AmCham | Philippines - Journal · 2020. 2. 2. · AmCham Business Journal is a general business...

A recent survey reveals that 96% of Filipinos expect a better year in 2020. Whether your life improves primarily depends on you and other factors in the

national and global environment.

...AND A PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR?

Published by The American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, Inc.

FEBRUARY 2020 VOL 95 NO 02

www.amchamphilippines.com

BUSINESSJournal

4

Organizational Sections06 About AmCham Philippines08 Officers & Directors14 Chapters & Advocacies16 Committees18 AmCham Staff64 Members’ Birthdays: February - March65 Guidelines for Submission of Articles66 Index to Advertisers66 AmCham Social Media Accounts

Filipino-American Memorial Endowment54 Santo Tomas - A Child’s Remembrance

Behind the Walls58 Remarks Commemorating the WWII

Internment Camp at University of Santo Tomas (UST)

Health and Wellness44 Coronavirus - What is it?45 How Coronavirus Spreads

In Memoriam39 Adrianne Kurt Sabate

Noteworthy40 Importance of ‘Biosecurity’ for Wildlife

Conservation - Tamaraw and Tribal Communities Decimated by Disease

48 Taal Volcano Eruption History

Contents February 2020 | Vol 95 | No 02

Advertorial28 Top 5 Reasons Companies Are

Transforming their Workplace32 Asian Eye Institute partners with

STAAR Surgical to Offer Implantable Contact Lenses

AmCham News19 New AmCham Members10 AmCham Corporate and Associate

Partners12 How to be an AmCham Member

Partner18 Introduce your Boss to the Philippine

Business Landscape!43 9th AmCham Foundation ScholaRUN -

Eat and Run

AmCham Roundup46 AmCham Davao Activities Update:

Davao Joint Foreign Chambers - Networking Night 2019

Business Leadership Program34 BLP joins YSEALI and American

Corners

Business of Business50 Are Employees the Most Valuable

Assets?

Company News61 New Healthcare Partnerships to

Combat Non-Communicable Diseases

22 ...And a Prosperous New Year?25 Security of Tenure or Security of

Employment?

Editorial20 AmCham-RESPOND Priority

Legislations

Upcoming AmCham Events(03/03) Fireside Chat: Investing in Tech(03/04) U.S.-PH Free Trade Agreement:

Prospect for Agribusiness(03/26) Preparation of Corporate Income

Tax Returns(03/27) Consumer Privacy and Data

Security Training: Data Privacy Act of 2012

(03/30-31) Microsoft Excel Tips and Tricks Training

AmCham Philippines | February 2020 5

THIS MONTH'S ISSUE

A recent survey reveals that 96% of Filipinos expect a better year in 2020. Whether your life improves primary depends on you and other factors in the national and global environment.

The problem with jobs today and in the future is that they have the nasty habit of changing the specifications. The Fourth Industrial Revolution (FIRe) is now upon us, and new jobs will have newer dimensions and requirements.

Turn to page 22 for more in-depth information on this month’s issue.

Cover Design by Eya Martinez

MISSION STATEMENTThe 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 MurrayCOMMUNICATIONS MANAGER: Lance Fernandez ADVERTISING HEAD: Chet Guevara LAYOUT EDITOR: Eya Martinez

PHOTOGRAPHER: Roy Fulgado PUBLICATIONS COMMITTEE CO-CHAIRS: Manuel R. Guillermo and Ernie CeciliaPUBLICATIONS COMMITTEE MEMBER: 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 Commerceof 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 theMakati Central Post Offi ce on May 07, 1992 and under Permit #534 dated May 24, 1993.

4 | Header

GET INFORMED. BE INVOLVED.STAY CONNECTED.

AMCHAM COMMITTEESYOUR MAIN ALLY

MARKETING OPPORTUNITIESPromote your brand among top executives and business movers via email blast and advertising on the AmCham Business Journal.

ADVOCACYAmCham works closely with the Philippine Government to address business issues on your behalf.

INFORMATIONStay up to date with the latest business and economic issues by engaging in meetings year-round.

NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIESTap into AmCham’s solid network of over 700 members in the Philippines and abroad. Take advantage to meet and exchange ideas with industry leaders and key business personalities.

Join the AmChamCommittee Network today!For further information, you may contact us at (632) 8818 7911 loc. 226

/AmCham.Philippines

@AmChamPH

in/amchamphilippines/


6 | AmCham News

4 | Header

GET INFORMED. BE INVOLVED.STAY CONNECTED.

AMCHAM COMMITTEESYOUR MAIN ALLY

MARKETING OPPORTUNITIESPromote your brand among top executives and business movers via email blast and advertising on the AmCham Business Journal.

ADVOCACYAmCham works closely with the Philippine Government to address business issues on your behalf.

INFORMATIONStay up to date with the latest business and economic issues by engaging in meetings year-round.

NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIESTap into AmCham’s solid network of over 700 members in the Philippines and abroad. Take advantage to meet and exchange ideas with industry leaders and key business personalities.

Join the AmChamCommittee Network today!For further information, you may contact us at (632) 8818 7911 loc. 226

/AmCham.Philippines

@AmChamPH

in/amchamphilippines/


8 | AmCham Officers & Directors

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

Since 1902

H.E. SUNG Y. KIMU.S. Ambassador of the Philippines

Honorary Chairman

PETER HAYDENCapital One Philippines Support Services Corp.

President

BRUCE WINTONMarriott Hotel Manila

1st Vice President

ROBERTO BATUNGBACALDow Chemical

2nd Vice President

PHILIP SOLIVENCargill Philippines, Inc.

Treasurer

JOSE VICTOR EMMANUEL DE DIOSGeneral Electric Philippines

MARK LWINAIG Phils. Insurance, Inc.

FRANK THIELQuezon Power

ANDREAS RIEDELPfizer, Inc.

ARIEL LACSAMANA3M Philippines

BELINDA RACELAChevron Malampaya LLC

WINN EVERHARTCoca-Cola Far East LTD.

Directors

GEORGE M. DRYSDALEMarsman Drysdale GroupDONALD R. FELBAUM

Optel LTD.ROBERT M. SEARS

American Historical Collection Foundation, Inc.Directors, Ex-Officios

EBB HINCHLIFFEAmCham Philippines

Executive Director

ATTY. AILEEN TOLOSA-LERMARomulo Mabanta Buenaventura Sayoc de los Angeles

Law OfficeCorporate Secretary

RALPH REUBEN MORALESTexas Instruments Philippines Inc.

President, AmCham North Luzon Chapter

BRIAN CONNELLYMarco Polo Plaza Cebu

President, AmCham Visayas Chapter

ATTY. LEONCIO VILLA-ABRILLECasareo Villa-Abrille Development Corp.President, AmCham Mindanao Chapter

MARDIE C. TORRESAmCham Foundation

Acting Executive Director

2nd Floor, Corinthian Plaza Building, 121 Paseo de Roxas corner Gamboa StreetLegazpi Village, Makati City 1229

Tels.: (632) 8818 7911 to 13 • Fax: (632) 8811 3081Email: [email protected] • Website: www.amchamphilippines.com

10 | AmCham News

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

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

12 | AmCham News12 | AmCham News

Regular Firm Membership *A – Php 57,800 | B – Php 47,300(*+Php 12, 500 one time registration fee)

This membership is available to corporations, partnerships, proprietorships, and other business organizations and enterprises that are registered and qualified to do business in the Philippines, with 30% 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 be Americans.

In this classification, the firm shall be represented by an accredited individual who must rank as a senior executive but may not be necessarily be an American citizen.

Regular Individual Membership Php 34,700(*+Php 7, 500 one time registration fee)

This membership is available to individual persons residing in the Philippines who are American citizens and who are not eligible for any other membership classifications.

Associate Firm Membership *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 the Philippines, with 71% or more of the ownership held by citizens or corporations that are non-Americans. The firm shall be represented by an accredited individual who must rank as a senior executive and may be of any nationality.

Associate Individual Membership Php 34,700(*+Php 7, 500 one time registration fee)

This membership is available to individuals residing in the Philippines who are non-American citizens and who are not eligible for any other membership classifications.

Non-Profit and Government Membership Php 23,400(*+Php 6, 250 one time registration fee)

This membership is available to: non-profit, charitable, civic, educational, 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. Federal Government can also avail of this membership category.

Non-Resident Membership Php 23,400(*+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 in its activities and events.

Additional Firm Membership Php 5,250

This membership is available to any employee of a firm member residing in the Philippines who wish to be recognized as an official member of the Chamber.

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

Associate Firm Membership

Associate Individual Membership

Non-Resident Membership

Regular Firm Membership

Regular Individual Membership

Non-Profit and Government Membership

Additional Firm Membership

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 THE PHILIPPINES, INC.

(North Luzon Chapter - 2015)

RALPH REUBEN MORALESTexas Instruments Inc.

President

JOAN SABROSOChapter Office Manager

Claro M. Recto Highway, Clark Freeport ZoneMabalacat City, Pampanga 2010

Telefax: (632) 8811 3081 • Mobile: +63 (927) 912 3248Email: [email protected]


(Visayas Chapter - 1987)

BRIAN CONNELLYMarco PoloPresident

BRENDA LISENChapter Office Manager

RUTHCEL ARAGONChapter Marketing Manager

Unit 303, Clotilde Commercial CenterM.L. Quezon Street, Casuntingan, Mandaue City 6014

Tels.: (6332) 316-1093 ; (6332) 232-2373Mobile: +63 (917) 323 1972

Emails: [email protected]@amchamphilippines.com ; [email protected]


(Mindanao Chapter - 1988)

CHRISTOPHER WICHLANDusit Thani Hotels & Resorts

President

ANNIE QUITAYChapter Office Manager

2nd Floor, Door 207-208, Don Cesareo, Villa-Abrille BuildingJacinto corner Juan Luna Street, Davao City 8000

Mobile: +63 (916) 876 7729Emails: [email protected]

[email protected]

THE AMERICAN CHAMBER FOUNDATION PHILIPPINES, INC.

(Founded 1985)

EDWIN FEISTAdvanced Nutrition Technology

President

MARDIE C. TORRESActing Executive Director

16th Floor, Sagittarius Conominium111 H.V. Dela Costa, Salcedo Village, Makati City 1227

Trunkline: (632) 8816 3716 • Directline: (632) 8867 2426E-mail: [email protected]

Website: www.amchamfoundation.com

FILIPINO-AMERICAN MEMORIAL ENDOWMENT, INC.(Founded 1986)

LT. COL. ARTEMIO MATIBAGPresident

LESLIE ANN MURRAYTrustee

KV ROJASF.A.M.E. Specialist

c/o The American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, Inc.2nd Floor, Corinthian Plaza Building, 121 Paseo de Roxascorner Gamboa Street, Legazpi Village, Makati City 1229

C.P.O. Box 2562, Makati City, 1265Tels.: (632) 8818 7911 to 13 • Fax: (632) 8811 3081

Email: [email protected]: www.filipino-americanmemorials.org

AMERICAN DESK AT THE BOARD OF INVESTMENTS(Established 1992)

EBB HINCHLIFFEDirector

MC LAWRENCEAmerican Desk Specialist

385 Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati CityTels.: (632) 8895 8851; 895 3918 • Fax: (632) 8896 2315

Emails: [email protected]@amchamphilippines.com

16 | AmCham Committees

COMMITTEE Chairman INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT SPECIALISTAgribusiness 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.Atty. Princess Ascalon

Jeanne Moreno

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

INTERNALMembership Roland dela Cruz / Martin Marty Vicky San Juan-Co

Kapihan• Networking / General Membership

Meetings• Welcome Breakfast

Ebb Hinchliffe / Leslie Ann Murray Peter GonzalesPeter Gonzales

Vicky San Juan-Co

Chapters• North Luzon• Visayas

• Mindanao

Ebb Hinchliffe Vicky San Juan-CoJoan SabrosoBrenda Lisen

Ruthcel AragonAnnie Quitay

Communications & Publications Manuel R. GuillermoErnie Cecilia

Lance FernandezLeslie Ann Murray

Chet GuevaraEya Martinez

Corporate Partners Ebb Hinchliffe Christina Winton

Business Training and Development Center Ebb Hinchliffe Mc Lawrence

A C T I V I T I E S / A D V O CA CY / A F F I L I AT EAmcham 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 (F.A.M.E.)

LT. Col. Art Matibag / Leslie Ann Murray KV Rojas

The Arangkada Philippines Project (TAPP II)

John D. Forbes Mark Rabago

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,Committees and Industry Relations

KV Rojas

Industry Development Specialists (IDS)

Events Specialist

Lia DausMark Rabago

Jeanne MorenoPeter 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 PejiErnie Aala


New AmCham Members For October to December 2019

National Capital Region

Mr. Ferdinand Stolzenberg

CEO Individual Member

Geonobel, Inc.Ms. Amabelle Grace “Che-lin” Mascardo-Macia

Senior Partner Regular Corporate B

H.E.G. Corporation Mr. Henry Go COO Regular Corporate B

Mizuho Bank LTD. Mr. Fernando Martin O. Peña

PresidentAssociate Corporate B

Sanofi-Aventis Phils. Mr. Alexandre Aubry Managing Director Regular Corporate B

Tenet Global Business Center, Inc.

Mr. Jason James MedinaHead, Philippines Global Delivery Center

Regular Corporate B

Thumbtack Shared Services Philippines, Inc.

Mr. Rockford Lim Managing Director Regular Corporate B

AmChamNorthLuzon

North Luzon Chapter

Holy Angel University Mr. Luis Maria Calingo President Non-Profit and Government

Visayas Chapter

Accountable PH Mr. Shaun Beavis President Corporate A

Author Solutions Phils. Ms. Merrell Davis RioVP - General Manager

Corporate A

Good Job General Manpower Mr. Cyril Natad General Manager Corporate A

Oakridge Realty Dev. Corp. Mr. Edmun Liu CEO Corporate A

Mindanao Chapter

Xavier Sports & Country Club Ms. Maria Cristina Pizarro General Manager Corporate A

20 | Editorial

AmCham-RESPOND Priority Legislations 1. Amendment of:

a. Public Service Act (PSA) – Define public utility subsectors thereby distinguishing public services from public utilities. When the reform is enacted, only electric power distribution and transmission, water pipeline distribution, and sewerage pipeline systems will be explicitly identified by the law as public utilities.b. Retail Trade Act (RTA) – Reduce limitations on foreign investment in retail trade in RA 8762; in particular reduce the current $2.5 million minimum paid-in capital requirement.c. Foreign Investment Act (FIA) – Remove the practice of professions from the Foreign Investment Negative List and lower the employment requirement for firms investing $100,000 from 50 employees to 15.d. Foreign Equity Restrictions in the Constitution – Ease the restrictions to many provisions in Article 12 of the Constitution on National Economy and Patrimony as well as other provisions on mass media, investments, and education.e. Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) Charter – Address the deficiencies in the supervision and management of the Philippine civil aviation industry and strengthen CAAP as an agency. Significant amendments include: increasing the term of the director general to 7 years, exemption of CAAP from the salary standardization law, and enhanced fiscal autonomy. f. Contractors’ License Law – Remove the discriminatory licensing requirements of the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board for foreign construction companies.

g. Government Procurement Reform Act (repeal Flag Act and RA 5183) – Remove the domestic preference policy in the government procurement process.h. Commonwealth Act No. 541 – Remove the domestic preference policy in the construction industry.

2. Passage of:

a. Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) Reform – Separate the development and regulatory powers of the PPA by giving development powers to MARINA. b. Philippine Airports Development Corporation (PADC) – Create the Philippine Airports Development Corporation, which will handle the regulation and operation of airports, and to which the operating powers of the CAAP will be delegated as well as abolish the authorities managing international airports.c. Electric Vehicles Law – Enactment of a policy to promote the adoption of electric vehicles in the country.d. Open Access in Data Transmission Act – Lower barriers and cost to entry for data service providers and promote sharing of infrastructure and efficient use of resources.

Ebb HinchliffeEditor-in-Chief

In the last editorial, we mentioned there would be more information coming in the succeeding months on the details of the new AmCham Project with US AID – code-named RESPOND -- through our advocacy arm of Arangkada.

Below you will find the list of Priority Legislations being worked on currently. In future editorials, we will be furnishing the background, reasons for the advocacy and updates on the bills.

...And a Prosperous New Year?

A recent survey reveals that 96% of Filipinos expect a better year in 2020. Whether your life improves primary depends on you and other factors in the

national and global environment.

You’d likely have a Prosperous New Year if you have the motivation, the opportunity and the means to achieve your goals towards financial independence. But then again, it also depends on some remote events like the Brexit, what happens next in Hong Kong, the United States-China Trade War, whether the emerging markets and developing economies or EMDEs will recover next year, or how Europe, the Middle East and or EMEA will perform in economic terms in 2020.

Yes, Virginia, wishing for a prosperous 2020 is up to you; making it happen needs the confluence of other players and events all over the world.

2019 EMPLOYMENTAt the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE)

last year, the “Labor” environment was more sober, at best. The “Employment” aspect seemed to have performed better.

According to Officer in Charge Assistant Secretary for Local Employment Nikki Rubia-Tutay, a total of 1.565 million new jobs were created in services (1.299 million) and industry (266,000) sectors. This was offset by loss of 307,000 jobs in the agriculture sector, for a net increase of 1.26 million jobs in 2019 over the prior year. This translates to a 0.2 percentage point reduction in the unemployment rate, from 5.3 to 5.1 percent in 2019.

Unfortunately, the majority of the new jobs created were in the medium-to-low level skills, with a small minority among high-level skills and professionals. The youth unemployment rate continues to be a problem, as it increased from 13.4 percent to 13.6 percent in 2019. Underemployment rate, a perennial problem, decreased in 2019 to 14.0 percent, from 16.4 percent in 2018. The current underemployment is more prevalent in the services sector (46.8 percent share) and the agricultural sector (34.5 percent share). As usual, labor productivity remains highest in the industry sector.

22 | Cover Story

By: Ernie Cecilia, DPM


2020’S GLOBAL ECONOMYThe World Bank Group predicts a slowdown

in the global economy’s growth to 2.6 percent in 2020, a projected recovery in 2021 and a modest 2021 growth of 2.8 percent. Because of the uncertainties brought about by the impending exit of the United Kingdom from the European Union, the economic outlook in the UK and Germany is not very optimistic. Although the Americas continue to project higher job opportunities, such projections do not usually materialize in terms of actual hiring during the past years.

In East Asia and the Pacific region, growth has slowed down to 5.9 percent since the 1997-1998 Asian financial crisis. Even China’s 6.6 percent growth in 2018 has slowed down to 6.2 percent in 2019. On average, the region will likely register an average of 5.1 percent in 2019, and a modest increase of 5.2 percent in 2020. Hiring intentions in Hong Kong decreased by seven percentage points, and so are China’s, with a possible three percentage points’ reduction in job creation next year.

EFFECTS ON PH JOBSWill there be new jobs in

the Philippines in 2020?

Amid global and domestic uncertainties in economic, social and geopolitical systems, the World Bank Group predicts that the Philippine economy will grow by 6.1 percent in 2020. This is, however, preconditioned on the early passage of the national budget, robust consumer spending and continuing progress of the Build, Build, Build program, the Duterte administration’s flagship

project that is expected to create more jobs for Filipinos.

During the decade just passed (2010-2019), there was a boom and bust pattern in job creation. While more than 1,000,000 net new jobs were created in 2014, 2016 and 2019, there was a tendency that the ensuing year/s did not see a better performance in terms of job creation. When the main reason for high gross domestic product or GDP growth is domestic consumption, there could still be a reason to doubt the sustainability →

of job creation, especially when imports continue to outweigh dollar-generating exports, or when foreign direct investments or FDIs don’t come easily and result in more business activities that require employment, especially in manufacturing.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas expects that consumer demand will weaken in the first quarter of 2020, after the holiday and harvest seasons, fishing ban, rising petroleum prices, and high cost of energy. Unless business activities intensify, businesses will not be able to create the much-needed jobs.

THE SUPPLY SIDEEmployment that helps create wealth for

Filipinos must be looked at from both sides — the demand and the supply. What we’ve discussed above refers to the demand side.

Those who expect to have a prosperous new year in 2020 should asked themselves:

“When the jobs arrive, are we ready with the right skills and competencies to get hired for these jobs?”

The problem with jobs today and in the future is that they have the nasty habit of changing the specifications. The Fourth Industrial Revolution (FIRe) is now upon us, and new jobs will have newer dimensions and requirements. (See page 28)

In the words of Undersecretay Tutay, the FIRe will “require the much-needed infrastructure (improved connectivity, reduced costs of broadband and internet services); enabling policy environment that would allow flexibilities for businesses to thrive, but at the same time provide social protection to workers, consumers and the general public; and further strengthening employment facilitation and bridging programs (internships, on-the-job training, apprenticeship, and learnership).”

Like Yogi Berra aptly said, “The future ain’t what it used to be.”

24 | Cover Story

cebuamcham

SECURITY OFTENURE or

Amid the disruptions caused by the rapid changes in technology and game changing developments in the world’s economic,

social and geopolitical arena (discussed in Part 1 of this article), the Philippine legislators in the 17th Congress filed 33 bills (25 in the House of Representatives and eight in the Senate) seeking to further regulate job contracting arrangements in the Philippines. In the words of one honorable representative, “The idea is to highly regulate job contracting until it dies a natural death.”

That “idea” is out of place in today’s business scenario that favors more flexible work arrangements (FWA). The rest of the world is into FWAs. The Philippines will be more uncompetitive if business flexibility is further curtailed. What the Filipinos need now are jobs — jobs that only investments (foreign or domestic) could create. When you restrict the business’ flexibility to operate efficiently, you also curtail its capacity to create more jobs.

President Rodrigo Duterte had the wisdom to veto the Security of Tenure (SoT) bill right after his 2018 State of the Nation Address, perhaps after seeing the dire unintended consequences on the sector that the bill hopes to the labor sector. The President aptly reiterated that in protecting the rights of workers, the law should not allow the destruction of employers.

SoT BILL REFILEDThree days after President Duterte vetoed

the SoT bill, Sen. Emmanuel Joel Villanueva filed Senate Bill (SB) 806, “Security of Tenure or End of Endo” Bill, a rehash of the vetoed SoT bill.

Here are some of my observations on the refiled SoT bill:

1. SB 806 is allegedly about ending endo (end of contract), an employment malpractice that is already prohibited by the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) Department Order 174

and Executive Order 51. The bill is superfluous, as endo is already prohibited and dead. You don’t need a new law. What’s needed is effective enforcement.

2. Despite its title, the bill has no provision at all about endo, or ending endo. The only time you will see “endo” is in the title.

3. The only sections relevant to SoT are at the later portion of the proposed bill that seeks to amend the Labor Code’s Articles 279 to 282. This portion of the bill could easily be passed as a separate bill.

4. The preceding discussions and the first part of the bill are amendments to Articles 106 to 109, part of the Book on “Wages.” They are not part of the Book on Security of Tenure, and could be discussed as a separate bill.

5. A majority of the amendments seek to further restrict the right to contract out jobs, a businessman’s prerogative that is already regulated by existing DoLE orders or advisories.

At the House, expect that the SoT bill will again be passed, as members of the House labor committee are mostly party-list representatives. →

SECURITY OFEMPLOYMENT?

Cover Story | 25

26 | Cover Story

EMPLOYMENT SECURITYAccording to the International Labor Organization

(ILO), “Employment security is about the protection of workers against fluctuations in earned income as a result of job loss. Job loss may occur during economic downturns, as part of restructuring, or be related to other various reasons for dismissals.”

“The growth over the past several decades of non-standard work — temporary contracts, temporary agency and dispatched work, dependent self-employment, marginal part-time work — in many parts of the world, have heightened workers’ concerns over employment security,” continues the ILO report.

Before the turn of the new millennium, I have already said, and written, that the real security of tenure lies not in legislations or policy pronouncements about the labor market. The real security consists of one’s ability to develop relevant skills that allow him or her to perform a variety of work, even as he or she moves from one position, department, company or country to another.

DEMAND AND SUPPLYJust like all other markets, the labor market is

directly affected by demand and supply. Demand for jobs depends on economic activity. In areas where production, consumption, and other activities abound, the demand for jobs is high. Conversely, where economic activity is absent, there is hardly any demand for jobs. Jobs are usually created by investments.

When workers have the right competencies — knowledge, skills, attitudes, aptitudes — they effectively form the supply side of the equation. Different businesses at different times require varying degrees of skills. Lower level skills are paid lower wages, while higher level and specialized skills command bigger pay.

The workers who get better jobs and higher-paying jobs are those who prepare themselves for these jobs. The unskilled among the workers will likely be unemployed. Those who do not train and retrain for higher skills will likely get measly pay, or even lose their jobs when new skills are required. All over the world, college graduates or those with post-graduate degrees usually end up at positions that pay higher than those with high school education.

Like it or not, that’s how the labor market operates.

NEW MARKET RULESI n c u m b e n c y ,

seniority and longevity used to be the norms of the market. Today, the market has rendered these irrelevant. It’s now about value creation. Old, traditional pioneers don’t go around saying, “Buy my products. I am the pioneer in the industry.” Customers are very discriminating. They’ll buy your products if it gives them value, whether you are a start-up or the pioneer.

Sadly, however, workers continue to expect that incumbency, seniority and longevity must be rewarded. How many companies today continue to give longevity pay? Or promote employees purely on the basis of seniority?

The capacity to get hired, compensated or promoted cannot be legislated. Every employee must develop himself or herself to be the best of whatever he or she can be. As a matter of national policy, purposive and market-driven skills training and retraining must be implemented, with the cooperation of government, private sector, non-government organizations, parents and would-be job seekers.

Like somebody said, “The more prepared I am, the luckier I get.”

For comments or questions please e-mail the author at: [email protected]

Ernie Cecilia, DPM, is a regular contributor to the AmCham Business Journal. Mr. Cecilia is the Chair of the AmCham Human Capital & Resources Committee; Co-Chair of the AmCham Publications Department; Co-Chair of ECOP’s TWG on Labor Policy and Social Issues; PMAP Past President.

28 | Advertorial

Top 5Reasons Companies are Transforming their WorkplaceSubmitted by: Santos Knight Frank

This article was written by Fatima Lantin Cruz and originally appeared in The Philippine Star, in its January 16, 2020 issue.

Changing employee expectations and workplace demographics are ushering in the future of the workplace – and many companies

are adapting through real estate decisions that are more and more employee-centric.

Workplace consultancy expert Dr. Lee Elliott, during an interview, expounded on the top reasons that drive the workplace transformations of companies around the world. Dr. Elliott is the Head of Global Occupier Research at Knight Frank, a global independent property consultancy, and is the author of the seminal research entitled (Y)OUR SPACE which delves into the global trends propelling the transformation of corporate real estate.

Joining Dr. Elliott in the discussions was Abi da Silva, a workplace solutions expert and Director of Occupier Services & Commercial Agency at Santos Knight Frank, the country’s first and largest fully integrated real estate services firm. Advocating that the workplace should work for people and not the other way around, Da Silva has guided a number of Philippine-based companies in workplace assessments, change managements, and workplace transformations.

The experts shed light on the increasing priority given on real estate as a strategic tool for business growth, and the factors influencing demand amidst a volatile economic environment and urbanization.

Dr. Lee Elliott is the Head of Global Occupier Research and lead of the Commercial Research Team at Knight Frank. In an exclusive interview, Dr. Elliott shared key insights on global corporate real estate demand and how innovation factors greatly in property decisions.

Abi da Silva, Director of Occupier Services & Commercial Agency at Santos Knight Frank, shared some of the local implications brought about by the global trends in workplace transformations.

Here are the top five reasons why companies are transforming their workplace:

1) Slow global economic growth is driving businesses to prioritize cost-efficiency. Occupiers look at cost-saving initiatives differently when it comes to real estate in the middle of a 2.6 percent-slow global economic


performance. “The low growth economic environment forces businesses to really think about how they’re structuring the business, and where they are locating it,” Dr. Elliott said.

Whereas before, real estate was seen as just a cost to manage and minimize, management teams are now “making very bold occupancy decisions, taking very good quality buildings and workspaces because they recognize that if they get the real estate right, many of the other challenges of the business are solved,” Dr. Elliott noted.

2) Changing workplace demographic is reshaping office design. The work location and workplace environment should be responsive to the needs of a workforce that is increasingly becoming multigenerational. Employees in a diverse and inclusive company may have different workstyles, and the workplace must be able to accommodate these preferences, while allotting ample spaces and facilities that encourage collaboration. Only through collaboration can innovative ideas or solutions be produced, according to Dr. Elliott.

“It’s not any different in the Philippines with its impetus for urbanization and the workforce demographic being multigenerational. The average median age in your workforce is 24 years old,” he explained.

Da Silva attested that many local companies are acknowledging the value of real estate in improving employee satisfaction. “Local companies are gradually realizing that workplace design has a direct impact on employee engagement, overall wellbeing and productivity,” she shared.

3) Well-being and workplace experience are key to addressing attrition. Businesses are recognizing that investing in real estate is part of investing in multigenerational talent retention. Companies are spending a lot of money on trainings and other programs that keep people, including amenities for rest and recreation.

“On average, 15 percent of the business costs go to real estate, and 55 percent would be on people,” said Dr. Elliott, as he continued to expound on the practical implications of office

spaces in maintaining a healthy baseline. “The cost of losing someone is expensive – it would take somewhere between 100 to 150 percent of someone’s salary to replace them.”

“Wellbeing and workplace experience is generating buzz among real estate circles,” continued Dr. Elliott. “We’ve come from thinking about furniture, floor plate design, and desk layouts, to really considering what we can do with that environment to make it as productive for our people as possible. ‘How do we create experience?’ is one of the first questions we look at.”

Da Silva affirmed that premium buildings have the highest demand in the Philippines. “We have a lot of multinational and Business Process Outsourcing firms who want to be located in high quality buildings for talent retention, to avoid the high costs of attrition,” she said.

4) Adapting technological advancements for workplace mobility. Digital disruption in the form of video conferencing facilities, 3D holographic imaging projectors, robotics, and other forms of artificial intelligence that can handle repetitive tasks are making it easier for employees to focus on decision-making, solve complex problems, and get tasks done more efficiently by working more closely with teammates and stakeholders.

Da Silva elaborated that “the most obvious change that technology brought to the office setup is mobility – we are not so tethered to our desks anymore. A workplace that supports internal mobility provides the platform for increased interaction among staff. These interactions lead to collaboration which can then result to innovative ideas.” →

30 | Contributed Article

Globally, Dr. Elliott pointed out that digital transformation has actually resulted in recent shifts in businesses’ expansion agendas. “If you look back 10 to 15 years ago, the dominant paradigm in business is all about scale. It’s making yourself as big and as visible as possible. It’s a race to open as many offices as fast as you can. It’s not very sustainable. Businesses now recognize that their edge lies in their ability to innovate and that happens after collaboration, when people are not isolated in their workstations,” Dr. Elliott said.

5) New workplace solutions increase real estate options for businesses. Flexible and co-working spaces are seen as new drivers of the office segment. Both flexible and co-working spaces also usually have shorter lease terms that make them ideal solutions for small to medium-sized businesses who are still testing their success in the market.

As opposed to fixed workstations, flexible workspaces allow people to huddle or work in alternate locations within the workplace that make them ideal for employees who are usually out in the field or don’t necessarily have to perform work in one area. Co-working spaces, on the other hand, are shared between individuals – usually the self-employed, freelancers, or telecommuters – working collaboratively or independently.

The Knight Frank Global Occupier Survey featured in (Y)OUR SPACE indicated that two-thirds of companies around the world said they

use co-working services, and flexible office space comprises 5 percent of their current property portfolio. It also indicated that 69 percent of global corporations plan to increase their utilization of co-working spaces, and 80 percent expect to grow the amount of collaborative space they use over the next three years.

In the Philippines, Da Silva shared that the rise of flexible and co-working spaces are evident, with the advent of WeWork, Warehouse Eight, Loft Co-working Space Manila, and Acceler8 Rockwell, among many others. Flexible and co-working office spaces may be “sunrise” ideas in the country, but it will only be a matter of time before more companies take advantage of their lease term and cost efficiency benefits.

Enabling people to do their best work is the crux of the global transformation of the workplace. In the Philippines, with our “Build, Build, Build” and decentralization agenda, it is even more essential for businesses to unlock further growth potential to be able to keep up with competition amidst a strong economy – and the key to do this is having the right set of amenities, services, and infrastructure to stimulate innovative thinking, and attract and retain a multigenerational talent force.

Knight Frank has a network spanning over 500 offices across 60 countries. Santos Knight Frank, the counterpart of Knight Frank in the Philippines, is a leader in workplace consultancy, occupier services, real estate advisory, valuations, and property management, among other services.

32 | Advertorial

Asian Eye Institute partners with STAAR Surgical to Offer Implantable Contact Lenses

Submitted by: Asian Eye InstitutePublished by: Lopezlink

Asian Eye Institute recently partnered with STAAR Surgical Company, a leading developer, manufacturer and marketer of implantable

contact lenses (ICLs) to offer EVO Visian ICL. It is a solution for those who suffer from nearsightedness, farsightedness and/or astigmatism and no longer want to wear eyeglasses or contact lenses. More importantly, it is a treatment alternative for those patients who are not qualified for other Lasik surgeries like SMILE and PRK.

“The implantable contact lenses function much like regular contact lenses,” Asian Eye’s Cornea and Refractive Service Director Dr. Robert Ang explained. “The only difference is that implantable contact lenses are inserted between the iris and the natural lens of the eye. It can stay inside the eye for the next 20 to 30 years, and it does not need to be removed, cleaned or maintained regularly.”

“Having high nearsightedness or astigmatism, thin or irregular corneas (clear surface of the eye), and chronic dry eyes are no longer a hindrance to giving patients good vision. They can just come to the clinic for a screening for an overall evaluation of their eye condition,” he said.

“A lot of patients are beyond amazed after their procedure,” he added, “They now have clearer, sharper vision and better color perception. It’s truly remarkable that the implantable contact lenses can deliver such outstanding results very consistently. Not many products can make a doctor feel this way. It makes me happy to know that I am able to help improve their quality of life.”

“Now, they don’t need to worry about wearing glasses when they wake up in the morning just to check the time or constantly thinking about bringing their contact lens fluid and cases to disinfect lenses when they work or travel!”

Ms. Caren Mason, President and CEO of STAAR Surgical, also shared how implantable

contact lenses could help a lot of Filipinos who are nearsighted. She said, “Asian countries such as the Philippines, are among the hardest hit by the explosive growth in nearsightedness and, in particular, progressive high nearsightedness that can lead to more serious eye disease such as glaucoma and retinal detachment.”

“We are thrilled to expand our partnership with Asian Eye. Both the eye institute and Dr. Ang are renowned for their high level of patient care and extensive research within the field of Ophthalmology. Dr. Ang was recognized by The Ophthalmologist on the 2018 Power List 100, which features top innovators in the field of Ophthalmology. He has also conducted important research relating to the ICL, having presented his work at STAAR’s annual Experts Meetings during the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ESCRS) Congress. Asian Eye and Dr. Ang have demonstrated their commitment to vision care excellence and delighting patients for almost two decades.”

The screening for EVO Visian ICL is available at Asian Eye Rockwell and Trinoma clinics. To schedule an appointment, you may call 8-898 2020 or 7-9013931, email [email protected], or visit www.asianeyeinstitute.com.

34 | Business Leadership Program

YSEALI and

American Corners

BLP joins

By: Pinky Jamili, BLP Program Manager

The following is an update on activities of AmCham BLP with the US Embassy Public Affairs Office – the YSEALI Events in celebration of YSEALI’s 6th anniversary, November 22 Sparkability, and December 14 IGNITE Summit.

On December 14th, the YSEALI IGNITE Summit was held at the Far Eastern University (FEU) Campus and BLP

Program Manager, Pinky Jamili and AmCham staff Bea Martinez, manned a booth to promote the BLP among the student attendees. BLP alumnus who assisted were BLP 2016 Haron Ar-Rashid Dima, an FEU alumnus from Marawi City; BLP 2017 Kate Casimiro, from Ateneo de Zamboanga; BLP 2018 Dale Casocot, from Silliman University and BLP 2019 Marco Fernando, from Foundation University Dumaguete. (Marco’s pending application to join the YSEALI program is shortlisted; we wish him well!) Another BLP alumnus from 2017, John Emmanuel Magtibay, from First Asia Institute of Technology and Humanities (FAITH) College Lipa, Batangas, who joined the YSEALI program in 2019, was also there on behalf of YSEALI organizing team and dropped by the BLP booth. BLP 2016 alumnus Edsel Lima and Edison Lacea volunteered to work on the YSEALI organizing team, but also dropped by the BLP booth.

*YSEALI – Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative. YSEALI, launched in 2013, is the U.S. government’s signature program to strengthen leadership development and networking in Southeast Asia.

Through a variety of programs and engagements, including U.S. educational and cultural exchanges, regional exchanges, and seed funding, YSEALI seeks to build the leadership capabilities of youth in the region, strengthen ties between the United States and Southeast Asia, and nurture an ASEAN community. The YSEALI program focuses on critical topics identified by youth in the region: civic engagement, sustainable development, education and economic growth. YSEALI programs include:

• Professional Fellowships to the United States• Academic Fellowships to the United States• Regional Workshops • Grant Funding

BLP Team – (standing left to right) BLP Project Manager, Ms. Pinky Jamili; BLP 2016 Alumni Edsel Francis Lima, UP Visayas; and BLP 2017 John Emmanuel Magtibay, FAITH.(Seated left to right) BLP 2018 Alumni Dale Dominic Casocot, Silliman University; BLP 2017 Katherine Sheen Casimiro, Ateneo de Zambaonga; and BLP 2016 Alumni Harod Ar-Rashid Dima, FEU.

→

35AmCham Philippines | February 2020

BLP 2016 Haron Ar-Rashid Dima, from FEU, explaining the program to the students who visited the booth.

BLP 2017 Kate Casimiro, Ateneo de Zamboanga University. →

BLP Alumnus Kate Casimiro, Ateneo de Zamboanga University (Batch 2017) and Dale Casocot, Silliman University (Bacth 2018).


“ “In celebration of Young South East Asian Leaders Initiative’s (YSEALI’s) 6th anniversary, YSEALI Manila Alumni Hub initiated the #IgniteMNL2019 Youth Summit last December 14, 2019, gathering emerging young leaders to engage in youth action and to unravel their transformative leadership potential.

The event’s goal attracted the Business Leadership Program (BLP) of AmCham Philippines to participate and be one with YSEALI in its cause to support the youth and their future as impactful leaders.

Through the united front of the BLP project team and BLP Alumni, BLP was showcased to the participating youth, resonating with them through alumni’s experiences and inspiring them to take charge of their development and create meaningful experiences for themselves.

It is then with high hopes that BLP continues to flourish and reach youth leaders all over the Philippines as BLP continues to partner with gatherings whose purposes align with BLP’s core mission. This also paves the way to the vision of a strong BLP alumni network, working together as mentors to the future business leaders of the world.

KATHERYN SHEENA CASIMIROBLP 2017, ATENEO DE ZAMBOANGA

“ “The AmCham BLP alumni community joined the “Ignite MNL Youth Summit” (a part of the YSEALI one-day leadership forum participated by 850+ youth and young professionals.) The forum aims to activate the youth in taking action through the advocacy experiences of young leaders and development organizations nationwide, providing them with the relevant tools and concepts for their transformative journey in advocacy building.

“Ignite MNL” participants were also given a chance to network with different organizations present in the summit, such as AmCham BLP. As part of the AmCham BLP community, we were able to share the wonderful transformative journeys of our alumni and how the BLP changed the lives of its participants. As we celebrate youth action with “Ignite MNL”, we aim to inspire and transform more youth by giving them the opportunity to be part of our community so that they can unleash their potential. #IgnitewithAMCHAMBLP

MARCO FERNANDOBLP 2019, FOUNDATION UNIVERSITY, DUMAGUETE CITY

BLP ALUMNI TAKEAWAYS

“ “I’m always happy to volunteer for AmCham especially when it comes to the BLP, and I’m glad that I went to the YSEALI event because I learned a lot of things that would help the BLP grow in prominence and prestige in the country that it deserves. I had three takeaways from the event:1. The importance of an alumni network2. Grassroots marketing: The BLP would benefit so much if we were able to visit

different campuses in the country (local AmCham chapters helping out would be a huge plus) to promote the BLP

3. Government partnerships: I do think that with the help of the National Youth Commission or any other government body that can give a seal of approval to the BLP, we would be able to strongly attract more students from state schools to join

DALE CASOCOTBLP 2018, SILLIMAN UNIVERSITY


→

Public Affairs Counselor Philip W. Roskamp visited our BLP booth and thanked us for participating, while we expressed our gratitude for the invitation to join!

During the event, I spoke with US Embassy Public Affairs Assistant Malcolm Flores, a graduate of Xavier University Ateneo de Cagayan and a YSEALI alumnus and a member of the organizing team. He said he will assist us in e-blasting our BLP documents in promoting BLP to schools nationwide. → US Embassy Public Affairs Counselor, Philip W. Roskamp visited the BLP booth.


On November 22, we were invited by the US Embassy YSEALI Team (from the US Embassy Public Affairs Office) to network with YSEALI Alumni. The event was called “Sparkability” – a networking event for creative and social enterprise where some entrepreneurs showcased their products. During this event some BLP alumni listened to a short talk about the YSEALI programs by Cultural Attache Matt Keener and Cultural Affairs Specialist EJ Bautista.

Though busy with the YSEALI events, I visited the US American Corners area at the US Embassy and discussed the possibilities and opportunities for BLP to participate in the American Corners nationwide. We were also given the opportunity to display our BLP brochures in all the 15 American Corners’ offices nationwide.

Currently the American Corner in Marawi is undergoing renovation and will soon have virtual equipment. We can use this facility to talk to the students who are interested to apply for BLP. Also, we can participate in American Corners in TawiTawi, Jolo and Cotabato.

Likewise, I visited the American Corner at De La Salle University. The coordinators were helpful and offered to e-blast the BLP application documents and had printed a poster size of the BLP infographics. Our BLP brochure is now displayed

BLP Alumni at the YSEALI Networking Night SparkabilityBLP Alumni were recently invited to the networking night of the US Embassy YSEALI team. Cultural Attache Matt Keener graciously invited BLP to join in this event.(2nd row from left to right) US Embassy’s Public Affairs Counselor Philip Roskamp and Cultural Attache Matt Keener(1st row from left to right) John Emmanuel Magtibay, BLP 2017 and the latest YSEALI Alumni; Dale Casocot, BLP 2018; Ynna Olvida, BLP 2019; Hazel Tolentino, John Clements; Pinky Jamili, BLP Project Manager; KC Costales, John Clements; Chet Guevara, AmCham Advertising Head; Kevin Yuchengco, BLP 2011; Kevin Wu, BLP 2008; and Kurt Kenneth Dayrit, BLP 2008.

at the American Coner in the DLSU Library. To date, DLSU has sent nine applicants for our BLP 2020!

The BLP Committee would like to acknowledge the help and assistance of the US Embassy Public Affairs Office through Public Affairs Counselor, Philip W. Roskamp, and Cultural Attache, Matt Keener, who opened doors for BLP to interact with American educational programs like the YSEALI and to avail of opportunities offered through the American Corners nationwide.

Thanks to the following for supporting the Business Leadership Program:

1. US Embassy Public Affairs Office2. Philip W. Roskamp, Public Affairs Counselor3. Matt Keener, Cultural Attache4. Nina Lewis, Assistant Cultural Affairs Officer5. EJ Bautista, Cultural Affairs Specialist (YSEALI

and Alumni)6. Xavier Lara, American Corners7. Jeanie Duwan, American Corners8. Mary Rose Anatalio, Lead, YSEALI IGNITE

Summit9. John Paul Uminga, Co-Lead, YSEALI IGNITE

Summit10. Zherluck Rodriguez, Co-Lead, YSEALI IGNITE

Summit11. Malcolm Flores, Public Affairs Section, YSEALI

Alumni


†IN MEMORIAM

ADRIANNE KURT SABATEApril 3, 1995 - January 22, 2020

Class Valedictorian- 2016BS Accountancy,

Ateneo de Davao University

AmCham BLP 2014

He passed away on January 22, after several months of battling colon cancer. He was just short of 25 years old. Employed at SGV & Co. in Makati for two years, he returned home to Davao in August 2019, as his illness increased. The news of his passing came as a shock to everyone, including his relatives and closest friends, since he kept his condition private until being rushed to hospital, where he died due to

multiple organ failure.

We send sincere condolences to his family.Rest in Peace, Kurt.

Kurt was a member of the Business Leadership Program Batch 2014 – one of the “best of the

best” of students selected for participation in this annual AmCham program.

40 | Noteworthy

Importance of ‘Biosecurity’ for Wildlife ConservationTamaraw and Tribal Communities Decimated by DiseaseBy: Gregg Yan

Punong Tribo Fausto Novelozo inside his modest hut in Tamisan Dos, at the foothills of the Mounts Iglit-Baco Natural Park in Occidental Mindoro. At 66, he is the chief of the Taw’buid, the most numerous of Mindoro’s eight ethnolinguistic groups. The son of the previous chief, he lived in Cavite for several years before returning to lead his tribe. An excellent conservation ally, he actively convinces other tribesfolk to stop setting-up traps for tamaraw. (Gregg Yan / UNDP BIOFIN)

Fausto Novelozo, chief of the Taw’buid tribe, exhales from his worn clay pipe. The sweet scent of wild tobacco envelopes the hut.

“It was sickness that drove us down from the mountains. Measles we got from Tagalog visitors. Half our village of 200 died. The survivors moved here to be closer to civilization. Now we constantly need medicine.”

We’re in Tamisan Dos, one of two newly-established villages flanking a road which leads to the Iglit-Baco Natural Park in Occidental Mindoro. In their tongue, Taw’buid means ‘people from above’ because they historically inhabited the island’s mountainous interior. Fausto’s people are highlanders no more.

Before we push deeper into the park, we leave the old chief some provisions – coffee, sugar, salt and a small bag of medicine.

THE DANGER OF DISEASEWhen imagining threats to biodiversity, wildfires,

logging, poaching and other visual activities are top-of-mind. But sometimes, the smallest beings do the most damage.

Disease is a major killer of isolated tribes. In July of 1837, [in America], an American steamboat called the Saint Peter infected the Mandan, a North American tribe of about 2000, with smallpox. Three months later, only 23 were left alive.

“Isolated communities are especially vulnerable to diseases from the outside world because immune responses have yet to be developed,” says medical anthropologist Dr. Gideon Lasco.

For more information:

Ms. Angelique Ogena, Information and Communications Assistant, +63 (917) 576-2599.

Anyone wishing to donate to the Mindoro Biodiversity Conservation Foundation Incorporated may contact: Gregg Yan [[email protected]]


“Limited access to health care and fear of hospitals also keeps them from seeking treatment.”

The Taw’buid are just one of many groups that the Tamaraw Conservation Programme (TCP) works with in their 40-year old bid to save the tamaraw (Bubalus mindorensis), a well-known but critically-endangered buffalo, found only in the Philippines. Like native tribes, the tamaraw is highly-vulnerable to disease.

DECIMATED BY RINDERPESTOnce, tamaraw grazed by the thousands. An

estimated 10,000 inhabited Mindoro at the turn of the century.

As now, Mindoro then had prime-pastureland – so good that ranchers imported thousands of cattle to the island. As grazing competition for the lowlands increased, ranchers started herding their cattle up mountains – the same ones occupied by tamaraw.

In the 1930s, an outbreak of rinderpest took place. A deadly virus which kills 90% of what it infects, rinderpest laid waste not just to the population of farmed cattle, but wild tamaraw as well.

By 1969, numbers were estimated to have dropped to under 100, prompting the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) to

declare the species as critically endangered – just one step above extinction.

Decades of conservation led by the TCP, Biodiversity Management Bureau, Mounts Iglit-Baco Natural Park (MIBNP) and a host of allies including the Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN) of the United Nations Development Programme and Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Mindoro Biodiversity Conservation Foundation Incorporated, D’Aboville Foundation, Global Wildlife Conservation, World Wide Fund for Nature, Far Eastern University and Eco Explorations, have helped tamaraw numbers recover to around 600, confined to four isolated areas in Mindoro. All are vulnerable to disease.

“Bovine tuberculosis, hemosep and anthrax

can enter Mindoro if we’re not careful,” explains Dr. Mikko Angelo Reyes, a Mindoro-based veterinarian. “The key is biosecurity, the prevention of disease through quarantine, inoculation and immunization. We should ensure that at the very least, animals entering the island are checked for sickness. We should also establish and respect buffer zones around protected areas, which are often rung by farms and livestock.”

The Mounts Iglit-Baco Natural Park (MIBNP), a former game refuge turned into a protected area, spans 106,655 hectares. It is home to the Philippine brown deer (Rusa marianna), Oliver’s warty pig →

Tamaraw (Bubalus mindorensis) are endemic forest buffalo found only on the island of Mindoro in the Philippines. Numbering only about 600, they are considered critically-endangered by the IUCN. Adults stand a meter at the shoulder and weigh around 300 kilogrammes. Bulls are larger, darker and solitary, while cows tend their calves in close-knit groups. Lobbyists are pushing for it to become the country’s national land animal. (Gregg Yan)

Taw’buid huts at Tamisan Dos, a tribal village established around 2015 when measles broke out among Occidental Mindoro’s upland tribes. Half the population of a village of 200 people died. Survivors set-up two villages, Tamisan Uno and Dos. Disease is a major killer of animals and people which have been isolated for generations. (Gregg Yan / UNDP)

42 | Noteworthy

(Sus oliveri) plus many other rare and endangered species. It also hosts 480 of the world’s 600 remaining tamaraw.

It is also currently surrounded by 3000 cattle, belonging to 30 ranchers.

RANGERS NEED HELPTogether, TCP and MIBNP rangers work to ward

off invading cattle or heavily-armed poachers. They constantly dismantle spring-loaded balatik and deadly silo snare traps while discouraging the park’s indigenous Taw’buid and Buhid tribes folk from engaging in slash-and-burn farming.

“It’s no easy task since the tribes must feed their growing families,” says TCP head Neil Anthony Del Mundo. “As their numbers swell, so do their requirements for space and food, which is why they’re setting-up more traps, even inside core zones. This is a challenge faced by all protected areas inhabited by people.”

The life of a tamaraw ranger is fraught with difficulty – the risk is high, the pay low.

TCP was created to bolster tamaraw conservation efforts in 1979 through Executive Order 544. However, it was set-up as a special project instead of an office, so only its head is a regular employee with benefits.

In 2018, TCP was allotted PHP4.2M for operations. This 2019, the budget was slashed to PHP3.3M, 75% of which goes to personnel salaries, leaving little for operational and field expenses.

Despite the fact that most rangers have put in an average of 10 years’ service and stay in the field a month at a time, none of them get benefits despite years of dangerous fieldwork.

“TCP must be institutionalized as an office to secure better pay, permanent tenure and government benefits for its hardworking rangers. Our tamaraw rangers go out against hunters armed with military-grade rifles. Communist rebels pass through the same places they patrol. Poisonous snakes, charging tamaraw, animal traps, dangerously-swollen rivers … every time our boys go out on patrol, one foot’s already in the grave,” adds June Pineda, former TCP head and now a

Community Environment and Natural Resources Officer (CENRO) based in Mindoro.

To gather much-needed resources for TCP and various protected areas nationwide, BIOFIN is helping raise funds via bank account donations to Metrobank account number 750-001-5620.

“A little help goes a long way. We ask fellow Pinoys to donate just a bit to save the tamaraw and the rangers keeping them alive and kicking,” says BIOFIN Philippines project manager Anabelle Plantilla. “Through their efforts and sacrifice, they have managed to grow tamaraw numbers from 100 to about 600.”

Since its inception in 2012, BIOFIN has worked with both the public and private sectors to enhance protection for the country’s biodiversity hotspots by helping secure funds to implement sound biodiversity programs.

The Iglit-Baco Natural Park exists in a fragile balance. To keep its people, animals and ecosystems healthy, we all need to pitch in.

Approximately 600 tamaraw survive in four separate areas, shown here. Depleted populations have little chance of surviving on their own, so immediate conservation support is needed. (MIBNP FILE PHOTO)

C O R O N AV I R U S

44 | Healthcare and Wellness

WHAT IS IT?Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of

viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV). A novel coronavirus (nCoV) is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans.

Coronaviruses are zoonotic, meaning they are transmitted between animals and people. Detailed investigations found that SARS-CoV was transmitted from civet cats to humans and MERS-CoV from dromedary camels to humans. Several known coronaviruses are circulating in animals that have not yet infected humans.

Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death.

Standard recommendations to prevent infection spread include regular hand washing, covering mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, thoroughly cooking meat and eggs. Avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing.

* changes daily

Source: World Health Organization

known coronaviruses are circulating in animals

CHINA*17,000

CHINA THAILAND AUSTRALIA FRANCE JAPAN MALAYSIA

SINGAPORE TAIWAN SOUTH KOREA USA VIETNAM NEPAL

RUSSIA GERMANY UAE CANADA BRITAIN ITALY

INDIAPHILIPPINES CAMBODIA SRI LANKA FINLAND

SWEDEN

SPAIN

AFFECTED*304 DEATH

*17,000 AFFECTED IN CHINA

Wash hands thoroughly

Cover your mouth when

you coughUse mask

Cook meat and poultry

products well

*2,425


→

Source: Weiman Kow | @weimankow

Weiman Kow is a storyteller interested in Tech that enables social and healthcare changes. She’s also a geek who dreams of building her own robot, and a bibliophile secretly into comics.

Source: Weiman Kow | @weimankow

46 | AmCham Roundup

AmCham Davao Activities Update:Davao Joint Foreign Chambers – Networking Night 2019

Business networking is a smart way to expand knowledge, learn from others’ success, and connect with prospective clients.

It wasn’t all serious business for the officers and members of the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (AmCham) Mindanao who participated in the Joint Foreign Chambers in Davao Networking Night 2019, recently.

In fact, the event - held at the Benjarong Davao, Dusit Thani Davao Residences - was mostly just interaction and having fun, while savoring extra good food and enjoying the company of cordial people.

Hosting the event was AmCham Mindanao’s Publication Officer, Rossano C. Luga, the AVP of Davao Light & Power Co., Inc.

Meanwhile, Ebb Hinchliffe, AmCham Executive Director, who traveled from Manila to attend the event, acknowledged the government’s valuable support of the affairs of the various foreign chambers.

Councilor Nilo Abellera, Sr., who heads the committee on Trade, Commerce and Industry, read a fitting message on behalf of Mayor Inday Sara Duterte.

He expressed great appreciation of the various foreign chambers who continue to bolster the local government’s efforts to attract foreign investments and thus creation of employment. As a result, Davao is reaping the benefits of having a robust economy.

Other officers who supported the networking activity through their attendance are Ex Officio President, Philip Dizon; President Atty. Leoncio P. Villa-Abrille; Second Vice President, Ferdinand Maranon; Board member Steven Keith C. Awad and Pablo Fernan.

TAGAYTAY

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PRE-HISTORIC CRATERPRE-HISTORIC “TAAL”

VOLCANO

CALDERA LAKE/TAAL LAKE

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MAYON VOLCANOFOR COMPARISON

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MAYON FOR COMPARISONCURRENTOUTER RIM

CUENCA

TAAL LAKE

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vTHE OLD VOLCANO

PRESENT DAY TAAL VOLCANAO

48 | Noteworthy

→

1707 – Taal Volcano erupted at its Binintiang Malaki crater or its largest flank cone that’s visible from Tagaytay City. It is said that the Binintiang Malaki was formed during this eruption. It was classified as phreatic, and shock waves were also reported. Another eruption occurred in the area in 1715.

September 21, 1716 – An underwater, phreatomagmatic eruption occurred at Calauit, which is located at the eastern shore of the Taal Volcano island.

1709, 1729 – Separate eruptions occurred at its Binintiang Munti crater. The 1709 incident was classified as phreatomagmatic.

1731 – An underwater eruption happened in Pira-Piraso, or the eastern tip of the island. This was classified as phreatomagmatic. Flowing mixture of gas and ejected rock fragments were reported, as well as falling of rock particles.

August 11, 1749 – The main crater had a phreatomagmatic eruption and was recorded as “very violent” by Phivolcs. It affected residents of Taal Volcano Island and lakeshore towns of Taal, Sala, and Tanauan.

May 15 to December 5, 1754 – A phreatomagmatic/plinian eruption took place, characterized by a “very violent” explosion accompanied by falling and ejection of rock particles. A plinian eruption is characterized by continuous gas blasts and explosive ejection of viscous lava.

This incident is considered Taal Volcano’s biggest eruption yet and lasted almost 7 months. It buried 4 towns in Batangas under ash, volcanic rocks, and water. Ashfall registering 100 to 110-centimeter deposits was reported, as well as shock waves and acid rain. (READ: Taal 1754 eruption: Will history repeat itself?)

1790, 1808, 1825, 1842, 1873, 1874, 1878, 1903, 1904 – Separate eruptions occurred at the main crater. The 1808 and 1874 eruptions were classified as phreatomagmatic, while the 1878 and 1904 were phreatic.

January 27 to February 10, 1911 – A phreatic and “very violent” eruption occurred at the main crater, causing rock particles and fragments to fall and shoot out of the volcano. Phivolcs recorded 1,335 casualties in this incident.

There were also 25 to 80-centimeter thick deposit of ashfall, acid rain, shock waves, and cracking and sinking of land.

September 28 to 30, 1965 – Taal Volcano erupted at Mt Tabaro, leaving 200 casualties, according to Phivolcs. The eruption was phreatomagmatic and violent, characterized by falling of rock fragments, ashfall with 25-centimeter thick deposit, and acid rain.

July 5, 1966; August 16, 1967 – Separate phreatomagmatic eruptions occurred again at the Mt Tabaro crater. Both incidents caused rock particles to fall from the volcano and shoot out in projectile motion.

January 31, 1968; October 29, 1969 – The only Strombolian eruptions of Taal Volcano were recorded on these dates, which both happened at the Mt Tabaro crater. Lava flow and fountaining happened in both incidents.

September 3, 1970; September 3, 1976; October 3, 1977 – The last 3 eruptions that occurred before the 2020 explosion. These eruptions were similar in nature – they all took place at the Mt Tabaro crater and were all phreatic.

Taal Volcano hasn’t erupted since 1977, as confirmed by Renato Solidum, Department of Science and Technology undersecretary for disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation. However, there had been volcanic unrest recorded in 2011, 2012, and 2014.

Sources: Rappler, Manila Bulletin, and PHIVOLCS

49AmCham Philippines | February 2020

ARE EMPLOYEES THE MOST VALUABLE ASSETS?By: Ernie Cecilia, DPM

| Business of Business50

It’s an old cliché, but CEOs in their State of the Company Address (SOCA) continue to say, “The Company owes the thousands of men

and women whose loyal and devoted service has brought the company to where it is today.” Other CEOs say with a straight face, “Truly, our employees are our most valuable assets” even as he is looking at somebody in the front row that he wanted to fire for the longest time.

Despite the lip service to the so-called most valuable assets, statistics seem to belie the CEOs’ claims. Here’s how:

EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT1. Roughly 85% of employees worldwide are not engaged. Gallup has long determined that employees don't resign from companies – they resign from their bosses. In a recent survey, Gallup determined that only 15% of employees are engaged in the workplace. This means that a great majority of workers do not have an emotional connection with their jobs, bosses, or company. In Europe, the average engagement is at 10%; it is an alarming low at 8 % in the UK, while it is 33% in the USA. When employee engagement is low, you can’t expect employees to work productively or stay for the long term.

2. Even if they’re not looking for another job, 81 percent of employees will consider leaving their jobs. In a 2017 survey, 81 percent of workers are willing to leave their job if a good offer comes along, even if they’re not actively job hunting now. To many employees, changing jobs is not about the money. Three of four younger employees in the USA would accept a pay cut for a chance

to work at their ideal job. One of four of those seeking another job wouldn't need a pay increase to move into another job.

3. Low Employee Engagement is very costly. A study on workplace engagement in the USA determined that disengaged employees cost their organizations roughly $450-$550 billion annually. Disengaged employees usually do not take responsibility for their work, have poor attitude or behavior, and their de-motivation drains personal and organizational productivity.

PROFITABILITY AND PRODUCTIVITYOn the other hand, employees who are

highly engaged can do wonders for their organizations’ profitability and productivity.

4. Companies with highly engaged employees are 21% more profitable. According to Gallup, business organizations with high employee engagement indices are 21% more profitable, and have 17% more productivity, than similar organizations that have disengaged employees. More and more companies are seriously developing strategies to improve employee engagement by leaps and bounds, as it is not just about the touchy-feely kind of esoteric, soft, intangible, feelings-based reviews about employee wellbeing and welfare. Many CEOs have realized that employee engagement strategies should be part of business strategy.

5. Company culture increases revenue. Peter Ferdinand Drucker once said, “Culture eats strategy for breakfast.” In a recent long-term study of corporate culture, it was determined that companies with the best corporate cultures →

and that highly appreciate their employees and customers grew by 682 percent in revenues. In 11 years of observation and evaluation, companies without a thriving company culture grew only 166 percent in revenue. This means that a thriving company culture can grow revenue by more than four times.

Employee engagement and corporate culture work hand in hand to make organizations productive and profitable, and help arrest the nagging issue of unwanted employee turnover.

WHY EMPLOYEES RESIGNGallup has long established that bad bosses

are the main reason why employees resign. Here are other related statistics:

6. One of three professionals resigns due to boredom. In a 2018 survey, the Los Angeles-based consulting firm Korn Ferry determined that 33% of employees changing jobs cite boredom and the need for new challenges as the reason why they are leaving. Disconnect between the work culture and the employee’s values (24%) ranks only second. Quest for higher pay and benefits ranks third among the top reasons for resignations in the USA.

7. More than 37% of employees value recognition, but don’t get it. A study asked employees what their manager could do for them to prevent them from leaving the organization. More than one-third of respondents cited recognition. Other management initiatives lag behind recognition – 12% want more autonomy, 12% more inspiration, 7% more pay, 6% more training, and 4% a promotion. In another survey, 84% of highly engaged employees received recognition from their bosses; among those highly disengaged, only 25% have received recognitions.

8. Only 29% are happy with career advancement. In the 2017 Employee Job Satisfaction survey of the USA-based Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM), “only 29% of employees are very satisfied with current career advancement opportunities in companies they work for.” The study shows that 41% of employees consider career advancement important, but only 29% are happy with their own advancement. In another Gallup

52 | Business of Business

“Only 29% of employees are very satisfied with current career advancement opportunities in companies they work for.”

For comments or questions please e-mail the author at: [email protected]

Ernie Cecilia, DPM, is a regular contributor to the AmCham Business Journal. Mr. Cecilia is the Chair of the AmCham Human Capital & Resources Committee; Co-Chair of the AmCham Publications Department; Co-Chair of ECOP’s TWG on Labor Policy and Social Issues; PMAP Past President.

survey, 87% of Millennials surveyed indicated that career development is important.

ADVICE TO MANAGERSConsidering the above statistics, I advise CEOs

and managers to:

1. Ensure that employees have enough challenges and variation in their work. Job redesign, job enrichment, and delegation will go a long way to provide employees with opportunities to learn new things, develop themselves, and get challenged or motivated.

2. Provide employees with opportunities to develop their skills and competencies. Self-development is the best form of development. Employees who develop themselves continually can continue to create value for the organization over the long term.

3. Provide employees with different tracks for development. Not everybody can become or want to be managers, as others prefer to pursue development in their chosen technical field. Management support in developing both hard and soft skills go a long way in preparing employees to assume positions of greater responsibility.

4. Recognize talent and potential. Recognize a great performance when you see it. Recognition need not be expensive. Sometimes, with a simple pat on the back, some employees can work beyond the call of duty. Recognition enhances employee’s self-confidence and ability to tackle increased responsibility, and allows them to contribute more for less.


5. Employee engagement and company culture go hand in hand. Close to 50% of employees who want to resign cite poor culture as the reason. Develop a culture of excellence, innovation and meritocracy that can prevent high-performers and high-flyers from leaving your organization. On the other hand, a culture of entitlement (across-the-board pay) will encourage the fence sitters andthe non-productive to stay.

A recent Interact/Harris Poll shows that 91% of surveyed employees “think that their leaders lack communication skills.” According to the Edelman Trust Barometer, one of three employees says that he/she “doesn’t trust the boss.” Therefore, managers must always communicate with their people – the business direction, expectations, how the organization is financially doing, how employees can help enhance organizational effectiveness, and what is in it for them if the organization succeeds.

If you want to win the race, don't give your team flat tires.

54 | Filipino-American Memorial Endowment

Santo Tomas– A Child’s RemembranceBehind the WallsThe following is a child’s remembrance of incidents behind the walls of a Japanese internment camp in Manila; a talk by Leslie Ann Murray.

Her talk was delivered on the occasion of the 75 th anniversary of the liberation of Santo Tomas Interment Camp (1942- 1945).

She spoke on February 3, 2020 from the location of where it all took place – the Plaza mayor of UST - when the tanks of the 44th tank division of the US Army and men of the 1st Cavalry broke through the gates on February 3, 1945 and brought freedom to over 3,000 foreign national civilians of the pre-war Manila community.

“Everyone who escaped can tell a tale of horror.” – Col. James T. Walsh – April 5, 1945… from the pages of “Rampage” by

James Scott. This book is - to date - I believe, the definitive narrative of what historians term the Battle of Manila.

I am one who, fortunately, escaped any first-hand “tale of horror” to tell. Young internees of the camp, older than I at the time, have shared stories, as did my mother and her friends who kept in touch after the war.

However, coming to live in Manila again, after my marriage, I became deeply interested in the history of WWII. I now have a bookshelf full of books on the war in the Philippines; many are specifically first-hand accounts of internment in Santo Tomas Internment Camp (STIC). Reading up on it all, it amazes me my parents and I survived.

My “poor” and sketchy memories of the internment camp are likely due to the fact I was

The Wabraushek family survive the war - clothes provided by US Army and friends.

Leslie Ann, age 22 months in November 1941, just prior to internment in Santo Tomas Internment Camp - January 1942.


only 5 years – and 21 days! - old when the US Army, 44th Tank Battalion and men of the First Cavalry liberated the 3,000 plus CIVILIAN prisoners held by the Japanese Imperial Forces right here – on the ground on which I stand today.

My emphasis is on the word CIVILIANS –unexpectedly caught in the conflict - men, women and CHILDREN of the Manila civilian community - American, British, Australian, Canadian, Polish, Norwegian, and other allied countries… businessmen, bankers, missionaries, teachers… (To this day, many of the general public do not realize that civilian, men, women and children were taken prisoners by the enemy.)

Here I would like to add, the “then” Administration of the Pontifical University of Santo Tomas (UST) opened this campus to house these thousands of allied civilian POW’s. I hope it is recognized as a proud moment in the history of UST that this campus gave shelter to the nearly 3,000 plus foreign nationals - and in the final days of the internment - saved many from total annihilation by the enemy.

While most of the STIC internees returned to their home countries almost immediately after liberation, my mother refused to get on a ship home until she was convinced the war was over – no more ships sunk or planes shot down. Thus we remained until late 1946.

On return to the US, when I heard the US national anthem sung on my first day of school, I believed the words of the anthem were about Manila – “the rocket’s red glare, the bombs bursting in air…” ???...to me, this is what I had recently experienced – this was about Manila!

Having noted I was only 5 – and 21 days! – on February 3, 1945 (do the math!) I can only share some totally childish memories…

That of a little blue chair I sat on in a kindergarten class. (The Japanese allowed the interned teachers to set up a school curriculum, K-12; I know of some who graduated from what was termed Sto. Tomas School).

→

When camp buildings became crwoded, the Japanese allowed the prisoners to build shacks in areas around the camp grounds. These could only be occupied in daytime hours.


When I “returned” to Manila, as a bride, in 1961 – shopping for home furniture - I spotted the same little school chair for sale at Arcega’s (a shop that no longer exists); I almost bought it – just for its childhood memory.

The former UST classroom my mother and I occupied in camp was extremely crowded. There were the usual squabbles between children (as well as adults).

My hair was styled in long braids and I recall a boy named Gilbert who teased me. In the crowded room, our beds were “head to foot” in a row. This boy kept pulling my braids.

After the war a group of ex-POW’s issued a regular newsletter to keep in touch. The editor of that newsletter was a gentleman named, Gilbert Hair.

As Gilbert was an uncommon name, I wrote and asked if he might have been my childhood tormentor; he replied – “Most probably! I always teased the girls!”

There is a memory of catching “fireflies” in a jar and watching them glow in the dark after the mandatory nightly “lights out” command by our captors.

There are memories of standing in line for almost everything – food (what little there was of it), the bathroom, EVERYTHING! To this day, I try to avoid long lines at the grocery, the bank or anywhere.

The crack of gun fire and the sound loud gunfire or fireworks brings memories of the war time shelling; it remains with me as a most distressing memory. New Year’s Eve and Fourth of July celebrations are a challenge for me in respect of explosive, loud fireworks.

In the days after liberation, we remained behind the walls of UST – being protected by the American forces, as the battle continued to rage outside.

Beatrice and daughter Leslie, standing on ruins of their pre-war house.

Here I quote from the book jacket of James Scott’s “Rampage”: “The twenty-nine-day battle to liberate Manila resulted in the catastrophic destruction of the city and a rampage by Japanese forces that brutalized the civilian population.”

At this point, I would like to point out that over 100,000 Filipino civilians were killed in the battle of Manila…they must be remembered.

I urge any students here to please research and familiarize yourselves with WWII history in the Philippines and the role Filipinos played in the war – the bravery and sacrifices made by so many of your grandfathers, relatives and family friends in battles fought throughout the islands.

Probably the most vivid memory I have of those days is of the sky – glowing a bright and brilliant RED in all directions - due to the huge fires burning as Manila was being destroyed in routing the enemy –

…“the rocket’s red glare, the bombs bursting in air” – my lasting memory of the Battle of Manila.

amcham.mindanao

Leslie Ann Murray (nee Wabraushek) and her parents were interned in Santo Tomas Interment Camp in Manila - 1942-1945. She returned to Manila in 1961 and has been a reisdent since then.


Remarks Commemorating the WWII Internment Camp at University ofSanto Tomas (UST)

Seventy-eight years ago, the University of Santo Tomas was thrust into the thick of World War Two. For three years, this great University

shouldered an incredible burden as the largest internment camp in the Philippines, housing nearly 4,000 Allied civilians, including as many as 3,000 Americans.

The people interned here endured unbelievable hardship, and yet, in the midst of all that despair and tragedy, emerged stories of hope, compassion, courage, and friendship. Countless brave Filipinos, who could not stand by idly as internees died of starvation, quietly implemented a supply line providing extra food and other goods, currency, and correspondence to the people in UST.

By: US Ambassador Sung Y. Kim

Marking the 75th commemoration of the Liberation of Santo Tomas Interment Camp (UST campus) were (left to right): Sergeant Jose S. Quilatan, Senior, veteran, Hunters ROTC Guerrillas; Under Secretary Ricardo A David, Jr., Undersecretary for Defense policy, Department of Defense; U.S. Ambassador, Sung Yong Kim; Rev. Fr. Jesus Jay Miranda, OP, UST Secretary General; Ms. Leslie Ann Murray, former internee, representing the Filipino-American Memorial Endowment and Mr. Francisco J. Colayco, son of WWII veteran, Manuel Colayco.


They gave the people interned here a fighting chance, helping them survive until they could eventually be rescued. These remarkable acts of kindness, and the bonds formed during those difficult years, helped to forge the deep and enduring partnership that has defined the U.S.-Philippine relationship to this day.

We are so fortunate that some of the people who lived through these events are here with us today to tell their stories and remind us that when Filipinos and Americans join together, we can overcome even the most difficult times.

Leslie Ann Murray was only two years old when her family was imprisoned at UST. She spent the next four years of her life on this campus, remaining at UST even after the war ended because Manila was in ruins and her family had nowhere else to go. Today, as vice-president of the Filipino-American Memorial Endowment, she dedicates her time and energy to preserving the memory of the enduring bond Americans and Filipinos made during the War.

We are also joined today by the sons and daughters of Captain Manuel Colayco of the United States Army Forces in the Far East. Seventy-five years ago today, in front of the UST’s main gate, Captain Colayco made the ultimate sacrifice when he was killed leading the charge that helped liberate the 4,000 people captive here. His life ended on February 3, 1945, but the legacy of his courage and heroism of course lives on to this day.

I would also like to acknowledge the presence of Sergeant Jose S. Quilatan (Kee-la-tahn) Senior, who served with the Hunters ROTC Guerrillas and fought valiantly to liberate the city of Manila. We had the honor of bestowing the Congressional Gold Medal upon Sergeant Quilatan last year.

I would like to thank University of Santo Tomas for all the support UST has provided during the past 75 years to ensure that these stories are preserved in the University’s archives and commemorated at events like this.

It is a tremendous honor to be here today to revisit the events of 75 years ago and pay tribute to people like Leslie Ann, Captain Colayco, and Sergeant Quilatan. They and many others sacrificed much to ensure that the alliance our nations forged during World War Two would protect, unite, and inspire future generations of Filipinos and Americans.

The alliance remains as important today as it was 75 years ago, as we work together to respond to humanitarian disasters, counter terrorism, and keep the Indo-Pacific region free and open for all nations.

The profound importance of our alliance became evident to me shortly after my arrival in →

Leslie Ann Murray, who spoke of her memories of internment in Santo Tomas Interment Camp.

Ambassador Sung Kim, during wreath-laying ceremony at UST, organized by the PVOA and UST.


the Philippines three years ago, when crisis broke out in Mindanao. As ISIS-inspired terrorists took over the city of Marawi, our alliance didn’t skip a beat. In the Philippines’ moment of acute need, we stood steadfast alongside our partners. Our enduring military alliance enabled us to provide valuable advice, assistance, and equipment in support of AFP’s efforts to liberate Marawi from terrorist control.

The adaptability and importance of our alliance is also evident every time we confront a natural disaster. Much of our military assistance and training is focused on preparing for and responding to disasters. After Typhoon Yolanda, we launched Operation Damayan, which immediately deployed 13,400 U.S. troops, 66 aircrafts, and 12 ships to typhoon struck areas to support relief efforts. We helped evacuate 21,000 Filipinos from impacted communities and brought in food, water, doctors, and medical supplies to assist those who remained.

As the history of UST and more contemporary examples of Marawi, Typhoon Yolanda, and recent eruption of the Taal volcano demonstrate, when we need each other the most, Filipinos and

Americans are there for each other. Just two weeks ago, I visited Batangas and had a chance to interact directly with some of the people forced to evacuate their homes and communities. I was deeply impressed by their resilience and I was proud to deliver much needed supplies to our Filipino friends in their time of need.

Today, we remember and pay tribute to the people who bonded together and fought side-by-side, right here, 75 years ago, becoming allies for freedom. The best way for us to honor their sacrifice is by taking our relationship forward, by seizing opportunities to strengthen our partnership, and taking on future challenges together -- as friends, partners, and allies.

As I near the end of my tour in the Philippines, I genuinely believe in the continued promise of the U.S.-Philippine relationship and am confident that we will accomplish even more together in the years and decades to come.

Thank you!

Attendees at the 75th commemoration of the Battle of Manila, included veterans, the family of Manuel Colayco, the guerilla who sacrificed his life as he guided the American forces for their assault on Santo Tomas on February 3, 1945 and professors of UST.

61 Company News |

New Healthcare Partnerships to Combat Non-Communicable DiseasesUpjohn partners with the Philippine Academy of Family Physicians, Philippine Society of Hypertension, and Philippine College of Physicians to drive advancements in managing NCDs in the Philippines

Upjohn, a Pfizer division, is leading the way in redefining the management of common non-communicable diseases (NCDs) through

meaningful partnerships that help improve the health of Filipinos.

NCDs, also known as chronic diseases, include cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mental and neurological diseases among others.1,3 NCDs are the result of a combination of genetic, physiological, environmental, and behavioral

factors. They account for 71% of all global deaths1 and 68% of all deaths in the Philippines.2

“Addressing NCDs in the Philippines means working together with policymakers and the healthcare community toward achieving better health outcomes for our patients,” says Melissa Comia, General Manager, Upjohn Philippines. “Guided by our mission of relieving the burden of NCDs, we are grateful to be working with our stakeholders in building a healthier Philippines.”

DEVELOPING UHC-READY FAMILY PHYSICIANS PRACTICE NETWORKS

The Universal Health Care (UHC) Act seeks to ensure that every Filipino is health literate and has equitable access to quality healthcare with protection against financial risk. The UHC Act emphasizes that health care needs of every Filipino should be met and coordinated by a public or private primary care provider of choice. Currently, primary care in the private sector is delivered in varied ways and forms in the country (such as stand-alone clinics, group practice and company-based or school-based clinics). Clinical care in primary care is also not standardized.

To help organize and advance the delivery of primary care in the country in the private sector, the Philippine Academy of Family Physicians (PAFP) and Upjohn Philippines are partnering to develop standards for certification and disease management guidelines in primary care practice and to organize family practices into UHC-ready Primary Care Practice Networks.

“With our vision of providing a family physician for every Filipino family, we are working with Upjohn to come up with a research-based project that will be of help in the policy formulation of DOH and PhilHealth,” said Dr. Policarpio Joves Jr., President, PAFP.

“With this project, we can now set standards of practice to guide every family physician, →

1 Noncommunicable diseases. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/noncommunicable-diseases. Accessed October 28, 2019.2 World Health Organization – Noncommunicable Diseases Progress Monitor 2017. Available at https://www.who.int/nmh/publications/ncd-progress-monitor-2017/en/. Accessed September 18, 20193 WHO. NONCOMMUNICABLE DISEASES (NCDs) AND MENTAL HEALTH: CHALLENGES AND SOLUTIONS. Available at https://www.who.int/nmh/publications/ncd-infographic-2014.pdf?ua=1. Accessed September 20, 2019

(from left to right) Dr. Jermaine Lim, Upjohn Philippines Medical Manager; Dr. PolicarpioJoves Jr., PAFP President; Dr. Rochelle Valera, Upjohn Philippines Country Medical Lead; and Dr. Leilanie Apostol-Nicodemus, PAFP National Director

62 | Company News

and ensure better health outcomes for the Filipino people,” he added.

This partnership with PAFP, enabled through an independent educational grant, is in line with Upjohn’s commitment to optimizing the standards of care and outcomes of Filipinos with NCDs. According to Dr. Anurita Majumdar, Upjohn ASEAN Regional Medical Lead, “We recognize and support the need for collaboration and concerted action of the government, private sector and other stakeholders in society in order to address the NCD burden in the ASEAN region through meaningful partnerships such as this.”

ADDRESSING CVD IN THE PHILIPPINESAfter almost a year following its launch, the

Cardiovascular Risk Assessment and Management Program has achieved significant milestones in the three-year landmark partnership between the Philippine Society of Hypertension (PSH) and the Department of Health Region (DOH) IV-A (Calabarzon).

Piloting in the country’s second most populous region, the program aims to build a strong foundation and standards for CVD prevention, assessment and management among healthcare workers, particularly among primary care physicians. This public-private partnership is intended to simplify CVD risk assessment and management process for all health care professionals, enlarge the health registry and outcomes data, and encourage future collaboration. The PSH-DOH partnership continuously supports the adaptation, cascade, and implementation of the DOH’s Philippine Package for Essential Non-communicable Disease Interventions (PhilPEN) in the private sector. The program launch was attended by 278 government and private physicians in Region IV-A and accessed digitally by over 30,000 doctors.

(from left to right) Dr. Grace Brizuela, Upjohn ASEAN Cluster Medical Lead for CV/DP; Dr. Jermaine Lim, Upjohn Philippines Medical Manager; Dr. Rochelle Valera, Upjohn Philippines Country Medical Lead; Dr. Alberto Atilano, PSH Immediate Past President; Dr. Deborah Ona, PSH Vice President; and Dr. Leilani Mercado-Asis, PSH President

CVD risk assessment form and training materials were developed by DOH and PSH in consultation with local stakeholders and the Cavite Medical Society, reaching over 2,500 members. A CV Risk Assessment and Management Forum is planned in November to cascade the materials and tools to 150 leaders of key institutions in the region. This will enable subsequent implementation of the standardized tools for patient assessment and management. The program will continue until 2021 with the lofty goal of scaling the program nationally if the pilot is successful. The first year of the program was enabled by an independent medical education grant from Pfizer Upjohn.

“In our first year, we were able to reach out to our stakeholders to strategically plan and conduct the needed studies and research for a strong and targeted roll out on our second year,” said Dr. Alberto Atilano, immediate past president of PSH.

“Greater progress in addressing cardiovascular diseases can be achieved through private and public partnerships. While it can be seen that NCDs are driven both by health and non-health variables, we from the health sector cannot adequately prevent and control these diseases on its own. With that, we are so thankful to Upjohn Philippines in joining us in building a strong foundation for primary foundation of CVD,” added Dr. Leilani Mercado-


(from left to right) Dr. Philip NeriLazo, PCP Medical Quiz Committee Regent Champion; Dr. Roberto Bolinas Jr., PCP Medical Quiz Committee Chairman; Melissa Comia, Upjohn Philippines General Manager; and Dr. Rochelle Valera, Upjohn Philippines Country Medical Lead

Upjohn, a Pfizer division

As an organization committed to putting patients first, Pfizer has always evolved with the changing needs of the people who rely on us to create a healthier world. That’s why our newly launched business, Upjohn, leverages on the strengths at the core of who we are: an entrepreneurial mindset and a sense of purpose.

Inspired by the heritage of a company known for its pioneering science, Upjohn harnesses the power of 20 of Pfizer’s most iconic established biopharmaceutical brands – across therapeutic areas including cardiovascular, pain, psychiatry, and urology – by thinking strategically and operating nimbly.

At a time when healthcare is increasingly defined by a growing global middle class, a focus on quality and affordability and the rise of non-communicable diseases, Upjohn combines the agility of a startup with the resources and capabilities of a Fortune 100 enterprise. As a result, we’re able to both innovate and execute quickly, from activating our portfolio to improving manufacturing to advancing research and development.

Today, Upjohn serves more than 100+ markets and has a network of 9 dedicated manufacturing sites bringing quality and reliability. And with roots in innovation and technological ingenuity, Upjohn is poised to take our portfolio of established medicines to the next level, bringing life-changing medicines to patients around the world and trailblazing a new path for the industry.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Janine Santiago Soh RosarioUpjohn Philippines FleishmanHillard Manila0917 589 0817 0917 702 [email protected] [email protected]

Asis, president, Philippine Society of Hypertension.

OF LEARNING, TEACHING, BUILDING CAMARADERIE, AND UPHOLDING EXCELLENCE

For over two decades, the Philippine College of Physicians (PCP) has been upskilling residents and clinicians from different training hospitals and institutions across the Philippines through the Dr. Adrian C. Peña PCP Medical Quiz. The annual competition, which aims to update doctors on the trends and developments in internal medicine, both in the local and global scenes, is now being supported by Upjohn as part of its initiative in building partnerships with the healthcare community.

Most of the Quiz’s past winners and participants are now known consultants in different hospitals and institutions. Over the years, some winners of the PCP Quiz have had the opportunity to also participate in international competitions: St. Luke’s Medical Center Quezon City and Chong Hua Hospital Cebu City, who were title holders of the PCP Quiz, competed at the Doctor’s Dilemma Competition, a hallmark program for the American College of Physicians.

“The PCP Medical Quiz was launched 25 years ago – 25 years of learning, teaching, building camaraderie, and upholding excellence,” explained Dr. Roberto Bolinas Jr., Chairman of the PCP Medical Quiz committee. “We look forward to the next 25 years of the PCP Quiz.”

And Upjohn aims to work together with PCP not only this year but also for the years to come. “Pfizer has had a long association with the PCP Quiz, and we are excited to continue this partnership as Pfizer Upjohn. At the end of the day, our goal is to improve the health of Filipinos with NCDs, and working with PCP to advance the medical knowledge of our physicians will contribute to achieving that goal,” said Upjohn Philippines General Manager Melissa Comia on their collaboration.

amchamfoundation

64 | Organizational Sections

FEBRUARY

| Members' Birthdays

MARCH

Fausto R. Preysler Jr. Edmun Liu 2

Patricia Celis 3

Simon McGrath Gregorio Gerry F. Fernandez

5

Gregorio Ortega

Rick Dols Daniel Rosenberg 8

Jeffrey Sosa Corazon Dela Paz-Bernardo

9

Melanie Pagaragan Aniceto V. Bisnar, Jr. 10

Jose Mari L. Chan George Davies 11

John Brian Pallasigue

Andrew Ramos Matilde Ortiz 14

Roland Dela Cruz 15

Felino Palafox Jr. 16

Henkell Henrison Ong Hoa 18

Jose P. Leviste Jr. 19

Rick Santos 20

Myra Quilatan 23

Makiko Takaoka Christopher Wichlan 24

Braulio Lim 26

Vicente P. Mercado 27

Rynor Jamandre 28

Jon E. Kaplan Jose Ingles 29

Tom De Bruin 31

Grant Grothen 2

Peter Troilo 4

Maricris Sarino-Joson Maria Bernadita Alba 7

Merrell Davis Rioi

Danilo Sebastian L. Reyes Shawn O’Brien 8

Joseph Emmanuel Liwag

Emmylou Lozada 9

Benito Chua Co Kiong Karen Batungbacal 10

Mylene Manuel 11

Elena Palacios 12

Andrew C. Ong 13

David Attewill 15

Anthony Decoste Miki Aristorenas 17

Marites T. Dagdag Maria Luisa Sian 19

Michael Brennan

Nilo Nimis 20

Peter Hayden 21

Gerard Zorilla 23

Ramon C. Garcia Jr. Rafael Fajardo 26

Noel Ostrea Michael Estaniel 27


→

66 | Organizational Sections

Index to Advertisers

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

Belrewmond Corporate Center .............................................. 03

BDO Unibank, Inc. .................................................................. 11

CalEnergy International Services Inc. ................................... 15

Capital One Philippines Support Services Corp. ..................47

City Service Corporation......................................................... 13

Coca-Cola Philippines ............................................................. 57

Crown Worldwide Movers, Inc. ............................................. 09

Eastern Telecommunications Philippines, Inc. ................... 23

Emerson Electric Asia Ltd. - ROHQ ...................................... 31

International School Manila ................................................... 21

John Clements Consultants, Inc. ........................................OBC

Kittelson & Carpo Consulting ................................................ 17

Marriott Hotel International ................................................... 07

Orion Support, Inc. .................................................................. 49

PMFTC, Inc. ............................................................................IBC

Quantity Solutions, Inc. ........................................................... 43

Regus Tech Centre .................................................................... 27

Truth Verifi er Systems, Inc. ..................................................... 35

University of Mindanao ........................................................... 37

Zuellig Pharma Asia Pacifi c Ltd. .......................................... IFC

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