multimedia Roselle

Monteverde.

Gozon is pleased to see this partnership into fruition: “We are glad that Mother Lily and Regal have agreed to show their quality films on GMA and to coproduce TV programs to be shown also on GMA. As everybody knows, Regal is one of the best producers of films in the Philippines and the Regal quality films that we have been showing in GMA have rated high and we are therefore looking forward to a mutually rewarding relationship with Regal.”

Duavit looks forward to an even more effective collaboration with Regal in the future: “This signing extends our partnership not only in terms of time but also in breath and depth. Ngayon lang po tayo nagkaroon ng kasunduan kung saan ang tatlong channels ng GMA ang naging plataporma para sa pagpapalabas ng mga programa ng Regal

at iba pang mga programs na coproduced ng GMA. For that, we are very grateful and more than anything, nagpapasalamat kami sa patuloy nating pagkakaisa pa sa darating na panahon.”

Gozon-Valdes shares her excitement in working hand-inhand with Regal: “I’m very happy that we are strengthening our partnership and I hope that it gets even stronger in the years to come. Thank you very much, Mother and Roselle. We know that Mother Lily is a pillar of the entertainment industry and we’re very honored to strengthen our partnership with her.”

Meanwhile, Mother Lily expressed her eagerness to merge Regal content with GMA: “Regal Entertainment has always kept a cordial and happy relationship with GMA, not only as a business partner but as a friend. Through so many

years of our film production, GMA has always been an ally, the supporter of our endeavors. That is why it is only fitting that in these more crucial and critical times, we remain together. We are strong together in providing the kind of entertainment that our audiences need. Thank you for giving us this opportunity, to affirm our friendship and alliance. Thank you for believing in Regal Entertainment in reaching out to our Filipino audience to share the wealth of our years in film production. Thank you for giving the next generation the bigger chance to see Regal and GMA go together through this extraordinary period and on to their post-pandemic times. Maraming salamat po.”

Roselle Monteverde is equally delighted to deliver quality and fresh content to the Filipino audience through this collaboration: “I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone in GMA who made this happen, and the trust that the network has given us. GMA and Regal have a successful partnership that started during the 1980s, with Mother Studio Presents that aired for eight years and Regal Shocker that aired for five years. To add, we also have coproduced movies. It has been proven that throughout the years, we are unbeatable and our partnership is mutually beneficial.

With the ever-evolving preference of audience’s taste for entertainment, rest assured our current collaboration will create new, innovative, appealing and exciting stories that will touch the heart of every Filipino not only here in the Philippines but globally, kaya maraming salamat for this opportunity.”

For the pilot episode of Regal Studio Presents, GMA stars Ken Chan and Sanya Lopez team up for the very first time in That Thin Line Between, featuring a story of neighbors who are at odds with each other. In upcoming episodes, viewers will witness more heartwarming stories starring the soughtafter love teams Gabbi Garcia and Khalil Ramos, and Sofia Pablo and Allen Ansay.

B5

B6 Friday, September 10, 2021

Helping riders to achieve success and reach their dreams

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Farmers in Pampanga and Nueva Ecija benefit from Oh, My Gulay project

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HE pandemic has shrunk the income of local farmers who are having trouble delivering their produce to markets while those workingat-home think of ways to eat healthy and eliminate food waste.

Chevron seeks to fill this gap by promoting a healthy lifestyle and buying organic farm products from local sources. The project called Oh, My Gulay saw Chevron donating of farm produce to 80 families in Bry. Pagibig sa Nayon, Quezon City. Chevron bought the vegetables from farmers in Pampanga and Nueva Ecija.

The activity was sponsored by the Caltex Makati Credit Cooperative Union, Chevron Holdings Inc. (CHI), the company’s global shared services center, and Chevron Philippines Inc., marketer of Caltex fuels and lubricants.

The employees also joined an online class about preparing healthy dishes with no food waste while preserving the nutrients of vegetables and fruits.

Around 136 employees of both CPI and CHI joined the workshop by YouTuber and influencer Chef Joy Escobar. The virtual class aims to raise awareness about eating healthy while buying locally to support farmers and businesses.

The project is one of the activities featured in Chevron’s annual Volunteer Week which encourages employees to volunteer time and resources to help

disadvantaged communities.

Chevron Philippines is one of the world’s leading integrated energy companies. It produces crude oil and natural gas; manufactures transportation fuels, lubricants, petrochemicals, and additives; and develops technologies that enhance

our business and the industry. To advance a lower-carbon future, the company focuses on cost-efficiently lowering our carbon intensity, increasing renewables and offsets in support of our business, and investing in low-carbon technologies that enable commercial solutions.

HE road to success is never easy, but two foodpanda riders show that with grit and determination, you can reach your dreams. Bernardo Paderan and Junifer Dimaano are two of the delivery riders who take to the streets every day in order to earn their livelihood. While ensuring a smooth and efficient delivery service for their customers, they are also in pursuit of a dream, which they were both able to accomplish this year – obtaining their college diplomas.

Against the odds

BERNARDO Paderan is 31 years old, married with two children. He had to stop schooling after graduating from high school because his parents could not support his studies. He worked at several factories as a production worker. With a more stable schedule, he saw an opportunity to enroll in a BS Information Technology Course at Access College in 2017.

He and his wife decided to invest in a motorcycle and he took on a job as a foodpanda rider in 2019 because it would fit his schedule better. “I was able to manage my time better, kahit kayod pa din. Ang shifts ko before or after ng classes” he said.

The hard work paid off and he has recently graduated Cum Laude of his batch. He has this advice for those who are undergoing challenges: “Huwag silang tumigil sa gusto nila mangyari.

Kung may problema ka, harapin mo, huwag mong iwasan. Laging may paraan para dyan.”

Called to action

A SENIOR resident receives a food package containing organically grown vegetables bought from local farmers

by Chevron. The donation is part of Volunteer Week, an annual week-long volunteerism project by employees of Chevron. This year Chevron is promoting initiatives for a healthy lifestyle and support for local farmers.

JUNIFER Dimaano had a good start back in their province of Ozamis, but when he moved to Manila at 18, it was the beginning of the turn of events in his life.

He lived with the family of his best friend for many years while working as a fast-food crew. At the same time, it was a period in his life when he realized he needed to make up his mind about his future, “Yung mga kaklase ko nung high school nakikita ko magaganda na

ang buhay kasi nakapag tapos na sila.” On a whim, he enrolled in a Hotel and Restaurant Management course at Access College.

He was already struggling to meet the tuition so he thought of applying as a foodpanda rider. “Third year, First Sem ko na noon. Kinausap ko ang mga foodpanda riders na nagdedeliver sa amin tapos may nagpadala sa akin ng application form. Ang laking tuwa ko nung natanggap ako,” he says.

“Nagulat ako na one-week pa lang akong rider ng foodpanda, naka-ipon ako ng pambili ng sarili kong bike!”

Now that he has finished his studies as part of Batch 2021, he looks back at all the challenges that he had to go through, and savors the sweet taste of success. “For those who are still struggling with life, he says, “lumaban ka lang ng patas sa buhay, huwag ka mag-isip na gumawa ng masama. Samahan mo lang ng sipag at tiyaga at gagabayan ka ng Diyos.”

“We are inspired by Bernardo and Junifer who are among our riders who continue to strive for greatness amidst hardship. stories. Foodpanda will continue to provide opportunities for those who aspire to do the same,” said Daniel Marogy, Managing Director of foodpanda Philippines.

Foodpanda is immensely proud of the accomplishments of its two riders and is giving them graduation gifts of brand-new cell phones from its fleet partner Realme.

San Juan experiences better connectivity with Converge

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HE San Juan City local government partnered with leading fiber broadband provider Converge ICT Solutions Inc. to help students, families, and educators in the city adapt to the learn-from-home environment amid mobility restrictions during the pandemic.

A culmination of their efforts is the activation of free fiber optic connectivity to the digital learning platforms for over 12,000 public school students in 6,000 households.

Through this partnership, students and educators may access the Learning Management System in three different platforms, namely, the DepEd Commons which is a database of learning modules, Makabagong San Juan Learning Management System, San Juan’s dedicated learning portal, and the chat facility called Makabagong San Juan Learning Communication System. These platforms allow students and teachers to experience a better and seamless learning through lectures, exams, and overall coordination.

Over a month after the system powered

by Converge’s free intranet connection was launched, several students and teachers shared their experiences with the all-inone app and how it has changed their everyday learning: The LMS app provided a big aid for the students despite the challenges brought upon by distance learning. According to them, they are satisfied with the program as it addresses the challenges during the

transition from face-to-face classes to online.

Furthermore, they highlighted specific features of the app such as the raise hand, emojis, and chat box which helps make communication a more seamless experience. Despite the absence of faceto-face interactions, the app offers a great substitute to increase participation from the students. This initiative by Mayor Francis Zamora and Converge is a step towards providing a better future for the students of San Juan, allowing them access to the education they deserve.

On the other hand, teachers are reaping the benefits of the LMS app as it eases their role as teachers. Not only students are faced with challenges due to distance learning, teachers also find it difficult to communicate to multiple students with limited access to the right tools. Ms. Sheila Mae Mariano from Salapan Elementary School said that the Makabagong San Juan Learning Management System has enabled them to provide continuous education despite the pandemic. When used together with the free intranet and tablet, the LMS app can motivate more students to attend online classes, according to Mariano.

The user-friendly app offers a more convenient system in conducting lectures, exams, and overall communication.

Students and teachers are now able to communicate better and more efficiently with video conference and messaging features. To further engage their students, visual materials are now easier to present

Teacher Susan Gohil conducting online classes through the LMS app.

through slide decks, worksheets, modules, webpage and other learning materials. In addition, the function of uploading photos, decks, modules, and worksheets provides a better experience in encouraging the students to increase virtual participation.

San Juan City is the pioneer city to provide free internet connection to all of their public school students. Converge CEO Dennis Anthony H. Uy is happy to be one of the driving forces behind this feat. “We are glad to be the pioneer in aiding the distance learning experience of public school students and teachers in San Juan. These first-hand experiences are a testament to Converge’s dedication to providing underserved Filipino communities access to fiber technology,” Uy shared.

Mayor Francis Zamora of San Juan City shared, “I am grateful for the hardworking team behind this program, for constantly creating ways to serve our underserved students and teachers. We take pride in being the first city to provide free intranet thanks to our friends at Converge. The LMS app is only the beginning of our efforts to bring seamless connectivity to our people.”

Together with the 12,500 tablets, 1,000 laptops, and 1,000 pocket Wi-Fis turned over by the Department of Information Communications Technology (DICT), the free intranet connection, and the Learning Management System, the San Juan City local government and Converge aim to support students and teachers in making online education more accessible.

CEREMONIAL TURN-OVER OF COVID-19 VACCINES FOR THE 1M JOBS FOR 2021. Labor Secretary Silvestre “Bebot” III (3rd from right) hands a box of COVID-19 vaccines to Wilfredo Decena, President of the Philippine Constructors Association, Inc. (PCA) during the ceremonial turn over and vaccination kickoff for the 1M Jobs for 2021 Project, held at the DOLE building in Intramuros, Manila. The event is part of the government and the private sector’s cooperation to help boost employment recovery by vaccinating workers of sectors considered as the country’s main economic contributors amid the pandemic. Also shown in photo are (from left to right) Perry Ferrer of the Semiconductors and Electronics Industries in the Philippines, Inc (SEIPI), George Barcelon of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), Sergio Luis Ortiz, Jr., President of the Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP), Deputy Director Lina Sarmiento of Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and Butch Guerrero of the Philippine Association of Local Service Contractors, Inc. (PALSCON). (Photo by Dodong Echavez, IPS)

Resbakuna Na: DOH teams up with Lazada Philippines for COVID-19 vaccination program

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HE Department of Health (DOH) and eCommerce platform Lazada Philippines join forces to increase the uptake of COVID-19 Vaccines in the country.

Advocating DOH's RESBAKUNA: Kasangga ng BIDA vaccine education campaign that encourages Filipinos to get vaccinated and promotes education on COVID-19 vaccines, Lazada Philippines launches the Lazada Bakuna Perks initiative. This incentive is to encourage Filipino consumers to protect themselves and be fully vaccinated, and receive free shipping vouchers and up to 15% off for purchases made on the Lazada platform.

“Over the past few months, we have been constantly advocating for Filipinos to get vaccinated in order to benefit from the added protection the vaccines give against severe COVID-19. This partnership with Lazada makes correct information and healthy behaviours more accessible to every Filipino - which is what the Health Promotion Bureau wants to achieve. Through the cooperation of the whole society, we ensure that everyone can join the BIDA Bakunation!” said Dr. Beverly Ho, Director of the DOH Health Promotion Bureau.

To join the Lazada Bakuna Perks program, Lazada shoppers who have received both first and second doses of any COVID-19 vaccine can simply sign up, fill out the application form, and upload their valid ID and vaccination card photo on https://lzd.co/BakunaPerks from September 12 to November 6, 2021. Shoppers will get a chance to participate in the Lazada Bakuna Perks package raffle draw and 100 lucky winners receive an in-app notification and an email to collect their vouchers on the Lazada app’s Collection page.

“Together with the Department of Health, Lazada Philippines hopes this program will encourage more residents to be fully informed of the benefits and myths of the vaccines, and get themselves protected early with accurate information. The collective effort of all segments of the community, private and public, coming together, will be a huge step towards the recovery of the country and for all of us to be stronger,” says Ray Alimurung, Chief Executive Officer of Lazada Philippines.

The RESBAKUNA campaign aims to vaccinate 70% of the country's population or around 70 million Filipinos to reach herd immunity. It assures Filipinos that vaccines are important allies against the coronavirus.

As of August 31, over 14 million Filipinos have been fully vaccinated, while nearly 20 million have already received their first doses.

Be part of DOH’s RESBAKUNA program and get rewarded! Visit https://lzd.co/BakunaPerks for more details on the Lazada Bakuna Perks initiative. Terms and conditions apply.

Sports BusinessMirror

mirror_sports@yahoo.com.ph | Editor: Jun Lomibao

Friday, September 10, 2021 B7

DYIP RUN OUT OF GAS AGAINST FUEL MASTERS

EALA IN THE HUNT A

LEXANDRA “ALEX” EALA is on a roll of her own at the US Open after advancing to the quarterfinals of both the junior girls singles and doubles competitions at Flushing Meadows in New York.

Eala, 16, booked an exhausting 4-6, 7-5, 6-4 win over No. 15 Michaela Laki on Wednesday morning to set up a round-of-eight duel with Sebastianna Scilipoti of Switzerland.

She will face Scilipoti, who beat Belgium’s Sofia Costoulas, 7-6 (6), 7-6 (6). at 1 a.m. Friday at the US Tennis Association’s Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York.

Eala and Belgian Hanne Vandewinkel also advanced to the doubles quarterfinals after they defeated Laki and Radka Zelnickova of Slovakia, 6-3, 3-6 (10-6).

Eala and Vandewinkel will take on Americans Elizabeth Coleman and Madison Sieg, who eliminated Petra Marcinko of Croatia and Natalia Szabanin of Hungary 6-4, 6-4.

Eala is aiming for her third Grand Slams doubles crown after the 2020 Australian Open with Priska Nugroho of Indonesia and this year’s French Open with Oksana Selekhmeteva of Russia.

Filipino-Canadian Leylah Fernandez is also in a roll and is now in the semifinals of the ladies singles competitions. Josef Ramos

Taliban bans women’s sports in Afghanistan

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YDNEY—Australia’s SBS TV has quoted a Taliban spokesperson as saying that women’s sports—and women’s cricket specifically—will be banned by his group in Afghanistan.

“In cricket, they might face a situation where their face and body will not be covered. Islam does not allow women to be seen like this,” the network quoted Ahmadullah Wasiq, the deputy head of the Taliban’s cultural commission, as saying.

“It is the media era, and there will be photos and videos, and then people watch it. Islam and the Islamic Emirate do not allow women to play cricket or play the kind of sports where they get

ALEXANDRA “ALEX” EALA seeks semifinals berth in the junior girls singles and doubles competitions at the US Open.

TROI SANTOS

By Josef Ramos

ASON PERKINS and Phoenix Super LPG forced giant-killer Terrafirma’s drive to a screeching halt with a 96-84 victory on Thursday in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup at the Don Honorio Ventura State University (DHVSU) gym in Bacolor, Pampanga.

Perkins scored 20 of his 28 points in the first half and also had four rebounds and four assists, while power forward Vic Manuel went on a fourth-quarter scoring frenzy with nine of his 18 points on 8-of-12 shooting to push the Fuel Masters’ win-loss record to 3-5.

“We just respected that team,” Phoenix head coach Topex Robinson said, referring to Terrafirma’s consecutive triumphs over San Miguel Beer and defending champion Barangay Ginebra San Miguel and also over winless Blackwater.

“That means they are here on a mission. If we didn’t give our best, we’re lost,” Robinson added.

Riding Manuel’s hot hands, the

Fuel Masters unleashed a 15-3 run at crunch time to post their biggest lead at 90-72 on Michael Calisaan’s basket with 3:41 left.

Matthew Wright scored 15 points, Calisaan came off the bench with nine points and seven rebounds and Justin Chua contributed nine points and seven rebounds for Phoenix.

Terrafirma showed signs of a comeback after narrowing the gap to only 64-69 entering the last period on Eric Camson’s long three-pointer at the buzzer.

Phoenix regrouped in the payoff period and with RJ Jazul complimenting Manuel’s offensive run, the Dyip’s momentum hit a wall.

Aldrech Ramos led Terrafirma’s balanced scoring with 13 points, with Roosevelt Adams, Camson and Joseph Gabayni finishing with 11 points each and Rashawn McCarthy adding 10 points.

Juami Tiongson? He was Phoenix’s apple on defense and was limited to only eight points on a dismal 2-of-8 shooting after averaging 23.0 points highlighted by 15 triples (50 percent), 5.3 assists, 3.0. rebounds, and 2.0 steals in the

POC eyes strong campaign in 2022 AIMAG in Thailand

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HE Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) hopes to ride the momentum of the successful Tokyo Olympics campaign as the country’s highest sports authority aims to win more than two gold medals at the 2022 Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games (AIMAG) set from March 10 to 20 in Bangkok and Chunburi, Thailand.

POC President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino said he would urge national sports associations (NSAs) whose athletes will be competing in the AIMAG to immediately start their bubble training as the country braces for four major international competitions in 2022—the Beijing Olympics in February, Hangzhou Asian Games in September and the postponed Vietnam Southeast Asian Games.

“We’ll surpass the previous AIMAG record of two gold medals, exposed.”

Wasiq last month told SBS that the Taliban would allow men’s cricket to continue and that it has given approval for the men’s national team to travel to Australia for a test match in November.

But in a statement released Thursday, Cricket Australia said it would not proceed with the planned test starting November 27 if news reports of Taliban views on the women’s game were true.

“Driving the growth of women’s cricket globally is incredibly important to Cricket Australia,” the statement said. “Our vision for cricket is that it is a sport for all and we support the game unequivocally for women at every level. AP

WOMEN gather to demand their rights under the Taliban rule during a protest in Kabul. AP

so we have to start the bubble training the soonest, maybe we’re the only country behind in training,” Tolentino, also the PhilCycling president, told BusinessMirror on Thursday.

“We’re now listing all the available sports that we know that can deliver the gold medals,” he added.

Jiu-jitsu’s Meggie Ochoa (-45 kgs) and Annie Ramirez (-55 kgs) won one gold medal each in the last AIMAG Turkmenistan hosted in Ashgabat in September 2017.

The Philippines—121 athletes competed in 17 sports—also bagged 14 silver and 14 bronze medals in Ashgabat to place 19th among 33 nations.

The POC appointed Karate Pilipinas president Ricky Lim as chef de mission to the AIMAG. “After our successful Olympic campaign, we have to surpass our

previous achievement in AIMAG,” Tolentino said. “I will invite NSAs [national sports associations] to one-on-one meetings starting next week.”

Weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz won the country’s first Olympic gold medal in Tokyo, with boxers Carlo Paalam and Nesthy Petecio clinching silvers and Eumir Felix Marcial bagging bronze.

There will be 290 events in 31 sports—including demonstration sports teqball (combination of football and table tennis) and drone racing—in Thailand. The sports are 3X3 basketball, badminton, billiards, BMX cycling, bowling, cheerleading, chess, floorball, futsal, dancesports, esports, roller sports, sport climbing, indoor athletics, indoor hockey, indoor rowing, ju-jitsu, karate, kickboxing, kurash, muaythai, netball, pencak silat, sambo, shooting, short

JASON PERKINS gets a chest bump from teammate Mick Demusis after a successful play for Phoenix.

course swimming, sepaktakraw, taekwondo, volleyball and wrestling.

But Tolentino clarified that the results in the AIMAG won’t be a gauge for the selection of athletes to the Hangzhou Asian Games set from September 10 to 25.

“Some countries like China and Japan are not sending their best athletes to the AIMAG, it could be their team B or farm teams,” he said.

Host Turkmenistan won the overall champion in the last AIMAG with 80 gold, 67 silver and 85 bronze medals, followed by China with 42 golds, 32 silvers and 23 bronzes and Iran with 36 golds, 23 silvers and 59 bronzes.

Tolentino, meanwhile, said the third Asian Youth Games in Shantou City, China, was moved back from its original schedule of November 20 to 28 because of Covid-19 pandemic. The new schedule according to the Olympic Council of Asia and the Shantou organizing committee will be from December 20 to 28. Josef Ramos

DJOKOVIC LOOKING UNSTOPPABLE AT U.S. OPEN

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NOVAK DJOKOVIC is hot on track to setting records at Flushing Meadows. AP

EW YORK—Never fazed, rarely flummoxed, Novak Djokovic is so collected in best-of-five-set matches—even when falling behind, as he has done repeatedly at the US Open.

No opponent, or the prospect of what’s at stake, has been too much to handle. Not yet, anyway.

And now he’s two wins away from the first calendar-year Grand Slam in men’s tennis since 1969, along with a men’s-record 21st major championship overall.

Djokovic ceded the opening set for the third consecutive match at Flushing Meadows—and ninth time at a major in 2021—but again it didn’t matter, because he quickly corrected his strokes and beat No. 6 seed Matteo Berrettini, 5-7, 6-2, 6-2, 6-3, in a quarterfinal that began Wednesday night and concluded after midnight Thursday.

During his on-court interview, Djokovic cut off a question, sensing where it was headed, and said: “Do not ask me anything about history.

I know it’s there.”

As he came back and improved to 26-0 in Grand Slam play this season, Djokovic found every angle, thwarted every big Berrettini shot and was so locked in he dove and dropped his racket during one

exchange yet scrambled, rose and reinserted himself in the point.

He lost it, but the message to his foe was unmistakable, essentially amounting to, “I will do whatever it takes.”

After 17 unforced errors in the first set, Djokovic made a total of 11 the rest of the way.

“The best three sets I’ve played in the tournament, for sure,” he said.

When Berrettini made one last stand, holding a break point while trailing 4-2 in the third set, Djokovic steadied himself. He let Berrettini put a backhand into the net, then conjured up a 121 mph ace and a forehand winner down the line to hold, then pointed his right index finger to his ear—one of many gestures asking the 20,299 in the Arthur Ashe Stadium stands for noise.

Four minutes later, that set was his. And 42 minutes later, the match was.

“He has this ability—and probably that’s why he’s the best ever—just to step up his game, his level, all the time,” said Berrettini, who also lost to Djokovic after taking the first set of the Wimbledon final.

“Doesn’t matter how well I play, he just plays better.” AP

Dyip’s last three games.

The Dyip fell to 3-5.

NorthPort, playing without its regular coaching staff led by Pido Jarencio, sent Blackwater deeper down the standings with a 98-73 triumph, snapping a two-game skid for a 2-3 record.

Rookie Jamie Malonzo had 17 points, 12 rebounds and two blocks and guard Robert Bolick added 17 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists for the Batang Pier, that played without Jarencio who is recovering from Covid-19 virus infection.

The entire coaching staff had to be quarantined, forcing team manager Bonnie Tan, who guided Letran to the National Collegiate Athletic Association men’s crown in 2019, to take over as coach.

Kevin Ferrer made 14 points for Northport, while 7-foot Greg Slaughter crushed Blackwater’s frontline with 12 points, 11 rebounds and two blocks.

The Batang Pier whipped the Bossing in rebounding (65-40), stressing their strength off the offensive board, 22-13. They also outscored the Bossings in the paint, 36-22.

Blackwater suffered its eighth straight defeat, losing its chance for a quarterfinal berth.

BACH

IOC suspends North Korea for no-show in Olympics

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ENEVA—North Korea was formally suspended from the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Wednesday as punishment for refusing to send a team to the Tokyo Games citing the Covid-19 pandemic.

IOC president Thomas Bach said the North Korean national Olympic body will also now forfeit money it was due from previous Olympics.

The unspecified amount—potentially millions of dollars—had been withheld because of international sanctions.

Individual athletes from North Korea who qualify to compete in Beijing could still be accepted by a separate decision in the future, Bach said.

The suspension marks a steep drop in North Korea’s Olympic status since the 2018 Winter Games in South Korea, where the International Olympic Committee tried to aid a diplomatic breakthrough.

Athletes from the Korean neighbors marched together in the opening ceremony at Pyeongchang and joined together in a women’s ice hockey team.

North Korea withdrew its team in April from the Tokyo Olympics citing a need to protect athletes from the “world public health crisis caused by Covid-19.”

“They were violating the Olympic Charter and did not fulfill their obligation as stated in the Olympic Charter to participate,” Bach said at a news conference after an IOC executive board meeting.

The North Korean Olympic committee is suspended through 2022 and the exclusion could be extended, he said. North Korea sent 10 competitors to the 2018 Winter Games, none in 2014 at Sochi, Russia, and two to Vancouver in 2010. AP

Motoring

B8 Friday, September 10, 2021

BusinessMirror

Editor: Tet Andolong

Trimotors launches Maxima

series models ideal for business T Story by Randy S. Peregrino

RIMOTORS Technology Corp., the exclusive distributor of Bajaj Three-wheelers here in the Philippines, continues to expand its threewheeler roster. Recently, the company rolled out its newest addition to the growing lineup—the new Maxima series model.

This new series model comes in two different models, the Maxima Z and Maxima Cargo.

Since the release of Bajaj RE in the Philippines last 2015, over 50,000 Filipinos have begun trusting the brand. As a result, the market demand for a bigger, tougher, and powerful upgrade increased.

The two new models are composed of characteristics and features that best define the upgrades. It comes with multi-purpose enhancements to fit for both transporting passengers and carrying loads.

The Maxima Z features a 60:40 seating arrangement that can adapt with every seating advantage. With this seating configuration, passen-

gers are comfortably seated while delivering goods. With seats folded, the rear area transforms into an 800-liter cargo bay. Moreover, passengers can enjoy every drive with the entertainment that lasts more than a mile from sunrise to sundown thanks to the “New Age Dashboard” with radio and MP3 Player. Interestingly, a “Symmetrical Transparent Hood” provides a pleasant passenger view and accessible windows for the goods.

Motivation comes from a more powerful 236cc DTS-i motor capable of carrying heavier loads and more trips. With the heavy-duty CV shaft, the owner can expect efficient mobility while maintaining the dura-

The various custom-made frames of the Maxima Cargo model. Trimotors Philippines

The new Bajaj Maxima Z.

Trimotors Philippines

bility and lower maintenance cost.

There are also 10-inch tires & Dual Front Fork Suspension capable of handling any road conditions while continuously absorbing shock and harsh motions.

These multi-purpose enhancements are made to suit the need for a more adaptable, versatile, and flexible three-wheeler that will help small businesses. Available in colors Blue, Yellow, and White, the new Maxima Z retails at P221,888.00.

Meanwhile, the Maxima Cargo

model is ideal for transport delivery purposes. Trimotors created the new cargo market categories to deliver them powerful solutions. The available frames are the Concept Truck, Rapid Hauler, and Multi-function Van in the form of a three-wheeled business enabler. These various frame designs are to provide limitless three-wheel opportunities for applicable businesses.

The efficient three-wheeled transporter, meantime, will exceed every fleet manager’s last-mile mo-

bility requirement. The Compact Delivery is also a three-wheeled closed van version that is the best logistics partner in delivering and carrying loads. The Maxima Cargo’s versatile frame configurations are also an ideal tool for local government or community barangay’s development, operations, and public services. That is, with the help of an economically convenient and dependable partner to your frontline workforce. This three-wheeled frontline partner, in the form of Medical Transporter, Ronda Partner, and Fire Defender, will deliver every community the best public services.

Bajaj Maxima Cargo may have

different forms and offerings, but Trimotors has established a single cause for its making—to bring every Filipino the progress they worked hard for. According to Trimotors, these two Bajaj Maxima models may have their similarities and differences. However, the main goal is to improve, better, and upgrade the living standards of every Filipinos towards being more in life.

To know more, visit www.bajaj. com.ph or fb.com/BajajPhilippines.

Bajaj three-wheelers are widely available nationwide through its over 800 outstanding authorized dealer stores and 700+ parts and service shops.

MrSpeedy reintroduces same-day delivery services as Borzo

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RSPEEDY has recently changed its name to Borzo, patterned after its global brand that has already been proven effective in its fast and cost-efficient delivery services.

As the demand for fast and hassle-free delivery grows in the Philippines, MrSpeedy PH

rebrands into Borzo, the new brand name of a global company providing its services in 10 countries in the world. MrSpeedy has already carved a name among the efficient delivery services in the Philippines for several years now.

With the rebranding, Borzo can now be accessed very easily through its new app via

borzodelivery.com/ph and continues to assure of its fast and flexible intra-city delivery with any route, with any transport, and with any weight or size. Customers can also easily access the 10 countries or wherever Borzo is present, with just a single app to download.

“MrSpeedy is a trusted name in the Philippines. With the global direction to unify its name into Borzo, it intends to bring a world-class caliber to the local courier delivery business. Because of the ongoing pandemic, people heavily rely in transporting their products through dependable and

trusted services, and we aim to fulfill their needs and expectations,” said Beatrice Puyot, marketing manager of Borzo Philippines.

Guided by the company's tagline of "Borzo, Pabor Sa'Yo," Borzo aims to address the pressing needs of its fast-growing range of clients in more areas in the Philippines.

“It's not just a change in our brand name, but also a way to show customers and delivery partners that we are offering improved services and connections through our platforms," she added.

“Though Borzo Philippines is part of the growing Borzo global brand, we also commit

to sustaining services adapted and tailor-fit to Filipinos—whether in Luzon, Visayas, or Mindanao," Puyot added.

SMC’s trains from Hyundai coming

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HE mass transit system will remain the ultimate cure in easing traffic in the country’s urban centers. Metro Manila takes the lead as the bulk of its 13-million population rely mainly on public transport to get to their destination.

Aside from public conveyances like buses, taxis, jeepneys and new players collectively known as TNVs, the metropolis also leans heavily on both the MRT and LRT railways for mobility.

On the forefront of revolutionizing the mass transport movement for the longest time is San Miguel Corp., whose multiple road networks highlighted by skyways around the metropolis have triggered wonders in making travel largely hassle-free.

Not content with building world-class expressways in its tireless efforts at nationbuilding, SMC has also ramped up its mass railway transport systems over the years.

Its latest is the Metro Railway Transit 7.

Began in 2016, the 22-kilometer line from North Avenue in Quezon City to San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan, is more than 54 percent complete.

Costing more than P63 billion, the MRT 7 is among SMC’s biggest infrastructure projects that include the P735-billion Aerocity Airport in Bulacan.

When completed, the MRT 7 train line can carry 1.2 million passengers daily, back and forth, cutting surface travel time by almost two hours and sparking more productive time for manufacturing in particular and the labor force in general.

Already, the first batch of train cars from Korea’s Hyundai Rotem are expected to arrive this week. The cargo will consist of six cars, or two trainsets.

Each trainset is 65.45 meters long, well over the entire length of an Olympic-size swimming pool, which is 50 meters.

The rest of the 108 coaches of 36 trainsets are to arrive in the coming months for the expected test runs by December 2022.

“The timely arrival of these brand new, high-quality trains from South Korea— known as one of the world’s best train and rail systems builders—is such a welcome development,” said SMC President Ramon S. Ang. “Despite the pandemic, nation-

building continues. San Miguel will continue investing for economic growth to sustain our country’s hopes of a brighter future.”

Ang said the MRT 7 is more difficult to build than the just-completed Skyway 3.

“This is because MRT-7 has added complexities such as electric power systems, computer and communications systems, signaling systems, and automatic fare systems, among others,” Ang said. “Despite right of way issues and pandemic restrictions, we apply 110 percent effort to minimize delays. We thank our national government, especially President Duterte, the DOTr, the DPWH, and the LGUs of Quezon City and Bulacan, for their continuing support for this project.”

Let’s raise a glass to RSA. He has proven himself as an irrepressible partner of nation building.

PEE STOP Honda, like other car companies Isuzu, Foton, BMW and Toyota, also continues to extend help to pandemicrelated concerns. Honda recently donated Covid-19 packs to Laguna hospitals, namely The Medical City South Luzon and New Sinai MDI Hospital in Santa Rosa; Global Care Medical Center in Canlubang; Unihealth Southwoods Hospital and Medical Center and Perpetual Help Medical Center in Biñan; Global Care Medical Center in Cabuyao; and, Carmona Hospital and Medical Center in Carmona, Cavite…Congrats to Mitsubishi for launching recently its iconic Mirage G4.

Cheers!