Megawide scored big in the recent Anvil Awards, as its 2021 Annual Sustainability Report (ASR) was adjudged as one of the best Public Relations Tools this year.

The report, entitled “Relentless,” was among the highest-ranked entries under the Publication sub-category of the 59th Anvil Awards.

According to AVP for Investor Relations Rolando Bondoy, the annual report documented the company’s travails and triumphs over a challenging year, both internally as an organization and the external factors that weighed in on its performance.

“True to its title, ‘Relentless captured Megawide’s journey in 2021, characterized by a prolonged pandemic, a nuisance legal case against one of its subsidiaries, and a devastating typhoon to cap the year that ravaged and temporarily disconnected Cebu, where the Entrant’s airport asset is located,” explained Bondoy. “The main challenge was to develop a creative handle that will capture our story, both in terms of editorial content and graphical approach, without deviating from a GRI-compliant template of an ASR. The material’s key message eventually encapsulated Megawide’s experience and resiliency enabled it to thrive and remain standing and strong”

Weathering the perfect storm

As for the concept and cover, the company official said that the ASR’s creative team went through several brainstorming exercises to conceptualize the ASR’s theme, considering continuity from the previous year as a primary consideration and overcoming numerous challenges at the center: “The idea should be unique and relevant, but not overly profound and abstract, within the local context and grounded in Megawide’s experience.” 

He furthered that, after a series of deliberations, the team decided on the concept of “a perfect storm:” “The cover successfully depicted how Megawide bore the scars of a rough year filled with external challenges, through the image of a paper boat battered by wave after wave amid a raging storm.”

Apart from customary disclosures, the ASR chronicled Megawide’s sustainability journey. “It used the Global Reporting Initiative Standards as its template, and even secured a Materiality Disclosure Service from the same institution as a seal of approval,” according to Bondoy.  “Overall, we were able to provide updates on both its financial and non-financial accomplishments – regardless of circumstances.”

Specifically, the Megawide AVP said the ASR effectively reported on the company’s progress along its economic, environmental, social, and governance commitment to all its stakeholders, and how these contributed to United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

‘Oscars of PR’

Bondoy, together with Elizabeth Macanaya of Corporate Branding and Saleah Uclusin of Megawide Foundation, formally received the award during the “Gabi ng Parangal” on January 31, 2024 at the Marriott Hotel Grand Ballroom.

Megawide’s submission was among 28 Gold Anvil Awards recipients out of 179 total awardees and 480 entries received from some 100 companies. All went through a multi-phase evaluation process of screening, and online assessments by this year’s Board of Judges composed of respected and experienced communication professionals from business, government, academe, and civil society.

Considered by peers and local practitioners in the industry as the “Oscars of PR,” the Anvil Awards is presented annually by the Public Relations Society of the Philippines. According to its website, the “Anvils” are “awarded to outstanding public relations programs, tools and now, practitioners, after careful screening by select PR professionals and judging by a distinguished multi-sectoral jury.”

Bondoy also disclosed that the ASR and microsite was made available online in time for the company’s virtual Annual Stockholders’ Meeting on June 30, 2022.  

The company official explained that, as a publicly-listed entity, Megawide is required to report on its performance to a diverse set of stakeholders, including its employees; customers; communities being served; regulatory bodies; nongovernment organizations and corporate social responsibility partners; investors and funders of its environment, social and governance functions; and lenders, among others.

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L-R: Megawide Construction COO Frederick Tan, ECTA Principal Arch. Edward Co. Tan, Megawide Chairman & CEO Edgar Saavedra, 8990 Holdings, Inc. Chairman Mariano Martinez, 8990 Holdings, Inc. Chairman Emeretus Luis N. Yu Jr., 8990 Holdings, Inc. Construction & Eng’g Gen. Manager Michelle Sanidad, 8990 Holdings, Inc. COO Alexander Ace Sotto, 8990 Holdings, Inc. President & CEO Atty. Vincent Sotto, Megawide AVP for Operations Reynaldo Rodrin

Top executives of Megawide Construction Corporation (Megawide) and 8990 Holdings, Inc. graced the topping off of the Urban Deca Cubao project on January 3 which signaled a major milestone for the completion of the structure.

Topping off, or topping out, in construction, refers to “a builders’ rite traditionally held when the last beam, or its equivalent, is placed atop a structure during its construction,” according to Wikipedia.

The 47-storey Urban Deca Cubao is designed as a mixed-use development. As their most recent venture, the topping off of the structure also served as a testament to the almost decade-long partnership between Megawide and 8990 Holdings, Inc. 

Urban Deca Cubao augments the roster of successful undertakings between the two major construction players in the country in recent years. They include Urban Deca EDSA in 2017 and Urban Deca Mall & Residential Buildings-Manila in 2022. Currently underway is Urban Deca Ortigas, which will bring the four projects’ total area to almost 1 million square meters.

Incorporating innovation 

According to Frederick Tan, Chief Operating Officer for Construction, Urban Deca Cubao features Megawide’s innovative methodologies, as he explained that “for instance, our trademark precast technology enables processes that are safe for the environment, cost efficiencies, minimal personnel complement, and faster turnaround time than most conventional methods.”

“Since our initial engagement with 8990 Holdings, Megawide has been incorporating its unique engineering solutions to fulfill our clients’ exacting standards,” Tan confirmed. “For one, we employed precast in the interior and exterior walls, stairs and toilets. These are cast offsite, then installed on the project site for speedier delivery.” 

He also highlighted that “advanced formworks systems, rather than the conventional formworks, ensure a higher level of standardization in the structural process, and only requires less rectification of details for finishing touches.” 

Overcoming limitations

Tan shared that Urban Deca Cubao’s location and proximity to main thoroughfares created challenges during construction. However, these were ably addressed by Megawide’s experience and expertise by deploying its own construction equipment, logistics and services, which facilitated seamless project construction operations, like those of recent Urban Deca projects. 

“Our use of tower cranes, passenger hoists, high-capacity trucks and in-loaders for the transport of precast elements and other materials resolved these constraints, thus streamlining the overall operations,” he imparted. 

Tan affirmed that, as the company progressively elevates engineering standards in the country, it is keen on working with more developers in the near future, while offering low-cost housing that is within reach to a greater number of Filipinos. 

“The collaboration with 8990 Holdings effectively brings our vision of a First-World Philippines closer to reality,” he concluded.

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The Carbon Market in Cebu Province continues to defy conventions of the way a public’s town market or “palengke” is supposed to look and function. 

For starters, commercial activity is starting to embrace digitalization, as confirmed by Deputy General Manager Lydwena Eco of Cebu2World (C2W) Development Inc., which is the operator of the Carbon Market. C2W is a subsidiary of engineering and infrastructure innovator Megawide. 

“Phase 1 of our modernized public market collection is currently rolling out, where we are currently transitioning from pure cash payments into semi digital,” confirmed Eco. “We are confident that by the third quarter of 2024, we will achieve full digitalization, when all payment transactions will be purely cashless.”

Redeveloping the landscape

Five areas of the modernized Carbon Market are already operational. These are the Bagsakan, Sto. Niño Chapel and Park, Interim Public Market Building, Freedom Park, and Cebu’s newest food destination: The Barracks.  Meanwhile, its main segment will commence construction by the first quarter of 2024. 

Prior to these works, C2W worked on improving necessary infrastructure such as clearing, repair and widening of roads and sidewalks, improving drainage systems, and enhancing safety and security in partnership with the Philippine National Police. 

In the interim building, stalls are almost completely leased at 98%, as 892 out of 910 are already occupied. For commercial spaces, seven out of 10, or 70%, have been rented out.

With regard to “The Barracks’” 172 units, 158—or 92%—are now under lease. Its amusement and exhibits area opened last November 3. 

For the “Freedom Park,” all but one of its 16 commercial spaces (94%) have been leased. In the Sto. Niño Chapel area, half or 5 of the spaces for businesses have been rented out.

“We also continued to innovate services for tenants and workers in the market with the opening of the Carbon Market’s dormitory-hotel as well as a pay shower at the interim public market,” the C2W executive imparted. “Those facilities provide for decent working and staying conditions for tenants and workers.”

“C2W intends to change the way marketplaces are appreciated by Filipinos,” Eco pointed out. “Cebuanos can expect more from the Carbon Market, as it will be a prime example of a modern ‘palengke’ for Pinoys to enjoy and embrace come 2024.”

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These new terminuses bring the entire PITX to exactly 100 routes that bridge the islands for travel, tourism, trade, and many more reasons for Filipinos to move around their country.

The Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) is giving a sizable number of Filipinos “a hundred million reasons” to believe and rely on a more orderly, systematic, and comfortable means of moving within Metro Manila, nearby provinces, and across the archipelago. 

Those reasons may very well be reflective of the number of commuters served in 2023. PITX management has revealed that as of November, total foot traffic for the year has breached 123 million—easily greater than the total population of the Philippines facilitated with their travels.

The land port was also able to set a record as it served 161,000 travelers who took public-utility transportation to and from it in a period of 24 hours. 

Establishing new routes

The premier land terminal in Parañaque City also gives local commuters more than a hundred ways to travel to more points of destination around the country via 15 new routes. 

For Luzon, they include the Valenzuela Gateway Complex, the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Loop, and Aseana City Loop in Parañaque City, and North EDSA for Metro Manila; Balagtas, Bulacan; 

Olongapo City in Zambales; Dasmariñas Resettlement, Paliparan-Dasmariñas and Lancaster New City in Cavite; Placer, Masbate City; Paracale, Camarines Norte; and Magallanes, Sorsogon.

In the Visayas and Mindanao, buses from the South Metro Manila terminal will ply routes to Naval, Biliran; Oras, Eastern Samar; and San Jose, Dinagat Islands.

Building confidence, safety, security

Elevating the riding public’s level of confidence, PITX likewise endeavored to heighten measures to make their commuting safer and more secure. In late October and in time for the long “Undas” holidays, executives from PITX and parent company Megawide welcomed an inter-agency inspection led by no less than Transportation Secretary Jaime J. Bautista. He was accompanied by top officials of related government agencies. 

Ensuring utmost safety and peace of mind for Filipino commuters, PITX continuously implements a drug-testing program conducted by the Land Transportation Office or LTO and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency or PDEA to ensure public-utility personnel are in the best driving conditions. 

PITX also enabled a livelihood training session for BNP members, which gave more avenues for the land port to positively touch lives in the community.

More than enough reasons to serve

Before embarking for their actual land travel, PITX gives its commuting patrons more reasons to go around and enjoy its facilities, with more than 20 stores ready to cater to them come the Christmas season. 

This, as the land port goes above and beyond the usual offerings of other terminals with the mall-like ambience and amenities of its commercial area with quick-serve restaurants, shopping stalls, and service kiosks—truly making PITX a one-stop haven for the everyday commuter. 

PITX also houses offices of established and upstart companies where business activities thrive during workdays. 

Elevating journeys

Chief Executive Advisor Mohit Malhi of MWM Terminals, Inc. said that the modern land port pushes to progressively redefine the experience for commuters: “Filipinos are by nature moving from one place to another, and we would like to elevate their journeys starting with PITX.” 

Malhi believes that they deserve a better way of getting around, “that is why we create new reasons for them to travel with convenience, and confidence—with PITX as their commute’s starting point and destination of choice.”

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Megawide Construction Corporation continues to manifest its expertise in the local infrastructure sector, as its engineering prowess and innovation are currently in full display in the province of Laguna’s horizontal housing segment.

The engineering and infrastructure conglomerate’s Precast and Construction Solutions (PCS) unit is currently working on the newest socialized housing development by Century PHirst Corporation (CPC)—a wholly owned subsidiary of Century Properties Group, Inc. (CPGI).

This, as Megawide and CPC formalized a fresh “precast supply and install/build” contract for the latter’s PHirst Sights Bay, which is CPGI’s latest development in the municipality of Bay.  

For PCS Executive Vice President Markus Hennig, the new contract and project “reinforce our credibility as a dependable partner in the Greater Manila Area and South Luzon. Overall, they serve as testaments to the Megawide Group’s industry-defining engineering solutions. As the project is currently underway, we are enthusiastic in stamping our brand of innovation on it.”

Hennig shared that the agreement covers supply of precast materials needed to build close to 2,000 residential units in the municipality’s Barangay Puypuy. This brings the total number of homes delivered by Megawide PCS to PHirst to 20,000 since the two parties commenced their partnership in 2018.

PHirst Sights Bay will offer two types of models: a two-storey townhouse that will comprise 1,108 units, and a modified two-storey loft-type class that will be made available with 708 units. The latter will feature a new precast design from PCS.

Construction work for the project is ongoing, and is expected to be completed in December 2025.

The Sights Bay project is another undertaking that attests to Megawide PCS’ engineering innovations enabling speed-to-market for developers, environmentally sound processes, and lower long-term investments—not to mention the reduced manpower requirements in construction sites.

The company operates the largest and most advanced precast and construction solutions facility in the Philippines, producing up to 131,000 cu. m. of precast output yearly. 

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The Clark International Airport (CRK)—one of the country’s newest and most modern global gateways—recently earned the latest World Architecture and Design Award or “Prix Versailles” of the UNESCO for being “one of the most beautiful airports in the world.”

The design award “is bestowed upon projects that exemplify innovation and aesthetic excellence across diverse categories,” according to online news site Rappler. It “highlights the primary role of the ‘Laureates’ in beautifying and improving the living environment.”

For Chairman and CEO Edgar Saavedra of Megawide, it is exactly the company’s thrust for innovation and forward-thinking design that went into the global concept of the airport.

Saavedra congratulated the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) as the airport’s project proponent, which provided Megawide the rare opportunity to engage in the country’s first “hybrid public-private partnership program.” It pioneered a system that involved the government’s infrastructure projects construction, with the private sector overseeing their operations and maintenance components.

“Our linkage with the BCDA enabled CRK to become the apex of architecture and engineering, as far as airports are concerned in the Philippines,” said the Megawide executive. “Along with the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA), we pushed the envelope and broke boundaries from what was initially thought possible for public infrastructure.”

Together with Hong Kong’s International Design Associates (IDA), Megawide pioneered the use of Glued-Laminated Timber or “Glulam” technology in the Philippines, in the installation of the airport terminal’s iconic roof arches—the same specialized kind used in the roof structure of the MCIA.

Meanwhile, IDA’s Principal Architect for CRK Winston Shu revealed that the airport’s roof is probably the “largest single roof built of GluLam in the world.” He explained that “despite the arches reaching different heights, they are modularly the same in span and details.”

“At 20 meters, CRK has a higher and larger roof line than that of the MCIA, which was another award-winning collaboration between Megawide and IDA,” Shu said. “CRK’s roof area spans close to 50,000 sq. m. and used around 7,000 cu. m. of GluLam. It effectively is the highest airport roof arch in the Philippines.”

In all, Saavedra shares Megawide’s pride in helping deliver the government’s vision of first-world transportation infrastructures in Clark and in Cebu: “They are among our signature executions, and it is the company’s singular honor to deliver these kinds of projects for the nation that every Filipino can be proud of.”

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Company leapfrogs from last year’s #200 position to #89 in latest listing; first among construction firms and second in its category

Megawide Construction Corporation continues to be recognized for its corporate leadership and excellence↧—this time, as a “Best Employer for 2024” based on a survey by the Philippine Daily Inquirer and research firm Statista.

The “large-scale and comprehensive employer study,” released on October 25, 2023, measured the attractiveness of employers in the country among employees. 

This year’s listing saw Megawide claim the #89 spot—a quantum leap from last year’s #200. It also bested other construction companies in the roster, and was a high second in its category of “construction, oil and gas operations, mining and chemicals,” being a top employer of choice by its personnel. 

According to Inquirer’s article, the respondents were asked more than 30 questions about work-related aspects: “They rated their own employer on various aspects of their job (from salary and work-life balance, to potential for development), their work environment (colleagues and superiors, equipment), as well as the reputation of their employer (image, growth).” 

Overall, the survey results revealed a veritable roster of organizations “highly recommended by their employees who are happy to work with them,” where Megawide figured prominently in the Top 100. 

For the diversified infrastructure firm, this latest feat reflects a focus on its people as the primary driving force, propelling progressive growth and development from what was once a simple construction company, to what is now a diversified infrastructure group dedicated to a noble vision of engineering a #FirstWorldPhilippines.

Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) Maria Belinda B. Rosales considers the most recent Best Employer accolade as validation of its top-notch hiring process that is complemented with purposeful work for Megawide’s 5,000-strong human capital.

“We are committed to harnessing and developing the potential of our manpower that translates into a high level of satisfaction across the organization,” Rosales remarked. “On behalf of the management, I acknowledge our KaMegawide who vouched for the company’s thrust of putting a premium on their career growth, training and upskilling, as well as overall professional development which earned us yet another ‘Best Employer’ citation.”

Beyond the recognition, the CHRO believes in sustaining its high-level of meaningful engagement with its employees, with the conviction that they are the most valuable assets of the Megawide organization. 

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Top officials from the Department of Transportation (DOTr), Land Transportation Office (LTO), Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and Inter-Agency Council for Traffic (I-ACT) personally inspected the readiness of the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) on October 27, 2023, as they ensured the facility’s readiness during the recent exodus of travelers in the longest holiday break of the year. 

Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista, LTO Chief Vigor Mendoza, LTFRB Officer In Charge-Chairperson Mercy Paras-Leynes as well as I-ACT Chief Charlie Del Rosario conducted an ocular visit to the PITX, and commended its preparedness in catering to the high-volume of passengers with its state-of-the-art facilities and efficient transport services.

The officials assessed the terminal’s readiness—including its personnel and services, plus the public-utility vehicles (PUV) for roadworthiness—for commuters who maximized the opportunity to travel to their hometowns during the Barangay at Sangguniang Kabataan elections, as well as the observance of All Saints Day and All Souls Day.

For its part, the LTO conducted another round of random drug testing among 100 PUV drivers and conductors, as the government agency ensured their sound physical and mental states.

Regarding preparations for “Undas 2023,” PITX Corporate Affairs and Government Relations Head Jason Salvador commented that the partnership with transport agencies ensured the utmost safety of passengers.

“We are committed to providing a seamless, comfortable travel experience for the public, especially during busy periods like this,” Salvador said. “Preparations were extensive in order to accommodate the influx of travelers, as we ensured that their journeys were hassle-free.”

The PITX was estimated to have accommodated some 1.6 million commuters during the year’s busiest season for remembrance and suffrage within the week-long hiatus, which started from October 26 and lasted until November 7. 

To further guarantee the safety of passengers, the PITX official revealed that PITX has been actively partnering with the Philippine National Police for augmented law-enforcement visibility, especially as the terminal is gearing up for the bustling Christmas season.

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Three years with two Golden Arrows—focused on a First-World vision.  

Megawide continues its streak of earning key citations from industry stalwarts—this time, by the Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD), as it bagged two more “Golden Arrows” at the Golden Arrow Recognition last September 28. 

The Philippines’ leading infrastructure company maintained its lofty position among an elite circle of publicly listed and insurance firms that were distinguished for superior corporate governance practices, based on the results of the 2022 ASEAN Corporate Governance Scorecard (ACGS) and Corporate Governance Scorecard (CGS) assessments. 

The ICD is a non-stock, not-for-profit national association of corporate directors and other stakeholders engaged in corporate governance. It has been three straight years since the infrastructure conglomerate boosted its cache of Golden Arrows for its exemplary ACGS performance from the said organization. Its breakthrough conferment was in 2021 as “Most Improved Publicly-Listed Company” by virtue of its elevated level of corporate governance.  

Megawide hit the ACGS “sweet spot” of 90 to 99 points, which earned its third set of two Golden Arrows in as many years. AGCS measures the performance of companies in the areas of shareholders’ equitable treatment, stakeholder relations, transparency through timely disclosures of material information, as well as board leadership. 

Chief Legal and Compliance Officer Atty. Raymund J. Gomez attests to Megawide’s commitment to collaborate with regulators and stakeholders, being a listed company and partner to the country’s major infrastructure efforts. 

“This is vital for Megawide, as we uphold corporate-governance standards across our conglomerate,” said Atty. Gomez. 

Sound governance cited 

Megawide’s recent haul of two Golden Arrows is the latest in the string of accolades that attest to its sound corporate-governance platform. In fact, in less than a year, it garnered commendations in Finance Asia’s “2022 Best Managed Companies’ Poll;” specifically, in the “Regional Awards for Industrials” and the “Country Awards for Most Effective in Creating and Implementing Diversity & Inclusion Policies.”  

The Company’s 2021 Annual Sustainability Report, aptly entitled Relentless, likewise made its mark in the said poll, which attests to its firm disclosure and transparency policies.  

Moreover, its Investor Relations program was lauded in the 2022 IR Magazine Awards South East Asia, with its Chief Investor Relations Officer Joan Cosico emerging as “Best Investor Relations Officer.” 

These awards manifest Megawide’s relentless pursuit and implementation of a robust corporate-governance framework that spans subsidiaries and affiliates operating vital infrastructure. Standing proof of these best practices by the company are the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange or PITX, as well as its recent property acquisition PH1 World Developers.  

High standards upheld 

For Atty. Gomez, effective corporate governance is key in delivering high standards of public service for the Filipino people.  

“To be appreciated by external stakeholders, it should emanate from within the organization,” the company’s legal executive emphasized. 

Armed with “golden arrows” in its arsenal, Megawide aims for higher levels of corporate governance with its industry-leading practices—all toward the noble target of a first-world Philippines. 

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22 employees of Megawide Precast and Construction Solutions (PCS) completed their basic education through DepEd’s Alternative Learning System (ALS), providing them with learning opportunities in a mode that fits their distinct situations and needs. 

This batch consisted of mechanics, drivers, and equipment operators from Precast, Formworks, Ready Mixed Concrete (RMC) and Construction Equipment, Logistics and Services (CELS) and they spoke about the importance of education and how it has changed their lives. 

“Natutunan ko sa programang ito na ‘wag mawalan ng pag-asa sa mga pangarap ko,” said Philip Dela Cruz, a 26-year old precast worker. “Napaunlad ng ALS ‘yong mga kaalaman ko.” 

“Sana magpatuloy ‘yong programa ng ALS kay Megawide para makapag-aral ‘yong mga katrabaho naming hindi rin nakapagtapos,” said Jiriel Saez, a 33-year old formworks mechanic. “Nagpapasalamat ako sa mga tumulong sa amin lalo na si Megawide.” 

In addition to the ALS program, which focuses on primary and secondary education, the Company is also implementing: 

  • an AITech Partnership for internship programs;  
  • and the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP) for college-level education. 

Moving forward, this program will be offered to PCS employees’ family members, as well. 

Megawide developing internal talents 

“Establishing DepEd’s ALS Program was Megawide’s bid to develop internal talents,” said Voltaire Dela Rosa, Human Resources Head of PCS, noting that more than 70% of Megawide PCS employees are skilled workers who have not completed formal education. 

Megawide PCS began its partnership with DepEd Rizal on the ALS program in late 2022, after two Megawide students completed their studies in the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP), an alternative education program which allows learners to earn bachelor’s degrees. 

“Since our vision here in Megawide is to become a First-World Philippines,” Dela Rosa explained, “We believe that the first step is to create first-world labor force by promoting a learning and growth culture. By emphasizing quality education at all levels, from primary to higher education, it can help produce a highly skilled and knowledgeable workforce which can bring us closer to our vision in becoming a first-world Philippines.” 

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