DITO on course for March launch

  

Philippines operator DITO Telecommunity said it is on target to launch commercial services in March next year, saying it is on track to pass a government technical audit.

DITO chief technology officer Rodolfo Santiago revealed the new operator built 1,532 towers across the Philippines, enough to connect 37 per cent of the population to connectivity speeds of 27Mbps. Around 2,000 towers will be completed by the end of the year to almost cover half of the population (47%-49%).

The company saw a setback due to the Covid-19 pandemic and needed a six-month extension to complete their technical audit, chief administrative officer Adel Tamano said at the company’s current pace, they should pass the January audit.

The company said it was aggressively constructing more towers as a second technical audit deadline in July 2021 looms. Around 40% of DITO cell sites will be on rooftops and are separate from common towers which will be shared with other providers.

"Safely, with 2,200 towers will cover the minimum 51% coverage. But we're not targeting just 51% – just like the 37%, we want the margin to be very, very safe so that our confidence of meeting our technical audit will be quite not challenging already," said Santiago, reported CNN Philippines.

On 5G the executive said the operator began testing voice and video calls in Metro Manila, Southern Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. He added the operator’s 5G services will be standalone rather than based on legacy 4G networks.

In August, the operator saw its franchised approved by the government to continue business for the next 25 years, and provide competition to incumbents Globe and Smart.

DITO began operations in November 2018 and was formerly known as Mislatel. Its commercial launch next year saw many set back with shareholders withdrawing their funding and divesting their interests.

 

‘Mapapamura ka’: Zubiri slams PhilHealth anew for disregarding COA requirements

If you ask Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri on how bad are the allegations of corruption surrounding the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), the brief answer is “mapapamura ka” (you can only curse).

According to Zubiri, the latest revelations that PhilHealth did not subscribe to the Commission on Audit (COA) requirements that documents be submitted were signs that the government-controlled health insurance company was hiding something.

The senator’s rant during the Senate’s hearing on Tuesday came after COA Representative Director Cleotilde Tuazon revealed that they are having problems dealing with PhilHealth because it refused to submit documents immediately.

“We heard it from the horse’s mouth, from the representative of COA, hirap na hirap silang kumuha ng dokumento dito sa ahensyang ito, we heard it from the NBI as well […] that they are having a hard time getting the documents from PhilHealth as well,” Zubiri said.

“Ibig sabihin may tinatago siguro sila Mr. President.  Mapapamura ka ng **pucha, magagalit ka talagang pu*** talaga dahil sa nangyayaring ito, pera ng taong bayan ito, para sa mahihirap Mr. President,” he added.  “‘Yong daliri hindi lamang dapat putilin, dapat makulong talaga.”

During the Senate hearing, Zubiri asked if anyone could confirm that PhilHealth has not been cooperative with agencies conducting an investigation on the corruption allegations surrounding it.

Tuazon then relayed their experience with the agency.

“Actually, yan po ang naging basis ng qualification namin ng opinion kung bakit disclaimer ang opinion na ibinigay namin sa kanila, because they did not give us the documents and we were not also given full access of the system. It was only late, late na,” Tuazon said  “month of May na po nung nabigyan kami, in which case tapos na yung audit period namin.”

“Even dun po sa mga contracts, meron po tayong regulation na ang contracts within 5 days after na napirmahan ang mga contracts, it has to be submitted to COA with all the supporting documents including yung mga bidding documents na yun, pero as you’ll know po dun sa 2018 audit report namin […] hindi sila nagsusubmit ng mga documents,” she added.

PhilHealth is currently in turmoil after sources revealed last July that one  PhilHealth official — who eventually turned out to be anti-fraud officer Thorrsson Montes Keith — resigned due to widespread corruption within the health insurance company.

Keith said that members of syndicate within PhilHealth managed to fatten their pockets with P15 billion to schemes they perpetrated.  Eventually, it was revealed that some of PhilHealth’s procurements were overpriced — including an Adobe master collection software priced P21 million — 12,400 times higher than normal rates.

In 2019, the Philippine Daily Inquirer also ran a series of investigative reports showing that PhilHealth made it appear that dead patients are still receiving dialysis, to siphon money from the industry.

The agency has been affected by corruption strongly that PhilHealth might collapse by 2022 if the COVID-19 pandemic persists.  However, Marikina Rep. Stella Quimbo said that a collapse would only happen because computations for expected expenses are overestimated — which also opens avenues for corruption.xec

Zubiri on the other hand says PhilHealth’s move to deny access to documents almost proves the existence of a “mafia.”

“Parang lumalabas  talagang may mafia dito sa loob, they’re protecting something. Imagine a mere clerk in a small office of government, may mawawalan ng ilang piso, may mawawala na isang materyales ng gobyerno, ikukulong,” he explained.

“Ito ay bilyon-bilyong piso hawak nila, kaban ng bayan, pera ng bayan, Mr. President, pero hindi naman sila nagpapaCOA, nagpapaaudit at nagpapaimbestiga,” he added. [ac]

Locsin's 'irresponsible' tweet provokes Malaysia to summon Philippine ambassador

Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro "Teddy Boy" Locsin Jr. committed another diplomatic faux pas on Twitter, inciting a foreign ministry to summon the Philippines' representative.

In a tweet on Monday, July 27, Locsin threatened the United States Embassy over its tweet mentioning Sabah as part of Malaysia.

"Sabah is not in Malaysia if you want to have anything to do with the Philippines," Locsin wrote, quoting the US Embassy's Twitter account that reported on a donation to Filipino repatriates who arrived in Zamboanga and Tawi Tawi from Sabah.

In doing so, Locsin not only publicly corrected the country's defense ally on an unofficial channel but also revived a dormant territorial and historical claim of the Philippines over the Malaysian state in the northern part of Borneo.

Malaysian Foreign Affairs Minister Hishammuddin Hussein responded to Locsin's tweet, calling it an "irresponsible statement that affects bilateral ties."

"[The Malaysia Ministry of Foreign Affairs  will summon the Philippines Ambassador on Monday to explain. Sabah is, and will always be, part of Malaysia," Hussein's tweet reads.

While the Philippines, whose political center is Manila, occasionally refers to the dispute over Sabah, it was under the rule of a defunct Sultanate of Sulu, whose descendants long left Mindanao, the southern island of the Philippines. It was then handed over to the British colony in 1878.

Sabah is no longer considered under the Philippines' jurisdiction after it became among the founding states of the Federation of Malaysia in 1963. Malaysia sees it as Sabah's act of self-determination.

In 2016, Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak and President Rodrigo Duterte resolved to set aside the decades-long disagreement to give way to a cooperation agreement to work on stamping out Islamic militants in the maritime border between the Philippines' southern tip and Sabah.

Locsin's Twitter entanglements
Despite having been named the country's top diplomat under the Duterte administration, Locsin continued to post unguarded remarks on policies and biting responses to government critics on Twitter. Some of his tweets worked against diplomatic efforts, having placed the country's ties with friendly nations in near-jeopardy.

It was not the first time Locsin expressed willingness to stir up the old row with Malaysia. In September last year, Malaysia similarly warned that "unfriendly and harmful comments" were out of place in a warm mutually beneficial relationship between two countries.

In February 2019, Germany's Federal Foreign Office summoned the Philippines' ambassador to Berlin after Locsin's "extremely offensive comments" on the microblogging platform and in interviews defending Duterte's statements likening himself to Hitler in the conduct of the deadly drug war.

The DFA came to its chief's defense, insisting that German reporters provoked Locsin into uttering a controversial response.

In January this year, Locsin, with his sleeves rolled up, stepped out of the DFA building to challenge activists to beat him up.

He was also locked out of his Twitter account after he called a progressive group "fucking communists" who deserve to be shot and not listened to.

Senator urges House peers: Don’t shut ‘an institution’

A day before members of a committee in the House of Representatives were expected to vote on the ABS-CBN franchise, a senator called on his House colleagues to just amend the previous franchise if they had problems with how the media giant was being run rather than shutting down “an institution.’’

Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri made the call on Thursday as the committees on legislative franchise and good government wrapped up their hearings on the network’s franchise application.

He expressed sadness at the thought that ABS-CBN would not get a new franchise and leave its 11,000 employees jobless, and by the fact that billions of pesos in taxes would no longer be collected from the network once it shuts down and many residents in the far-flung areas of Mindanao would lose a source of news and entertainment.

“I, too, have had my share of disappointments and disagreements with ABS-CBN like the nonairing of my political ads, but I would never have wished for them to shut down. I may have had times that I was angry with their reporting, but I would never allow my personal feelings to get in the way of what is for the greater good of the public,” Zubiri said.

Recommendations
The joint House committees ended the hearings on Thursday and formed a three-member technical working group (TWG) to draft its recommendations on the franchise application of ABS-CBN so these could be presented to the members before the voting.

Expected to vote on the franchise application are the legislative franchise committee’s 46 members, as well as 32 of its ex officio members that include Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano.

Palawan Rep. Franz Alvarez, chair of the franchise committee, told the Inquirer that the TWG would be presenting its recommendation—whether to put the matter to a vote—on Friday.

“The vote may or may not happen, depending on the recommendation,” he said.

‘Look for other jobs’
Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa said House members should vote according to their conscience and should not be swayed by politics or other factors.

He also advised workers of the network to find jobs elsewhere should it close down.

“I can’t tell them to revolt and run amok. That cannot be. They could look for other jobs so that their families could live,” he added.

Reacting to Dela Rosa’s statement, Raul Asis, president of the ABS-CBN Supervisory Employees Union, told the Inquirer that the senator’s words were hurtful and uncalled for amid the COVID-19 pandemic now hurting the economy.

“It’s easy to tell us to find another job. I’m 47 years old. Where will I find work in the Philippines at my age and during a pandemic,’’ said Asis, who supports five children.

“I’m sorry, Mr. Bato (Dela Rosa), but maybe you can try and reverse our positions. There are millions of Filipinos who lost their jobs. You cannot even find work for them,’’ he added.

Asis urged lawmakers to be more sensitive to the plight of the network employees.

“They will get zero votes from me in the next election. Yes, you can quote me on that,’’ he said.

Yap’s bribery story
As the joint committees concluded the hearings which started on May 26, ACT-CIS Rep. Eric Go Yap clarified his statement on Wednesday that an “emissary’’ had called to offer him P200 million in exchange for a favorable vote on the franchise renewal two weeks ago.

Yap had said he rejected the bribe from the emissary, whom he did not identify.

On Thursday, the party list lawmaker said he doubted outright the claims of the caller and ended their conversation. He denied accusing the network of offering the bribe.

He said he revealed the alleged bribe to “cite as example’’ the need for responsible journalism in the country.

In a statement, ABS-CBN said it did not send an emissary to bribe any lawmaker to vote in favor of its franchise renewal.

“We believe in the process and we have participated in the process. We answered all issues raised in the past 12 hearings,’’ the network said. —WITH REPORTS FROM MELVIN GASCON AND MIGUEL R. CAMUS| By: Leila B. Salaverria - Reporter / @LeilasINQPhilippine Daily Inquirer

How To Overcome Your Financial Dilemmas

Early this year, the US News and World Report put the Philippines on the list of top investment destinations due to its relatively large young population. It is partially made up of millennials – people who were born between 1981 and 1996. These young people are usually considered as an exceptional bunch, except they aren’t really the best generation when it comes to finances. If you are a millennial and you live paycheck to paycheck, here's how you can get around your finances.

Be financially literate

Financial illiteracy is one of the root causes of the money problems of Filipino millennials. According to Global Filipino, only less than 1% of the Philippine population invest in bonds, stocks, government securities, and mutual funds. Filipino millennials may constitute a third of the nation's population, but only quite a few are financially savvy. If you find this alarming and you want to start learning about financial management, it’s never too late!

Cut your spending to save more

Another reason why many Filipino millennials are financially incapacitated is they are bombarded with a lot of financial responsibilities. Many of them are breadwinners who constantly support their parents and pay for their siblings' education. From matriculation fees to family debts, these duties always tend to burden many young breadwinners. If you are the breadwinner of the family, you can still set aside some money for savings by reducing your expenses.

Earn extra income

Many Filipinos are affected by wage stagnation in which there's no income adjustment despite inflation or remarkable economic growth. This is according to the Philippine Economic Update report, produced by worldbank.org. If your income has not changed and is too low, making it impossible to save money, then it’s best to find other means to earn extra money.

Invest in Variable Life Insurance

Life insurance is an investment you build not for yourself but for others who depend on you. It’s not unusual that people approaching their 30s have already started a family. Plus, you might have other family members that depend on you.

To maximize your earning potential, you can get a life insurance that doubles as an investment. VULs or Variable Life Insurance pretty much gives you that: a cash-value life insurance that has both death benefit and investment features.

The investment feature works like a mutual fund wherein the cash value can be invested in a variety of separate accounts. Insurance companies like Pru Life UK - offer different types of VUL that’s tailor-fit to your needs, with flexible term options, loyalty bonuses and optional add-ons to choose from. Check out their VUL options here.

Tip: Insurance companies can help you design a comfortable investment plan that fits your budget. Set aside 10, 15, or 20% of your salary to fulfill insurance premiums.

Want to know more about Variable Life Insurance? Contact Financial Advisor Iveelene Dy on this link - https://www.messenger.com/t/iveelene.dy

Jose Sarasola says Maria Ozawa’s favorite Pinoy dish he cooks for her is sinigang na hipon

Chef Jose Sarasola has revealed his Japanese actress girlfriend Maria Ozawa has been loving Pinoy dishes.

“To be honest she really likes our Pinoy food here in the Philippines. I think she’s been trying to copy. If you check her Instagram, she has two Instagrams: one for her personal and the other for her dishes,” Chef Jose shared.

Chef Jose Sarasola said in the four to five years she’s been in the Philippines, he could tell that Maria enjoyed Filipino food including tinola, sinigang, adobo, and even monggo.

“I think she’s kinda liking our flavors which is very surprising kasi Japan kasi iba yung flavors nila eh, iba yung flavors natin eh,” he shared.

Chef Jose said whenever they went on a date and she tried a new Filipino dish, Maria would try cooking it when she gets home, adding her own “small Japanese twist.”

The Kapuso celebrity chef said her favorite dish that he makes for her is sinigang na hipon.

“I think she really likes a good bowl of sinigang which I usually cook for her. She likes shrimp so usually sinigang na hipon,” he said.

 Chef Jose has officially joined the GMA Artist Center and he hopes to have a lifestyle culinary show and act in teleseryes.

During the interview, Chef Jose said he and Maria are currently keeping their long-distance relationship strong through constant communication. – RC, GMA News

De La Salle researchers shine in 2020 NAST awards

De La Salle University faculty researchers garnered various accolades in the 2020 National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) Awards, which honors outstanding Filipino scientists for their achievements in research and development.

Electronics and Communications Engineering Full Professor Dr. Argel Bandala earned the Outstanding Young Scientist Award in Engineering, Sciences, and Technology. The award comes with a P1 million Department of Science and Technology (DOST) research and development grant.

DLSU faculty members also earned the Outstanding Scientific Paper Award. They are Civil Engineering Full Professor Dr. Alexis Fillone, School of Economics Associate Professor Dr. Krista Yu, and Civil Engineering Associate Professor Dr. Krister Roquel, for their paper, “Comparative flood-risk assessment of different freight transport development programs,” published in the DLSU Business and Economics Review in 2019.

Mathematics and Statistics Department Associate Professor and College of Science Assistant Dean for Research and Advanced Studies Dr. Angelyn Lao and Center for Natural Sciences and Environmental Research Honorary Scientist in Residence Dr. Eduardo Mendoza, together with Dr. Carlene Pilar-Arceo and Dr. Editha Jose from the University of the Philippines, also received the Outstanding Scientific Paper Award for their paper, "Chemical reaction networks: Filipino contributions to their theory and its applications" published in the Philippine Journal of Science in 2019.

In addition, Industrial Engineering Full Professor and University Fellow Dr. Anthony Chiu received a special citation in the Environmental Science Award of the Academy.

NAST is the highest recognition body for science and technology in the Philippines. The awards program will have a virtual ceremony in July.

Animo La Salle!

Philippines gears up for naval modernization

In Photo: Missile-armed frigate BRP Jose Rizal

"For a naval force that is struggling hard to repair decades of neglect that seriously erodes its ability to protect the country's vast waters, 2019 will certainly prove to be a flagship year for the Philippine Navy (PN) because it gained several platforms and reached the equipment milestone. to carry out a mission in safeguarding a country's sea with some measure of credibility.

Some of the milestones achieved by the Navy during this period were the launch of two missile frigates from the "Jose Rizal" class by the South Korean shipbuilder, Hyundai Heavy Industries; shipping and commissioning of two AgustaWestland (now Leonardo) AW-159 helicopters; completion of the shipment of eight amphibious assault vehicles Hanwha Techwin and commissioning of three other Propmechs made by multi-purpose attack vessels; and the delivery of the LIG Nex1 "Blue Shark" torpedo which will arm and give gear to the two "Wildcat" anti-submarine helicopters now in PN service.

Also included in this list was the delivery of the "Pohang" class corvette donated by South Korea, which the PN changed its name to BRP Conrado Yap (PS-39), which would give the country the initial anti-submarine capability awaiting shipment. "Jose Rizal" frigate class is versatile next year.

Another milestone for the PN was the enhancement of the electronic and sensor suites of three former Hamilton class cutters and now renamed the BRP class offshore patrol ship Gregorio Del Pilar.

With the arrival and delayed delivery of these assets, PN has begun a regeneration path to make it more capable of defending Philippine waters.

Launch of two multi-mission mission 'Jose Rizal'

Perhaps the most important milestone for the PN this year was the launch of a lead ship from two of its missile-frigate orders by South Korean shipbuilder HHI.

The launch for the main vessel, BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150), took place May 23 in Ulsan, South Korea.

The ship, armed with 76mm Oto Melara Super Rapid main weapon, remotely controlled Asashan SMASH 30mm secondary cannon, anti-submarine torpedoes, and anti-air missiles and ships will be sent to the Philippines in April or May 2020.

During the ship's launch ceremony, the deputy leader of the PN flag command, Deputy Admiral Robert Empedrad, called the country's acquisition of the ship a "strategic move".

"This is a strategic step because this ship will be the most (capable) in PN due to its various capabilities," he said."

Metro Manila Police shows how the 'new normal' will look like

If you’re going to take the LRT-2 during the ‘new normal,’ this is how it looks like.

Metro Manila Police prepare for the possible resumption of train operations next week.

500 police trainees participate in a commuting drill at LRT-2’s different stations.

They show how to observe physical distancing inside the station and train coaches.

Embattled NCRPO chief Major General Debold Sinas leads the simulation exercises.

What Filipinos were watching during lockdown

With the closure of Kapamilya network, people still have options of TV dramas to watch from its competitor GMA7. Here are some of its TV dramas.


Anak ni Waray vs. Anak ni Biday

The series is based on a 1984 Philippine film of the same title. Directed by Mark Sicat dela Cruz, it stars Barbie Forteza and Kate Valdez.

Onanay

Starring Jo Berry, Mikee Quintos, Kate Valdez and Nora Aunor. Sisters Maila and Natalie have different approach to their mother, Onay who has Achondroplasia. Maila is a nice and attentive daughter, while Natalie is arrogant and disobedient. Besides their different upbringing, they have a different father as well.


Magkaagaw 

It stars Sheryl Cruz and Sunshine Dizon in the title role. Veron is left by her husband Mario to be with Laura, which leads to Veron's vengeance that will result in bad circumstances. Decades later, Clarisse, Laura's daughter gets hired to be Veron's assistant. Veron will engage in an affair with Clarisse's husband, Jio once she discovers Clarisse is related to Laura.


Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko

Narrating the adventures of Lola Goreng, and her grandchildren Alice and Elvis, who find themselves living with Moira, a kid who they found on the streets. It stars Gloria Romero


Bilangin ang Bituin sa Langit

The series is based on a 1989 Philippine film of the same title. Directed by Laurice Guillen, it stars Nora Aunor, Mylene Dizon and Kyline Alcantara.


Prima Donnas

Prima Donnas is directed by Gina Alajar, it stars Jillian Ward, Althea Ablan and Sofia Pablo in the title role.

Adamson says no tuition increase next academic year

Adamson University announced Thursday that it would not raise tuition and other fees for the next academic year as the school laid down plans to ensure continued learning of its students while the country dealt with the coronavirus pandemic.

Despite the approval granted by CHED to Adamson University to increase its tuition and other school fees for SY 2020-2021, they have decided to forgo implementation of the increase with the best interest of the students and their parents in mind.

Adamson has written CHED on May 4 of the schools decision waiving its right to increase tuition and other school fees for old students for the coming academic year. CHED acknowledged the communication of the University on May 7.

Students will be allowed an even lighter mode of payment for their unpaid tuition and other fees for the second semester of SY 2019-2020.

Adamson’s social media account blocks students voicing concerns and criticisms.

Last Tuesday and Wednesday, Adamson University’s social media platforms blocked students who voiced criticisms on the memorandum issued by the Office for Financial Affairs regarding the rebate guidelines on tuition and other fees as well as other financial concerns.

When the memorandum was disseminated to the community last Monday, some stakeholders voiced concerns about the administration’s move. There have been reports that Adamson’s Twitter account is blocking anyone who criticizes or condemns the said memorandum. Moreover, students who claimed being blocked have captured and posted screenshots providing evidence that the university’s social media platform blocked them.

Adamson’s response to these criticisms only faced further backlash from students and various student groups. One student posted a screenshot that the university’s Twitter account blocked him with a caption that said “This is a proof na basura ang sistema sa AdU. Maniningil pa ng tuition 'yan pero iba-block kapag na-criticize sila.” (This is proof that AdU’s system is flawed. They will still collect tuition but will block you if you criticize them.)

Another student criticized the university on Facebook reaching almost 600 reactions. “I have to ask, why is Adamson University blocking students who are expressing their dissent towards the university's actions? Wala bang karapatan ang mga estudyante magsalita at ipahayag ang kanilang pagkadismaya?” the caption read. (I have to ask, why is Adamson University blocking students who are expressing their dissent towards the university's actions? Are students deprived of speaking and expressing their frustrations?)

Responding to the situation, a letter from the administration posted by the Adamson University Student Government’s Facebook page stated that the Office of the President was aware that some students could no longer access the university’s social media accounts. Moreover, the administration made it clear that it will not tolerate profanity and personal attacks against the school while claiming at the same time that they believe in freedom of expression. “While we recognize the right of the students to raise complaints against administrative decisions, we will not tolerate, however, any form of profanity and personal attacks hurled towards the school,” part of the letter said. “We are also believers of freedom of expression but it is also our view that it is not absolute and excused from regulations,” the letter continued.

Meanwhile, the official Twitter page of Adamson has been deactivated and the university’s rating on its Facebook page went down to 3.9 out of 5 based on the opinion of 147 people.

Written by: Joshua Corcuera

DOH claims the nation is now on the second wave of coronavirus cases, may extend ECQ until June 30

“Actually, we’re on the second wave” of COVID-19 infection.

This was revealed Wednesday by Health Secretary Francisco Duque III during the resumption of the Senate hearing on the government’s COVID-19 response.

Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. quizzed the Department of Health (DOH) chief what the government’s plan would be should the second wave of COVID-19 infections hit the country.

“Palagi pong nababanggit ‘yung second wave of infections, paano po ba natin masasabi na nasa second wave na tayo? Considering the doomsday scenario being painted ‘pag nagkaroon na ng second wave, ano po ang dapat natin gawin para hindi tayo dumating sa puntong ‘yon,” Revilla said.

But Duque said: “Actually nasa second wave tayo, ‘yung first wave natin nagumpisa, batay po ito sa ating mag batikang epidemiologist, na ang first wave natin happened sometime in January,” referring to the period when the first three COVID-19 cases in the Philippines, involving three Chinese nationals from Wuhan, was reported.

“Nung nagkaroon po tayo ng tatlong kaso ng mga Chinese nationals from Wuhan. ‘Yun po ay kinikilalang first wave. Maliit lang na wave,” Duque explained.

“Pero ngayon nasa second wave tayo at ginagawa po natin ang lahat para nga ma-flatten yung epidemic curve at para nang sa ganon ay magkaron po tayo ng sapat na panahon na mapaunland ta maitaas ang ating kakayahan sa sistemang pangkalusugan. Ramping up the health system’s capacity,” he added.

Duque said this may lead to extension of GCQ until end of next month.

Strategy for this week: Stay Light, Take Profits, Selective Trading

The PSEi last week made a good rally by 102.47 points. That’s +3.56% and closed at 5,595.18. Though the rally eased my fear of a potential bearish market, we are not out of trouble yet until the market will break that 5,949 resistance. One of the reason why I believe we are not yet out is the volume of the trades. Last week showed a thin volume indicating that there may not be enough buyers to sustian the climb. 

Until we see the index breakout from that 5,900 level for good, it would be best to stay on the sidelines for now and keep saving up more money, keep healthy levels of buying power so that when we see the sure reversal, you will have bullets for the war. Bargain hunt if the index comes back down. Stay light and don’t go all in.  Foreigners remained net sellers this week by more than P1.6B. PSEi’s resistance is at 5,900, while support still at 5,400-6,200. 

SUPPORT: 5,400-5,900 

RESISTANCE: 5,900|

Timson Trade Ideas

MPI: Buy on pullbacks
Looks to have formed a major bottom at the 4.20-4.30 level. May start to rally from hereon. 

SUPPORT: 4.60-4.70 RESISTANCE: 5.20-5.50

MER: Take Profits

Strong rally but encountered resistances near its multi-year high around 400. Take profits for now and reassess once it forms a new basing pattern.

SUPPORT: 350.00-360.00 RESISTANCE: 395.00-400.00

ATN: Hold

Punched through its psychological resistance at 1.00 and is now trending up in a parabolic manner. Observe where it will meet its resistance and take profits when happy.

SUPPORT: 1.00 RESISTANCE: 1.40-1.50

CPM: Buy the dips

Successfully held above its new support at 1.86-1.90. May continue to trend higher in the following weeks to come.

SUPPORT: 1.86-1.90 RESISTANCE: 2.20/2.50

JGS: Take Profits

Good, solid bounce from its lows at 47 but is now approaching its major resistance near the 60 level. Take profits for now and wait for a basing pattern to emerge.

SUPPORT: 47.00-50.00 RESISTANCE: 55.00-60.00

*Important disclaimer: Trade ideas in this report are suitable for investors/traders who have a holding period of 1 month or less. Their accuracy may not hold true if used for a longer-term time horizon.

How To Use The Bollinger Bands

The Bollinger Bands were created by John Bollinger. It is a technical analysis tool aimed to check the volatility of a stock. It is simply 2 standard deviations above and below the middle line which is a normal moving average. The default MA is at MA20.

This is not a stand alone indicator. I usually use this around support and resistance and RSI to really help in predicting the movement of a stock. The most important event in a Bollinger band is when the bands narrow. We often call that as the ‘squeeze’. That event signifies that a stock is stabilizing. The price range narrows down and usually moves sideways. That squeeze sends you the signal that a potential volatile event is coming and that is a trading opportunity.

"May suweldo naman sila," Villar says middle class should not receive cash assistance

The middle class should not be receiving assistance from the government's social amelioration program (SAP) amid the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Senator Cynthia Villar on Tuesday.

During a hybrid hearing of the Senate Committee of the Whole, Villar claimed that the 18 million target beneficiaries of the emergency subsidy represent 82% of the estimated 22 million Filipino families in the Philippines.

"Yung 18 million is 82%. Bakit bibigyan 'yung middle eh may trabaho sila, kahit lockdown nagsusweldo sila sa gobyerno kung employed by the government. Kung employed naman ng mga private, nagsusweldo rin sila kaya nga nahihirapan ang mga companies kasi they have to pay the salaries even if there is no business," Villar said.

"Hindi ko ma-accept ang figures na 'yun. Masyadong mataas. Nade-deprive ang mahihirap dahil binibigyan pati ang middle class," she added.

Villar was referring to the P200-billion two-month emergency subsidy program for the 18 million low-income families in the country that was indicated in the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act.

"Kasi kami libu-libo ang empleyado namin kahit hindi sila napasok, sinuswelduhan namin. Eh bakit sila pa ang bibigyan ng SAP? Eh may suweldo sila, mapalad sila may sweldo sila," said Villar, who is married to businessman Manny Villar, the Philippines' richest person with a net worth of $5.6 billion.

According to President Rodrigo Duterte's 8th report to Congress, a total of 16.9 million families have so far received over P96 billion from the first tranche of the cash aid.

Citing a study, Villar said only 59% of Filipino families are poor as she underscored that the poverty incidence in the country has dropped in recent years.

On the other hand, Acting Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick Chua said that the 22 million families being cited by Villar is from 2015 data which had to be updated to meet the actual needs in the present.

"Of the 22 million families, around 15 million are deemed to be low-income or working in the informal sector. However, to be accurate we had to do a projection from 2015 to 2020. Otherwise, kulang kasi may population growth," Chua said.

"The 2020 estimates now [is] 24 million [families] of which 18 million are considered low-income,  basically working in the informal sector, no work no pay. That is the basis for the 18 million," he added.

According to a 2018 study by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS), 40% of the country's population belong to the middle-income class.

Jollibee seeing signs of recovery from virus fallout

Jollibee Foods Corp. (JFC) on Tuesday said it is seeing early signs of recovery of its operations after the government allowed some businesses to operate in Metro Manila under the Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ).

Ernesto Tanmantiong, the company’s CEO, said the disease has brought “unprecedented disruption” to its operations in the Philippines and other parts of the world, but it is already planning for the full restoration of operations.

“We expect growth to resume even if gradually, driven by our delivery, takeout and drive thru business channels. We believe that our consumers will continue patronizing strongly our products and services, once constraints related to the control of the Covid-19 are lifted,” said Tanmantiong.

“Our business and our people had shown great resilience in difficult times in the past, resulting eventually but always in the resurgence of our business. They are demonstrating this resilience once again in this crisis,” he added.

The company declared a cash dividend of P0.62 per share of common stock for all shareholders of record as of April 27, or just half of the cash dividend declared at about the same time last year. Payment date will be on May 22.

“We continue to declare cash dividend even though at significantly reduced amount, as part of our effort to continue serving all our stakeholders even in the middle of a crisis. We will pay this dividend from JFC’s cash reserves,” said company Chief Financial Officer Ysmael V. Baysa.

“We look forward to the recovery of our business in different parts of the world in the months ahead following the trend that we are experiencing in China and Singapore,” Baysa added.

The company said it is postponing about P9 billion worth of capital expenditures from 2020 to 2021 given the operational constraints to the construction of facilities and  uncertain demand volume due to the limited mobility of consumers. Its planned capital expenditures for 2020 are being reduced by 64 percent to just P5 billion from P14 billion.

Operating costs are also significantly being reduced at all levels—at the stores, commissaries, support services and main offices in all regions in the world, it said.

The business in China has been showing indications of recovery, the company said.

At the height of the Covid-19 epidemic in China in the week of February 10, 107 of its 342 stores, or 31 percent, were closed temporarily due to the steep drop in customer visits and to ensure the safety of its employees.

However, the delivery business continued serving customers from the stores that were operating and continued to grow.

The delivery business, which accounted for 40 percent of sales of the company’s biggest brand in China, Yonghe King, accounted for 76 percent of its sales as of the week of March 30. It is growing by 20 percent compared to the same period a year ago.

In Singapore, the delivery business grew by 256 percent in the crisis period versus year ago, increasing its sales contribution to 22 percent from 7 percent, which pushed total same store sales to grow by about 4 percent.

In the Philippines, the delivery business had grown to 5 percent, from 3 percent of total system-wide sales in the early part of 2019.

In Metro Manila, and different parts of the country, the delivery business in stores that are currently open during the quarantine period is growing at an average of 50 percent of same store sales growth versus delivery sales in the early part of 2020.

How much is the tuition fee of Top 10 Universities in the Philippines?

1. University of the Philippines Diliman

Established as the flagship campus and largest constituent of the University of the Philippines School System in 1949, U.P Diliman is currently ranked within the top 500 of the 2020 World University Rankings.

Also notable is its consistent ranking in government-backed polls as one of the most significant higher education institutions in the Philippines. In Asia, it’s been ranked between the 60-75 bracket in the Best Universities list.

It also features the most number of Center of Excellence departments in the country, proof of its wide range of high-caliber courses and programs. The school employs more than 1,500 faculty and enrolls almost 24,000 students.

Top Courses/Programs UP Diliman is known For (based on CHED’s Center of Excellence)

• Journalism
• Broadcasting
• Anthropology
• Biology
• Cell & Molecular Biology
• Chemical Engineering
• Chemistry
• Communication
• Physics
• Political Science
• Psychology
• Social Work
• Mathematics
• Metallurgical Engineering
• Literature
• Marine Science
• Library & Information Science
• History
• Geology
• Geodetic Engineering
• Foreign Language
• English
• Environmental Science
• Electrical Engineering 

Tuition fee:

Php40,000 – Php50,000

Requirements for Admission (Freshmen):

• Official transcript of academic record
• Must pass the UP College Admission Test (UPCAT)
• Must meet UP’s required weighted average of final grades in High School
• Local admission guidelines: https://upd.edu.ph/admissions/local-admission/
• Transferee Admission Guidelines: https://upd.edu.ph/transfer-admission/

U.P Diliman Entrance Exam

• UP College Admissions Test (UPCAT) start of application happens in July and ends in August. The exam itself is held in October (per the 2019 UPCAT schedule) 
• Steps:

1. Complete application Form 1 (UPCAT Application for Freshman Admission) online. Manual applications will only be available in selected regional areas.
2. Have your high school principal or school head complete the UPCAT Form 2 (Secondary School Record) 
3. For Non-Filipino applications: Pay the UPCAT Application fee. No application fee required for local residents.
4. Submit both the completed UPCAT Forms 1 and 2 and all other required documents
5. Get your Test Permit. An email will be sent to you advising if it’s available. Note that availability may take 2 weeks upon UP’s receipt of your application forms. 
6. On the day of the exam, bring your test permit, 2 pencils, sharpener and eraser, and some snacks.
7. UPCAT results are released in April (per the latest schedule) and can be accessed via UP Diliman’s official website.

U.P Entrance Exam/Admission Fees

1. Filipino applicants are required to pay a non-refundable application fee of Php450
2. US$50 for Non-resident foreign applicants

2. Ateneo de Manila University

Located in Katipunan, QC, Ateneo offers elementary, junior and senior high school and college education. It was founded in 1859 by Jesuits and is the third oldest university in the Philippines.

It’s recognized as one of the top schools for its undergraduate and graduate programs in arts, sciences, education, management, law, and government.

Top Courses/Programs Known For (based on CHED’s Center of Excellence)

• Business Administration
• Entrepreneurship
• Literature (English)
• Philosophy
• Information Technology
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Mathematics
• Physics
• Psychology
• Sociology

Tuition Fee:

Php160,000 – Php180,000

Requirements for Admission (Freshmen):

• Official transcript of academic record
• Must pass the Ateneo College Entrance Exam Test (ACET)
• Local admission guidelines: https://acet.ateneo.edu/APPLY/
• Admission guidelines for applicants studying abroad: https://global.ateneo.edu/admissions/application-process-requirements/degree-programs

Ateneo Entrance Exam

• The Ateneo College Entrance Exam Test (ACET) accepts applications from Nov to January. The application is done online via https://acet.ateneo.edu/APPLY/. Make sure to click on your preferred testing site as instructions/steps may vary. 
• Steps:

1. Download and complete application Form 1. 
2. Have two of your teachers complete the Teacher’s Recommendation forms. 
3. Pay the application fee.
4. An exam permit will be generated and provided to you. You should complete and submit it within the designated dates.
5. A validated exam permit will then be issued once your application is approved. Bring this on examination day.
6. On the day of the exam, bring your test permit, two number 2 pencils, sharpeners and erasers, ballpen, and some snacks.
7. ACET results are released in February (per the latest schedule) and can be accessed via Ateneo de Manila’s official website.

Entrance Exam/Admission Fees

1. Filipino applicants are required to pay the application fee of Php600
2. US$50 or Php2500 for applicants currently studying abroad

3. De La Salle University

This private, Catholic research university was founded by De La Salle Brothers in 1911 and was originally located in Paco, Manila.

It is the first of only two institutions awarded with a Level IV accreditation by the Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges, & Universities (PAASCU). It ranked 155th place at the 2019 Quacquarelli Symonds Asian University Rankings.

De La Salle University Tuition fee:

Php200,00-Php225,000

Requirements for Admission (Freshmen):

• Official transcript of academic record
• Must pass the DLSU College Admission Test (DCAT)
• Fully-accomplished recommendation forms from school last attended
• DLSU’s Online Admission Facility (OAF) allows applicants to complete application forms, submit requirements, pay fees, and secure the test permit. 
• Local admission guidelines: https://www.dlsu.edu.ph/admissions/undergraduate/freshmen-procedures/

Dela Salle University Entrance Exam

• De la Salle College Application Test (DCAT) start of application begins in July and ends in September. The exam itself is held in October (for their Manila campus and November for their Laguna campus—per their latest schedule)
• Steps:

1. Begin your application by visiting DLSU’s Online Admission Facility (see link above)
2. Provide all the required details: Personal information, Contact details, Parent/Guardian information
3. Upload all required documents (NSO/PSA Birth certificate and Grade 11 Report Card/Transcript of Records). For non-Filipino residents, a copy of their latest passport is also required.
4. Pay the fees.
5. An email will be sent to you advising if your test permit is available. Availability may take 7 working days upon receipt of your application forms.
6. On the day of the exam, bring your test permit, 2 pencils, sharpener and eraser, and some snacks.
7. Exam results are released in January (per the latest schedule) and can be accessed via DLSU’s official website.

DLSU Entrance Exam/Admission Fees

• Filipino applicants are required to pay a non-refundable application fee of Php600
• Php2,500 for Non-resident foreign applicants

4. University of Santo Tomas

UST holds the recognition of being the oldest existing university in Asia. It’s also the largest Catholic university in the world in terms of student population in one campus.

It was founded in 1611 by Miguel de Benavides (Archbishop of Manila).

Aside from having several Center of Excellence and Center of Development accreditations, it has also been awarded with CHED’s Institutional Accreditation through the Federation of Accrediting Agencies in the Philippines.

In 2013, it was recognized by PACUCOA for having the highest number of accredited programs in the country.

UST Tuition fee

Php100,000-Php120,000

UST Requirements for Admission

• Official transcript of academic record
• Must pass the UST Entrance Test (USTET)
• Fully-accomplished recommendation forms from school last attended
• UST’s Online Application allows applicants to complete application forms, submit requirements, and secure the test permit. 
• Local admission guidelines (undergraduates): https://ofad.ust.edu.ph/admissions/#undergraduate
• UST Entrance Exam
• Per UST’s website, there are three scheduled dates for the USTET. One in Sept, Oct, and Dec (per their 2019 sched). Each one has its own deadline for submission of requirements and payments so make sure to refer to their website for details.
• Steps:

1. Visit https://ustet.ust.edu.ph/ to register and apply for the USTET.
2. Click “Register” and select the application for College
3. Complete the pre-registration form to obtain your reference number
4. Log-in using your reference number to complete the rest of the registration process
5. Print both the College Application form and Application Payslip
6. Encode your grades online to complete the online application
7. Go to any Metrobank or BPI branch to pay the application fee (make sure to write your USTET reference number on your bank payslip)
8. Submit the following documents via any LBC Express branch: Accomplished and signed application form, a clear photocopy of PSA Birth Certificate or passport, and a photocopy of the bank payment slip
9. Log in to view the status after 7-10 days of receipt of your documents
10. Once available, download and print your test permit. 

UST Entrance Exam/Admission Fees

• Filipino applicants are required to pay a non-refundable application fee of Php600. Php1000 for Filipinos studying abroad and foreigners studying in the Philippines
• Php1,650 for Non-resident foreign applicants

5. University of San Carlos

The pride of Cebu, the University of San Carlos is a private Catholic research university that was founded by Jesuit missionaries in 1935. It’s one of the largest universities in Cebu City covering a total land area of 90 hectares combined from its 5 campuses.

It consistently ranks among the top schools in the country and in Asia and recognized by CHED for having the most number of Center of Excellence and Center of Development in the Vis-Min area.

Tuition fee

Php60,000-Php90,000

Top Courses/Programs Known For (based on CHED’s Center of Excellence)

• Anthropology
• Business Administration
• Chemical Engineering
• Entrepreneurship
• Mechanical Engineering
• Office Administration
• Physics
• Teacher Education

University of San Carlos Admission Requirements

• Original report card (Form 138) from Senior High School
• Original birth certificate from the National Statistics Office (NSO)/Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA)
• Three (3) copies of 2 × 2 ID photographs (colored with white background)

Steps for Enrollment:

1. Fill out the Personal Data Form online at ismis.usc.edu.ph/apply
2. Proceed to the admissions office and submit all required documents.
3. Complete the Student’s Personal Data form then secure your Student ID number.
4. You will be given your Admissions Examination Referral slip
5. Pay the testing fee and get the receipt.
6. Present Admission Examination Referral Slip, receipt of the Testing Fee, and Student’s Personal Data Form (with Student ID Number) to the Testing staff
7. Secure Admission Examination Permit
8. Take the USC College Admission Exam. You will be provided with details on how to view the results after. You will need to present the receipt of your testing fee to view the exam results.
9. Proceed to the Department offering the chosen program and present CAE results to the Department Chair

University of San Carlos Entrance Exam/Admission Fees

• Filipino applicants are required to pay a non-refundable application fee of Php500

6. Mapua University

Formerly known as Mapua Institute of Technology, this non-sectarian, research school has campuses in both Manila and Makati. It was founded in 1925 and named after its founder, Tomas Mapua (the country’s first registered Filipino architect).

This university is known for its Engineering programs, with currently 7 Engineering courses and I.T recognized by CHED as Centers of Excellence. It’s also the first Philippine and Southeast Asian educational institution to have ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology Inc.) certification.

Top Courses/Programs Known For (based on CHED’s Center of Excellence)

• Mechanical Engineering (ME)
• Computer Engineering (CpE)
• Civil Engineering (CE)
• Environmental and Sanitary Engineering (EnSE)
• Chemical Engineering (CHE)
• Electrical Engineering (EE)
• Information Technology (IT)
• Electronics Engineering (ECE)

Tuition Fee:

Php130,000-Php195,000

Mapua University Admission Requirements

• Original and photocopy of Grade 12 Report Card
• Certification from the high school principal regarding the student’s F137-A
• Birth certificate printed on National Statistics Office (NSO) / Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) paper
• Original and photocopy of Filipino passport
• Completely filled-out application form

Steps for Enrollment:

1. Fill out the Application form online at https://www.mapua.edu.ph/Admissions/applicant/undergrad_admission.aspx
2. Pay the Mapua Scholastic Aptitude Exam fee. Choose a schedule for your exam.
3. Take the MSA Exam. Results are immediately available right after.
4. Pay for the reservation of slot for enrollment. Choose your preferred course and pay the non-refundable & non-transferable reservation fee of 5,000 PHP.
5. Prepare the enrollment requirements and visit the school at your selected enrollment date to complete the process. 

7. Adamson University

Adamson University is founded in 1932, by Greek immigrant George Lucas Adamson as the Adamson School of Industrial Chemistry. In 1941, the school was granted university status by the Department of Education, and in 1964, the university was turned over to the Vincentian Fathers of the Congregation of the Mission

It’s recognized as one of the top schools in Chemistry and Chemical Engineering. Adamson University has eight courses listed as centers of development and centers of excellence.

Top Courses/Programs Known For (based on CHED’s Center of Development)

• Chemical Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Computer Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Electronics Engineering
• Industrial Engineering
• Teacher Education
• Pharmacy

Tuition Fee: 

Php100,000-Php120,000

Adamson University Admission Requirements

• Original Copy Of Form 138 or High school report
• Certificate of Good moral Character
• Original Copy of NSO Birth Certificate
• Letter of Application addressed to the registrar for Applicants not enrolled in college for one year
• Two (2) pieces 2x2 ID Picture
• Php 10,000 for down payment

Steps for Enrollment:

1. Present original credentials and University Entrance Exam result to admissions office.
2. Proceed to respective college/department Chairperson for interview/evaluation.
3. Submit the original requirements with approval of the college/department to Admissions Office.
4. Fill out the Student information sheet.
5. Pay down payment at the Cashier
6. Get certificate of enrollment
7. Proceed to id section for school ID.
8. Proceed to University Store for school uniform.
9. Attend freshmen orientation as scheduled.

8. Silliman University

Established in 1901 as Silliman Institute, this private research university located in Dumaguete was founded by the Presbyterian Board of Foreign Missions and named it after the school’s first donor, an American by the name of Dr. Horace Brinsmade Silliman.

It is recognized as the first American school in the Philippines and the entire Asian continent.

It’s one of only five universities in the Philippines with “Institutional Accreditation” by the Federation of Accrediting Agencies of the Philippines (FAAP) and has the highest number of accredited programs in the country, 20 of which have level IV status.

Top Courses/Programs Known For (based on CHED’s Center of Excellence)

• Information & Technology
• Nursing Education
• Biology
• Marine Science
• Medical Technology

Tuition Fee:

Php60,000-Php80,000

Silliman University Admission Requirements

• Form 138 (Senior High School report card) indicating a general average of at least 80%. Applicants to the Nursing and Physical Therapy Programs are required a general average of at least 85%.
• (For applicants to the Nursing, Medical Technology, and Physical Therapy Programs) Results of the Qualifying Exams
• Two statements of good moral character:  (a) one from the previous school attended, and (b) one from a prominent member of the community
• One passport size or 2″ x 2″ copy of the latest picture
• Official copy of birth certificate issued by the National Statistics Office (NSO)/Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA)
• Physical examination

Steps for Enrollment:

1. Fill out the Application form online at http://my.su.edu.ph/mysilliman/public/admission.php
2. Upload all the required documents on the same site in PDF format.
3. Nursing, Medical Technology, and Physical Therapy program applicants are required to take a qualifying exam
4. Your application will be assessed by the Office of the Registrar and Admissions. 
5. Once approved, pay the downpayment of Php6,500 at any of SU’s partner banks.
6. Once payment has been confirmed, the office of the registrar and admissions will prepare the class schedule.
7. The last step is to submit a physical copy of the documents uploaded on the site to the Office of the Registrar and Admissions. All successful applicants will receive access to the Student Online Services portal.

9. Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology

This public, non-sectarian, coeducational institution of higher education and research is located in Iligan City.

MSU-IIT was chartered in 1968 and integrated as the first autonomous unit of the MSU System.

It is also recognized as the flagship and largest campus of all Mindanao State University campuses.

It has multiple Center of Excellence recognitions from CHED and has several programs that received Accredited-Status from the Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges & Universities of the Philippines (AACCUP).

Top Courses/Programs Known For (based on CHED’s Center of Excellence)

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Mathematics
• Physics
• Electronics Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Teacher Education

Tuition fee:

Php7,000 – Php18,000

Admission Requirements in the Undergraduate Freshmen

• Original and one (1) photocopy of Form 138 (High School Card);
• Original and one (1) photocopy of MSU-SASE Report of Rating
• Original and one (1) photocopy of Certificate of Good Moral Character issued by an official of the school previously attended;
• Authenticated Copy of Birth Certificate from NSO (to be returned), and 1 photocopy of it;
• Six (6) copies of ID pictures 1”x1” and one (1) 2”x2” size bust picture (recent and unretouched);
• Latest income tax return of the parents with one (1) photocopy of it (optional);
• Certification from the principal if graduated as valedictorian or salutatorian in a school with at least sixty (60) graduates;
• One (1) piece long brown envelope;
• One (1) piece long white folder;

Steps for Enrollment:

1. Online application for entrance exam: https://sase.msu.edu.ph/
2. Successful applicants may proceed to the office of their respective Level Adviser of your chosen course/program/department
3. Proceed to the Controller/Assessor of your department to receive your PRF and encode your courses and other important info
4. Proceed to the cashier’s office to pay the enrollment fee.
5. Go to the KASAMA office to pay the insurance and medical assistance fee.
6. Proceed to the Executive Council’s office to pay the assessment fee.
7. ID validation is the next step, go to the Computer Center for this 
8. Proceed to the library to obtain your library card

10. Xavier University – Cagayan De Oro

Named in honor of the Jesuit missionary St. Francis Xavier, it is a private, Catholic university run by the Society of Jesus in CDO, Northern Mindanao, Philippines.

It was established in 1933 as Ateneo de Cagayan and became the first institution in Mindanao to be granted university status in 1958.

Top Courses/Programs Known For (based on CHED’s Center of Excellence)

• Teacher Education
• Agriculture

Tuition fee:

Php50,000-Php60,000

Admission Requirements in the Undergraduate Freshmen (for Non-Xavier High School graduates)

• Must pass the XU Higher Ed Entrance Exam
• An applicant applying for a non-board program should score at least 35th percentile rank in the exam.
• Here’s the full list of required grades/scores for enrolling in specific courses/programs 
• Original Grade 12 Report Card 2nd Semester with remarks eligible for transfer
• Clear Photocopy of NSO/PSA Birth Certificate
• Clear Photocopy NSO/PSA issued Marriage Contract (for female married student)
• Clearance Slip from XU Clinic

Xavier University application process:

1. Apply and Register online for Testing via XU website: www.xu.edu.ph/apply
2. Take and Pass Xavier University Entrance Exam for Higher Education
3. Check the Entrance Exam Test Results online at http://apply.xu.edu.ph/users/exam_results and confirm course choice
4. Receive Admissions Offer Letter via email. List of admitted students will be posted at XU website
5. Visit http://www.xu.edu.ph/list-of-passers-examinees