Studies find more clues to potential cause of severe hepatitis cases in children

July 27, 2022 | 12:05 am

Lonely-Red-Teddy-bear-in-a-protective-medical-mask — UNSPLASH

LONDON — The recent rise in cases of acute hepatitis among children is likely linked to a common childhood virus, two independent studies from British researchers have suggested.

Countries across the world began reporting cases of severe liver inflammation, or hepatitis of unknown origin, in children this April.

At least 1,010 cases have now been found in 35 countries, according to the World Health Organization. In total, 46 children have required a liver transplant and 22 have died.

Early on, experts suggested that adenovirus — a type of virus that causes the common cold — could be linked to the outbreak.

Studies led by University of Glasgow and Great Ormond Street Hospital in London have suggested that another common virus, adeno-associated virus 2 (AAV2), was present in most cases, and is likely involved in the rare but severe liver complications. The studies were posted on pre-print servers ahead of peer review.

The researchers said it was unclear if AAV2 found in samples from the children was an indicator of prior adenovirus infection or a cause in its own right. It has not previously been known to cause disease and cannot replicate without a “helper virus,” like adenovirus.

They said co-infection with AAV2 and either adenovirus, or less commonly the herpes virus HHV6, was a plausible explanation for the cases of hepatitis of unknown origin among children, and more research was needed.

AAV2 was present in 96% of cases in both studies, which together involved 37 cases in the United Kingdom as well as control groups.

The Scottish researchers also found differences in the Human Leukocyte Antigen gene in the children who became seriously unwell.

While the reasons behind the timing of the outbreak remain unclear, both teams suggested that a peak in adenovirus cases after coronavirus lockdowns lifted could be a factor.

Both studies also concluded coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was very unlikely to be linked, as the rise in cases did not follow COVID-19 peaks, no evidence of SARS-CoV-2 was found in the liver, and a similar proportion of children had antibodies as among the wider population. — Reuters

Alone but not apart: Converge keeps a Bicol working scholar connected

July 27, 2022 | 12:05 am

Christian-Bermejo_1-OL — Christian Anthony Bermejo keeps up with his school work online, thanks to a strong, stable internet connection from Converge.

Living independently is a rite of passage into adulthood and most young adults look forward to their newfound freedom from family. But when separation isn’t a lifestyle choice and independence is forced, living alone can be frightening. For a young student athlete from Naga, solo living is a day-to-day challenge.

Christian Anthony Bermejo, 20 years old, is a basketball varsity student at Naga College Foundation, who recently found himself living away from his family.

“Sa loob ng 20 years na nabubuhay ako sa mundo ngayon lang ako nalayo sa pamilya ko. Actually, mga limang buwan na ako nahiwalay sa kanila,” shared Christian.

Christian’s parents relocated to Bohol due to hardships in finding opportunities in Bicol. Being a student athlete, Christian’s education in Naga College Foundation is free so staying in Bicol is the more practical option for him.

“Pinili nilang lumisan at ako mas pinili kong maiwan para na rin makatulong sa kanila para di na rin po nila isipin yung pag-aaral ko. Varsity po ako ng basketball ngayon, second year na ako. Kasama po ng ama at ina ko ang dalawa kong kapatid na babae,” Christian adds.

Most young professionals look forward to doing things on their own — from cooking, to cleaning and washing, the experience is an exercise in freedom. But for Christian, who is still studying, the responsibilities are coming in too early.

Christian spends quality time with his family using Converge fiber broadband.

“Isa rin sa rason kung bakit mas nagiging mahirap ang sitwasyon ko kasi nasanay akong andiyan ang magulang ko para asikasuhin lahat ng mga kailangan ko. Yung tipong uuwi na lang ako sa bahay para kumain at magpahinga pero ngayon wala na sila, kailangan kong asikasuhin ang sarili ko at maghanap ng part-time job upang kumita ng pera,” said Christian.

Forced to grow up and become an adult too quickly, Christian sought a part-time job as additional manpower in a business in Bicol. He is able to sustain himself but also sends money to his parents who are saving up to start a small enterprise in Bohol.

Through these hardships, Christian’s saving grace is the ability to talk to his family. Although they are miles apart, small blessings such as having a stable internet, keeps him connected and close to his family.

“Napakahirap sa akin na 20 years na kasama ko sila, at bigla akong napalayo pero gabi-gabi akong tumatawag sa kanila gamit yung internet sa bahay kaya kahit papaano nabawasan kalungkutan ko, tuwing nakakausap ko sila online sa Messenger. Kaya kahit malayo sila, feeling ko andiyan pa rin sila para sa akin. Sinusuportahan nila ako palagi kaya di ko nararamdaman na malayo sila,” said Christian.

Encouraged by the hype and word on the street about Converge fiber internet, Christian applied for a line as soon as it became available in Naga.

The strong and consistent connection not only served as the vital avenue through which he could communicate with his family, but also helped him cope with schooling.

“Dati ang experience ko sa internet hindi gaanong kalakas kasi hindi pa fiber, mabagal mag-load, kaya minsan nakakairita pag sobrang bagal ng internet. Nagpakabit ako ng Converge noong kasagsagan ng pandemic. Kailangan namin mag-adjust bilang estudyante sa online classes. Napakalaking tulong nito dahil kahit bawal lumabas, na-meet ko online mga teachers and kaklase ko at nakakapag-aral kami,” he adds.

With the basic plan’s affordability, which is now at P1,500 for 100 Mbps, the cost isn’t as burdensome for a working scholar/athlete like Christian.

“Sobrang kilala ang Converge sa lugar namin. Kung sa presyo, mura na, mabilis pa. Hindi na kami naghanap ng iba pa,” he said.

Living on his own, and with two more years in college, Christian hopes he can save up enough money to reunite with his family and contribute more to their livelihood.

“Gusto ko buuin uli pamilya ko. Gusto ko maka-graduate at makapagtrabaho,” said Christian.

The dream may be far off from now, but with the life skills and know-how Christian is gaining from his independence plus his own determination and hard work, it’s no doubt the dream will soon become a reality.

To know more about Converge, log on to www.convergeict.com.

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Sansó’s darker side is explored in a new exhibit

July 27, 2022 | 12:05 am

Expressionist_c1950s_tempera-and-ink-on-paper_Juvenal_Sanso — EXPRESSIONIST by Juvenal Sansó (1950s), tempera and ink on paper

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MANY of us know Juvenal Sansó for his exuberant floral paintings, his acclaimed etchings, and his azure-and-green Brittany series. But Fundacion Sansó’s latest exhibit, “Sansó: Prized and Personal Featuring Works from the Marlon and Marissa Sanchez Collection,” does not include florals paintings. Instead, it includes portraits of the denizens of Paris, evil-looking black bouquets, and Brittany landscapes that have an ominous cast over them.

It is the second in the series of “Sansó: Prized and Personal” exhibits which show the artist’s works owned by different private collectors. Composed of 27 works on paper and canvas, the Marlon and Marissa Sanchez Collection focuses on Mr. Sansó’s expressionist Dark Series or Black Period, including his Grotesqueries, his Black Series portraits created in 1950s to ’60s Paris, and Brittany Series paintings.

Marlon and Marissa Sanchez started out as art dealers but eventually collected Mr. Sansó paintings instead of selling them. What transpired was a love and deep respect for the artist and his work, and their collection gives us a detailed look at one the artist’s seminal art phases.

HINTS AT A TRAUMATIC PAST
This Black Period was Sansó’s way of dealing with his wartime trauma. After migrating to Manila from Reus, Spain in 1934, his family lived a relatively comfortable life until World War II broke out. The teenaged Sansó was mistaken by Japanese soldiers as an American and was badly beaten. Soon after, he was critically injured during the bombing of Manila. He survived his severe injuries and became a conductor for the bus his father operated in the post-war city.

These two episodes scarred him emotionally. As an art student in the University of the Philippines, and later while sitting in on classes at the University of Santo Tomas, Mr. Sansó decided to eschew the happy, bucolic Filipino scenes that were popular themes. His painting, The Incubus, which won him the grand prize at the Art Association of the Philippines, showed early traces of this dark period. It is described by Fundacion Sansó director Ricky Francisco in the book After the Deluge Comes the Dawn as “…nearly too grotesque to be human, reflected the trauma from his horrific and dehumanizing experiences of the war, and it was a clear departure from what was socially acceptable as fine art back then.”

BLACK PERIOD IN PARIS
“When you see his Dark Series, you’re struck by a deep emotion. You could see how his trauma is translated as art,” Ms. Sanchez said when asked why she and her husband focused on the expressionist works. “You see his heart. He is not one-dimensional, unlike many successful artists,” Mr. Sanchez said.

In 1951, Mr. Sansó studied art in Europe, first in Rome, and then settling in Paris. The young student was unhappy at first, but then began to observe his colorful new surroundings. It was here that, according to art scholar Dr. Rod Paras-Perez, that he fully embraced his Black Period. Mr. Sansó did not draw elegant Parisiennes; he focused on the underbelly of Paris: the smirking habitues of its cafés, comical Can-Can dancers, and other characters bordering on the monstruous. In Dr. Paras-Perez’s book, Sansó admitted that these also reminded him of the dangerous commuters he encountered daily while working on his father’s bus in Manila.

To reach a wider audience, the “Sansó: Prized and Personal” series of exhibits will culminate in the publication of a book of the same name. This book will give an insight into what compels these collectors to acquire his art, and will show the vast range of styles and mediums Mr. Sansó covered in his career.

“Sansó: Prized and Personal Featuring the Marlon and Marissa Sanchez Collection” will run until Aug. 2 at Fundacion Sansó, located at 32 V. Cruz St., Brgy. Sta. Lucia, San Juan. The museum is open from Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, follow Fundacion Sansó on Facebook, and @fundacion_sanso on Instagram. For inquiries, e-mail fundacionsanso@gmail.com.

Stronger aviation, travel sectors seen under new gov’t

July 27, 2022 | 12:05 am

LOCAL carriers Philippine Airlines, Inc. (PAL) and Philippines AirAsia, Inc. (AirAsia Philippines) said the administration’s plan to upgrade and build new international airports, which President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. highlighted in his first address to the nation on Monday, will open up new growth opportunities for the industry.

“The construction of new international airports will help boost tourism targets, generate economic growth, and create employment opportunities in the aviation, travel, and tourism industries,” PAL President and Chief Operating Officer Stanley K. Ng said in a statement.

“New access roads will help these economic benefits to flow into local communities. As industry stakeholders, we welcome and support these plans announced by President Marcos in his State of the Nation Address,” he added.

Mr. Marcos said his administration aims to boost the country’s tourism industry.

“We will first and foremost make basic developments such as road improvements for easier access to tourism spots. We will also upgrade our airports and create more international airports to help decongest the bottleneck at the Manila airport,” he added.

The government, he also said, will make it more convenient for travelers to go around the country, even to remote areas to help promote undiscovered tourist spots.

“This program will be led by the Department of Tourism together with the Department of Public Works and Highways,” the President said.

A new international airport is being built in Bulacan, while the Cavite province is currently working to start the planned Sangley airport.

AirAsia Philippines said it supports the administration’s vision for a “better, reliable and safe air transport through infrastructural development.”

“This will help airlines such as AirAsia remain aggressive and competitive in the domestic and international air travel and cargo industry as we serve a greater number of Filipino travelers and overseas Filipino workers,” it said in a statement.

AirAsia will support the vision by “adhering to the highest standards of safety in all of its flights, democratizing air travel and experience through various promo offerings in the airasia Super App, and facilitating fleet and route expansion to address (demand),” the airline added.

Department of Transportation (DoTr) Secretary Jaime J. Bautista said he will prioritize the enhancements of various airports and elevate them to global standards.

“We will build upon the dozens of aviation-related projects completed in the past administration and identify areas for technical upgrade to allow them to enhance their operational capabilities,” he said in a statement.

“The President’s order to the DoTr is clear — it’s full speed ahead for our transport projects,” he added. — Arjay L. Balinbin

CARS, chargers

July 27, 2022 | 12:05 am

ANNIV_MANNY_image3 — An electrified future — now: The Audi e-tron GT is one of the EVs that have made it into local showrooms, and into the garages of a growing number of motorists. — PHOTO BY KAP MACEDA AGUILA

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While COVID-19 temporarily applied the brakes on the government program to spur the sector, the auto industry is starting to look electric

AFTER SEVERAL ups and downs in our two-and-a-half-year battle with COVID-19 and its various variants, we seem to be, finally, in a more stable period wherein we can truly look forward to a prolonged and hopefully sustained recovery stage for our battered economy and mindset.

Every single aspect of our economy took a beating in this pandemic, but we will be taking a closer look at the state of the local auto industry in particular — especially in the areas of manufacturing as well as in the technology we can expect in future products.

Of course, one can’t look at the Philippine car manufacturing industry without focusing on CARS, short for Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy — the program being implemented in order to attract new investments, stimulate demand, and effectively implement industry regulations that will revitalize the Philippine automotive industry with the view of developing the country as a regional automotive manufacturing hub.

The thrust of the CARS program is to provide time-bound as well as output or performance-based fiscal support to attract strategic investments in the manufacturing of motor vehicles and parts.

CARS is intended to augment and enhance the policy directions of existing motor vehicle development programs toward ensuring a resurgent automotive industry that supports innovation, technology transfer, environmental protection, and SME development, while creating more jobs in the country.

Total fiscal support for CARS has a cap of P27 billion, with each enrolled model qualified to get assistance in an amount not exceeding P9 billion. In exchange, a car company must locally produce 200,000 units of a specific model within a period of six years. In Toyota’s case, it’s the Vios; for Mitsubishi, it’s the Mirage G4 sedan.

We asked a few questions to both participants in the CARS program. Here are the replies from Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. (TMP) First Vice-President for Corporate Affairs Group Atty. Rommel Gutierrez, who also happens to be the president of the local automotive industry organization, the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI).

Will it be status quo or will be there be changes to the current CARS arrangement?

ATTY. ROMMEL GUTIERREZ: The commitment under CARS program remains unchanged. The required volume, while continuing to be a challenge, will be produced as the auto industry recovers.

Should the government extend CARS for another model, would TMP be amenable to it?

TMP is focused on the success of its enrolled model under the program. The extension of the CARS program is crucial in order to realize this. TMP supports government initiatives toward making the CARS program a success and to be a model for an auto industry development plan.

Overall, has CARS been beneficial to the industry and to the car-buying public?

Definitely. CARS participants have made huge investments in plant and production capacity, including localization of mandatory parts and components. The required volume of 200,000 units per enrolled model helps to achieve economies of scale in production. In turn, the car-buying public benefits. Overall, the CARS program contributes to the strengthening of the competitiveness of local vehicle manufacturing.

* * *

We also reached out to officials of Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. (MMPC) for comments but were unable to obtain a reply. At present, the stakeholders are awaiting the decision of whether the program will be extended by another two or three years, in consideration of vehicle sales adversely affected by the Taal Volcano eruption in early 2020 (which affected a significant number of vehicles in stockyards in the south) followed by the economically devastating effects of the pandemic beginning in March of that year. The decision was originally slated to be announced last February, but the effects of the COVID-19 surge early this year plus all the distractions of the recent Presidential elections seem to have pushed the decision-making back.

AN ELECTRIFIED FUTURE
Meanwhile, another industry-related development is becoming the talk of the town, primarily because it heralds nothing less than the future of Philippine mobility.

We are talking, of course, about electric cars. And, needless to say, tech-savvy Filipinos are eagerly awaiting this new genre of automobiles — and praying that when these “cars of the future” finally hit mainstream showrooms, they can actually afford them. After all, cutting-edge technology is always very expensive.

This is why we need the government to offer incentives to car companies in the form of reduced or even waived duties and tariffs for every imported electric vehicle or EV.

Enter the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), which welcomed the enactment last May of Republic Act 11697, otherwise known as the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA). EVIDA provides for a national policy framework to develop the electric vehicle industry in the Philippines.

“With EVIDA, the Philippines is now in a stronger position to further attract high-tech investments and create high-value jobs in the country by taking advantage of the ongoing global shift to EVs through strong national policy support,” DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez said in a previously released statement.

Mr. Lopez also considers this measure a move toward lessening direct usage of oil products in transport thus, signifying the reduction of air and noise pollution in urban areas. This will also cut the transportation sector’s direct dependence on oil, especially amid rising fuel prices affecting both businesses and consumers, he said. EVIDA aims to promote innovation in the field of clean energy and sustainable transportation while developing a sunrise industry in the country — and generating more employment, to boot.

EVIDA aims to set clear policy directions for the government to raise EV awareness, streamline regulations, boost local demand that should attract EV production, and build a robust EV charging infrastructure.

The law also mandates the crafting of a Comprehensive Roadmap for the Electric Vehicle Industry (CREVI), which will be a national development plan for the EV industry to accelerate the development, commercialization, and utilization of EVs. EVIDA will also serve as a blueprint for a comprehensive and coordinated policy direction among national government agencies in terms of promoting EV to ensure investors’ confidence and attract EV-related investments.

As provided by the law, the Board of Investments is tasked to craft an Electric Vehicle Incentive Strategy (EVIS) similar to the CARS program, which will provide fiscal and non-fiscal incentives to narrow the production cost gap between EVs and traditional vehicles and achieve local EV production targets by 2030.

DTI Competitiveness and Innovation Group Undersecretary Rafaelita Aldaba highlighted the importance of EVIDA for the Philippines amid the rising competition in ASEAN to attract EV manufacturing investments.

“The EVIS will allow the government to provide competitive and industry-specific fiscal and non-fiscal support to attract private sector investments in strategic EV segments, especially manufacturing, which is a crucial step in deepening our participation in the regional automotive value chain,” she said. EVIDA is on the DTI’s priority legislative agenda for the 18^th Congress.

To date, close to half-a-dozen car brands have begun selling pure electric vehicles — the most mainstream of which is Nissan, which began selling its globally popular Leaf electric hatchback in the Philippines last year. Other mass-market brands that sell pure electric vehicles are Chery, BYD, and Weltmeister — all from China.

The biggest surprise, however, is that the country’s best-selling EV importer is luxury car specialist PGA Cars, whose Porsche Taycan beat most other EV players to the market by almost a full year (and which quickly became its most sought-after model). PGA Cars followed this up by launching its second EV model in the Audi e-tron, which comes in SUV and four-door coupe versions. Demand for the e-tron is likewise impressively robust, making PGA Cars the leader in local EV sales.

PGA Cars emphasizes that its Porsche Taycan and Audi e-tron come with simple and convenient home charging systems that make operating these fully electric models as easy as using any digital mobile device. The models, as communicated by Audi Philippines’ “FutureNow” program, brings premium electric-powered mobility to the country.

“As we take the lead in ushering sustainable electric mobility in the Philippines, we are building the infrastructure needed to promote the country’s reception of this new technology. By doing this, we are opening possibilities for consumers and stakeholders to embrace a more viable and environmentally responsible way by which to use resources,” said PGA Cars Principal and Founder Robert Coyiuto, Jr. in a statement.

International studies reveal that as much as 88% of EV owners charge their vehicles at home, making residential charging solutions a significant component in the transition to sustainable, electric-powered mobility.

The Audi e-tron models come with an Audi portable charging system that can be plugged into either a household outlet or a three-phase industrial outlet. But Audi Philippines also offers e-tron owners the option of having an alternating current (AC) charging unit installed in their homes. This allows them to fully charge an Audi e-tron model overnight, or “top-up” the battery charge level whenever it is convenient to do so — just like for mobile phones. For added convenience, Audi e-tron owners can monitor the charging status of their vehicles via a smartphone app.

In installing a home charging system, PGA Cars performs a Home Check, coordinating with Taycan and e-tron owners regarding their preference for the applicable location of the charger. Setting up a home charging system is no more complicated than installing an air-conditioning unit.

Crucial to the success of EVs in the market is infrastructure development, which the government must also be willing to support. Thankfully, the private sector is stepping up. Unioil was the first to put up an EV charging facility in its gas station along EDSA Makati, while Shell and SM Supermalls have recently inaugurated their pilot charging stations as well, with the promise of putting many more in the coming months.

A truly electrifying future, indeed. Let’s just continue praying that the pandemic comes to a screeching halt soon.

Japan detects first monkeypox case

July 27, 2022 | 12:04 am

TOKYO — Japan has detected its first case of the monkeypox virus in Tokyo, the capital’s governor said on Monday.

The infected person is a man in his 30s who returned from Europe and is currently in a hospital, Yuriko Koike told reporters.

“He has a rash, fever, headache and fatigue. But at the moment, he is in a stable condition,” a Health Ministry official told a separate media briefing.

The patient, a Tokyo resident, went to Europe late last month and had contact with a person who was later confirmed monkeypox-positive before returning to Japan in mid-July, the official said.

The official did not elaborate on the nature of the contact and declined to specify the Tokyo resident’s nationality.

The World Health Organization said on Saturday the rapidly spreading monkeypox outbreak represents a global health emergency.

So far this year there have been more than 16,000 monkeypox cases in more than 75 countries, and five deaths in Africa.

The virus spreads via close contact and tends to cause flu-like symptoms and pus-filled skin lesions. — Reuters

SEC secures conviction for One Dream officers

July 27, 2022 | 12:04 am

THE SECURITIES and Exchange Commission (SEC) said that the Batangas Regional Trial Court sentenced seven officers of One Dream Global Marketing, Inc. who were involved in alleged investment scams.

The court ordered the seven to pay fines totaling P2.8 million and serve up to 20 years of jail time each, as stated in the SEC press release on Tuesday.

The SEC cited a decision dated July 14 by the Batangas City Regional Trial Court Branch 2, which found officers of the Lipa, Batangas-based One Dream guilty of violating Sections 26.1 and 28.1 of the Securities Regulation Code (SRC).

It identified them as Arnel Gacer, Jobelle De Guzman, Judith Itoh, Marlon De Guzman, Louie De Guzman, Belinda De Guzman, and Jun De Guzman.

Section 26.1 provides that it is unlawful for any person, directly or indirectly, in connection with the purchase or sale of any securities to employ any device, scheme, or artifice to defraud.

Section 28.1 says no person should engage in the business of buying or selling securities in the Philippines as a broker or dealer, or act as a salesman, or an associated person of any broker or dealer unless registered as such with the commission.

The commission also said that the court issued an alias warrant of arrest against some of the accused who remain at large.

The cases are said to stem from complaints filed by nine investors against One Dream for syndicated estafa with the Department of Justice on July 21, 2015, while two other investors filed complaints against the group with the SEC Enforcement and Investor Protection Department on Aug. 3, 2015.

“The complainant-investors accused the officers of One Dream of offering investments worth P888, with the promise of a P1,300 payout after four days, excluding a 10% tax. Investors were allowed to pay for up to 31 slots, or a total of P27,528, in exchange for P39,022.80 after four days. The group also supposedly promised freebies and a commission of P44 for every referral,” the SEC said.

It was said that the court ruled that it was “undisputed” that the accused solicited investments from the public, enticing investors with the promised profit of 46.4% every four days, plus P44 for every referral.

“The investment scheme employed falls within the definition of ‘securities’ under the SRC and that the same constitutes a ‘fraudulent transaction’ under Section 26 of the same law because it involves the purchase and sale of securities by the use of a scheme that is intended to defraud the investing public which is prohibited by Section 26,” the court held.

The court added: “It also turned out that One Dream had in fact no financial capacity to repay the loans as it had an authorized capital stock of only P1,000,000.00 and paid-up capital of only P100,000.00. Clearly the representations regarding its supposed financial capacity to meet its obligations to the private complainants were simply false.”

The conviction of One Dream is the second one secured by the SEC. The first guilty verdict was promulgated in the case against RJF Construction and Development Corp. on Nov. 27, 2020.

In 2022, the SEC has issued more than 60 advisories against groups and individuals for soliciting investments without the necessary license.

It also issued cease-and-desist orders and revocation orders against entities engaging in fraudulent investment schemes.

The commission is actively prosecuting 375 individuals in 56 cases for violations of the SRC, and in three cases for violations of the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012. — Justine Irish DP. Tabile

The Velocity Q&A: Vince S. Socco (Chairman, GT Capital Auto and Mobility Holdings Director, Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. Vice-Chairman, Lexus Manila, Inc.)

July 27, 2022 | 12:04 am

ANNIV_PAge2_image1 — Vince Socco poses with a Lexus LFA. — PHOTO FROM LEXUS PHILIPPINES

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Interview by Kap Maceda Aguila

A HIGHLY regarded industry veteran with extensive experience in local, regional, and global headquarter responsibilities, Vince S. Socco was significantly involved in the start-up of business operations of Toyota in the Philippines, as well as its Asia-Pacific headquarters in Singapore. All told, Mr. Socco has had some four decades of involvement with the brand and its Lexus luxury marque.

Today, he concurrently holds roles as chairman of GT Capital Auto and Mobility Holdings, Inc.; a board director of Toyota Motor Philippines Corp.; and vice-chairman of Lexus Manila, Inc. Mr. Socco also has very strong opinions about electrification — partly shaped by the active participation of Toyota and Lexus in that space. It’s no secret that Toyota Motor Philippines has the honor of being the first mover in the hybrid realm as it first brought in the Prius more than a decade ago. Lexus has also been quietly rolling out — and successfully selling — hybrid versions of its vehicles for a long time now.

Here are excerpts from our interview with Mr. Socco.

VELOCITY: Do you think more Filipinos are ready for electrified vehicles of various kinds (from hybrids to full electrics)? Why or why not?

VINCE S. SOCCO: Yes, Filipinos are ready for electrified vehicles if readiness means openness to new technology. Being a young population — the youngest in Southeast Asia — we have a natural ability to adapt to innovations and emerging trends, especially tech-related ones. Also, affinity to sustainability and environmental concerns is higher with the youth.

Having said that, perhaps Filipinos may not be as ready for electrified vehicles in terms of the acquisition price. Generally, the purchase price for electrified vehicles is higher than their equivalent internal combustion engine (ICE) models. Full battery electric vehicles (BEVs) can cost 20% to 30% more — in some cases even close to 50% more. In a country where the purchase of vehicles is largely financed, the priority of buyers is what they can afford to pay on a monthly basis. Therefore, the sticker price has a material bearing on the capacity to pay and, consequently, a preference for the ICE over electrified counterparts occurs.

It will be noticed that the conversation around electrified vehicles is shifting to “total cost of ownership” (TCO). This underscores the fact that acquisition price is a high barrier to ownership. Customers will need to take an expanded view of owning electrified vehicles in order for the segment to make sense, at least for the moment. That is, of course, discounting advocacy for the environment as a primary driver of choice.

Additionally, Filipino motorists may still need to enhance their understanding of electrified vehicle technology — advantages, disadvantages, use/operation (including range issues and charging), maintenance, etc. Some people, for example, still think that hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) need to be plugged in to recharge when, in fact, they are self-charging electric vehicles.

Does the country have adequate support policies and legislation to make electrified vehicles viable products to sell for more auto companies?

The cost of producing electrified vehicles is significantly higher than ICE-powered ones. In the 2010s, when the demand for electrified vehicles was rising steeply, news was rife that the cost of battery production — the most costly component of EVs — would drop. It was reported that by early 2020s, costs of EV and ICE production would reach parity.

Unfortunately, this has not happened. In a recent interview, the chief technology officer of a major luxury car maker was reported to have said that, “Coming to (a battery price of) US$50 per kilowatt, which would lead to comparable cost basis to an ICE engine… is far out there.” Mercedes-Benz CTO Markus Schäfer told Road & Track that a so-called “price parity” just isn’t possible with any current commercially available battery technology.

As such, the most readily available recourse to reduce the barrier to acquisition is through government subsidies. This was key to the rise in popularity in China. The question here is the sustainability of subsidies and the rationale for them. The reason for government to incentivize electrified vehicles is to reduce carbon emissions; this is the return that the government aims to realize. However, if the gains from reduction in tailpipe emissions is only passed down as higher emissions in the power-generation sector, the subsidies may not be justifiable.

Is there an alternative path?

An alternative to subsidies or incentives is penalties. In the USA, Europe, and even China, strict Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) or carbon emission standards are used to encourage auto makers to go down the road of electrified vehicles. But, again, this presumes the availability of clean or renewable energy sources to fuel vehicles.

The Philippines has already provided tax breaks for electrified vehicles under the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law, where HEV and BEV vehicles are subject to reduced or no excise taxes, respectively. This is a good step forward. The recent Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA) that lapsed into law is also another positive step toward creating an overall framework to promote the introduction and use of electrified vehicles. The implementing rules and regulations are being eagerly awaited.

What the Philippines may need to address more strongly is the creation of a blueprint for increasing the production and availability of renewable energy. This could be coupled with clear and enforceable emission standards that will lead to the realization of expressed goals under the UN Climate Change Conference (COP 26).

Has the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated or hindered the prospects for electrified mobility?

I think COVID-19 may not have materially impacted the need or preference for electrified vehicles. If anything, the pandemic led to an almost complete halt in mobility that, to a large extent, literally drove the economy to a full stop. In that respect, COVID exposed the essentiality of mobility to economic activity. It is not so much a “luxury” product as it is a driver of growth. A rough estimate of the percent of motor vehicles priced above P3 million — if we use this as a yardstick for luxury — is less than 5% of the total market.

What COVID may have also exposed is the vulnerability of our power grid. With the population sheltering in place, demand for electricity increased in homes and, despite the shutdown of factories and businesses, resulted in power failures. This underscores the need to thoroughly study the impact of the shift to electrified vehicles versus our ability to build a reliable supply of power to the country — homes and businesses.

In general, how are the automotive industry and consumer behavior being shaped by factors like the pandemic and the spike of fuel prices?

Consumers are value-driven. They vote with their wallet in terms of getting what they want or need, how they get it, and where they get it. COVID has seen the acceleration toward a digital and no-contact economy. It also achieved what Republic Act 11165 or the Telecommuting Law of 2019 failed to gain traction on — promoting work from home to address traffic congestion and economic downtime. There was a clear surge in the focus on well-being as well. These behavioral changes seem to be outlasting the worst of COVID and are finding their way to the new normal.

In terms of the impact to the auto industry, the focus on social distancing during the pandemic led to a rise in purchases of small and compact-sized cars as an alternative to public transport — a trend that continues. Likewise, there was a surge in financing purchases due to the deterioration of incomes from unemployment and underemployment. The return of banks to consumer lending is a critical part of the recovery of the industry. Automakers also learned about and innovated their sales and marketing efforts due to mobility restrictions (e.g. online launches, virtual showrooms, digital marketing, etc).

Fuel price hikes to historic levels — mainly resulting from disruptions wrought by the Ukraine conflict — have also impacted consumers. Clearly, there is more prudence exercised in the use of private vehicles to manage fuel costs. Trip planning is probably more practiced. Resorting to virtual meetings and engagements may also be happening in a more seamless way. But, as history will bear, motorists have a short memory with regard to fuel price increases. The behavioral changes are more temporary than lasting — a function of short-term economics rather than structural lifestyle changes.

In regard to the electrification of mobility, this is a three-legged journey that involves the government in terms of realizing sustainability goals and establishing the infrastructure; the auto industry, in terms of creating the products and services; and the consumer, in terms of choosing electrified vehicles due to their value proposition and ease of use. One or two without any of the other will result in a belabored realization of electrification. Consumer preference and behavior will rise as a direct function of having the enablers in place — education, incentives, infrastructure and, frankly, the joy of owning and driving an electrified vehicle.

PHAP supports DTI’s biopharmaceutical innovation agenda

July 27, 2022 | 12:04 am

The Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP), representing the research-based medicines and vaccines sector in the country, expresses full support to the Department of Trade’s priority agenda to promote the development and growth of Health and Life Sciences in the country.

As a science-driven industry, PHAP and its Members have extensive experience and expertise in the research and development of life-saving biopharmaceuticals which is crucial in improving health outcomes and driving economic progress.

Under the able leadership of DTI Secretary Alfredo E. Pascual, PHAP is confident that the Philippines could position itself as regional hub for biopharmaceutical innovation. PHAP Members are in the forefront of research and development and distribution of not only diagnostics, vaccines and medicines for COVID-19 but more so of other diseases that impact Filipinos.

“We share in the vision of the DTI to establish a vibrant biopharmaceutical industry. We are eager to share our expertise to accelerate the attainment of this goal for us to better prepare for and respond to current and future emergencies while at the same time sparking economic activities. We commit to partner with the DTI to reap the health, scientific and economic benefits that come with R&D investments,” said PHAP Executive Director Teodoro B. Padilla.

Biopharmaceutical research and development is a long, complex and expensive process composed of various stages with the ultimate goal of finding safe and efficacious diagnostics, vaccines and medicines.

“The Philippines can be part of the actual research and development process by using its various stages as our entry point. The country is currently an active participant in the conduct of clinical trials, and we are eager to partner to see more of these R&D activities in the Philippines. When we participate in global clinical trials, we are creating early access to innovation, bringing in major investments, and building the scientific capacity of fellow Filipinos to pursue pharmaceutical R&D,” said Dr. Diana Edralin, PHAP President and Roche Philippines General Manager.

The Philippines earlier ranked third in the number of clinical trials conducted in Southeast Asia following Thailand and Singapore.

At present, PHAP is the DTI’s designated lead in the Industry Strengthening Working Group created to develop and realize the Integrated Roadmap of the Philippine Pharmaceutical Industry.

“We commend DTI Secretary Pascual for prioritizing health and life sciences development. Filipinos are experts in the medical field, and are proficient in the use of the English language. We will work with the DTI and related agencies for us to build capacity and foster an environment conducive to innovation to make available life-saving biopharmaceuticals for Filipinos and even to people in neighboring countries in the long term,” said Dr. Beaver Tamesis, PHAP Chairman Emeritus.

PHAP is keen to continue working with the DTI to pursue pandemic recovery and foster pharmaceutical security for an uninterrupted supply of life-saving medicines, vaccines and diagnostics amidst global demand or political instability in other regions.

“We have learned several lessons from the pandemic that could help enhance the supply chain. We are determined to learn from these lessons as we continue to face the uncertainties being brought by COVID-19, and as we prepare for new global health and political developments. Foremost is the importance of close partnerships with the government because we recognize from the outset that no one sector can do it alone,” said Ms. Jannette Jakosalem, PHAP Vice President and Market Managing Director for Zuellig Pharma in the Philippines.

At the height of the pandemic, PHAP Members closely collaborated with the government in monitoring the supply of needed medicines, and even chartered flights to make these life-saving innovations available to Filipino patients amidst global demand and strict lockdowns.

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Pharmaceutical company donates to blood cancer testing program

July 27, 2022 | 12:03 am

TAKEDA Healthcare Philippines, Inc., a subsidiary of global pharmaceutical company Takeda, is donating P400,000 to a blood cancer screening program that starts this August.

Sixty beneficiaries will be tested for free for cluster differentiator (CD) markers to determine if they have lymphoma, the most common type of blood cancer.

CD markers are useful for monitoring infection and detecting the abnormal growth of cells. Choosing the best lymphoma treatment depends on knowing the specific marker a patient has.

The CD30 Testing for Lymphoma Awareness and Prevention Program (or CLAP) is a partnership between PHAPCares Foundation, the social responsibility arm of the Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines, and the Philippine General Hospital-PGH Medical Foundation.

“We are committed to outsmarting cancer so that more patients can benefit from — and have access to — life-transforming medicines,” said Loreann E. Villanueva, country manager of Takeda Philippines, in a press release. “Through our cancer research and development, we are building up on our deep understanding of cancer to develop new ways to approach the disease.”

Takeda Philippines also announced in June that it gave a P1,000,000 grant to the Cancer Care Registry and Research Philippines Foundation for cancer research.

“In all our efforts, we seek not only to increase awareness about lymphoma, but also to heed the call of the government to implement the spirit of the National Integrated Cancer Control Act and for the medical, patient and healthcare community, to come together to work towards a cancer-free Philippines,” Ms. Villanueva said.

There were over 4,000 new patients diagnosed with lymphoma in the Philippines in 2020.

In a previous Zoom call with BusinessWorld, PGH director Dr. Gerardo “Gap” D. Legaspi talked about the difficulty of detecting cancers in the early stages. “What we get are the late ones,” he said. “That’s why the service we need to put out is more than those in private hospitals, because they get theirs early. That’s what burdens us.” — Patricia B. Mirasol

Arts & Culture (07/27/22)

July 27, 2022 | 12:03 am

Still-01---Orgullo-Compound — A SCENE from the play Orgullo Compound

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Online play tackles the impact of idealism and pride

IDEALISM and uncompromising pride can lead to self-deterioration is the focus of the play Orgullo Compound, an online production written by Layeta Bucoy, a Don Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature Hall of Famer and multi-awarded playwright. The pre-recorded play was directed by Jenny Logico-Cruz, Langgam Performance Troupe Co-Founder and Artistic Director and De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde Theater Arts Program Educator. Orgullo Compound is produced by Sining LABinsiyam. The play will be available on view from July 29 to Aug. 12, with shows from 12 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. Tickets are available at https://ticket2me.net/e/35284 for P250 each. For more information, visit the Benilde Theater Arts on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/benildetheaterarts).

Ballet Philippines holds a class on copyright

WHAT are commissioned works? Are creators the legal owners of their works? These are some of the questions to be tackled in a Ballet Philippines class, “Creators, Copyrights, and IP,” on Aug. 2, 2 p.m. via Zoom and the Ballet Philippines Facebook page. During the class lawyer Lorna Patajo-Kapunan and Rico V. Domingo will walk creators and companies through the Philippine Law on Copyrights and Intellectual Property (IP). Topics to be tackled are Copyrights and IP — its parameters, definitions, and coverage; how copyrights and intellectual property can help to protect and guide creatives as they navigate their careers; the dynamics between creators, companies, and other businesses where copyrights are concerned.

Ayala Museum and Globe launch Digital Gallery

AYALA Museum, under the management of Ayala Foundation, Inc. (AFI), and Globe Telecom, Inc. held a signing ceremony on June 28 to mark a new milestone in their partnership with the launch of the Globe Digital Gallery. The Globe Digital Gallery enables Filipinos to access and interact with 1,000 pieces from the Ayala Museum and the Filipinas Heritage Library’s permanent collections through this newest experience. Made up of eight large touchscreens in the museum’s lobby, the Globe Digital Gallery allows onsite guests to “touch the art” and even zoom in on the finer details of each art piece. Some of the pieces are from the Ayala Museum’s pre-colonial gold collection, indigenous textiles from its ethnographic collection, rare prints from the Filipinas Heritage Library, works from National Artists, among others. The 1,000 pieces currently featured are only the beginning as Ayala Museum intends to upload more of its collection to the Globe Digital Gallery. To experience the Globe Digital Gallery, guests can book a visit to the Ayala Museum through its website.

CCP names winners of content creation grants

THE CULTURAL Center of the Philippines (CCP) has announced the winners of its inaugural CCP Animation, Comics, and Computer Games Grants Program. Seventeen individuals from around the country won grants amounting to over P16 million to develop computer games, animation and comics. The winners are: Computer Games Professional Category — Ranida Games’ Sinag of San Pedro, Laguna; Metamedia Information Systems Corp.’s Treasure Seekers, Mandaluyong; Synthillate’s Pearls of Asia, Pasig; Computer Games Independent Category — kendikorp’s Galá, Las Piñas; Katakata Creative’s Kata, Parañaque; Makiling Interactive Arts’ San Fernando, Los Baños, Laguna; Animation Category — Friendly Foes’ Makopa, San Juan, Metro Manila; KOMIKET INC.’s Tungkung Langit at Laon Sina, Makati City; Fizzbuzz, Inc.’s Tiki, Cebu City; Lea Zoraina Sindao Lim’s Datu Pat i Mata, Cotabato City, Maguindanao; Comics Category — Randy P. Valiente’s Lalang Kalibutan, Antipolo City; Ethel Mae Reyes’ Tulogmatian, Iloilo City; Julius Sempio’s Teduray, Bulacan City; Alfred Ismael Galaroza’s Sinogo, Cebu City; Marco Sumayao’s Legend of Sleeping Beauty Mountain, Quezon City; Ruel Garcia Enoya’s Bantugen, Manila; and, Anabelle Marie D. Laureola’s Sun says Moon says, Manila. The winners were chosen from 39 submissions from game developers, 36 applicants for comics and 29 applicants for animation. Three Professional Games grantees were awarded P1.5 million each and three Independent Games grantees were awarded P300,000 each. Four Animation Grantees were awarded P2 million each and seven Comics grantees were awarded P330,000 each. Aside from awarding funding to grantees, the CCP also has partnered with the Creative Content Creators Association of the Philippines, Inc. (SIKAP) to train the grantees through a learning series program.

Luis Antonio Santos holds solo show at Mo_Space

MO_SPACE presents Luis Antonio Santos’ solo exhibit, An Echo Made Tangible/(sun in an empty room). The exhibit is ongoing until Aug. 21. The exhibit is centered on memories: their nature, the way we retrieve them, their function and eventual collapse, and the subsequent implications of this loss. The gallery is open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. It is located at the 3^rd level, MOs Design, B2 Bonifacio High Street, 9^th Ave., Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

ACEN divests its last coal-fired power plant

July 27, 2022 | 12:03 am

ACEN Corp. is divesting all shares in the remaining coal-fired power plant in its portfolio in a deal valued at P3.7 billion, which it will, in turn, invest in renewable energy projects, the Ayala-led company said on Tuesday.

“This pioneering deal will allow the early retirement and transition of our coal plant to cleaner technology,” ACEN President and Chief Executive Officer Eric T. Francia said in a media release.

He said he hopes that the move will generate “some momentum” for the energy transition in the region and help towards achieving net-zero, referring to the target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The divestment in subsidiary South Luzon Thermal Energy Corp. (SLTEC), which has a 244-megawatt (MW) coal plant in Calaca, Batangas, is through energy transition financing.

The shares will be acquired by ETM Philippines Holdings, Inc. (EPHI) and The Insular Life Assurance Co., Ltd. (InLife). The deal is subject to regulatory approval.

ACEN described EPHI as a special purpose vehicle that “allows financial investors to invest in energy transition by accelerating the retirement of coal-fired power plants, and to fund the development of new clean energy technologies.”

It said the transaction will serve as a pioneering local energy transition financing, taking off from the principles of the energy transition mechanism piloted by the Asian Development Bank.

ACEN said it had approved the provision of bridge financing to EPHI to facilitate its investment in SLTEC while providing prospective investors a vehicle to participate in energy transition.

It quoted InLife President and CEO Raoul E. Littaua as saying: “As a Filipino company with more than 100 years of service and commitment to the nation, we welcome the opportunity to participate in this pioneering deal to promote a sustainable environment for the country’s future.”

In November last year, ACEN and its parent firm Ayala Corp. announced their commitment to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

ACEN, which aims to be the largest listed renewables platform in Southeast Asia, has around 3,900 MW of attributable capacity in the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, India, and Australia. Its renewable share of capacity is at 87%, which it said is among the highest in the region.

On Tuesday, its shares finished higher by 1.47% or P0.12 to close at P8.30 apiece. — VVS