Seaman awarded $60,000 in disability benefits

September 6, 2024 | 12:02 am

THE Court of Appeals ordered Jebsens PTC Maritime, Inc. and Hapag-Lloyd AG to pay $60,000 to a seaman in total and permanent disability benefits, ruling that he was not given a complete medical assessment within the prescribed period.

“Two requisites must concur: (1) an assessment must be issued within the 120/240-day window, and (2) the assessment must be final and definitive,” the 17-page decision written by Justice Edwin D. Sorongon read.

“A review of this case reveals that a complete and definitive medical assessment was not given to the private respondent within the prescribed period; hence, he is entitled to total and permanent disability benefits by operation of law,” it added.

The appellate court’s Sixth Division cited a Supreme Court ruling, emphasizing the company-designated doctor’s responsibility to issue a final and definitive assessment of the seafarer’s disability.

“As the case law holds, a final and definite disability assessment is necessary in order to truly reflect the true extent of the sickness or injuries of the seafarer and his or her capacity to resume work as such,” it added.

The tribunal added that the company-designated physician prepared a Certificate of Work Relation, which only describes the medical conditions the petitioner was diagnosed with.

“The company-designated physician remained mum on whether the petitioner’s meals onboard the vessel could have aggravated his condition… It becomes necessary to expound on this manner, instead of merely making a blanket statement that “petitioner’s work onboard cannot contribute to the development of his illness,” it added.

The company-designated physician said the seaman had inflammatory bowel disease and esophagitis and his work onboard was not related to the development of his illness.

“All told, the company-designated physician’s failure to issue a final and definite assessment within the period prescribed entitled petitioner to total and permanent disability benefits by operation of law,” it said.

The seaman initially argued he was entitled to $104,866 under the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

The appellate court, however, said he did not claim his medical condition was due to an accident that happened when he was performing his duties aboard his vessel.

This did not satisfy the three requisites laid by the Supreme Court to establish a seafarer’s entitlement to the superior disability benefits under the CBA.

“It is only apt to apply the provisions of the (Philippine Overseas Employment Administration’s Standard Terms and Conditions Governing the Employment of Filipino Seafarers Onboard Ocean-Going Vessels) regarding the amount of compensation for permanent and total disability to be awarded to (the) petitioner,” the tribunal said, explaining the award of $60,000.

The petitioner is also entitled to attorney’s fees and legal interest on his award.

A Labor Arbiter had earlier ruled that his medical conditions were not work-related, and that it was not established that they were developed during his employment.

The National Labor Relations Commission later upheld the Labor Arbiter’s finding. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana

Inflation rates in the Philippines

September 6, 2024 | 12:02 am

INFLATION SLOWED, as expected, to a seven-month low in August due to a moderate rise in food and a decline in transport costs, making the case for the Philippine central bank to deliver more interest rate cuts next quarter to boost economic growth. Read the fulll story.

Keeping it clean: Self-regulation in the advertising industry

September 6, 2024 | 12:02 am

meeting-group-men — AUSTIN DISTEL-UNSPLASH

Advertising plays a crucial role in shaping consumer behavior, shopping habits and even cultural trends. Evidently, it wields significant influence over public opinion. Because of this power, it has become imperative for the advertising industry to be more responsible in promoting ethical standards; thus the development, promotion and support for self-regulation has become an essential check and balance system in the advertising industry, complementing existing government regulations.

In a nutshell, self-regulation involves the advertising industry setting and adhering to its own standards and guidelines, rather than relying solely on external government regulations. This approach has been widely adopted globally, including in the Philippines, based on the belief that the industry is capable of managing its practices responsibly to safeguard consumers and ensure fair competition.

Typically, self-regulation in advertising involves the establishment of codes of conduct and independent review bodies, and the development and implementation of mechanisms to handle complaints and enforce standards. These systems are crafted to ensure that advertisements developed by industry players are truthful, fair, and respectful of consumer rights addressing concerns such as misleading claims, decency, privacy, and transparency.

THE NEED FOR SELF-REGULATION
Traditional government regulations, while crucial, struggle to keep pace with the dynamic nature of advertising. Self-regulation offers several advantages:

• Agility and Responsiveness: Unlike legislation, self-regulation can quickly adapt to new advertising trends and technologies, ensuring timely enforcement of ethical standards.

• Industry Expertise: Self-regulatory bodies consist of advertising professionals who possess deep industry knowledge, enabling them to develop guidelines that address specific advertising challenges.

• Cost-Effectiveness: Self-regulation is generally more cost-efficient than government-run systems, freeing up resources for both the industry and the government.

• Fostering Responsible Practices: Self-regulation encourages a culture of ethical advertising by promoting proactive adherence to high standards, ultimately building consumer trust.

There have been effective self-regulatory organizations (SROs) around the world that serve as models for the advertising industry.

In the United States, for example, the National Advertising Review Council (NARC) oversees industry self-regulation in tandem with the Better Business Bureau’s National Advertising Division (NAD) in handling and managing complaints about advertising accuracy and truthfulness. The US system allows for efficient review and resolution of disputes to promote and ensure high standards of honesty and transparency in all advertisements.

The United Kingdom has established the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) which regulates the content of advertisements, sales promotions, and direct marketing. The ASA enforces the Advertising Codes, which apply to all media and require advertisements to be legal, decent, honest, and truthful.

In Sweden, the Advertising Ombudsman (RO) was institutionalized as an independent self-regulatory body that oversees advertising standards, with a strong focus on gender equality and strict regulations on advertising to children.

In Australia, the Code of Ethics is being enforced by the Association of National Advertisers (AANA) while the Advertising Standards Bureau (ASB) adjudicates complaints, ensuring that advertisements adhere to community standards.

Based on their practices, we can identify several features that make self-regulation a success in the enforcement of ethical standards and practices. Among others, these include:

• Clear and Comprehensive Codes: Well-defined codes of conduct that outline ethical principles and provide guidance for advertisers are essential.

• Independent Complaint Handling: A fair and impartial process for handling complaints from consumers and competitors is crucial for maintaining public trust.

• Education and Awareness: Self-regulatory bodies play a role in educating advertisers and the public about the importance of the codes.

• Sanctions and Enforcement: Systems with clear consequences for violations, ranging from warnings to public censure, help deter non-compliance.

Based on global experiences on self-regulation, some limitations have also been observed.

Practitioners have noted that existence of industry bias, with critics arguing that self-regulatory bodies may be seen as lenient towards industry members and therefore more hesitant to impose stricter sanctions. Others argue that self-regulatory bodies lack a stronger enforcement power owing to the absence of legal authority to enforce their decisions as they only rely primarily on persuasion and moral pressure. On top of these, most self-regulatory systems do not seem to adequately represent the concerns of consumers and the broader public interest.

SELF-REGULATION IN THE PHILIPPINE ADVERTISING INDUSTRY
Self-regulation in the Philippine advertising industry is a successful system — a true testament to the collective efforts of stakeholders to promote ethical advertising practices, protect consumer interests, and maintain industry standards. Led by the Advertising Standards Council (ASC), self-regulation in the Philippines has necessarily navigated, managed, and overcome challenges, in uphold the principles of responsible and ethical advertising.

The ASC, established to oversee the self-regulation of advertising content, operates on a foundation of promoting honesty, decency, and fairness in all advertising materials. It is guided by a comprehensive set of guidelines that cover various aspects of advertising, including truthfulness, social responsibility, and the portrayal of persons. The establishment of these guidelines reflects a consensus among industry players on the importance of maintaining consumer trust and upholding ethical standards.

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE ASC
• Effective Pre-Clearance System: One of the cornerstones of ASC’s success is the pre-clearance system. This system requires all advertisements to be reviewed and approved before airing or publication. This proactive approach ensures that all advertising content complies with established guidelines which in turn effectively minimize the airing of misleading or offensive advertisements.

• Industry-Wide Participation: The ASC and its initiatives are widely supported by the advertising industry, including advertisers, agencies, and media companies. This collective commitment and widespread support are deemed crucial in enforcing the guidelines and fostering a culture of responsibility among the players and practitioners.

• Adaptability to Societal Values: The ASC has been successful in reflecting changing societal values and norms in its guidelines. The organization’s responsiveness is widely welcomed in the industry as it ensures that advertising content remains relevant, adaptive and respectful of Filipino sensibilities and cultural idiosyncrasies — which further ensures consumer trust.

• Complaint Handling and Enforcement: In ASC, there is a robust mechanism for handling public complaints about advertising content which is a clear demonstration of its commitment to accountability. It strictly adheres to transparent procedures when it reviews and addresses complaints, taking necessary actions to correct violations and incursions, which may include withdrawing the advertisement or requiring modifications of the advertisements submitted for review and approval.

• Education and Advocacy: Admirably, ASC goes beyond regulation because it engages in educational initiatives aimed at raising awareness among advertisers and the public about responsible and ethical advertising practices. It conducts workshops, seminars, and campaigns to further contribute to a deeper understanding of the ASC guidelines and the importance of ethical advertising in the Philippines.

CHALLENGES
While the ASC has achieved significant success, the self-regulatory body is facing significant challenges, especially in managing new advertising realties in the digital era.

• Digital and Social Media Advertising: One of the major challenges is the rapid evolution of digital platforms that has so far introduced new complexities in advertising. The surge of social media use and advertising and the massive adoption of influencer marketing are necessitating much-felt updates to existing guidelines. To date, the ASC is fully cognizant of these challenges and has started to address them by evolving its rules to cover digital advertising and engaging with digital platforms to ensure compliance.

• Enforcement and Compliance: There is still some room for improvement in enforcing compliance, particularly after violations are identified. The voluntary nature of self-regulation means that the ASC relies heavily on the goodwill and responsiveness of its members to follow through on directives, such as withdrawing or modifying non-compliant advertisements.

• Consumer Awareness and Participation: Admittedly, effective self-regulation requires active participation and support from consumers and the general public, who can file complaints and contribute to the monitoring process. However, there appears to be limited public awareness about the ASC’s role and how to lodge complaints which seem to undermine this aspect of self-regulation, potentially allowing some advertisements to go unchallenged by the consumers which may have a different take on the advertisements.

FUTURE DIRECTIONS
To further strengthen self-regulation in the Philippine advertising industry, several steps may be taken:

• Strengthening Digital Advertising Guidelines: The ASC should continue to evolve its guidelines to specifically address the unique challenges of digital and social media advertising. This includes clear rules on influencer marketing, native advertising, and user-generated content.

• Enhancing Enforcement Mechanisms: To improve compliance, the ASC could explore mechanisms for stronger enforcement, such as introducing penalties for repeated violations or establishing a system for tracking compliance post-adjudication.

• Boosting Consumer Awareness: Increasing public awareness about the ASC, its role, and how consumers can file complaints is crucial. Campaigns, educational programs, and partnerships with consumer protection agencies can enhance consumer engagement in the self-regulation process.

• Adopting Global Best Practices: The ASC can look to successful models of self-regulation around the world for inspiration. For instance:

o The United Kingdom’s ASA uses technology to proactively monitor online content for non-compliance, addressing the challenge of digital advertising oversight.

o The United States’ NAD encourages transparency and accountability through published case decisions, offering valuable insights into the reasoning behind rulings, which could serve as an educational tool for both consumers and advertisers in the Philippines.

o Sweden’s RO emphasizes gender equality in advertising, demonstrating the importance of aligning advertising standards with societal values and expectations, a practice that could be further emphasized in the ASC’s guidelines.

The self-regulation of the advertising industry in the Philippines faces significant challenges, particularly in the digital age. Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach that includes updating guidelines to reflect the realities of digital advertising, enhancing enforcement mechanisms, increasing consumer awareness and participation, and ensuring uniformity across advertising platforms.

By looking to global best practices, the ASC can find innovative solutions to these challenges, strengthening the self-regulation framework in the Philippines and ensuring that it remains effective in protecting consumers and promoting ethical advertising practices.

Dr. Ron F. Jabal, APR, is the CEO of PAGEONE Group (www.pageonegroup.ph) and Founder of Advocacy Partners Asia (www.advocacy.ph).

ron.jabal@pageone.ph

rfjabal@gmail.com

AIA Philippines appoints Teo, Katigbak to board of directors

September 6, 2024 | 12:02 am

AIA PHILIPPINES Life and General Insurance Co. Inc. (AIA Philippines) has appointed its President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Melita Teo and ABS-CBN Corp. President and CEO Carlo L. Katigbak as directors, it said on Thursday.

“AIA Philippines is delighted to welcome Melita and Carlo to our Board of Directors. Melita’s proven track record in digital transformation and customer experience in a competitive economy like Singapore is a huge asset to the insurance industry in the Philippines. Meanwhile, Carlo’s business expertise and intricate understanding of the local market will help us reach more Filipinos and fulfill our purpose of helping people live Healthier, Longer, Better Lives,” AIA Group Regional Chief Executive and Group Chief Strategy Officer and AIA Philippines Board Chairman Leo M. Grepin said in a statement.

“We are also deeply grateful for the contributions of our former board members, Kelvin Ang, Doris Magsaysay-Ho, and Joaquin E. Quintos IV. Their guidance and leadership have been instrumental in AIA Philippines’ growth and success.”

Ms. Teo, who was appointed as CEO of AIA Philippines in January, has over 20 years of experience in the insurance industry. She previously served as Chief Customer and Digital Officer at AIA Singapore.

“I look forward to bringing more than 20 years of knowledge and industry expertise to the Philippines, where there are many opportunities for insurance. AIA Philippines is committed to being there wherever life takes our customers, while being a steady pillar in the insurance industry. Through my experience in digital transformation and customer-centric strategies, I aim to further enhance AIA Philippines’ ability to respond effectively to the evolving needs and aspirations of Filipinos,” Ms. Teo said.

For his part, Mr. Katigbak was appointed as independent director of AIA Philippines in April. Aside from being president and CEO of ABS-CBN, he also held leadership roles in SkyCable Corp., ABS-CBN Interactive (Digital), and Bayantel Holdings Corp.

They join current directors Gregorio T. Yu and Aurelio R. Montinola III, who were appointed to the board in 2023. Mr. Yu is the chairman of Nexus Technologies, Inc. and is a director at Philippine Bank of Communications, Inc., while Mr. Montinola was the former president of Bank of the Philippine Islands, where he is also currently a director.

AIA Philippines booked a premium income of P12.91 billion in 2023, while its net income stood at P2.66 billion, data from the Insurance Commission showed. — AMCS

Toronto film festival showcases an industry transformed by streaming

September 6, 2024 | 12:02 am

Ben Stiller in a scene from Nutcrackers, the opening film of the Toronto International Film Festival. — HOLLYWOODREPORTER.COM

TORONTO — The film industry, including actors, must embrace and adapt to changes that have resulted from the blurring line between streaming services and the big screen, the head of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) said ahead of the event’s opening.

The COVID-19 pandemic transformed the way audiences consume entertainment, and the film industry has had little choice but to go with the flow, TIFF Chief Executive Cameron Bailey said in an interview this week.

“The consequent rise of the streaming services has really changed how films get made and how they reach audiences,” he said. “It means that artists have to adapt as well. The industry has to adapt.”

TIFF, now in its 49^th year, returns to Toronto on Thursday, showcasing dozens of movies and their stars. Celebrities including Angelina Jolie, Salma Hayek, Bruce Springsteen, Sydney Sweeney, Selena Gomez, and Robbie Williams are expected on the red carpet.

This year’s festival opens with the world premiere of Nutcrackers, directed by David Gordon Green and starring Ben Stiller as a Chicago real estate developer forced to take in his orphaned nephews.

The 11-day festival pulls in at least 400,000 people every year. Bailey said the large, enthusiastic audience remains one of the festival’s greatest strengths.

“We’re a big street party celebrating film, celebrating the artists, and welcoming the whole world to Toronto,” Bailey said.

In the evolving film economy, festivals such as TIFF are no longer just a showcase for movies but also for television series, Bailey said.

In a typical year, 100 to 130 movies and television series are available for sale at TIFF. While this year’s total is in line with past festivals, streaming platforms will likely buy the majority of these releases, Bailey said.

In a trend that gained traction during the pandemic, when cinemas were shut, some film makers are choosing to release their movies straight to streaming services, skipping theatrical release altogether.

Bailey highlighted the mini-series Disclaimer, starring Cate Blanchett and directed by Alfonso Cuaron, as a prime example of this shift. The series premiered at the Venice Film Festival.

The trend led the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to change its rules and allow films released in streaming platforms to be considered for Oscar nominations.

Last year, Bell, a key sponsor for 28 years, ended its partnership with the festival as it decided to shift investments to its core telecom business. TIFF’s lead sponsor is now Rogers, Canada’s other major telecom company, but it signed on for only a single year.

TIFF said its total partnerships have increased by 25% compared to last year, but did not disclose their value.

Additionally, the festival received C$23 million ($17 million) from the Canadian government to establish a marketplace comparable to those at Cannes and Venice.

Bailey describes the marketplace as the first of its kind in North America. It will serve as a North American hub for buying and selling screen-based projects, intellectual property, and immersive and innovative content across all platforms, TIFF said. — Reuters

CLI shifts unused FOO proceeds to project dev’t

September 6, 2024 | 12:02 am

LISTED property developer Cebu Landmasters, Inc.’s (CLI) board approved a move to reallocate the unused proceeds from its recent follow-on offering (FOO) to project development as part of the company’s expansion efforts.

The FOO proceeds, valued at P3.66 billion, will now be used for land acquisitions, project development expenditures, and general corporate expenses, CLI said in a regulatory filing on Thursday.

Of the total, P1.91 billion will be used for land acquisitions, P1.35 billion for project development expenses, and P395.46 million for general corporate expenses.

“These opportunities have emerged as critical components of the company’s expansion strategy. The original allocation of these proceeds was intended for specific projects that have since secured committed financing through approved term loans or are in the advanced stages of obtaining such financing,” CLI said.

According to CLI, the re-allocation allows the company to “leverage its financial flexibility to seize high-priority growth opportunities that align with its long-term objectives.”

“This reallocation is consistent with CLI’s ongoing commitment to prudent financial management and its strategic focus on maximizing shareholder value,” it said.

In April, CLI raised P4.28 billion from its FOO, which consisted of four-year Series A-1 shares and seven-year Series A-2 shares. Series A-1 shares had a dividend rate of 7.585% per annum, whereas Series A-2 shares were priced at 8.25% per annum.

The shares are listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange.

For the first half, CLI recorded a 24% jump in its attributable net income to P1.7 billion as revenue increased by 24% to P11.31 billion.

The company’s net income grew through ongoing construction progress, a substantial rise in hotel and leasing revenues, an increase in new units qualifying for revenue recognition, and a one-off lot sale.

CLI is a property developer in Visayas and Mindanao. Its portfolio includes residences, offices, hotels, resorts, mixed-use developments, and townships.

On Thursday, CLI shares were unchanged, ending at P2.60. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave

Lean hiring

September 6, 2024 | 12:01 am

I read your article on the shortlisting of the top three job applicants. Does it apply only to management jobs or all kinds of jobs? What’s the best procedure? — Wind Blown

Creating a shortlist of candidates is not easy or simple. It’s not about identifying the top three candidates and going through another vetting round. It’s more than that. First and foremost, you must come up with a game plan for hiring the best possible candidates for the job in the shortest possible time.

The key is process improvement. That’s the reason why I’ve been promoting the application of kaizen to everything we do, including all support functions like human resources (HR), marketing, accounting, and many more.

Kaizen and lean thinking are two important management principles that should not be monopolized by manufacturing. One such solution is lean hiring.

Lean hiring is the proactive search for recurring issues and eliminating all non-value-adding things to ensure the effective and efficient delivery of services to employees and job applicants. It’s a holistic approach. Think of how each work step is performed. Understand the logic of each work step. Then eliminate the steps with no value.

This applies to all positions, regardless of rank, with certain exceptions for executive posts that are difficult to fill.

LEAN HIRING
An ideal recruitment plan includes a policy and procedure that will help HR do its job in searching, vetting, choosing, and onboarding to ensure that a candidate becomes suited, motivated, and dedicated to the organization. However, such a plan must be well-studied to ensure that every work step is efficient and effective. Consider the following points:

One, define the job and ideal candidate’s attributes. This means preparing the job description, its performance standards, and the qualifications of the person who will be assigned to perform it. It also includes the pay grade, job title, and responsibilities.

Two, hire people from within the organization. A promotion from within policy is the most effective and efficient way to fill a vacancy. Applicants can also be sourced from affiliates and sub-contractors. Preference should be given to internal candidates, who are easier, faster, and more cost-efficient to onboard compared with external candidates.

Three, announce the vacancy to attract external candidates. You can only do this if there are no qualified internal applicants or if they are not interested. This happens when a certain job requires certain mental and physical attributes, like having an extrovert personality, energy, and persuasiveness for a sales position.

Four, choose the right media announcement channel. Today, the fastest and most cost-efficient way to advertise vacancies is through social media. For executive, confidential, and highly-sensitive management positions, the search may be done with the help of headhunters, and print advertising in business papers, if not by word of mouth.

Five, manage the applicant responses. If you’re expecting a large volume of applicants, it is best to state the salary range and insert a footnote in the ad stating that only qualified applicants will be contacted for an interview. Don’t accept walk-in applicants as they can wreak havoc on your schedule.

Six, use a hybrid interview process. All curriculum vitae (CV) must be sent via the HR’s e-mail address. There’s no need for applicants to submit other documents. Do a paper review of the CVs. Then, conduct an online interview for those who pass the review. Next, schedule those with the highest chance of being selected for in-person interviews.

Seven, prepare a shortlist of the top three candidates. Inform the candidates that they are on the shortlist without informing them of their “podium” standing. This is the time to request soft copies of documents like transcripts, diplomas, employment certificates, government licenses, and training certificates, among others.

Eight, choose the number one candidate. Invite the candidate to visit your office to personally fill the company’s application for employment, which should include their consent to your conducting a background verification, subject to compliance with data privacy laws. Maximize the time by explaining the job offer and preparing the person for the onboarding process.

Nine, get the candidate to sign the contract. This includes the starting pay and benefit package, the start date, and tenure of the contract, whether it is for a fixed, project employment or regular position that may require passing a probationary period. It could also mention the possible pay increase should the candidate pass probation.

Lean hiring is a key strategic activity that can spell the difference between the success and failure of an organization. The idea is to hire the best people in the shortest possible time using a robust system that eliminates repetitive and wasteful procedures.

Bring Rey Elbo’s Kaizen Blitz Workshop to your organization and solve problems with tried and tested low-cost solutions under local context. Contact him on Facebook, LinkedIn, X, or e-mail elbonomics@gmail.com or via https://reyelbo.com.

How much did each commodity group contribute to August inflation?

September 6, 2024 | 12:01 am

The Right to Food: Asia’s path to ensuring a sustainable future

September 6, 2024 | 12:01 am

Children-Foodfeeding — PHILIPPINE STAR/MIGUEL DE GUZMAN

THE right to food is a fundamental human right recognized internationally. It ensures that every individual has access to adequate food that is nutritious and safe, enabling a healthy and active life. This right is not merely about ensuring enough food to avoid hunger but extends to providing sustainable access to diverse, culturally appropriate, and nutritious food sources. Promoting the right to food is essential for achieving broader social, economic, and political stability, particularly in regions like Asia and the Pacific, where food insecurity and malnutrition remain pressing issues.

In Asia, the situation of food insecurity is alarming. According to recent reports by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), around 418 million people in Asia are undernourished, with significant numbers of children suffering from stunted growth due to chronic malnutrition. The FAO has been at the forefront of efforts to promote and protect the right to food, highlighting its importance as the theme for World Food Day in 2024. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Voluntary Guidelines to support the progressive realization of the right to adequate food in the context of national food security, adopted by nearly all countries in the Asia-Pacific region. These guidelines provide a comprehensive framework for governments to ensure that food systems are sustainable, inclusive, and resilient.

Several countries in the Asia-Pacific region have taken significant legal and policy measures to promote and protect the right to food and reduce these alarming numbers. India, for example, has strengthened its food security measures by introducing the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) in 2020, providing free food grains to millions of families affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the Philippines, the “Zero Hunger” program, launched in 2020, includes a mix of direct interventions, such as school feeding programs, improving agricultural productivity, and ensuring food supply chains are resilient to shocks. The government also passed the “Community-Based Monitoring System Act,” to better track and address food insecurity and poverty at the local level.

Bangladesh has also made strides in ensuring food security through its National Social Security Strategy, updated in 2020, which incorporates various social safety net programs aimed at reducing hunger and malnutrition among the poorest households.

Vietnam has adopted the National Action Plan on Zero Hunger, initiated in 2021, focused on improving nutrition among children, and enhancing food security through sustainable agricultural practices and increased investment in rural development.

These initiatives demonstrate tangible positive impacts, including improved health outcomes, reduced child malnutrition rates, and increased food security among vulnerable populations. They underscore the importance of legal frameworks and policies that prioritize food access and nutrition.

The right to food encompasses more than just access to food. It involves non-discrimination, ensuring that marginalized groups have equal access to food resources. It also includes the participation of people in decision-making processes regarding food policies, empowering them to influence the policies that affect their lives directly, and encourages the consumption of nutritious and culturally appropriate food.

Ensuring the right to food means placing people at the center of agriculture and food systems policies and programs. It requires governments to create enabling environments where everyone can achieve food security and improve their quality of life.

Asia, home to more than half of the world’s population, plays a crucial role in shaping the future of global food security. Ensuring the right to food is not only a moral obligation but a necessity for sustainable development. By adopting inclusive policies and strategies that address the root causes of food insecurity, Asian countries can pave the way for a more equitable and sustainable future.

Juan Echanove is the Right to Food Lead of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

Next-gen leaders: Shaping the future of business

September 6, 2024 | 12:01 am

SharePHIL’s annual summit with the theme “Next-Gen Reshaping the Future of Business” was held recently at Dusit Hotel. The speakers were Dennis Zamora, president of Nickel Asia Corp. (NAC); Pammy Olivares-Vital, president of Ovialand; and Francis Consunji-Gotianun, SVP at Filinvest Hospitality Corp. Union Bank of the Philippines, Inc.’s EVP and incoming president Anna Aboitiz-Delgado was a panelist, with Doris Dumlao-Abadilla of the Philippine Daily Inquirer as a reactor.

Dennis spoke on the topic of “Pioneering Responsible Mining,” Dennis said NAC’s history started with a “mistake” or “a blessing in disguise” as in the 60s, Atty. Manny Zamora, Dennis’ dad, sent a geologist instead of a forester to check on denuded Rio Tuba, Palawan, who then discovered a vast deposit of nickel ore. Today, NAC is the largest nickel producer in the Philippines and one of the largest in the world. NAC is Asiamoney’s Most Outstanding Company in the Philippines in the Materials Sector and FinanceAsia’s Best Basic Materials Company.

NAC has always been about people, said Dennis, and is led by a team of distinguished experts from different industries known for their integrity, citing former NAC Chairman Jerry Brimo and its new chairman, former Secretary of Finance and Energy Lito Camacho. For his part, Dennis took over as NAC president during the pandemic. He ensured constant communication with the staff to know if they were safe and assured them that their needs would be attended to.

The mining industry deals with finite resources, so the challenge, said Dennis, is to ensure that their operations and communities they operate in remain sustainable. To further contribute to sustainable growth, NAC is into renewable energy. NAC considers itself a problem solver by addressing the transition to electric vehicle use and the transition to clean energy in the Philippines. NAC is serious about its commitment to responsible mining and sustainable practices. Sustainability is an integral part of the business and is the right thing to do. And Dennis is open to tell NAC’s story as a responsible mining and sustainable company. He said: “There is no monopoly when it comes to sustainable practices; that’s why we are always open for collaboration. It’s this openness that helps us improve the standards of our operations.”

Pammy, representing the real estate sector, spoke on the “Innovative Approach to Home Building and Effective Leadership.” She said, “every home served is a symbol of the Filipino fortitude, and we are grateful to be able to serve them in one of their milestones: our own contribution to nation-building, one home at a time.” Her happy childhood in their own home inspired her to have the mission of providing affordable and comfortable homes. Conglomerates that do strategic planning in five-star hotels was her model — for Ovialand, it’s in Chowking! She values and invests in people. Recently, she brought her whole staff to Hong Kong to broaden their horizons and help them become better leaders.

Francis talked about “Tourism’s Vital Impact on Nation building.” He said, “relevance is achieved by consistently delivering topnotch service, offering thoughtful products, knowing the current and emerging trends with changing Filipino demographics, and creating memorable experiences that truly delight our guests.” Well-educated and experienced, Francis is fit where he is as a Filinvest executive. Someone remarked that he could have chosen any Consunji company, too.

Representing the banking industry, Ana said that “the business landscape now is very different. A company should not only focus on improving its product but also package itself as an employer. Communicate your purpose. What are you trying to achieve and why should other people be part of this journey? It’s about co-creating a meaningful solution.” She actually questioned her being in the family company, so she left and worked in Citibank where she was promoted twice and realized she can make strides on her own.

These next-generation leaders are well educated, hardworking, grounded, not entitled, and they work doubly harder. Doris said “they embody purpose-driven leadership in a complex environment despite being born into money. Their journey wasn’t easy, and they had to prove themselves. They have the potential to make even more meaningful contributions to the economy.”

SharePHIL trustee Ben Teehankee also commented: “These next-gen have wisdom beyond their age.” His co-SharePHIL trustees Mignon Ramos and Romy David echoed this sentiment. The next-gen leaders give us hope for the future!

The views and opinions expressed above are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of FINEX.

Flor G. Tarriela is PNB board adviser, independent director of LTG and Nickel Asia. The first Filipina vice-president of Citibank N.A, she was former undersecretary of Finance. An environmentalist, she founded Flor’s Garden in Antipolo, an events destination.

Major book publishers defeat Internet Archive appeal over digital scanning

September 6, 2024 | 12:01 am

front-view-hardback-books-library — FREEPIK

NEW YORK — A US appeals court sided with four major book publishers that accused the nonprofit Internet Archive of illegally scanning copyrighted works and lending them to the public online for free and without permission.

The 2nd US Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan agreed with Hachette Book Group, HarperCollins Publishers, John Wiley & Sons, and Penguin Random House that the archive’s “large scale” copying and distribution of entire books did not amount to “fair use.”

Publishers accused the nonprofit of infringing copyrights in 127 books from authors like Malcolm Gladwell, C.S. Lewis, Toni Morrison, J.D. Salinger and Elie Wiesel, by making the books freely available through its Free Digital Library.

The archive, which hosts more than 3.2 million copies of copyrighted books on its website, contended that the library was transformative because it made lending more convenient and served the public interest by promoting “access to knowledge.”

But in a 59-page decision on Wednesday, Circuit Judge Beth Robinson said the archive merely supplanted the original books rather than transform them into “something new.”

She said making books available for free harmed publishers and would “undoubtedly negatively impact the public,” by taking away the incentive for many consumers and libraries to pay for books and for many authors to produce new works.

Robinson quoted a declaration from Sandra Cisneros, who wrote the best-selling novel The House on Mango Street, that finding her works available for free online “was like I had gone to a pawn shop and seen my stolen possessions on sale.”

The Internet Archive was appealing a March 2023 ruling from US District Judge John Koeltl in Manhattan.

“We are reviewing the court’s opinion and will continue to defend the rights of libraries to own, lend and preserve books,” said Chris Freeland, the archive’s director of library services.

Maria Pallante, president of the Association of American Publishers, said the decision “reinforced the indispensable role of authors and publishers in society” and was a major victory for authors, publishers and readers.

The Internet Archive limits lending from its Free Digital Library to one “checkout” for each physical book in storage.

It temporarily expanded lending in 2020, allowing checkouts by up to 10,000 users at a time, when the COVID-19 pandemic caused mass closures of schools, libraries and bookstores.

The expansion ended on June 16, 2020, two weeks after the publishers sued. — Reuters

Century Pacific Food boosts coconut processing capacity with Coco Harvest acquisition

September 6, 2024 | 12:01 am

LISTED Century Pacific Food, Inc. (CNPF) is acquiring 100% interest in Coco Harvest, Inc. as part of its ongoing expansion of its coconut processing capacity.

The acquisition and investments in facility improvements total about $40 million, CNPF said in a regulatory filing on Thursday.

According to the CNPF, acquisition and facility improvements will be financed through internally generated cash flows.

Coco Harvest owns a coconut processing facility on a six-hectare property in Misamis Occidental.

Built in 2016, the facility is equipped to manufacture high-value coconut-based products such as coconut water, coconut milk, desiccated coconut, and virgin coconut oil.

“This deal is an accretive acquisition. More importantly, it marks a significant milestone for the company. Our coconut business, encompassing both domestic and export, has grown substantially these past few years on the back of burgeoning trends in health and wellness,” CNPF President and Chief Executive Officer Teodoro Alexander T. Po said.

“The additional capacity from Coco Harvest will bolster our capability to serve rising demand, with room for expansion as the business grows,” he added.

Mr. Po said that CNPF plans further investments in expansion as the coconut business is anticipated to outgrow the facility’s current capacity.

“We are encouraged by the long-term growth trajectory of our coconut business. From where we started, it has evolved to become globally competitive in the category through the team’s commitment to excellence and innovation,” he said.

“It’s a platform where we believe we can create more value for the company as well as the local coconut farming industry,” he added.

CNPF said the capacity expansion is expected to generate more than 1,500 manufacturing jobs in Mindanao. It will also spur demand for auxiliary services needed by the plant and provide market access to coconut harvests in the region.

In March, CNPF signed a new, expanded, and long-term agreement with The Vita Coco Company, Inc., a global leader in the coconut water industry. The agreement specifies an increase in Vita Coco volume commitments of approximately 90 million liters over the next five years.

For the first half, CNPF recorded a 14% increase in its attributable net income to P3.63 billion as its consolidated revenue rose by 13% to P37.74 billion.

CNPF shares rose by 2.29% or 85 centavos to P38 per share on Thursday. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave

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