Preparing for monkeypox

August 3, 2022 | 12:01 am

The World Health Organization (WHO) recently declared the escalating global monkeypox outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).

According to the WHO, there are now more than 19,000 reported cases from 78 countries and territories.

On July 29, the Department of Health (DoH) reported the first case of monkeypox in the country — a 31-year-old Filipino citizen who returned from abroad on July 19.

Currently, the vast majority of reported cases are in the WHO European Region, mainly but not exclusively among men who have sex with men (MSM) seeking care in primary care and sexual health clinics. Data showed that children can also be at risk for monkeypox if they have close contact with a person who has symptoms. They are also more prone to severe disease compared with adolescents and adults.

The WHO said that a high proportion of cases have been reported from countries without previously documented monkeypox cases. Countries such as Singapore, Thailand and Japan have also reported their confirmed cases.

A PHEIC is “an extraordinary event which is determined to constitute a public health risk to other [countries] through the international spread of disease and to potentially require a coordinated international response.” This definition implies a situation that is serious, sudden, unusual or unexpected; carries implications for public health beyond the affected state’s national border; and may require immediate international action.

The DoH has been preparing for the monkeypox virus since this May, when countries started reporting an uptick in cases. These preparations are aligned with the WHO’s list of temporary recommendations which include aggressive information, communication, and educational campaigns about the disease in coordination with other relevant government offices and private partners.

DoH officer-in-charge Dr. Maria Rosario Singh-Vergeire reported that health experts have been holding online town halls and meetings with healthcare workers, regional health offices, and local health officials in the past weeks to inform and help them detect and stop the virus from spreading.

Avoiding contact with symptomatic individuals, practicing good hand hygiene by washing hands with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, and using personal protective equipment (PPE) when caring for patients can help prevent monkeypox infection.

According to the WHO, monkeypox is a viral disease with symptoms similar to those seen in the past in smallpox. Smallpox is an acute contagious disease which was one of the most devastating diseases and caused millions of deaths until it was eradicated.

It added that the smallpox vaccine developed by Edward Jenner in 1796 was the first successful vaccine for the disease. In 1980, the WHO declared smallpox eradicated.

The WHO said that a vaccine was recently approved for preventing monkeypox with some countries recommending vaccination for persons at risk. It added that many years of research and development have led to the availability of newer and safer vaccines for smallpox, which may also be useful for the prevention of monkeypox. Past data from Africa suggests that smallpox vaccine is at least 85% effective in preventing monkeypox.

Experts believe that vaccination after a monkeypox exposure may help prevent the disease or make it less severe. People who are at risk such as those who have been close contacts of a person with monkeypox should be considered for vaccination.

As for the treatment, the European Medicines Agency approved an antiviral that was developed to treat smallpox as a medicine for monkeypox.

A number of biopharmaceutical companies have started research for a monkeypox vaccine. Moderna, for example, announced that it is investigating potential monkeypox vaccines at a preclinical level.

Meanwhile, Roche announced that it has developed a new suite of tests that detect the monkeypox virus and aid in following its epidemiologic spread. Abbott Laboratories also disclosed that it is actively developing a test for monkeypox.

The Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP) is monitoring global cases, as well as the government’s directives and response plan to the monkeypox threat. As what is being done in the current pandemic, PHAP is working with the DoH and other agencies in securing possible diagnostics, vaccines and treatments while promoting awareness about the disease.

Lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic could also help the country prepare for monkeypox and other future health threats. Among these important lessons are the pursuit of public-private partnerships, biopharmaceutical innovation, regulatory flexibilities, and vaccination confidence.

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.

Maryknoll Ecological Sanctuary presents a classical concert for a cause

August 3, 2022 | 12:01 am

FACEBOOK.COM/BAGUIOMARYKNOLLECOLOGICALSANCTUARY/

ON July 9, the Maryknoll Ecological Sanctuary held a classical music concert entitled A Rebirth: A Classical Concert For A Cause to raise funds for the rejuvenation of their Learning Garden, Vegetable Garden, and Sanctuary Garden in Baguio City.

The concert featured a vocal performance by the “Pavarotti ng Baguio,” Glenn Gaerlan. There were also piano performances from Sister Nenita Tapia, MM, Nina Agustin, Angel Leal, and Francis Ramos. (One can view the concert at https://www.facebook.com/baguiomaryknollecologicalsanctuary/ )

Originally an elementary school run by the Maryknoll sisters, an earthquake in 1990 flattened the original convent; this prompted the sisters to reconsider the value of their school, and convert it into an ecological sanctuary.

“We try to help the humans understand that creation, nature is really part of one earth,” said Sr. Teresa “TD” Dagdag, MM, the current president chair of the Sanctuary. Through its 14-station “Cosmic Journey” garden tour, the sisters promote environmental awareness, and a greater solidarity with nature.

“It is a very unique kind of integration between religion and science,” says Sr. TD. The whole sanctuary and Cosmic Journey experience are still centered around Christ, despite the detailed discussions on scientific concepts like biodiversity and climate change. Speaking on the presence of God in nature, she adds, “God is still here. Who is to say that Christ is not here?”

It has been difficult for the sisters to continue maintaining the Sanctuary, especially since the COVID-19 lockdown prevented them from welcoming guests for an extended period of time. However, the Sanctuary’s doors are once again open to the public.

The Maryknoll Ecological Sanctuary is still accepting donations through the following channels: BPI: 0571-0169-07 and GCash: 0995-932–4875.

To learn more about the Maryknoll Ecological Sanctuary, visit its Facebook page. — Martin Mariano Celiz

Chemical Industries’ net loss narrows to P2M

August 3, 2022 | 12:01 am

CHEMICAL Industries of the Philippines, Inc. registered a net loss of P2 million in the second quarter, seven times lower than the P14.71-million loss posted a year ago, on lower operating expenses.

The company’s topline for the three months ending in June was at P633,113, almost three times lower than the last year’s P1.87 million as stated in its quarterly report.

Chemical Industries disclosed that there were no sales revenues for both second quarters of 2022 and 2021 as revenues came from rent.

It also reported a decrease in its other income, which the company attributed to the termination of leasing activities in April.

Consolidated other income for the second quarter reached P217,148, a decrease of 0.85% from the P218,997 recorded last year.

Meanwhile, the company’s expenses for the second quarter amounted to P2.91 million, six times lower than last year’s P18.59 million.

“The decrease in operating expenses was mainly due to payment in clearing the Pasig property in 2021,” the company said.

The bulk of the company’s expenditures is made up of its expenses for outside services, which amounted to P1 million, 17 times lower than last year’s P17.21 million.

In the first half, Chemical Industries’ net loss amounted to P5.62 million, almost four times lower than the previous year’s P19.21 million.

Its year-to-date revenue decreased by 46.2% to P2.07 million from P3.85 million previously.

The company posted an almost three times decrease in operating expenses for the first half to P7.91 million from the recorded P23.45 million last year.

Chemical Industries and its subsidiaries are primarily engaged in the manufacture and sale of distribution of industrial chemicals and lease of office space.

Its subsidiaries include CAWC, Inc., Kemwater Phil. Corp. and Chemphil Manufacturing Corp.

On the stock market on Tuesday, shares in Chemical Industries ended unchanged at P125.20 apiece. — Justine Irish D. Tabile

Del Monte Pacific Limited to hold annual general meeting on August 26

August 3, 2022 | 12:01 am

NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual General Meeting (“AGM”) of Del Monte Pacific Limited (the “Company”) will be convened and held by way of electronic means on 26 August 2022 at 10.00 a.m. (Singapore time) to transact the following business:

1. Adoption of Directors’ Statement and Audited Financial Statements for the financial year ended 30 April 2022;
2. Re-appointment of Mr. Joselito D. Campos, Jr. as a Director of the Company;
3. Re-appointment of Mrs. Yvonne Goh as a Director of the Company;
4. Re-appointment of Dr. Emil Q. Javier as a Director of the Company;
5. Approval of Dr. Emil Q. Javier’s continued appointment as an Independent Director by shareholders;
6. Approval of Dr. Emil Q. Javier’s continued appointment as an Independent Director by shareholders (excluding the Directors, Chief Executive Officer, and their associates);
7. Approval of payment of Directors’ fees for the financial year ending 30 April 2023;
8. Authority to fix, increase or vary emoluments of Directors;
9. Re-appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as Auditors of the Group;
10. Re-appointment of SyCip Gorres Velayo & Co. (Ernst & Young Philippines) as the Philippine Auditors of the Group;
11. Authority to issue Shares;
12. Authority to allot and issue shares under the Del Monte Pacific Executive Share Option Plan 2016; and
13. Renewal of Shareholders’ Mandate for Interested Person Transactions.

Notes for Shareholders:

1. Due to current COVID-19 situation, shareholders will not be able to attend the AGM in person. The AGM is being convened by way of electronic means. Shareholders must pre-register for the AGM at the pre-registration website https://conveneagm.com/sg/delmontepacific2022agm from Thursday, 28 July 2022 until 10.00 a.m. of Tuesday, 23 August 2022 to enable the Company to verify his/her/their status as shareholders.

2. A copy of the Definitive Information Statement of the Company is available in the Company’s website at the URL https://www.delmontepacific.com/investors/news-and-filings and at the PSE Edge Website at the URL https://edge.pse.com.ph/openDiscViewer.do?edge_no=803904ac779d66f33470cea4b051ca8f. A copy of this Notice will be available on the Company’s website at the URL https://www.delmontepacific.com/investors/shareholder-centre#Notice_of_AGM, on the SGX-ST website at the URL https://www.sgx.com/securities/company-announcements, and on the PSE EDGE website at the URL https://edge.pse.com.ph/companyDisclosures/form.do?cmpy_id=642.

3. Alternative arrangements relating to the (i) attendance at the AGM via electronic means (including arrangements by which the AGM can be electronically accessed via live webcast); (ii) submission of questions to the Chairman of the Meeting ahead of the AGM (in addition to being able to ask questions live); and (iii) voting by appointing the Chairman of the Meeting as proxy at the AGM, are set out in the accompanying Company’s announcement on participation in AGM via electronic means dated 28 July 2022.

4. Shareholders at record date at the close of business on 24 August 2022 are entitled to attend and vote at the AGM. A Shareholder entitled to attend and vote at the AGM is entitled to appoint the Chairman of the Meeting to attend and vote in his/her/its stead. The Chairman of the Meeting need not be a Member of the Company. Where a shareholder (whether individual or corporate) appoints the Chairman of the Meeting as his/her/its proxy, he/ she/it must give specific instructions as to voting, or abstentions from voting, in respect of a resolution in the form of proxy, failing which the appointment of the Chairman of the Meeting as proxy for that resolution will be treated as invalid.

The accompanying proxy form and voting instruction form for the AGM may also be accessed at the Company’s website at the URL https://www.delmontepacific.com/investors/shareholder-centre#Notice_of_AGM, on the SGX-ST website at the URL https://www.sgx.com/securities/company-announcements, and on the PSE EDGE website at the URL https://edge.pse.com.ph/companyDisclosures/form.do?cmpy_id=642.

5. If a Depositor wishes to appoint the Chairman of the Meeting to attend, speak and vote at the AGM, then he/she/it must:

(a) complete and deposit the Depositor proxy form at the office of the Share Transfer Agent:

i. in Singapore – Boardroom Corporate & Advisory Services Pte. Ltd., 1 Harbourfront Avenue, Keppel Bay Tower #14-07, Singapore 098632

ii. in Philippines – BDO Unibank, Inc. Trust and Investments Group – Securities Services (Stock Transfer), at its office address at the 45th Floor BDO Corporate Center Ortigas, East Tower, 12 ADB Avenue, Mandaluyong City, Philippines, for the attention of Ms. Concepcion E. Foronda or Ms. Gesan Tesiorna, or

(b) submit via email

i. In Singapore, to DelMonteAGM@boardroomlimited.com

ii. In Philippines, to bdo-stocktransferteam2@bdo.com.ph

In either case, at least forty-eight (48) hours before the time of the AGM.

Due to the current COVID-19 situation, shareholders are strongly encouraged to submit the completed proxy forms electronically via email.

6. If the Depositor is a corporation, the instrument appointing a proxy must be executed under seal or the hand of its duly authorized officer or attorney.

By Order of the Board

Antonio E. S. Ungson
Company Secretary
28 July 2022

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Deutsche Bank looking to hire more, expand in PHL

August 3, 2022 | 12:01 am

DEUTSCHE BANK plans to strengthen and expand its business in the Philippines by tapping on the country’s skilled workforce.

Deutsche Bank Chief Executive Officer for Asia-Pacific Alexander von zur Mühlen said in an interview with BusinessWorld last month that the bank is looking to add more than 100 positions across different functions in Manila.

“In addition to the roughly 1,500 people we currently employ in the Philippines, we seek to fill 100 positions this year across a spectrum of different roles,” Mr. von zur Mühlen said.

Mr. von zur Mühlen said the bank values the depth and quality of the country’s workforce, noting that Filipinos have a high level of English proficiency.

With the bank’s 40-year history in the country, Mr. von zur Mühlen is confident they can find people with strong talent and caliber in Manila.

“We have an edge in the Philippines because beyond the direct business we do in the country with our clients, our Philippine platform and many of our colleagues here support our operations globally. This is due to the strong talent that we see in the country, and we are glad to be able to provide career opportunities with a global scope to high potential talent in the Philippines,” he said.

“The way to describe Deutsche Bank in the Philippines is that we offer a very universal bank-oriented model, meaning that we’re not a one-trick pony. We’re not focusing on a monoline type of activity,” Mr. von zur Mühlen said.

“We are offering very strong investment banking capabilities starting with liquidity provisioning in critical markets like currencies and interest rates, and extending to hedging, financing, capital markets support, as well as corporate advisory,” he added.

Mr. von zur Mühlen said on the corporate banking side, the bank offers a range of services that includes payments, cash management, and trade finance.

“With over forty years on the ground in the Philippines, we operate as a very local bank as well,” Mr. von zur Mühlen said.

The Deutsche Bank Group also includes the Deutsche Knowledge Services, which is the bank’s primary and largest support hub in the Asia-Pacific region, serving its entire back and middle office functions including finance, human resources, information technology and global operations.

Deutsche Bank obtained a full commercial banking license in 1995 after starting as a representative office in 1975 and operating as an offshore banking unit in Manila since 1977.

VOLATILITY
As for his outlook on the financial markets, Mr. von zur Mühlen said volatility is expected as global central banks begin tightening their policy settings after easing them amid the coronavirus pandemic.

“We will be subject to higher volatility in the currency markets on the back of higher interest rates, which is why it is very important for us to continue providing liquidity to financial markets, particularly in this part of the world,” he said.

Still, he said Deutsche Bank is positive that its business in the country will continue to expand as the economy recovers from the pandemic’s impact.

“The bottom line is that we have a positive outlook on the Philippines and would like to grow our businesses in all the segments that we operate in right now. We’ll continue to work closely with the clients that we’ve established a long good track record with over the years,” Mr. von zur Mühlen said. — Keisha B. Ta-asan

Philippines rises 3 spots to 41^st out of 150 in Global Presence Index

August 3, 2022 | 12:00 am

The Philippines’ overall external projection ranking improved by three spots to 41st out of 150 countries in 2021, according to the latest edition of Elcano Global Presence Index by Madrid-based think tank Elcano Royal Institute. Its overall index score, meanwhile, dropped by 3.59 points to 48.47. The index is an annual ranking of different countries’ international projection based on three main dimensions: economy, defense, and soft presence. Among the 14 East and Southeast Asia countries included in the index, the Philippines placed 9th, ahead of Myanmar (64th overall), Cambodia (92nd), Mongolia (104th), Laos (143rd), and Brunei (144th).

How PSEi member stocks performed — August 2, 2022

August 3, 2022 | 12:00 am

Here’s a quick glance at how PSEi stocks fared on Tuesday, August 2, 2022.

Shares up on PMI data, firms’ positive Q2 results

August 2, 2022 | 9:00 pm

PHILIPPINE SHARES went up on Tuesday amid improved second-quarter results of listed firms and the continued expansion of manufacturing activity in the country.

The bellwether Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) went up by 50.27 points or 0.79% to close at 6,362.30 on Tuesday, while the broader all shares index increased by 18.67 points or 0.55% to 3,411.59.

“Philippine shares surged near the session’s finish as investors scooped up some of the index’s heavyweights as corporate earnings improved and global oil prices began to fall,” Timson Securities, Inc. Head of Online Trading Marc Kebinson L. Lood said in a Viber Message.

“The local bourse gained by 50.27 points [or] 0.80% to 6,362.30 amid good earnings results so far, especially from the index members,” Philstocks Financial, Inc. Research Analyst Claire T. Alviar said in a Viber message.

Ms. Alviar added that market sentiment also got a boost from the latest S&P Global Philippines Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) report, which showed factory activity remained in expansion territory.

Philippine manufacturing activity slowed in July as production and new orders declined, signaling weaker global demand, S&P Global said on Monday.

The S&P Global Philippines Manufacturing PMI reading stood at 50.8 in July, lower than the 53.8 reading in June.

A PMI reading above 50 denotes improvement in operating conditions compared with the preceding month, while a reading below 50 signals deterioration.

The majority of sectoral indices closed in the green on Tuesday except for holding firms, which lost 1.61 points or 0.02% to finish at 6,013.80.

Meanwhile, mining and oil gained 309.78 points or 2.71% to close at 11,717.76; services jumped by 37.89 points or 2.31% to 1,678.22; property climbed by 28.25 points or 0.98% to 2,890.37; industrials went up by 72.40 points or 0.77% to 9,422.90; and financials increased by 5.69 points or 0.38% to 1,488.08.

Value turnover climbed to P5.87 billion on Tuesday with 528.35 million shares changing hands from the P5.13 billion with 396.95 million issues seen on Monday.

Decliners narrowly outnumbered advancers, 84 against 80, while 61 names closed unchanged.

Foreigners turned buyers, posting P36.44 million in net purchases on Tuesday from the P288.40 million in net selling seen the previous trading day.

Timson Securities’ Mr. Lood said investors are anticipating the release of the Philippines’ July inflation report on Friday, more corporate earnings and latest US jobs data which is also due on Friday. He put the PSEi’s support at 5,900 and resistance at 6,800.

Meanwhile, Philstocks Financial’s Ms. Alviar placed the PSEi’s support within 6,100-6,150 and resistance at 6,400.

“[The] sustainability of the rally is still questionable amid weak market participation and increasing geopolitical tensions between the US and China,” Ms. Alviar said. — J.I.D. Tabile

Peso weakens ahead of July inflation report

August 2, 2022 | 9:00 pm

THE PESO weakened further against the dollar on Tuesday ahead of the release of latest inflation data and tensions between the United States and China.

The local unit ended trading at P55.435 versus the greenback, shedding 12.5 centavos from its P55.31-to-a-dollar close on Monday, according to data from the website of the Bankers’ Association of the Philippines.

The peso opened the session at P55.30 against the dollar, which was also its strongest showing for the day. Its weakest was at P55.45 against the greenback.

Dollars traded decreased to $777.17 million on Tuesday from $1.05 billion on Monday.

The peso retreated versus the greenback ahead of the release of latest inflation data, Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. Chief Economist Michael L. Ricafort said in a Viber message.

“The peso exchange rate again weaker for the second straight day, still considered a healthy correction after the relatively sharp appreciation of the peso since last week, with the peso still among the strongest in nearly a month, amid some geopolitical risks related to US-China tensions over Taiwan as US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is expected to visit Taiwan on Aug. 2, defying warnings on consequences in doing so by Chinese authorities that partly led to some shift towards the safest assets/investments such as US Treasuries/government bonds,” Mr. Ricafort added.

A BusinessWorld poll of 14 economists last week yielded a median estimate of 6.2% for July headline inflation, within the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) forecast of 5.6% to 6.4% for the month.

If realized, this would be a tad faster than the 6.1% reading in June, which was already a near four-year high, as well as the 3.7% posted in July last year.

The Philippine Statistics Authority will release July inflation data on Aug. 5, Friday.

For Wednesday, Mr. Ricafort gave a forecast range of P55.30 to P55.50 per dollar.

PESO STABILIZING
BSP Governor Felipe M. Medalla on Tuesday said the peso’s decline against the dollar remains aligned with other Asian currencies amid the US Federal Reserve’s aggressive tightening, a widening trade gap amid improving domestic demand, and the uptick in global oil prices due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.

He said the BSP Monetary Board’s off-cycle decision to raise benchmark rates by an all-time high 75 basis points (bps) on July 14 has helped the peso stabilize. Days ahead of that surprise move, the local unit had hit its record low of P56.45 a dollar in intraday trade, with its year-to-date depreciation reaching a high of 10.5% on July 12, when it closed at P56.37.

“When changes in the exchange rate are small and transitory, they hardly translate to inflation. However, if it’s large and in one direction, we have to compute what we call long-run elasticities,” Mr. Medalla said at a special membership meeting of the Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines in Makati City.

“We do care about exchange rate volatility… We also care a lot about the exchange rate when it is moving up too fast. It will disanchor inflationary expectations… If you’re going to allow that much depreciation, how can you believe our inflation targets?” Mr. Medalla said.

The BSP is expected to raise rates by another 25 bps or 50 bps at its next meeting on Aug. 18. The Monetary Board has raised benchmark rates by 125 bps so far this year. — KBT

Gov’t releases P4.13B for cash transfer program

August 2, 2022 | 8:12 pm

Cash-aid-distribution-PHILSTAR-EDDGUMBAN — PHILIPPINE STAR/EDD GUMBAN

THE second tranche of the Targeted Cash Transfer (TCT) program has been released to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for distribution, the Departments of Finance (DoF) and Budget and Management (DBM) said.

The program is intended to address the impact of rising prices on vulnerable households, according to statements issued by both departments.

A Special Allotment Release Order amounting to P4.13 billion was approved on Monday after a request from the DoF, the DBM said.

“The economic team has made sure that we have enough resources to provide targeted assistance to the most vulnerable households and sectors. This Targeted Cash Transfer program, proposed by the previous administration, will be continued by this government as rising fuel prices remain a burden to their daily lives,” Finance Secretary Benjamin E. Diokno said in the DoF statement.

The budget allotment for the second tranche will be distributed to over four million beneficiaries identified by the DSWD, with each non-Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) recipient receiving P500 each month for two months.

The DSWD recently published its Listahanan survey, which recognized 5.59 million Filipino families as belonging to the “poorest of the poor.”

This will be the basis for the new list of beneficiaries that will replace the 1.3 million former 4Ps recipients who are now classified as “non-poor” as opposed to “very poor.”

“This is good news, especially for the most vulnerable households, who will be the beneficiaries of the second tranche of the TCT Program. These are our countrymen who are mostly affected by the rising costs of gasoline and other goods. We want them to know and feel that their government is here for them. We are ready to help them,” Budget Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman said.

A BusinessWorld poll of 14 economists last week yielded a median estimate of 6.2% for July headline inflation, against the 6.1% reading in June, which was approaching a four-year high.

Pump prices of diesel, gasoline, and kerosene have risen by P32.95, P18.90, and P28.05, respectively, from the start of the year to July 26, according to the Department of Energy.

In June, the DSWD distributed the first tranche of TCT cash aid to an initial 1.2 million households. The subsidy amounted to P500 per month for six months.

The first tranche of the TCT included those with existing cash cards and registered for the 4Ps, as well as some former recipients of the unconditional cash transfer program between 2018 and 2020.

State-owned Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) is responsible for distributing the cash subsidy through various mediums, including cash cards, other banks, electronic money issuers, and remittance centers.

LANDBANK reported in early July that it had disbursed P3.8 billion in cash aid to 3.8 million households.

On Monday, the DBM also released P8.05 billion worth of subsidies to rice farmers for distribution by the Department of Agriculture in the third and fourth quarters.

The subsidy is targeted at 1.56 million farmers, who will receive P5,000 each. — Diego Gabriel C. Robles

NAIA T2 needs more boarding gates, DoTr says

August 2, 2022 | 8:11 pm

NAIA-terminal — PHILIPPINE STAR/ RUDY SANTOS

THE Transportation department said on Tuesday more boarding gates are needed at Terminal 2 (T2) of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) to maximize its flight-handling potential.

Transportation Secretary Jaime J. Bautista said the limited boarding gates at Terminal 2 serve as a constraint on the number of flights that can operate out of the terminal.

There is also a “need for adequate lighting and air-conditioning at the pre-departure area as well as reliable free internet connection,” the Department of Transportation (DoTr) quoted him as saying in a statement.

Mr. Bautista conducted an inspection of Terminal 2 on Aug. 1.

Mr. Bautista, a former executive of Philippine Airlines, 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 recently, in response to President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s order delivered during the State of the Nation Address to improve the country’s transport facilities.

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

Philippine Airlines and AirAsia Philippines have said the administration’s plan to upgrade and build new international airports 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.

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

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

More sugar could be diverted to consumer use — Agri department

August 2, 2022 | 8:11 pm

THE Department of Agriculture (DA) is considering allocating more sugar for the consumer market, Undersecretary Kristine Y. Evangelista said.

“We know our sugar demand is halved into household and industrial (use). What we are looking at right now is the supply at hand… We are looking to see if (more volume) needs to be reclassified for household consumption,” she told People’s Television Network (PTV).

Ms. Evangelista added that the department will consult the sugar industry to assess the current inventory and develop plans to make more sugar available to households.

The department will also use the consultations to determine an appropriate volume for sugar import if needed.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., meanwhile, has given orders to fast-track the needs of coconut farmers by raising the value-added content of their products, according to Ms. Evangelista.

“We are looking at shared facilities that our farmers need and (are discussing) scholarships for dependents of coconut farmers. We were directed to fast-track all the programs for the farmers,” she said.

The DA is looking into developing programs that will boost access to private financing institutions.

“We also discussed credit and financing, this is important for farmers. We are looking into how to make credit and loans more accessible,” she added.

Ms. Evangelista said that the department is also gearing up for the Masagana 150 and 200 programs, which are aimed at raising rice production.

“We are talking to different farmers organizations to start preparations for Masagana. It’s not only fertilizer, seed or mechanization, but there are also parallel efforts for social preparations. This is what is being prioritized by our National Rice Program,” she said.

“We are continuing to work… to increase yields and make sure agri-commodities reach our consumers at affordable prices,” she added. — Luisa Maria Jacinta C. Jocson

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