March 2020 ABJ

Journal
MARCH 2020 VOL 95 NO 03
BUSINESS
Published by The American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, Inc. www.amchamphilippines.com
IT'S
WOMEN'S
MONTH
4
Contents March 2020 | Vol 95 | No 03
AmCham Foundation News Editorial

48 AmCham Foundation Aids Victims of Taal 20 Bringing PH Public Service into the 21st
Eruption Century
53 34th AmCham Foundation ChariTEE Golf
Tournament Feature
34 What Counts for Success?
AmCham News 50 “Easier to find Rebels than Pangolins”:
19 New AmCham Members Philippine Marines
10 AmCham Corporate and Associate Partners
12 How to be an AmCham Member Partner Organizational Sections
18 Introduce your Boss to the Philippine 06 AmCham Committees - Your MAIN Ally
Business Landscape! 08 Officers & Directors
26 Gearing Towards The Digial Age 09 Guidelines for Submission of Articles
Information and Communications Technology
14 Chapters & Advocacies
Committee
16 Committees
46 AmCham Mindanao Holds GMM and
Launching of Associate Partners 18 AmCham Staff
57 New AmCham Initiative - AmCham Center for 60 Members’ Birthdays: February - March
Training and Development 62 Index to Advertisers
59 Advertise with AmCham Business Journal 62 AmCham Social Media Accounts
60 Let’s gather over coffee - AmCham Kapihan
Upcoming AmCham Events
Business of Business (03/26) Be Waste Wise: Innovating to Solve
38 If Men Could Only Understand Women Solid Waste Challenges
(03/26) Preparation of Corporate Income Tax
Returns
Cover Story
(03/26) AmCham Visayas General
22 A very MARDIficent Honor Your Staff Day
Membership Meeting
(03/27) Consumer Privacy and Data Security
Company News Training: Data Privacy Act of 2012
30 The Economic Driver of Cebu (03/30-31) Microsoft Excel Tips and Tricks
42 International School Manila Celebrates 100 Training
years of Growth! (04/02) AmCham Business Innovation Forum
44 Pfizer Philippines Foundation, Inc. Provides “Disruptors of the Decade”
Special Service for Breast Cancer Patients (04/24) Is Your Business Ready?: Business
56 P&G Philippines drives recovery and Continuity Plan Workshop
recycling program (04/27) Mandatory Eight-hour Safety and
Health (MESH) Training for Safety
Contributed Article Officers (SO1) (As required by DOLE)
54 Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): What (08/23) 9th AmCham Foundation ScholaRUN
it means for your Business - Eat & Run
41 Private Detective Training Course Now
Offered to the Public
AmCham Philippines | March 2020 5
THIS MONTH'S ISSUE
This year marks the 100th anniversary of the United States 19th
Amendment which allowed women’s suffrage or their right to
vote. The struggle has come a long way since the 1848 Seneca
Falls Convention but was finally ratified on August 18, 2020.
Women have come a long way since and they are not just
household individuals anymore. Their contributions in any field,
especially in business, cannot be underestimated. In fact, the
2019 Women in the Workplace report by McKinsey & Company
shares that 44 percent of companies have at least three women
in their C-Suite executives.
The glass ceiling, however, is still there as the same report

reveals that only one in five C-suite executives is a woman.
Therefore, we honor the women workforce who are planting the
seeds of corporate equality and serve as inspiration for future
female decision makers.
MISSION STATEMENT
The Chamber exists to serve the needs and wants of Filipino and U.S. businesses through the participation of members in
promoting their long-term objectives, while fostering closer relationships between the two countries and contributing to the civic
and economic development of the Philippines
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Ebb Hinchliffe PUBLICATIONS CONSULTANT/EDITOR: Leslie Ann Murray

COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER: Christina Tuguigui ADVERTISING HEAD: Chet Guevara LAYOUT EDITOR: Eya Martinez
PHOTOGRAPHER: Roy Fulgado PUBLICATIONS COMMITTEE CO-CHAIRS: Manuel R. Guillermo and Ernie Cecilia
PUBLICATIONS COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Atty. Emmanuel T. Santos and J. Albert Gamboa
PUBLISHED BY: The American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, Inc. MEMBER: Publisher Association of the Philippines, Inc.
All rights reserved. AmCham Business Journal is a general business magazine published monthly by The American Chamber of Commerce
of the Philippines, Inc., with offices 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
conflict 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 Office on May 24, 1921 and on December 10, 1945. Re-entered as second-class mail at the
Makati Central Post Office on May 07, 1992 and under Permit #534 dated May 24, 1993.
6 | AmCham News
8 | AmCham Officers & Directors
The American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, Inc.

Putting your Business Forward
Since 1902
H.E. SUNG Y. KIM

U.S. Ambassador of the Philippines
Honorary Chairman
PETER HAYDEN GEORGE M. DRYSDALE

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

Dow Chemical AmCham Philippines
2nd Vice President Executive Director
PHILIP SOLIVEN ATTY. AILEEN TOLOSA-LERMA

Cargill Philippines, Inc. Romulo Mabanta Buenaventura Sayoc de los Angeles
Treasurer Law Office
Corporate Secretary
JOSE VICTOR EMMANUEL DE DIOS
General Electric Philippines RALPH REUBEN MORALES
Texas Instruments Philippines Inc.
MARK LWIN
President, AmCham North Luzon Chapter
AIG Phils. Insurance, Inc.
FRANK THIEL
Quezon Power
BRIAN CONNELLY
Marco Polo Plaza Cebu
ANDREAS RIEDEL
President, AmCham Visayas Chapter
Pfizer, Inc.
ARIEL LACSAMANA CHRISTOPHER WICHLAN
3M Philippines
Dusit Thani Hotels & Resorts
BELINDA RACELA President, AmCham Mindanao Chapter
Chevron Malampaya LLC
WINN EVERHART MARDIE C. TORRES
Coca-Cola Far East LTD. AmCham Foundation
Directors Acting Executive Director
2nd Floor, Corinthian Plaza Building, 121 Paseo de Roxas corner Gamboa Street
Legazpi Village, Makati City 1229
Tels.: (632) 8818 7911 to 13 • Fax: (632) 8811 3081
Email: [email protected] • Website: www.amchamphilippines.com
10 | AmCham News
AMCHAM CORPORATE &

ASSOCIATE PARTNERS
AmCham Philippines has been the longest-serving and most vibrant American
Chamber in Asia. Recognized as the voice of business since 1902.
The AmCham Corporate and Associate Partnership offers companies year-

round benefits, including expanded access to AmCham core membership
resources for an enhanced leadership status within the community, as well as
greater intelligence, access, influence, and exposure.
CORPORATE PARTNERS
ASSOCIATE PARTNERS
For more information, please contact AmCham’s Corporate Partnership Consultant.

Email: [email protected] / Tel: (+632) 8818 7911 loc. 218
12 | AmCham News
Regular Firm Membership Associate Individual Membership

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

B - Annual Revenue of US$ 4.9 million and below
For queries please contact AmCham’s Membership Manager.

Email: [email protected] / Tel: (+632) 8818 7911 loc. 207
14 | AmCham Chapters & Advocacies
THE AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF AMERICAN DESK AT THE BOARD OF INVESTMENTS

THE PHILIPPINES, INC. (Established 1992)
(North Luzon Chapter - 2015)
RALPH REUBEN MORALES EBB HINCHLIFFE

Texas Instruments Inc. Director
President
MC LAWRENCE
JOAN SABROSO American Desk Specialist
Chapter Office Manager
385 Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City
Claro M. Recto Highway, Clark Freeport Zone Tels.: (632) 8895 8851; 895 3918 • Fax: (632) 8896 2315
Mabalacat City, Pampanga 2010 Emails: [email protected]
Telefax: (632) 8811 3081 • Mobile: +63 (927) 912 3248 [email protected]
Email: [email protected]
THE AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF FILIPINO-AMERICAN MEMORIAL ENDOWMENT, INC.

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

THE PHILIPPINES, INC. PHILIPPINES, INC.
(Mindanao Chapter - 1988) (Founded 1985)
CHRISTOPHER WICHLAN EDWIN FEIST
Dusit Thani Hotels & Resorts Advanced Nutrition Technology
President President
ANNIE QUITAY MARDIE C. TORRES

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

Agribusiness Philip G. Soliven / Atty. Mel Hernandez KV Rojas
Education Terry Farris Lia Daus
Energy & Power Atty. Jocot de Dios / Frank Thiel Mark Rabago
Environment and Urban Development Jonah de Lumen-Pernia KV Rojas
Financial Services, Taxes & Tariffs Atty. Jules Riego / Rombit Co Jeanne Moreno
Healthcare and Wellness Jaeger Tanco / Donald Felbaum Lia Daus
Human Capital & Resources Ernie Cecilia / Grace Sorongon Lia Daus
Information & Communications Technology Donald Felbaum / Frank Holz Jeanne Moreno
Infrastructure & Logistics Jaime Faustino / John Peterson Mark Rabago
Intellectual Property Rights Atty. Divina P.V. Ilas-Panganiban, LL.M. Jeanne Moreno
Atty. Princess Ascalon
Legislative John D. Forbes / Atty. Elaine Collado Mark Rabago
Manufacturing Dan Lachica / Chris Ilagan Mark Rabago
Pharmaceutical Andreas Riedel Lia Daus
Professional Women of AmCham Belinda Racela / Atty. Melanie Lagera Jeanne Moreno
Security & Disaster Resources Group Simoun Ung / Pete Troilo Lia Daus
Sustainability Atty. Mimi Malvar / Mardie C. Torres KV Rojas
Tourism & Hospitality Robert Blume / Dorothy Drysdale Jeanne Moreno
Trade & Investment Mario Biscocho / Douglas Fowler Mark Rabago
Young Professionals of AmCham Atty. Paolo Villonco Peter Gonzales
INTERNAL
Membership Roland dela Cruz / Martin Marty Vicky San Juan-Co
Kapihan Ebb Hinchliffe / Leslie Ann Murray Peter Gonzales
• Networking / General Membership Peter Gonzales
Meetings
• Welcome Breakfast Vicky San Juan-Co
Chapters Ebb Hinchliffe Vicky San Juan-Co
• North Luzon Joan Sabroso
• Visayas Brenda Lisen
Ruthcel Aragon
• Mindanao Annie Quitay
Communications & Publications Manuel R. Guillermo Lance Fernandez
Ernie Cecilia Leslie Ann Murray
Chet Guevara
Eya Martinez
Corporate Partners Ebb Hinchliffe Christina Winton
Business Training and Development Center Mc Lawrence
ACTIVITIES /ADVOCACY / AFFILIATE

Amcham Foundation Edwin D. Feist Mardie C. Torres
AmDesk at The BOI Ebb Hinchliffe Mc Lawrence
Business Leadership Program (BLP) Jun Salipsip / David Caldwell Pinky Jamili
Filipino-American Memorial Endowment LT. Col. Art Matibag / Leslie Ann Murray Divina Combes
(F.A.M.E.)
The Arangkada Philippines Project John D. Forbes Mark Rabago
(TAPP II)
Washington Relations / APCAC Rick Santos / George Drysdale Divina Combes
18 | AmCham Staff
Assistant to the Executive Director Divina Combes
Human Resources / Administrative Officer Rachel de Guzman
Accounting Manager Patricia Estrella
Accounting Head Elmer Yanuaria
Cashier Dominador Borres
Accounts Receivable Specialist Cristina Teves
Program Manager, KV Rojas

Committees and Industry Relations
Industry Development Specialists (IDS) Lia Daus

Mark Rabago
Jeanne Moreno
Events Specialist Peter Gonzales
Government Liaison Mark Rabago
Business Training and Development Manager Mc Lawrence
Communications Manager Lance Fernandez
Advertising Head Chet Guevara
Layout Editor Eya Martinez
Membership Manager Vicky San Juan-Co
North Luzon Chapter Office Manager Joan Sabroso
Visayas Chapter Office Manager Brenda Lisen
Visayas Chapter Marketing Manager Ruthcel Aragon
Mindanao Chapter Office Manager Annie Quitay
Publications Consultant / Editor Leslie Ann Murray
Corporate Partnership Consultant Christina Winton
Business Leadership Program Manager (BLP) Pinky Jamili
Receptionist Celine Laurel
Administrative Services Roy Fulgado
Librarian Aurora Galvez
Drivers Rick Peji

Ernie Aala
New AmCham Members For November 2019 to January 2020
National Capital Region
Air Intellipure Mr. Nick Gitsis Founder Associate

Corporate B
Ms. Kathleen Ann Rayos Director of
The Bloc Ph, Inc. Regular Corporate A
del Sol Operations
Associate
Novotel Suites Manila by Aqua Mr. Michael James Britt General Manager
Corporate A
Mr. Amal Makhloufi-
Sanofi Aventis Country Chair Regular Corporate A
Benchouk
Tenet Global Business Center Ms. Karen Batungbacal Country Head Regular Corporate B
North Luzon Chapter
Holy Angel University Mr. Luis Maria Calingo President Non-Profit and
Government
SGV & Co. Ms. Margaux Advincula Partner Business Corporate B
Tax Services
Visayas Chapter
Mr. Renan R. Ayo, Jr. Individual Member

Accountable PH Mr. Shaun Beavis President Corporate A
VP - General
Author Solutions Phils. Ms. Merrell Davis Rio Corporate A
Manager
Barte Group, Inc. Ms. Jenny R. Barte Vice-President Corporate A
Dealogikal Corp. Mr. Ira Jon Kiener CEO Corporate A
Good Job General Manpower Mr. Cyril Natad General Manager Corporate A
Oakridge Realty Development Corp. Mr. Edmun Liu CEO Corporate A
Mindanao Chapter
COHO by Vistaland Mr. Carlo Refamonte Mindanao Corporate A

Operations Head
Migen Logistics Ms. Virgie Albaera President Corporate A
Xavier Sports & Country Club Ms. Maria Cristina Pizarro General Manager Corporate A
AmCham.Philippines
20 | Editorial
BRINGING PH PUBLIC SERVICES

percent Philippine-owned and declined to license
new foreign-owned car and motorcycle operators.
INTO THE 21ST CENTURY The Supreme Court has ruled that a shipyard is
not a public utility. It also ruled that the light rail MRT-
3 could be foreign-owned but must be Philippine-
John D. Forbes, Guest Editor
operated. RA9136 reformed the electric power
A
industry to allow 100% foreign ownership of electricity
s a legislative reform priority of the generation.
Duterte Administration, the Public Service
Act Amendments bill is currently under DAWN OF A NEW ERA
deliberation in the 18th Congress. If enacted, In 2010, the World Bank measured 87 countries
this will bring into the modern era the 1936 law in its Investing Across Borders report. Among the
Commonwealth Act No. 146, known as the Public ASEAN-6, the Philippines was the most restrictive in
Service Act. transport, second most restrictive in telecom, and third
most restrictive in electricity. In 2019 the Organization
To quote American singer-songwriter Bob Dylan, “the for Economic Cooperation and Development rated the
times, they are a-changin’.” Philippines as the most restrictive of 72 economies
in its FDI Regulatory Restrictiveness Index.
HOW FOREIGN OWNERSHIP GOT LIMITED
The “times” in 1936 called for the National Assembly Despite widespread recommendations from
to pass a law to create the Public Services Commission1 presidential commissions and business groups, past
to regulate public services which included every person Philippine governments made little effort to amend the
who would “own, operate, manage, or control…for general constitutional 60-40 rule on public utilities. In the 16th
business purposes” any of over 30 specific services listed Congress a proposal in the House of Representatives
in the bill. The list includes obvious ones such as electric to amend constitutional restrictions on foreign equity
light, power, railroad, and steamboat services. However, failed.
there are also less obvious ones, such as canals, ice
plants, petroleum systems, pontines,2 shipyards, and Economists and foreign investors were
wharfs/docks. encouraged, in May 2016, when incoming Secretary
of Finance Carlos Dominguez explained Point 3 of
Article XIV, Section 8 of the 1935 constitution contained the Socioeconomic Agenda to “pursue relaxation
a restriction on the issuance of a franchise for the of Constitutional restrictions on foreign ownership,
operation of a public utility requiring the ownership to except as regards land ownership, in order to attract
be at least 60 percent Philippine-owned. The 1973 and foreign investment.”
1987 constitutions maintained this provision. (American
citizens and corporations were exempted until 1974.) Chapter 16 of the Philippine Development
Plan 2017-2022, entitled “Leveling the Playing
However, the three constitutions did not concretely Field through a National Competition Policy” also
define what counts as a public utility. For over eight advocates amending the Public Service Act.
decades, this legal imprecision has allowed public
utilities and public services to be confused with each President Duterte signed Memorandum Order
other and created a major legal impediment to foreign No. 16 dated November 21, 2017 instructing the
investment in the Philippines. NEDA Board to lift restrictions on foreign participation
in eight areas, including “Public services, except…
Historically, administrative interpretations of the public utilities such as transmission and distribution
Constitution erred on the side of protectionism and of electricity, water pipeline distribution system and
ruled in favor of majority local ownership. For example, sewerage pipeline system.”
the Department of Justice ruled that international freight
carriers could not move parcels domestically. The The 17th Congress attempted to pass a bill
Department of Transportation ruled that a Transportation amending the PSA. While the bill passed the House on
Network Vehicle Service (TNVS) must be at least 60 September 8, 2017, it failed to gain Senate approval
1
The Public Service Commission no longer exists; its functions are performed by dozens of separate regulatory agencies, such as the CAAP, CAB,
ERC, LTFRB, Marina, MWSA, NTC, NWRB, PPA, and TRB.
2
AmCham will publish the photo of any reader able to provide a definition of “pontine.”
In photos: Left: Congresswoman Sharon Garin, NEDA Assistant Secretary for Policy and Planning Carlos Abad Santos, and Foundation for Economic
Freedom consultant Dr. Joseph Angeles, Esq., LL.M. speaking at AmCham’s Special Reform Legislative Discussion Series session on Public Services
Act amendments held on January 29, 2020 in partnership with the Regulatory Reform Support Program for National Development. Right: AmCham
ICT Committee chair Mr. Don Felbaum and AmCham Senior Adviser John Forbes with Congresswoman Garin, ASec. Abad Santos, and Dr. Angeles.
in mid-2019 for lack of time, despite a certification as access to services for unserved and underserved areas.
urgent by the president.
The bill strongly considers the protection of national
Item 18 of List A of the Eleventh Regular Foreign security by adopting the same framework and measures
Investment Negative List, promulgated on October for scrutinizing FDI for security risks used by countries
29, 2018, records that foreign ownership of public such the United States and Australia and the European
utilities is allowed up to forty percent only. Union.
WHAT THE PSA AMENDMENTS BILL CAN DELIVER An increase in FDI will create more business
The 18th Congress is now facing an historic opportunities and jobs to improve the quality of life of
opportunity to make a major reform to bring Philippine Filipinos. By enabling the entry of more operators, the
public services into the 21st Century by passing the bill will improve the quality of public services, such as
PSA amendments bill. HB 78 moved quickly under transportation and communication. These services are
the firm guidance of the chairperson of the Committee crucial inputs for domestic Micro, Small, and Medium
on Economics Affairs, Sharon Garin, to a final vote Enterprises and the daily life of Filipinos.
on March 10, 2020. In the Senate, on February 4, the
Committee on Public Services, chaired by Senator We strongly urge the Senate to pass this crucial
Grace Poe, reported out its bill from the previous piece of legislation, as its enactment into law will enable
plenary consideration is pending. the Philippines to lift its momentum towards economic
growth and development to a higher level and improve
The new law, when enacted, will provide a the lives of citizens.
concise definition of public utilities, institute a rate-
setting methodology that is fair to both investors and “Our public services are among the most inefficient
consumers, and facilitate greater competition in public and expensive in the world…Domestic shipping costs
services. Only four activities – all considered to be are so high, they account for 53% of wholesale prices of
natural monopolies – will be public utilities: electricity agricultural products. We have the most expensive texts
transmission, electricity distribution, water distribution, and calls in the ASEAN…and most expensive internet
and sewerage. Telecommunications and transportation speed worldwide.” Rep. Sharon Garin, sponsorship
services would be liberalized. speech, September 4, 2019.
This long-overdue legislation should help the

Philippines recover from declining foreign direct
investment, which decreased an estimated 30% in 2019 John D. Forbes is the Senior Advisor
to $7 billion from $10 billion in 2018.3 FDI, attracted of AmCham Philippines and Arangkada
Philippines Project’s Chief of Party.
by the new law, will flow into domestic infrastructure You may reach him at
in public services, improving technology, quality, and [email protected] or call
competition, bringing better pricing, and enhancing 8818-7911 loc. 223.
3
The BSP should release final 2019 data by the end of March 2020.
22 | Cover Story
By Peter Gonzales
T
he American Chamber of Commerce of the
Philippines held its 37th Honor Your Staff Day
last February 21 at the Manila Ballroom of the
Manila Marriott Hotel in Pasay City. Around 240
business executives, together with their staff, were
present during the Mardi Gras-themed event that
aims to acknowledge and celebrate the dedication
of AmCham member companies’ unsung heroes.
“Love Your Secretary” is the event’s original title

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

Angkas Founder and CEO Ms. Angeline Tham
who delivered a keynote speech on “Disruptive
Innovation”. She shared her Eureka moment in
coming up with Angkas, their run-ins with the Land
Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board; AmCham 1st Vice-President Bruce Winton introducing the guest
and overcoming the regulatory difficulties through speaker
“
It is the hard work and
“
professionalism of our
riders that made Angkas
the brand that it is today.
Angkas Founder and CEO, Angela Tham delivering her keynote speech
on “Desruptive Innovation”
high safety standards,

compliance, and forging
trusting relationships with
their bikers.
Next on stage was

comedian GB Labrador
who lightened up the crowd
through his observational
humor. Acoustic performer
Paolo Santos serenaded
the audience as well.
Aside from the games

that teamed the executives
with their staff together, the
event also included multiple
raffle draws of minor and
major prizes. The grand
prize winners will enjoy two
round-trip tickets each
to anywhere in the United
States, courtesy of Delta
Airlines. Other major prizes
include an overnight stay
for two from our hotel
sponsors Manila Marriott
Hotel, Sheraton Manila
Hotel, and Ascott Bonifacio
Global City.
No one left empty-

Business Essentials
handed, however, as the A special treat crafted especially for your corporate and travel needs.
attendees took home gift
Stay with us for a minimum of three (3) days and two (2) nights and get complimentary access
bags filled with products to the club lounge or complimentary roundtrip airport transfers during your stay! For
from sponsors Amway, reservations and inquiries, you may contact us at +63 (82) 272-7500 or your may send us an
Procter and Gamble, Dad’s e-mail at [email protected].
Moving and Storage, and
Universal Robina, to name a
few. → Stella Hizon Reyes Drive, Bo. Pampanga, Davao City, 8000, Philippines →
t +63 (82) 272-7500 | +63 (82) 322-7000 e [email protected]
24 | Cover Story
Jazz Reyes, event host GB Labrador, comedian Paolo Santos, singer/song writer Best in costume winners
Other than the companies already mentioned,

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

Technology Committee
Gearing Towards
The Digital Age
By: Jeanne Angela Moreno
T
he Information and Communications Technology
(ICT) committee of The American Chamber of
Commerce (AmCham) recently organized a
committee meeting, sponsored by Globe Telecom,
entitled: “Gearing Towards The Digital Age: DICT
Updates”, which was held at the Tower Club.
Notable speakers from the Department of Information

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

Portal, and the National Citizens’ Portal were taken up.
“Strategic Objective 4 is: Expansion and Inclusivity
of Economic Opportunities which is to ensure that
advantages of ICT reach all levels of Filipino society
through digital literacy and skills training.” Under
which are the ‘digitaljobsPH Program’ and ‘Tech4ED
Program’.”
“Strategic Objective 5 is: Safe and Secure
Cyberspace and Digital Economy which aims to ensure
that cyber threats and risks are managed.”
It was clarified as to why Cybersecurity was Ebb Hinchliffe and Usec. Eliseo Rio Jr. together with some of the Globe
encapsulated in the last Strategic Objective, namely team members.
because of the following being considered in its
implementation: the National Cybersecurity Plan with regards to achieving a digitized Philippines, but
(NCSP) 2022, Cybersecurity Development and despite that, Usec. Rio shared the future initiatives that
Management Program, and Philippine National Public the DICT has in store for the country are well in hand.
Key Infrastructure (PNPKI).
Engineer (Engr.) Gerhard Tan followed with his
Usec Rio was also forthright and shared the presentation entitled: “A Quantum Leap in Mobile
difficulties and challenges that the DICT is facing today Technology” with the focus being on 5G and how →
28 | AmCham News
this evolved through the years. He first defined, what

5G is - technically - and then identified what 5G will
bring and contribute to mobile technology. He also
demonstrated how mobile technology had progressed,
beginning with only 1G and now, the existence of 5G.
He further elucidated the technological era which

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

since the internet itself, serving major use categories
such as: enhanced mobile broadband, fixed wireless
access, massive Internet of Things (IoT) and critical IoT.
Usec. Eliseo Rio Jr. meeting some of the attendees.
In reiteration, Engr. Tan stated that 5G will bring the

extraordinary experience of cloud PC/ gaming to users.
The advantages of cloud PC/gaming are convenience,
security, flexibility, and affordability. He also mentioned
that 5G infrastructure makes cloud AR/VR a reality.
The topic of surveillance was also touched upon,

mentioning that it is an enterprise-use area that
requires broad deployment of the 5G network. Another
particularly interesting aspect in the area of surveillance
that Engr. Tan mentioned is that of facial recognition
surveillance analytics. Facial recognition surveillance Usec. Eliseo Rio Jr., and Engr. Tan answering some of the questions on
analytics is utilize by Globe for a safer and more secured the floor.
environment. Engr. Tan concluded his presentation by
showing a video of Globe’s activities and the “stepping
stones” toward finally achieving 5G.
Jeanne Angela D. Moreno is an Industry
After the presentations, the Co-Chairs of the ICT Development Specialist in the American
Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines. She
committee, Donald Felbaum and Frank Holz, joined
is assigned to handle five committees which
by Ebb Hinchliffe, Executive Director of AmCham, captures five different business industries
and Aimee Rabago, Head of Partnerships, Brand namely: Financial Services, Taxes and Tariffs
and Strategy of Globe Telecom, presented tokens of (FSTT); Information and Communications Technology (ICT);
appreciation to Usec. Rio and Engr. Tan. Intellectual Property Rights (IPR); Professional Women of AmCham
(PWoA); and Tourism and Hospitality (TH). Jeanne organizes
regular monthly meetings for each committee respectively,
The committee meeting was concluded with a tackling the topics which are timely and relevant to that particular
message of appreciation by Donald Felbaum for the industry. You may reach her at [email protected]
speakers and for all those who attended. or give her a ring at 8818-7911 loc. 213.
30 | Company News
CIB.O - IT/Business
Process Management
(BPM) Industry:
Economic
Driver of Cebu
A
decade and a half ago, during the largest
annual event outside Manila, Cebu Chamber
of Commerce and Industry’s (CCCI) Cebu 1
Business Month (CBM) 2005, with the theme
‘Cebu Gearing Up for Global Play’, the IT/BPM The old Cebu Domestic Airport in 1989 (Photo by Mr. Fred Umabong)
industry got strategically recognized as one of the
twin-win economic drivers of Cebu. The other
economic driver was the Tourism industry with the
flagship countryside tourism promotion program,
”SuroySuroy Sugbo’ launched during the same
CBM event.
The accompanying aggressive marketing and

promotional campaigns, which included road
shows in Bangalore and Hyderabad in India, Beijing
and Shanghai in China, Hong Kong and Singapore,
culminated in the holding of the country’s first IT/
2
BPM international conference in June 2005 in Now transformed to Cebu IT Park(Photo by Mr. Art Balaga of Style
Cebu. Assembly Multimedia)
Former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in Cebu reached its tipping point in 2010. That year
was guest of honor and keynote speaker, and the saw the conversion of a 50-hectare Cebu Business
signature event attracted international speakers, Park (CBP) into a much larger economic zone.
delegates, and more importantly, industry investors This happened during the final years of former
who would later invest in the first IT economic zone President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (GMA) who,
outside Luzon, Asiatown IT Park which was later after seeing the Cebu IT Park as a great success
renamed Cebu IT Park (CITP), as well as in other formula, challenged the former president of Cebu
areas of Cebu City. Holdings, Inc. (CHI), Francis Monera, to produce
another economic zone in Cebu. It transpired that
So strong was the industry growth that after CHI’s Monera had already worked with PEZA’s
finishing a one-storey, 11,000 sq. meter building Director General Lilia de Lima on an Economic
in 2005, high rise IT buildings started to sprout, Zone Certificate for CBP that only lacked a
resulting in a vibrant and dynamic IT Economic Presidential Proclamation. On the spot, GMA
Zone. announced CBP as a much bigger economic zone.
The Presidential Proclamation was followed by an
all-time high construction boom in the following
THE CONTACT CENTER CAPITAL OF THE WORLD years, particularly in Cebu Business Park (see
SINCE 2010- PHILIPPINES: CEBU NEXT TO Photo 3 showing the transformation of the former
MANILA Club Filipino de Cebu golf course into a full blown
The phenomenal growth of the IT/BPM industry business and financial district).
3 4
The Former Club Filipino Golf Course Now transformed to Cebu Business Park (Photo by Mr. Art Balagaof Style
Assembly Multimedia)
A GRAPH REFLECTING THE BOOM IN THE Outsourcing Destinations listing of 2016, with both
CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY AFTER 2010 recognitions granted by Tholons Digital Marketing
Index - a full-service strategic advisory firm for
global outsourcing advisory and investments.
On the 2017 list of Super Cities of the World,

Cebu City’s position dipped to No. 12 after Tholon’s
changed the criteria to incorporate the Innovation
Ecosystem and Digital Transformation in their new
list. On the 2019 list, Cebu City inched up to No.11.
Looking back, the Cebu Educational

Development Foundation for IT (CEDFIT) was
formed during the First Cebu IT Summit in March
5 2001. CEDFIT is a consortium of IT industry players
and universities/colleges responsible for Cebu’s
Direct employment which was estimated at human resource development. It was transformed
1,200 in 2001 has exponentially grown to around on May 22, 2017 into what is now popularly known
170,000 in the current year. The diversity of as Cebu IT/BPM Organization (CIB.O) during the
expertise offered by the outsourcing industry such Transformation Summit, which is now a full-time
as call center operations, IT outsourcing, shared industry association dedicated to sustain Cebu’s
services operations, research and development, IT/BPM industry as it shifts towards providing
engineering services, to banking/insurance higher value IT and IT-enabled services. →
services, and the health information management
services has since widened and deepened in
terms of complexity. Due to this the Philippines,
particularly the cities of Manila and Cebu, were
recognized as the “Contact Center Capital of the
World”. As the country strengthened its position
in the industry, it became imperative for major
contact center companies to establish a location
in the country with Cebu being a top choice due
to the city’s considerable amount of English-
speaking talent, as well as a neutral accent within
the province.
In 2008 Cebu City was catapulted to No. 1 in the

listing of the Top 50 Emerging Global Outsourcing
6
Cities, and peaked at the No. 7 spot on the Global CIB.O Board of Trustees
32 | Company News
CIB.O BOARD OF TRUSTEES TOASTS CEDFIT’S This transformation was launched during the
TRACK RECORD OF SUCCESS, CIB.O’S 2017 “Transformation Summit” - the main IT/BPM
PROSPECTS, AND CEBU’S IT/BPM INDUSTRY’S industry event of Cebu. Beyond the usual human
GROWTH AND PROSPERITY. resource development activities, CIB.O is now
Based on a recent list by the Philippine officially marketing the city to potential locators,
Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), Cebu City is home ensuring that the needs of the IT/BPM companies
to more than 400 IT/BPM locators with an industry are addressed as related to both local and national
estimate of around 170,000 directly-employed concerns. CIB.O continues to organize the annual
individuals as of December 2019. The income industry event now called the “Transformation
generated through direct employment is estimated Summit” to gather industry, academe, government,
at Php33.2 B annually, with an added Php53.0B[1] support groups, and other stakeholders to sustain
from indirectly employed individuals. This brings the growth of the industry.
the income contributed by the outsourcing industry
to about Php86.2B per year in the local economy.
The industry advantage of providing its members
a pay grade above the minimum wage allows for
more disposable income coming from the new
middle class of Cebu. This means that not only
is the industry funneling money through industry
expenditures, it also allows for more disposable
income to be spent within the province.
THE DIVERSITY OF CEBU’S OUTSOURCING

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

new players Fujitsu, Dover Business Solutions,
and Kuehne + Nagel. Added most recently is the
first contact service site of another prestigious
company, AMAZON in the Philippines.
FROM CEDFIT TO CEBU IT BPM.ORGANIZATION

(CIB.O) 8
With the exponential growth of the IT/BPM
CIB.O gets the Flare Award in 2018
industry of Cebu, making it one of the “twin-win”
economic drivers earlier stated, industry and
academe leaders decided to transform CEDFIT The great success of the IT/BPM industry in
into a full time industry association. CEDFIT thus bringing jobs and business opportunities in Cebu
became Cebu IT BPM.Organization, or CIB.O. City, has inspired other cities in the Philippines
to convert their cities into IT/BPM Hubs; thus Programming in partnership with the Coders Guild
competition from within the country is heating of the Philippines, Cebu City School Board, Cebu
up. But being the trailblazer, and blessed with our City DepEd, DICT and CIB.O with the support of
superb infrastructure- power/telco/international its members and the private sector.
airport, the abundance of qualified talent and its
strategic location, Cebu’s hold on the industry is The teachers started training the senior high
deeply rooted. The highly collaborative IT/BPM students in five select public high schools in June
ecosystem of Cebu, engineered by CIB.O, has 2019. The target was to initially train 200 students
always been a very crucial ingredient to its success. at the rate of 40 students per school but ended
up with more than 500 students trained. These
The coming of Artificial Intelligence(AI), students will be for industry immersion starting in
robotics, process automation, data analytics, Nov 2020. The engagement of the students was
higher value services, data security, and our K surprisingly very good and some schools even
to 12 transition, are all becoming real challenges finished the training in one semester, instead of the
of the industry. Artificial Intelligence, robotics, planned three semesters.
and process automation may displace 30-50%
of the BPM workers, but at the same time these With this very positive response from the
developments create opportunities for higher value schools, CIB.O together with Cebu City School
work requiring experience and more analytical Board and Cebu City DepEd have decided to offer a
skills. The higher value services that CIB.O and its more advanced Coding Training on introduction to
members aspire to continue providing will require Java Programming in April 2020. All this is designed
more skills, experience, and training for Cebu’s to make Cebu City (in the very near future) the
workforce. This, in turn, requires early exposure First City of Coders in the Philippines, with our
to computer aided education, augmented with partners. CIB.O is committed to improve the skills
online learnings. Cebu City has trained its senior of our teachers and consequently the employable
high school teachers in the basics of Coding/ talents needed for the IT/BPM industry.
→
34 | Feature
WHAT COUNTS FOR

SUCCESS?
By: Manuel Guillermo
G
rowing up, I thought I wanted to be a writer. Later in life, after having gained a measure
No, I take that back; maybe something else of success in my professional life, it crossed my
that could evolve from an undergraduate mind that I would probably have become a fairly
program in Fine Arts. Well, I couldn’t really tell. My good diplomat for the country had I chosen that
mother didn’t also want to influence me then where career path instead. Through roughly 25 years
I might be leaning toward. Frankly, I didn’t know of expatriate life, I blended pretty well with a
what I wanted to become. I just knew I wanted wide variety of folks and businessmen of other
to be successful. In what field and how, it wasn’t countries who had distinctly different cultures and
clear and I wasn’t sure. traditions. I worked with Muslims in Indonesia,
Malaysia, and Bangladesh; Buddhists in Thailand,
Graduating from high school, something or Vietnam, and Myanmar; and multi-faith-oriented
someone jolted me to reality, coaxed my feet back West Africans in Nigeria; as well as Japanese,
to the ground where I might have heard through my Koreans, Singaporeans, Americans, Australians,
subconscious, “Manny, get a hold of yourself, take and Scandinavians – and many of them became
up a Commerce degree, get employed quickly, my friends. In hindsight, I would have enjoyed the
and earn your keep.” No fancy courses for me, I responsibility and the stature of a diplomat and
decided. I needed to help out in augmenting the would not even have complained about those
family income—the sooner, the better. endless daily cocktails.
“
What matters at the end of the day is to
“
what extent one has made a difference
and changed the world around him or
her.
The perennial big question is: when does one or daughters’ presumed eventual success, or so
know for sure what he or she wants to become? they hoped.
The answer is not easier now than during my
adolescence more than 60 years ago. In this day What then is the difference between
and age, the choices are easily a hundred times becoming one that you have always wanted to
more diverse. To compete today, one must be a be and one who happened to be someone you
specialist or a so-called niche player. The advent of never thought you could become? The answer
specialization has long ago come upon us – thanks is -- probably a whole lot! But, honestly, how
to the likes of Bill Gates (Microsoft), Steve Jobs important are those differences? What did it really
(Apple), and Andrew Grove (Intel) who, with their matter if you saw the light only later in life? I would
genius and pioneering spirit, made a difference and imagine that the struggles, the challenges, and the
changed the world irreversibly by making available conflicts that either group would have endured and
to the greater population of our planet easy access overcome, as well as the triumphs, the adventures,
to the use of personal computers and the latest and the thrills they would have relished going
advances in information technology. Speaking of through their life journeys, would have provided the
this pervasive specialization imperative, there is a strong foundation for their lifetime achievements,
joke that nowadays, when one wants to consult an to be filed away in their own private treasury of
eye doctor, he’d better know beforehand whether fond memories.
he’d want to see a left eye or a right eye specialist.
Which leads me to ask at this point, what
Not all was so unsure as I was then in my counts for success, really? Indeed, being
case, and as would conceivably the majority of successful represents different things to different
those graduating from high school during my people. It is, at best, a very elusive concept. I
time about what they wanted to make of their submit that what matters at the end of the day
lives. There would be some who knew what they is to what extent one has made a difference and
wanted to become. As sure as day followed night, changed the world around him or her. We are not
they forged ahead to pursue and achieve, to their necessarily talking of the world in general and we
credit, the fulfillment of their dreams of becoming a should not use Einstein, Churchill, Mandela, Martin
doctor of medicine, lawyer, engineer, accountant, Luther King, or other towering icons of the world
farmer, teacher, and even a priest or a nun. Some as points of reference, but people – simple people
might have had the enviable support from their – whom we know enough about in our midst or
parents who had the financial means to back their elsewhere in our domestic domain. On the other
precious children’s dreams all throughout. Others hand, the area of influence could just as well be
had persevering parents who were possessed by the social space within one’s immediate urban
a compelling drive to uplift their poorer plight, environment and even among one’s professional
proudly pinning their hopes on their favorite sons’ group. →
36 | Feature
“
Making a difference and
helping improve the world
around us in whatever
capacity we find ourselves
may be the most constructive
way for us to measure one’s
being truly successful.
I could point to one remarkable high school been publicized and gained some measure of
classmate in the person of Dr. Floriño A. Francisco prominence. Still there would be others who
whom I would consider truly successful in the have chosen to shun publicity and, in their own
worthiest sense of the word. Rony knew earlier unheralded way, continue to contribute to make
on that he didn’t want to be anything else except a difference by helping others improve upon their
to be a medical doctor and one of the best in the otherwise deprived conditions in life.
specialization he would choose. His heart had
always been in the right place; that is, he vowed Making a difference and helping improve the
to serve those who would be in dire need of his world around us in whatever capacity we find
service. Unlike the many in his field, he nurtured ourselves may be the most constructive way for
no notion of remaining in the United States to us to measure one’s being truly successful. Start
practice his profession. He was impatient, in fact, making a difference if you are not into it already,
to return to his hometown Cabanatuan where he and to our young Filipinos, do take heed of what
would quickly make his presence felt, make a vital really counts to be successful.
difference and provide his expertise in pediatrics
and adolescent medicine. Rony has helped
many, especially among the underprivileged and
continues even today to make a difference.
Manuel Guillermo, Chairman of AmCham
Philippines’ Publications Department, is the
There are countless co-alumni like Dr. Francisco
retired CEO of KSearch Asia Consulting, Inc.,
who have made a difference, continue to make a Retired Partner, SGV & Co., and Andersen
difference, and have, in their own right, changed Consulting (now Accenture). He is a frequent
the world around them. Some have probably contributor to the AmCham Business Journal.
38 | Business of Business
If Men
Could Only
Understand
Women
By: Ernie Cecilia, DPM
A
t the 1910 International Socialist Women’s
Conference, German Revolutionary Clara
Zetkin proposed that March 8 be honored as
a day in memory of working women. Since then,
many countries designated March 8 as International
Women’s Day, including Russia in 1917, and the
United States in 1967. The United Nations adopted
it in 1975. In some countries, it is a national holiday,
while in others it is largely ignored. In some, it is
a celebration of womanhood; in others, it is a day
of protest.
The following piece is in celebration of women’s

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

These qualities made man a great hunter and provider for the family.
Unfortunately, these qualities today look like hanging out and plain
laziness. Women will not see these as a good provider’s qualities. Try
waiting, watching, and conserving your energy as you sit in your couch,
with a remote control in hand, and see if you don’t get bawled for lazily
wasting your time.
DIFFERENT TIMES
Aside from women, times are different, too. Up until the second
or third Industrial Revolution, the woman’s place was the home. To
show his love and support to the family, the man goes out and bring
something home. Towards the third quarter of the 20th century, the
woman goes hunting, too – for jobs. Since then, women realized that
they no longer depend on men to provide for their material needs.
Guess what support do women need from men? Think of this. In

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

in the same degree of fear as the first time man hunted. What if he
doesn’t kill the wild boar? What if it gets him instead? Fortunately, this
fear is often unfounded, if not blatantly untrue.
THE REAL ISSUE

Some men have an issue with “talking.” They might have had
traumatic experiences talking with their wives. A simple talk could
blow up into an argument that could bring out patently irreconcilable
differences, and break the marriage or relationship. Sometimes, when
a woman starts to “talk”, she forgets that it is more of an accusation or
the way she sees things from her point of view.
In many, if not most, relationships today, the issue is communication.

Depending on how you define communication, you could succeed to
clear things up or worsen the situation. If you think communicating is → →
40 | Business of Business
“right” woman (or person – lest the LGBTQIAPK

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

for her partner, she looks for a man who makes
her feel good, whom she cares for and loves. But
somewhere, there’s a feeling welling inside.”
The woman surmises, “He’s got potential; I see

it. What I could do with him. Love will overcome.
I’ll just love him. I’ll just give to him, and HE WILL
CHANGE.”
Men usually love women as they are. Women

fall in love, hoping that they can change the men
into what they want them to be.
simply transmitting information or feelings, that’s just
what you do – transmit. I believe that communicating Dr. Gray further wrote, “ … when you think
is “creating understanding,” beyond transfer of maybe we’re not right for each other, maybe we’re
information, to the expression of real and sincere just too different, that’s the time to remember that
love. maybe your partner is from another planet. Men
are from Mars and women are from Venus, and
Based on experience and observation, both men on these planets we have different customs. If
and women need emotional support. Alas, when you you learn to honor and respect the customs of the
think you now knew the answer, somebody changes different planets, then things go smoothly, but if
the question! you don’t honor and respect the customs, you step
on each other’s toes.”
When life was simple then, emotional support
was easier to understand – and provide. A woman’s There is hardly a perfect man – or woman.
needs 50 years ago were not the same as her Here’s a funny guide to Love and Relationships,
needs today. Technology, the nature of work and for women: “1) Find a man who makes you laugh.
relationships, social media, the demographics – 2) Find a man who has a good job and can cook.
all these and many more have conspired to make 3) Find a man who is honest. 4) Find a man who
“emotional needs” more complex than it was will pamper you with gifts. 5) Find a man who is
before. awesome in bed. 6) Most of all, it is very important
that these five men never meet.”
In the past, a man would go out to work in
another province or state without any contact with
his family except the snail mail, then comes home
once a month to see the wife and children. A few For comments or questions please e-mail the
days of togetherness is all he needs to show real author at: [email protected]
love. Today, expectations change. You may be
miles apart, but technology makes it possible for
you to constantly tell your wife that you love her,
in real time – and at “face time.” Failing that, she Ernie Cecilia, DPM, is a regular contributor
thinks you might be telling that to someone else. to the AmCham Business Journal. Mr. Cecilia
is the Chair of the AmCham Human Capital
& Resources Committee; Co-Chair of the
REAL LOVE AmCham Publications Department; Co-Chair
Even the concept of real love could differ of ECOP’s TWG on Labor Policy and Social
between men and women. Man searches for the Issues; PMAP Past President.
Contributed Article | 41
Private Detective
Training Course
Now Offered to
the Public
Submitted by: Truth Verifier
Systems, Inc.
T
ruth Verifier Citizen Welfare & Security Training This course includes all training materials and
Academy, Inc., a subsidiary of Truth Verifier practicum sessions at cost of Php17,000. Courses
Systems, Inc. the Philippines’ first and most include Investigative Report Writing, Surveillance
awarded private detective agency, is offering its Operation, Undercover Investigation, and the
Private Detective Pre-licensing Course to the Lie Detector Test. The course is perfect training
public this year starting on February 21, 2020. for those who want to excel in their investigative
skills and particularly those who work in credit
The Private Detective Pre-licensing Course companies and is accredited by the Philippine
aims to equip companies and private individuals National Police – Supervisory Office for Security
with the knowledge of Private Detective training. and Investigation Agencies (PNP-SOSIA).
The course is a 10-session, once-a-week, 8-hour
class every week of each training session, the first For more information, kindly contact Ms. Edna Morada at
of which is from February 21 to April 25, 2020. 8635-5929 or e-mail: training@truthverifier.com
Training sessions will be conducted at the Truth Verifier Systems, Inc. was established in 1966 and has
Cityland Building, Pioneer Street, Mandaluyong worked with country’s biggest companies in its needs in Private
City. Investigation and pre-employment screenings.
42 | Company News
International School Manila

1942 brought the beginning of the Japanese
occupation, which forced citizens of allied
countries into internment on the campus of the
Celebrates 100 years of University of Santo Tomas, until liberation in

1945. Through a combination of resourcefulness
Growth!
and dedication, thirty-four students - under the
tutelage of likewise interned teachers - managed
to fulfil graduation requirements during those three
years of internment.
GROWTH
I
nternational School Manila is a community The middle decades of the School’s history
composed of 2,400 students from over 100 were characterized by growth—enrolment records
nations, 400 multicultural faculty, and thousands were topped year after year—and diversification,
of alumni across the world. With the school as expats from across the world were drawn to
celebrating is hundredth birthday on March 4, it the elite education the School offered. As such,
is fitting to look back on its rich history and look a bigger campus was opened in the metropolitan
forward to its future. Bel-Air area of Makati in 1961.
HUMBLE BEGINNINGS The American School changed its name to

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

younger students, while a Learning Support
Center provides the optimal environment for those
1930s American School 2nd Grade School Classroom. IS Manila, Fort Bonifacio.
who need specialist attention from skilled

educators to help them in their growth.
INTEGRITY, SERVICE, MERIT

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

Provides Special Service for Breast
Cancer Patients
Pictured left to right: (seated) Dr. James Wee, PPFI Vice Chairman; Noel Borlongan, PPFI President; Kara Alikpala, ICANSERVE Founding President;
Atty. Nicka Hosaka, Grab Philippines Public Affairs Manager; Pierre Gaudreault, Pfizer Regional President, Emerging Asia; Martin Luchangco,
Head, Grab for Business; Crisann Celdran, ICANSERVE Chairman. (Standing R-L) Dr. Dennis Dioko, PPFI Trustee; Dr. Mika Prasad, Pfizer Medical
Manager; Menchie Auste, member, Cancer Coalition of the Philippines; Anna Mayor, PPFI Program Officer; Geoffrey Garcia, PPFI Manager; Dane
Fajardo, Head of Client Success, Grab for Business; Andro Cruz, Key Accounts Manager, Grab for Business; Myrna Guibao, ICANSERVE Patient
Coordinator and Marife Leon, ICANSERVE Executive Director.
S
evere traffic jams, extreme heat, rains and of cancer cases among women. When a woman
flooding. These are just some of the hazards is diagnosed with breast cancer, the household
that cancer patients experience whenever budget needs to be reconfigured to take into
they take public transportation. Through the account expenses surrounding the treatment
“CARe for Cancer” program, Pfizer Philippines of the patient. By providing transportation for
Foundation, Inc. (PPFI) seeks to address this a patient and one companion, the issues of—
problem and ease the burden of travel for breast the cost, as well as the stress and distress the
cancer patients who are undergoing treatment. patient suffers regarding transportation—CARe for
The program, in partnership with Grab Philippines Cancer eliminates one worry for a cancer patient.
and ICanServe Foundation, Inc., will provide free In addition, the money she would otherwise spend
transportation for underprivileged patients to and on this item can be allocated for food, medicines,
from their treatment facility. or other household expenses.
Breast cancer is the most common type of ICanServe, through its vast network in Metro
cancer affecting Filipino women. According to the Manila and nearby areas, will screen candidates
Philippine Statistics Authority and the Department for the program. With the initial number of patient-
of Health, breast cancer comprises 30 percent beneficiaries set of 50. The program will cover
“
Our purpose at Pfizer is to bring innovations
that change people’s lives. Partnerships like
“
this using technology will really help change
patients’ lives. This is certainly something
that we can replicate in other Asian markets.
transportation for a period of approximately six months—the typical

time frame when breast cancer treatments, and necessary doctor’s
consultations.
Kara Magsanoc-Alikpala, founding president of ICanServe,

notes the importance of access to transportation in the treatment of
the disease: “This gesture may seem small to some but it can mean
the world to a patient and her family. Making a patient feel loved and
special gives them strength to fight on. This also gives patients savings,
more time to rest, heal and bond with loved ones.”
“Our motivation is for a healthier Philippines and this is our

contribution to that end. This is the pilot run so there will be birthing
pains, but we will evaluate the program and later, we can expand it
to include other cities in the Philippines, and even patients with other
types of cancers,” said Geoffrey Garcia, manager of PPFI.
PPFI first worked with ICanServe in 2008 through a grant for Ating
Dibdibin, a comprehensive, community-based breast cancer screening
program. Since then, the program has been adopted by various cities
within Metro Manila, changing attitudes towards the disease and
encouraging early detection.
According to Nicka Hosaka, public affairs manager of Grab, this

initiative is in line with Grab’s conviction to use technology for good,
as part of its social impact program, Grab for Good. “The role of Grab
is to provide the transportation to and from the hospital, for accredited
patients, who will be able to avail of that service.”
Martin Luchangco, head of Grab for Business, says: “As a tech

company, Grab is committed to helping society and helping the
marginalized. We’re very proud to be part of this initiative.”
Andres Riedel, country manager of Pfizer Philippines and chairman

of PPFI lauds this brilliant idea. “This is a pilot and I’m hoping we will be
able to expand it. We are really looking forward to making this program
a successful one.”
Pierre Gaudreault, Pfizer Regional President for Emerging Asia

agrees. “Our purpose at Pfizer is to bring innovations that change
people’s lives. Partnerships like this, using technology, will really help
change patients’ lives. This is certainly something that we can replicate
in other Asian markets. We look forward to seeing patients smiling as
they take their Grab rides.” →
46 | AmCham News
AmCham Mindanao Officers and members, guests: Christina Winton, AmCham Phil. Consultant for Corporate Partnership, Ms. Tanya Rabat-Tan
Regional Director of the Department of Tourism, Region XI (DOT XI), and Davao City Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Inc. (DCCCII) President
John Carlo B. Tria pose for a photo.
AmCham Mindanao Holds GMM and

Launching of Associate Partners
T
he American Chamber of Commerce of the Tan gave the audience an update of the regional
Philippines (AmCham), Mindanao Chapter held office's major accomplishments in 2019, including
its first General Membership Meeting (GMM) an increase in tourist arrivals by over 470 thousand
for 2020 last January 27 at the world-renowned, as of 3rd quarter 2019 vs. the same period in 2018.
Dusit Thani Hotel. She also communicated the government agency's
campaign dubbed “Save our Spots”, promoting
On the same occasion, AmCham Mindanao also respect for nature, local culture, marine life, and
recognized its new Associate Partners, the Dusit heritage.
Hotels & Resorts and the University of Mindanao
represented by Christoph Kuch, dusitD2 Resident The regional director also presented the DOT
Manager and Senior Vice President, Edgardo goals and strategies for 2020 that are aligned
Castillo, respectively. President Atty. Leoncio with the department's vision of developing
Villa-Abrille and Christina Winton, AmCham Phil. highly competitive, environmentally sustainable
Consultant for Corporate Partnership officiated the and socially responsible tourism industry. These
launching rites. include, among others, Region-wide Aggressive
Accreditation Campaign, Cultural Hub Master
The AmCham Mindanao also welcomed its Plan, Farm Tourism, Region-wide Kalutong
newest member company, the COHO by Vistaland, Pilipino, Tambayayong Festival, Tourist Circuit
represented by John Christopher Gonzales. Development, and Dive Safari.
The GMM's Guest of Honor & Speaker was Overall, the threefold event was a huge success
Ms. Tanya Rabat-Tan, Regional Director of the with a huge number in attendance.
Department of Tourism, Region XI (DOT XI). Rabat-
Edgardo Castillo, UM Senior Vice President, accepts the Certificate AmCham Mindanao President, Atty. Leoncio Villa-Abrille and AmCham
of Associate President from Atty. Leoncio Villa-Abrille and AmCham Phil. Consultant for Corporate Partnership Christina Winton present
Manila Consultant for Corporate Partnership Christina Winton. the Certificate of Associate Membership to Christoph Kuch, dusitD2
Resident Manager on behalf of Christopher Wichlan, General Manager of
Dusit Hotels & Resorts.
From Left: Rossano C. Luga-Public Relations and Publication Officer, Ferdinand Y. Marañon-2nd Vice President, Luis C. Bonguyan-1st Vice
President, Christina Winton, AmCham Phil. Consultant for Corporate Partnership, Atty. Leoncio P. Villa-Abrille-President, Christoph Kuch, dusitD2
Resident Manager, [representative of Christopher Wichlan-Director], Edgardo O. Castillo, Senior Vice President of the University of Mindanao,
[representative of Guillermo P. Torres, Jr. -Director], Cherrilyn Casuga-Director. Not in photo are Atty. Myra M. Quilatan -Corporate Secretary,
Jocelyn B. Catampo-Treasurer, Benirando D. Claudio-Assistant Corporate Secretary, and Joaquin Q. Tan-Director.
Davao City Chamber of Commerce GMM's Guest of Honor & Speaker Ms. The AmCham Mindanao President Atty. Lencio Villa-Abrille
& Industry, Inc. (DCCCII) Tanya Rabat-Tan Regional Director of the swears in John Christopher Gonzales of COHO by Vistaland, its
President John Carlo B. Tria raises Department of Tourism, Region XI gives newest member company.
a point during the open forum an update of the regional office's major
portion of the event. accomplishments in 2019.
48 | AmCham Foundation News
AmCham Foundation
Aids Victims of
Taal Eruption
T
he eruption of Taal Volcano on January
12 came as a big shock to residents of the
volcano island in the center of Taal lake.
This huge explosive eruption – so unexpected –
brought death, devastation and, at the least, great
disruption to the surrounding lakeside fisheries,
farms and many towns, including the city of
Tagaytay, a favorite of tourists – local and foreign.
In the aftermath of the eruption of Taal volcano

in Batangas province, 100% of the residents from
the nearby towns evacuated to several different
identified evacuation centers, with little more than
their clothes on their backs.
In response to this crisis, the American

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

for 2,900 individuals affected by the eruption in
collaboration with Pusod, Inc., volunteers from
International Institute of Rural Reconstruction
(IIRR), and Luntian Republika Ecofarms, the latter
two from Silang town in nearby Cavite province. .
Aside from the Mobile/Crisis Kitchen Project

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

assorted medicines to Queen Mary Hospital,
Inc., Batangas for the hospital’s own free medical
mission to be conducted at the Ibaan Elementary
School, Batangas.
AmCham Foundation Taal Response Update:

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

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

the Filipinos in times of crisis -and the help
and support of dedicated civic organizations
and other concern groups the victims lives will
improve.
amchamfoundation
50 | Feature
Baby Pangolin by Gregg Yan (Juvenile, First Record)
“Easier to find Rebels

than Pangolins”:
Philippine Marines
By: Gregg Yan
“I
t’s easier to find rebels in these mountains Corporals Hacking Rattan by Gregg Yan
than pangolins,” grunted a sergeant from the
Philippine Marine Corps. fingernails, but traditional Chinese medicine
believers spend a fortune for powdered pangolin
Last month, battle-hardened Marines from the scales, which are no different,” says Dr. Sabine
3rd Brigade joined researchers to find pangolins Schoppe, an expert on the Philippine pangolin.
in the dense, rattan-tangled jungles of southern “Legal prescribed medicines are cheaper and more
Palawan. efficient alternatives. It’s time to leave old traditions
behind and opt for more sustainable solutions.”
Pangolins are scaly mammals which slurp ants
and termites with their sticky tongues. Caught for Due largely to poaching, the population of
traditional Chinese medicine and acknowledged the Philippine pangolin (Manis culionensis) has
as THE most illegally-trafficked mammals on Earth, plummeted by as much as 95% since the 1980s,
they’ve become global icons of how animals face locally making it critically-endangered – one step
extinction via the illegal wildlife trade. above extinction.
TRAFFIC estimates that around a million “The illegal wildlife trade is run by organized
pangolins have been traded through 67 countries syndicates with their own systems for capturing
in the past decade, prompting a global ban which and smuggling pangolins, so we must tighten
is too often skirted by smuggling rings. security,” explains Atty. Edward Lorenzo, USAID’s
Protect Wildlife crime prevention advisor. TRAFFIC
The belief that pangolin scales – in reality made records 667 Philippine pangolins apprehended by
of keratin (the same material as hair and finger- and authorities from 2001 to 2017, with 10 live animals
toe-nails) –have some mystical, medicinal powers, recovered at a checkpoint in Tagaytay City, just
dates back centuries. “No one pays for powdered last June.
Some of the recovered animals came from other

countries. In April 2013, a Chinese poaching vessel
rammed into the Philippines’ famed Tubbataha
Reefs. Found aboard were 2870 dead pangolins.
(Not widely reported)
“DNA tests conducted on the pangolins, all

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

caught in Africa, where four of the eight pangolin
species live. In April 2019, 25 tons of scales from
an estimated 38,000 African pangolins were
confiscated in Singapore, the largest haul in history.
USAID’s Protect Wildlife Project is working

closely with the Palawan Council for Sustainable
Development and the Katala Foundation to assess
pangolin numbers in mainland Palawan. It is
funding a dozen ground surveys, each covering 200
hectares and thirty five camera traps to catalogue
wildlife have also been deployed.
So far, the ground survey team has found only

two pangolins for 2019 – attesting to their rarity and
secretive nature. Pangolins spend most days → Sgt. Balutan by Gregg Yan
52 | Feature
Team Photo Before Insertion by Gregg Yan
quietly hiding in earthen burrows, rotting stumps or We’re proud to serve our country whatever way
high in trees, emerging only at night to feed. possible.”
The Marines, some of who are Marawi veterans,

embraced the idea of helping save wildlife.
“These searchers spent six months just to find Gregg Yan is an award-winning environmentalist
two pangolins,” notes Sgt. Darwin Balutan, who and adventurer who has worked with some of
served in Jolo and Basilan. “It seems there aren’t the biggest names and organizations in the
environmental movement. In 2013, he was
many left.” awarded by Reader’s Digest Asia as one of
the most trusted people in the Philippines.
The troops all vowed to protect Palawan’s In 2016, he was recognized by Asia Pacific
pangolins. “We’re often in the jungle, but it’s our Business Insider as the top advocacy communicator for the Asia
Pacific Region. For this story, he spent 10 days with Marines and
first time to notice how much wildlife there is scientists in the jungles of Palawan, where the only bath he took
in the Philippines,” says Sgt. Norman Pintor. was in a river, under the watchful eye of a cobra. But they did find
“The conservation community can count on us. pangolins.
amcham.mindanao
54 | Contributed Article
Coronavirus Disease
2019 (COVID-19):
What it means for your Business
By: Dr. Irene Umayam
O
n January 30, the first imported case of the
COVID-19 was confirmed from a 38-year-old
Chinese national who arrived in the Philippines
on January 21 from Wuhan coming from Hong Kong.
important to note however that these symptoms are
As this health situation continues to rapidly evolve, not limited to the COVID-19. Respiratory illnesses
it is important that organizations know the right and pneumonia caused by other organisms (including
information on the virus and are equipped with ways bacteria) and other viruses (such as influenza) can
on how to protect their employees while ensuring cause these symptoms.
business continuity and productivity.
COVID-19 can cause severe illness, and some
The COVID-19 was identified in January 2020 as infected people have died. It is possible that people
the cause of an outbreak of pneumonia originating in with underlying health conditions are at higher risk for
Wuhan, China, last December 2019. Around 25% of severe disease.
cases in China were severe and fatalities have been
recorded. HOW DOES COVID-19 SPREAD?
Authorities are continuing to investigate the source
ABOUT CORONAVIRUSES of the infection and how this new coronavirus spreads.
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses, some Transmission is possibly happening via two routes:
of which can infect people. Some cause mostly mild • Environment-to-human: Preliminary information
illness, such as the strains responsible for some suggests that the novel coronavirus is zoonotic
common colds. Others can potentially also lead to or transmitted from an animal source to humans.
severe, or even fatal, disease - such as the Middle The initial cluster of cases appeared to have a
East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS- common source of exposure - a local live seafood
CoV), which continues to circulate in some parts of and animal market.
the world. • Human-to-human: from a sick person to others
who are in close contact. In general, coronaviruses
The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) spread through infected respiratory droplets, just
outbreak was caused by a coronavirus. It caused like other respiratory infections, including colds
severe and fatal disease but is no longer in circulation. and influenza. A sick person expels these droplets
when they cough, sneeze, or talk. Others can get
The natural reservoir for coronaviruses is thought the disease via contact (direct or indirect) with
to be animal hosts. New strains that emerge from these contaminated droplets.
this reservoir, infect an ‘intermediate’ host, and from
there lead on to infect people. The viruses may then WHO IS AT RISK FOR INFECTION?
be capable of being transmitted from one person The disease can be transmitted from person
to another. Some are efficient at human-to-human to person, but it is not yet known how easily or
transmission, while others are not. sustainably it spreads. Scientists are studying the data
as it becomes available. Most people infected so far
SYMPTOMS OF COVID-19 have been in or traveled to Wuhan, China. Some of the
While the illness is still being studied, it is known initial cases reported having visited a seafood/animal
that the common symptoms include fever, cough, market, which may have been a source of exposure.
shortness of breath and difficulty of breathing. It is In some cases, people who have had close contact
with infected people, such as their family members or at their next destination. Members should also defer
caregivers, have contracted the virus. travel to other areas of China as advised by their local
national authorities. Even in the absence of such
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR ORGANIZATIONS? advisories, members should consider deferring non-
We advise all organisations to continue to monitor essential travel to the rest of mainland China based on
this outbreak, proactively communicating with your their own considerations and risk assessment.
people to explain the ways to prevent infection, review
and implement your plans for pandemic and other HOW CAN I ACCESS THE LATEST INFORMATION ON
infectious disease outbreaks. THE COVID-19 FROM INTERNATIONAL SOS?
As this is a rapidly evolving health situation, it is
WHAT ARE SOME PRACTICAL TIPS TO PROTECT advisable to constantly check on the latest information.
OURSELVES? Our Medical Information and Analysis Team are
• Avoid potential exposure. Practice good hygiene compiling first-hand information from our on-the-
measures and safe food practices. ground teams in China and globally. We have created
• Avoid direct contact with animals (live or dead) a website which provides these updates as well as the
and their environment. Do not touch surfaces services we are providing to clients and members on a
that may be contaminated with droppings. 24/7 basis – sections are open to the public and easily
• Keep some distance from people who are accessible via InternationalSOS.com.
obviously sick.
• Maintain good personal hygiene. Wash your
hands frequently. Carry hand sanitiser for use
when soap and water are not readily available.
Avoid touching your face. About International SOS
The International SOS Group of Companies is in the business
• Ensure food, including eggs, is thoroughly of saving lives, protecting your global workforce from health
cooked. and security threats. Wherever you are, we deliver customised
• Do not travel if you are sick. Note that some health, security risk management and wellbeing solutions to fuel
locations have implemented screening, and your growth and productivity. In the event of extreme weather,
an epidemic or a security incident, we provide an immediate
travelers may face quarantine and testing. response providing peace of mind. Our innovative technology
and medical expertise focus on prevention, offering real-time,
CAN WE STILL TRAVEL OUTSIDE THE PHILIPPINES? actionable insights and on-the-ground quality delivery. We help
As of 30 January 2020, several flight operators have you meet compliance reporting needs for good governance.
By partnering with us, organisations can fulfil their Duty of Care
announced temporary suspension or the reduction of responsibilities, while empowering business resilience, continuity
flights on routes serving China amid travel restrictions and sustainability.
imposed in the country to contain the COVID-19 To protect your workforce, visit www.internationalsos.com.
outbreak. We advise travellers to defer all travel to
Dr. Irene Umayam is a Coordinating Doctor of International SOS
Hubei province due to official travel restrictions in based in the Philippines. She has been helping organisations fulfil
place in some cities, the potential for further sudden their Duty of Care obligations to their employees by ensuring that
restrictions on departure, and the risk of quarantine they are safe and healthy wherever they are in the world.
56 | Company News
In photo: Malabon and Quezon City elementary schools showcase Christmas lanterns made out of recycled waste materials during a contest and
exhibit under the Pag-asa sa Basura program at Panghulo Main Elementary School in Malabon. From left to right: P&G Philippines Corporate
Communications Manager Charm Banzeulo, World Vision in the Philippines Corporate Engagement Specialist AJ Renomeron, and representatives
from Malabon and Quezon City elementary schools.
P&G Philippines A
s part of its commitment to take progressive
action to aid in mitigating plastic wastes,
leading consumer goods company Procter
drives recovery & Gamble (P&G) Philippines and World Vision

Development Foundation Inc. have successfully
and recycling implemented Pag-asa sa Basura, an environmental

sustainability program that aims to collect and
upcycle plastic sachets into school chairs, trash
program bins and other useful products.
Pag-asa sa Basura has partnered with 26

public schools in Malabon and Quezon City for
the collection of used plastic sachets and plastic
bottles in their respective communities. Within
the first three months of the program alone, the
schools were able to recover over 2.3 million
plastic sachets and more than 700,000 hard plastic
bottles. In return, students received incentives for
every sachet and bottle collected.
The program, aside from enabling plastic

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

Philippines’ “Fastest
Growing Fiber Internet
Service Provider”
C
onverge ICT Solutions,
the broadband services
provider behind the
country’s first pure end-to-
end fiber internet network,
has been cited as the ‘Fastest
Growing Fibre Internet Service
Provider’ by the International
Finance Awards.
The recognition comes

from the London-based global
business and finance magazine,
International Finance. According
to the publication, Converge
ICT is recognized to be true
to its mission to upgrade the existing domestic network capacity. This allows
overall digital experience of the 400G per channel at 64 channels or the equivalent
country. International Finance of 25.6Tbps at capacity.
also lauded the company’s
growth from the grassroots The backbone is considered a boost to major
to become a budding businesses and institutions such as business
powerhouse provider process outsourcing companies and financial
of pure end-to-end fiber institutions, which require high capacity connectivity
internet. or bandwidth. The rollout also allowed individual
subscribers and micro, small, and medium
Since the launch of Converge ICT’s fiber enterprises (MSMEs) to enjoy faster connection
packages, the Philippines saw a steady and without any data cap for high bandwidth capacity.
noticeable internet speed improvement. According
to the world-renowned digital delivery network Converge ICT received the award onJanuary
Akamai, the Philippines’ average internet speed 31, 2020 at Waldorf Astoria, Bangkok, Thailand.
in the third quarter of 2016 was only at 4.2Mbps.
By the first quarter of 2016, Akamai reported the
average download speed in the Philippines has About Converge ICT Solutions
increased by 135.90 percent to 18.66Mbps.
Converge ICT Solutions is the leading fiber internet and digital
consumer-centric services provider in the country. It is the first to
One of the most recent milestones of Converge run a pure end-to-end fiber internet network, providing Filipinos
ICT is the introduction of the country’s first simple, fast, and reliable internet connection. Converge ICT
400Gbps backbone built by ZTE to augment Solutions is ISO and CE2.0 Certified.
60 | Organizational Sections
| Members' Birthdays
MARCH APRIL
Fausto R. Preysler Jr. Edmun Liu 2 Judah Hirsch Mariska Martha Olalo 1
Patricia Celis 3 Ferdinand Stolzenberg 2
Simon McGrath Gregorio Gerry F. 5 Maria Necita Geronimo Melder M. Relator 3
Fernandez Arthur Aycardo 4
Gregorio Ortega Alwin R. Sta. Rosa Victoriano S. Go 5
Rick Dols Daniel Rosenberg 8 John Rice Samrinder Nehria 6
Jeffrey Sosa Corazon Dela Paz- 9 Bill Mallory
Bernardo
Robert W. Blume 7
Melanie Pagaragan Aniceto V. Bisnar, Jr. 10
Nick Gitsis Roberto F. Batungbacal 8
Jose Mari L. Chan George Davies 11
Brittney McClary 10
John Brian Pallasigue
Mildred Ramos Ferdinand Marañon 12
Andrew Ramos Matilde Ortiz 14
Cyril Natad 14
Roland Dela Cruz 15
Charina G. Ocampo Cheryl Edeline C. Ong 15
Felino Palafox Jr. 16
Marie Elenita Olmedo Anders Hallden 16
Henkell Henrison Ong Hoa 18
Kelly Koch 18
Jose P. Leviste Jr. 19
Ian Frederick Grist Francisco Villanueva 19
Rick Santos 20
Geenette Garcia Sheila Marie Lobien 21
Myra Quilatan 23
Alberto D. Lina 23
Makiko Takaoka Christopher Wichlan 24
Kenneth Go 24
Braulio Lim 26
Rebecca Ann K. Sy 25
Vicente P. Mercado 27
Efren P. Belarmino 27
Rynor Jamandre 28
Roseller Lopez Jerlyn Bernal 28
Jon E. Kaplan Jose Ingles 29
John F. Drake 29
Tom De Bruin 31
Gemma Baz 30
62 | Organizational Sections
Index to Advertisers
Belrewmond Corporate Center .............................................. 03 John Clements Consultants, Inc. ........................................OBC
BDO Unibank, Inc. .................................................................. 11 Kittelson & Carpo Consulting ................................................ 15
CalEnergy International Services Inc. .................................IFC Marriott Hotel International ................................................... 07
Capital One Philippines Support Services Corp. ..................37 Oakridge Realty Development Corporation ........................ 43
Chevron Philippines ..............................................................IBC Orion Support, Inc. .................................................................. 45
City Service Corporation......................................................... 13 PMFTC, Inc............................................................................... 61
Converge ICT Solutions ......................................................... 58 Quantity Solutions, Inc. ........................................................... 29
Crown Worldwide Movers, Inc. ............................................. 09 Regus Tech Centre .................................................................... 17
dusitD2 Davao ......................................................................... 23 Truth Verifier Systems, Inc. ..................................................... 39
Emerson Electric Asia Ltd. - ROHQ ...................................... 25 World Vision Philippines ....................................................... 27
| AmCham Social Media Accounts |
FILIPINO-AMERICAN MEMORIAL
ENDOWMENT
AFFILIATE OF THE AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF THE PHILIPPINES, INC.
DEDICATED TO THE PRESERVATION OF WWII HISTORY
www.filipino-americanmemorials.org

March 2020 ABJ

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

March 2020 ABJ

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

March 2020 ABJ

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Journal

MARCH 2020 VOL 95 NO 03

Contents March 2020 | Vol 95 | No 03

AmCham Foundation News Editorial

THIS MONTH'S ISSUE

The glass ceiling, however, is still there as the same report

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Ebb Hinchliffe PUBLICATIONS CONSULTANT/EDITOR: Leslie Ann Murray

The American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, Inc.

H.E. SUNG Y. KIM

PETER HAYDEN GEORGE M. DRYSDALE

ROBERTO BATUNGBACAL EBB HINCHLIFFE

PHILIP SOLIVEN ATTY. AILEEN TOLOSA-LERMA

AMCHAM CORPORATE &

The AmCham Corporate and Associate Partnership offers companies year-

For more information, please contact AmCham’s Corporate Partnership Consultant.

Regular Firm Membership Associate Individual Membership

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

For queries please contact AmCham’s Membership Manager.

THE AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF AMERICAN DESK AT THE BOARD OF INVESTMENTS

RALPH REUBEN MORALES EBB HINCHLIFFE

THE AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF FILIPINO-AMERICAN MEMORIAL ENDOWMENT, INC.

THE AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF THE AMERICAN CHAMBER FOUNDATION

ANNIE QUITAY MARDIE C. TORRES

COMMITTEE Chairman INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST

ACTIVITIES /ADVOCACY / AFFILIATE

Assistant to the Executive Director Divina Combes

Human Resources / Administrative Officer Rachel de Guzman

Accounting Manager Patricia Estrella

Accounting Head Elmer Yanuaria

Cashier Dominador Borres

Accounts Receivable Specialist Cristina Teves

Program Manager, KV Rojas

Industry Development Specialists (IDS) Lia Daus

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 Office Manager Joan Sabroso

Visayas Chapter Office Manager Brenda Lisen

Visayas Chapter Marketing Manager Ruthcel Aragon

Mindanao Chapter Office Manager Annie Quitay

Publications Consultant / Editor Leslie Ann Murray

Corporate Partnership Consultant Christina Winton

Business Leadership Program Manager (BLP) Pinky Jamili

Receptionist Celine Laurel

Administrative Services Roy Fulgado

Librarian Aurora Galvez

Drivers Rick Peji

New AmCham Members For November 2019 to January 2020

National Capital Region

Air Intellipure Mr. Nick Gitsis Founder Associate

North Luzon Chapter

Mr. Renan R. Ayo, Jr. Individual Member

COHO by Vistaland Mr. Carlo Refamonte Mindanao Corporate A

BRINGING PH PUBLIC SERVICES

This long-overdue legislation should help the

“Love Your Secretary” is the event’s original title