MARCH 2020 VOL 95 NO 03

BUSINESSPublished by The American Chamber of Commerce of theJournal Philippines, Inc. www.amchamphilippines.com

IT'S WOMEN'S MONTH

4 Contents March 2020 | Vol 95 | No 03

AmCham Foundation News Editorial 48 AmCham Foundation Aids Victims of Taal 20 Bringing PH Public Service into the 21st Eruption Century 53 34th AmCham Foundation ChariTEE Golf Tournament Feature 34 What Counts for Success? AmCham News 50 “Easier to find Rebels than Pangolins”: 19 New AmCham Members Philippine Marines 10 AmCham Corporate and Associate Partners 12 How to be an AmCham Member Partner Organizational Sections 18 Introduce your Boss to the Philippine 06 AmCham Committees - Your MAIN Ally Business Landscape! 08 Officers & Directors 26 Gearing Towards The Digial Age 09 Guidelines for Submission of Articles Information and Communications Technology 14 Chapters & Advocacies Committee 16 Committees 46 AmCham Mindanao Holds GMM and Launching of Associate Partners 18 AmCham Staff 57 New AmCham Initiative - AmCham Center for 60 Members’ Birthdays: February - March Training and Development 62 Index to Advertisers 59 Advertise with AmCham Business Journal 62 AmCham Social Media Accounts 60 Let’s gather over coffee - AmCham Kapihan Upcoming AmCham Events Business of Business (03/26) Be Waste Wise: Innovating to Solve 38 If Men Could Only Understand Women Solid Waste Challenges (03/26) Preparation of Corporate Income Tax Returns Cover Story (03/26) AmCham Visayas General 22 A very MARDIficent Honor Your Staff Day Membership Meeting (03/27) Consumer Privacy and Data Security Company News Training: Data Privacy Act of 2012 30 The Economic Driver of Cebu (03/30-31) Microsoft Excel Tips and Tricks 42 International School Manila Celebrates 100 Training years of Growth! (04/02) AmCham Business Innovation Forum 44 Pfizer Philippines Foundation, Inc. Provides “Disruptors of the Decade” Special Service for Breast Cancer Patients (04/24) Is Your Business Ready?: Business 56 P&G Philippines drives recovery and Continuity Plan Workshop recycling program (04/27) Mandatory Eight-hour Safety and Health (MESH) Training for Safety Contributed Article Officers (SO1) (As required by DOLE) 54 Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): What (08/23) 9th AmCham Foundation ScholaRUN it means for your Business - Eat & Run 41 Private Detective Training Course Now Offered to the Public AmCham Philippines | March 2020 5

THIS MONTH'S ISSUE

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the United States 19th Amendment which allowed women’s suffrage or their right to vote. The struggle has come a long way since the 1848 Seneca Falls Convention but was finally ratified on August 18, 2020.

Women have come a long way since and they are not just household individuals anymore. Their contributions in any field, especially in business, cannot be underestimated. In fact, the 2019 Women in the Workplace report by McKinsey & Company shares that 44 percent of companies have at least three women in their C-Suite executives.

The glass ceiling, however, is still there as the same report reveals that only one in five C-suite executives is a woman. Therefore, we honor the women workforce who are planting the seeds of corporate equality and serve as inspiration for future female decision makers.

MISSION STATEMENT The Chamber exists to serve the needs and wants of Filipino and U.S. businesses through the participation of members in promoting their long-term objectives, while fostering closer relationships between the two countries and contributing to the civic and economic development of the Philippines

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Ebb Hinchliffe PUBLICATIONS CONSULTANT/EDITOR: Leslie Ann Murray COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER: Christina Tuguigui ADVERTISING HEAD: Chet Guevara LAYOUT EDITOR: Eya Martinez PHOTOGRAPHER: Roy Fulgado PUBLICATIONS COMMITTEE CO-CHAIRS: Manuel R. Guillermo and Ernie Cecilia PUBLICATIONS COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Atty. Emmanuel T. Santos and J. Albert Gamboa PUBLISHED BY: The American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, Inc. MEMBER: Publisher Association of the Philippines, Inc.

All rights reserved. AmCham Business Journal is a general business magazine published monthly by The American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, Inc., with offi ces at 2nd Floor, Corinthian Plaza, 121 Paseo de Roxas, corner Gamboa St., Legazpi Village, Makati City 1229 (C.P.O. Box 2562, Makati City 1265), Philippines; telephones: (632) 818-7911 to 13; fax (632) 811-3081 / 811-3184; emails: [email protected] / [email protected]; website: www.amchamphilippines.com. Publication Registration No.: ISSN-0116-452X

All views expressed in all articles are those of the authors and not of The American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, Inc. The American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, Inc. accepts no liability for the accuracy of the data or for the editorial views contained in the articles. Publication of unsolicited articles is at the sole discretion of the Publications Committee.

To adhere to publication deadlines, the Publications Committee reserves the right to defer for subsequent publication any submission due to matters of space or time constraints.

Further, the AmCham Publications Committee reserves the right to refuse any submission due to style or content, or context, which may be in confl ict with AmCham mission.

No article or any content thereof may be reproduced in any manner or form without the prior written consent or authorization of The American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, Inc.

Entered as second-class mail at the Manila Post Offi ce on May 24, 1921 and on December 10, 1945. Re-entered as second-class mail at the Makati Central Post Offi ce on May 07, 1992 and under Permit #534 dated May 24, 1993. 6 | AmCham News

8 | AmCham Officers & Directors

The American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, Inc. Putting your Business Forward Since 1902

H.E. SUNG Y. KIM U.S. Ambassador of the Philippines Honorary Chairman

PETER HAYDEN GEORGE M. DRYSDALE Capital One Philippines Support Services Corp. Marsman Drysdale Group President DONALD R. FELBAUM Optel LTD. BRUCE WINTON ROBERT M. SEARS Marriott Hotel Manila American Historical Collection Foundation, Inc. 1st Vice President Directors, Ex-Officios

ROBERTO BATUNGBACAL EBB HINCHLIFFE Dow Chemical AmCham Philippines 2nd Vice President Executive Director

PHILIP SOLIVEN ATTY. AILEEN TOLOSA-LERMA Cargill Philippines, Inc. Romulo Mabanta Buenaventura Sayoc de los Angeles Treasurer Law Office Corporate Secretary JOSE VICTOR EMMANUEL DE DIOS General Electric Philippines RALPH REUBEN MORALES Texas Instruments Philippines Inc. MARK LWIN President, AmCham North Luzon Chapter AIG Phils. Insurance, Inc. FRANK THIEL Quezon Power BRIAN CONNELLY Marco Polo Plaza Cebu ANDREAS RIEDEL President, AmCham Visayas Chapter Pfizer, Inc. ARIEL LACSAMANA CHRISTOPHER WICHLAN 3M Philippines Dusit Thani Hotels & Resorts BELINDA RACELA President, AmCham Mindanao Chapter Chevron Malampaya LLC WINN EVERHART MARDIE C. TORRES Coca-Cola Far East LTD. AmCham Foundation Directors Acting Executive Director

2nd Floor, Corinthian Plaza Building, 121 Paseo de Roxas corner Gamboa Street Legazpi Village, Makati City 1229 Tels.: (632) 8818 7911 to 13 • Fax: (632) 8811 3081 Email: [email protected] • Website: www.amchamphilippines.com AmCham Philippines | March 2020 9 10 | AmCham News

AMCHAM CORPORATE & ASSOCIATE PARTNERS

AmCham Philippines has been the longest-serving and most vibrant American Chamber in Asia. Recognized as the voice of business since 1902.

The AmCham Corporate and Associate Partnership offers companies year- round benefits, including expanded access to AmCham core membership resources for an enhanced leadership status within the community, as well as greater intelligence, access, influence, and exposure.

CORPORATE PARTNERS

ASSOCIATE PARTNERS

For more information, please contact AmCham’s Corporate Partnership Consultant. Email: [email protected] / Tel: (+632) 8818 7911 loc. 218

12 | AmCham News

Regular Firm Membership Associate Individual Membership *A – Php 57,800 | B – Php 47,300 Php 34,700 (*+Php 12, 500 one time registration fee) (*+Php 7, 500 one time registration fee) This membership is available to corporations, partnerships, This membership is available to individuals residing in the Philippines proprietorships, and other business organizations and enterprises that who are non-American citizens and who are not eligible for any other are registered and qualified to do business in the Philippines, with 30% membership classifications. or more of the ownership held by American citizens and/or corporations. In a partnership, the American partner/s must have a share of interest of 30% or more. In the case of nonstock corporations and un- incorporated associations, at least 30% of the voting members must Non-Profit and Government Membership be Americans. Php 23,400 In this classification, the firm shall be represented by an accredited (*+Php 6, 250 one time registration fee) individual who must rank as a senior executive but may not be necessarily This membership is available to: non-profit, charitable, civic, educational, be an American citizen. religious and eleemosynary organizations, associations and institutions in the Philippines. Under this classification, an individual accredited by the organization shall serve as a representative. Employees of the U.S. Regular Individual Membership Federal Government can also avail of this membership category. Php 34,700 (*+Php 7, 500 one time registration fee) This membership is available to individual persons residing in the Non-Resident Membership Philippines who are American citizens and who are not eligible for any Php 23,400 other membership classifications. (*+Php 6, 250 one time registration fee) This membership is available to firms and individuals who are doing business outside the Philippines but would like to support the Chamber Associate Firm Membership in its activities and events. *A – Php 57,800 | B – Php 47,300 (*+Php 12, 500 one time registration fee) This membership is available to firms that are qualified to do business in Additional Firm Membership the Philippines, with 71% or more of the ownership held by citizens or Php 5,250 corporations that are non-Americans. The firm shall be represented by This membership is available to any employee of a firm member residing an accredited individual who must rank as a senior executive and may in the Philippines who wish to be recognized as an official member of be of any nationality. the Chamber.

*A- Annual Revenue of US$ 5 million and above B - Annual Revenue of US$ 4.9 million and below

For queries please contact AmCham’s Membership Manager. Email: [email protected] / Tel: (+632) 8818 7911 loc. 207

14 | AmCham Chapters & Advocacies

THE AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF AMERICAN DESK AT THE BOARD OF INVESTMENTS THE PHILIPPINES, INC. (Established 1992) (North Luzon Chapter - 2015) RALPH REUBEN MORALES EBB HINCHLIFFE Texas Instruments Inc. Director President MC LAWRENCE JOAN SABROSO American Desk Specialist Chapter Office Manager 385 Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City Claro M. Recto Highway, Clark Freeport Zone Tels.: (632) 8895 8851; 895 3918 • Fax: (632) 8896 2315 Mabalacat City, Pampanga 2010 Emails: [email protected] Telefax: (632) 8811 3081 • Mobile: +63 (927) 912 3248 [email protected] Email: [email protected]

THE AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF FILIPINO-AMERICAN MEMORIAL ENDOWMENT, INC. THE PHILIPPINES, INC. (Founded 1986) (Visayas Chapter - 1987) BRIAN CONNELLY LT. COL. ARTEMIO MATIBAG Marco Polo President President LESLIE ANN MURRAY BRENDA LISEN Trustee Chapter Office Manager KV ROJAS RUTHCEL ARAGON F.A.M.E. Specialist Chapter Marketing Manager c/o The American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, Inc. Unit 303, Clotilde Commercial Center 2nd Floor, Corinthian Plaza Building, 121 Paseo de Roxas M.L. Quezon Street, Casuntingan, Mandaue City 6014 corner Gamboa Street, Legazpi Village, Makati City 1229 Tel.: +63 (32) 316 1093 • Fax: (032) 232 2373 C.P.O. Box 2562, Makati City, 1265 Mobile: +63 (917) 323 1972 Tels.: (632) 8818 7911 to 13 • Fax: (632) 8811 3081 Emails: [email protected] Email: [email protected] [email protected] Website: www.filipino-americanmemorials.org [email protected] Website: www.amchamvisayas.com

THE AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF THE AMERICAN CHAMBER FOUNDATION THE PHILIPPINES, INC. PHILIPPINES, INC. (Mindanao Chapter - 1988) (Founded 1985) CHRISTOPHER WICHLAN EDWIN FEIST Dusit Thani Hotels & Resorts Advanced Nutrition Technology President President

ANNIE QUITAY MARDIE C. TORRES Chapter Office Manager Acting Executive Director

2nd Floor, Door 207-208, Don Cesareo, Villa-Abrille Building 16th Floor, Sagittarius Conominium Jacinto corner Juan Luna Street, Davao City 8000 111 H.V. Dela Costa, Salcedo Village, Makati City 1227 Mobile: +63 (916) 876 7729 Trunkline: (632) 8816 3716 • Directline: (632) 8867 2426 Emails: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] [email protected] Website: www.amchamfoundation.com

16 | AmCham Committees

COMMITTEE Chairman INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST Agribusiness Philip G. Soliven / Atty. Mel Hernandez KV Rojas Education Terry Farris Lia Daus Energy & Power Atty. Jocot de Dios / Frank Thiel Mark Rabago Environment and Urban Development Jonah de Lumen-Pernia KV Rojas Financial Services, Taxes & Tariffs Atty. Jules Riego / Rombit Co Jeanne Moreno Healthcare and Wellness Jaeger Tanco / Donald Felbaum Lia Daus Human Capital & Resources Ernie Cecilia / Grace Sorongon Lia Daus Information & Communications Technology Donald Felbaum / Frank Holz Jeanne Moreno Infrastructure & Logistics Jaime Faustino / John Peterson Mark Rabago Intellectual Property Rights Atty. Divina P.V. Ilas-Panganiban, LL.M. Jeanne Moreno Atty. Princess Ascalon Legislative John D. Forbes / Atty. Elaine Collado Mark Rabago Manufacturing Dan Lachica / Chris Ilagan Mark Rabago Pharmaceutical Andreas Riedel Lia Daus Professional Women of AmCham Belinda Racela / Atty. Melanie Lagera Jeanne Moreno Security & Disaster Resources Group Simoun Ung / Pete Troilo Lia Daus Sustainability Atty. Mimi Malvar / Mardie C. Torres KV Rojas Tourism & Hospitality Robert Blume / Dorothy Drysdale Jeanne Moreno Trade & Investment Mario Biscocho / Douglas Fowler Mark Rabago Young Professionals of AmCham Atty. Paolo Villonco Peter Gonzales

INTERNAL Membership Roland dela Cruz / Martin Marty Vicky San Juan-Co Kapihan Ebb Hinchliffe / Leslie Ann Murray Peter Gonzales • Networking / General Membership Peter Gonzales Meetings • Welcome Breakfast Vicky San Juan-Co Chapters Ebb Hinchliffe Vicky San Juan-Co • North Luzon Joan Sabroso • Visayas Brenda Lisen Ruthcel Aragon • Mindanao Annie Quitay Communications & Publications Manuel R. Guillermo Lance Fernandez Ernie Cecilia Leslie Ann Murray Chet Guevara Eya Martinez Corporate Partners Ebb Hinchliffe Christina Winton Business Training and Development Center Mc Lawrence

ACTIVITIES /ADVOCACY / AFFILIATE Amcham Foundation Edwin D. Feist Mardie C. Torres AmDesk at The BOI Ebb Hinchliffe Mc Lawrence Business Leadership Program (BLP) Jun Salipsip / David Caldwell Pinky Jamili Filipino-American Memorial Endowment LT. Col. Art Matibag / Leslie Ann Murray Divina Combes (F.A.M.E.) The Arangkada Philippines Project John D. Forbes Mark Rabago (TAPP II) Washington Relations / APCAC Rick Santos / George Drysdale Divina Combes

18 | AmCham Staff

Assistant to the Executive Director Divina Combes

Human Resources / Administrative Offi cer Rachel de Guzman

Accounting Manager Patricia Estrella

Accounting Head Elmer Yanuaria

Cashier Dominador Borres

Accounts Receivable Specialist Cristina Teves

Program Manager, KV Rojas Committees and Industry Relations

Industry Development Specialists (IDS) Lia Daus Mark Rabago Jeanne Moreno Events Specialist Peter Gonzales

Government Liaison Mark Rabago

Business Training and Development Manager Mc Lawrence

Communications Manager Lance Fernandez

Advertising Head Chet Guevara

Layout Editor Eya Martinez

Membership Manager Vicky San Juan-Co

North Luzon Chapter Offi ce Manager Joan Sabroso

Visayas Chapter Offi ce Manager Brenda Lisen

Visayas Chapter Marketing Manager Ruthcel Aragon

Mindanao Chapter Offi ce Manager Annie Quitay

Publications Consultant / Editor Leslie Ann Murray

Corporate Partnership Consultant Christina Winton

Business Leadership Program Manager (BLP) Pinky Jamili

Receptionist Celine Laurel

Administrative Services Roy Fulgado

Librarian Aurora Galvez

Drivers Rick Peji Ernie Aala AmCham Philippines | March 2020 19

New AmCham Members For November 2019 to January 2020

National Capital Region

Air Intellipure Mr. Nick Gitsis Founder Associate Corporate B Ms. Kathleen Ann Rayos Director of The Bloc Ph, Inc. Regular Corporate A del Sol Operations Associate Novotel Suites Manila by Aqua Mr. Michael James Britt General Manager Corporate A Mr. Amal Makhloufi- Sanofi Aventis Country Chair Regular Corporate A Benchouk Tenet Global Business Center Ms. Karen Batungbacal Country Head Regular Corporate B

North Luzon Chapter

Holy Angel University Mr. Luis Maria Calingo President Non-Profit and Government SGV & Co. Ms. Margaux Advincula Partner Business Corporate B Tax Services

Visayas Chapter

Mr. Renan R. Ayo, Jr. Individual Member Accountable PH Mr. Shaun Beavis President Corporate A VP - General Author Solutions Phils. Ms. Merrell Davis Rio Corporate A Manager Barte Group, Inc. Ms. Jenny R. Barte Vice-President Corporate A Dealogikal Corp. Mr. Ira Jon Kiener CEO Corporate A Good Job General Manpower Mr. Cyril Natad General Manager Corporate A Oakridge Realty Development Corp. Mr. Edmun Liu CEO Corporate A

Mindanao Chapter

COHO by Vistaland Mr. Carlo Refamonte Mindanao Corporate A Operations Head Migen Logistics Ms. Virgie Albaera President Corporate A Xavier Sports & Country Club Ms. Maria Cristina Pizarro General Manager Corporate A

AmCham.Philippines 20 | Editorial

percent Philippine-owned and declined to license BRINGING PH PUBLIC SERVICES new foreign-owned car and motorcycle operators. The Supreme Court has ruled that a shipyard is INTO THE 21ST CENTURY not a public utility. It also ruled that the light rail MRT- 3 could be foreign-owned but must be Philippine- John D. Forbes, Guest Editor operated. RA9136 reformed the electric power industry to allow 100% foreign ownership of electricity s a legislative reform priority of the generation. Duterte Administration, the Public Service AAct Amendments bill is currently under DAWN OF A NEW ERA deliberation in the 18th Congress. If enacted, In 2010, the World Bank measured 87 countries this will bring into the modern era the 1936 law in its Investing Across Borders report. Among the Commonwealth Act No. 146, known as the Public ASEAN-6, the Philippines was the most restrictive in Service Act. transport, second most restrictive in telecom, and third most restrictive in electricity. In 2019 the Organization To quote American singer-songwriter Bob Dylan, “the for Economic Cooperation and Development rated the times, they are a-changin’.” Philippines as the most restrictive of 72 economies in its FDI Regulatory Restrictiveness Index. HOW FOREIGN OWNERSHIP GOT LIMITED The “times” in 1936 called for the National Assembly Despite widespread recommendations from to pass a law to create the Public Services Commission1 presidential commissions and business groups, past to regulate public services which included every person Philippine governments made little effort to amend the who would “own, operate, manage, or control…for general constitutional 60-40 rule on public utilities. In the 16th business purposes” any of over 30 specific services listed Congress a proposal in the House of Representatives in the bill. The list includes obvious ones such as electric to amend constitutional restrictions on foreign equity light, power, railroad, and steamboat services. However, failed. there are also less obvious ones, such as canals, ice plants, petroleum systems, pontines,2 shipyards, and Economists and foreign investors were wharfs/docks. encouraged, in May 2016, when incoming Secretary of Finance Carlos Dominguez explained Point 3 of Article XIV, Section 8 of the 1935 constitution contained the Socioeconomic Agenda to “pursue relaxation a restriction on the issuance of a franchise for the of Constitutional restrictions on foreign ownership, operation of a public utility requiring the ownership to except as regards land ownership, in order to attract be at least 60 percent Philippine-owned. The 1973 and foreign investment.” 1987 constitutions maintained this provision. (American citizens and corporations were exempted until 1974.) Chapter 16 of the Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022, entitled “Leveling the Playing However, the three constitutions did not concretely Field through a National Competition Policy” also define what counts as a public utility. For over eight advocates amending the Public Service Act. decades, this legal imprecision has allowed public utilities and public services to be confused with each President Duterte signed Memorandum Order other and created a major legal impediment to foreign No. 16 dated November 21, 2017 instructing the investment in the Philippines. NEDA Board to lift restrictions on foreign participation in eight areas, including “Public services, except… Historically, administrative interpretations of the public utilities such as transmission and distribution Constitution erred on the side of protectionism and of electricity, water pipeline distribution system and ruled in favor of majority local ownership. For example, sewerage pipeline system.” the Department of Justice ruled that international freight carriers could not move parcels domestically. The The 17th Congress attempted to pass a bill Department of Transportation ruled that a Transportation amending the PSA. While the bill passed the House on Network Vehicle Service (TNVS) must be at least 60 September 8, 2017, it failed to gain Senate approval

1 The Public Service Commission no longer exists; its functions are performed by dozens of separate regulatory agencies, such as the CAAP, CAB, ERC, LTFRB, Marina, MWSA, NTC, NWRB, PPA, and TRB. 2 AmCham will publish the photo of any reader able to provide a definition of “pontine.” AmCham Philippines | March 2020 21

In photos: Left: Congresswoman Sharon Garin, NEDA Assistant Secretary for Policy and Planning Carlos Abad Santos, and Foundation for Economic Freedom consultant Dr. Joseph Angeles, Esq., LL.M. speaking at AmCham’s Special Reform Legislative Discussion Series session on Public Services Act amendments held on January 29, 2020 in partnership with the Regulatory Reform Support Program for National Development. Right: AmCham ICT Committee chair Mr. Don Felbaum and AmCham Senior Adviser John Forbes with Congresswoman Garin, ASec. Abad Santos, and Dr. Angeles. in mid-2019 for lack of time, despite a certification as access to services for unserved and underserved areas. urgent by the president. The bill strongly considers the protection of national Item 18 of List A of the Eleventh Regular Foreign security by adopting the same framework and measures Investment Negative List, promulgated on October for scrutinizing FDI for security risks used by countries 29, 2018, records that foreign ownership of public such the United States and Australia and the European utilities is allowed up to forty percent only. Union.

WHAT THE PSA AMENDMENTS BILL CAN DELIVER An increase in FDI will create more business The 18th Congress is now facing an historic opportunities and jobs to improve the quality of life of opportunity to make a major reform to bring Philippine Filipinos. By enabling the entry of more operators, the public services into the 21st Century by passing the bill will improve the quality of public services, such as PSA amendments bill. HB 78 moved quickly under transportation and communication. These services are the firm guidance of the chairperson of the Committee crucial inputs for domestic Micro, Small, and Medium on Economics Affairs, Sharon Garin, to a final vote Enterprises and the daily life of Filipinos. on March 10, 2020. In the Senate, on February 4, the Committee on Public Services, chaired by Senator We strongly urge the Senate to pass this crucial Grace Poe, reported out its bill from the previous piece of legislation, as its enactment into law will enable plenary consideration is pending. the Philippines to lift its momentum towards economic growth and development to a higher level and improve The new law, when enacted, will provide a the lives of citizens. concise definition of public utilities, institute a rate- setting methodology that is fair to both investors and “Our public services are among the most inefficient consumers, and facilitate greater competition in public and expensive in the world…Domestic shipping costs services. Only four activities – all considered to be are so high, they account for 53% of wholesale prices of natural monopolies – will be public utilities: electricity agricultural products. We have the most expensive texts transmission, electricity distribution, water distribution, and calls in the ASEAN…and most expensive internet and sewerage. Telecommunications and transportation speed worldwide.” Rep. Sharon Garin, sponsorship services would be liberalized. speech, September 4, 2019.

This long-overdue legislation should help the Philippines recover from declining foreign direct investment, which decreased an estimated 30% in 2019 John D. Forbes is the Senior Advisor to $7 billion from $10 billion in 2018.3 FDI, attracted of AmCham Philippines and Arangkada Philippines Project’s Chief of Party. by the new law, will flow into domestic infrastructure You may reach him at in public services, improving technology, quality, and [email protected] or call competition, bringing better pricing, and enhancing 8818-7911 loc. 223.

3 The BSP should release final 2019 data by the end of March 2020. 22 | Cover Story

By Peter Gonzales

he American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines held its 37th Honor Your Staff Day Tlast February 21 at the Manila Ballroom of the Manila Marriott Hotel in Pasay City. Around 240 business executives, together with their staff, were present during the Mardi Gras-themed event that aims to acknowledge and celebrate the dedication of AmCham member companies’ unsung heroes.

“Love Your Secretary” is the event’s original title when it was started in Valentine’s Day 1984 by then AmCham Executive Director J. Marsh Thomson. Back then, the giving of special recognition was exclusive for the Executive Assistants of AmCham AmCham Executive Director Ebb Hinchliffe giving his welcome remarks member companies. Since then, it has become a traditional event and the program evolved through the years. The expansion of member companies triggered the change of the event’s nature from “Love Your Secretary” to “Honor Your Secretary” and its current name, Honor Your Staff Day, which is inclusive of all employees.

This year’s edition of the HYSD was graced by Angkas Founder and CEO Ms. Angeline Tham who delivered a keynote speech on “Disruptive Innovation”. She shared her Eureka moment in coming up with Angkas, their run-ins with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board; AmCham 1st Vice-President Bruce Winton introducing the guest and overcoming the regulatory difficulties through speaker AmCham Philippines | March 2020 23

It is the hard work and professionalism of our riders that made Angkas the brand that it is today.

Angkas Founder and CEO, Angela Tham delivering her keynote speech “ on “Desruptive Innovation” high safety standards, compliance, and forging trusting relationships with “ their bikers.

Next on stage was comedian GB Labrador who lightened up the crowd through his observational humor. Acoustic performer Paolo Santos serenaded the audience as well.

Aside from the games that teamed the executives with their staff together, the event also included multiple raffle draws of minor and major prizes. The grand prize winners will enjoy two round-trip tickets each to anywhere in the United States, courtesy of Delta Airlines. Other major prizes include an overnight stay for two from our hotel sponsors Manila Marriott Hotel, Sheraton Manila Hotel, and Ascott Bonifacio Global City.

No one left empty- Business Essentials handed, however, as the A special treat crafted especially for your corporate and travel needs. attendees took home gift Stay with us for a minimum of three (3) days and two (2) nights and get complimentary access bags filled with products to the club lounge or complimentary roundtrip airport transfers during your stay! For from sponsors Amway, reservations and inquiries, you may contact us at +63 (82) 272-7500 or your may send us an Procter and Gamble, Dad’s e-mail at [email protected]. Moving and Storage, and Universal Robina, to name a few. → Stella Hizon Reyes Drive, Bo. Pampanga, Davao City, 8000, Philippines → t +63 (82) 272-7500 | +63 (82) 322-7000 e [email protected] 24 | Cover Story

Jazz Reyes, event host GB Labrador, comedian Paolo Santos, singer/song writer Best in costume winners

Other than the companies already mentioned, AmCham Philippines would also like to thank Peter Joshua Gonzales is the Events Specialist Quezon Power, Golden Arches, OSI, Forth & of the American Chamber of Commerce- Philippines. He handles the chamber's special Tay, RCG, Ford, Villa Escudero, Fluor Daniel, events such as the General Membership Hanes, Kyani, Mary Kay, Unionbank, CalEnergy, Luncheon Meeting (GMLM), Networking Nights, Raffles & Fairmont, Microtel Wyndham, and Honor Your Staff Day (HYSD), and the Kapihan Burts Bees, for making the Honor Your Staff Day Sessions. He is also the point-person for the Young Professionals Committee. 2020 possible. You may reach him at [email protected] or call 8818-7911 loc. 203.

26 | AmCham News

Information and Communications Technology Committee Gearing Towards The Digital Age By: Jeanne Angela Moreno

he Information and Communications Technology (ICT) committee of The American Chamber of TCommerce (AmCham) recently organized a committee meeting, sponsored by Globe Telecom, entitled: “Gearing Towards The Digital Age: DICT Updates”, which was held at the Tower Club.

Notable speakers from the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and Globe Telecom were invited to speak on digitization and technological advancement in the Philippine context. Underecretary (Usec) of the Department of Information, Communication and Technology, Eliseo Rio Jr. and Engineer (Engr) Gerhard Tan, of Globe Communications elucidated the impact of technological expansion in the Usec. Eliseo Rio Jr. presenting. Engr. Tan presenting. Philippines. Committee co-chairs Donald Felbaum and Frank Holz were present at the meeting. “Strategic Objective 1 is: ICT-Driven Governance which aims to empower the government in decision Usec. Rio’s presentation was entitled: “DICT and policy-making by gathering, integrating and Initiatives Towards a Digital Future”. He emphasized and harmonizing data and ICT systems among government focused on answering the question, “Is the Philippines agencies.” (DICT Initiatives Towards a Digital Future, ready for the 4th Industrial Revolution?” He reiterated 2020) This strategic objective was utilized in the that, “the 4th Industrial Revolution is more than just a following projects: E-Government Master Plan 2022, technologically-driven change but [is] an avenue to help National ICT Household Survey and National ICT everyone and promote an inclusive, human-centered Ecosystem Framework. future.” As the Undersecretary for Operations in the “Strategic Objective 2 is: Improving Access and DICT, he presented the mandate of the department Connectivity which focuses on facilitating the build-up of being the “primary policy, planning, coordinating, of telecommunications and broadband infrastructure implementing, and administrative entity that plans, that will improve the coverage and connection speed develops, and promotes the National ICT Development of internet in the country.” In Strategic Objective Agenda, which is also known as the RA 10844.” (DICT 2, the National Broadband Program, the Free Wifi Initiatives Towards a Digital Future, 2020) For All Program, and the Government Emergency Communications System were all looked into. In his presentation, Usec. Rio also shared a summary of the department’s accomplishments wherein he “Strategic Objective 3 is: Seamless Delivery of explained the “five Strategic Objectives” that the DICT Government Services which aims to ease business has utilized to attain considerable achievements from transactions as mandated by RA 11032, or the ‘Ease 2016 – 2019: of Doing Business Law’.” Under the Strategic Objective AmCham Philippines | March 2020 27

3, Central Business Portal, eBPLS, Central Business Portal, and the National Citizens’ Portal were taken up. “Strategic Objective 4 is: Expansion and Inclusivity of Economic Opportunities which is to ensure that advantages of ICT reach all levels of Filipino society through digital literacy and skills training.” Under which are the ‘digitaljobsPH Program’ and ‘Tech4ED Program’.” “Strategic Objective 5 is: Safe and Secure Cyberspace and Digital Economy which aims to ensure that cyber threats and risks are managed.”

It was clarified as to why Cybersecurity was Ebb Hinchliffe and Usec. Eliseo Rio Jr. together with some of the Globe encapsulated in the last Strategic Objective, namely team members. because of the following being considered in its implementation: the National Cybersecurity Plan with regards to achieving a digitized Philippines, but (NCSP) 2022, Cybersecurity Development and despite that, Usec. Rio shared the future initiatives that Management Program, and Philippine National Public the DICT has in store for the country are well in hand. Key Infrastructure (PNPKI). Engineer (Engr.) Gerhard Tan followed with his Usec Rio was also forthright and shared the presentation entitled: “A Quantum Leap in Mobile difficulties and challenges that the DICT is facing today Technology” with the focus being on 5G and how → 28 | AmCham News

this evolved through the years. He first defined, what 5G is - technically - and then identified what 5G will bring and contribute to mobile technology. He also demonstrated how mobile technology had progressed, beginning with only 1G and now, the existence of 5G.

He further elucidated the technological era which each “G” represented: 1G and 2G, are considered the Mobile Voice Era, used for call and SMS activities; 3G and 4G are branded as the Mobile Broadband Era, catering to email, web, game, social, HD video, LiTRA, VR/AR, NB-IOT, VolTE, and WTTX. 5G, at present, being Usec. Eliseo Rio Jr., Ebb Hinchliffe and Donald Felbaum conversing. the most advanced, is called the Super Connected Era with the ability to enable connection to cars, drones, for smart manufacturing and more industries. All this surpasses the abilities of anything from 1G to 4G. The facets of 5G technology will greatly contribute to “Response, Experience, Connection, Mobility, and Efficiency”.

As noted, 5G is the biggest technology introduction since the internet itself, serving major use categories such as: enhanced mobile broadband, fixed wireless access, massive Internet of Things (IoT) and critical IoT. Usec. Eliseo Rio Jr. meeting some of the attendees. In reiteration, Engr. Tan stated that 5G will bring the extraordinary experience of cloud PC/ gaming to users. The advantages of cloud PC/gaming are convenience, security, flexibility, and affordability. He also mentioned that 5G infrastructure makes cloud AR/VR a reality.

The topic of surveillance was also touched upon, mentioning that it is an enterprise-use area that requires broad deployment of the 5G network. Another particularly interesting aspect in the area of surveillance that Engr. Tan mentioned is that of facial recognition surveillance analytics. Facial recognition surveillance Usec. Eliseo Rio Jr., and Engr. Tan answering some of the questions on analytics is utilize by Globe for a safer and more secured the floor. environment. Engr. Tan concluded his presentation by showing a video of Globe’s activities and the “stepping stones” toward finally achieving 5G. Jeanne Angela D. Moreno is an Industry After the presentations, the Co-Chairs of the ICT Development Specialist in the American committee, Donald Felbaum and Frank Holz, joined Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines. She is assigned to handle five committees which by Ebb Hinchliffe, Executive Director of AmCham, captures five different business industries and Aimee Rabago, Head of Partnerships, Brand namely: Financial Services, Taxes and Tariffs and Strategy of Globe Telecom, presented tokens of (FSTT); Information and Communications Technology (ICT); appreciation to Usec. Rio and Engr. Tan. Intellectual Property Rights (IPR); Professional Women of AmCham (PWoA); and Tourism and Hospitality (TH). Jeanne organizes regular monthly meetings for each committee respectively, The committee meeting was concluded with a tackling the topics which are timely and relevant to that particular message of appreciation by Donald Felbaum for the industry. You may reach her at [email protected] speakers and for all those who attended. or give her a ring at 8818-7911 loc. 213.

30 | Company News

CIB.O - IT/Business Process Management (BPM) Industry: Economic Driver of Cebu

decade and a half ago, during the largest annual event outside Manila, Cebu Chamber A of Commerce and Industry’s (CCCI) Cebu 1 Business Month (CBM) 2005, with the theme ‘Cebu Gearing Up for Global Play’, the IT/BPM The old Cebu Domestic Airport in 1989 (Photo by Mr. Fred Umabong) industry got strategically recognized as one of the twin-win economic drivers of Cebu. The other economic driver was the Tourism industry with the flagship countryside tourism promotion program, ”SuroySuroy Sugbo’ launched during the same CBM event.

The accompanying aggressive marketing and promotional campaigns, which included road shows in Bangalore and Hyderabad in India, Beijing and Shanghai in China, Hong Kong and Singapore, culminated in the holding of the country’s first IT/ 2 BPM international conference in June 2005 in Now transformed to Cebu IT Park(Photo by Mr. Art Balaga of Style Cebu. Assembly Multimedia)

Former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in Cebu reached its tipping point in 2010. That year was guest of honor and keynote speaker, and the saw the conversion of a 50-hectare Cebu Business signature event attracted international speakers, Park (CBP) into a much larger economic zone. delegates, and more importantly, industry investors This happened during the final years of former who would later invest in the first IT economic zone President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (GMA) who, outside Luzon, Asiatown IT Park which was later after seeing the Cebu IT Park as a great success renamed Cebu IT Park (CITP), as well as in other formula, challenged the former president of Cebu areas of Cebu City. Holdings, Inc. (CHI), Francis Monera, to produce another economic zone in Cebu. It transpired that So strong was the industry growth that after CHI’s Monera had already worked with PEZA’s finishing a one-storey, 11,000 sq. meter building Director General Lilia de Lima on an Economic in 2005, high rise IT buildings started to sprout, Zone Certificate for CBP that only lacked a resulting in a vibrant and dynamic IT Economic Presidential Proclamation. On the spot, GMA Zone. announced CBP as a much bigger economic zone. The Presidential Proclamation was followed by an all-time high construction boom in the following THE CONTACT CENTER CAPITAL OF THE WORLD years, particularly in Cebu Business Park (see SINCE 2010- PHILIPPINES: CEBU NEXT TO Photo 3 showing the transformation of the former MANILA Club Filipino de Cebu golf course into a full blown The phenomenal growth of the IT/BPM industry business and financial district). AmCham Philippines | March 2020 31

3 4 The Former Club Filipino Golf Course Now transformed to Cebu Business Park (Photo by Mr. Art Balagaof Style Assembly Multimedia)

A GRAPH REFLECTING THE BOOM IN THE Outsourcing Destinations listing of 2016, with both CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY AFTER 2010 recognitions granted by Tholons Digital Marketing Index - a full-service strategic advisory firm for global outsourcing advisory and investments.

On the 2017 list of Super Cities of the World, Cebu City’s position dipped to No. 12 after Tholon’s changed the criteria to incorporate the Innovation Ecosystem and Digital Transformation in their new list. On the 2019 list, Cebu City inched up to No.11.

Looking back, the Cebu Educational Development Foundation for IT (CEDFIT) was formed during the First Cebu IT Summit in March 5 2001. CEDFIT is a consortium of IT industry players and universities/colleges responsible for Cebu’s Direct employment which was estimated at human resource development. It was transformed 1,200 in 2001 has exponentially grown to around on May 22, 2017 into what is now popularly known 170,000 in the current year. The diversity of as Cebu IT/BPM Organization (CIB.O) during the expertise offered by the outsourcing industry such Transformation Summit, which is now a full-time as call center operations, IT outsourcing, shared industry association dedicated to sustain Cebu’s services operations, research and development, IT/BPM industry as it shifts towards providing engineering services, to banking/insurance higher value IT and IT-enabled services. → services, and the health information management services has since widened and deepened in terms of complexity. Due to this the Philippines, particularly the cities of Manila and Cebu, were recognized as the “Contact Center Capital of the World”. As the country strengthened its position in the industry, it became imperative for major contact center companies to establish a location in the country with Cebu being a top choice due to the city’s considerable amount of English- speaking talent, as well as a neutral accent within the province.

In 2008 Cebu City was catapulted to No. 1 in the listing of the Top 50 Emerging Global Outsourcing 6 Cities, and peaked at the No. 7 spot on the Global CIB.O Board of Trustees 32 | Company News

CIB.O BOARD OF TRUSTEES TOASTS CEDFIT’S This transformation was launched during the TRACK RECORD OF SUCCESS, CIB.O’S 2017 “Transformation Summit” - the main IT/BPM PROSPECTS, AND CEBU’S IT/BPM INDUSTRY’S industry event of Cebu. Beyond the usual human GROWTH AND PROSPERITY. resource development activities, CIB.O is now Based on a recent list by the Philippine officially marketing the city to potential locators, Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), Cebu City is home ensuring that the needs of the IT/BPM companies to more than 400 IT/BPM locators with an industry are addressed as related to both local and national estimate of around 170,000 directly-employed concerns. CIB.O continues to organize the annual individuals as of December 2019. The income industry event now called the “Transformation generated through direct employment is estimated Summit” to gather industry, academe, government, at Php33.2 B annually, with an added Php53.0B[1] support groups, and other stakeholders to sustain from indirectly employed individuals. This brings the growth of the industry. the income contributed by the outsourcing industry to about Php86.2B per year in the local economy. The industry advantage of providing its members a pay grade above the minimum wage allows for more disposable income coming from the new middle class of Cebu. This means that not only is the industry funneling money through industry expenditures, it also allows for more disposable income to be spent within the province.

THE DIVERSITY OF CEBU’S OUTSOURCING INDUSTRY Cebu is now home to most of the big outsourcing 7 players present in Metro Manila such as Concentrix CIB.O Chairman Francis Monera addresses the audience at the 2017 (formerly Convergys), Teleperformance, Accenture, Transformation Summit held at Marco Polo Cebu Teletech, ePerformax, JPMorgan and Chase, IBM, Optum, Conduent ,QBE, Manulife, Results, Telstra, EXL, etc. Further, the city proudly boasts of some CIB.O CONTINUES TO TRAILBLAZE AND EVOLVE of its Cebu-based operations such as Lexmark R & D and Lexmark Shared Services, Lear’s Philippine Engineering and Technology Center, NEC, Qualfon, Dash Engineering, Inc., AZPIRED, NCR’s R & D, Mercedes-Benz Shared Services, Wipro, Bombardier, Author Solutions, Ameeratel, Alliance Software and FPT Software.

Recently, Cebu City continued to capture some new players Fujitsu, Dover Business Solutions, and Kuehne + Nagel. Added most recently is the first contact service site of another prestigious company, AMAZON in the Philippines.

FROM CEDFIT TO CEBU IT BPM.ORGANIZATION (CIB.O) 8 With the exponential growth of the IT/BPM industry of Cebu, making it one of the “twin-win” CIB.O gets the Flare Award in 2018 economic drivers earlier stated, industry and academe leaders decided to transform CEDFIT The great success of the IT/BPM industry in into a full time industry association. CEDFIT thus bringing jobs and business opportunities in Cebu became Cebu IT BPM.Organization, or CIB.O. City, has inspired other cities in the Philippines AmCham Philippines | March 2020 33

to convert their cities into IT/BPM Hubs; thus Programming in partnership with the Coders Guild competition from within the country is heating of the Philippines, Cebu City School Board, Cebu up. But being the trailblazer, and blessed with our City DepEd, DICT and CIB.O with the support of superb infrastructure- power/telco/international its members and the private sector. airport, the abundance of qualified talent and its strategic location, Cebu’s hold on the industry is The teachers started training the senior high deeply rooted. The highly collaborative IT/BPM students in five select public high schools in June ecosystem of Cebu, engineered by CIB.O, has 2019. The target was to initially train 200 students always been a very crucial ingredient to its success. at the rate of 40 students per school but ended up with more than 500 students trained. These The coming of Artificial Intelligence(AI), students will be for industry immersion starting in robotics, process automation, data analytics, Nov 2020. The engagement of the students was higher value services, data security, and our K surprisingly very good and some schools even to 12 transition, are all becoming real challenges finished the training in one semester, instead of the of the industry. Artificial Intelligence, robotics, planned three semesters. and process automation may displace 30-50% of the BPM workers, but at the same time these With this very positive response from the developments create opportunities for higher value schools, CIB.O together with Cebu City School work requiring experience and more analytical Board and Cebu City DepEd have decided to offer a skills. The higher value services that CIB.O and its more advanced Coding Training on introduction to members aspire to continue providing will require Java Programming in April 2020. All this is designed more skills, experience, and training for Cebu’s to make Cebu City (in the very near future) the workforce. This, in turn, requires early exposure First City of Coders in the Philippines, with our to computer aided education, augmented with partners. CIB.O is committed to improve the skills online learnings. Cebu City has trained its senior of our teachers and consequently the employable high school teachers in the basics of Coding/ talents needed for the IT/BPM industry.

→ 34 | Feature

WHAT COUNTS FOR SUCCESS? By: Manuel Guillermo

rowing up, I thought I wanted to be a writer. Later in life, after having gained a measure No, I take that back; maybe something else of success in my professional life, it crossed my Gthat could evolve from an undergraduate mind that I would probably have become a fairly program in Fine Arts. Well, I couldn’t really tell. My good diplomat for the country had I chosen that mother didn’t also want to influence me then where career path instead. Through roughly 25 years I might be leaning toward. Frankly, I didn’t know of expatriate life, I blended pretty well with a what I wanted to become. I just knew I wanted wide variety of folks and businessmen of other to be successful. In what field and how, it wasn’t countries who had distinctly different cultures and clear and I wasn’t sure. traditions. I worked with Muslims in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Bangladesh; Buddhists in Thailand, Graduating from high school, something or Vietnam, and Myanmar; and multi-faith-oriented someone jolted me to reality, coaxed my feet back West Africans in Nigeria; as well as Japanese, to the ground where I might have heard through my Koreans, Singaporeans, Americans, Australians, subconscious, “Manny, get a hold of yourself, take and Scandinavians – and many of them became up a Commerce degree, get employed quickly, my friends. In hindsight, I would have enjoyed the and earn your keep.” No fancy courses for me, I responsibility and the stature of a diplomat and decided. I needed to help out in augmenting the would not even have complained about those family income—the sooner, the better. endless daily cocktails. AmCham Philippines | March 2020 35

What matters at the end of the day is to what extent one has made a difference and changed the world around him or “her.

The perennial big question is: when does one or daughters’ presumed eventual success, or so know for sure what he or she wants to become? they hoped. “ The answer is not easier now than during my adolescence more than 60 years ago. In this day What then is the difference between and age, the choices are easily a hundred times becoming one that you have always wanted to more diverse. To compete today, one must be a be and one who happened to be someone you specialist or a so-called niche player. The advent of never thought you could become? The answer specialization has long ago come upon us – thanks is -- probably a whole lot! But, honestly, how to the likes of Bill Gates (Microsoft), Steve Jobs important are those differences? What did it really (Apple), and Andrew Grove (Intel) who, with their matter if you saw the light only later in life? I would genius and pioneering spirit, made a difference and imagine that the struggles, the challenges, and the changed the world irreversibly by making available conflicts that either group would have endured and to the greater population of our planet easy access overcome, as well as the triumphs, the adventures, to the use of personal computers and the latest and the thrills they would have relished going advances in information technology. Speaking of through their life journeys, would have provided the this pervasive specialization imperative, there is a strong foundation for their lifetime achievements, joke that nowadays, when one wants to consult an to be filed away in their own private treasury of eye doctor, he’d better know beforehand whether fond memories. he’d want to see a left eye or a right eye specialist. Which leads me to ask at this point, what Not all was so unsure as I was then in my counts for success, really? Indeed, being case, and as would conceivably the majority of successful represents different things to different those graduating from high school during my people. It is, at best, a very elusive concept. I time about what they wanted to make of their submit that what matters at the end of the day lives. There would be some who knew what they is to what extent one has made a difference and wanted to become. As sure as day followed night, changed the world around him or her. We are not they forged ahead to pursue and achieve, to their necessarily talking of the world in general and we credit, the fulfillment of their dreams of becoming a should not use Einstein, Churchill, Mandela, Martin doctor of medicine, lawyer, engineer, accountant, Luther King, or other towering icons of the world farmer, teacher, and even a priest or a nun. Some as points of reference, but people – simple people might have had the enviable support from their – whom we know enough about in our midst or parents who had the financial means to back their elsewhere in our domestic domain. On the other precious children’s dreams all throughout. Others hand, the area of influence could just as well be had persevering parents who were possessed by the social space within one’s immediate urban a compelling drive to uplift their poorer plight, environment and even among one’s professional proudly pinning their hopes on their favorite sons’ group. → 36 | Feature

Making a difference and helping improve the world around us in whatever capacity we find ourselves may be the most“ constructive way for us to measure one’s being truly successful.

I could point to one remarkable high school been publicized and gained some measure of classmate in the person of Dr. Floriño A. Francisco prominence. Still there would be others who whom I would consider truly successful in the have chosen to shun publicity and, in their own worthiest sense of the word. Rony knew earlier unheralded way, continue to contribute to make on that he didn’t want to be anything else except a difference by helping others improve upon their to be a medical doctor and one of the best in the otherwise deprived conditions in life. specialization he would choose. His heart had always been in the right place; that is, he vowed Making a difference and helping improve the to serve those who would be in dire need of his world around us in whatever capacity we find service. Unlike the many in his field, he nurtured ourselves may be the most constructive way for no notion of remaining in the United States to us to measure one’s being truly successful. Start practice his profession. He was impatient, in fact, making a difference if you are not into it already, to return to his hometown Cabanatuan where he and to our young Filipinos, do take heed of what would quickly make his presence felt, make a vital really counts to be successful. difference and provide his expertise in pediatrics and adolescent medicine. Rony has helped many, especially among the underprivileged and continues even today to make a difference. Manuel Guillermo, Chairman of AmCham There are countless co-alumni like Dr. Francisco Philippines’ Publications Department, is the retired CEO of KSearch Asia Consulting, Inc., who have made a difference, continue to make a Retired Partner, SGV & Co., and Andersen difference, and have, in their own right, changed Consulting (now Accenture). He is a frequent the world around them. Some have probably contributor to the AmCham Business Journal.

38 | Business of Business

If Men Could Only Understand Women By: Ernie Cecilia, DPM

t the 1910 International Socialist Women’s Conference, German Revolutionary Clara AZetkin proposed that March 8 be honored as a day in memory of working women. Since then, many countries designated March 8 as International Women’s Day, including Russia in 1917, and the United States in 1967. The United Nations adopted it in 1975. In some countries, it is a national holiday, while in others it is largely ignored. In some, it is a celebration of womanhood; in others, it is a day of protest.

The following piece is in celebration of women’s month. Dr. Gray wrote on September 30, 1993, WOMEN ARE DIFFERENT “Women intuitively understand that to have a good In early 1990s, Dr. John Gray wrote a relationship, you have to work at it. Men, on the bestselling book that sold more than four million other hand, are born with the knowledge that ‘at copies – Men Are From Mars, Women Are From your job, that’s where you work.’ You go to work, Venus. He has another bestseller – Men, Women do your job and when you come home, that’s your and Relationships. These two books are a great vacation time.” primer for man-woman relationships. During the Stone Age and for thousands of He opens the second book with a telling years, man went out to hunt, patiently waited for conclusion: “A great relationship requires work, his prey, and quickly ran to capture the animal. but it also requires vacation.” According to Dr. Gray, these were qualities of AmCham Philippines | March 2020 39

men for thousands of years – waiting, watching, conserving energy. These qualities made man a great hunter and provider for the family. Unfortunately, these qualities today look like hanging out and plain laziness. Women will not see these as a good provider’s qualities. Try waiting, watching, and conserving your energy as you sit in your couch, with a remote control in hand, and see if you don’t get bawled for lazily wasting your time.

DIFFERENT TIMES Aside from women, times are different, too. Up until the second or third Industrial Revolution, the woman’s place was the home. To show his love and support to the family, the man goes out and bring something home. Towards the third quarter of the 20th century, the woman goes hunting, too – for jobs. Since then, women realized that they no longer depend on men to provide for their material needs.

Guess what support do women need from men? Think of this. In today’s two-income family, both husband and wife go out to work, but the woman is still supposed to do more house work than the man, perhaps including taking the garbage out while the husband watches his favorite sport on TV. Then she takes a shower, prepares the communal bed, and completes her nightly rituals in front of the mirror – while he falls asleep after three bottles of beer. She wakes him up and tells him to go to the bedroom, saying, “Come on, honey, let’s talk a while.” I think that what women need from their mate is emotional support – more than anything else.

Unbeknownst to some women, men are “afraid” to talk – sometimes, in the same degree of fear as the first time man hunted. What if he doesn’t kill the wild boar? What if it gets him instead? Fortunately, this fear is often unfounded, if not blatantly untrue.

THE REAL ISSUE Some men have an issue with “talking.” They might have had traumatic experiences talking with their wives. A simple talk could blow up into an argument that could bring out patently irreconcilable differences, and break the marriage or relationship. Sometimes, when a woman starts to “talk”, she forgets that it is more of an accusation or the way she sees things from her point of view.

In many, if not most, relationships today, the issue is communication. Depending on how you define communication, you could succeed to clear things up or worsen the situation. If you think communicating is → → 40 | Business of Business

“right” woman (or person – lest the LGBTQIAPK or Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual, Polygamous/Polyamorous, Kink community condemns me). When he finds the person, he’s bound to love her as she is. The man usually wants the same in return. There’s the rub!

Dr. Gray wrote, “When a woman is shopping for her partner, she looks for a man who makes her feel good, whom she cares for and loves. But somewhere, there’s a feeling welling inside.”

The woman surmises, “He’s got potential; I see it. What I could do with him. Love will overcome. I’ll just love him. I’ll just give to him, and HE WILL CHANGE.”

Men usually love women as they are. Women fall in love, hoping that they can change the men into what they want them to be. simply transmitting information or feelings, that’s just what you do – transmit. I believe that communicating Dr. Gray further wrote, “ … when you think is “creating understanding,” beyond transfer of maybe we’re not right for each other, maybe we’re information, to the expression of real and sincere just too different, that’s the time to remember that love. maybe your partner is from another planet. Men are from Mars and women are from Venus, and Based on experience and observation, both men on these planets we have different customs. If and women need emotional support. Alas, when you you learn to honor and respect the customs of the think you now knew the answer, somebody changes different planets, then things go smoothly, but if the question! you don’t honor and respect the customs, you step on each other’s toes.” When life was simple then, emotional support was easier to understand – and provide. A woman’s There is hardly a perfect man – or woman. needs 50 years ago were not the same as her Here’s a funny guide to Love and Relationships, needs today. Technology, the nature of work and for women: “1) Find a man who makes you laugh. relationships, social media, the demographics – 2) Find a man who has a good job and can cook. all these and many more have conspired to make 3) Find a man who is honest. 4) Find a man who “emotional needs” more complex than it was will pamper you with gifts. 5) Find a man who is before. awesome in bed. 6) Most of all, it is very important that these five men never meet.” In the past, a man would go out to work in another province or state without any contact with his family except the snail mail, then comes home once a month to see the wife and children. A few For comments or questions please e-mail the days of togetherness is all he needs to show real author at: [email protected] love. Today, expectations change. You may be miles apart, but technology makes it possible for you to constantly tell your wife that you love her, in real time – and at “face time.” Failing that, she Ernie Cecilia, DPM, is a regular contributor thinks you might be telling that to someone else. to the AmCham Business Journal. Mr. Cecilia is the Chair of the AmCham Human Capital & Resources Committee; Co-Chair of the REAL LOVE AmCham Publications Department; Co-Chair Even the concept of real love could differ of ECOP’s TWG on Labor Policy and Social between men and women. Man searches for the Issues; PMAP Past President. Contributed Article | 41

Private Detective Training Course Now Offered to the Public

Submitted by: Truth Verifier Systems, Inc.

ruth Verifier Citizen Welfare & Security Training This course includes all training materials and Academy, Inc., a subsidiary of Truth Verifier practicum sessions at cost of Php17,000. Courses TSystems, Inc. the Philippines’ first and most include Investigative Report Writing, Surveillance awarded private detective agency, is offering its Operation, Undercover Investigation, and the Private Detective Pre-licensing Course to the Lie Detector Test. The course is perfect training public this year starting on February 21, 2020. for those who want to excel in their investigative skills and particularly those who work in credit The Private Detective Pre-licensing Course companies and is accredited by the Philippine aims to equip companies and private individuals National Police – Supervisory Office for Security with the knowledge of Private Detective training. and Investigation Agencies (PNP-SOSIA). The course is a 10-session, once-a-week, 8-hour class every week of each training session, the first For more information, kindly contact Ms. Edna Morada at of which is from February 21 to April 25, 2020. 8635-5929 or e-mail: training@truthverifier.com

Training sessions will be conducted at the Truth Verifier Systems, Inc. was established in 1966 and has Cityland Building, Pioneer Street, Mandaluyong worked with country’s biggest companies in its needs in Private City. Investigation and pre-employment screenings. 42 | Company News

1942 brought the beginning of the Japanese occupation, which forced citizens of allied International School Manila countries into internment on the campus of the University of Santo Tomas, until liberation in Celebrates 100 years of 1945. Through a combination of resourcefulness and dedication, thirty-four students - under the tutelage of likewise interned teachers - managed Growth! to fulfil graduation requirements during those three years of internment.

GROWTH nternational School Manila is a community The middle decades of the School’s history composed of 2,400 students from over 100 were characterized by growth—enrolment records Inations, 400 multicultural faculty, and thousands were topped year after year—and diversification, of alumni across the world. With the school as expats from across the world were drawn to celebrating is hundredth birthday on March 4, it the elite education the School offered. As such, is fitting to look back on its rich history and look a bigger campus was opened in the metropolitan forward to its future. Bel-Air area of Makati in 1961.

HUMBLE BEGINNINGS The American School changed its name to In 1920, a group of American and British International School Manila (ISM) in 1970 to reflect expatriates living in Manila sought to establish a the growing student diversity on campus. With the school for their children comparable to the top move to Bel-Air came the institution of a Filipino private schools in the US, with the added cultural Scholarship Program. Almost sixty years later, the education of life abroad. Thus, the then American Program has helped launch hundreds of careers, School began at 606 Taft Avenue, in a loaned from entrepreneurs to humanitarians, lawyers to church building, with just eight teachers and fifty doctors, and everything in between. students from Grades 1-12. A few families loaned Spanish-style houses later, as the enrolment TODAY increased. In 1936, the American School opened ISM is a school continuously searching for the doors to its own campus on Donada Street, ways that will enable it to be better. With a focus on Pasay. (The building survived World War II and sustainability in recent years, the school cafeteria, today it is home to Arallano University, with the Kantina has been overhauled. Next year will bring name “Heilbron* Hall” still evident on the building. about extended solar panelling, as well as the *J.P. Heilbronn, a community leader of the time, addition of a teaching kitchen and an International made a substantial donation of ₱5,000, for a fence Baccalaureate option in Food Science. Sports and to surround the property.) Fine Arts facilities see enhancements each year.

In addition, facilities have been added for younger students, while a Learning Support Center provides the optimal environment for those

1930s American School 2nd Grade School Classroom. IS Manila, Fort Bonifacio. AmCham Philippines | March 2020 43

who need specialist attention from skilled educators to help them in their growth.

INTEGRITY, SERVICE, MERIT David Toze, who celebrates his 19th year as Superintendent, now the longest-serving Superintendent in School history, speaks to the values behind an ISM education. “Integrity, as behaving to the highest expectations— even when no one is watching what we do; Service, the recognition of how lucky our community is - and how it behoves us to give back to those who are in need; Merit, the quality of getting what you deserve—of Superintendent David Toze with entire High School. having to work for success rather than having it handed to you on a plate. Not everyone people our world needs so badly.” models these every day. But the more our students understand their significance, the Here’s to the next 100 years of this venerable more likely they are to become the kind of institution.

→ 44 | Company News

Pfizer Philippines Foundation, Inc. Provides Special Service for Breast Cancer Patients

Pictured left to right: (seated) Dr. James Wee, PPFI Vice Chairman; Noel Borlongan, PPFI President; Kara Alikpala, ICANSERVE Founding President; Atty. Nicka Hosaka, Grab Philippines Public Affairs Manager; Pierre Gaudreault, Pfizer Regional President, Emerging Asia; Martin Luchangco, Head, Grab for Business; Crisann Celdran, ICANSERVE Chairman. (Standing R-L) Dr. Dennis Dioko, PPFI Trustee; Dr. Mika Prasad, Pfizer Medical Manager; Menchie Auste, member, Cancer Coalition of the Philippines; Anna Mayor, PPFI Program Officer; Geoffrey Garcia, PPFI Manager; Dane Fajardo, Head of Client Success, Grab for Business; Andro Cruz, Key Accounts Manager, Grab for Business; Myrna Guibao, ICANSERVE Patient Coordinator and Marife Leon, ICANSERVE Executive Director.

evere traffic jams, extreme heat, rains and of cancer cases among women. When a woman flooding. These are just some of the hazards is diagnosed with breast cancer, the household Sthat cancer patients experience whenever budget needs to be reconfigured to take into they take public transportation. Through the account expenses surrounding the treatment “CARe for Cancer” program, Pfizer Philippines of the patient. By providing transportation for Foundation, Inc. (PPFI) seeks to address this a patient and one companion, the issues of— problem and ease the burden of travel for breast the cost, as well as the stress and distress the cancer patients who are undergoing treatment. patient suffers regarding transportation—CARe for The program, in partnership with Grab Philippines Cancer eliminates one worry for a cancer patient. and ICanServe Foundation, Inc., will provide free In addition, the money she would otherwise spend transportation for underprivileged patients to and on this item can be allocated for food, medicines, from their treatment facility. or other household expenses.

Breast cancer is the most common type of ICanServe, through its vast network in Metro cancer affecting Filipino women. According to the Manila and nearby areas, will screen candidates Philippine Statistics Authority and the Department for the program. With the initial number of patient- of Health, breast cancer comprises 30 percent beneficiaries set of 50. The program will cover AmCham Philippines | March 2020 45

Our purpose at Pfizer is to bring innovations that change people’s lives. Partnerships like this using technology will really help change patients’ lives. This is certainly something that we can replicate in other Asian markets.

“transportation for a period of approximately six months—the typical time frame when breast cancer treatments, and necessary doctor’s consultations.

Kara Magsanoc-Alikpala, founding president of ICanServe, notes the importance of access to transportation in the treatment of “ the disease: “This gesture may seem small to some but it can mean the world to a patient and her family. Making a patient feel loved and special gives them strength to fight on. This also gives patients savings, more time to rest, heal and bond with loved ones.”

“Our motivation is for a healthier Philippines and this is our contribution to that end. This is the pilot run so there will be birthing pains, but we will evaluate the program and later, we can expand it to include other cities in the Philippines, and even patients with other types of cancers,” said Geoffrey Garcia, manager of PPFI.

PPFI first worked with ICanServe in 2008 through a grant for Ating Dibdibin, a comprehensive, community-based breast cancer screening program. Since then, the program has been adopted by various cities within Metro Manila, changing attitudes towards the disease and encouraging early detection.

According to Nicka Hosaka, public affairs manager of Grab, this initiative is in line with Grab’s conviction to use technology for good, as part of its social impact program, Grab for Good. “The role of Grab is to provide the transportation to and from the hospital, for accredited patients, who will be able to avail of that service.”

Martin Luchangco, head of Grab for Business, says: “As a tech company, Grab is committed to helping society and helping the marginalized. We’re very proud to be part of this initiative.”

Andres Riedel, country manager of Pfizer Philippines and chairman of PPFI lauds this brilliant idea. “This is a pilot and I’m hoping we will be able to expand it. We are really looking forward to making this program a successful one.”

Pierre Gaudreault, Pfizer Regional President for Emerging Asia agrees. “Our purpose at Pfizer is to bring innovations that change people’s lives. Partnerships like this, using technology, will really help change patients’ lives. This is certainly something that we can replicate in other Asian markets. We look forward to seeing patients smiling as they take their Grab rides.” → 46 | AmCham News

AmCham Mindanao Officers and members, guests: Christina Winton, AmCham Phil. Consultant for Corporate Partnership, Ms. Tanya Rabat-Tan Regional Director of the Department of Tourism, Region XI (DOT XI), and Davao City Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Inc. (DCCCII) President John Carlo B. Tria pose for a photo. AmCham Mindanao Holds GMM and Launching of Associate Partners

he American Chamber of Commerce of the Tan gave the audience an update of the regional Philippines (AmCham), Mindanao Chapter held office's major accomplishments in 2019, including Tits first General Membership Meeting (GMM) an increase in tourist arrivals by over 470 thousand for 2020 last January 27 at the world-renowned, as of 3rd quarter 2019 vs. the same period in 2018. Dusit Thani Hotel. She also communicated the government agency's campaign dubbed “Save our Spots”, promoting On the same occasion, AmCham Mindanao also respect for nature, local culture, marine life, and recognized its new Associate Partners, the Dusit heritage. Hotels & Resorts and the University of Mindanao represented by Christoph Kuch, dusitD2 Resident The regional director also presented the DOT Manager and Senior Vice President, Edgardo goals and strategies for 2020 that are aligned Castillo, respectively. President Atty. Leoncio with the department's vision of developing Villa-Abrille and Christina Winton, AmCham Phil. highly competitive, environmentally sustainable Consultant for Corporate Partnership officiated the and socially responsible tourism industry. These launching rites. include, among others, Region-wide Aggressive Accreditation Campaign, Cultural Hub Master The AmCham Mindanao also welcomed its Plan, Farm Tourism, Region-wide Kalutong newest member company, the COHO by Vistaland, Pilipino, Tambayayong Festival, Tourist Circuit represented by John Christopher Gonzales. Development, and Dive Safari.

The GMM's Guest of Honor & Speaker was Overall, the threefold event was a huge success Ms. Tanya Rabat-Tan, Regional Director of the with a huge number in attendance. Department of Tourism, Region XI (DOT XI). Rabat- AmCham Philippines | March 2020 47

Edgardo Castillo, UM Senior Vice President, accepts the Certificate AmCham Mindanao President, Atty. Leoncio Villa-Abrille and AmCham of Associate President from Atty. Leoncio Villa-Abrille and AmCham Phil. Consultant for Corporate Partnership Christina Winton present Manila Consultant for Corporate Partnership Christina Winton. the Certificate of Associate Membership to Christoph Kuch, dusitD2 Resident Manager on behalf of Christopher Wichlan, General Manager of Dusit Hotels & Resorts.

From Left: Rossano C. Luga-Public Relations and Publication Officer, Ferdinand Y. Marañon-2nd Vice President, Luis C. Bonguyan-1st Vice President, Christina Winton, AmCham Phil. Consultant for Corporate Partnership, Atty. Leoncio P. Villa-Abrille-President, Christoph Kuch, dusitD2 Resident Manager, [representative of Christopher Wichlan-Director], Edgardo O. Castillo, Senior Vice President of the University of Mindanao, [representative of Guillermo P. Torres, Jr. -Director], Cherrilyn Casuga-Director. Not in photo are Atty. Myra M. Quilatan -Corporate Secretary, Jocelyn B. Catampo-Treasurer, Benirando D. Claudio-Assistant Corporate Secretary, and Joaquin Q. Tan-Director.

Davao City Chamber of Commerce GMM's Guest of Honor & Speaker Ms. The AmCham Mindanao President Atty. Lencio Villa-Abrille & Industry, Inc. (DCCCII) Tanya Rabat-Tan Regional Director of the swears in John Christopher Gonzales of COHO by Vistaland, its President John Carlo B. Tria raises Department of Tourism, Region XI gives newest member company. a point during the open forum an update of the regional office's major portion of the event. accomplishments in 2019. 48 | AmCham Foundation News

AmCham Foundation Aids Victims of Taal Eruption

he eruption of Taal Volcano on January 12 came as a big shock to residents of the Tvolcano island in the center of Taal lake. This huge explosive eruption – so unexpected – brought death, devastation and, at the least, great disruption to the surrounding lakeside fisheries, farms and many towns, including the city of Tagaytay, a favorite of tourists – local and foreign.

In the aftermath of the eruption of Taal volcano in Batangas province, 100% of the residents from the nearby towns evacuated to several different identified evacuation centers, with little more than their clothes on their backs.

In response to this crisis, the American Chamber Foundation Philippines, Inc. (ACFPI) mobilized resources among the American Chamber of Commerce member companies. A part of the response was the initiation of the ACFPI Mobile/ Crisis Kitchen Project, supported by funding from SCJohnson & Son, Inc., Texas Instruments, The Fraternal Order of the Eagles, John Forbes (for US Corp), Ford Philippines and Mr. Morgan McGilvaray.

With this support, ACFPI provided meals for 2,900 individuals affected by the eruption in collaboration with Pusod, Inc., volunteers from International Institute of Rural Reconstruction (IIRR), and Luntian Republika Ecofarms, the latter two from Silang town in nearby Cavite province. .

Aside from the Mobile/Crisis Kitchen Project noted above, the AmCham Foundation, through the Ford OBW Fund, donated eight sacks of rice, 36 (6000ml) bottles of water, as well as assorted catered to the GK affected families as well as medicines and vitamins, to support Gawad those evacuees sheltered in the GK villages. A Kalinga's Soup Kitchen for the affected families of total of 118 adults and 98 children (216 patients) the eruption in the GK areas in Batangas. availed of the medical services, and all were given free medicines and vitamins. This medical mission Also, a free medical mission was conducted was made up of nine volunteer physicians, six Ford on January 24 in GK Keppel Eco-Village, Brgy. employees, five Ford Scholars, 15 Gawad Kalinga Inicbulan, Bauan, Batangas. The medical mission leaders, and 2 ACFPI staff. AmCham Philippines | March 2020 49

Through this funding, ACFPI also donated assorted medicines to Queen Mary Hospital, Inc., Batangas for the hospital’s own free medical mission to be conducted at the Ibaan Elementary School, Batangas.

AmCham Foundation Taal Response Update:

American Chamber Foundation Philippines, Inc. (ACFPI) continues to provide meals to individuals affected by the Taal volcanic eruption. On February 22 ACFPI partnered with the I AM SCOTT group of volunteers for the implementation of another project. A total of 400 individuals were given packed meals in Barangay Buso Buso, Laurel, Batangas.

When Taal volcano reverted to the lower danger level of 2, some of the evacuees returned to their homes. However, there are still a few who were made homeless, by the eruption and also lost their source of income. The lightweight materials of their homes caused them to collapse due to the volume of ashfall, and the rain that followed turned all to heavy mud There is a much needed major clean up and disposal of the ash fall remains in some areas. Furthermore, having experienced - and survived - such a cataclysmic event has left many families traumatized.

However, it is hoped with the resiliency of the Filipinos in times of crisis -and the help and support of dedicated civic organizations and other concern groups the victims lives will improve.

amchamfoundation 50 | Feature

Baby Pangolin by Gregg Yan (Juvenile, First Record)

“Easier to find Rebels than Pangolins”: Philippine Marines By: Gregg Yan

t’s easier to find rebels in these mountains Corporals Hacking Rattan by Gregg Yan than pangolins,” grunted a sergeant from the “IPhilippine Marine Corps. fingernails, but traditional Chinese medicine believers spend a fortune for powdered pangolin Last month, battle-hardened Marines from the scales, which are no different,” says Dr. Sabine 3rd Brigade joined researchers to find pangolins Schoppe, an expert on the Philippine pangolin. in the dense, rattan-tangled jungles of southern “Legal prescribed medicines are cheaper and more Palawan. efficient alternatives. It’s time to leave old traditions behind and opt for more sustainable solutions.” Pangolins are scaly mammals which slurp ants and termites with their sticky tongues. Caught for Due largely to poaching, the population of traditional Chinese medicine and acknowledged the Philippine pangolin (Manis culionensis) has as THE most illegally-trafficked mammals on Earth, plummeted by as much as 95% since the 1980s, they’ve become global icons of how animals face locally making it critically-endangered – one step extinction via the illegal wildlife trade. above extinction.

TRAFFIC estimates that around a million “The illegal wildlife trade is run by organized pangolins have been traded through 67 countries syndicates with their own systems for capturing in the past decade, prompting a global ban which and smuggling pangolins, so we must tighten is too often skirted by smuggling rings. security,” explains Atty. Edward Lorenzo, USAID’s Protect Wildlife crime prevention advisor. TRAFFIC The belief that pangolin scales – in reality made records 667 Philippine pangolins apprehended by of keratin (the same material as hair and finger- and authorities from 2001 to 2017, with 10 live animals toe-nails) –have some mystical, medicinal powers, recovered at a checkpoint in Tagaytay City, just dates back centuries. “No one pays for powdered last June. AmCham Philippines | March 2020 51

Some of the recovered animals came from other countries. In April 2013, a Chinese poaching vessel rammed into the Philippines’ famed Tubbataha Reefs. Found aboard were 2870 dead pangolins. (Not widely reported)

“DNA tests conducted on the pangolins, all confiscated off Tubbataha in the 2013 sea vessel ramming incident, revealed they came not just from Palawan, but Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam. This proves that illegal traders source their contraband from all over Southeast Asia,” explains Dr. Mundita Lim, executive director of the Asean Center for Biodiversity. “Efforts to combat the trade cannot be undertaken separately, at a Night Patrol by Gregg Yan country by country level, but through coordinated action at the regional level.”

Seized Pangolins by Gregg Yan

Gregg Yan and Marine Sergeants

Tens of thousands of pangolins are also caught in Africa, where four of the eight pangolin species live. In April 2019, 25 tons of scales from an estimated 38,000 African pangolins were confiscated in Singapore, the largest haul in history.

USAID’s Protect Wildlife Project is working closely with the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development and the Katala Foundation to assess pangolin numbers in mainland Palawan. It is funding a dozen ground surveys, each covering 200 hectares and thirty five camera traps to catalogue wildlife have also been deployed.

So far, the ground survey team has found only two pangolins for 2019 – attesting to their rarity and secretive nature. Pangolins spend most days → Sgt. Balutan by Gregg Yan 52 | Feature

Team Photo Before Insertion by Gregg Yan quietly hiding in earthen burrows, rotting stumps or We’re proud to serve our country whatever way high in trees, emerging only at night to feed. possible.”

The Marines, some of who are Marawi veterans, embraced the idea of helping save wildlife. “These searchers spent six months just to find Gregg Yan is an award-winning environmentalist two pangolins,” notes Sgt. Darwin Balutan, who and adventurer who has worked with some of served in Jolo and Basilan. “It seems there aren’t the biggest names and organizations in the many left.” environmental movement. In 2013, he was awarded by Reader’s Digest Asia as one of the most trusted people in the Philippines. The troops all vowed to protect Palawan’s In 2016, he was recognized by Asia Pacific pangolins. “We’re often in the jungle, but it’s our Business Insider as the top advocacy communicator for the Asia first time to notice how much wildlife there is Pacific Region. For this story, he spent 10 days with Marines and scientists in the jungles of Palawan, where the only bath he took in the Philippines,” says Sgt. Norman Pintor. was in a river, under the watchful eye of a cobra. But they did find “The conservation community can count on us. pangolins.

amcham.mindanao

54 | Contributed Article

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): What it means for your Business

By: Dr. Irene Umayam

n January 30, the first imported case of the COVID-19 was confirmed from a 38-year-old OChinese national who arrived in the Philippines on January 21 from Wuhan coming from Hong Kong. important to note however that these symptoms are As this health situation continues to rapidly evolve, not limited to the COVID-19. Respiratory illnesses it is important that organizations know the right and pneumonia caused by other organisms (including information on the virus and are equipped with ways bacteria) and other viruses (such as influenza) can on how to protect their employees while ensuring cause these symptoms. business continuity and productivity. COVID-19 can cause severe illness, and some The COVID-19 was identified in January 2020 as infected people have died. It is possible that people the cause of an outbreak of pneumonia originating in with underlying health conditions are at higher risk for Wuhan, China, last December 2019. Around 25% of severe disease. cases in China were severe and fatalities have been recorded. HOW DOES COVID-19 SPREAD? Authorities are continuing to investigate the source ABOUT CORONAVIRUSES of the infection and how this new coronavirus spreads. Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses, some Transmission is possibly happening via two routes: of which can infect people. Some cause mostly mild • Environment-to-human: Preliminary information illness, such as the strains responsible for some suggests that the novel coronavirus is zoonotic common colds. Others can potentially also lead to or transmitted from an animal source to humans. severe, or even fatal, disease - such as the Middle The initial cluster of cases appeared to have a East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS- common source of exposure - a local live seafood CoV), which continues to circulate in some parts of and animal market. the world. • Human-to-human: from a sick person to others who are in close contact. In general, coronaviruses The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) spread through infected respiratory droplets, just outbreak was caused by a coronavirus. It caused like other respiratory infections, including colds severe and fatal disease but is no longer in circulation. and influenza. A sick person expels these droplets when they cough, sneeze, or talk. Others can get The natural reservoir for coronaviruses is thought the disease via contact (direct or indirect) with to be animal hosts. New strains that emerge from these contaminated droplets. this reservoir, infect an ‘intermediate’ host, and from there lead on to infect people. The viruses may then WHO IS AT RISK FOR INFECTION? be capable of being transmitted from one person The disease can be transmitted from person to another. Some are efficient at human-to-human to person, but it is not yet known how easily or transmission, while others are not. sustainably it spreads. Scientists are studying the data as it becomes available. Most people infected so far SYMPTOMS OF COVID-19 have been in or traveled to Wuhan, China. Some of the While the illness is still being studied, it is known initial cases reported having visited a seafood/animal that the common symptoms include fever, cough, market, which may have been a source of exposure. shortness of breath and difficulty of breathing. It is In some cases, people who have had close contact AmCham Philippines | March 2020 55

with infected people, such as their family members or at their next destination. Members should also defer caregivers, have contracted the virus. travel to other areas of China as advised by their local national authorities. Even in the absence of such WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR ORGANIZATIONS? advisories, members should consider deferring non- We advise all organisations to continue to monitor essential travel to the rest of mainland China based on this outbreak, proactively communicating with your their own considerations and risk assessment. people to explain the ways to prevent infection, review and implement your plans for pandemic and other HOW CAN I ACCESS THE LATEST INFORMATION ON infectious disease outbreaks. THE COVID-19 FROM INTERNATIONAL SOS? As this is a rapidly evolving health situation, it is WHAT ARE SOME PRACTICAL TIPS TO PROTECT advisable to constantly check on the latest information. OURSELVES? Our Medical Information and Analysis Team are • Avoid potential exposure. Practice good hygiene compiling first-hand information from our on-the- measures and safe food practices. ground teams in China and globally. We have created • Avoid direct contact with animals (live or dead) a website which provides these updates as well as the and their environment. Do not touch surfaces services we are providing to clients and members on a that may be contaminated with droppings. 24/7 basis – sections are open to the public and easily • Keep some distance from people who are accessible via InternationalSOS.com. obviously sick. • Maintain good personal hygiene. Wash your hands frequently. Carry hand sanitiser for use when soap and water are not readily available. Avoid touching your face. About International SOS • Ensure food, including eggs, is thoroughly The International SOS Group of Companies is in the business of saving lives, protecting your global workforce from health cooked. and security threats. Wherever you are, we deliver customised • Do not travel if you are sick. Note that some health, security risk management and wellbeing solutions to fuel locations have implemented screening, and your growth and productivity. In the event of extreme weather, travelers may face quarantine and testing. an epidemic or a security incident, we provide an immediate response providing peace of mind. Our innovative technology and medical expertise focus on prevention, offering real-time, CAN WE STILL TRAVEL OUTSIDE THE PHILIPPINES? actionable insights and on-the-ground quality delivery. We help As of 30 January 2020, several flight operators have you meet compliance reporting needs for good governance. announced temporary suspension or the reduction of By partnering with us, organisations can fulfil their Duty of Care responsibilities, while empowering business resilience, continuity flights on routes serving China amid travel restrictions and sustainability. imposed in the country to contain the COVID-19 To protect your workforce, visit www.internationalsos.com. outbreak. We advise travellers to defer all travel to Hubei province due to official travel restrictions in Dr. Irene Umayam is a Coordinating Doctor of International SOS based in the Philippines. She has been helping organisations fulfil place in some cities, the potential for further sudden their Duty of Care obligations to their employees by ensuring that restrictions on departure, and the risk of quarantine they are safe and healthy wherever they are in the world. 56 | Company News

In photo: Malabon and Quezon City elementary schools showcase Christmas lanterns made out of recycled waste materials during a contest and exhibit under the Pag-asa sa Basura program at Panghulo Main Elementary School in Malabon. From left to right: P&G Philippines Corporate Communications Manager Charm Banzeulo, World Vision in the Philippines Corporate Engagement Specialist AJ Renomeron, and representatives from Malabon and Quezon City elementary schools.

s part of its commitment to take progressive action to aid in mitigating plastic wastes, P&G Philippines Aleading consumer goods company Procter & Gamble (P&G) Philippines and World Vision drives recovery Development Foundation Inc. have successfully implemented Pag-asa sa Basura, an environmental sustainability program that aims to collect and and recycling upcycle plastic sachets into school chairs, trash program bins and other useful products. Pag-asa sa Basura has partnered with 26 public schools in Malabon and Quezon City for the collection of used plastic sachets and plastic bottles in their respective communities. Within the first three months of the program alone, the schools were able to recover over 2.3 million plastic sachets and more than 700,000 hard plastic bottles. In return, students received incentives for every sachet and bottle collected.

The program, aside from enabling plastic recovery and recycling, aims to promote the importance of proper solid waste management. P&G and World Vision rehabilitated the schools’ materials recovery facilities (MRFs), and trained teachers and students on proper waste segregation, upcycling and circular economy. AmCham Philippines | March 2020 57

“As we continue to take progressive action P&G and World Vision are expecting to recover to mitigate plastic wastes, we aim to champion more used sachets and bottles in the coming sustainable innovations through our brands and months and prevent plastic wastes from ending up manufacturing and empower Filipino communities in oceans or landfills. to be part of the solution through recycling, upcycling and other waste diversion initiatives. The “The success of Pag-asa Sa Basura inspires Pag-asa sa Basura program is one of the ways we us to find more ways to be a stronger force for collaborate with stakeholders and consumers for good and force for growth in the country. We will environmental sustainability,” says Anna Legarda- continue to collaborate with our partners to inspire Locsin, P&G Communications Head. positive impact in society and the environment,” adds Locsin. P&G and World Vision’s program was able to orient over 3,000 students and teachers in Malabon and Quezon City on RA9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Law. Alongside the workshop, About Procter & Gamble Pag-asa sa Basura helped establish 21 Solid Waste P&G serves nearly five billion people around the world with its Management Committees in Malabon and five brands. The Company has one of the strongest portfolios of trusted, quality, leadership brands, including Always®, Ambi committees in Quezon City, equipping students and Pur®, Ariel®, Bounty®, Charmin®, Crest®, Dawn®, Downy®, faculty members to practice waste management Duracell®, Fairy®, Febreze®, Gain®, Gillette®, Head & more effectively inside their campuses and homes. Shoulders®, Lenor®, Olay®, Oral-B®, Pampers®, Pantene®, SK-II®, Tide®, Vicks®, Wella® and Whisper®. The P&G community includes operations in approximately 70 countries “P&G and World Vision helped significantly worldwide. Please visit http://www.pg.com for the latest news reduce the amount of plastic wastes in our and in-depth information about P&G and its brands. community through recycling and upcycling. More importantly, this program motivated our students to Media Contact: practice proper waste segregation in their homes Procter & Gamble Philippines Green Bulb Communications Charm Banzuelo Guio Martinez as well,” says Catmon Integrated School Malabon [email protected] [email protected] YES-O Coordinator, Genmart Alejandro. +639178218507

→ 58 | Company News

Converge ICT cited as Philippines’ “Fastest Growing Fiber Internet Service Provider”

onverge ICT Solutions, the broadband services Cprovider behind the country’s first pure end-to- end fiber internet network, has been cited as the ‘Fastest Growing Fibre Internet Service Provider’ by the International Finance Awards.

The recognition comes from the London-based global business and finance magazine, International Finance. According to the publication, Converge ICT is recognized to be true to its mission to upgrade the existing domestic network capacity. This allows overall digital experience of the 400G per channel at 64 channels or the equivalent country. International Finance of 25.6Tbps at capacity. also lauded the company’s growth from the grassroots The backbone is considered a boost to major to become a budding businesses and institutions such as business powerhouse provider process outsourcing companies and financial of pure end-to-end fiber institutions, which require high capacity connectivity internet. or bandwidth. The rollout also allowed individual subscribers and micro, small, and medium Since the launch of Converge ICT’s fiber enterprises (MSMEs) to enjoy faster connection packages, the Philippines saw a steady and without any data cap for high bandwidth capacity. noticeable internet speed improvement. According to the world-renowned digital delivery network Converge ICT received the award onJanuary Akamai, the Philippines’ average internet speed 31, 2020 at Waldorf Astoria, Bangkok, Thailand. in the third quarter of 2016 was only at 4.2Mbps. By the first quarter of 2016, Akamai reported the average download speed in the Philippines has About Converge ICT Solutions increased by 135.90 percent to 18.66Mbps. Converge ICT Solutions is the leading fiber internet and digital One of the most recent milestones of Converge consumer-centric services provider in the country. It is the first to run a pure end-to-end fiber internet network, providing Filipinos ICT is the introduction of the country’s first simple, fast, and reliable internet connection. Converge ICT 400Gbps backbone built by ZTE to augment Solutions is ISO and CE2.0 Certified. AmCham Philippines | March 2020 59 60 | Organizational Sections

| Members' Birthdays

MARCH APRIL

Fausto R. Preysler Jr. Edmun Liu 2 Judah Hirsch Mariska Martha Olalo 1 Patricia Celis 3 Ferdinand Stolzenberg 2 Simon McGrath Gregorio Gerry F. 5 Maria Necita Geronimo Melder M. Relator 3 Fernandez Arthur Aycardo 4 Gregorio Ortega Alwin R. Sta. Rosa Victoriano S. Go 5 Rick Dols Daniel Rosenberg 8 John Rice Samrinder Nehria 6 Jeffrey Sosa Corazon Dela Paz- 9 Bill Mallory Bernardo Robert W. Blume 7 Melanie Pagaragan Aniceto V. Bisnar, Jr. 10 Nick Gitsis Roberto F. Batungbacal 8 Jose Mari L. Chan George Davies 11 Brittney McClary 10 John Brian Pallasigue Mildred Ramos Ferdinand Marañon 12 Andrew Ramos Matilde Ortiz 14 Cyril Natad 14 Roland Dela Cruz 15 Charina G. Ocampo Cheryl Edeline C. Ong 15 Felino Palafox Jr. 16 Marie Elenita Olmedo Anders Hallden 16 Henkell Henrison Ong Hoa 18 Kelly Koch 18 Jose P. Leviste Jr. 19 Ian Frederick Grist Francisco Villanueva 19 Rick Santos 20 Geenette Garcia Sheila Marie Lobien 21 Myra Quilatan 23 Alberto D. Lina 23 Makiko Takaoka Christopher Wichlan 24 Kenneth Go 24 Braulio Lim 26 Rebecca Ann K. Sy 25 Vicente P. Mercado 27 Efren P. Belarmino 27 Rynor Jamandre 28 Roseller Lopez Jerlyn Bernal 28 Jon E. Kaplan Jose Ingles 29 John F. Drake 29 Tom De Bruin 31 Gemma Baz 30

62 | Organizational Sections

Index to Advertisers

Belrewmond Corporate Center ...... 03 John Clements Consultants, Inc...... OBC

BDO Unibank, Inc...... 11 Kittelson & Carpo Consulting ...... 15

CalEnergy International Services Inc...... IFC Marriott Hotel International ...... 07

Capital One Philippines Support Services Corp...... 37 Oakridge Realty Development Corporation ...... 43

Chevron Philippines ...... IBC Orion Support, Inc...... 45

City Service Corporation...... 13 PMFTC, Inc...... 61

Converge ICT Solutions ...... 58 Quantity Solutions, Inc...... 29

Crown Worldwide Movers, Inc...... 09 Regus Tech Centre ...... 17

dusitD2 Davao ...... 23 Truth Verifi er Systems, Inc...... 39

Emerson Electric Asia Ltd. - ROHQ ...... 25 World Vision Philippines ...... 27

| AmCham Social Media Accounts |

FILIPINO-AMERICAN MEMORIAL ENDOWMENT AFFILIATE OF THE AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF THE PHILIPPINES, INC. DEDICATED TO THE PRESERVATION OF WWII HISTORY www. lipino-americanmemorials.org