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DMWAI tops off Pixel Residences

A SUBSIDIARY of D.M. Wenceslao & Associates, Inc. (DMWAI) recently topped off its first residential condominium development in Aseana City, Parañaque City.

Pixel Residences, a project of Aseana Residential Holdings Corp. (ARHC), is a 15-storey residential development with 170 units. It offers studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units with sizes ranging from 36 square meters (sq.m.) to 88 sq.m. Construction started in 2017.

“In less than one year, this low-density residential development swiftly sold out its 170 units, a resounding success amid a highly competitive development landscape,” the company said in a statement.

Designed by CASAS + Architects, the project will have a pixel-patterned façade and naturally ventilated corridors. It will also have retail areas and amenities such as indoor gym, indoor swimming pool, a function hall, and a kid’s play area.

“We want our residents to go home to a peaceful space amidst the busy city living. Pixel Residences is where people can live their life with comfort, safety and security,” Julius M. Guevara, vice president for corporate planning of DMWAI, said in a statement.

Pixel Residences is located within the DWAI’s mixed-use flagship project Aseana City. — V.M.P.Galang

Nordic money managers hoard banks amid scandal

THE BIGGEST Nordic asset managers are either holding on to, or increasing, stakes in banks dragged down by vast money laundering scandals.

In a region where the concept of ethical investing is regularly held up as a goal, none of the big institutional investors contacted by Bloomberg said they would consider divesting shares of banks under investigation for laundering. A number have taken advantage of share-price declines to add to existing stakes.

At the top of the list is Norway’s $1 trillion sovereign wealth fund, which this month underlined its intention to remain a long-term investor in the Nordic banks caught up in dirty money affairs. The biggest pension funds in Denmark and Sweden have made similar statements. The funds Bloomberg spoke to said it was their intention to stay invested in order to take on a more activist role.

“Of course we take it very seriously,” said Eva Halvarsson, the chief executive officer of one of Sweden’s biggest pension funds, AP2. “We have shares in all the banks and are also cooperating with them in our role as asset managers. We follow the developments closely and have contacts at various levels.”

STAYING ACTIVE
“It’s important that we wait and see how things develop,” she said. “But it’s of course in the cards for us to stay active and have a dialogue. They need to explain what they are doing about it and how they see their future.”

Danske Bank A/S and Swedbank AB are being investigated in Europe and the US amid allegations they handled billions of dollars in dirty money from the former Soviet Union via their Estonian units. Those who reportedly benefited from the transactions include convicted felon Paul Manafort and ousted Ukraine President Viktor Yanukovych, among others. Nordea Bank Abp is also under investigation for laundering, though allegations against it are on a much smaller scale.

Preliminary charges have already been brought against a number of former Danske executives, including its ousted CEO, Thomas Borgen. Swedbank fired its CEO, Birgitte Bonnesen, amid allegations she misled the public about the severity of the bank’s laundering scandal. Bloomberg Intelligence estimates that Danske may be facing a fine of about $1 billion in the US, and as much as $500 million from investor lawsuits against it.

“I have a great understanding for the complexity of it but of course the banks need to take it seriously in order to regain trust,” Halvarsson said.

ESG INVESTING
The pension industry’s commitment to scandal-hit banks may raise questions around the principles of responsible investing based on environmental, social and governance (ESG) concerns. ESG investing guidelines aren’t standardized, making it hard to know what distinctions money managers are making. At the same time, there’s a school of thought that says staying invested in companies involved in unethical behavior is a better way to wield influence than divesting.

John Howchin, the secretary general of the Council on Ethics that sets guidelines for a number of Sweden’s AP pension funds, said “that’s the way we work,” in an interview. “We stay and work together with the companies, as long as we think it gives results.” He said that the ethics council has a global focus, while it’s up to the individual funds to take a stance on local investments.

In Norway, the CEO of the wealth fund, Yngve Slyngstad, says they “have a good dialogue” with the banks under investigation for money laundering. “Even so, we will remain long-term investors and it goes without saying that, as an investor in these banks, we have an expectation that the board will address these issues.”

BUYING BANKS
Some of the biggest funds in the Nordic region are adding to their stakes in the banks. ATP and PFA, Denmark’s two biggest pension firms with a combined portfolio of about $210 billion, have both bought up shares of Danske Bank since the scandal broke. Allan Polack, the CEO of PFA, points to the bank’s ability to make money as a key consideration. He says PFA is “very pleased” with Danske’s commitment to its dividend.

Analysts seem to agree. By far the majority of analysts covering Danske are advising clients to buy or hold on to the stock. Most recently, Barclays upgraded its recommendation on Danske to overweight.

Finland’s Varma Mutual Pension Insurance Co., which manages more than $50 billion, sold its Danske shares in 2018 but tripled its Swedbank stake. Ilmarinen Mutual Pension Insurance Co., another big Finnish fund, also added to its Swedbank holding.

Institutional investors have mostly stuck around as others have fled. Danske’s share price plunged almost 50% last year, while Swedbank is this year’s worst-performing financial stock in Europe, having lost roughly a quarter of its value. Nordea fell about 25% last year, broadly in line with the European financial stocks on average.

The declines have forced Danske and Swedbank to the bottom of the ladder when measuring market values of the six biggest Nordic banks. Nordea remains the region’s biggest. But DNB ASA of Norway, which has largely steered clear of laundering scandals, is now the second-biggest Nordic lender.

Sampo Oyj, Nordea’s biggest investor, says it’s time to look past the allegations, declaring that the “era of large scandals is over.” Sampo Chairman Bjorn Wahlroos, who also used to run the board of Nordea, said earlier this month he’s satisfied that the bank has in the meantime allocated as many resources to its anti-money laundering work “as is physically possible.” — Bloomberg

PhilRealty capital stock hike gets SEC approval

PHILIPPINE Realty and Holdings Corp. (PhilRealty) has secured regulatory approval to increase its authorized capital stock to P8 billion, as it looks to acquire more property assets from different firms.

In a disclosure to the stock exchange on Monday, PhilRealty said the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) approved amendments to its articles of incorporation that will bring its authorized capital stock to P8 billion composed of 16 billion shares with a par value of 50 centavos apiece.

Its previous authorized capital stock stood at P4 billion divided into eight billion shares at 50 centavos each.

The listed property developer earlier said that the increase will allow it to issue new primary shares to Greenhills Properties, Inc. (GPI) and Meridian Assurance Corp. (MAC), in exchange for several prime real properties.

GPI will be transferring two vacant lots in Bonifacio Global City covering a total of 3,200 square meters (sq.m.) to PhilRealty.

Meanwhile, MAC will hand over three office condominium units and six parking units in the Philippine Stock Exchange Center, formerly called the Tektite Building, in Ortigas Center. These properties span 699 sq.m. in total floor area. The company will also contribute two commercial condominium units and two parking units covering a total of 223 sq.m. in BGC’s Icon Plaza.

PhilRealty’s net income attributable to the parent jumped by 72% to P18.49 million in the first quarter of 2019, despite a nine percent decline in gross revenues to P233.40 million.

The company noted in a regulatory filing that lower costs offset the three percent decline in sales of real estate for the period. Rental income also grew by 16% due to more leasable spaces owned by PhilRealty at the time.

Shares in PhilRealty climbed 3.57% or 1.50 centavos to close at 43.50 centavos each at the stock exchange on Monday. — Arra B. Francia

Mariwasa offers Luxurio tiles

MARIWASA Siam Ceramics, Inc. introduced porcelain tile brand Luxurio, which combines durability with design.

Luxurio offers a wide range of timeless, modern and minimalist tile designs for different requirements and applications. The tiles are easy to clean and maintain, and durable enough to withstand heavy foot traffic, even in commercial areas.

“We’ve built our brand and reputation on delivering uncompromising quality with each product and service. Homeowners, builders, contractors and all our other customers can expect the same with the Luxurio Porcelain Tiles, which combine great aesthetic, durability and easy handling to suit different requirements in residential or commercial applications,” Mariwasa President Jakkrit Suwansilp said.

Customers can avail of after-service support for Luxurio Porcelain Tiles through Tyler the “Professional Tile Installer (tyler@mariwasa.com and 717-6901 loc. 2278).

A technical marvel that’s easily a 40-hour timesink

Nelke & the Legendary Alchemists:
Ateliers of the New World
Nintendo Switch

FROM the outset, Gust projected Nelke & the Legendary Alchemists: Ateliers of the New World to tread off the beaten path. It was first announced to be in the works during a social-media broadcast on Atelier Lydie & Suelle: The Alchemists and the Mysterious Paintings early last year; in particular, producer Keisuke Kikuchi noted that it would boast of a “festive feeling,” industry parlance for the involvement of an all-star cast. Subsequently, the developer undertook an online character popularity poll to close its yearlong celebration of the series’ twentieth anniversary, with participation rewarded by a teaser on the upcoming game in a “new land.”

Reading between the lines, longtime fans of the Atelier franchise figured the new release to be a spinoff featuring familiar faces. And, following a short turnaround time, they were proven right. Nelke & the Legendary Alchemists: Ateliers of the New World does remain a role-playing game incorporating quite a few elements that have contributed to the series’ popularity. On the other hand, it likewise showcases attributes that set it apart from its predecessors. The most glaring departure from the norm: Stripped down to basics, it’s a title that places as much emphasis on the management of structures on to the populace that resides in them.

Even the treatment of the story is different. Certainly, Nelke & the Legendary Alchemists: Ateliers of the New World sticks to the Atelier franchise’s thematic bias for a youthful central character compelled by turns of events to stand on her (or, occasionally, his) own, with the game essentially being a journey towards self-discovery and independence. That said, it parades a principal protagonist who, unlike its predecessors’ leading characters, possesses no knowledge of the magical tradition of purifying and perfecting particles for practical applications.

Indeed, young noble Nelke von Lestamm is not able to dabble in alchemy in order to fulfill objectives common to previous releases in the Atelier series. Instead, she aims to further collective interests through the efficient employment of those around her. She moves to create a bustling ecosystem by setting up structures through which townsfolk can interact, and that can, hopefully, jump-start a cycle of progress that attracts more inhabitants. En route, she gets to rub elbows and work with a robust roster of franchise favorites enticed by her exertions and, later on, forced to do so as a means to return to their respective milieus.

Considering the simulation-building leanings of Nelke & the Legendary Alchemists: Ateliers of the New World, gamers are not surprisingly treated to a protracted introduction focused on narrative exposition and gameplay tutorial. Nelke’s goal of transforming Westwald into a bustling metropolis involves her tapping disparate characters to generate materials, to turn them into finished goods, and then to sell them by way of building up resources for more structures en route. The interface is wholly menu-driven and turn-based, enabling gamers to dole out assignments and identify which structures to build and where to build them, and likewise to interact with other townsfolk and explore the growing landscape.

Needless to say, there is a learning curve, but the preferential option of Nelke & the Legendary Alchemists: Ateliers of the New World to eschew micromanagement in favor of broad strokes helps move it along. Finding the right mix of resources for exploration, generation, production, and distribution can be a challenge early on, but the trial-and-error phase does reap dividends. Soon enough, gamers will hit their stride and make decisions from an overhanging perspective. At the same time, their work on the ground shifts to building relationships (crucial to the development of novel alchemy recipes), and overseeing battles (integral to the discovery of new sources of material).

Parenthetically, Nelke & the Legendary Alchemists: Ateliers of the New World is a technical marvel. Sharp graphics succeed in presenting series-representative art styles and character models and, at the same time, aid in the navigation of text-heavy material. The sounds are top-notch, offering mood-appropriate music and spot-on Japanese voice acting. And all throughout, the smoothness of gameplay impresses; the pace of the game is leisurely at best, but no visual or aural lags occur even when the screen becomes busy and gets to be a bustle of activity.

For the most part, Nelke & the Legendary Alchemists: Ateliers of the New World does its franchise proud. As a spin-off that branches out to the hitherto-foreign concept of construction simulation, it nonetheless manages to stay true to its Atelier roots. Publisher Koei Tecmo foresees it to be the first in a line of genre-melding offerings, and with reason. Picking it up is a breeze, and while its main story focusing on the discovery and taming of the mystical Granzweit Tree can be finished in the low-double-digit mark, it lays claim to a feast of options that’s easily a 40-hour timesink.

Simply put, Nelke & the Legendary Alchemists: Ateliers of the New World invites gamers to linger. And, in its deft handling of elements from seemingly disparate videogame categories, it succeeds in doing so. As with every other memorable title on store shelves, it underscores that the journey and not the destination is what truly matters.

THE GOOD:

• Immersive storyline

• Character depth

• Top-notch audio-visual presentation

• Ideal mix of city- and relationship-building gameplay

• All-star cast of protagonists from the Atelier franchise

THE BAD:

• Protracted story exposition and gameplay tutorial

• Predetermined exploration paths limit in-game independence

• Relative lack of difficulty in dispatching enemies

RATING: 8/10

POSTSCRIPT:

Masquerada: Songs and Shadows is an excellent tactical RPG that proves the value of crowdfunding in propelling grand ideas of independent developers to fruition. On the strength of a Kickstarter initiative that attracted more than 2,000 backers and raised 125% of target, Witching Hour Studios has come up with an outstanding storyline that follows the return of investigator Cicero Gavar, exiled for crimes against the state, to chaos-driven Citte della Hombre. As he looks into the abduction of diplomat Razitof Azrus, he enlists the help of guildsmen from the Masquerada, whose control of the seat of power is threatened by Contadani rebels from the lower classes.

At the heart of the conflict are Mascherines, ancient masks that provide users with power to summon magic. Gavar & Company use these to cast spells that can be chain-linked via the Elemental Tag System for enhanced status effects. During battles, skill modifiers and superior positioning are likewise crucial to victory. The action unfolds in real time, but gamers are provided the option to issue instructions to other members of the party. Meanwhile, the narrative progresses through both visual-novel-type interaction between characters and information gathered in exploration.

Notwithstanding the wealth of material presented and a liberal dose of combat en route, Masquerada: Songs and Shadows is relatively short on first pass. That said, it provides bang for the buck via its New Game Plus option, which has Gavar in possession of all the requisite skills and buffs from the outset, and which then offers a clearer understanding of the overarching story. A definite home run for Witching Hour Studios, it stands out from the usual dregs in the Nintendo Switch eShop in both intent and implementation. (9/10)

How PSEi member stocks performed — May 20, 2019

Here’s a quick glance at how PSEi stocks fared on Monday, May 20, 2019.

 

How much would a basic plate of food cost across countries?

How much would a basic plate of food cost across countries?

POGOs without valid work permits for foreign workers to be shut down — DoF

FINANCE SECRETARY Carlos G. Dominguez said that he will pursue the closure of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) companies employing foreign nationals without work permits, after learning that 12,000 foreigners are currently in the country without the proper authorization.

A statement issued by the Department of Finance (DoF) Monday noted that the Department of Labor and Employment) identified 12,000 foreigners working here without permits, employed across 33 POGOs, out of 148 establishments inspected.

Mr. Dominguez asked the Bureau of Immigration to cooperate with the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), the Philippine National Police and the National Bureau of Investigation to resolve the problem of foreign workers who are in the country unlawfully.

“This is a crime. It’s a violation of the law,” Mr. Dominguez who was speaking to the concerned government agencies, was quoted as saying in the statement.

“For the next meeting, we would like to see movement on the assessment, we would like to see inspections and closure of establishments with illegal workers. So we’d like to see progress. And you know, if there are 12,000 that you found, there must be a lot more, a lot more who are floating around,” Mr. Dominguez said.

Earlier, the DoF asked PAGCOR to require all POGOs to register with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) as a prerequisite for being issued a license to operate.

The DoF also wants PAGCOR, along with the Department of Justice, Department of Trade and Industry, and the Securities and Exchange Commission to compile a database of foreign workers employed by POGOs.

In the same statement, BIR Deputy Commissioner Arnel SD Guballa reported that the initial database of 138,000 persons issued work permits, collated from various offices, was trimmed down to 122,397 foreign workers. The database is still subject to further validation, he added.

Mr. Guballa also said that the BIR has assessed 19 out of 204 PAGCOR-registered POGOs and assessed them final withholding tax amounting to a combined P1.4 billion in 2018. — Reicelene Joy N. Ignacio

DoE circular on smart grids due by 3rd quarter

THE DEPARTMENT of Energy (DoE) is scheduled to issue in the third quarter a circular covering the operation of smart grids in the Philippines as distribution utilities embark on projects to upgrade power systems in line with advances in the technology.

“Many have already adopted and implemented some level of smart grid initiatives in their operations, and the DoE is spearheading the formulation of a policy framework and roadmap for the smart grid implementation,” said Energy Assistant Secretary Redentor E. Delola during the The Future Energy Show at the Mall of Asia’s SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.

“As part of its implementation, we have already undertaken steps, such as the identification of the plans, projects and programs for the generation, transmission, distribution and load sector necessary for the establishment of the national smart grid framework; the creation of smart grid technical working group; the conduct of forums and workshops; and collaborating with other government agencies, stakeholders, private companies, and the academe through information sharing and education campaigns,” he added.

Mr. Delola was delivering a message for DoE Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi who was scheduled to give the conference’s keynote speech. He told reporters that a circular on smart grids is set to be released in the third quarter.

“It’s a roadmap pero in form of a circular ang ilalabas (It’s a roadmap but will be released in the form of a circular),” he said.

Mr. Delola said a smart grid includes the latest advancement in information, communication and technology. It allows households to receive real-time information on their power consumption. The same information is also available to distribution utilities.

He said when the country achieves full smart grid coverage, the level of competition will also be at full blast, that is, households will be able to directly buy electricity from retail suppliers.

With smart grids, households will also have access to information on when electricity demand is at its lowest, allowing them to schedule energy-consuming activities during off-peak hours when power costs are lowest.

Mr. Delola said smart grids would allow the system’s load profile to flatten as opposed to its current behavior, which is “too peaky.” Power demand peaks during times of the day when electricity usage is at its highest, resulting in thinning reserves and possible power outages.

He said the proposed circular will include specific capital expenditure projects that match the level of development of a distribution utility. The circular will enumerate the projects that an electric cooperative with minimal technology investments need to do, he said.

“The ERC (Energy Regulatory Commission) will just look into that roadmap, pagka-identified ka ng (when you are identified by the) Department of Energy at level 1, you can apply for these projects,” Mr. Delola said, adding that the regulator will have a guide on the projects that it needs to approve.

“We’re looking at five levels,” he said, with the country’s largest power distribution utility Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) at level 4. “Level 5 is really integrating everything — the DERs (distributed energy resources), lahat nung mga (all the) current developments.”

“When you talk about Meralco or Aboitiz, medyo (they’re a bit) advanced,” he said. “When you look at the coops malayo pa (they’re still far behind).” The Aboitiz group leads the biggest power distribution utilities in the Visayas and Mindanao.

In his speech, Mr. Delola said the forum is “very relevant and timely” as the DoE is working on how to ensure energy supply security and greater access to energy through the utilization of innovative technologies that will provide great help to fuel the economy in a sustainable manner.

“There are several factors that drive us to improve our current power system and venture towards smart grid. First, to have a more reliable, more efficient, secure and flexible grid, there is a need to integrate new and emerging technologies in our system. Second, the promotion of renewable energy as our policies, like net metering, renewable portfolio standards, green energy option, and a provision of a renewable energy market, make our system more complex,” he said.

“Third, the government is also promoting the use of electric vehicles, where over two million were sold in 2018 and its number is expected to increase significantly in the future. Lastly, the rapid development of ICT. All of these call for the urgent shift to smart grid, which is expected to provide a safe environment, reliable sources, flexible, sustainable and more efficient system, and competitiveness towards consumer empowerment.” he said. — Victor V. Saulon

Trade dep’t says cement prices stable after temporary duty

THE Department of Trade and Industry said cement prices remain “stable” even after it levied a temporary safeguard duty on imported cement.

“The DTI continues to monitor prices… Based on the latest monitoring report, prices are stable, and supply is sufficient,” Luis M. Catibayan, director of the agency’s Bureau of Import Services told reporters on Monday on the sidelines of the Tariff Commission’s public hearing on the safeguard duty case on local cement.

Some Trade officials were asked to provide data on cement prices but had not replied at deadline.

Mr. Catibayan, in his statement at the hearing, reiterated that the duty does not cause a shortage, and that the measure was largely in consideration of public interest, particularly the role of domestic producers in economic activities such as the Build, Build, Build infrastructure program.

Trade Secretary Ramon M. Lopez assured that the safeguard duty of P210 per metric ton of P8.40 per bag will not result in a shortage and will only lead to a 3.8% increase in current prices.

The DTI launched an investigation after cement imports surged from 3,558 metric tons in 2013 to more than three million metric tons in 2017.

The share of imports — from non-manufacturer or “pure” traders — increased to 15% from only 0.02% during the four-year period, when the industry’s earnings before interest and taxes had declined, most evidently in 2017 when they slumped 49%.

Meanwhile, Mr. Catibayan said the setting of a suggested retail price on cement is still under review.

The DTI ordered cement manufacturers to maintain their current retail prices with the department monitor the market for price increases.

The order took effect in February and will be implemented for 200 days to allow the Tariff Commission to complete its investigation on whether such protection is warranted.

Under Republic Act 8800 or the Safeguard Measures Act of 2000, a provisional duty is imposed under “critical circumstances where a delay would cause damage which would be difficult to repair, and pursuant to a preliminary determination that increased imports are a substantial cause of, or threaten to substantially cause, serious injury to the domestic industry.”

The Tariff Commission started yesterday its public hearings which run to May 24. — Janina C. Lim

DICT functions need to be reviewed to clear up overlaps, think tank says

THE FUNCTIONS and powers of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) need to be reviewed to improve the department’s effectiveness, according to a study by the Philippine Institute of Development Studies (PIDS).

The state think tank said in its study, “ICT regulation and regulatory authority” by consultant Lai-Lynn Angelica B. Barcenas that policymakers must conduct the review as there is currently “insufficient guidance on the scope of the DICT’s power.”

The DICT was authorized by Republic Act No. 10844, or the Department of Information and Communications Technology Act (DICTA) of 2015. It was meant to absorb the communications regulatory function from what was then the Department of Transportation and Communications.

Under the DICT are the National Telecommunications Commission, National Privacy Commission and Cybercrime Investigation and Coordination Center.

The PIDS study said the formation of the DICT resulted in “incompatible or overlapping functions with other departments,” including the Postal Regulation Division for courier services, functions of promoting trade and investment in e-commerce, and regulation of telecommunications and broadcast operators and ICT-related manufacturers.

It said while the DICT took over some of the functions of the Postal Regulation Division, it also covers online payments, which is better off under the hands of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

“Given the potential for overlaps with other government agencies, the lack of specificity in the extent of the powers of DICT creates uncertainty,” it said.

Ms. Barcenas noted this could be solved by issuing regulations and joint issuances with the departments whose functions overlap with that of the DICT, such as the BSP and the Department of Trade and Industry.

Aside from overlapping functions, the study also noted how the DICT could exercise its authority in welcoming ICT investment in the country, as restrictions such as foreign ownership and acquiring legislative franchises are still roadblocks to ICT development.

“With the challenges in the legal interpretation of ‘Internet business,’ establish innovative measures that will encourage further innovation in the ICT sector.

This could include the creation of regulatory sandboxes for businesses wishing to test an emerging technology without being bound by all the regulations that would normally apply,” it said.

“But for services that affect public interest, such as mass media, there is a need to study how to balance the need for innovation with the need to regulate content, such as child pornography, fake news, cyberbullying, and fraud, among others,” it added.

DICT Acting Secretary Eliseo M. Rio, Jr. was asked to comment, but had not replied at deadline time. — Denise A. Valdez

House passes bill creating CSR reporting obligation

THE House of Representatives passed on third and final reading Monday a bill requiring companies to disclose their corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities.

House Bill 9061 received 158 affirmative votes with no negative votes or abstention.

The proposed Corporate Social Responsibility Act requires companies to report their CSR activities as part of their annual and regular reporting to the Securities and Exchange Commission, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), or the Department of Finace..

The measure defines CSR activities as charitable programs and projects, scientific research, youth and sports development, cultural and educational promotion, services to veterans and senior citizens, social welfare, environmental sustainability, health development, disaster relief and assistance, socialized and low-cost housing, and employee and worker welfare programs.

The law also calls for DTI to reward and recognize business establishment for their CSR-related services.

It also encourages local government units to help organizations in their CSR-related projects or programs. — Vince Angelo C. Ferreras