BusinessMirror September 17, 2021

100 DAYS To kick-start the Christmas countdown, SM showed a most uplifting way to celebrate the season with “100 Days of Caring,” featuring 100 days of spreading love, thoughtfulness, and care for one another and for the communities. Steven Tan, president of SM Supermalls, led 76 malls in pledges to give support to 100 beneficiaries per mall, ranging from fisherfolk in North Luzon to Indigenous Peoples in Mindanao.

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Friday, September 17, 2021 Vol. 16 No. 338

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BSP CHIEF TO BANK: BE READY FOR LIBOR’S END B n

Construction still top jobs generator, says DOLE

By Bianca Cuaresma @BcuaresmaBM

ANGKO Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Benjamin Diokno on Thursday urged banks to forge “operational readiness” for the adoption of alternative reference rates as the discontinuation of the London Interbank Offered Rate (Libor) approaches.

By Samuel P. Medenilla @sam_medenilla

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See “BSP,” A2

PROFIT-SEEKERS AMONG BIZMEN, NOT JUST POLICY, ALSO BEHIND INEQUALITY

By Cai U. Ordinario @caiordinario

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HE gap between rich and poor Filipinos has been caused not only by poor government policies but also companies that do not subscribe to ethical business practices, according to experts.

In the second webinar of the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) 7th annual public policy conference (APPC) on Thursday, former University of the Philippines Economics and Management Professor Niceto S. Poblador said the “unhampered profit-seeking behavior” of companies today leads to negative consequences for Filipinos and the economy.

These unethical business practices, Poblador said, lead to higher prices and poor quality products and services; unfair wages and poor working conditions; unfavorable terms in contracts; and environmental degradation.

“The ultimate effect of profit-seeking behavior, as currently practiced, is the destruction, rather than the creation of potential value,” Poblador said.

“One of the worst anomalies of our time is the everwidening gap in income and wealth between the very rich and privileged few in most societies, and the masses at the bottom of the pyramid that are mired in abject poverty,” he added.

See “Profit-seekers,” A2

PESO exchange rates n US 49.8560

MMDA Chairman Benjamin Abalos Jr. and San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora install vaccine-incentive stickers at business establishments in Greenhills, San Juan, on Thursday, September 16, 2021. The local government has released an executive order encouraging businesses allowed to operate under GCQ to provide incentives and/or discounts to fully vaccinated customers. Story on page A3. NONOY LACZA

ESPI T E reg ister ing t he mo s t nu m b e r of l a b or displacements during the first of the year, the construction sector is still currently the country’s biggest job-generating industry, according to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

Labor Assistant Secretary Dominique R. Tutay said the sector topped the July round of the Labor Force Survey of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) for industries with a net employment of over 100,000.

“Net employment for construction ” Tutay told the BusinessMirror in a Viber message.

See “Construction,” A2

100% vaxxed tourism workers by X’mas

By Ma. Stella F. Arnaldo

@akosistellaBM Special to the BusinessMirror

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HE Department of Tourism (DOT) sees the recovery of the tourism industry finally pushing forward as more tourism workers get vaccinated.

Speaking to reporters on Thursday after touring Intramuros, Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo Puyat said, “It’s better now [despite being under Alert

Level 4], because at least there are more people who are vaccinated.

So hopefully this [recovery] moves forward. At least tourism workers are vaccinated.”

About 1.5 million tour ism workers have lost their jobs due to travel restrictions imposed to contain the spread of Covid-19.

The DOT continues to vaccinate tourism workers in many leisure destinations. As of September 10, 2021, it reported 126,097 tourism workers from the A1 and A4 prior-

ity groups already completed their Covid-19 vaccine doses, or 51.4 percent of the target 245,338 tourism workers for jabs nationwide.

The National Capital Region (NCR) registered the most number of vaccinated tourism workers at 94 percent, followed by the Davao Region at 88 percent, and the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) at 80 percent.

She said, about 74 percent of tourism workers in Boracay are already vaccinated: “Hopefully by

next week it will be 100 percent.

In Baguio, 100 percent are already vaccinated. I hope before Christmas, tourism workers in the country will be 100 percent vaccinated.”

Baguio to accept only vaxxed tourists

Romulo Puyat said she was assured by National Task Force against Covid-19 Deputy Chief Implementer Vivencio Dizon that “more vaccines are coming.” She

n japan 0.4559 n UK 69.0306 n HK 6.4067 n CHINA 7.7500 n singapore 37.1838 n australia 36.5494 n EU 58.9198 n SAUDI arabia 13.2946

See “100%,” A2

Source: BSP (September 16, 2021)

News BusinessMirror

A2 Friday, September 17, 2021

BSP…

Continued from A1

Diokno asked banks to “proactively transition their transactions to alternative reference rates” well ahead of the termination of the international benchmark rate.

Libor is an interest rate benchmark used in a wide range of financial transactions. It will enter a phased process of cessation beginning January 1, 2022.

The transition away from Libor, initially announced in 2017, reached a crucial stage with the March 2021 announcement by the United Kingdom’s Financial Conduct Authority of the formal timeline for the discontinuation of the benchmark.

“As the discontinuation of Libor as reference rate approaches, the BSP will continue to engage the industry and individual banks to facilitate a smooth transition,” Diokno said.

The BSP issued a memorandum last year, highlighting its expectation for supervised entities to implement viable transition plans to ensure that the expected end of Libor does not disrupt their operations and the efficient provision of services to clients and other market counterparties.

Diokno said banks should start putting necessary systems and infrastructure in place, and establishing appropriate contractual arrangements to prepare for the transition.

The BSP has also required all universal and commercial banks and their subsidiary banks to submit quarterly reports on their Libor-related exposures.

The reporting requirement is intended to facilitate the identification of transactions referenced to the benchmark. The report will, likewise, aid the BSP in monitoring banks’ progress in actively winding down their Libor exposures.

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France gives BSP ₧41-M grant to push financial inclusion in PHL

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HE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) announced on Thursday that it has received a grant from the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) to further strengthen its capacity to foster financial inclusion in the country.

In a virtual press briefing, BSP Governor Benjamin Diokno said the country received a 700,000-euro grant or around P41 million from the French organization.

The grant will fund a technical

assistance (TA) program to support the BSP's efforts to leverage on technology for the effective regulation of digital finance, promote digital financial literacy of rural and women-owned businesses, and contribute

Construction…

port service activities (28,996 workers); transportation and storage (24,639 workers); and manufacturing (23,594) workers.

“The construction sector remains strong [in terms of employment generation] since we know [government] funds are being poured in the Build, Build, Build [BBB] project,” Tutay said.

The BBB projects are the administration’s flagship infrastructure projects.

Tutay noted that since the start

Continued from A1

This, even if the sector suffered the biggest number of job losses during the first seven months of 2021 with 73,396 workers, based on DOLE’s latest displacement report.

Other industries with mass job losses during the same period include other service activities (40,661 workers); administrative and sup-

to public policy dialogue on agricultural insurance.

“We welcome this maiden technical assistance program of the AFD for the BSP. This endeavor demonstrates our organizations' shared commitment to advance financial inclusion in the country through responsible digital innovations.

The BSP looks forward to a fruitful collaboration with AFD as we implement the program in the next five years.” Diokno said.

The grant also complements the Inclusive Finance Development Program (IFDP), a program which AFD has been supporting since 2019 alongside the Asian Development Bank (ADB), through a 100 million euro sovereign policy-based loan to the Philippines.

The IFDP contributes to the over-

all objective of inclusive growth and sustainable development in the country, by supporting financial inclusion efforts, especially those from the low-income and rural sectors.

“France welcomes t his new milestone in our bilateral relationship with the Philippines. We are keen to support the Government of the Philippines, through A FD, in strateg ic refor ms tow a rd s d ig it a l t ra n sfor m at ion a nd i nc lu s io n . T he C o v id -19 pandemic gave rise to challenging situations, but also opportunities to leverage on digital technologies to improve financial sector ser vices that would ultimately benefit Filipinos from all walks of life,” said French Ambassador Michèle Boccoz.

of the current administration in 2016, the number of workers in the construction sector rose from 3.4 million to 4.4 million as of July 2021.

Aside from the construction sector, Tutay said other key employment-generating industries with over 100,000 net employment are the administrative and support service activities; professional, scientific, and technical activities and manufacturing.

With this in mind, she said the government is currently trying to extend support to the said sectors, particularly construction and manufacturing, so they could cope with the business disruptions caused by the pandemic.

Among assistance provided to the industries is the vaccination of their workers, which was started by

DOLE last week in partnership with the Employers Confederation of the Philippines (Ecop).

The government is set to administer over 450,000 doses of Covid-19 vaccine to workers in the construction and manufacturing industry in exchange for their commitment to generate at least a million jobs this year.

Tutay lauded the companies which participated in the program since they committed to still pay their workers for the time they spent to get the vaccine.

She noted many employees were unable to get their vaccines since they fear they would have to forgo a day of work to line up in vaccination sites. “In this [vaccination] program, we ensure that the income of the workers will not be reduced,” Tutay said.

100%…

Continued from A1

added that Cebu will likely be the next focus of DOT and NTF’s vaccination of tourism workers.

Other vaccination programs were undertaken in Bohol, Pampanga, Palawan, Siargao, and Baguio City.

Under Alert Level 4, residents in NCR between 18 and 65 years old, are able to travel to leisure destinations under general community quarantine (GCQ) or modified GCQ status, subject to the local government requirements for tourists. (See, “Family vacations thrown a monkey wrench anew with age travel restrictions,” in the BusinessMirror, September 14, 2021.)

In Baguio, said Romulo Puyat, only vaccinated tourists will be accepted starting September 20.

In Boracay, the LGU still requires an RT-PCR test for tourists’ entry.

“As we work to secure more vaccine doses that will help us achieve a 100-percent vaccination rate among tourism workers in the A1

and A4 priority groups, I am also encouraging our workers to submit themselves for vaccination especially with the presence of the Delta variant,” she said.

Tourism frontliners under the A1 priority group are those working in accommodation establishments temporarily operating as quarantine hotels or isolation facilities, while those under A4 are workers in other tourism enterprises and tourism support services.

‘Lift age requirements for outdoor tourism’

Me an w hile , Romu lo Puyat said she has requested the InterAgency Task Force against Emerging Infectious Diseases to lift age restrictions for those who want to visit outdoor tourist attractions like the Rizal Park, which reopened for only four hours in the morning starting September 16.

“Maybe they [IATF] can allow those above 65 to visit even if there are specific times allotted for them like 6 to 8 in the morning, for exercise,” she said.

She also assured the public that workers in Intramuros are already “99 percent vaccinated ” so it was safe to visit. However, only 150 g uests at a t ime can visit, unlike prior to the pandemic, Intramu ros w a s acce pt i ng about 10,000 v isitors a day. Only three sites in Intramuros was reopened on Thursday— Fo r t S a nt i a g o, B a lu arte de San Diego, and Plaza San Luis—under shorting visiting hours.

Profit-seekers…

Continued from A1

He said that while “corruption and ineptitude in government” has been touted as the primary reason for widening inequality, businesses have also been responsible for this as an “unwanted outcome of capitalism.”

Poblador said data from OxFam showed the richest 1 percent in the world own more wealth than all other people combined.

In the Philippines, based on the latest Forbes data, there was even a 30-percent increase in the wealth of the richest Filipinos. “[That’s] 30 percent in the face of this ongoing pandemic while the rest of the society has been ravaged by Covid,” Poblador stressed.

However, seeds of hope have sprung from some companies especially during the pandemic. PIDS President Aniceto Orbeta said companies like famous mall owners in the country have cut rental fees of tenants during the pandemic.

Another local conglomerate, Orbeta said, has also extended emergency food packs, shopping vouchers, and medical assistance to families.

These, he said, are just some of the ethical business practices during the pandemic.

But crisis or no crisis, some companies have taken social responsibility to another level by taking their cue from one of America’s great innovators, Andrew Carnegie, who made his fortune through Standard Oil in the 19th Century only to give it away in his twilight years.

PayPal experience

In a presentation during the event, PayPal Head of Global Public Policy and Research Usman Ahmed said the company is in the process of improving the salaries of their employees and supporting causes such as Racial Equity and Justice.

Ahmed said PayPal is seeking to increase the net disposable incomes of their employees by 20 percent through various initiatives. This is a worldwide program and they have so far been able to increase the NDI of their employees by around 18 percent.

He said the company came to this realization when it surveyed its employees and found that despite providing them salaries of above market rates, many of their people still ended up having no or very little finances in case of emergencies.

Some of the adjustments made by PayPal included granting stock awards annually to all their employees regardless of their tenure and lowering the cost of healthcare benefits for entry-level and hourly employees.

The company has also reviewed and raised wages where appropriate; introduced financial counseling services for all employees; and created an Employee Relief Fund to provide assistance to employees having financial challenges.

In terms of Racial Equity and Justice, Ahmed said PayPal has committed to invest some $535 million toward this cause and has since disbursed over $300 million.

Of the $535 million, $500 million is allocated toward the economic opportunity fund for high impact treasury and venture capital investments.

Of the allocation, $313 million has been disbursed.

Other allocations were $15 million each for empowerment grants and research that support diversity inclusion and equity as well as $5 million for nonprofit partner grants.

PayPal said it has fully disbursed the allocation for empowerment grants and nonprofit partner grants while $5 million has been released to finance researches.

The Nation BusinessMirror

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Editor: Vittorio V. Vitug • Friday, September 17, 2021 A3

‘Satisfied’: Abalos inspects NCR establishments

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By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco

@claudethmc3

HAIRMAN Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) inspected a number of private establishments in the cities of Mandaluyong and San Juan on Thursday as the National Capital Region was placed under Covid-19 Alert Level 4.

Abalos joined San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora and Mandaluyong City Mayor Carmelita

“Menchie” Abalos in inspecting restaurants, salons, and other establishments in Greenhills Shop-

ping Center and SM Megamall to check if they are complying with the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) guidelines under Alert Level 4.

During the inspection, the officials installed “100 percent Fully Vaccinated” stickers at the entrance of establishments whose employees have been fully vaccinated against Covid-19.

“We are satisfied with the private establishments’ compliance with the guidelines for the Alert Level system piloted in Metro Manila. Despite the short notice to the mayors, they all delivered,” said Abalos in his assessment of the first day of the pilot implementation of the Alert Level 4 in Metro Manila.

Abalos said the inspection focused on the three Cs—closed space like restaurants; close contact which includes personal care services like salons, and crowded space like churches.

“With the opening of establishments, we must ensure that transmission of Covid-19 is prevented and everyone is safe from the virus,” he said.

Under Level 4, outdoor or alfresco dine-in services in restaurants are allowed to operate at 30 percent capacity, regardless of customers’ vaccination status; while indoor dine-in services may be allowed at 10 percent capacity, only for fully vaccinated individuals.

Personal care services limited to barbershops, hair spas, nail spas,

and beauty salons are allowed to operate at 30 percent, if these services are conducted outdoors, regardless of customers’ vaccination status while indoor services are at 10 percent capacity, only for fully vaccinated persons.

Abalos asked the public to cooperate and follow the rules and regulations enforced under the alert level 4 and granular lockdown in the region “to ensure that the pilot implementation in NCR will be successful.”

He lauded local chief executives in Metro Manila for ensuring the orderly implementation of the rules in accordance with IATF-EID guidelines issued for the enforcement of the quarantine alert level system.

“We have coordinated with all concerned agencies like the Philippine National Police, for the enforcement of rules on the ground, and the Department of Social Welfare and Development for the provision of the food supply, etc.,” he said.

The DSWD will assist the LGUs in giving food packs for residents affected by two-week granular lockdowns.

Meanwhile, the two mayors hailed the national government’s efforts and the IATF for the opening of business establishments and other activities.

Aside from the vaccination cards, Mayor Abalos said business owners require their workers to possess government issued-identification cards.

DepEd confirms death of Negros Occidental student in fraternity hazing

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HE Department of Education (DepEd) strongly condemned on Thursday the reported hazing incident that claimed the life of a Grade 10 student in San Enrique, Negros Occidental.

In a news statement, the DepEd reiterated that they are against “any form of violence perpetrated against learners.”

“We deeply regret and sympathize with the family during this difficult time and pray that they be accorded

the justice that they deserve,” DepEd said. The victim died on September 9 due to hematoma.

The parents reported to the hazing incident to authorities on September 11, narrating that the victim, who was celebrating his 18th birthday on September 3, had a drinking session with three male teenagers who are reportedly members of a fraternity. After their drinking session, the victim went with them.

The victim, however, complained of not feeling well when he returned home the next day.

The DepEd reminded that the Anti-Hazing Act that prohibits the conduct of hazing or any initiation rites associated with fraternities, sororities and similar organizations should be strictly implemented.

“We have released issuances prohibiting the practice of hazing in schools and imposed sanctions for violations,” DepEd said.

Under DepEd Order No. 7, s.

2006, titled “Reiterating the prohibition of the practice of hazing and the operation of fraternities and sororities in elementary and secondary schools,” schools are instructed to coordinate with local units of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, and the Philippine National Police in order to monitor and control the proliferation of

fraternities, sororities and similar organizations in elementary and secondary schools in their respective areas.

In addition, DepEd Order No. 3, s. 2021, the Child Protection Unit which the department institutionalizes DepEd’s commitment to a zerotolerance policy against all forms of abuse, exploitation, discrimination and bullying.

Any act of gang-related or fraternity violence committed by

learners shall be dealt with in accordance with the provisions of DepEd Order No. 18, s. 2015 or the Guidelines and Procedures on the Management of ChildrenAt-Risk and Children in Conflict with the law.

“The Department will ensure that investigations will be carried out immediately. We enjoin our schools to take a more active role in the prevention of violence.”

Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco

Economy BusinessMirror

A4 Friday, September 17, 2021 • Editor: Vittorio V. Vitug

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PHL has to invest ₧1.1T until ’30 for water, sanitation

By Cai U. Ordinario @caiordinario

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HE Philippines needs to invest a total of P1.1 trillion to meet the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) on water supply and sanitation by 2030, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda).

At the launch of the Philippine Water Supply and Sanitation Master Plan (PWSSMP) on Thursday, Neda Assistant Secretary for Investment Programming Roderick M. Planta said this means an annual investment of over P100 billion is needed between 2020 and 2030.

This amount has not been invested by the country before on the water and sanitation sector, and Planta said this is the reason for the need to also provide incentives for other stakeholders in the sector.

“What we’ve been spending if you add it all up is only P5 billion.

So it’s really a P95 billion gap on an annual basis,” Planta said dur-

ing the launch.

Low investments have led to many problems in the water and sanitation sector. In his speech, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick T. Chua said only about 44 percent of households have individual connection to a proper and fully reticulated waterworks system.

He said the remaining 56 percent, or 57 million Filipinos, have to fetch water for their families from communal pipes or springs or wells up to 250 meters away.

Further, Chua said, only 18 percent of Filipinos have access to septage management services, while 13 percent have access to a sewerage system. He added over 4 million Filipinos still practice open defecation.

“These conditions expose Filipinos to higher risks of acute bloody diarrhea, cholera, typhoid fever, and other waterborne diseases,” Chua said.

“Achieving our goal of universal access to safe and sustainable

water and sanitation by 2030 requires integrated interventions from the local governments, the national government, and other stakeholders. Such cooperation is at the heart of the Philippine Water Supply and Sanitation Master Plan,” he added.

Apart from the financing, the master plan also recommends the creation of a so-called apex water body that will help address the “fragmented” water supply and sanitation sector.

Planta said this would also address the financing gap in the sector. However, he said, the move will require legislation since this may combine the agencies currently in charge of various aspects of the water supply and sanitation sector.

Currently, around 30 or more agencies are in charge of the sector. Among these agencies are the National Water Resources Board (NWRB), National Irrigation Administration, and various water districts nationwide.

Without an apex body, Planta said, efforts of these agencies could overlap and the water supply and sanitation sector would continue to struggle to provide services to millions of Filipinos.

If legislation will not be forthcoming, Planta said, the government has the option to strengthen the NWRB through an executive order.

Neda supports the proposed executive order on Integrating and Coordinating Management of Water Resources by Transforming and Strengthening the National Water Resources Board into the Nat iona l Water Management Council, pending the legislation of the Department of Water Resources and the Water Regulatory Commission.

“You’re creating a singular institution but amalgamating all the units that are water sector related into one coherent structure. It’s not another layer to bureaucracy per se. It’s the same people placed under the same roof,” Planta said.

Apart from financing and the

apex body, the master plan aims to strengthen the regulatory environment; create and ensure effective water supply and sanitation services; balance water supply and demand; build climate resilience; manage data and information to determine baseline and gaps of investments; and drive research and development in the sector.

The master plan creates a unifying framework for planning, implementing, and funding in the sector.

It also aims to not only provide safe water supply and sanitation services for all Filipinos, but also ensure that these services can withstand disasters and protect the environment.

In May, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported that the country’s water stress level increased in the past 10 years.

Based on the PSA’s Water Accounts, freshwater withdrawal as a proportion of available freshwater resources increased to 28.74 percent in 2019 from 25.48 percent in 2010.

PSA data showed that the total

Fresh-water Water Withdrawals reached 94,019.21 million cubic meters (mcm) in 2019 from 83,345.23 mcm in 2010.

Further, the data showed Water Use Efficiency (WUE), or the value added per volume of water used, increased to P198.41 per cubic meter in 2019 from P126.1 per cubic meter of water used in 2010.

The creation of the Department of Water was earlier proposed to address the fragmented water administration in the country.

Currently, several agencies are in charge of water administration and regulation.

Former Environment Secretary Elisea Gozon said the proposal to create a separate Department of Water has been around since the time of Former President Fidel V. Ramos.

However, it was only now under the Duterte administration was it given serious attention.

Gozon said these developments could not have been more needed as the country’s water resources are already under stress.

Farmers’ group cites Palace ‘oversight’ in PCIC revamp

By Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas @jearcalas

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FARMERS group lamented the transfer of the Philippine Crop InsuranceCorp.(PCIC)totheDepartmentofFinance(DOF),arguingthat the move reduced the number seats for farmerrepresentativesinthestateinsurance firm’s board to just one from three.

The Federation of Free Farmers (FFF) said President Duterte’s Executive Order 148 did not only transfer the PCIC to the DOF from the Department of Agriculture (DA) but reorganized its board composition, resulting in the loss of two board seats for farmers representatives.

“It also reorganized the PCIC Board, designating the DOF Secretary as the

Board Chairperson and adding the General Manager of the Government Service Insurance Corporation [GSIS] to the Board,” FFF said in a news statement issued on Thursday.

“As a result, the three Board seats previously allotted by the PCIC Charter [RA 8175] to farmer representatives were illegally reduced to only one seat,” it added.

Citing the Magna Carta for Small Farmers, FFF lamented the lack of consultation with farmers and concerned stakeholders on the PCIC transfer by the government.

The Magna Carta for Small Farmers or Republic Act 7607 mandates that a farmers representative must occupy a seat in boards of government agencies such as the Philippine Coconut Authority, the National Food Authority, and

the PCIC, among others. “Even the DA itself, which the EO says was among those who recommended the transfer, did not inform, much less consult, its constituents,” the group said.

The group urged the Congress to revisit Republic Act 10149, or the GOCC Governance Act of 2011, which was invoked under EO 148 as the basis for transferring PCIC to the DOF. Section 5 of the GOCC Governance Act authorizes the President to reorganize government owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) like the PCIC upon the recommendation of the Governance Commission for GOCCs. “We recognize that the bureaucracy may need to be reorganized and streamlined from time to time,” FFF said.

“However, this should be done with

proper consultation with affected stakeholders and also the legislators who craftedthecharteroftheGOCCinvolved.

Otherwise, the Executive can easily subvert the original purpose for which the GOCC was created,” FFF added.

FFF is worried that the transfer of PCIC to the DOF would change the priorities of the state insurance firm toward “fiscal and monetary concerns” that may not be supportive of the needs of the farmers.

“Without crop insurance, banks will find it too risky to lend to farmers, and farmers will find it very difficult to pay their loans, much less recover from calamities. It is therefore very important that the coverage and services of the program are synchronized with the plans and strategies of the DA,” it said.

Cotabato City clinches first major investment since joining BARMM

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AVAO CITY—The city of Cotabato, the current seat of the autonomous regional government for Filipino Muslims, got its biggest break in multimillion investments since joining the autonomous region last year.

The regional Bangsamoro Board of Investments, or RBOI, approved for registration in its board meeting Thursday the P398 million worth of tourism-related investment project of Eight Z’S Properties Building Rental located in Cotabato City.

The investing firm said it intended to revive the Old Barter Tourism Center in Cotabato City which used to be the favorite shopping area for tradi-

tional and cultural goods and ethnic merchandise and souvenirs from the different Moro and indigenous tribes from across east Asia, particularly Malaysia and Indonesia.

Upon its completion the project will give tourists and visitors easy access to these items in Cotabato City, which is the provisional capital of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

“This is a significant investment for us because this is the first investment registered with RBOI-BARMM for Cotabato City since it joined the BARMM after the Bangsamoro Organic Law plebiscite in 2019 signaling to the business sector and investors

that Cotabato City as the provisional capital of BARMM continues to be a vibrant and strategic gateway destination for investments in the region,” said lawyer Ishak Mastura, chairman of the RBOI-BARMM. Cotabato City was officially entered into the autonomous region the following year.

The type of business is for stall rentals and tourism promotions showcasing handicrafts, souvenirs, brassware, traditional Moro crafts like Inaul (i.e., hand weaved Malongs, a type of tubular garment found throughout Southeast Asia), and Muslim native food delicacies (i.e., kumukunsi, titadtag, dudul, panialam, bulwa, tipas), RBOI-BARMM said.

Barter trade centers are so popular to tourists and visitors who come to Mindanao, particularly in the BARMM, because of the distinctiveness of the merchandise that are being sold. The goods and souvenir items are not bartered goods anymore but the word barter remained in use owing to the traditional exchange of goods among traders in east Asia centuries ago. These items are popular for their native and Islamic motifs and designs such as Arabic calligraphy, batik and baju kurong and Hijab fashion ware including halal products coming from the Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines-East Asean Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA). Manuel T. Cayon

Duterte orders Calida to write COA on PRC audit The President then devoted time in his public address to attack Gordon, who has said the Senate cannot be stopped from doing its constitutional duty as a coequal branch.

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque explained Duterte gave the instruction to Calida since he serves as the legal counsel of the government.

He said they are confident COA

will adhere to the request of Duterte as part of its constitutional mandate to safeguard public funds.

COA Chairman Michael Aguinaldo earlier clarified they could only audit government payments to humanitarian organizations such as PRC. Duterte earlier said he wants PRC to be audited after its chairman Gordon continued to lead the Blue Ribbon

investigation of questioned procurement of the Procurement Service of the Department of Budget and Management (PS-DBM) of medical supplies last year.

Duterte insisted there were no overpricing and ghost deliveries over the transaction of PS-DBM with Pharmally Pharmaceutical Corporation, a lowcapital firm that bagged over P8 billion

continued from a12 in PS-DBM contracts despite its lack of track record. Pharmally “borrowed” funds from Duterte’s friend and former economic adviser, Michael Yang, to cover the deliveries of supplies.

Irked by Gordon’s handling of the Senate probe on the issue, Duterte accused the lawmaker of turning PRC as a “milking cow” to finance his political plans. Samuel P. Medenilla

Drilon to PCOO execs: Submit ‘troll’ records Ablan gave assurances they will comply, but would have to seek the opinion of their legal office if the addresses can be provided, citing the Data Privacy Act. However, Drilon quickly countered the undersecretary, saying that there are public funds involved.

“These are public records and you are asking for public funds. You better provide us with these documents that we need in order for us to be convinced that this budget will be properly used,” says Drilon. “So, don’t invoke any confidentiality here, because these are public funds and these are subject to audit and

if these are subject to audit, these are subject to scrutiny by the branch of the government who is holding the purse,” the former justice secretary said.

Moreover, the senator reminded the Palace officials that “you are asking for the appropriation of public funds and it is our right to know. As part of our right to know, it is to make sure that they are not fictitious names,” adding that “even if they are trolls, we will accept that as long as they are legitimate and existing. We are not asking for their fingerprints, mind you,” he said.

Media hubs

IN the same budget hearing, Drilon questioned the rationale for the construction of a media hub in the Visayas, that the senator labeled as propaganda hubs, worth P200 million amid a pandemic.

He added that aside from the P200 million for the construction of the Visayas media hub, the PCOO has also allocated P50 million for next year for a training academy in Bukidnon.

“I think a rational assessment would tell you that these are not urgent projects—putting up a building

continued from a12

to house an academy for propaganda and having P50 million again as MOOE for propaganda,” Drilon said, adding: “We have been hearing the budget and it is very obvious that we need funds for Covid-19 response. Every single peso of resources should go to Covid-19 response and the muchneeded vaccines.”

Similar to the P28-billion NTFELCAC’s anti-insurgency fund, Drilon suggested that the said PCOO projects be delayed for 2023 and the funds be used to augment the country’s pandemic response. Butch Fernandez

News BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Senator backs greater mobility for fully vaccinated individuals

By Butch Fernandez @butchfBM

A

DMINISTRATION Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go backed calls by the business community asking the Duterte administration to consider an option granting incentives to fully vaccinated individuals to draw in more hesitant Filipinos to get their antiCovid shots. This even as he prodded authorities to consider gradual relaxation of restrictions on doing business in Covid free areas.

The chairman of the Senate Committee on Health endorsed the appeal of several business establishments and franchisees for government authorities to study the possibility of “offering incentives to fully vaccinated individuals in order to encourage more Filipinos” still hesitant to get their Covid-19 shots.

In a statement Thursday, Go said: “Pag-aralan dapat natin nang mabuti ang pagbibigay ng insentibo sa mga bakunado, tulad ng mas maluwag na mga patakaran na ligtas pa rin. Maaaring pwede sila lumabas, makapagtrabaho at makagalaw nang mas konting restrictions pero compliant pa rin sa minimum health standards,” he said.

The senator stressed if would be a big help to boost the economy even as it boosts public confidence on the vaccine.

He recalled that earlier in the week, more than 1,000 businesses issued a manifesto lamenting the financial losses and liabilities they incurred due to the government imposed lockdowns, even as they aired an appeal it is “of utmost importance, as our employees have families to feed and stable employment is difficult to assure without a clear plan.”

“They declared complete support for Presidential Adviser for Entrepreneurship and Go Negosyo founder Joey Concepcion’s proposal for the introduction of the ‘bakuna bubble’ as a strategy to resuscitate the economy,” the senator said.

Go suggested an option that Covid-19 restrictions can be relaxed for fully vaccinated individuals under the proposed bakuna bubble seen to help promote the economy and “protect jobs of many Filipinos.”

Earlier, the senator affirmed support for the proposed bakuna bubble along with other options to “loosen some of the Covid-19 restrictions for fully vaccinated individuals” as long as minimum health standards remain in place.

Friday, September 17, 2021 A5

Covid spending imperils 3 major military modernization projects

By Rene Acosta @reneacostaBM

T

HREE big projects lined up under the military’s ongoing modernization program are at risk of being scrapped altogether, at least at the moment, due to budgetary constraints brought by the Covid-19 pandemic, which has proved to be such a huge financial drain for the government.

Defense Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana, however, said he hopes that the contracts for the acquisition of two South Korean-made corvettes and six Australian-made offshore patrol vessels (OPV) for the Navy and multi-role fighter jets for the Air Force could still be signed.

However, the defense chief admitted that the signing of the contracts hinges on the availability of money, which as it appears, may not be available too soon as the national government has focused its resources in battling the spread of the contagion.

“It is being delayed a little bit be-

cause the money was not allocated and was used in Covid, but the big contracts that we should have been signing are on the two Corvettes, six OPVs and multi-role fighters,” Lorenzana said at a virtual briefing on Thursday.

The defense chief, currently in isolation, came from the United States where he talked with top US officials, including his American counterpart Lloyd Austin III, and other senior defense and military officials.

“These are the big ticket items that are waiting to have money,” Lorenzana said.

The planned procurement of two brand-new corvettes, six OPVs and multi-role jets, either sourced out from the US or Sweden, are the biggest modernization projects under the administration of President Duterte.

If the government could not find money until the campaign period starts or until the start of the election ban, then it means the projects, if still pursued, would have to be signed by the next administration.

Meanwhile, Lorenzana said that just like the US, the country will not observe the maritime ID that China imposes in the South China Sea, especially in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), because first and foremost, the WPS forms part of the Philippines’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

Observing China’s maritime identification system for vessels passing through the islands that Beijing reclaimed, according to the defense secretary, will legitimize the Chinese government’s claims.

He said this “dirty tactics” of China in pursuing its claims is not new in the WPS as he cited the case of Mischief Reef where China had pleaded to the Philippines before to allow Chinese fishermen to seek shelter in that reef, which later turned into an occupation.

“After that, they reclaimed the whole Mischief Reef. Now, it is an island. So we already know that tactic of China. Little by little, they will let anyone feel that they are in control, but we will not honor

those laws because they do not apply to our maritime domain, which is the West Philippine Sea,” Lorenzana said.

The defense secretary said he discussed with US officials about the system that China wanted to impose in the South China Sea and the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), which covers the prepositioning of American troops and equipment in the country.

The EDCA, signed during the previous administration, allows the US to construct facilities within selected camps of the Philippine military to house its forces and equipment, which was seen as part of the US pivot to the region.

Lorenzana said that during his talks with US officials, the resumption of America’s building of facilities inside camps was also tackled.

He said like the Mutual Defense Treaty, there might also be a need to review the EDCA given that American forces in the country could also be targets in case the US goes into war with another country.

BusinessMirror

A6 Friday, September 17, 2021

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION 24 INCH GAUGE CONSTRUCTION INC. L4 Blk. 4 Near Kay Buboy Bridge San Dionisio Parañaque City

No.

ZHOU, JIANQI Quality Construction Specialist 1.

Brief Job Description: Reviews, inspects, and documents all construction projects during the construction period of the current Bond Program.

24/7 BUSINESS PROCESSING INC. 5th-6th-7th Flr. 81 Newport Bl Newport City Brgy. 183 Pasay City

2.

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

66 A-IDEA CONSULTING INC. Rm. 404 Caeg Building Dela Rosa St. Pio Del Pilar Makati City 3.

DUAN, XIAOSHU Chinese Customer Officer Brief Job Description: Handling inbound and outbound service support calls

8 STONE BUSINESS OUTSOURCING OPC 5-10/f Tower 1 Pitx Kennedy Road Tambo Parañaque City MO, TINGTING Customer Service Representative Mandarin Speaking 4.

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

ONG ENG HUA Customer Service Representative Mandarin Speaking 5.

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

XIAO, LIANG Customer Service Representative Mandarin Speaking 6.

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

XIE, QING Customer Service Representative Mandarin Speaking 7.

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

ZHANG, HAILONG Customer Service Representative Mandarin Speaking 8.

Brief Job Description: Build sustainable relationship of trust through open and interactive communication in Mandarin Speaking LE THI PHUONG Marketing Staff Mandarin Speaking

9.

Brief Job Description: Monitor, review and report on all Marketing activity and result QIN, YANYUN Marketing Staff Mandarin Speaking

10.

Brief Job Description: Monitor, review and report on all Marketing activity and result QIN, FUMAO Marketing Staff Mandarin Speaking

11.

Brief Job Description: Monitor, review and report on all Marketing activity and result ZHAO, WENCHAO Marketing Staff Mandarin Speaking

12.

Brief Job Description: Monitor, review and report on all Marketing activity and result

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Skilled in identifying local construction technologies and construction material sources; Can carry out and monitor testing and inspection of products and materials to ensure the finished product meets quality standards

13.

14.

15.

16.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires HOANG MANH CUONG Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: managing incoming calls and customer service inquires LE THI HIEN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires LIAO, YAMIN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires

17.

18.

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

Basic Qualification: Any nationality who can speak and write Chinese fluently.

Preferably, 6 months to 1-year customer service experience.

Detail-oriented and has the ability to multi-task.

20.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION NGUYEN THI NHUNG Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires VU THI HUE Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires WU, CHENGDONG Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires WU, PINGSHUN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires

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

21.

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

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

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

No.

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

31.

23.

Brief Job Description: Implementing a technological solution to meet business needs.

HIEW SOON CHENG Chinese IT Support Brief Job Description: Addressing internet technical issues GAO, WEI Marketing Staff Mandarin Speaking

32.

Brief Job Description: Monitor, review, and report on all marketing activities and results LEE YIK HENG Marketing Staff Mandarin Speaking

33.

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

EASTERN GOLD CORPORATION 503 Nueva St Binondo Manila

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

Basic Qualification: Proficiency with database languages.

Brief Job Description: Monitor, review, and report on all marketing activities and results

CHANG, ZHIYU Marketing And Sales Agent 34.

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

HUANG, HUI Marketing And Sales Agent 35.

BRENMEDIA INTERNATIONAL INC. 10/f Unit Q Cyber One Bldg. Eastwood Cyberpark City Bagumbayan 3 Quezon City LIU, WENTAO IT Consultant

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

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

BALANCE ONE WELLNESS CORP. Unit No. U-2c, Flr. No.4/f One E-com Bldg. Moa Complex Bldg. Ocean Drive St. Barangay 076 Pasay City Basic Qualification: Can contribute information, DU, YINGZHEN ideas, and research to help Chinese Beauty Specialist develop marketing strategies; can help to detail, design, and 22.

Brief Job Description: implement marketing plans for Researches and develops various marketing strategies for each product or service being products and services and implements marketing plans and offered. works to meet sales quotas Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

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

JIANG, HONG Marketing And Sales Agent 36.

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

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

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

DENG, ZHIQIAO Field Sales Consultant 24.

Brief Job Description: The one responsible to “get the sale” using various customer sales methods

SHI, DANDAN Field Sales Consultant 25.

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: The one responsible to “get the sale” using various customer sales methods

XIANG, LING Field Sales Consultant 26.

Brief Job Description: The one responsible to “get the sale” using various customer sales methods

Basic Qualification: Can research accounts and generate or follow through sales leads; can valuate customers skills, need and build productive long lasting relationships; can meet personal and team sales targets Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Can research accounts and generate or follow through sales leads; can valuate customers skills, need and build productive long lasting relationships; can meet personal and team sales targets Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Can research accounts and generate or follow through sales leads; can valuate customers skills, need and build productive long lasting relationships; can meet personal and team sales targets Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

CENOPHI CORPORATION 2/f Krisambet Bldg., 1015 Zobel Roxas St. Singalong 082 Brgy. 755 Santa Ana Manila LIM CHEE KEONG Basic Qualification: Manager For Operations Able to train, supervise and appraise operation tasks.

27.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for overall brand management and corporate Salary Range: identity Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 CMA CGM PHILIPPINES, INC. 9/f One E-com Center Moa Harbor Drive Brgy. 076 Pasay City BADER, JEAN, EMILE Chief Finance Officer 28.

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 CHAU QUANG DAU Chinese Customer Service

No.

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Brief Job Description: Responsible for the effective financial strategy and risk management of the company

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree, experience in management position, experience with corporate governance

LI, YUMEI Marketing And Sales Agent 37.

QI, XIAOWEI Marketing And Sales Agent 38.

PAWLOWSKI, DAMIAN Advisor Ii, Technical Support Brief Job Description: Responds to basic and routine inquiries of a technical nature including hardware/software, or other designated clients products. This position assists external users of the client’s technical products or services by answering questions and solving problems involved in their use.

39.

ZHANG, SHIYING Marketing And Sales Agent 40.

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

ZHANG, ZHIXIAN Marketing And Sales Agent 41.

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

ZHAO, XUEQIAN Marketing And Sales Agent 42.

Basic Qualification: Fluent and/or native speaker in English and Polish.

29.

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

DEXIN 999, INC. Red Hotel No. 345 Edsa Cor. Don Carlos Revilla St. Barangay 147 Pasay City

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

30.

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

DUNFENG MANAGEMENT INC. 17th Floor Units C & D Marco Polo Ortigas Manila Sapphire Road, Ortigas Center, San Antonio Pasig City

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

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

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

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

LI, TING Malaysian Customer Support Representative

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

WANG, ZEXIN Marketing And Sales Agent

CONCENTRIX CVG PHILIPPINES, INC. 25/f Ayala North Exchange Tower 2, 6796 Ayala Ave. Cor. Salcedo & Amorsolo Streets Makati City

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

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

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

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

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

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

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Experience in maintaining computer accessories/ peripherals and other IT equipment Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Experience in analyzing productivity of the marketing plans and strategy Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Experience in analyzing productivity of the marketing plans and strategy Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: can contributes information, ideas, and research to help develop marketing strategies; can help to detail, design, and implement marketing plans for each product or service being offered.

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

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

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

Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999 Basic Qualification: can contributes information, ideas, and research to help develop marketing strategies; can help to detail, design, and implement marketing plans for each product or service being offered.

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

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

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

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

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

ELEVATE PHILIPPINES INC. 27f Fort Legend Tower 31st Street Corner 3rd Avenue Bonifacio Global City Taguig City PRANGSOMBAT, RAWISARA Risk Management Surveillance Analyst-Thai Speaker 43.

Brief Job Description: Screening electronic communications quickly and effectively using client-developed guidelines on market abuse, among others.

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree.

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

ENTREGO LOGISTICS CORPORATION 3rd Floor Of The Mcx Facility Daang Hari & Daang Reyna Junction Muntinlupa Cavite Expressway, Poblacion Muntinlupa City

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION LU, XINGGUI Customer Service Representative Mandarin Speaking

BECKER, MORITZ NICOLAS Director - Contract Logistics 44.

Brief Job Description: Lead the contract logistics business of the Entrego Group.

P&L Ownership for the Contract Logistics business (Revenue, Gross Profit, EBIT Contribution). Contract Logistics Business Strategy, Sales and Business Development: Execute a successful market entry of Entrego CL, as measured by agreed revenues for the year of 2021.

FIRST GREAT COMPUTER TECHNOLOGIES INC. Lot 5 Sta. Agueda Cor. Queensway Pagcor Drive Sto. Niño Parañaque City 45.

WU, HUIHUI It Technical Mandarin Brief Job Description: Configure and maintain system and networks

FUWEALTH SERVICES INC. 18/f Techzone Bldg. 213 Sen. Gil Puyat Ave. San Antonio Makati City LYU, WEIMU Customer Service Representative 46.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for managing various customer issues depending on account assignment

59.

Basic Qualification: Contract Logistics experience.

People Management

60.

Basic Qualification: Have patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations.

56.

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

CHEN, XILIN Customer Service Representative Mandarin Speaking 57.

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

LI, SHIZHE Customer Service Representative Mandarin Speaking 58.

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

61.

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

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

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

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

WEI, CHUNBO Customer Service Representative Mandarin Speaking 62.

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

GLOBALLGA BUSINESS PROCESS OUTSOURCING Ground Level, Level 2-5 Floor Silver City 4, Ortigas East Ugong Pasig City

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

WANG, LIN Customer Service Representative Mandarin Speaking

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

GATEWAYSOLUTIONS CORP. Unit 2306 Antel Global Corporate Center Julia Vargas Ave. Ortigas Center, San Antonio Pasig City Basic Qualification: Must be a College graduate; DUONG THAI HIEN Can Prepare product or Customer Service Representative service reports by collecting and analyzing customer Brief Job Description: information; Can contribute to 47.

A customer service representative supports customers team effort by accomplishing by providing helpful information, answering questions, related results as needed; Can and responding to complaints. They’re the front line of Manage large amounts of support for clients and customers and they help ensure that incoming calls customers are satisfied with products, services, and features.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Must be a College graduate; LY VINH TUAN Can Prepare product or Customer Service Representative service reports by collecting and analyzing customer Brief Job Description: information; Can contribute to 48.

A customer service representative supports customers team effort by accomplishing by providing helpful information, answering questions, related results as needed; Can and responding to complaints. They’re the front line of Manage large amounts of support for clients and customers and they help ensure that incoming calls customers are satisfied with products, services, and features.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Must be a College graduate; XU, QI Can Prepare product or Customer Service Representative service reports by collecting and analyzing customer Brief Job Description: information; Can contribute to 49.

A customer service representative supports customers team effort by accomplishing by providing helpful information, answering questions, related results as needed; Can and responding to complaints. They’re the front line of Manage large amounts of support for clients and customers and they help ensure that incoming calls customers are satisfied with products, services, and features.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Must be a College graduate; YU, FAN Can Prepare product or Customer Service Representative service reports by collecting and analyzing customer Brief Job Description: information; Can contribute to 50.

A customer service representative supports customers team effort by accomplishing by providing helpful information, answering questions, related results as needed; Can and responding to complaints. They’re the front line of Manage large amounts of support for clients and customers and they help ensure that incoming calls customers are satisfied with products, services, and features.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 GENX SPORTS & MEDIA PRODUCTION CORP. 26th And 27th Flr. Eastwood Cyber One Bldg. Eastwood City Cyberpark No. 188 E. Rodriguez Jr. Ave. Bagumbayan 3 Quezon City Basic Qualification: HUANG, YI Proven working experience in Customer Service Representative-Chinese Speaking digital marketing particularly within the industry and good 51.

Brief Job Description: communication skills Recommends potential products or services to management by collecting customer information and analyzing customer Salary Range: needs Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: LIN, YISHENG Proven working experience in Customer Service Representative-Chinese Speaking digital marketing particularly within the industry and good 52.

Brief Job Description: communication skills Recommends potential products or services to management by collecting customer information and analyzing customer Salary Range: needs Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: MENG, HAIXIONG Proven working experience in Customer Service Representative-Chinese Speaking digital marketing particularly within the industry and good 53.

Brief Job Description: communication skills Recommends potential products or services to management by collecting customer information and analyzing customer Salary Range: needs Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: WANG, JING Proven working experience in Customer Service Representative-Chinese Speaking digital marketing particularly within the industry and good 54.

Brief Job Description: communication skills Recommends potential products or services to management by collecting customer information and analyzing customer Salary Range: needs Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: YAN, CHANGYU Proven working experience in Customer Service Representative-Chinese Speaking digital marketing particularly within the industry and good 55.

Brief Job Description: communication skills Recommends potential products or services to management by collecting customer information and analyzing customer Salary Range: needs Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

CAI, XIANQUAN Customer Service Representative Mandarin Speaking

SONG, JIALIANG Customer Service Representative Mandarin Speaking

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

Basic Qualification: Knowledge in computer applicantions

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

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

ZENG, LONGLIAN Customer Service Representative Mandarin Speaking 63.

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

FU, JIANLONG Marketing Staff Mandarin Speaking 64.

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

GRAND EVEREST HOLDING INC. 16/f Tower 6789 6789 Ayala Ave. Bel-air Makati City CHAI, RUOXU Chinese Speaking Admin Associate 65.

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

LY LE THUONG Chinese Speaking Admin Associate 66.

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

DOAN THI THUY Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative 67.

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

LI, DONGHUI Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative 68.

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

LI, WEI Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative 69.

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

ONG MING YEAN Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative 70.

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

ZHANG, QIAO Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative 71.

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

GRAND PREMIUM CREST HOLDING INC. 16/f Tower 6789 6789 Ayala Ave. Bel-air Makati City HONEY TIONG JIA WEN Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 72.

Brief Job Description: Developing, Implementing sales strategies, client service, plan and analyzing sales data

75.

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

A7

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Knows how to recommend potential products or services to management by collecting customer information and analyzing customer needs.

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

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

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

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

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

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

No.

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

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION CHEN, JIALI Mandarin Customer Support Representative

76.

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

HUANG, TAO Mandarin Customer Support Representative

77.

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

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Able to speak and write in Mandarin/Fukien and at least college level with related BPO experience.

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

IT AMERICANO INC. 10/f Pacifica One Center Bldg. 2178 Chino Roces Ave. Pio Del Pilar Makati City Basic Qualification: SIA CHONG CHIN Bachelors degree, must have Assistant Product Manager experienced in product design/ 78. product management Brief Job Description: Assist the product manager in the end to end strategies for Salary Range: the product Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: WEI KUO, TSE-HUNG Strong verbal and written CS & Product Coordinator communication skills, responsible in handling 79.

Brief Job Description: products Address product related inquiries & questions, provide with product demonstration Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: LEE, YING-SHENG Bachelors degree in computer IT Technical Architect relevant field, good written & 80. verbal communication Brief Job Description: Design the structure of a technology solution, define system Salary Range: specifications Php 90,000 - Php 149,999 J-NA ALLOUT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS CORP. 3/f Lipams Bldg. #48 President Avenue Bf Homes Parañaque City Basic Qualification: CHOI, NAM SOON At least College graduate, Korean Customer Service Representative speaks and write fluently 81.

(Korean and English) Brief Job Description: Create and manage product in conjunction with marketing Salary Range: strategies to Korean Customer Representative Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: JEON, HYEYEON College Graduate speaks and Korean Customer Service Representative write fluently Korean and 82.

English Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls & Korean customer service inquiries Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: KO, HEE KWANG At least College graduate, Korean Customer Service Representative speaks and write fluently 83.

(Korean and English) Brief Job Description: Create and manage product in conjunction with marketing Salary Range: strategies to Korean Customer Representative Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: SHIM, SOOYOUNG College Graduate speaks and Korean Customer Service Representative write fluently Korean and 84.

English Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls & Korean customer service inquiries Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 JCB INTERNATIONAL ASIA PACIFIC PTE. LTD. MANILA BRANCH 2f 6788 Ayala Ave. San Lorenzo Makati City NOMURA, YASUTAKA Manager-business Development 85.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for the business development for credit card business partners

Basic Qualification: Fluent and excellent in Japanese (oral and written) Salary Range: Php 90,000 - Php 149,999

KINTETSU WORLD EXPRESS (PHILIPPINES) INC. Jjm Bldg. 6 Amvel Business Park Ninoy Aquino Avenue San Dionisio Parañaque City KOBAYASHI, HIROMITSU Japanese Sales Manager 86.

Brief Job Description: Management/oversee the implementation of appropriate sales/marketing strategies to attain volume, revenue and profit objectives KOMATSU LTD- MANILA REPRESENTATIVE OFFICE U-4b 4/f Ampc Bldg. 136 Amorsolo St. San Lorenzo Makati City IKENOUE, TAIKI Technical Advisor 87.

Brief Job Description: Supervise the company’s local team to provide technicalservice related support to its various projects

MAGKING SERVICES CORPORATION Unit 5d Rose Industries Bldg. #11, Pioneer Street Kapitolyo Pasig City CHOI, SUNG IM Customer Support Representative 88.

Brief Job Description: A customer support representative supports customers by providing helpful information, answering questions, and responding to complaints. They are the front line of support for clients and customers and they help ensure that customers are satisfied.

LEE, TAEYOUNG Customer Support Representative

89.

Basic Qualification: Proficiency in holding customer question about services or products/ Excellent mandarin communication skills

HEXAFROST REFRIGERATION PHILS. INC. Unit 1901 Antel Global Corporate Center Julia Vargas Ave., Ortigas Center San Antonio Pasig City Basic Qualification: VIEROUX, THIERRY MICHEL HUGUES Preferably, with minimum Chief Financial Officer of Fifteen (15) years of Engineering experience on Brief Job Description: commercial contracts and To manage the financial actions of the company; To trace project management with 73. cash flow and financial planning as well as analyzing a significant experience on the company’s financial strengths and weaknesses Branch Management, fluent in proposing corrective actions; Responsible for the planning, English, French, and Spanish. implementation, managing and running of all the finance activities of the company, including business planning, Salary Range: budgeting, forecasting and negotiations Php 150,000 - Php 499,999 INSPIRING PG INC. 3f Filhome Builders Center #68 Dona Soledad Avenue Better Living Subdivision Don Bosco Parañaque City XIAO, JUNQI Basic Qualification: Mandarin Warehouse Supervisor Proven experience as a Mandarin Warehouse Brief Job Description: Supervisor or other Managerial 74.

The Mandarin Warehouse Supervisor will be strategist and position. a leader able to steer the company to the most profitable direction while also implementing its vision, mission and Salary Range: long term goal.

Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 INVECH TREASURE PROCESSING CORPORATION Ground, 2nd, 3rd And 4th Floor Eight West Campus Mckinley West Fort Bonifacio Taguig City FEBRIYANTO Indonesian Customer Support Representative

Friday, September 17, 2021

Brief Job Description: A customer support representative supports customers by providing helpful information, answering questions, and responding to complaints. They are the front line of support for clients and customers and they help ensure that customers are satisfied.

YOUN, HYUNSIK Marketing Specialist 90.

Brief Job Description: Marketing specialists help develop, execute, and monitor marketing programs across a variety of channels.

Basic Qualification: 20 years experience in a Senior Role earned from KWE Japan Head office Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999 Basic Qualification: Trade qualification in mechanical or electrical with exposure to heavy mobile equipment, excellent communications skills (English & Nihongo) Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999 Basic Qualification: Must be bachelor’s / college degree in any fields, at least 2 yrs. of working experience in the related positions, ability to maintain high level of confidentiality 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 experience in the related positions, ability to maintain high level of confidentiality 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 experience in the related positions, ability to maintain high level of confidentiality Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

MEGA-WEB TECHNOLOGIES INC. 6,7,8,9,10,11/f Met Live Bldg. Edsa Cor. Macapagal Blvd. Brgy. 076 Pasay City

91.

92.

SI, YANHUI Mandarin Speaking Customer Relations Service Provider Brief Job Description: Responsible for handling service support calls.

ZHAO, TING 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.

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

MF CONSULTANCY MANAGEMENT SERVICES INC. Unit 1001 10/f Antel 2000 Corporate Centre 121 Valero St. Bel-air Makati City XU, XIAOXUAN Chinese Speaking Customer Relations Officer

Basic Qualification: With good oral and written communication skills and proficient in Customer Relations.

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

93.

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

MIZUHO BANK, LTD. - MANILA BRANCH Units 1-8, 25/f Zuellig Bldg. Makati Ave. Cor Paseo De Roxas Urdaneta Makati City

Brief Job Description: To handle the concerns of a customer and ensure good customer retention by providing excellent and professional services

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

BusinessMirror

A8 Friday, September 17, 2021

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION OMACHI, SHUHEI Vice President - Japanese Corporate Banking Department 2

94.

Brief Job Description: Develop, establish & maintain relationships with new & existing Japanese customers doing business in the PH.

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

95.

96.

97.

98.

99.

100.

101.

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103.

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109.

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112.

113.

114.

115.

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118.

119.

CHEN, YONGSHU Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries CHU VAN DU Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries DU, WENYU Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries DUONG THI MAN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries HUO, XIANGBIN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries JIANG, WEIQIANG Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries LI, HAO Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries LI, LINDONG Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries LIM XUE PIN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries LIN, ZHENYAN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries LIU, YAN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries LUO, DAJUN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries MA, QUN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries PHAM VAN CONG Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries SHEN, HONGKAI Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries SUN, TIANYANG Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries TRAN BAO KIM Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries TRAN VAN NAM Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries WAN ZONE HWAY Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries WANG, YAN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries WANG, SHEJUN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries WANG, RUN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries WU, WENHAO Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires XIE, HAIQIANG Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries YAN YONE MAN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in business or related course, at least 8 years experience in a Japanese bank, native Japanese speaker w/ excellent English communication skills.

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

No.

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125.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION YANG, DONGBAO Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries YANG, DONGCHENG Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries YANG, TAO Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries YUAN, CHAO Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries ZHANG, YUAN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries WANG, QIAN Chinese Customer Specialist Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

www.businessmirror.com.ph

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

No.

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

NEW ORIENTAL CLUB88 CORPORATION 3rd, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th & 10th/f Pearl Marina Building Pacific Drive Don Galo Parañaque City Basic Qualification: BIAN, HAIBO College graduate, preferably Chinese Customer Service 1yr experience in the similar field, speak and write fluently 126.

Brief Job Description: (native language and English) Manage incoming calls and inquiries, handling complaints, provide solutions, process customer accounts and file the Salary Range: documents.

Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: DOU, BIN College graduate, preferably Chinese Customer Service 1yr experience in the similar field, speak and write fluently 127.

Brief Job Description: (native language and English) Manage incoming calls and inquiries, handling complaints, provide solutions, process customer accounts and file the Salary Range: documents.

Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: FU, QIANG College graduate, preferably Chinese Customer Service 1yr experience in the similar field, speak and write fluently 128.

Brief Job Description: (native language and English) Manage incoming calls and inquiries, handling complaints, provide solutions, process customer accounts and file the Salary Range: documents.

Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: LEI, MINGFENG College graduate, preferably Chinese Customer Service 1yr experience in the similar field, speak and write fluently 129.

Brief Job Description: (native language and English) Manage incoming calls and inquiries, handling complaints, provide solutions, process customer accounts and file the Salary Range: documents.

Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 PH GLOBAL JET EXPRESS INC. 11th Floor, The Marajo Tower 26th Street Cor. 4th Avenue Bgc Fort Bonifacio Taguig City LI, YI Basic Qualification: Mandarin Marketing Specialist Bachelor degree in Marketing Management, Mandarin 130.

Brief Job Description: Speaking Monitor the day-to-day marketing operations within the company, such as market data on a local, regional or national Salary Range: level, through the use of Mandarin native language Php 60,000 - Php 89,999 SONG, QUAN Basic Qualification: Mandarin Marketing Specialist Bachelor degree in Marketing Management, Mandarin 131.

Brief Job Description: Speaking Monitor the day-to-day marketing operations within the company, such as market data on a local, regional or national Salary Range: level, through the use of Mandarin native language Php 60,000 - Php 89,999 WANG, JIALI Basic Qualification: Mandarin Purchasing Specialist Bachelor’s degree in Procurement Management, Brief Job Description: two or more years of Preparing proposals, requesting quotes and negotiating 132.

Purchasing experience, The purchase terms and conditions within the company, ability to communicate, evaluating products and suppliers according to key business criteria, regional or national level, through the use of Salary Range: Mandarin native language, to senior professionals in China, Php 60,000 - Php 89,999 Taiwan and other Mandarin speaking counterpart and clients YANG, CHENG Basic Qualification: Mandarin Purchasing Specialist Bachelor’s degree in Procurement Management, Brief Job Description: two or more years of Preparing proposals, requesting quotes and negotiating 133.

Purchasing experience, The purchase terms and conditions within the company, ability to communicate, evaluating products and suppliers according to key business criteria, regional or national level, through the use of Salary Range: Mandarin native language, to senior professionals in China, Php 60,000 - Php 89,999 Taiwan and other Mandarin speaking counterpart and clients SHELL SHARED SERVICES (ASIA) B.V. 16/f-25/f Solaris One Bldg. 130 Dela Rosa St. San Lorenzo Makati City DE SOUZA VIEIRA, LUIZ GUSTAVO Basic Qualification: HR Advisor Proficiency in Spanish language 134.

Brief Job Description: Deliver value to Shell and its constituent Businesses and Salary Range: Functions by developing and executing people strategies in Php 60,000 - Php 89,999 direct support of the Group Strategy.

SHEVRONE INC. Unit No. 2c Floor No. 4/f, Zone 10 Barangay 76, District 1 Pasay City Basic Qualification: Proficiency in handling DENG, QINGHUI customer questions about Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative services or products / Excellent 135.

Mandarin communication Brief Job Description: skills Assist/help customers, give customers information about products and services 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.

DENG, ZHAOQI Mandarin Customer Support Representative 140.

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

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.

HE, LINA Mandarin Customer Support Representative 141.

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

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.

HONG, JIANGYANG Mandarin Customer Support Representative 142.

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

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

TRIVES TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION Tower 4 Bayport West Naia Garden Residence, Naia Road Tambo Parañaque City

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

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

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

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.

LI, GAOHUI Mandarin Customer Support Representative 143.

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

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.

PENG, DONGZE Mandarin Customer Support Representative 144.

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

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.

WANG, JINFENG Mandarin Customer Support Representative 145.

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

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.

WU, ZHIYAN Mandarin Customer Support Representative 146.

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

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

PHU MY VAN Vietnamese Customer Support Representative 147.

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

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

VASTLINE BUSINESS SUPPORT INC. U-504p Five E-com Ctr. Bldg. Pacific Drive Brgy. 076 Pasay City Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in Mandarin

ENG NYAN LING Mandarin Site Technical Support 148.

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

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

SAM CHOON KIT Mandarin Site Technical Support 149.

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

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

W-TECH SOLUTIONS INC. 5/f Eco Plaza Bldg. 2305 Chino Roces Ave. Extn. Magallanes Makati City

DING, XIAOPENG Mandarin Customer Service 150.

Brief Job Description: Assists with complaints, orders, errors, account questions, billing & other queries.

136.

Brief Job Description: Records accounts payable and accounts receivable

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting or any related field of study.

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

SLL BUILDER AND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION U-2c 4/f One E-com Ctr. Bldg. Ocean Dr. Brgy. 076 Pasay City

137.

SONG, TIANMING Bilingual Cost Consultant Brief Job Description: Responsible for construction facade installation

Basic Qualification: Mandarin speaking. Must be an expert in all types of work including marketing.

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

SPEED QUALITY TECH INC. 3/f Eco Plaza Bldg. 2305 Chino Roces Ave. Extn. Magallanes Makati City

138.

YEN, SHIH-CHI a.k.a. STEVE YEN Mandarin Customer Service Specialist Brief Job Description: Customer Service

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin both Oral and Written

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

ZEEHANS TECHNOLOGY INC. 9/f Bpi-philam Life Bldg. 6811 Ayala Ave. Bel-air Makati City

POLYIEM, KAMIN Marketing Coordinator 151.

Brief Job Description: Manage all affiliate programs through all phases, including brainstorming, launch, maintaining, trafficking, marketing, reporting, optimization, and analysis.

SKYLUSTER TECHNOLOGY, INC. 26/f Pbcom Tower 6795 Ayala Ave. Bel-air Makati City TSAI, YUN-TA Mandarin Human Resource Specialists

Basic Qualification: Responsible for acting as a liaison between customer & companies. Fluent in Mandarin.

KARAN, RAKESH RAM Treasurer/chief Financial Officer 152.

Brief Job Description: Work well with the President, Directors, and officers of the company to develop the strategic plan; Support with high-level decisions about policy and strategy; Discover and address financial risks and opportunities for the company; Direct financial reporting and budgeting team.

Basic Qualification: Multilingual (English+Thai/ Japanese/Chinese/Bahasa), with five years digital marketing experience, and solid SEO/SEM/Lifecycle marketing skills.

Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999 Basic Qualification: Extensive experience in financial planning and strategy, managing profitability, strategic planning and vision, quality management, promotion of process improvement, forecasting, corporate finance, budget development; At least 5 years of experience of similar capacity (executive management) Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999

*Date Generated: Sep 16, 2021 Any person in the Philippines who is competent, able and willing to perform the services for which the foreign national is desired may file an objection at DOLE-NCR Regional Office located at DOLE-NCR Building, 967 Maligaya St., Malate Manila, within 30 days after this publication.

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

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

TOSHIBA (PHILIPPINES), INC. 19th Floor Panorama Tower 34th Street Corner Lane A Bonifacio Global City, Fort Bonifacio Taguig City TAKAMOTO, TADASHI President & CEO 139.

Brief Job Description: To manage, control and supe rvise the Toshiba (Philippines), Inc. with full power and authority to hire.

Basic Qualification: Excellent planning skills to implement strategies to meet the organization’s goals set by the board of directors.

Salary Range: Php 500,000 and above

ATTY. SARAH BUENA S. MIRASOL REGIONAL DIRECTOR

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

The World BusinessMirror

Friday, September 17, 2021

A9

Alaska records most daily Covid infections amid health-care strain

A

NCHOR AGE , A l a sk a— Alaska on Wednesday reported its highest number of new Covid-19 cases, a day after the state’s largest hospital announced it had entered crisis protocol and started rationing care.

There were 1,068 new cases of Covid-19, with case counts 13 percent higher than last week.

State officials said 201 Alaskans required hospitalization for Covid-19, and 34 of them were on ventilators in a state with limited health care capacity.

“Our hospitals have been and continue to be incredibly stressed,” Dr. Anne Zink, the state’s chief medical officer, said on a conference call.

“There is no capacity in the hospitals to care for both Covid and nonCovid patients on a regular basis.”

Statewide, there are about 1,100 non-intensive care unit hospital beds, with only 302 available Wednesday. The state has only 21 of its 125 ICU beds open.

When many people become ill at the same time, it overwhelms the state’s health care system.

“And then we start to see excess mortality where more people dying from other things such as heart attacks and strokes and car accidents and bear maulings or whatever else happens,” Zink said.

When announcing its crisis care protocol on Tuesday, Providence Alaska Medical Center in Anchorage said it would prioritize care to those who have the best potential to benefit most.

Staff at the hospital, one of three in the state’s largest city, are stretched thin, leaving people to wait for hours in their cars to see a doctor in case of an emergency.

Jared Kosin, president and CEO of the Alaska State Hospital and Nursing Home Association, said the Providence announcement conveys how bad the situation is.

“We certainly from the hospital world have been talking about this

and the grave circumstances and direction we’re headed. To now be here is really hard to make sense of when it is all preventable,” he said.

“All it takes is a vaccine.”

It’s also troublesome that rationing of care is happening now. Providence officials in their announcement said they expected Covid-19 hospitalizations to escalate over the next two to four weeks.

“If this doesn’t put everyone on high alert, I don’t know what else it’s going to take,” Kosin said.

The ramifications are statewide; rural hospitals usually send their most cr itical patients to Anchorage for care. But with the system strained, they have to look elsewhere.

Zink said in one case, it took hospital staff about nine hours to find another facility that would take their patient.

It took about 10 hours for another hospital to call facilities up and down the West Coast to finally find

a hospital in Oregon that would accept their patient, Kosin said.

When a patient at Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corp. in Bethel needs transfer, they are usually sent to Fairbanks or 400 miles (643.74 kilometers) east, to the Anchorage area.

“Worst-case scenario we look out-of-state, sort of a very last-ditch effort,” said Dr. Ellen Hodges, the health corporation’s chief of staff.

“But these hospitals in Washington, which is our go-to in Seattle, have not had space. They’re experiencing their own increase in patients.”

Hodges said she never would have thought that this would be the scenario at this point of the pandemic.

“I don’t think there’s any words really to talk about how stressful and helpless you feel when there’s not enough care in for the patients that we need to get care to,” she said.

Officials urge people to get vaccinated and to wear masks, but only a few places in the state have mask

mandates. Anchorage had such a mandate earlier in the pandemic, but a new mayor who was critical of such measures was elected. The Anchorage Assembly on Tuesday evening asked Mayor Dave Bronson to institute a mask mandate, and he declined.

“If someone wants to wear a mask or get a vaccination that’s their personal choice,” Bronson said in a statement issued after the Assembly meeting. “But we will not violate the privacy and independent health-care decisions of our citizens in the process.”

Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy, a first-term Republican facing re-election next year, has both recovered from Covid-19 and been vaccinated.

“I urge, and I hope you guys print this, I strongly urge folks to get a vaccine, strongly urge them to do that,” he told reporters Tuesday.

He followed that with this tweet Wednesday: “Alaska will continue to vigorously fight the Covid-19 vi-

rus on many fronts. However, my Administration will likewise ferociously defend the fundamental rights of every Alaskan.”

His spokesperson, Jeff Turner, did not respond when asked to describe what rights the administration was defending.

Dunleavy has never instituted a statewide mask mandate, and he reiterated that stance Wednesday.

“That remains a decision best left to local governments,” Turner said in an e-mail to The Associated Press.

To change the course, Kosin said it goes back to what health-care professionals have been saying for months.

“Getting vaccinated is the No. 1 thing people need to do. The second thing is be smart, wear masks in indoor settings when you’re around other folks, trying to limit transmission as much as possible,” he said. “ That is the only path for ward to actually make a difference,” Kosin said. AP

A10 Friday, September 17, 2021 • Editor: Angel R. Calso

Opinion BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

editorial

Will the rich countries listen?

G

lobal health experts are asking rich countries to fulfill their responsibility towards the rest of humanity rather than stocking up vaccine doses as boosters. More people around the world can die due to Covid if the affluent countries do not share vaccine doses with developing countries, they warned.

Professor Sir Andrew Pollard and Seth Berkley, the chief executive of vaccine alliance GAVI, said vulnerable people in poor countries have not been administered even the first dose of the Covid vaccine, which could have serious consequences.

“Large-scale boosting in one rich country would send a signal around the world that boosters are needed everywhere. This will suck many vaccine doses out of the system, and many more people will die because they never even had a chance to get a single dose,” they warned. “If millions are boosted in the absence of a strong scientific case, history will remember the moment at which political leaders decided to reject their responsibility to the rest of humanity in the greatest crisis of our lifetimes.”

The World Health Organization earlier asked governments to make sure the third shot is started only after other countries, especially in the Third World, are able to procure enough doses to vaccinate the majority of the population at least with one dose.

Israel in July started offering Covid-19 booster shots among seniors in response to a raging Delta variant. Last month, it started giving Covid booster shots to all citizens, including children as young as 12. Israeli health officials said they decided to give booster shots because the effectiveness of the second dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine waned six months after administration.

From the Associated Press: “The UK announced on September 14 it will offer a third dose of coronavirus vaccine to everyone over 50 and other vulnerable people to help the country ride out the pandemic through the winter months. The booster shots, which will be rolled out beginning next week, were approved a day after the Conservative government also backed plans to offer one vaccine dose to children 12 to 15 years old. The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunization, which advises the government, recommended that booster shots be offered to everyone over 50, health-care workers, people with underlying health conditions and those who live with people whose immune systems are compromised. They will be given no earlier than six months after a person received their second dose of vaccine.”

An international group of scientists—including two top US regulators— wrote on Monday in a scientific journal that the average person does not need a Covid-19 booster yet. After reviewing studies of the vaccines’ performance, the scientists said the shots are working well, especially against severe disease, despite the contagious Delta variant. “Even in populations with fairly high vaccination rates, the unvaccinated are still the major drivers of transmission” at this stage of the pandemic, they said.

Their observation, published in The Lancet, illustrates the intense scientific debate about who needs booster doses and when. The authors include two leading vaccine reviewers at the Food and Drug Administration, Drs. Phil Krause and Marion Gruber. Among the other 16 authors are leading vaccine researchers in the US, Britain, France, South Africa and India, plus scientists with the World Health Organization, which already has urged a moratorium on boosters until poor countries are better vaccinated.

Studies show that protection against Covid-19, measured by the level of antibodies generated by people who are vaccinated, wanes after about six months. But that doesn’t mean those people are dramatically more vulnerable to disease, the authors said. “Reductions in neutralizing antibody titer do not necessarily predict reductions in vaccine efficacy over time, and reductions in vaccine efficacy against mild disease do not necessarily predict reductions in the [typically higher] efficacy against severe disease.” Even against the more transmissible variants, including Delta, current vaccines continue to protect people from getting severe Covid-19, the scientists concluded.

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A budget for dealing with the Delta variant Sonny M. Angara

Better Days

I

T is that time of the year again when we in Congress start buckling down to work on what some consider to be the most important law that we pass year in and year out—the country’s national budget. To emphasize just how important this measure is, in the Senate, the traditional practice is for all the attention to be on the deliberations on the proposed budget of the different agencies and government offices, meaning all the other hearings take a back seat as much as possible.

The challenge we faced during the debates on the 2021 General Appropriations Act was particularly tough considering that we were in the middle of a pandemic and we had to balance the operational requirements of the agencies with the responses to the impacts of Covid-19.

The task in front of us in the preparations for the 2022 national budget is no less challenging. We are still under a national public health emergency and with the emergence of new Covid-19 variants such as the Delta, we have seen a spike in cases that outnumber even those recorded during the first few months of the pandemic last year.

Under this Covid-19 regime, the situation on the ground is changing constantly and rapidly. The requirements of our frontline agencies can change in a month or within weeks.

And so what is contained in the Na-

tional Expenditure Program (NEP) or the Executive branch’s proposal to Congress for the 2022 national budget could already be outdated when the so-called budget season begins.

The situation is somewhat understandable given how the budget process works in the country. Our Constitution requires the President to submit to Congress the proposed national budget within 30 days from the opening of its regular session or by the third or fourth week of August every year.

As such, the agencies are required to submit their budget proposals early in the year so that the DBM will be able to prepare the voluminous document and have it ready for submission to Congress by the opening of its regular session on the fourth Monday of July. Given the current situation (particularly with the Delta variant), it is understandable

that a lot of key expenditures are not captured in the budget document.

This is why I suggest that agencies should be allowed to submit revisions to their proposed budgets to reflect new developments brought about by the pandemic.

During last week’s briefing of the Development Budget Coordinating Committee (DBCC) on the P5.024trillion national budget for 2022, we took note of the absence of some key items related to the government’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Among these are vaccines for minors, the provision of special risk allowance (SRA) for health workers, cash aid or ayuda, loans for micro, small and medium enterprises, and funding for testing and contact tracing.

On the vaccination of children aged 12 to 17, something which we pushed for earlier this year and has since been adopted by our Food and Drug Administration, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) pointed out that the 2022 NEP only contains funding for the purchase of booster shots for individuals who have already completed their jabs, in the amount of P45 billion under the unprogrammed fund.

No funding was provided for the inoculation of minors mainly because the FDA came out with its amended emergency use authorization for Pfizer-BioNTech’s vaccine in June and for Moderna’s vaccine in September to allow its use on children within that age range.

For the SRA, a monthly benefit we provided to our health workers under the Bayanihan 1 and 2 laws,

the DBM did not include funding for this in the 2022 budget in light of the expiration of the two laws. As the sponsor and author of the Bayanihan 2, it is clear to me that the SRA, along with several other benefits for health workers, should continue even after the law expires for as long as the state of public health emergency declared

by President Duterte is in place. In fact, the President has just extended the period from September 13, 2021 to September 12, 2022.

This coming September 24, the Committee on Finance, where I sit as chairman, will conduct a public hearing on Senate Bill 2371 that seeks to ensure the SRA and other benefits intended for public and private health workers will continue to be provided even after the expiration of the Bayanihan laws. Sen. Richard Gordon and I jointly filed the bill in response to the request by the Department of Health for Congress to pass a law for this purpose.

With the emergence of Delta and the other Covid variants, the requirements of our frontline agencies are constantly moving. The situation is changing rapidly and so must our processes pertaining to the submission of the national budget. The spread of Covid has been rapid and our budget must be able to keep up with it.

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

Biden announces Indo-Pacific alliance with UK, Australia

By Aamer Madhani And Jonathan Lemire | Associated Press

W

ASHINGTON—President Joe Biden announced Wednesday that the United States is forming a new Indo-Pacific security alliance with Britain and Australia that will allow for greater sharing of defense capabilities—including helping equip Australia with nuclear-powered submarines. It’s a move that could deepen a growing chasm in US-China relations.

Biden made the announcement alongside British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, who joined him by video to unveil the new alliance, which will be called AUKUS (pronounced AWK-us). The three announced they would quickly turn their attention to developing nuclear-powered submarines for Australia.

“We all recognize the imperative of ensuring peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific over the long term,” said Biden, who said the new alliance reflects a broader trend of key European partners playing a role in the Indo-Pacific. “We need to be able to address both the current strategic environment in the region and how

it may evolve.” None of the leaders mentioned China in their remarks.

But the new security alliance is likely to be seen as a provocative move by Beijing, which has repeatedly lashed out at Biden as he’s sought to refocus US foreign policy on the Pacific in the early going of his presidency.

Before the announcement, a senior administration official sought to play down the idea that the alliance was meant to serve as a deterrent against China in the region.

The official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to preview the announcement, said the alliance’s creation was not aimed at any one country, and is about a larger effort to sustain engagement and deterrence in the Indo-Pacific by the

three nations. Johnson said the alliance would allow the three Englishspeaking maritime democracies to strengthen their bonds and sharpen their focus on an increasingly complicated part of the world.

“We will have a new opportunity to reinforce Britain’s place at the leading edge of science and technology, strengthening our national expertise, and perhaps most significant, the UK, Australia and the US will be joined even more closely together, “ Johnson said.

The three countries have agreed to share information in areas including artificial intelligence, cyber and underwater defense capabilities.

But plans to support Australia acquiring nuclear-powered submarines are certain to catch Beijing’s attention. To date, the only country that the United States has shared nuclear propulsion technology with is Britain. Morrison said Australia is not seeking to develop a nuclear weapons program and information sharing would be limited to helping it develop a submarine fleet.

The Australian prime minister

said plans for the nuclear-powered submarines would be developed over the next 18 months and the vessels would be built in Adelaide, Australia.

Australia had announced in 2016 that French company DCNS had beat out bidders from Japan and Germany to build the next generation of submarines in Australia’s largest-ever defense contract.

Top French officials made clear they were unhappy with the deal, which undercuts the DCNS deal.

“The American choice to exclude a European ally and partner such as France from a structuring partnership with Australia, at a time when we are facing unprecedented challenges in the Indo-Pacific region, whether in terms of our values or in terms of respect for multilateralism based on the rule of law, shows a lack of coherence that France can only note and regret,” French foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian and defense minister Florence Parly said in a joint statement.

Morrison said the three countries See “Biden,” A11

Opinion BusinessMirror

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Friday, September 17, 2021 A11

Golden year in women’s sports Is the ritual of redemption dying?

Manny F. Dooc

Tito Genova Valiente

TELLTALES

annotations

he Philippines achieved its best Olympic performance at the recently concluded 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo. Our total haul of four medals consisting of one gold, two silvers and one bronze was our biggest since our country joined the event 97 years ago in Paris.

very year, on the second day of September, the image of the Nuestra Señora de Peñafrancia, is taken out of her shrine by the river and brought in a procession to the Naga Metropolitan Cathedral. The devotion is more than three hundred years; in 2010, its tercentenary was the center of a huge celebration.

T

For the first time, a Filipino athlete, Hidilyn Diaz, has topped her event in weightlifting, ending our country’s quest for an Olympic gold. Her spectacular achievement was supported by another heroic performance of another Filipina athlete, Nesthy Petecio, who won a silver medal in boxing. Not to be completely outdone, Filipino pugilists Carlo Paalam and Eumir Marcial also brought home a silver and a bronze to make our last Olympic outing the most successful in history. We have participated in every edition of the Summer Olympic Games except the 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow when we joined the US-led boycott of the games. We were the first country in Southeast Asia to compete and the first to ever win a medal. Teofilo Ildefonso copped a bronze medal in swimming in the 1928 Summer Olympics in Amsterdam.

In professional sports, female athletes of Filipino descent have made their names a household word. Yuka Saso is a Japanese name but she’s every inch a Filipino. She was born in San Ildefonso, Bulacan on June 20, 2001 to a Japanese father and a Filipina mother. She learned golf from her father and started playing at age eight. As an amateur player, Yuka was a fierce and feared competitor both in the Philippines and abroad. She had snatched a string of championship titles locally and abroad, making her a well decorated junior and amateur player. She’s a Filipino national who proudly carries our national flag whenever and wherever she plays as a professional golfer. Yuka is the most successful professional golf player from the Philippines—men or women. She won the first ever gold medal for the Philippines in both the individual and team categories during the last Asian Games in 2018. Since she turned professional in 2019, she has won 3 LPGA tours in Japan and in the US. She has competed against the best golfers in the world and ended up among the top finishers. Yuka won the muchcoveted US Women’s Open title this year. Yuka displayed a lot of nerves when she defeated a top player from Japan, Nasa Hataoka, in a suddendeath playoff. During the recent Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Yuka copped 9th place in the women’s individual competition. With her major victories in the Japan circuit and the LPGA tours, she’s one of the top money earners in golf in the world. She pocketed a cool $1 million for winning the 2021 US Women’s Open. For her incredible performance, she was voted as the PSA Athlete of the Year in 2018 and 2020.

The latest sport Cinderella who traces her roots to the Philippines is Leylah Fernandez. This 19-year-old lass was born in Montreal, Canada to an Ecuadorian father and a mother whose Filipino parents migrated to Canada. Leylah had won her first WTA championship in Monterrey, Mexico early this year. She has been consistently playing well in other tournaments although she fell short of winning more titles. She failed to win the US Open Championship, one of the most prestigious crowns, but she earned $1.25 million for her runner-up finish. She is currently ranked No. 28 in the world. En route to the finals, Leylah has virtually beaten the current “who’s who” in women’s tennis. The names Osaka (No. 3), Kerber (No.16), Svitolina (No. 5) and Sabalenka (No. 2) did not intimidate her, although she all edged them in a deciding third set. These four players had won more than a dozen Slam championships. Leylah’s

Filipinos can be world class in their favorite sports. Chess player Wesley So and world champion weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz have shown the way. Many others are making their marks in their chosen events. EJ Obiena, who is currently making waves in the sports capital in Europe, will remain a serious contender in pole vault. nerve-wracking wins prompted her father Jorge to comment on their postgame telephone calls that Leylah had “put him to hell and back.” We don’t mind journeying to hell provided she emerges victorious after the game.

Filipinos can be world class in their favorite sports. Chess player Wesley So and world champion weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz have shown the way. Many others are making their marks in their chosen events. EJ Obiena, who is currently making waves in the sports capital in Europe, will remain a serious contender in pole vault. Carlos Yulo, who failed to deliver a medal in gymnastics, is another competitor worth watching. Another female athlete in skateboarding, Margielyn Didal, reached the final round and landed 7th overall in the last Olympics. She had served notice to the world’s rated skaters when she became the Asian Games champion in skateboarding. We sent a total of 19 athletes to compete in 11 sports events during the last Olympics. The women outnumbered the men with 10 qualifiers against 9. There was no male competitor in weightlifting, a sport where Filipino women have displayed promise and class. Individual events where there are weight and size categories should be given priority in our sports development. Boxing, weightlifting, taekwondo and judo, for instance, immediately come to mind where we compete against opponents of the same weight. Other individual events like golf, tennis, shooting and gymnastics present us with fair opportunities for success.

We should learn from the African countries, particularly Kenya and Ethiopia. For the past three decades, the best marathoners in the world have come from these two countries.

Their entire sports development program is practically centered on long distance and cross-country running from 800 meters to a full marathon. The African governments are fully aware of their people’s genetic endowment and the favorable environmental conditions. They exploit to the hilt the fact that they are born and raised mostly in the mountains, which gives them stronger aerobic capacity needed to endure a marathon. Researches also show that winning has given them a psychological advantage. It reinforces their belief that they are unbeatable in their game and their opponents regard them as invincible. Filipino athletes can also dominate in their favorite sports. Filipino boxers are now getting known all over the world as one of the planet’s finest pugilists. Now we produce world boxing champions in such regularity that we have lost count of them, nor remember their names. Boxing promoters can now even stage a world championship unification bout pitting a Filipino world champion versus another Filipino world champion.

And we can do that in other sports provided the government provides them the wherewithal to achieve their dream.

E

The icon at the center of the feast is a Marian image, said to be one of the rare images not imposed by the colonizers but rather made a Patron Saint upon the request of the natives, who were then called “remontados.”

These were people who avoided evangelization and went on to live away from the colonizing church.

The fiesta around the Virgin of Peñafrancia, lovingly called by Bikolanos as “Ina”, follows the Calendar of a novenario. Nine days are allotted for the journey from the shrine on land, Her stay in the old cathedral, and the return voyage on the third Saturday of September, by way this time of a fluvial procession in the Naga River.

In this sacred journey, the Virgin, a 17-inch image carved out of a santol tree, is joined by the “Divino Rostro,” a painting framed in silver, which shows the face of Christ on the veil of Veronica.

Another story backs up the reason for a Christ icon joining a Marian image in a massive Christian celebration. It was in 1882 that the Divino Rostro was placed alongside the Virgin of Peñafrancia. A cholera epidemic was raging in Manila. It so happened that a friar who came from Spain remembered how in 1834, the

church authorities put on display the image of Divino Rostro for people to pray for protection from the affliction. The said image proved its efficacy then and this friar thought it would work in Nueva Caceres, the old name that encompassed the present Naga City and other areas. As in the friar’s birthplace and in his present place of assignment, the icon stopped the spread of cholera.

If we follow the logic—or miracle—of the story, then the Virgin of Peñafrancia backed by the Face of Christ would well be the best protection of the Bikol region. Indeed, with the region always at the typhoon path, the prayers to the two icons have always saved the land and its people.

But, last year, no procession took place. A month or so before September 2020, discussions raged among Bikolanos, between the believers and the institutional Church. The crisis was whether to hold a fiesta or not. The pandemic then was well into its sixth month. People were getting infected and the lockdowns were in full force.

But there were doubters and the vac-

Getting real on growth Cielito F. Habito

EAGLE WATCH

F

or the record, we at the Ateneo Center for Economic Research and Development announced a 3 percent to 4 percent GDP growth projection for 2021 at the start of the year, at our Eagle Watch Economic Briefing on January 21. Everyone else, including the government, saw us growing by 6 percent to 7 percent. The fourth quarter figures for 2020 were not even out, and our main basis was our forecasting model developed and maintained by our economics faculty colleague, Dr. Luis Dumlao. The model actually projected a mere 2.9 percent for 2021 GDP growth at that time, but there is always a subjective “fudge factor” applied on econometrics-based GDP forecasts to account for subjective judgment and economic intuition. So, we built in a bit of upside on the expectation that vaccination for Covid-19 would help things along, and, thus, called it at 3 percent to 4 percent.

Even so, we may have sounded like a bunch of doomsayers then.

Fast-forward to the present, and most other analysts have since downgraded their growth forecasts, some 2-3 times. Government itself has settled on a much more modest but arguably still optimistic 4 percent to 5 percent. But we in Eagle Watch can stand pat on our 3 percent to 4 percent projection, now much more credible than it may have looked when we first unveiled those numbers in January.

And after two quarters of actual GDP data, it’s easy to show why.

But first, let us disabuse ourselves of the notion that the Philippine recession ended with the announced 11.8 percent second quarter (Q2) GDP growth. The data actually tell us that we have just entered the second dip of a double-dip recession, the first dip of which actually ended in Q3 last year (yes, the recession actually

Biden. . .

continued from A10

had “always seen through a similar lens,” but, as the world becomes more complex, “to meet these new challenges, to help deliver the security and stability our region needs, we

ended—at least momentarily—back then!). Many have called attention to the misleading “base effect” that led to the 11.8 percent headline growth rate. Indeed, that widely cited Q2 growth rate was misleading because it is reckoned against an abnormally depressed GDP level in the same quarter last year, when the economy was on a virtual standstill at the worst of our lockdowns.

Under these circumstances, it makes far better sense to focus on the way many other countries report their GDP growth rates: as the quarter-on-quarter (QoQ) growth rate of real GDP (that is, valued in constant prices; the Philippine Statistics Authority now uses 2018 prices) statistically adjusted for seasonality, and annualized. The one advantage of year-on-year (YoY) growth rates must now take our partnership to a new level.”

Matt Pottinger, who served as deputy national security adviser in the Trump administration, said that equipping Australia with nuclear-powered submarines was a significant step that would help the US and its allies on the military and

cine was nowhere in sight.

To ignore a religious tradition and belief that have survived revolutions and a world war was not easy. There was also this headstrong sense that, maybe, what we needed then, was a penitential procession that would put a stop to this evil virus. But the health policies proved to be the final arbiter—not history, not culture, not religion.

The second Friday of September in 2020 caused a dent, almost a physical depression in the collective memory not only of Bikolanos but also the multitude of devotees to Ina and

to the Divino Rostro. The devotion had always been both secular and religious; it also had created a sense of identity for a group of people. It was a religion that was also a culture.

And all this is under threat.

In the absence of myths and active folklores, it was the story of the origin of the belief—the potency of the Ina—that was being passed on from generation to generation, from families to families.

Favored among these narratives is the ancient lore of the dog whose blood was used to color the body of the icon. To use its blood, the animal needed to be killed. It was thus killed and its body thrown to the river. But the people who were there on the riverbank saw the butchered dog swimming, alive and whole again back to the ground. The Ina had conquered death for this dog whose blood was humility, service and love.

Devotees also keep in their hearts always the memory of that day in August of 1981 when one of the early worshippers in the shrine looked up from her praying and gazed at the altar above her.

It took a while for the woman to see that there was no image there anymore. It was a full month before the fiesta and there was no image to be processed. After a year, the image was delivered to a Bikolano priest in Intramuros.

On September 8, 1982, the Virgin of Peñafrancia returned to the city of Naga in the middle of a typhoon. The bells in all the churches around the city rang as the convoy of vehicles entered the old city.

There is now another story that will be passed from one believer to another. This is the story when a virus stopped the ritual that, in older, benign times, could have stopped any kind of infection. This is the story of science and religion standing side by side looking up at the heavens and finding there no questions and no answers.

E-mail: titovaliente@yahoo.com

that gains it the favor of users is that seasonal effects are automatically excluded. But one gets a more real time picture of growth with the seasonally adjusted and annualized QoQ measure. The chart graphs the seasonally adjusted GDP, which the PSA also routinely releases (but hardly anyone seems to pay attention to).

Last year saw the onset of recession in Q1, when both YoY and QoQ growth turned negative as a result of calamities then, notably the Taal Volcano eruption. Then came the steep drop in Q2. Against that, this year’s Q2 figure was 11.8 percent higher—and yet GDP actually fell QoQ (-1.3 percent, or -5.3 percent annualized—which would have been the headline figure reported elsewhere). That reversed successive rises since Q3 last year. And we can expect Q3 to see a further decline, as quarantines tightened even more this quarter. The definition of recession as two quarters of successive contraction actually has the QoQ movement in mind, so this officially puts us in recession again after the first one ended in Q3 last year—truly a double-dip or W-shaped recession.

So what YoY GDP growth rates will we see in Q3 and Q4? From the graph, these rates would be much smaller, as the base levels last year are already much higher. The base effect would work in the reverse, leading to likely Q3 and Q4 YoY rates of only 3 percent to 4 percent and 1 percent to 2 percent, respectively, even based on the most optimistic scenario with the steepest forward trajectory. All told, the full year growth rate would fall within 3 percent to 4 percent.

When will we get back to the GDP level before the recessions hit us? Under the optimistic scenario, it would be late next year. The medium scenario, sloped similarly to the 2018-2019 trajectory, would get us back by late 2023. But if we keep bungling our recovery and follow the third arrow, we may not even regain our footing by 2025.

There is much work to be done, and if we are to make it to the best scenario, it has to be done right.

diplomatic fronts.

Underwater warfare capabilities have been Beijing’s “Achilles’ heel,” Pottinger said. A nuclear-powered submarine fleet would allow Australia to conduct longer patrols, giving the new alliance a stronger presence in the region.

“When you have a strong military,

it provides a backdrop of deterrence that gives countries the confidence to resist bullying,” said Pottinger, who is now a visiting fellow at the Hoover Institution at Stanford University. “Part of the problem right now is that Beijing has gotten rather arrogant and it’s been less willing to engage productively in diplomacy.”

Dr. Cielito F. Habito is a Professor of Economics at the Ateneo de Manila University and Director of the Ateneo Center for Economic Research and Development.

A12 Friday, September 17, 2021

Debt-laden PSALM’s asset in Pampanga eyed by 2 firms

T

By Lenie Lectura

@llectura

WO companies are interested to bid for the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp.’s (PSALM) property in Pampanga, the state firm said Thursday.

The PSALM Board is selling its 50,447-square-meter property in Mexico, Pampanga for P741.327 million.

Panasia Energy, Inc. and Toplis Solutions attended the prebid conference for the second round of public bidding for the asset. A

prebid conference is a venue for prospective bidders to raise their issues and clarifications on the terms and conditions of the public bidding.

They have until October 20 to submit their bids. On the same day, their bids will be evaluated

by PSALM. PSALM said proceeds from the sale will augment funds for the settlement of maturing obligations and reduction of outstanding financial obligations.

A s of end-June this year, PSALM’s financial obligations stood at P368.08 billion. It vowed to bring down its obligations to P358.72 billion this year.

PSALM has lined up more assets to be sold this year to help bring down debts.

It had just completed the successful bidding of its Paco-Manila property. The Manila Electric Company (Meralco) submitted the highest offer of P632,162,185.00.

“Next in line is the Pampan-

ga property. Hopefully, that should happen in the next month. Also, we have some assets in Limay and in Baguio. Casecnan will be bid out by mid-September this year and, hopefully, we will award it in November,” said PSALM president Irene Joy B. Garcia.

The Mexico property is located within Barangay Lagundi, along Jose Abad Santos Avenue and is 25 kilometers from the North Luzon.

For the real estate assets in Baguio and Limay, Bataan, Garcia said her office is coordinating with the local government in Baguio City and is “finishing up the study in Bataan for a possible public bidding.”

Duterte orders Calida to write COA on PRC audit

T

HE gover nment is now poised to start auditing the finances of Philippine Red Cross (PRC), on orders of President Duterte, who the past two weeks has railed against the Senate investigation on his Cabinet aides led by Blue Ribbon chairman

Richard J. Gordon, concurrent PRC chief.

This, after Duterte ordered Solicitor General (Solgen) Jose Calida to coordinate with the Commission on Audit (COA) to start scrutinizing the PRC’s utilization of public funds, which it

received in previous years.

He said the audit is necessary because PRC allegedly failed to comply with its mandate, under Republic Act No. 10072 or the Philippine Red Cross Act of 2009, to submit its financial reports to the government.

“What I am waiting for—the next step would really be the letter to be delivered to the COA by Solicitor General Calida regarding my request to audit the Red Cross,” Duterte said during his public address last Wednesday.

Continued on A4

DRILON TO PCOO EXECS: SUBMIT ‘TROLL’ RECORDS

S

ENATE Minority Leader Frank Drilon, citing suspicion on the existense of State-funded “troll farms” in Malacañang, sought the records of 1,479 contractual employees of the Palace communications group, including 375 assigned at the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO).

Noting that this was recently flagged by the Commission on Audit (COA), Drilon raised the issue during Thursday’s Senate hearing on the proposed annual budget of the PCOO. Airing apprehension that some of these contractual employees could be “trolls,” Drilon tried to confirm this, but conceded the PCOO officials are not likely to admit it. “Hindi mo naman aaminin na may troll kayo.”

PCOO Undersecretary Kris Ablan, however, confirmed they hired 375 employees with a “contract of service” status with a budget of P76 million, something that Drilon labelled as a “contract of trolls.”

He found it “odd” that given a huge budget, there were vacancies in their plantilla positions, noting that only 2,107 out of 3,883 plantilla positions have been filled up.

Drilon added that Malacañang’s communications group is asking for P1.9 billion for 2022 from its present budget of P1.62 billion. Of which, the PCOO is allocated with P740.62 million from P502.28 million this year; the Bureau of Broadcast Ser v ices w ith P456.03 million from P405.53 million; the Bureau of Communications Services with P70.59 million from P68.62 million; the National Printing Office with P9.13 million from P11.89 million; the News and Information Bureau with P129.20 million from P133.12 million; the Philippine Information Agency with P333.54 million from P317.60 million; and the RTVM with P171.86 million from P178.79 million.

Drilon, in turn, demanded proof that the 1,479 temporary hires are “legitimate and existing,” and not “ghost employees,” citing the 375 employees in the PCOO that were flagged by COA. He also asked the PCOO to submit their records, including their names, addresses and job description, adding that the committee also asked for the employees’ daily time record.

Continued on A4

Companies BusinessMirror

Editor: Jennifer A. Ng

San Miguel unit issues $150-M securities

By Lenie Lectura @llectura

T

he power unit of conglomerate San Miguel Corp.

(SMC), SMC Global Power Holdings Corp. (SMCGP), issued $150 million in additional securities with an initial rate of distribution of 5.45 percent per annum.

The company told the Philip-

pine Dealing & Exchange Corp.

Thursday that the additional securities are to be admitted to the official list of the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Ltd. Proceeds will be used to finance its planned 1,313.1 megawatts (MW) Batangas Combined Cycle Power Plant and other assets.

T he l iquef ied n at u ra l ga s

(LNG) plant, once operational, is envisioned to provide the power requirements of the Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) over the next 20 years, starting 2024. The power facility will be ready by November 2024.

SMC Global’s subsidiary, Excellent Energy Resources Inc., signed a power supply agreement with Meralco. The rates—P4.7450

Friday, September 17, 2021

per kilowatt hour (kWh) and computed all-in levelized cost of electricity of P4.8849 per kWh—are much cheaper compared with coal power facilities, which dominate the country’s power mix.

SMC Global Power is also putting up solar power facilities in combination with battery energy storage systems (BESS) facilities.

Commercial operation of the fa-

B1

cilities is targeted to start by 2023.

It has earmarked $1 billion to build 31 BESS with a capacity of 1,000MW. These are all part of the power firm’s plans to boost its renewables portfolio and reduce its carbon footprint while helping address the country’s need for reliable and affordable power, it said.

B2

Companies BusinessMirror

Friday, September 17, 2021

A. Brown’s e-beam facility gets incentives from BOI

L

By VG Cabuag

@villygc

isted firm A. Brown Co. Inc. on Thursday said its unit Irradiation Solutions Inc. (ISI) has been notified by the Board of Investments (BOI) of its registration as a new operator of essential services for the Tanay Multipurpose Irradiation Facility Project.

As a BOI-registered enterprise, ISI will be eligible for certain fiscal and non-fiscal incentives under the provisions of Republic Act 11534, or the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises Act, and Executive Order 226, or the Omnibus

Investments Code of 1987.

ISI is developing the Tanay commercial e-beam facility, the first in the country to provide services for the sterilization of medical masks, dressings, syringes and surgical staplers and

other single-use medical devices.

The facility will also be able to provide commercial irradiation services to improve the quality of agricultural and fishery products.

“This will enable local products, fruits, and seafood to be of export quality and gain wider access to international markets. The e-beam technology is used in more than 60 countries and is considered the most economical alternative among available commercial sterilization methods,” the company said.

Permitting and detailed engineering design for the Tanay facility is expected to be completed by December while construction is targeted to commence by 2022 and commercial operations to start by the second half of 2023.

Shareholders in June approved the reclassification of part of the

company’s unissued capital to create 50 million preferred shares, to be offered to the public with expected proceeds of up to P1.5 billion.

PNB Capital and Investment Corp. has been designated as sole issue manager and lead underwriter for the public offering.

A. Brown said its income for the first half rose 5 percent to P225.9 million from last year’s P213.6 million last year mainly from real estate sales.

Consolidated revenues were down almost 12 percent to P289.4 million from P327.7 million last year.

It said the company incurred an 11-percent decrease in booked real estate sales to P259.9 million due to the imposition of stricter community quarantine restrictions, which affected permitting activities for the launch of new project phases.

Emperador files papers for SGX listing E mperador Inc., the liquor company led by businessman Andrew Tan, on Thursday said it has filed the necessary application documents for its planned secondary listing on the main board of the Singapore Exchange (SGX).

The application is subject to the review and approval of SGX, the company said.

“This is a significant momentous event for Emperador. Singapore, one of the world’s major financial hubs, will provide a broader audience and greater access to international investors,” Emperador CEO Winston S. Co said.

“The eventual listing in Asia’s leading exchange will also provide a platform to showcase Emperador as a global spirits company,” he said.

The company will keep its primary listing in the Philippine Stock Exchange and Emperador’s stock will be traded at both the Philippine and Singaporean exchanges.

“This planned dual listing of Emperador in the Singapore Stock Exchange should prove to be a good way to promote the company’s global brands and products in an important,

growing consumer market. This dual listing bodes well, and is in fact timely, since SGX and PSE have started to work on a joint initiative to establish a PSE-SGX Connect whereby index stocks of PSE can be traded in SGX and vice versa,” PSE Chairman Jose Pardo said in a statement.

Emperador started by selling cheap brandy bearing the company’s name, but over the years it has managed to acquire known European distilleries and vineyards.

It now owns United Kingdombased Whyte and Mackay Group Ltd., the fifth largest Scotch whisky manufacturer in the world; Bodegas Fundador S.L.U in Spain, owner of the iconic Fundador brand; and Domecq Bodega Las Copas S.L., which manufactures Mexican brandies and wines.

As of 2020, Emperador, the company’s brandy products held an 86.5-percent market share among all local and imported brandies in the Philippines based on volume, according to Nielsen Co. With the pandemic, however, its domestic sales lagged due to a series of lockdowns and the liquor

PLDT ties up with Meralco to enhance data facilities

P

LDT Inc. and Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) said on Thursday they are “hypercollaborating” to deliver the requirements of hyperscalers in the Philippines.

Jovy I. Hernandez, who heads the enterprise group of PLDT, said the partnership with Meralco will be “vital to ensure that the elevated standards sought by these hyperscalers are met and complied with.”

“PLDT continues to work with Meralco for the power grid design and

renewable energy requirements of our data centers. These enhancements allow us to anticipate the specifications fit for hyperscaler, such as multiple grid terminations for redundancy and sustainable design,” Hernandez said.

Industry experts as well as the Department of Trade and Industry have been very bullish about the entry of foreign companies that have massive scaling plans. Most of them are global cloud and content development players. Lorenz S. Marasigan

bans imposed by local government units. Its international sales picked up the slack.

For the first semester, its revenues from brandy grew 10 percent to

P16.34 billion from last year’s P14.9 billion, while revenues from Scotch whisky rose 35 percent to P8.99 billion from the previous year’s P6.63 billion. VG Cabuag

mutual funds

September 16, 2021 NAV

One Year Three Year Five Year

per share

Return*

Y-T-D Return

Stock Funds ALFM Growth Fund, Inc. -a

221.21

11.9%

-4.61%

-3.77%

-2.64%

ATRAM Alpha Opportunity Fund, Inc. -a

1.5333

42.24%

2.19%

1.92%

16.78%

ATRAM Philippine Equity Opportunity Fund, Inc. -a 3.032

14.45%

-8.57%

-6.72%

-3.22%

9.5%

-6.42% n.a.

-8.2%

First Metro Consumer Fund on MSCI Phils. IMI, Inc. -a 0.7705 12.53%

-2.7% n.a.

Climbs Share Capital Equity Investment Fund Corp. -a 0.738 First Metro Save and Learn Equity Fund,Inc. -a

4.9697

3.9%

16.87%

-1.96%

-1.64%

0.57%

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

0.7397

11.22%

-4.2%

-5.45%

97.93

18.95%

-5.27% n.a.

-3.87%

PAMI Equity Index Fund, Inc. -a

45.2795

14.07%

-3.07%

-2.38%

-3.33%

Philam Strategic Growth Fund, Inc. -a

475.73

11.74%

-2.68%

-2.78%

-2.7%

Philequity Alpha One Fund, Inc. -a,d

1.0915

24.13% n.a. n.a.

-0.53%

Philequity Dividend Yield Fund, Inc. -a

1.2124

19.83%

-1.43%

-1.25%

3.78%

Philequity Fund, Inc. -a

34.5472

16.58%

-2.18%

-1.4%

-0.64%

13% n.a. n.a.

-3.43%

Philequity MSCI Philippine Index Fund, Inc. -a

0.8817

Philequity PSE Index Fund Inc. -a

4.6522

14.8%

-2.4%

-1.88%

-2.9%

Philippine Stock Index Fund Corp. -a

777.92

14.83%

-2.34%

-1.91%

-2.96%

Soldivo Strategic Growth Fund, Inc. -a

0.7035

15.29%

-6.48%

-4.93%

-2.14%

Sun Life Prosperity Philippine Equity Fund, Inc. -a 3.5926

14.99%

-4.34%

-2.98%

-0.86%

Sun Life Prosperity Philippine Stock Index Fund, Inc. -a 0.888 14.37%

-2.69%

-2.07%

-3.24%

United Fund, Inc. -a

-2.52%

-0.97%

-1.78%

-2.18%

-1.42%

3.2595

15.13%

-4.73%

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

104.4764

14.82%

-2.86%

Primarily invested in foreign currency securities $1.1917

12.41%

6.28%

5.88%

-0.93%

Sun Life Prosperity World Voyager Fund, Inc. -a $1.8364

ATRAM AsiaPlus Equity Fund, Inc. -b

22.08%

12.56%

12.31%

9.78%

0.38%

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

1.675

7.01%

0.18%

-1.53%

ATRAM Philippine Balanced Fund, Inc. -a

2.2076

7.56%

-0.36%

-1.39%

-3.4%

First Metro Save and Learn Balanced Fund Inc. -a 2.6239

9.17%

1.13%

-0.03%

-0.11%

First Metro Save and Learn F.O.C.C.U.S. Dynamic Fund, Inc. -a 0.1945

12.1% n.a. n.a.

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

6.66%

1.96%

1.9584

0.49%

PAMI Horizon Fund, Inc. -a

3.6793

6%

1.23%

-0.72%

-2.92%

Philam Fund, Inc. -a

16.4692

6.53%

1.24%

-0.69%

-2.78%

Solidaritas Fund, Inc. -a

2.0553

7.3%

-0.21%

-0.6%

-1.71%

Sun Life of Canada Prosperity Balanced Fund, Inc. -a 3.5603 9.07%

-1.12%

-1.38%

-0.36%

Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2028, Inc. -a,d 0.9854

5.15% n.a. n.a.

-3.64%

Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2038, Inc. -a,d 0.9035

7.84% n.a. n.a.

-4.81%

9.49% n.a. n.a.

-4.57%

Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2048, Inc. -a,d 0.8905 Sun Life Prosperity Dynamic Fund, Inc. -a

0.8971

11.68%

-1.55%

-1.75%

-1.82%

-0.29%

1.06%

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

$0.03849

-1.84%

3.16%

1.36%

-1.56%

PAMI Asia Balanced Fund, Inc. -b

$1.0987

5.12%

4.6%

3.57%

-2.77%

Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Advantage Fund, Inc. -a $4.8098 16.53%

9.61%

8.73%

6.58%

Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Wellspring Fund, Inc. -a $1.2292

5.65%

4.7%

2.25%

0.56%

7.6%

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

373.21

1.44%

3.05%

2.41%

ATRAM Corporate Bond Fund, Inc. -a

1.9293

-1%

1.23%

0.18%

1.53%

Cocolife Fixed Income Fund, Inc. -a

3.2405

1.29%

3.44%

4.2%

0.78%

Ekklesia Mutual Fund Inc. -a

2.264

-1.49%

-1.34%

2.18%

1.26%

First Metro Save and Learn Fixed Income Fund,Inc. -a 2.4409 -0.3%

3.25%

1.71%

-0.5%

Philam Bond Fund, Inc. -a

4.4792

-3.24%

4.72%

1.18%

-3.26%

Philam Managed Income Fund, Inc. -a

1.3194

0.81%

4.02%

2.7%

-0.14%

Philequity Peso Bond Fund, Inc. -a

3.9812

0.88%

4.7%

2.09%

-0.5%

Soldivo Bond Fund, Inc. -a

1.0385

0.71%

5.13%

1.66%

-0.48%

Sun Life of Canada Prosperity Bond Fund, Inc. -a 3.2195

1.72%

5.21%

2.54%

0.42%

Sun Life Prosperity GS Fund, Inc. -a

1.16%

4.49%

1.85%

-0.25%

1.7506

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

$488.61

2.07%

3.17%

2.16%

0.95%

ALFM Euro Bond Fund, Inc. -a

Є220.72

1.66%

1.16%

0.84%

0.68%

ATRAM Total Return Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -b $1.2098

-2.31%

2.62%

1.44%

-5.47%

First Metro Save and Learn Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -a $0.0262 - 0.76%

1.85%

0.94%

-9.47%

PAMI Global Bond Fund, Inc -b

$1.0517

-3.5%

0.62%

-0.94%

-3.51%

Philam Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -a

$2.536

1.49%

5.44%

2.25%

-0.16%

Philequity Dollar Income Fund Inc. -a $0.0630683 3.15%

3.53%

2.13%

1.23%

Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Abundance Fund, Inc. -a $3.2115 -0.19%

3.48%

1.06%

-0.38%

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

2.54%

0.67%

First Metro Save and Learn Money Market Fund, Inc. -a 1.0551 1.01% n.a. n.a.

130.69

0.67%

Sun Life Prosperity Peso Starter Fund, Inc. -a,1 1.3096

1.29% 1.54%

2.97% 2.77%

2.55%

0.98%

Primarily invested in foreign currency securities Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Starter Fund, Inc. -a $1.0586

0.95%

1.58% n.a.

0.47%

Feeder Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities Sun Life Prosperity World Equity Index Feeder Fund, Inc. -a,d 1.3288

30.08% n.a. n.a.

Primarily invested in foreign currency securities ALFM Global Multi-Asset Income Fund Inc. -a,d

$0.99

4.21% n.a. n.a.

17.63%

www.businessmirror.com.ph

PSE STOCK QUOTATIONS

September 16, 2021

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

ASIA UNITED BDO UNIBANK BANK PH ISLANDS CHINABANK EAST WEST BANK METROBANK PB BANK PBCOM PHIL NATL BANK PSBANK RCBC SECURITY BANK UNION BANK BRIGHT KINDLE COL FINANCIAL FERRONOUX HLDG FILIPINO FUND MEDCO HLDG NTL REINSURANCE PHIL STOCK EXCH

43.9 111.8 82.9 24.15 9.04 44.8 9.63 18.48 20 55.9 19.52 111 85 1.06 4.29 3.31 6.55 0.34 0.68 233

44 111.9 83.5 24.2 9.05 44.85 10 18.98 20.05 56 19.9 111.5 85.4 1.1 4.3 3.4 7.97 0.355 0.69 234

43.9 111.7 83.25 24.4 9.08 44.8 9.78 18.5 20.1 55.35 19.72 112.5 85 1.14 4.29 3.38 6.51 0.34 0.66 235

43.9 112.8 83.5 24.4 9.24 45.1 10 18.5 20.15 56 19.98 113.4 85.5 1.14 4.3 3.4 6.51 0.36 0.68 235

43.8 111.1 82.85 24.05 8.99 44.75 9.62 18.5 20 55.35 19.08 111 83.2 1.06 4.28 3.38 6.51 0.34 0.66 234

43.9 111.9 83.5 24.2 9.04 44.85 10 18.5 20 56 19.98 111 85.4 1.08 4.3 3.39 6.51 0.36 0.68 234

5,500 1,608,390 489,120 19,000 368,500 2,266,800 774,200 500 253,400 1,320 17,000 581,220 38,970 80,000 191,000 56,000 600 80,000 29,000 2,370

241,340 180,026,065 40,748,747 459,405 3,349,150 101,735,605 7,449,907 9,250 5,085,235 73,188.50 330,724 64,863,515 3,318,568 86,940 820,110 189,860 3,906 27,700 19,680 556,390

4,380 -56,357,032 1,597,306 -72,450 56,205.00 3,496,860 -10,425 13,804 -903,263 678,582 -162,720 18,360 -

INDUSTRIAL AC ENERGY 10.46 10.48 10.12 10.56 10.12 10.48 57,242,500 594,997,214 ALSONS CONS 1.15 1.16 1.15 1.16 1.15 1.16 719,000 827,520 ABOITIZ POWER 31.6 31.65 30.4 31.8 30.3 31.6 7,810,100 244,423,515 0.56 0.57 0.57 0.59 0.55 0.56 15,825,000 8,846,700 BASIC ENERGY 31.65 31.8 31.7 31.8 31.6 31.8 627,400 19,863,330 FIRST GEN FIRST PHIL HLDG 77.55 77.6 77.65 77.7 77.55 77.6 80,710 6,262,393.50 MERALCO 293.2 296 296 296 293 296 131,930 38,982,790 17.68 17.7 17.76 17.84 17.64 17.7 984,500 17,463,442 MANILA WATER 3.11 3.12 3.1 3.13 3.1 3.12 3,451,000 10,767,410 PETRON PETROENERGY 4.04 4.05 4.04 4.04 3.96 4.04 762,000 3,078,380 PHX PETROLEUM 12.5 12.7 12.5 12.78 12.5 12.78 13,000 165,162 PILIPINAS SHELL 19.52 19.86 19.96 19.96 19.52 19.86 636,700 12,620,734 13.62 13.72 13.36 13.76 13.3 13.72 195,500 2,635,640 SPC POWER 4.9 5.1 5.14 5.14 4.81 5.1 704,000 3,494,283 AGRINURTURE AXELUM 2.69 2.75 2.7 2.75 2.66 2.75 291,000 787,070 BOGO MEDELLIN 63.25 71.9 65.35 65.35 65.35 65.35 300 19,605 28.5 28.6 28 28.7 27.6 28.5 2,408,800 68,270,595 CENTURY FOOD 15.8 15.88 15.2 15.98 15.2 15.8 381,800 5,997,386 DEL MONTE DNL INDUS 8.04 8.05 8.01 8.09 8 8.05 763,900 6,144,301 EMPERADOR 18 18.02 17.3 18.1 17.02 18.02 13,660,100 244,966,222 80.15 80.9 81 81 79.8 80.9 80,550 6,487,674.50 SMC FOODANDBEV 0.64 0.65 0.65 0.65 0.64 0.64 16,000 10,390 ALLIANCE SELECT FRUITAS HLDG 1.29 1.32 1.31 1.34 1.28 1.32 17,815,000 23,372,480 GINEBRA 105.7 105.8 104.5 107.5 104.3 105.7 32,300 3,404,559 JOLLIBEE 202.2 204 200 204 199.9 204 292,520 59,459,975 6.61 6.67 6.53 6.7 6.53 6.67 423,200 2,801,961 MAXS GROUP 0.213 0.218 0.212 0.219 0.211 0.213 850,000 180,430 MG HLDG MONDE NISSIN 18.96 18.98 18.98 19.5 18.84 18.96 35,040,500 673,198,816 SHAKEYS PIZZA 7.95 8.02 7.85 8 7.85 8 467,000 3,731,415 0.87 0.88 0.87 0.9 0.87 0.88 2,684,000 2,369,080 ROXAS AND CO RFM CORP 4.52 4.65 4.66 4.66 4.65 4.65 11,000 51,250 SWIFT FOODS 0.127 0.128 0.127 0.128 0.127 0.127 1,310,000 166,390 UNIV ROBINA 137.8 138.2 140 140.5 137 137.8 985,270 136,584,767 VITARICH 0.79 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.78 0.8 1,121,000 881,390 2.33 2.4 2.42 2.42 2.35 2.35 71,000 168,310 VICTORIAS CEMEX HLDG 1.23 1.24 1.25 1.25 1.23 1.24 1,657,000 2,058,840 EAGLE CEMENT 14.2 14.3 14.3 14.3 14.2 14.2 4,500 64,300 EEI CORP 7.8 7.93 7.8 7.94 7.75 7.9 306,700 2,393,494 6.52 6.55 6.5 6.58 6.45 6.55 166,500 1,088,802 HOLCIM 6.15 6.16 6.23 6.3 6.16 6.16 1,043,200 6,474,671 MEGAWIDE PHINMA 14.3 14.42 14.42 14.42 14.36 14.42 36,000 518,220 TKC METALS 0.96 0.97 0.96 0.97 0.96 0.96 6,000 5,770 VULCAN INDL 1.18 1.19 1.2 1.2 1.16 1.18 5,544,000 6,534,520 1.68 1.69 1.7 1.7 1.68 1.69 108,000 181,990 CROWN ASIA EUROMED 1.7 1.71 1.71 1.71 1.7 1.7 25,000 42,540 LMG CORP 4.35 4.59 4.35 4.35 4.35 4.35 4,000 17,400 MABUHAY VINYL 5.3 5.45 5.45 5.45 5.45 5.45 3,200 17,440 5.42 5.46 5.41 5.41 5.4 5.41 13,700 74,048 PRYCE CORP CONCEPCION 24 24.15 23.95 24.35 23.95 24 57,600 1,382,990 GREENERGY 2.64 2.65 2.6 2.65 2.58 2.65 5,460,000 14,336,180 INTEGRATED MICR 8.48 8.5 8.5 8.6 8.46 8.5 109,800 935,655 IONICS 0.92 0.95 0.93 0.93 0.93 0.93 36,000 33,480 5.84 6 5.98 6 5.84 5.84 7,500 44,453 PANASONIC SFA SEMICON 1.18 1.19 1.18 1.18 1.18 1.18 60,000 70,800 CIRTEK HLDG 4.67 4.68 4.62 4.69 4.56 4.68 1,221,000 5,669,780

61,551,134.00 -69,000 14,919,335 149,430.00 -4,907,125 -792,272.50 2,597,424 48,976 5,824,440 -302,576 258,492 -320,103 8,040 -55,797,600 31,360 -2,778,761 52,274,064 -1,268,256 -389,570 -1,024,296 13,073,228 13,140 60,197,816 818,284 -61,339,904 39,500 62,000 -2,026,544 -783,885 569,008 43,140 358,040 530,745 2,798,860 -151,377 -27,900 -107,010

HOLDING & FRIMS

ABACORE CAPITAL ASIABEST GROUP AYALA CORP ABOITIZ EQUITY ALLIANCE GLOBAL AYALA LAND LOG ANGLO PHIL HLDG ATN HLDG A ATN HLDG B COSCO CAPITAL DMCI HLDG FILINVEST DEV FJ PRINCE A FORUM PACIFIC GT CAPITAL JG SUMMIT KEPPEL HLDG A KEPPEL HLDG B LODESTAR LOPEZ HLDG LT GROUP MJC INVESTMENTS METRO PAC INV PACIFICA HLDG PRIME MEDIA SOLID GROUP SM INVESTMENTS SAN MIGUEL CORP WELLEX INDUS ZEUS HLDG

1.03 6.05 805 47.1 10.78 5.14 1 0.54 0.54 5.07 7.06 7.6 2.76 0.295 538.5 65.3 5.95 5.95 0.7 3.3 9 1.31 3.78 3.15 2.03 1.21 1,003 114 0.275 0.194

1.04 6.19 809 47.2 10.8 5.16 1.01 0.56 0.56 5.08 7.07 7.74 2.8 0.31 539 66.8 6.18 6.89 0.72 3.31 9.01 1.4 3.79 3.27 2.05 1.23 1,005 114.9 0.28 0.2

1.05 6.06 802 44.75 10.6 5.02 1 0.56 0.54 5.05 6.83 7.72 2.75 0.31 548 65.1 5.95 5.95 0.71 3.3 8.93 1.39 3.76 3.15 2 1.18 1,000 115.3 0.27 0.195

1.06 6.07 810 47.3 10.92 5.29 1.01 0.56 0.54 5.08 7.07 7.74 2.8 0.31 552 66.8 5.95 5.95 0.72 3.32 9.11 1.4 3.8 3.15 2.09 1.23 1,013 116 0.275 0.195

1.03 6.05 801 44.75 10.6 4.95 1 0.56 0.5 5.04 6.83 7.72 2.75 0.295 535 64 5.95 5.95 0.7 3.3 8.93 1.39 3.73 3.15 1.99 1.18 1,000 114 0.27 0.195

1.04 6.07 809 47.1 10.8 5.14 1 0.56 0.5 5.08 7.06 7.74 2.8 0.31 538.5 66.8 5.95 5.95 0.72 3.31 9.01 1.4 3.79 3.15 2.03 1.23 1,005 114 0.275 0.195

1,666,000 5,200 183,220 1,865,400 4,176,600 8,621,300 1,933,000 76,000 54,000 214,000 22,086,300 18,300 19,000 1,260,000 226,950 1,261,180 15,000 15,000 43,000 951,000 7,760,100 7,000 10,809,000 3,000 163,000 135,000 100,140 131,620 140,000 2,800,000

1,738,440 31,550 147,950,260 87,203,930 45,230,416 44,190,478 1,933,090 42,560 27,400 1,083,235 154,970,271 141,482 52,750 379,800 122,963,950 83,702,703.50 89,250 89,250 30,440 3,139,670 69,953,947 9,760 40,738,340 9,450 327,470 163,610 100,665,835 15,096,030 38,400 546,000

PROPERTY ARTHALAND CORP 0.67 0.68 0.66 0.67 0.66 0.67 117,000 77,660 AYALA LAND 33.25 33.3 33.1 33.35 32.9 33.3 4,997,400 165,529,940 ARANETA PROP 1.07 1.12 1.12 1.12 1.12 1.12 3,000 3,360 37.95 38.8 37.2 39.5 37.2 37.95 829,500 31,341,540 AREIT RT 1.37 1.4 1.37 1.38 1.36 1.37 630,000 862,970 BELLE CORP A BROWN 0.82 0.85 0.85 0.87 0.84 0.84 1,390,000 1,182,720 CITYLAND DEVT 0.77 0.78 0.77 0.78 0.77 0.78 100,000 77,020 0.121 0.124 0.126 0.126 0.123 0.124 340,000 42,050 CROWN EQUITIES 6.1 6.4 6.1 6.1 6.01 6.1 3,500 21,315 CEBU HLDG CEB LANDMASTERS 3 3.03 3.1 3.1 2.99 3 3,148,000 9,497,420 CENTURY PROP 0.465 0.475 0.475 0.48 0.46 0.475 30,310,000 14,209,200 DOUBLEDRAGON 10.12 10.16 10.14 10.16 10.12 10.12 225,100 2,281,904 1.8 1.81 1.84 1.84 1.79 1.8 12,705,000 22,932,620 DDMP RT 6.69 6.7 6.7 6.7 6.69 6.69 69,600 466,217 DM WENCESLAO EMPIRE EAST 0.275 0.28 0.28 0.28 0.28 0.28 580,000 162,400 EVER GOTESCO 0.425 0.43 0.47 0.475 0.41 0.425 134,180,000 58,791,950 7.21 7.25 7.24 7.27 7.21 7.21 22,598,100 163,841,481 FILINVEST RT 1.1 1.11 1.11 1.11 1.1 1.11 1,686,000 1,866,600 FILINVEST LAND GLOBAL ESTATE 1.01 1.03 1.06 1.06 1.01 1.01 1,637,000 1,667,400 8990 HLDG 7.3 7.49 7.5 7.5 7.49 7.49 11,900 89,181 1.22 1.23 1.23 1.25 1.23 1.23 781,000 962,130 PHIL INFRADEV 3.26 3.76 3.26 3.26 3.26 3.26 1,000 3,260 KEPPEL PROP CITY AND LAND 1.17 1.18 1.16 1.17 1.15 1.17 493,000 570,690 MEGAWORLD 2.97 2.98 2.96 2.98 2.93 2.98 16,872,000 49,882,070 MRC ALLIED 0.295 0.3 0.3 0.305 0.295 0.295 12,370,000 3,661,050 0.52 0.53 0.53 0.53 0.52 0.53 2,462,000 1,280,680 PHIL ESTATES 1.85 1.91 1.87 1.95 1.85 1.86 164,000 306,520 PRIMEX CORP RL COMM RT 6.45 6.46 6.45 6.49 6.45 6.46 23,734,100 153,358,970 ROBINSONS LAND 15.9 15.96 16.3 16.3 15.84 15.96 4,985,000 79,673,440 0.255 0.26 0.255 0.26 0.255 0.255 680,000 173,900 PHIL REALTY ROCKWELL 1.51 1.53 1.53 1.53 1.53 1.53 223,000 341,190 2.67 2.68 2.68 2.68 2.66 2.68 159,000 424,640 SHANG PROP STA LUCIA LAND 2.87 2.88 2.8 2.88 2.8 2.88 346,000 989,630 SM PRIME HLDG 33.5 33.85 33.4 33.85 33 33.85 6,050,300 203,041,145 3.69 3.78 3.67 3.8 3.67 3.78 8,000 30,160 VISTAMALLS 1.59 1.62 1.56 1.63 1.54 1.62 798,000 1,260,490 SUNTRUST HOME VISTA LAND 3.65 3.67 3.66 3.68 3.61 3.67 616,000 2,244,140

SERVICES ABS CBN 11.64 11.8 11.8 11.8 11.6 11.8 189,800 2,207,852 GMA NETWORK 13.4 13.42 13.08 13.46 13.08 13.4 2,778,800 37,123,808 MANILA BULLETIN 0.405 0.42 0.42 0.42 0.42 0.42 20,000 8,400 3,200 3,202 3,038 3,200 3,008 3,200 175,465 546,102,580 GLOBE TELECOM 1,512 1,513 1,485 1,514 1,480 1,512 162,410 244,394,970 PLDT APOLLO GLOBAL 0.103 0.104 0.104 0.107 0.102 0.104 212,720,000 22,026,340 CONVERGE 35.4 35.5 34.8 35.5 34.1 35.5 16,297,600 571,098,845 3.89 3.9 3.76 3.92 3.76 3.89 162,000 621,740 DFNN INC 8.12 8.14 8.3 8.3 8.08 8.12 4,625,100 37,716,139 DITO CME HLDG NOW CORP 2.02 2.03 2.01 2.04 2.01 2.02 514,000 1,037,390 TRANSPACIFIC BR 0.365 0.37 0.365 0.375 0.36 0.37 7,180,000 2,635,250 PHILWEB 2.17 2.22 2.19 2.24 2.13 2.24 574,000 1,240,390 8.2 8.21 8.19 8.38 8.07 8.2 196,900 1,626,847 2GO GROUP 13.6 14 14.1 14.1 14 14 7,200 101,340 ASIAN TERMINALS CHELSEA 2.42 2.45 2.5 2.5 2.4 2.45 1,635,000 3,974,180 CEBU AIR 40.8 41 42 42.2 40.8 40.8 575,100 23,956,160 189.6 191 187.1 193 187.1 191 1,555,620 298,115,651 INTL CONTAINER 16 16.2 16.5 16.5 16.2 16.2 29,500 478,736 LBC EXPRESS MACROASIA 4.51 4.52 4.69 4.69 4.5 4.52 1,107,000 5,017,970 METROALLIANCE A 1.6 1.62 1.63 1.63 1.6 1.6 34,000 55,210 1.03 1.06 1.04 1.04 1.02 1.03 199,000 203,900 HARBOR STAR ACESITE HOTEL 1.61 1.64 1.61 1.61 1.61 1.61 63,000 101,430 BOULEVARD HLDG 0.084 0.085 0.086 0.088 0.083 0.084 88,780,000 7,555,510 DISCOVERY WORLD 2.16 2.18 2.25 2.25 2.18 2.18 140,000 309,580 WATERFRONT 0.52 0.54 0.52 0.53 0.52 0.52 231,000 120,130 6.55 6.79 6.75 6.75 6.75 6.75 1,500 10,125 CENTRO ESCOLAR IPEOPLE 6.88 7 7.14 7.14 6.87 7 4,300 30,406 STI HLDG 0.355 0.36 0.36 0.36 0.36 0.36 290,000 104,400 BERJAYA 5.57 5.58 5.4 5.6 5.35 5.58 69,100 379,555 6.04 6.05 6.16 6.2 6.02 6.04 4,218,000 25,686,103 BLOOMBERRY 2.06 2.08 2.05 2.09 2.05 2.06 40,000 82,230 PACIFIC ONLINE LEISURE AND RES 1.73 1.76 1.84 1.85 1.74 1.74 866,000 1,522,470 PH RESORTS GRP 1.4 1.41 1.47 1.48 1.39 1.41 5,628,000 8,001,290 PREMIUM LEISURE 0.42 0.425 0.42 0.43 0.42 0.425 860,000 364,900 5.8 5.95 5.8 5.8 5.8 5.8 5,000 29,000 PHIL RACING ALLHOME 8.8 8.83 9 9 8.57 8.8 1,524,900 13,304,795 METRO RETAIL 1.26 1.27 1.27 1.28 1.25 1.26 629,000 789,200 PUREGOLD 43 43.1 42.15 43.5 41.7 43 4,109,500 176,558,430 49.15 49.2 49.35 49.6 49 49.2 1,220,300 60,044,040 ROBINSONS RTL 88.75 90.4 89.9 90.8 89.45 90.45 11,520 1,036,034.50 PHIL SEVEN CORP SSI GROUP 1.12 1.14 1.15 1.15 1.12 1.14 2,165,000 2,441,110 WILCON DEPOT 27 27.15 26.3 27.3 26.1 27 1,869,900 50,257,630 APC GROUP 0.305 0.32 0.31 0.32 0.3 0.305 1,010,000 306,400 5.12 5.25 5.3 5.3 5.28 5.28 1,000 5,296 EASYCALL 464 477.6 470 477.6 470 477.6 1,130 539,490 GOLDEN MV IPM HLDG 7.05 7.08 7.03 7.08 7.03 7.05 12,200 86,016 PAXYS 2.31 2.49 2.3 2.31 2.3 2.31 5,000 11,540 1.02 1.03 1.02 1.06 1 1.02 23,745,000 24,141,210 PRMIERE HORIZON

MINING & OIL ATOK 6.8 6.97 7.12 7.13 6.75 6.97 209,700 1,491,361 APEX MINING 1.43 1.44 1.45 1.46 1.43 1.44 826,000 1,190,320 6.29 6.3 6.24 6.32 6.24 6.29 911,800 5,737,017 ATLAS MINING BENGUET A 5.25 5.33 5.26 5.36 5.18 5.33 319,300 1,676,337 COAL ASIA HLDG 0.29 0.295 0.295 0.295 0.295 0.295 10,000 2,950 CENTURY PEAK 2.8 2.85 2.85 2.85 2.85 2.85 25,000 71,250 6.02 6.24 6.29 6.3 6.02 6.02 6,300 38,352 DIZON MINES FERRONICKEL 2.26 2.28 2.28 2.3 2.25 2.27 2,111,000 4,804,320 GEOGRACE 0.255 0.28 0.255 0.255 0.255 0.255 490,000 124,950 LEPANTO A 0.135 0.136 0.139 0.139 0.135 0.136 11,550,000 1,561,580 LEPANTO B 0.143 0.15 0.143 0.143 0.143 0.143 10,000 1,430 0.01 0.011 0.011 0.011 0.01 0.011 2,800,000 29,900 MANILA MINING A MANILA MINING B 0.01 0.011 0.01 0.011 0.01 0.011 700,000 7,600 MARCVENTURES 0.96 1 0.97 1.01 0.92 0.96 2,019,000 1,930,500 NIHAO 1.17 1.19 1.2 1.2 1.16 1.17 78,000 91,690 5.84 5.85 5.92 5.94 5.78 5.84 2,106,400 12,327,815 NICKEL ASIA 0.88 0.9 0.91 0.91 0.89 0.9 387,000 344,570 ORNTL PENINSULA PX MINING 5.38 5.42 5.41 5.56 5.38 5.38 547,200 2,970,573 SEMIRARA MINING 19.38 19.4 18.9 19.42 18.9 19.4 4,669,100 89,661,854 UNITED PARAGON 0.0074 0.0076 0.0074 0.0076 0.0074 0.0076 22,000,000 164,100 15.06 15.48 15.04 15.5 15 15.48 121,300 1,830,800 ACE ENEXOR 0.01 0.011 0.01 0.011 0.01 0.011 18,800,000 200,600 ORNTL PETROL A PHILODRILL 0.01 0.011 0.01 0.011 0.01 0.011 39,000,000 390,700 PXP ENERGY 6.21 6.22 6.4 6.4 6.2 6.21 845,800 5,324,591

PREFFERED HOUSE PREF A 101 102 102 102 102 102 20,000 2,040,000 AC PREF B1 505 525 510 510 505 505 250 127,250 ALCO PREF B 101 101.2 101.2 101.2 101.2 101.2 260 26,312 520 522 520 520 520 520 3,160 1,643,200 AC PREF B2R CEB PREF 41 41.4 42.05 42.05 41 41 422,000 17,379,775 CPG PREF A 102.5 102.9 102.8 102.9 102.8 102.9 7,350 756,185 DD PREF 100.9 101 101 101 101 101 42,550 4,297,550 100.6 101 101.3 101.3 100.5 100.8 13,460 1,355,384 MWIDE PREF MWIDE PREF 2A 100 105.3 100.1 100.1 100.1 100.1 7,500 750,750 PNX PREF 3B 104 104.8 104.5 104.8 104.5 104.8 840 87,840 PNX PREF 4 1,005 1,010 1,007 1,010 1,002 1,010 4,830 4,852,030 PCOR PREF 2B 1,010 1,020 1,010 1,010 1,010 1,010 85 85,850 1,046 1,080 1,080 1,085 1,045 1,045 6,000 6,489,185 PCOR PREF 3A PCOR PREF 3B 1,139 1,167 1,138 1,139 1,135 1,139 195 221,500 SMC PREF 2F 78.4 79.85 79.9 79.9 79.85 79.85 50 3,993.50 SMC PREF 2H 75.6 78 75.85 76.3 75.8 75.8 67,210 5,098,123 75.5 76 76 76 76 76 835,100 63,467,600 SMC PREF 2J SMC PREF 2K 75 76.65 75.8 76.7 75.8 76.7 27,200 2,083,635

PHIL. DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS GMA HLDG PDR 12.5 12.52 12.36 12.52 12.32 12.5 436,900 5,447,556

WARRANTS TECH WARRANT 1.58 1.59 1.54 1.62 1.54 1.58 6,560,000 10,431,810

882,040 32,201,075 18,096,530 8,784,416 -9,716,312 8,160 -20,565 40,334,519 -30,960 -150,000 -42,107,115 24,489,909.50 -32,314,861 -4,630,770 -9,432,115 215,382 -534,300 45,866,215 -3,360 13,382,645 -200 3,080 6,150 543,120 -294,350 392,696 8,418,160 203,050 -5,159,050 -148,205,823 772,560 -122,610 553,500 11,500 -2,696,810 -54,000 -1,560 -52,050 -83,798,627 6,251,912 198,900 -235,080 -100,250 65,081,745 -7,560 -3,160 214,990 115,485,760 -18,061,245 -625,600 -24,271,830 208,820 4,371,800 80,400.00 -321,600 -477,330 -90,428 125,400 -7,024,980 38,786,214 -4,600.00 -273,230.00 15,510 -100,800 -38,290 4,463,883 39,190 2,203,067 -528,550 -19,098,990 7,385,825 -123,040.50 10,380 -18,105,045 -103,700 -1,056 -450,680 34,500 46,380 71,250 1,031,460.00 -10,420 877,498 137,848.00 22,774,478.00 16,496 6,553 -14,003,105 - 23,492 -27,370

SMALL & MEDIUM ENTERPRISES 1.02% ALTUS PROP 17.54 17.84 18.4 18.4 17.5 17.84 199,300 3,558,468

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 - Renaming was approved by the SEC last July 8, 2021 (formerly, Sun Life Prosperity Money Market Fund, Inc.).

"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."

ITALPINAS KEPWEALTH MAKATI FINANCE MERRYMART

1.98 4.21 2.4 4.06

FIRST METRO ETF

105.2

1.99 4.27 2.74 4.07

EXHANGE TRADE FUNDS

105.3

2.01 4.25 2.4 4.02

2.01 4.25 2.4 4.13

1.96 4.25 2.4 4

1.99 4.25 2.4 4.07

229,000 1,000 1,000 3,534,000

456,210 4,250 2,400 14,372,810

9,800 134,370.00

104.5 105.5 104.5 105.2 8,400 882,580 -414,874

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Banking&Finance

2022 polls vote-buying: Comelec asks e-wallet firms ‘to do something’

By Manuel T. Cayon

@awimailbox Mindanao Bureau Chief

D

AVAO CITY—Officials of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) are asking electronic wallet operators to help them track electronic vote-buying that, they admitted, posed a more challenging work as digital transactions have become the norm after the Duterte administration imposed lockdown measures.

Comelec Spokesman James B. Jimenez, however, did not disclose the detail of what these companies would likely do but he hopes for cooperation to make prosecution easier.

He said the Comelec would likewise tap Facebook’s “ads library” to help them track dedicated campaign advertisements of political candidates. He admitted though, that the array of social media applications available online would be a challenge in monitoring.

“Unfortunately, monitoring campaign ads on [online] social media [platforms] is only in the downstream; meaning, the final tracking would happen only after the campaign period has finished,” he said.

“This ‘ads library’ [feature] would help us do back-checking when the candidates have submitted their election spending and campaign posting on the social media.”

‘Non-trollish’ use

THE challenge of tracking politicians’ ads on social media was also due to the lack of laws regulating its use during election campaign period, according to Jimenez.

“Our role is to regulate spending on social media,” he said in a presentation during the US Embassysponsored seminar on “Pandemic Polls: Election Reporting in the Covid-19 Era.” “This is where the greatest growth [in use] is seen.”

Sans regulations on the use of social media, he said the Comelec “is partnering with third-party [players] to provide tutorials on the effective, ‘non-trollish,’ use of social media for campaigning,” he said.

While the Comelec expects an increase in the use of mass media as politicians gear up for the polls, Jimenez said the rules for these remain unchanged.

Guidelines sought

RONA Ann Caritos of the nongovernment group Legal Network for

Truthful Elections said Facebook would provide a better tracking of the campaign advertisements with viewers being able to know who posted the advertisements and “how that supporter is related or linked to the candidate.”

Caritos appealed to the Comelec to issue the guidelines soon to allow Filipino voters “to go out more confidently and vote.”

“As of now, Filipino voters are not yet ready; and the final guidelines from the Comelec would greatly help increase voters’ participation in next year’s elections,” she added.

The guidelines on the conduct of the May 2022 elections have been generally firmed up except for final work on the side of complying with health protocols, according to Jimenez.

“Restrictions will be applied on attendance, venue capacities and in-rally behaviors,” he added.

Looking closely

JIMENEZ also emphasized there would still be restrictions on permits issued by the Department of the Interior and Local Government as well as by local government units.

“We would be looking closely at the gatherings at the barangays because this is where the campaign rallies are being held and where the likely infection [could] happen,” he said.

According to Jimenez, fundamental guidelines were changed to suit the mobility restrictions.

These include the reduction in the number of voters per precinct: from 1,000 in the 2019 elections to 800 next year. To do this, the Comelec increased the number of precincts: from 84,000 in 2019 to 110,000 next year.

The number of voters would be approximately 61 million.

Some 18,000 elective positions are at stake, from the President down to members of the municipal council. Some 80 posts are at stake in the local governments under the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, despite Congress’s move to defer the elections there, which would cover only the posts in the autonomous government.

Local government elective positions, from governors and mayors, to members of the town and provincial councils, are still covered by the 2022 elections.

BusinessMirror

Editor: Dennis D. Estopace • Friday, September 17, 2021

B3

Govt probes 250 social-media influencers’ tax payment level

T

By Bernadette D. Nicolas

@BNicolasBM

HE Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) will investigate an initial list of 250 social-media influencers to determine whether they are paying their taxes.

According to the BIR, they issued a “Letter of Authority” to each of these individuals the agency said are “top earners” in their field.

BIR Deputy Commissioner Arnel SD Guballa said they are encouraging these individuals to register with the BIR. Guballa said in his report to the Department of Finance (DOF) executive committee meeting the BIR is also undertaking “profiling of over 250 personalities.”

“We will do the investigation so that they would pay the necessary corresponding tax on their earnings,” he said in the report.

The sending of letters of authority came after the BIR issued Revenue Memorandum Circular 97-2021 that accused these “influencers” as not paying income taxes despite earning huge sums from different platforms.

Unless exempted in line with the

provisions of the National Internal Revenue Code, social-media influencers shall be liable to pay income tax and business tax, which may either be percentage tax or value-added tax (VAT), the BIR said in its circular.

‘Influencer’ defined

BASED on the Circular, “social-media influencers” are defined as those who derive their income from the following sources: “YouTube Partner” program; sponsored social and blog posts; c) display advertising; becoming a brand representative or “ambassador;” affiliate marketing; co-creating product lines; promoting own products; photo and video sales; selling digital courses, subscriptions and e-books; and, podcasts and webinars.

The BIR said the “influencer” who receives free goods in exchange for promotions must also declare as in-

come the fair market value of these products.

Income treated as royalties from another country, including payments under YouTube’s partner program, shall likewise be included in the computation of the gross income of the “influencer” and shall be subject to tax.

“It must be emphasized that the BIR also has the power to obtain information from foreign tax authorities pursuant to the Exchange of Information provision of the relevant tax treaties. The BIR has the means to verify their income as it is clothed with a special power to obtain information from its treaty partners.

The BIR may safely rely on the data provided by its treaty partners to establish the influencer’s tax liability,” the circular read.

“The social-media influencers are, therefore, advised to voluntary and truthfully declare their income and pay their corresponding taxes without waiting for a formal investigation to be conducted by the BIR to avoid being liable for tax evasion and for the civil penalty of 50 percent of the tax or of the deficiency tax,” it says.

Double taxation

TO avoid the risks of double taxation, the BIR advised “influencers” receiving income from a non-resident person residing in a country—with

which the Philippines has a tax treaty—to inform the latter that they are residents of the Philippines, and are, therefore, entitled to claim treaty benefits provided under the relevant tax agreement.

The circular said “influencers” who “willfully attempt to evade the payment of tax or willfully fail to make a tax return, to supply accurate and correct information or to pay tax” shall, in addition to the payment of taxes and corresponding penalties, be held criminally liable under the Tax Code.

Following the release of the BIR circular, the Creator and Influencer Council of the Philippines had assured the BIR that its members are willing to pay the right taxes, but asked the tax agency to ease the burden of tax compliance by using digital platforms.

For this year, the BIR targets to collect a total of P2.081 trillion.

Preliminary data obtained by the BusinessMirror showed the BIR raked in P1.379 trillion from January to August this year, falling short of its P1.388-trillion goal by 0.65 percent after the Duterte government ordered the lockdown of several areas, including Metro Manila.

However, this is still higher by 5.78 percent compared with the P1.303 trillion that the BIR collected in the same 8-month period in 2020.

What associations can learn from Google’s ‘Project Aristotle’

I

have been attending almost regularly Gihan Perera’s webinars and reading with keen interest his published works since I e-met him a year ago.

Gihan is a futurist, author, conference speaker and one of Australia’s leading online presenters. He was accommodating enough to keynote our Associations Summit last year.

It was from his latest e-newsletter, “Thinking Ahead,” that I first read about one of Google’s most interesting studies, ”Project Aristotle,” named after the Greek philosopher and polymath during the classical period in ancient Greece. I am sharing the findings of this 2012 research as I believe these insights resonate with associations as well, especially during this pandemic.

The Google researchers found that teams are more productive than individuals working on their own and that good teamwork can lead to more innovation, better results, and higher job satisfaction. In the end, the project helped the

Association World Octavio Peralta organization codify the secrets to team effectiveness, identifying the following five key traits in the order of their importance: 1. Psychological safety implies that team members should feel safe to take personal risks and be vulnerable in front of one another. During this stressful time of the pandemic, association staff members need to feel they will not be criticized, demeaned, or penalized— even with something as simple as asking a dumb question at a meeting. Gihan sums it all quite well when he said, “When you make it safer for people to fail, you make it easier for them to succeed.”

2. Dependability connotes that

team members complete quality work on time and can rely on each other to do the same. More than ever, association leaders rely on teamwork and collaboration to co-create products and services relevant and meaningful to their members.

3. Structure and clarity signify that team members understand the expectations of their job, their outcomes and goals, and the process for achieving them. Regardless of working remotely or back at the office, association executives and staff should be clear on their roles and responsibilities to the organization and to their membership.

4. Meaning expresses that team members find meaning in the work itself or its output which aligns with their own sense of purpose and personal goals. The pandemic has manifested that people are motivated, not by perks, but by purpose that they are needed, nurtured, and recognized by the organization.

5. Impact denotes that team mem-

bers know that the result of their work makes a difference and creates change.

Related to meaning and purpose, making an impact is another pillar of an association’s reason for being. People gravitate to an organization that pursues its mission, cause, and advocacy with vigour and passion.

Developing an effective and successful team is easier said than done, but focusing on these five characteristics increases the chances that your association can build a “dream team.” This will be quite a feat from which your members will eventually benefit. The Google initiative indeed proved Aristotle’s famous quote, “The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.”

Octavio Peralta is founder and CEO of the Philippine Council of Associations and Association Executives (PCAAE) 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

Fintech player to use $150M funding for innovation LandBank tapped for LTFRB project

By Rizal Raoul S. Reyes @brownindio

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NDONESIAN financial technology (fintech) company Xendit (PT Sinar Digital Terdepan) announced on Thursday that it has secured a $150-million Series C funding that elevated the company to the shortlist of Southeast Asian unicorns.

The round was led by Tiger Global Management with participation from existing investors Accel, Amasia and Justin Kan’s Goat Capital.

The latest capital will enable Xendit to continue innovating its product suite and make its digital payments infrastructure available to more entrepreneurs in the Philippines and other key markets. By specializing in building hyper-localized products for archipelago nations and catering to a broad spectrum of customer needs in response to the market needs in the Southeast Asian region.

“We’re seeing an incredible shift to digital-first. Whether the business is a small Instagram shop or Southeast Asia’s largest enterprises, it’s now clear that businesses need to have a digital presence,” said Moses Lo, Xendit cofounder and CEO. “Xendit’s digital payments infrastructure enables the region’s new class of entrepreneurs to

start and scale their payments faster and supercharges larger companies with modern, world-class financial services.”

Xendit Philippines Inc. CEO and Managing Director Yang Yang Zhang said in an online briefing the company will strengthen its local Philippines operations to help build digital infrastructure in the country and promote financial inclusivity.

Zhang added that Xendit Philippines has seen a more than 200-percent year-on-year increase in total payments volume across the Philippines and Indonesia, maintaining a 25 percent month-on-month (M-oM) growth rate in the Philippines and continuing a track record of more than 10 percent M-o-M growth since inception.

“Xendit’s new round of fundraising and status as a unicorn will strengthen our mission to provide reliable and secure financial infrastructure to hundreds of thousands of growing businesses across the Philippines. Our dream is to accelerate the growth of the Philippine digital economy by continuing to build first-to-market solutions for enterprises and SMEs alike while introducing the global VC community to the growing local startup ecosystem,” she explained.

Zhang said Xendit Philippines has played an integral part in the company’s growth and journey toward its unicorn status. Despite being a relative newcomer to the local payments space, she said Xendit achieved a quantum leap to becoming one of the biggest payment gateways in the country.

Zhang noted that “legislation is on the right track to provide sufficient support for the emerging market.”

She cited the joint effort of several government agencies to create a committee for the implementation of a Startup Act. Zhang said the law’s implementing rules and regulations “is a testament to the government’s commitment to supporting the growing number of SMEs in the country.”

“We are positive that more initiatives from various sectors and groups will further fuel the startup ecosystem in the Philippines,” Zhang said.

Xendit plans to introduce three key initiatives “to reach out to a broader segment of Filipino entrepreneurs and customers.”

These initiatives include: automatic debit and recurring payments solution; level-up grant for SMEs and individual business owners; and, accelerator program for local start-up firms.

T

he LandBank of the Philippines announced that it will be the primary bank for the disbursement of cash payments under the re-launched Service Contracting Program for public utility vehicle (PUV) operators.

In its statement on Thursday, the state-run bank said it has partnered with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) for the program.

With a program fund of P3 billion, the bank will facilitate the crediting of cash payments to eligible PUV operators through their existing LandBank accounts and other partner outlets.

Under the program, qualified PUV operators will receive the payouts weekly while providing free rides to frontline healthcare workers and Authorized Persons Outside Residence (APORs) to support their mobility requirements during the ongoing pandemic.

“We welcome this collaboration under the ‘Service Contracting Program Phase 2’ to deliver prompt financial assistance to PUV operators nationwide towards ensuring the efficient, safe and uninterrupted operations of public transportation under the new normal,” Landbank President and CEO Cecilia C. Borromeo was quoted in a

statement as saying.

Borromeo added they “remain committed to advance the country’s transportation sector and provide the riding public safe, secure and convenient transport services in the new normal.”

As of August 2021, the bank

has approved P2.32 billion in loans for the acquisition of 1,093 modern units under the “Special Package for Environment-Friendly and Efficiently-Driven PUVs” while another P4 billion is being processed for 43 additional loan applications. Bianca Cuaresma

B4

Relationships

Friday, September 17, 2021 • Editor: Gerard S. Ramos

BusinessMirror

‘Work with hope’—a poet and classics scholar on facing the flood of bad news PHOTO BY MAX HARLYNKING ON UNSPLASH

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By Rachel Hadas Rutgers University - Newark

Today’s Horoscope

By Eugenia Last

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CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Patrick Mahomes, 26; Danielle Brooks, 32; Doug E. Fresh, 55; Kyle Chandler, 56.

Happy Birthday: Live, learn and go about your business. Hesitation will stand between you and victory.

Build confidence, gain respect and act. Size up and seize the moment, and you will not disappoint or be disappointed. Look at life as a chance to discover and grow mentally and emotionally. Choose to stop dreaming and start doing, and embrace the future with optimism. Your numbers are 3, 10, 22, 27, 31, 38, 42.

atience is wearing thin. Not only are we all bone-weary of the pandemic; rising hopes have made the current precarious state of confusion and fear, vigorous variants and stubborn vaccine rejection all the more frustrating. We thought we were almost out of the woods, but there’s no clear end in sight to this forest.

And there’s no shortage of other bad and worsening news too, notably the dramatic daily evidence of the catastrophic results of climate change.

How do we weather this welter of bad news? How do we adapt?

The same ways human beings always have adapted—grudgingly or stoically, fearfully or fatalistically or frantically. We’re in a prolonged period of maddeningly, scarily bad news—and if we follow the 24-hour news cycle, we’re in it up to our chins. But how good has the news ever been?

Precisely when or what was the Golden Age? Poet Randall Jarrell wrote, with tongue in cheek, that it’s when people went around complaining how yellow everything looked.

KEEP ON KEEPING ON EVEN under dire conditions, most people go on doing what they do for as long as they can.

The Homeric epics, which date from the eighth century B.C., are preoccupied with both grief and survival. Late in the Iliad, speaking of Achilles’ inconsolable grief after the loss of his beloved Patroklos, who was not a blood relative, the god Apollo reminds the other Olympians that things could always be worse: “A man surely is likely to lose someone even dearer—A brother born of the same womb, or his own son; but having wept and mourned, he lets it go; for the Fates placed an enduring heart within mankind.”

Human beings are more enduring, more adaptable, than we give ourselves credit for. Scholar and author Andrew Delbanco observed in July 2020: “Four months ago, I thought ‘zoom’ meant the sound of a motorcycle. Then coronavirus struck, the students were sent home, and we faculty were given a few days to learn how to teach by Zoom for the rest of the semester.”

Zoom videoconferencing lasted a lot longer than the rest of the spring semester of 2020, and the need for it has not gone away. But as Delbanco also notes,

www.businessmirror.com.ph

a

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Pull strings, discuss your plans with someone who helps and believes in you, and shoot for the stars. Your insight, knowledge and ability to articulate what you want will help you present a convincing and appealing offer. HHHH

b

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Take a step back, recalculate your next few steps and complete your journey. Precision is everything when you are trying to establish your position. Stay focused on your strengths, keep your costs low and aim high. HH

c

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Fine-tune your skills. Focus on what you want to accomplish.

You’ll get the recognition and accolades you desire. Having a plan in place will build confidence and the bravado necessary to outdo anyone who tries to compete with you. HHHHH

d

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Let your creative imagination wander, and you’ll come up with a brilliant idea that will set you apart from any competition you encounter. Embrace change instead of running from it, and you will find a unique path to success and happiness. HHH

e

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Having a plan in place will help you avoid mistakes. Don’t allow outside influences to interfere with your process. Deal with matters personally to eliminate regret. Take better care of your home, family and physical well-being. Simplicity and moderation are favored. HHH

“Having scattered around the world, my students were grateful to reconnect, even if they felt that ‘virtual’ classes were weak simulation of the real thing.” Many of us adapted to virtual, only to be told this past spring and summer that we could begin to ease out of the remote mode—a change which brought its own anxieties. I’m reminded of Plato’s allegory of the cave. Socrates suggests that any prisoner dragged forcibly out of the cave would feel pain and rage until he became acclimatized to the shadows, reflections, the stars and moon, and finally the light of the sun.

In the same way, perhaps the nonvirtual world, the world of in-person classes, will feel strange to some people. But they will adapt. And perhaps, as the Delta

variant and other variants in the making continue to spread, it won’t be necessary to adapt so soon. More useful concepts for the period we’re in now than the provocative and recently omnipresent trope of whiplash are patience and hope.

‘THE THING WITH FEATHERS’ HESIOD, Homer’s contemporary, tells us in his poem “Works and Days” that when Pandora, a seductive figure who is the gods’ deceitful gift to mankind, opens her jar and releases all the evils that plague the world, including pestilence, Hope alone stays behind.

Continued on B5

f

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Settle in, take care of business and don’t stop until you are satisfied with what transpires. Your discipline and desire to get ahead will encourage you to do your very best and to promote what you set out to accomplish. HHH

g

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Finish what you start. A proactive approach will signal others that you are serious about what you are trying to accomplish. Refuse to let physical restrictions block your progress. Ask for help, and keep the momentum flowing. HHHHH

h

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Reevaluate the past and present before you lunge into the future. Having a handle on what’s transpired will lead to the insight to help you overcome making the same mistake twice. Put a well-thought-out plan in place, then proceed. HH

Top hospital giving people more ways to get non-Covid adult vaccination, Covid-19 tests

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AS Metro Manila and the rest of the world continue to grapple with Covid-19 threats that now include new variants, top hospital Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed) has expanded its drive-thru services to offer patients more ways to look after their health.

The health institution has opened a new drive-thru site for non-Covid adult vaccination requirements along Amorsolo Street in Legazpi Village, Makati City.

The Amorsolo Mile-Long Drive-Thru Vaccination Service is available for adult patients who want to get immunized with pneumococcal and flu vaccines on weekdays, from 8 am to 5 pm. The service is strictly by appointment and should be set one to two days before the preferred date through the MakatiMed Hotline (8888-8999) or via hcare@makatimed.net.ph.

MakatiMed has also extended the operations of its Covid-19 swabbing facilities at Convergys Parking and MakatiMed Dela Rosa Driveway, which are now open every Sunday from 8 am t0 4 pm. The Convergys

j

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): You’ll have the upper hand if you are organized and innovative in the way you approach your dreams, hopes and wishes. A positive attitude and a staunch approach will ensure that you keep anyone who tries to interfere at a distance. HHHH

drive-thru and MakatiMed Dela Rosa swabbing sites offer Covid-19 RT-PCR Molecular Test and Covid-19 Rapid Antigen Screening.

Before the procedure, patients should call the hotline or MakatiMed Covid Hotline local 7335 to ensure the safety of medical staff and other patients.

Covid-19 test results can be accessed through www. makatimed.net.ph.

With quarantine orders in place amid another spike in Covid-19 cases, MakatiMed is encouraging everyone to stay at home and consistently observe health protocols like properly wearing a mask and a face shield, and practicing hand hygiene.

Patients who want to get their pneumonia and flu shots, or get tested for Covid-19 are assured that the hospital follows strict health and safety protocols based on the recommendations of the World Health Organization and the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Consistency will be your ticket to success. Stick to the rules and regulations, and don’t take risks that can jeopardize your health or reputation. A physical change will leave you feeling vulnerable if you don’t think before you act. HHH

k

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Tunnel vision will help you overcome temptation and interference. Know what you want, and don’t let up until you reach your goal. Look over your options, and stay centered and focused on what’s of utmost importance. Success will be yours. HHH

l

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Consider your relationship with others, and you’ll get an inside view of what’s required to get what you want.

You may not welcome a change, but the results you achieve will surprise you. Romance is featured, and socializing looks promising. HHH Birthday Baby: You are outspoken, intelligent and convincing.

You are steadfast and ambitious.

‘matching pairs’ by alex eato salners The Universal Crossword/Edited by David Steinberg

ACROSS 1 “Ditto” 6 Monitor for TV? 9 Persuasive assignment 14 Company in a 2001 fraud scandal 15 Evian, par exemple 16 Hot, frothy drink 17 Leslie Odom Jr.’s Tony-winning Hamilton role 19 Goryeo Dynasty’s land, once 20 Roofer’s supply 21 Deviate from the script 23 Popular site for a stud 24 Latin epic poem 26 Marine plant that grows in beds 29 Word after “jet” or “time” 30 Paleo’s opposite 32 “___ the way you think” 33 Soft lock 35 Places for sweaters?

38 Like some tape...and each starred clue’s answer, based on its first and last two letters?

41 They may have creaky boards 42 Stonehenge worshipper

45 Mandolin’s kin 47 Regret 49 Earth-friendly prefix 50 Rib cook-off need 53 Some weight lifters 55 Devour 56 Ivory and Irish Spring products 58 ___ Peter to pay Paul 59 Activist Thunberg 62 License to drill?

65 Fire-setting crime 66 Ernie of golf 67 Exposed as a fraud, e.g.

68 Waiting in the wings, perhaps 69 Actor’s workplace 70 Jawaharlal in Indian history DOWN 1 ___ otter 2 Experiencing great success 3 Like some marriages 4 G.I. Jane star Demi 5 Cozy stopover 6 Prolonged quarrel 7 The Very Hungry Caterpillar author Eric

8 Marie who was the first winner of two Nobel Prizes 9 Grand Teton beast 10 ___ Tome and Principe 11 Run out of pants?

12 “Relax,” to a drill instructor 13 Many moons 18 Said, as a farewell 22 Russian pancakes 24 PC key that modifies other keys’ functions 25 Narrow-minded 27 Comparatively pleased 28 Choir platform 31 Nobel Peace Center’s home 34 First sound in “Georgia” 36 ___ Lingus (Irish carrier) 37 Cold War initials 39 Yeltsin of the 37-Down 40 Straight up?

43 Brew that’s frozen during production 44 Cinco menos tres 45 Pizza Hut competitor 46 Exam for an aspiring Mensan 48 Sch. in La Jolla

50 Started 51 Gold deposits, perhaps 52 Big spoon, of a sort 54 Have a dispute 57 Vowelless summons 60 Excessively 61 ___ Arbor 63 Many, many moons 64 End of Brown’s URL Solution to today’s puzzle:

Show BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Editor: Gerard S. Ramos

• Friday, September 17, 2021

JULIE ANNE SAN JOSE

Julie Anne San Jose’s ‘Musical Trilogy’ kicks off with ‘Breathe’

TODAY, September 17, sees the much-awaited first leg of the one-a-kind online musical journey, Limitless, A Musical Trilogy, headlined by Julie Anne San Jose. Concert-goers can buy their tickets via www.GMANetwork.com/synergy.

Dubbed Breathe, the first of the three-part online musical journey sees the bestselling singer exploring the hidden gems of Mindanao and, in the process, sharing her own experience as well as her discoveries about herself.

“In Limitless, I’m sharing a piece of my heart,” shares Julie. “I don’t think I’ve ever been this vulnerable and open to people through a show. You always see me through my work or TV show but I feel like for the first time, you will see me as ‘me’ in Limitless.”

Discovering more is what makes the homegrown GMA singer, songwriter, dancer, actress and multi-instrumentalist feel limitless. “Every day is a learning experience for me and I always have a hunger for learning and for honing my talents,” she adds.

In Breathe, Julie meets with the locals of various locations in Mindanao, learning more about their culture and values.

“What really made an impact to me was the connection we had with the locals in Mindanao. They would tell us how grateful they were that of all places we could have gone to, we went to theirs,” she says.

Julie also collaborates with GMA homegrown talents and local artists for Limitless.

For the September 17 leg, Julie is joined by Christian Bautista and The Clash alumnus Jong Madaliday. Christian has worked with Julie in various musical concerts and TV shows, including the The Clash. Jong, who hails from North Cotabato, is a proud product of the said singing competition.

In “Breathe”, Julie also collaborates with Myke Salomon, the musical director behind the hit musicals Ang Huling El Bimbo and Rak of Aegis, and JC Gellidon as the director of photography. Ticket buyers have options to purchase ticket specific for each leg, or avail of the ticket bundle for the three legs. Tickets are priced at P599 (general admission), P1,499 (Synergy Pass GA), P1,199 (VIP), and P3,299 (Synergy Pass VIP). A special merchandise awaits ticket buyers who purchase the VIP and Synergy Pass VIP. Limitless, A Musical Trilogy is under the creative direction of Paolo Valenciano. This one-of-a-kind event is produced by GMA Synergy—the same team behind the Philippines’ firstever virtual reality concert, Alden’s Reality: The Virtual Reality Concert, the TV airing of which is a finalist at the 2021 New York Festivals Awards.

‘Work with hope’— a poet and classics scholar on facing the flood of bad news Continued from B4 Thank goodness for hope—what would we do without “the thing with feathers/that perches on the soul,” as Emily Dickinson famously describes it.

In the absence of hope, it’s hard to summon the energy to endure. It helps to remember Jane Goodall’s words, spoken in the context of climate change and extinction but equally applicable, surely, to any dire situation: “We absolutely need to know all the doom and gloom because we are approaching a crossroads. But traveling the world I’d see animal and plant species being rescued from the brink of extinction, people tackling what seemed impossible.” These positive stories need more attention, says Goodall, because “they’re what give people hope.”

Yes, hope can be mocking, frustrated and frustrating, when it’s disappointed, when it turns out to have been premature, as happened this summer. But a year ago, who would have dared to hope that the vaccines would be developed so swiftly? What was our hope then? We forget so quickly.

We must try to find a balance between hope, which looks ahead, and the tasks of the present. Samuel Taylor Coleridge, the 19th-century English poet who knew a good deal about dejection, captures such a balance perfectly at the close of his sonnet “Work Without Hope”: “Work without Hope draws nectar in a sieve/And Hope without an object cannot live.”

AT SEA WITH ‘BROKEN OARS’ WE can take the long view and look and hope beyond what can feel like an endless glum horizon.

But we can also focus on the small things, the countless occasions for gratitude we might not even have dared to envision at this time last year. The seasons keep turning, and now it’s early autumn, with its large and small changes.

Henry David Thoreau wrote in his journal on Auust 12, 1851: “The days for some time have been sensibly shorter; there is time for music in the evening.” Thoreau was well aware of the Mexican War, slavery, the pervasive sense of approaching crisis. But he also paid attention to each day as it passed.

I’m grateful that—in person, remotely or some confusing combination of the two—I have a chance to keep on teaching literature. To revise Coleridge’s bleak formulation: Work with hope. Hope with an object. THE CONVERSATION

The apotheosis of Mae Paner: Because we want to change ‘P

hotojournalism” is the only word that greets us in the first of the four-part monologue, called Tao Po. It is not a seductive word given how photojournalism has been bandied about for many years. The fear that this presentation is going to be a didactic one, the usual in-your-face activist propaganda, is an immediate impression. Then, a figure in black walks to a table, grabs a white or beige jacket and puts it on. The costume does not readily make that person the photojournalist but it allows us to see how the individual who entered has transformed “himself” into someone else.

That someone is the photojournalist, the actor is Mae Paner, the performance is about extrajudicial killing. The language is in English, in general. The critic in us whispers that this will not play. But the photojournalist begins by narrating how he is happy (nostalgic) being back in his old school. He talks about how he came to this career. Like a prescient lecturer, he goes for the interactive.

What would you want to write, if you were given the opportunity? One volunteers an answer. The journalist probes some more. To this, another response echoes back: beauty pageant. There is a slight pause from Paner. Is that a twitch or a smirk? The camera does not linger on the judgmental aspect of the performance.

But we are judging. We are the ones smirking. We want to scream.

No one talks of beauty pageants, for heaven’s sake, when people are dying each day because they are suspected of being

into drugs!

The episode that we thought would fail has us hooked. The relentless happens—Paner channeling Raffy Lerma begins to click on his PowerPoint and—gradually, dazzlingly, deathly—photos appear on the screen. These are the images that graced the front page and grazed our consciousness when the war on drugs began in 2016. The accidental and bloody mutilations of vehicular accidents favored by newspapers have been replaced by documentations of photojournalists who were there on time and in time to catch the warm details of fresh killings.

If the history of photojournalism of this generation shall be written, then these are the photos that will form of our collective consciousness. Where the previous generations of photographers were lauded for capturing wars—World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the encounters between the military and the NPA, the insurgencies in Mindanao—here we are looking up unsure whether we will applaud or turn away at these masterpieces of violence and executions.

The photojournalist shares with us the difficulties involved, how a matter of minutes can change a photo documentation. A few minutes after, the lifeless body sprawled on a pavement has now a gun beside it. Each photograph comes with a back story and Paner, the photojournalist, brings them forward even as she is almost deadpan in recounting the seconds leading to those tableaux of brutality against humans.

The triumph of this first part, which serves as a bloodstained introduction to the whole issue of EJK and state-sponsored violence against its citizens, can be attributed to Paner who, as the photojournalist, surrenders the power of human presence and his words to the photographs.

Three more parts follow Tao Po. The second is black comedy. That term is by practice almost an invention of Filipinos. We find humor in tragedies and deaths, in conditions that push us to the limits of our humanity.

This is not that dirty word called “resilience”. This is not even a coping mechanism, a very middle-class sense of triumphing over adversities. Laughing when

surrendering is the option is really our version of standing up to a government or institutions that favor only the wealthy and those in positions of power.

Thus, you need to look unflinchingly at Rosing, a Zumba instructor who, in the middle of her session, is visited by her husband and son, both victims of extra-judicial killing. Paner as the instructor heaving her way through those steps while confronting the memories of loved ones killed helplessly is as insane as the society that has spawned those violations.

The most disturbing episode of Tao Po comes after Rosing’s dilemma. In this third narrative, Paner is transformed into a vigilante/hitman who, in the course of the conversation, puts on the policeman’s uniform. The person who creates order in society by the use of force is also the same being who dispenses violence under the guise of an official costume. While in the first part the cool delivery of the photojournalist disarms the audience, in the third part the methodical storytelling of the vigilante punctuated by his own amusement of the proceedings is the bad joke of governance. And we are not laughing.

Tao Po ends with a young girl visiting the cemetery.

She lights candles for the dear departed, all of them dead by summary execution. The names are familiar: Kian, Jen Jen, Reynald.... They are part of our memories in the same way that, for Vanessa, a child learns to say tokhang like a nursery rhyme.

Tao Po is a film adaptation of the play written by Maynard Manansala, produced and directed for film

by Mae Paner. The spare imaging is brought about by the cinematography of Aki Pantaleon and the editing

by Chuck Gutierrez. Credit for the sound design for film should be given to Andrea Teresa T. Idioma and Albert Michael M. Idioma. They make us realize the value of silence and stillness. Photographs used were

by Raffy Lerma. Moira Lang, Maynard Manansala and Rody Vera serve as coproducers.

Tao Po is an offering from the Juana Change Movement. There will be weekend streamings of the film via Cinemalaya (www.cinemalaya.org) on September 17, 18, 24, 25 and October 1, 2, 8, and 9. n

Maymay comes into maturity

You have got to give it to Maymay Entrata.

You will at first dismiss her because the way she presents herself, she is kengkoy. She seems untamed and maybe too much for some people. Worse, she might seem to be someone who should not be taken seriously.

But in the media conference for the latest season of Click, Like, Share, one got the sense that Maymay has somehow matured. She was deliberate in her answers.

She opened up how she has become more serious about national issues, which is why she wants to use

her influence to urge people to register to vote in the upcoming elections. Even a curveball issue raised by the media, such as her supposed gap with fellow Pinoy Big Brother alumnae Kisses Delavin and the latter’s joining in a beauty contest, she answered with grace and aplomb, saying that Kisses once revealed to her that the latter’s dream was to become a beauty queen, adding that she is just there to support Kisses even if they are no longer in touch.

Maymay also revealed that at first she was hesitant to take on roles out of her comfort zone, such as the one she landed for Click, Like, Share. The show is smart, but sometimes dark yet filled with black humor, showing the catastrophic consequences of cruel behavior on social media. Think of it like a local but more wholesome version of Black Mirror.

Anyway, in Maymay’s installment, titled “Lurker,” she plays hardworking waitress Beng who will suffer the dangers of oversharing on social media. After a rich online influencer named Trish (Michelle Vito) embarrasses her at work, Beng seeks revenge by lurking on Trish’s social-media accounts in an evil attempt to ruin her life.

This role, she revealed in the media conference, is really something that challenged her. In the past, she would have typically begged off, but this time she said that challenging yourself is something that she has totally embraced. After all, this is how one can grow up and learn more things.

Maymay is only one of the many cast members of the second season of Click, Like, Share (the first one starred the Gold Squad Andrea Brillantes, Francine Diaz, Kyle Echerri and Seth Fedelin). Joining her in their own featured episodes are Janella Salvador, Tony Labrusca, Barbie Imperial and Jerome Ponce. The new episodes are currently streaming on iwantTFC two days before they air on before they play on the Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live, and A2Z every Sunday at 8:30 pm.

The new episodes of Click, Like, Share also star Mutya Orquia, Louise Abuel, Sherry Lara, Franco Daza, Paolo Gumabao, Kate Alejandrino, Malou Crisologo and Renz Aguilar. The series is directed

by Emmanuel Q. Palo and produced by iWantTFC and ABS-CBN Entertainment, in association with Dreamscape Entertainment and Kreativ Den.

B5

B6 Friday, September 17, 2021

NTM 2021: “I teach for a better future”

Multisectoral groups support Dumaguete Smart City project

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EADERS from multisectoral groups in Dumaguete City have expressed their support to the proposed 174-hectare smart city project, following a series of public forums with Mayor Felipe Antonio Remollo.

The sectors include business process outsourcing workers, pastors from Christian churches, Muslim communities, fisherfolk, pedicab drivers, market vendors and coastal barangay residents.

According the groups’ leaders, the planned development will create tens of thousands of jobs and income opportunities in the city and neighboring towns in Negros Oriental, as well as in Cebu, Siquijor and northern Mindanao “We believe this will be beneficial to our city and our churches, and the next generation of Dumaguetenos,” says Pastor Juneil Caballero, a local evangelical leader.

Pastor Robert Nadala compared the Smart City to reclamation projects in Cebu where he was among the oppositors

to the South Road Properties due to its environment effects. He said that after the implementation of the reclamation, people have seen its benefits in reducing traffic congestion and spurring economic activities.

Moreover, Imam Abdul Maula Muhsin of the Masjidus Salam in Bagacay village expressed the support of the Islamic community to the city administration and its projects which benefit its constituents.

Dumaguete City Bangus Fry Association, a fisherfolk group, has also backed the project as it will protect coastal barangays from periodic destructive storm surges.

“Now is the time to shift into concrete solution without disregarding the environment. I go for 174 hectare reclamation project with a bold condition that a coastal road with a seawall will be built to stop erosion and protect the constituents along the coastal areas,” says group president Marlan Quan.

Local officials from the nearby municipalities of Sibulan, Bacong, Valencia and Dauin, meanwhile have also expressed guarded optimism on the project’s benefits on their local economies.

Touted to be a global township, the said project will be built by reclaiming portions of the sea without obstructing the scenic view at Rizal Boulevard, the city’s main attraction and recreational space.

A public-private partnership proposal

by EM Cuerpo Inc, a contractor of Build, Build, Builder flagship infrastructures under the Duterte administration, it will be developed at no cost to the local government.

“The five-year, P 23-billion project will transform Dumaguete into a highly-urbanized city and an economic powerhouse in the southern Philippines.

It will have modern information technologies, earth-friendly building systems, earth-friendly energy sources and transportation, a mixed-use business park, as well as public facilities for health, housing, education, sports, and transportation,” Remollo said.

He added that the master-planned development will start with a wave protection system to protect coastal communities, and wastewater treatment plant to improve the quality of the bay’s polluted water.

He revealed that a group of Cebubased scuba divers from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources recently assessed Dumaguete’s marine resources, which will be used to map the area to be reclaimed to minimize damage to underwater life.

Education drives and consultations will also be conducted with other sectors such as the academic community, other religious leaders, informal workers, local businessmen, senior citizens, and local officials of Negros Oriental.

Avon announces a 10-year plan and sustainability goals to make every product greener from production to usage

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F you’re thinking of making the shift towards a greener lifestyle, there is no better time than now.

Climate change worsens every year, so it’s critical to get everyone to do their part for the planet. It doesn’t have to be in one go, but it is important to make a shift soon—and Avon believes that women can lead this initiative.

As part of Natura & Co, Avon shares its Commitment to Life, which covers three important aspects: addressing the climate crisis, defending humanrights and gender equality, and embracing sustainability in business.

Progress through Products

NOW every Filipina can do her part in making sure the next generation will have a chance to live in a cleaner Philippines, and this is possible when you choose Avon.

The global beauty and fashion brand recently announced a 10-year plan with specific sustainability goals, to make every Avon product greener from the moment it is produced until after it is used.

By 2030, the goal is to have all Avon products be made using only sustainable methods and resources, to improve production by reducing water consumption, while generating less waste and carbon emissions.

Even packaging will be reusable, recyclable, or compostable.

The shift has already started with Avon’s new Beauty+ products, which offer an extensive catalogue for everyday life. From reusable kitchen helpers, vegan faux leather accessories, intimate apparel made with upcycled materials, and even

eco-resin jewelry. Each day you can get a step closer to becoming more planetfriendly. Check out these products at www.avonshop.ph.

Partnering for the Planet

ARE you stacking up on empty avon containers or are you worried where your trash might end up? Look no further because Avon has partnered with environmental and social enterprise, The Plastic Flamingo, so that containers of your favorite Avon products can now be recycled or repurposed. There are two ways to do this: contact Avon reps to collect empties, or visit one of the twelve collection sites all over Metro Manila.

Each plastic collected will be sorted and will either be sold to recycling plants, or be transformed into industrial grade

Eco-planks that help build emergency shelters all over the country!

“We want to ensure that Filipinos nationwide will soon have access to these initiatives so we can do our part in shifting consumers preferences towards sustainability” says Razvan Diratian, General Manager, Avon Philippines.

No action is too big nor too small when shifting to a sustainable lifestyle.

When it comes to the beauty of doing good, Avon is ready to help you make a better world for all. For over 135 years Avon supports women’s empowerment, entrepreneurship and well-being and has donated over $1billion to women’s causes through Avon and the Avon Foundation. Learn more at www. avonworldwide.com.

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HE Metrobank Foundation, supports the National Teachers’ Month (NTM) celebration from September 5 to October 5, 2021.

The aim is to carry on with the tradition of honoring the significant role of educators in society, especially as our nation continues to confront the disruptions brought by the health crisis. A year has passed since the onset of the pandemic, and the education sector is still adapting to different modes of instruction.

NTM is led by the NTM Coordinating Council—a consortium of organizations from the government, business, academe, media, civil society, and other industries. This year’s

theme, “I teach for a better future,” pays tribute to the teachers’ dedication to ensure continuity of learning and bridge gaps for the growth of students who are the country’s future leaders.

Metrobank encourages everyone to support the 13-year crusade and sharing materials relevant to this year's NTM. The NTM brief, NTM logo, 2021 NTM official design, and other relevant materials, can be accessed and downloaded via this link: 2021 National Teachers’ Month.

For more information, visit the official NTM Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ NTMPhils.

Scientific study finds no evidence linking vaping and COVID-19

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MAJOR study by Mayo Clinic in the United States which employed logistic regression models found no evidence linking vaping and Covid-19 diagnosis, based on the health records of nearly 70,000 patients.

“In contrast to the few prior studies that explored the association of e-cigarette use and COVID-19, we find no evidence that current or former e-cigarette users are more likely to be diagnosed,” according to researchers from Mayo Clinic who conducted the study, considered one of the largest of its kind to date.

Titled “Electronic Cigarette Use Is Not Associated with COVID-19 Diagnosis”, the study was conducted by researchers from Mayo Clinic, reviewed by The Institutional Review Board (IRB) and published on prestigious medical journals on June 10, 2021.

Authored by Thulasee Jose, Ivana Croghan, J. Taylor Hays, Darrell R. Schroeder and David O. Warner of Mayo Clinic, the analysis tested the hypothesis that e-cigarette use was associated with an increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients seeking medical care.

It looked at 69,264 patients who were over the age of 12 years, smoked cigarettes or vaped and were given medical care at Mayo Clinic facilities between September 15, 2019 and November 30, 2020.

This followed mainstream media reports based on previous studies showing that vaping links to COVID risks were becoming clear.

Compared with the previous investigations, the Mayo Clinic study analyzed clinical cohort and used self-reported e-cigarette use data that were confirmed and documented in electronic health record by a clinician. COVID-19 diagnosis in the Mayo Clinic study was also confirmed using a diagnostic PCR test.

The study also employed logistic regression models to assess whether current e-cigarette use was associated with an increased risk of COVID-19 diagnosis.

Following two regression models, authors of the study says that e-cigarettes do not appear to increase susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection.

“Patients who used only e-cigarettes were not more likely to have a Covid-19 diagnosis, whereas those who used only cigarettes had a decreased risk," the study says.

Before the study, the authors, who declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship and/or publication of the article, said the impact of tobacco use on SARS-CoV-2 infection risk and COVID-19 severity

remained unclear despite previous studies.

The authors noted that while a previous meta-analysis found that compared with never smokers, current cigarette smokers appeared to be at reduced risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection, another systematic review and meta-analysis found that both current and former smoking significantly increased the risk of severe COVID-19 and death.

They said little was also known about how electronic cigarette use might affect risk and there were indirect results from previous studies. Factors that might have complicated previous studies included inconsistent ascertainment of e-cigarette use in medical records, and the fact that many who use e-cigarettes also use other forms of tobacco.

Thus, the Mayo Clinic study aimed to test the hypothesis that current e-cigarette use is associated with an increased risk of COVID-19 diagnosis in patients seeking medical care.

The study gathered patient demographics, tobacco use status and COVID-19 test status from electronic health record (EHR), while current e-cigarette or conventional cigarette use within the last 30 days was queried during each medical visit.

From September 15, 2019 to November 30, 2020, 69,264 patients were screened and analyzed for e-cigarette and conventional cigarette use during ambulatory appointments at Mayo medical facilities. Among the patients, about 2.7 percent reported current e-cigarette use and 2.4 percent reported former use.

In the first logistic regression model that included e-cigarette and conventional cigarette use as separate variables, the study found that current or former e-cigarette use was not associated with COVID-19 diagnosis.

In fact, current, but not former smokers, were less likely to have a COVID-19 diagnosis compared to never smokers.

The study notes that in the second logistic regression model when inhaled tobacco use was included as a single variable, patients who used only e-cigarettes were not more likely to have a COVID-19 diagnosis while those who used only cigarettes had a decreased risk.

“Although e-cigarettes have the welldocumented potential for harm, and the COVID-19 pandemic presents an opportunity to reduce e-cigarette use, our study found that such use does not appear to increase susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection among patients seeking medical care. This result suggests the hypothesis that any effects of conventional cigarette smoking on susceptibility are not mediated by nicotine.

Future work should evaluate whether e-cigarette use could moderate COVID-19 outcomes,” the authors concluded.

mirror_sports@yahoo.com.ph | Editor: Jun Lomibao

Champions’ League for men, women set in November

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HE Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) in a virtual meeting on Tuesday night set the men and women Champions’ League (CL) in November, capping a modestly busy end-quarter federation calendar.

PNVF President Ramon “Tats” Suzara, upon the recommendation of the CL Working Group, set the Women’s CL from November 13 to 19 and the Men’s CL from November 20 to 26.

Eight teams will play as many as 24 matches in each category.

The PNVF is eyeing either the Ilocos Norte Centennial Arena in Laoag City, Claro M. Recto Events Center in Lipa City or Tagaytay City as potential venue for the semi-bubble competitions.

Joining Suzara in the meeting were PNVF Secretary General Don Caringal, Vice President Dr. Arnel Hajan and Board Members Charo Soriano, Carmela Gamboa and Yul Benosa and Technical and Coaching Commission Chairman Coach Jerry Yee. Representatives from Metro Manila clubs Cignal HD, Black Mamba-Army, Sta. Lucia, Chery Tiggo, PetroGazz and F2 Logistics, as well as teams from Baguio City and Iligan City also attended the oneand-a-half hour virtual meeting.

The CL is a national league owned by the PNVF which aims to bring together all volleyball stakeholders through a high level of play at the club level, according to Suzara.

“It is also one of the PNVF’s 10-point agendas which is to serve Filipino families with entertainment through volleyball and to make volleyball a widely played sport by elevating it through high-performance competition,” Suzara said.

One of the CL’s objectives is to strengthen and sustain the country’s national team program through an alternate yet equally strong platform.

In the preliminary round, the eight clubs will be divided into two pools of four teams playing in a round-robin format. At the end of pool play, the teams will be ranked and will advance to the quarterfinals playing a cross-over single elimination as follows: The quarterfinals winners will advance to the semifinals, while the losing clubs will play in the classification round: The semifinals winners will advance to the gold medal match, while the losing teams will play for the bronze medal.

The two winning clubs in the first stage of the classification phase will figure in the fifth to sixth place match, while the losing teams will play in the seventh to eighth place match.

Deadline for the submission of 20-player rosters is on October 20.

Sports BusinessMirror

‘CUADRO ALAS’ AUGUST’S BEST

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OHN RIEL CASIMERO lorded it over Philippine sports in August following a successful defense of his World Boxing Organization bantamweight belt.

Not far behind was, Mark “Magnifico” Magsayo, who, like Casimero, made waves also atop the ring on foreign soil.

Nicknamed “Cuadro Alas,” Casimero hogged the spotlight last August 15 when he fashioned out a split decision victory over crafty and elusive Cuban challenger Guillermo Rigondeaux at the Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson City, California, to retain his crown.

The Ormoc City pride couldn’t land a knockout punch as the two-time Olympic gold medalist danced away from harm’s way, connecting on counterpunches in the dull fight that disappointed fans who expected fireworks.

Posting his 31st win, 21 by knockout, against four losses, Casimero made a successful second defense of the title he wrested

from South African Solani Tete with a third-round stoppage last December 11, 2019, at the Birmingham Arena in England.

Rigondeaux, unapologetic of his drab boxing style, absorbed only his second defeat in 22 matches.

Casimero led the Philippine Sportswriters Association’s (PSA) list of monthly achievers for August, joining the likes of first Philippine Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz and her fellow Tokyo Olympics medalists Nesthy Petecio, Carlo Paalam and Eumir Marcial, along with US Women’s Open champion Yuka Saso, national pole vault record holder EJ Obiena, French Open junior girls doubles champion Alex Eala, among others.

In contrast to the boring Casimero-Rigondeaux clash, Magsayo’s was thrilling and action-packed.

The Filipino prizefighter bucked a fifth-round knockdown to knock out scrappy Mexican Julio Ceja in the 10th round of their scheduled 12-rounder on August 22 at the

T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Also handled by MP Promotions of Senator Manny Pacquiao like Casimero, the Boholano featherweight slugger kept his unblemished record intact by registering his 23rd straight win and his 16th knockout victim.

Ceja dropped to his fifth loss with 32 wins and one draw.

Not to be overlooked was Obiena, who booked a new Philippine record of 5.91 meters in placing second behind Tokyo Olympic gold medalist Armand Duplantis of Sweden in the Paris leg of the Diamond League last August 29 at the Charlety Stadium.

It was an encouraging performance for Obiena, who broke his old mark of 5.87 meters he set last July 1 in another second place finish in the Irina Szwewinska Memorial meet in Bydgoszcz, Poland.

His performance was a far cry from his sub-par jump of 5.70 meters to slump to 11th place in the Tokyo Olympics last August 3.

Lady jins in PSC’s ‘Rise Up, Shape Up’ PHL skaters seeking berths

JOHN RIEL CASIMERO in action against Cuban Guillermo Rigondeaux during their title fight in August in Carson City.

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OUNG and promising female taekwondo jin will headline the Philippine Sports Commission’s (PSC) “Rise Up! Shape Up! (RUSU)” this Saturday.

RUSU, a weekly web series conducted by the PSC’s Women in Sports Program, highlights the inspiring stories of women and girls who demonstrate excellence in sports and provides them equal opportunity and exposure.

PSC-RUSU will feature 45 taekwondo rising stars who took part in the recent Seventh Women’s Martial Arts Festival.

“Courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control and an indomitable spirit—these are the five tenets of taekwondo that any practitioner or athlete knows by heart,” PSC Women in Sports Commissioner oversight Celia Kiram said. “These are also the same characteristics manifested by these 45 young taekwondo champions.”

Kiram will discuss in her “K-Isport: Kwentong Isport” segment a brief history of taekwondo.

The program starts at 10:30 a.m.

“This project echoes the agency’s commitment to supporting and nurturing women in the field of sports,” Kiram said.

Friday, September 17, 2021 B7

MERALCO’S Bong Quinto tries to shake off Terrafirma’s Juami Tiongson.

BOLTS OVERPOWER DYIP T

HE second stringers went to work for Meralco as the Bolts whipped the Terrafirma Dyip, 95-83, on Thursday in the Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup at the Don Honorio Ventura State University gym in Bacolor, Pampanga.

The Bolts—playing without go-to-guy guard Chris Newsome, Reymar Jose and big man Cliff Hodge because of health and safety protocols—outscored the Dyip, 2213, in the fourth quarter to claim their six wins against two losses.

The Bolts ran second in the standings behind early quarterfinalist TNT Tropang Giga (9-1).

“This win was big for us. We just have to play together, and play for one another,” Meralco coach Norman Black said. “Our defense controlled the pace of the game.”

The Bolts limited the Dyip to a 38.8 percent (31 of 80) shooting from the field.

“That was very important tonight, with a very tough game against Terrafirma,” Black said. “Our defense held up in the second half, and the guys came up with big shots.

Everybody contributed to this game.”

Bong Quinto was the most

Saruta: I will break Pacio

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in Beijing Winter Olympics

By Josef Ramos

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HREE Filipinos— Edrian Celestino and Sofia Frank in figure skating and Julian Macaraeg in speed skating—set out for separate Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics qualifying tournaments this month and until the last quarter of the year.

Philippine Skating Union (PSU) President Nikki Cheng told BusinessMirror on Thursday that Celestino, 23, and Frank, only 15, will compete in the Nebelhorn

Trophy Figure Ice Skating Winter Olympics Qualifying Competition in Oberstdorf, Germany, set from September 22 to 25.

The 18-year-old Macaraeg, on the other hand, will shoot for his Beijing slot in the World Cup Series set from October to November in China, Japan, Hungary and The Netherlands.

“We have a great chance of qualifying for the Winter Olympics,” Cheng said. “The figure skaters are training abroad, which is an advantage for them, because the rinks in the Philippines are closed because of the Covid-19 pandemic.”

The Filipino-Canadian Celestino, whose parents are originally from Bulacan, is based in Montreal. He used to represent Canada until the 2018 season when he switched nationality and eventually became the Philippine national champion in 2019.

Frank, on the other hand, is a Filipino-American based in Colorado Springs—her mother is former beauty queen Precious Tongko who traces her roots to Isabela. She copped a bronze medal in the recent Colorado Springs Invitational.

Macaraeg, meanwhile, has Filipino parents from Pasig City who migrated to the US in the 1990s. He was the first Filipino

aggressive and scored 17 points on 9-of-11 shooting from the foul line and hauled down eight rebounds for the Bolts.

Anjo Caram had six of his 13 points in the fourth period and he also had plus five assists, while Allein Maliksi contributed 12 points.

Ahead 73-70 at the end of the third period, Caram led the fourthquarter assault that have Meralco a 91-79 cushion with over 4:12 left.

The Dyip failed to comeback and dropped to a 3-7 win-loss record that dimmed their bid for the quarterfinals.

Raymond Almazan was in his elements for Meralco and finished with 11 points, eight rebounds and three blocks. Veteran Reynel Hugnatan added 10 points, eight he made in the last quarter, and rookie Alvin Pasaol had 10 points and eight rebounds.

Besides Newsome, Jose and Hodge, Black’s son Aaron suffered a right hand injury in the first two minutes of the game and didn’t return.

Aldrech Ramos scattered 15 points and Joseph Gabayni had a double-double of 14 points and 10 rebounds for Terrafirma. Josef Ramos

to compete at the 2020 World Youth Olympics in Lausanne and the 2021 World Short Track Speed Skating Championships in The Netherlands.

Cheng said Celestino is coached by Canadian Nicholas Young, while Frank is training under worldrenowned Olympic Coach Tammy Gambill of the US. Frank will be

accompanied by one of her personal coaches, Nicole Larsen.

Macaraeg will be accompanied by Ukrainian coach Valentyn Danilovskye.

PSU figure skating head coach Abraham Domdom admitted it would be difficult for Celestino and Frank to secure berths to the

FIGURE skaters Edrian Celestino and Sofia Frank and speed skater Julian Macaraeg are vying for slots to Beijing.

Beijing Games set from February 4 to 20.

“It’s going to be a tough task for our skaters to clinch a spot in the Winter Olympics,” Domdom said. “With 34 women vying for the top six spots and 26 men for the top 7 berths for Beijing, our skaters need to execute a near to perfect program.”

“That’s why they are training hard and polishing their routines ahead of the qualifiers,” Domdom said in a separate interview. “Every participating country has a good chance but it all depends on the day of the competition. If basketball has this saying ‘bilog ang bola,’ in skating we have ‘madulas ang yelo.”

Cheng also said that the PSU needs to raise P8.5 million to support the athletes’ Beijing campaign—P5 million for the qualifiers and the rest for their pre-Olympic training if they qualify.

ORMER strawweight titleholder Yosuke “The Ninja” Saruta is full of confidence ahead of his highly anticipated rubber match with reigning One strawweight world champion Joshua “The Passion” Pacio.

The Japanese standout takes on the Team Lakay ace in one of three world title bouts scheduled at One: Revolution, which broadcasts live from the Singapore Indoor Stadium on September 24.

It’s the third and perhaps final fight between the two strawweight dynamos, with each man having one win apiece.

Both Saruta and Pacio are looking to settle the score once and for all in this trilogy.

Ranked the No. 1 contender, Saruta said he knows what to expect against Pacio, adding that the Filipino star will be as dangerous as ever.

“I will break Pacio’s fighting spirit, break his will and finish him between rounds four and five,” Saruta said.

“That’s my prediction. Whether I knock him out or submit him, I am coming for the finish.”

Saruta first locked horns with Pacio in 2019, when he surprised Pacio by winning a close split decision to wrest the strawweight belt from the Filipino’s grasp.

The two figured in an immediate rematch shortly after, but Pacio was able to even up the score and reclaim his title via a thrilling head kick knockout victory.

In the main event, Christian “The Warrior” Lee defends his lightweight against No. 3 Ok Rae Yoon.

Motoring BusinessMirror

Henry Ford Awards Best Motoring Section 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 2011 Hall of Fame

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Editor: Tet Andolong

Friday, September 17, 2021

Toyota Corolla achieves

50 million global sales milestone

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Story by Randy S. Peregrino

T was in November 1966 when the Toyota Corolla made its debut in Japan as a 1-liter compact 5-seater sedan. Within two years, it doubled its annual production from 480,000 to 1.1 million vehicles. The introduction of the famous nameplate was a catalyst for mass car ownership in Japan and Asia.

There was no looking back, and its sales grew from strength to strength over the past 55 years. Today the Toyota Corolla celebrates a spectacular global sales milestone of 50 million cars. This milestone underscores the robust confidence and belief in Corolla's build quality, reliability, safety, and durability. In its 12th generation, it is Toyota's most recognized model and one of the world's top-selling cars.

Available in more than 150 countries worldwide, the Corolla has been part of every family. It continues to serve faithfully and dependably for different purposes—from a reliable family car; to covering long commute distances and as a fun, sporty choice customized to changing customer lifestyles. About one out of every five Toyotas made was a Corolla.

With each generation, Corolla engineers and designers at Toyota Motor Corporation have strived to incorporate cutting edge features, like improving interior cabin ergonomics, connectivity features. It included the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) in the 12th generation in 2019 that has further optimized the per-

formance and marketability of every model, and Toyota Safety Sense1— Toyota's proprietary suite of advanced safety and driver assistance features.

In the Asian region, hundreds of thousands of motorists have enjoyed and appreciated the Toyota Corolla from its early genesis. For many, the Corolla has been a centerpiece in the building of "treasured memories." A common sentiment from many Corolla owners, regardless of country or region, is that many choose to keep their Corolla or replace it with another Corolla. Here in the Philippines, many Corolla owners have driven their fuelefficient and very reliable cars over long distances in the archipelago.

Towards green solutions, Toyota is very much committed to achieving zero CO2 emissions and a net positive environmental impact towards the future. The goal is to reduce CO2 emissions from new vehicles by 35 percent or more by 2030.

The Corolla offers hybrid electric options that provide all the torque and acceleration needed on everyday driving and highways among Toyota models. It is drawing from the leadership

The current generation Corolla model. photos by Toyota Motor Philippines of Toyota in electrification technology since the launch of the Prius Hybrid 21 years ago. The 11th generation Corolla, introduced in 2012, was the first model to offer hybrid-electric options. Today, Corolla fans can choose from a variety of hybrid and internal combustion drivetrains.

In response to changing lifestyles, Toyota has introduced an SUV to the Corolla lineup to satisfy diverse customer needs seamlessly, with a full menu of advanced features in safety, performance, and comfort. Based on the "Corolla Meets SUV" concept, the Corolla Cross signals the transition to a new era of changing consumer preferences. This new model was globally introduced in Thailand last year.

Since its launch, demand has been strong for gasoline and hybrid-electric engine models, as the car comes with its renowned TNGA. Corolla Cross offers cutting-edge performance,

coupled with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS), ensuring complete peace of mind. While its rich heritage and history have kept the Corolla grounded, Toyota looks ahead to pursue constant "kaizen," or continuous improvement.

myTOYOTA: Toyota PHL’s upgraded app elevates the customer experience Meanwhile, Toyota Motor Philippines has made owning and maintaining a vehicle more fun, safe, and convenient for everyone with its latest upgraded mobile app. Users can explore TMP's vehicle lineup, browse the latest car deals, and book car appointments with just a few taps. They can also buy vehicle upgrades and packages and even access services like roadside assistance, all through their mobile devices anytime, anywhere.

The myTOYOTA app, now available for download for Android and iOS

The upgraded “myTOYOTA” app.

Toyota Motor Philippines

users, provides customers with a unified platform to access all information and services they need from car buying to after-sales and maintenance with just a single app. This digital tool lets existing and would-be Toyota owners enjoy the complete cycle of the Toyota life from product and service inquiries to car maintenance and upgrades, after-sales deals and assistance, and even vehicle trade-ins.

Customers can now explore and learn more about Toyota's newest vehicle lineup on their phones. From sedans to SUVs, users can find the vehicle that suits their needs and even create the best deal for themselves.

The app's Showroom features a carousel that displays all featured vehicles and their specifications. It provides users with a 360-degree virtual viewing of the vehicle of their choice. Interested buyers can build and personalize their dream car through the vehicle configurator, allowing users to see the available color options and choose compatible accessories and other items for their vehicle. They can access the financing calculator for their build summary and study the financing options.

On top of these, the app allows for a fast and easy way to make inquiries directly to Toyota dealers: Users can chat with a dealer and get the dealer's contact information.

Besides accessories, users can see available service packages and applicable promos. They can identify their

preferred delivery schedule for items ordered. Whether it is wheels, car covers, or luggage trays, customers can place their order with just a few taps and track the delivery on their phone for a hassle-free experience.

Through the myTOYOTA App, Toyota car owners can check for available service schedules, choose their preferred date, and easily keep track of their vehicle's preventive maintenance schedules. With a quick click, users will not only be able to access their car's service histor y and repair status but also browse, order, and check out service package—promos and all—via the app.

They can also cancel or reschedule the service booking.

Users can also check the status of their vehicle's insurance through the link to the e-policy. They can then be redirected to the Online Store's Insurance Renewal page, get a detailed computation, and submit a renewal request. Customers can also opt to receive real-time updates on Toyota's latest promos, news, and announcements via their myTOYOTA app's inbox.

Customers can now elevate their vehicle experience by downloading the myTOYOTA app for free on AppStore and Google Play. Customers can register to the new portal by visiting Toyota's official web site and signing in to MY TOYOTA. For more information about myTOYOTA, visit www. toyota.com.ph/mytoyota.

‘Aughost’ deflects sales growth

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HE resurgent virus has dented anew the industry’s recovery efforts as August sales declined by 11.5 percent. Sad, indeed. Just when we thought that the dark skies were starting to brighten up to make business aright, the “ghost” of August struck.

The world’s toughest enemy in 104 years, microscope-visible only to the naked eye, is threatening almost nonstop to derail a market rebound.

But no one’s surrendering as business moguls remain firm in soldiering on amid the pandemic rampage.

In this regard, Rommel Gutierrez, the charismatic lawyer with the ubiquitous Bee Gees voice, has sent a sales update from the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (Campi) and Truck Manufacturers Association (TMA).

Their combined August sales reached 15,847 units, equivalent to an 11.5 percent decline compared with the 17,906 units sold in the same period last year.

Gutierrez, the Campi president, attributed the slide to the decline in economic activity in particular and in consumer spending in general.

“This was worsened by the stricter twoweek lockdown in the National Capital Region and nearby provinces that was reimposed last month,” said Gutierrez.

“The message of this bleak performance is worth noting,” he said.

“Strict lockdowns in response to curbing the Covid-19 pandemic might affect the industry’s recovery this year.”

He said the total sales target of 295,400 units or 20.9-percent growth than the actual sales recorded last year is being compromised.

Year-to-date, the industry has sold 170,112 units, a 37.8-percent increase compared with the 123,489 units recorded in the same period last year.

Not bad as we still have four months to go before yearend. By experience, vehicle sales rev up going towards December as the typical consumer, by nature, tends to spend even his last peso in his pocket if only to celebrate the season of joy.

Right Attorney G aka Barry Gibb?

Lexus pressed prices

LEXUS has launched lucrative discounts on its RX lineup, the iconic variant launched in 1998 that has become the country’s most popular Lexus model.

“That is not surprising, considering how the RX has evolved, not just in appearance, but in quality, technology, and practicality as well,” said Jade B. Sison, the comely chief media strategist of Lexus chieftain Raymond T. Rodriguez.

Thus, this September, Jade says the prices of the four models have been drastically lowered to adapt to the times and “in appreciation to the continued patronage of our loyal Lexus customers.”

The new prices: RX 350 P4,438,000; RX 350 F Sport P4,998,000; RX 350L P4,918,000; and, RX 450h (3.5-liter hybrid, direct injection V6 petrol engine) P5,238,000.

PEE STOP

Honda ends its four-day sale on September 18 with huge discounts ushering in the holiday season, plus service promos extended up to September 30. Visit www.hondaphil.com for more details…