MPTC buys stake in modern jeepney platform Byahe

March 30, 2022 | 12:01 am

Byahe-MPTC-PIC — L-R, front: Laurence Bahia (On-Us Solutions - CEO), Brian Cu (On-US Solutions - Founder/Director), Rodrigo Franco (MPTC - President & CEO), Raul Ignacio (MPT Mobility - President & General Manager), Enrique Gonzalez (On-Us Solutions - Chairman)

L-R, back: Francis Rojas (MPTC - Chief Business Development Officer), Leo Gonzales (On-Us Solutions - Public Affairs Head), Mona Lissa Sanson (MPT Mobility - Chief Finance Officer), Himani Keswani (IP Ventures - Director Corporate Finance), Srinivas Polishetty (IP Ventures/AO Capital- Managing Director), Mark de Leon (MPT Mobility - Business Development Head), Christopher Lizo (MPTC - Group Chief Finance Officer)

METRO Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC), through its subsidiary MPT Mobility Corp., will buy a “significant” minority stake in jeepney modernization platform On-Us Solutions, Inc. or Byahe, the Pangilinan-led company said on Tuesday.

MPTC said in a statement that it had signed a “definitive agreement” on Monday to purchase the stake in Byahe, which is in line with its move into mobility solutions and its focus on sustainability.

“As part of this agreement, MPTC will infuse fresh equity in Byahe, which will be used to finance expansion of its current Euro-IV compliant fleet, procurement of new state-of-the-art electric jeepneys, and expansion of its route network as part of its larger mission to revolutionize Philippines’ jeepney transportation ecosystem,” the company said.

Byahe manages a fleet of 30 modernized jeepneys, all of which are Euro-IV compliant. The jeepneys ply over eight routes across Metro Manila and other parts of Luzon.

The company plans to expand its fleet to 200 jeepneys in the near term and to 500 jeepneys across 20-30 routes over the next two to three years, fueled by MPTC’s capital infusion.

MPTC’s investment in Byahe comes after the launch of its mobile app, MPT DriveHub, which connects and compiles its expressway and mobility products and services in a digital platform.

“We believe there is immense value in what Byahe could create for the improvement of Filipino lives. They have started strong with a well-thought strategy, have been executing well even through the pandemic and we’re excited to support them on this clean, green journey” MPTC President and Chief Executive Officer Rodrigo E. Franco said in a statement.

Byahe Chief Executive Laurence Bahia said the company is “here to modernize, not only the carriers, but also the operations with fleet management solutions that will standardize the service.”

Byahe is a modernized jeepney operator that is set up in line with the government’s public utility vehicle modernization program. It serves as a platform linking jeepney operators, creditors, jeepney manufacturers, the government, and the commuters to offer affordable and sustainable public transportation services network. — Marielle C. Lucenio

PSC strengthens ties with Bangsamoro Sports Commission

March 30, 2022 | 12:01 am

THE Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and the Bangsamoro Sports Commission (BSC) have recently struck a partnership aimed at producing more sporting heroes like Tokyo Olympics gold medalist Hidilyn F. Diaz.

Mr. Ramirez signed the memorandum of agreement with his BSC counterpart Nu-Man Caludtiag, who was accompanied by his commissioners Arsalan Diamaoden (Lanao del Sur), Abdulkhabir Musa (Tawi-Tawi), Yushoup Sario (Basilan), Adzhar Tingkahan (Sulu) and executive assistant Valerie Lambo.

BSC is the policy-making and coordinating body of all amateur sports development programs and institutions in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and was created on Sept. 17, 2020 through the Bangsamoro Autonomy Act No. 12 or “The Bangsamoro Sports Commission Act of 2020.”

Lowering liver cancer risk

March 30, 2022 | 12:01 am

Liver cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the country, with 10,594 new cases and 9,953 deaths reported in 2020. Its incidence in men is about two and a half times that of women, according to the Department of Health (DoH).

The American Cancer Society said that common symptoms of liver cancer are unintended weight loss; loss of appetite; feeling very full after a small meal; nausea or vomiting; an enlarged liver, felt as fullness under the ribs on the right side; and an enlarged spleen, felt as fullness under the ribs on the left side.

Included in the symptoms are pain in the abdomen or near the right shoulder blade; swelling or fluid build-up in the abdomen; itching; yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice); fever; enlarged veins on the belly that can be seen through the skin; and abnormal bruising or bleeding. It is important to consult your doctor if you experience these symptoms.

The most common risk factor for liver cancer is chronic (long-term) infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV). “People infected with both viruses have a high risk of developing chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. The risk is even higher if they are heavy drinkers who consume at least six alcoholic drinks a day,” said the American Cancer Society.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that one in 10 people in the country has chronic hepatitis B, and six in 1,000 have chronic hepatitis C.

The DoH noted that liver cancer is much more common in countries where HBV carriers are prevalent, such as the Philippines and other Southeast Asian countries, as compared to most developed countries where hepatitis B is less prevalent.

The HBV and HCV can spread from person to person through sharing contaminated needles (such as in drug use), unprotected sex, and childbirth.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended that all children, as well as adults at risk, get the HBV vaccine to reduce the risk of hepatitis and liver cancer. While there is no vaccine for hepatitis C, the best way to prevent it is by avoiding behaviors that can spread the disease.

The CDC recommended getting tested for hepatitis C because treatments can cure most people with hepatitis C in 8 to 12 weeks. You can also lower your risk for liver cancer by not smoking, limiting alcohol intake, and maintaining a healthy weight.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has made the management of Filipino patients with liver diseases more challenging, said Dr. Jenny Agcaoili-Conde, public relations officer of the Hepatology Society of the Philippines (HSP). “At the start of the pandemic, surgery of many patients with liver disease had to be canceled or deferred because we knew little about COVID-19 at that time.”

While telemedicine enabled doctors to provide continuity of care, patients with liver diseases require strict monitoring through diagnostic tests. “To undergo these tests, they have to go out of the house and risk potential exposure to the coronavirus. It’s a difficult time for both patients and doctors,” Dr. Agcaoili-Conde said. Hopefully, with the progressive decline in COVID-19 cases in the country, continuity of care for patients with liver diseases will improve.

She also noted the country’s low hepatitis B vaccination coverage. “The hepatitis B vaccine has been part of the government’s vaccination program since 1992. However, only 45% of babies born in 2014 were given the first vaccine dose. Completion of the 3-dose hepatitis B vaccine regimen dropped to only 77% in 2012. Moreover, the pandemic impacted supply chains, further hindering the availability of medicines and vaccines.”

The WHO estimated that only 50% of newborn infants in the country are administered with the hepatitis B birth dose within 24 hours after birth.

Under the auspices of its mother organization, the Philippine Society of Gastroenterology (PSG), HSP is working with the DoH and other partner stakeholders to promote liver health awareness and early detection of liver diseases, particularly liver cancer and viral hepatitis, among the general public. It also established the Philippine Liver Education online platform which aims to serve as the reliable virtual learning resource for liver disease management for Filipino physicians with special interest in hepatology.

Teodoro B. Padilla is the executive director of Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP), which represents the biopharmaceutical medicines and vaccines industry in the country. Its members are at the forefront of research and development efforts for COVID-19 and other diseases that affect Filipinos.

Arts & Culture (03/30/22)

March 30, 2022 | 12:01 am

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Lecture on adventurer Isabel de Barretto

ISABEL DE BARETTO (1567-1612) was the first female admiral in the world, and Philippine history enthusiasts may find it interesting to know that after traversing the Pacific Ocean from Peru, she ended her trip in the Philippines. In Manila, she was welcomed with great honors as the “Queen of Sheba.” Interested parties may learn more about her through two online lectures, the first of which will be held on March 31 at 6 p.m., with Spanish historian Elvira Roca. This lecture will have English subtitles and can be accessed at https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82399004400. The lecture will be held on April 7, 6 p.m., with Francisco Mellén discussing the latest findings in archives on Isabel Barretto. He will also take part in a round table discussion with Vermont University historian Juan Maura. The event will have simultaneous translation in English, and will also be held via Zoom. The link will be available on the Instituto Cervantes de Manila Facebook page. For details visit the website of Instituto Cervantes at https://manila.cervantes.es or Facebook page at www.facebook.com/InstitutoCervantesManila.

Game of Trolls online

THE PHILIPPINE Educational Theater Association (PETA) presents the play Game of Trolls via www.ktx.ph. Written by Liza Magtoto and directed by Maribel Legarda, the musical is about Martial Law, historical revisionism, and fake news. The lyrics, musical arrangement, and direction are by Vincent de Jesus. The musical will stream on April 8, 22, and 23. To buy tickets, visit www.ktx.ph/category/a-game-of-trolls. Tickets are priced at P150.

Top 40 Shell art tilt works for sale

PILIPINAS Shell’s 54^th National Student Art Competition (NSAC) Virtual Gallery is now available for viewing. The top 40 artworks in four categories — Digital Fine Arts, Oil-Acrylic, Sculpture, and Watercolor — are available for purchase with all the proceeds from the sale going to these young artists whose pieces won and/or shone in the competition. Prospective buyers can also view the complete list of the top 40 artworks of each category in the Buyers Guide. By downloading the order form from the Virtual Gallery website, (https://www.shell.com.ph/energy-and-innovation/make-the-future/national-students-art-competition-juan-art-nation/54th-shell-nsac-virtual-gallery.html), art patrons can purchase the physical artworks by bank transfer and then receive the work within five working days. The 54^th NSAC concluded with an awarding ceremony held on Dec. 10, 2021, with 1,800 entries submitted nationwide, exceeding last year’s 1,500 entries. The first Virtual Gallery was launched during the 53^rd NSAC in Dec. 2020, as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic’s shutdown of major galleries and museums.

MO_Space opening 2 exhibits

WHAT is the difference when one says they are “confronting their demons” as opposed to confronting themselves? The rise and rise of social media and related technology seems to have allowed a strange evolution to these questions as the use of alter egos and online personas have become the norm. Presenting oneself online with “carefully selected” selfies or a curated feed of interests while, at the same time, being informed by an endless stream of data and imagery from that same online makes you wonder who really is the influencer and who is the influenced. Audrey Lukban investigates this phenomenon with paintings examining “A Docile Body,” opening at MO_Space Main Gallery on April 2. The exhibit runs until May 1. Meanwhile, in Gallery 2, Jonathan Ching’s “Stranger in a Strange Land” will open on the same day. Navigating the remains of a world reeling from isolation, we begin walking the streets with the selves we had either found, rediscovered, or had been reduced to in the past two years. With paintings that are metaphorical prayers for both the departed and their survivors, Mr. Ching ponders the days in his exhibit. A Docile Body and Stranger in a Strange Land are open for public viewing at MO_Space from April 2 to May 1. The gallery is open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. For inquiries, call (632) 8403-6620 or 0917-572-7970.

Multisensory exhibit

ARTIST NETWORK and wellness lifestyle brand Grounded is launching the second part of their exhibition series entitled “States of Cadence II.” In partnership with Art Fair Philippines, “States of Cadence II” is a multi-sensory exhibit on the timelessness and infinite evolution of the human spirit, through connection and engagement with the natural world. While “States of Cadence Exhibit I” was presented solely online, for “States of Cadence II,” Grounded has partnered with Karrera Showroom, a vintage car showroom and cafe based in Alabang for its physical space. The exhibition features paintings, prints, tapestries, photos, and mixed media works of 20 artists from the Grounded Artist Network Program. “States of Cadence II” at Karrera runs until April 1, alongside events including a wellness workshop, film night, watch showcase and fundraiser for schools in Siargao affected by Typhoon Odette. A portion of the proceeds from the exhibit are dedicated to Grounded’s partner beneficiary, Oceanus Conservation. “States of Cadence II” can be viewed at the @artfairph website (https://bit.ly/3D9GGc0).

Folklore the focus in National Literature Month

THE FOCUS of this year’s official celebration of National Literature Month is Philippine folklore and its various forms. The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF), and National Book Development Board (NBDB) lead this year’s celebration of National Literature Month with the theme “Muling Pagtuklas sa Karunungang-Bayan.” The activities for this year’s celebration will be held online via the social media pages of the NCCA, KWF, and NBDB.

Book on motherhood out

SENATOR and author Risa Hontiveros tackles work-life balance and motherhood in her new book Healthy Buhay, Happy Mama. Published by Bookshelf PH, the book offers Ms. Hontiveros’ insights on the challenges of being a mother, ways to cope with anxiety, life in the time of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and having quality time with children. For book orders, visit https://bookshelf.com.ph/pages/healthy-buhay-happy-mama.

Philippines drops in sustainability transition ranking

March 30, 2022 | 12:00 am

How PSEi member stocks performed — March 29, 2022

March 30, 2022 | 12:00 am

Here’s a quick glance at how PSEi stocks fared on Tuesday, March 29, 2022.

Peso climbs ahead of Russia-Ukraine talks

March 29, 2022 | 9:00 pm

THE PESO rose against the dollar on Tuesday ahead of ceasefire talks between Russia and Ukraine. — BW FILE PHOTO

THE PESO strengthened versus the greenback on Tuesday amid upbeat sentiment ahead of a personal negotiation between Russian and Ukrainian officials in Turkey and as oil prices fell.

The local unit closed at P52.075 per dollar on Tuesday, stronger by 5.5 centavos from its P52.13 finish on Monday, based on Bankers Association of the Philippines data.

The peso opened Tuesday’s session at P52.07 versus the dollar. Its weakest showing was at P52.13, while its intraday best was at P51.99 against the greenback

Dollars traded increased to $1.047 billion on Tuesday from $778.55 million on Monday.

The peso was stronger on the back of positive sentiment ahead of a planned ceasefire talk between Russia and Ukraine, a trader said in an e-mail.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said discussions between Kiev and Moscow could start this Tuesday in Turkey after negotiators arrived on Monday, Reuters reported. Mr. Peskov has said they have yet to reach major progress so far from the previous talks.

The in-person discussion was agreed upon by Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyup Erdogan on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. Chief Economist Michael L. Ricafort in a Viber message said the peso strengthened following the decline in global oil prices.

Oil prices dropped by about 7% on Monday due to fears of the possible decline in demand as Shanghai, a major Chinese financial hub, locked down to curb the rise in infections.

Brent crude futures declined by $8.17 or 6.8% to settle at $112.48 a barrel. Meanwhile, the US West Texas Intermediate crude futures fell $7.94 or about 7%, to end at $105.96 a barrel.

For Wednesday, both Mr. Ricafort and the trader gave a forecast range of P51.95 to P52.15. — L.W.T. Noble with Reuters

PSEi closes lower on profit taking, rate hike bets

March 29, 2022 | 9:00 pm

PSE-720p-2 — PHILIPPINE STAR/KRIZ JOHN ROSALES

STOCKS slid on Tuesday as investors pocketed gains from the market’s five-day rally and amid bets of bigger rate hikes from the US central bank as inflation risks grow due to the continuing Russia-Ukraine war.

The benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) dropped by 19.27 points or 0.27% to close at 7,115.09 on Tuesday, while the broader all shares fell by 11.52 points or 0.30% to 3,770.53.

“The bourse pulled back as investors booked gains out of its preceding five-day rally. This, as many investors stayed out of the market due to lingering risks, primarily on inflation, and lack of a strong catalyst,” Philstocks Financial, Inc. Senior Research Analyst Japhet Louis O. Tantiangco said in a Viber message.

“Philippine shares closed just slightly down as investors entered a busy week rife with key economic data that could position the Federal Reserve to act more aggressively on plans to raise interest rates. Aside from keeping up to date with the Ukraine war developments, investors anticipate the release of consumer confidence and home price data on Tuesday, ahead of Friday’s monthly jobs report,” Regina Capital Development Corp. Head of Sales Luis A. Limlingan said in a Viber message.

The US central bank must move “expeditiously” to bring too-high inflation to heel, US Federal Reserve Chair Jerome H. Powell said last week, adding that it could use bigger-than-usual interest rate hikes if needed to do so, Reuters reported.

The US consumer price index was at 7.9% year on year in February, the fastest in four decades. Inflation risks have been growing due to the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, which has caused prices of oil and other commodities to spike.

Australia, Britain, Canada and the United States have imposed outright bans on Russian oil purchases following Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine, but the European Union remains divided.

Back home, most sectoral indices closed lower. Mining and oil declined by 509.18 points or 3.98% to 12,260.05; holding firms lost 48.24 points or 0.70% to 6,768.12; services dropped by 9.37 points or 0.48% to 1,913.72; and property went down by 7.16 points or 0.21% to 3,321.60.

Meanwhile, industrials added 44.29 points or 0.45% to 9,692.64 and financials gained 4.43 points or 0.26% to end at 1,677.78.

As for the PSE’s thematic indices, the MidCap index improved by 0.39 point or 0.03% to close at 1,195.49, while the Dividend Yield index retreated by 19.54 points or 1.14% to 1,688.46.

Value turnover decreased to P4.87 billion with 788.02 million shares changing hands from the P5.19 billion or 768.14 million issues seen on Monday.

Decliners outnumbered advancers, 92 versus 82, while 57 names closed unchanged.

Foreigners turned sellers with P214.40 million in net outflows from the P185.89 million in net purchases seen the previous trading day. — LMJCJ with Reuters

DA wants P250 billion for 2023 to reduce import dependence

March 29, 2022 | 8:17 pm

AGRICULTURE Secretary William D. Dar said the industry will require a budget of P250 billion in 2023 if the Philippines is to develop crops that make it less vulnerable to volatile commodity prices.

“We need that if we want this country to… start building the commodity industries that we have (a comparative advantage) and start transforming those commodity industries that aren’t as competitive, but should be over time,” Mr. Dar said in a virtual briefing.

The department’s 2022 budget is P85.5 billion.

Mr. Dar said the Russia-Ukraine war has disrupted the global supply chain for food, sending commodity prices upward.

“The crisis situation calls for much more support in terms of elevating local food production… there is not a lot of fertilizer, feed, and corn supply. All over the world everyone is affected, especially those who import these supplies,” Mr. Dar said.

“Let’s have the feed millers adapt to the situation. If at the end of the day, they are unable to buy components for feed, they have to source locally available raw materials,” he added.

Mr. Dar said local government units can do their part by maintaining stocks of rice, engaging in milling and storage, and providing their constituents with reasonably-priced quality rice.

“We will enjoin the top 20 rice-producing provinces to (help) increase the government’s rice stocks to 30 days, from the current eight to nine days’ supply,” Mr. Dar said separately in a statement. — Luisa Maria Jacinta C. Jocson

DICT 3-year investment plan to develop digital infra tops P50B

March 29, 2022 | 8:15 pm

computer internet wires cables — REUTERS

THE Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) said it needs to invest about P50 billion over the next three years to develop digital infrastructure.

“Our estimate is about P50 billion over three years. Most of the budget will go to the National Fiber Backbone (program) and the Accelerated Fiber Build through the regional and provincial rings,” Acting Secretary Emmanuel Rey R. Caintic said.

“We are very optimistic that they will give us that budget. We have been advocating, evangelizing, and promoting this digital infrastructure for the past two to three years. I believe they have come to realize, especially with the pandemic, that all the more this digital infrastructure is the way to go and it is the right investment to be done by the government,” he added.

He said new entrants in the telecommunications industry are also needed to raise the quality of services, particularly with the amendment of the Public Service Act (PSA) to allow 100% foreign ownership in telecommunications companies.

“We need new players, foreign direct investment (FDI) in the telecommunications and internet markets so that they will become competitive. Investment is needed (to improve services). New players will help create the competition needed to deliver better services,” Mr. Caintic said.

Mr. Caintic said the department is facing challenges in setting up common cell towers to improve internet coverage.

“Right now, after two years, only 2,000 have been built and we still have a long way to go. We need about 50,000 towers,” Mr. Caintic said.

On March 21, President Rodrigo R. Duterte signed Republic Act No. 11659, which amended the 85-year-old PSA. The amended law now allows sectors such as telecommunications, domestic shipping, railways and subways, airlines, expressways and tollways, and airports to be fully owned by foreigners.

These sectors were previously covered by the 40% foreign ownership cap for public utilities as set by the 1987 Constitution. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave

US says Ukraine war will end sooner if Asian firms also restrict Russia trade

March 29, 2022 | 8:15 pm

COMPANIES in the Asia-Pacific need to participate in the trade restrictions against Russia to hasten the end of the war in Ukraine, a US Commerce department official said.

Deputy Assistant Secretary for Export Administration Matthew Borman said in a conference call that Russia’s invasion represented a breach of international law, and the international community, including individual companies, must respond accordingly.

“We’re certainly looking (at) all companies all over the world, particularly in Asia, to make sure they do their due diligence so that any transactions that they’re contemplating undertaking with Russia are consistent with our requirements,” he said.

“Export controls are only effective because of the work the (US) administration did to secure the coordination of our allies across the world,” he added, noting that the US government is currently engaged in more than 50 working-level discussions with partner nations.

Mr. Borman said the US is contemplating more sanctions on trade with Russia by restricting more categories beyond the initial round, which took some Russian banks off the SWIFT system, a tool institutions use to identify and communicate with other institutions worldwide to facilitate transferring funds. The US also stopped buying Russian oil, which accounted for 3% of its oil imports.

The US, he added, plans to approach countries that have the capacity to produce, test, and package electronics, as well as those that have a significant aerospace industry, including maintenance and repair facilities.

Russia’s ambassador to the Philippines Marat Pavlov has said that Moscow expects bilateral cooperation with the Philippines to continue as sanctions tighten against Moscow.

President Rodrigo R. Duterte has said that he considers Russian President Vladimir Putin a personal friend, and promised to remain neutral, calling the war “not our battle to fight.”

When asked about the long-term effects the war may have on the world economy, Mr. Borman said much will depend on Russia’s response.

“In many respects, in the sectors we’ve been talking about, Russia is not that significant a player so there’s not, generally speaking, a market impact, and I think countries are generally appalled, frankly, about what Russia has done and the impact its actions have had on the rule of law,” he said.

“The impact may not be as much as some might think because it’s really (about) upholding the rule of law, which is the basis for the global economy,” he added.

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Benjamin E. Diokno has said that the Philippines has limited exposure to Russia or Ukraine, potentially limiting the impact on the domestic local economy.

He said exports to Russia and Ukraine totaled $120 million and $5 million last year, calling these totals “negligible.”

According to BSP data, cash remittances from Filipinos in Russia and Ukraine in 2021 amounted to $2.261 million and $121,000. Inflows from Europe overall were worth $3.745 billion while the global total was $31.417 billion.

However, Mr. Diokno acknowledged that the war could dampen global growth by driving up commodity prices. Russia is a major exporter of crude oil, metals, wheat and fertilizer. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s top exports include corn, wheat and some metals.

“The United States is grateful for the partnerships we have with the government and companies in the Asia-Pacific region and we hope to continue to grow our coalition,” Mr. Borman said, noting that Washington is willing to work with any government in Asia to explain its policy in more detail.

China has declined condemn the invasion of Ukraine and has not imposed any sanctions on Russia, according to the BBC.

Allies like Australia, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan have imposed sanctions, with Tokyo and Seoul also blocking some Russian banks from SWIFT. — Alyssa Nicole O. Tan

Transition to renewables seen accelerating in response to high price of imported fuel

March 29, 2022 | 8:15 pm

VOLATILE fuel prices in the wake of the Russian invasion of Ukraine will hasten the transition to renewable energy, industry representatives and analysts told BusinessWorld.

“Oil price hikes and volatility will definitely add more pressure to increase renewable energy (RE) deployment especially for the Small Power Utilities Group (SPUG) which rely heavily on diesel. The ridiculously high price of oil for power — in some cases over P100 per kilowatt-hour — is subsidized by the average Filipino consumer as well, which does contribute to our high electricity prices,” Verne Energy Solutions Chief Executive Johnny A. Altomonte said via chat message.

SPUG is a unit of the National Power Corp. that oversees the provision of power to remote, off-grid communities.

The transition will be hastened by the imminent rise in power prices, with the impact of the Russia-Ukraine war on fuel prices expected to start showing up in power bills by May, Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) has said.

“In the past weeks, world crude oil prices have been increasing (and) this will eventually be reflected in the cost of Malampaya natural gas and thereafter, on the generation cost,” Meralco Vice-President and Head of Utility Economics Larry S. Fernandez said during a March 10 briefing.

“For now, we won’t feel it as Malampaya prices are being updated quarterly, and will next be updated in April, to be reflected in the May generation charge.”

Lawyer and energy and environmental policy expert Antonio M. La Viña said the spike in fuel prices will accelerate clean-energy adoption as conventional fuel products and power generated from fossil fuels become unaffordable.

In 2020, the Philippines’ power generation mix was 57% from coal-fired facilities, 21% from renewable energy, 19% from natural gas, and 2% from oil.

ATN Holdings, Inc. said recently that it is developing a 1.4-megawatt (MW) solar power plant to supply its crusher plant and electric trucks used in its mining operations.

“ATN Solar will accelerate its renewable energy adoption through its ‘alignment with the low-carbon economy transformation blueprint’ for timely energy conservation and energy efficiency at a time when commodities are at an all-time high,” the company said in a disclosure to the exchange last week.

Last week, MSpectrum, Inc.’s President and Chief Executive Ferdinand O. Geluz noted that hardware chain Wilcon Depot, Inc. has started switching to solar power at its branches.

So far, Wilcon has installed solar power at more than 30 of its stores, having tapped MSpectrum, a unit of Manila Electric Co., to install capacity of 1,306.46 MW across its network.

“Not only does (solar power) reduce (the company’s) carbon footprint, it also reduces energy costs, which drives operational efficiencies,” Mr. Geluz said on March 22.

Ayala Group’s listed energy unit AC Energy Corp. has said that it has registered its first batch of customers participating in the government’s Green Energy Option Program (GEOP).

“Renewables are even more sensible at this time when fossil fuel prices are skyrocketing and to preserve our planet for the next generation,” ACEN Executive Director and Head of Commercial Operations Roman Miguel G. De Jesus said in a statement.

GEOP is a Department of Energy (DoE) program for power users that consumes at least 100 kilowatts. GEOP allows these users to source their power from accredited renewable energy suppliers.

The government has set a target of a 35% renewable energy share in the power mix by 2030.

Center for Energy, Ecology, and Development Executive Director Gerry C. Arances said that the government needs to ensure the transition happens promptly, including providing financing.

“The government needs to hasten the implementation of all RE mechanisms (which will) encourage the expansion and establishment of more financing (channels) such as the Development Bank of the Philippines’ merchant solar financing facility,” Mr. Arances said in a Viber message on Monday.

He also said that the government, including local government units, must also ensure the adoption of solar power in all its government buildings.

“Ridiculously high oil prices today can definitely be a turning point for renewables… Dependence on dirty energy (highlights the vulnerability of) a country relying on fossil fuels… to global shocks,” he said.

“A swift transition to 100% renewable energy is the only viable way forward, but having sufficient policy and financial leadership and support to get there is an altogether different matter,” he added.

Since the start of the year, fuel prices have risen P18.30 per liter for gasoline, P27.85 per liter for diesel and P25.75 per liter for kerosene.

DoE Oil Industry Management Bureau Director Rino E. Abad said on Monday that fuel prices “will continue to be volatile in the next weeks.”

“Prices are very unstable now as trade is easily affected by (events like the attack on the Saudi Aramco petroleum storage facility (in Jeddah) and the lockdowns in China,” he said via Viber on Monday. — Marielle C. Lucenio