Roche calls for inclusion of innovative treatments in formulary

July 13, 2022 | 12:02 am

Regulatory bodies should consider including innovative medical treatments, or new treatments that contain substances that have not been authorized before, in the Philippine National Formulary, according to a July 4 forum organized by pharmaceutical company Roche (Philippines) Incorporated.

Roche has several working proof-of-concept projects that aim to achieve “the shared vision of each person with access to innovative diagnosis and treatment, whether they are city executives or farmers in provinces.”

These include Mission Leapfrog, a breast and cervical cancer prevention initiative in Tacloban City that is set to expand to seven more cities; Roche Access Program, a patient assistance program for the financially constrained that has supported more than 9,000 patients as of this May; and I CAN For Lung Cancer, a project that builds a healthcare provider network for delivering lung cancer services, from screening to palliation.

Senator Joseph Victor “JV” G. Ejercito, principal author of the Universal Healthcare Law, acknowledged cancer as a priority issue in the July 4 forum with William N. Anderson, global chief executive officer of Roche Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Mr. Ejercito noted the need for more access to funds for cancer treatment, as well as “the inclusion of innovative treatments and diagnostics in the formulary.”

The Philippine National Formulary is the national reference that guides the national and local governments on drug procurement, prescription, and use. It also guides the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) in the reimbursement of claims from both public and private healthcare facilities.

Roche did not give specifics on which medical treatments it thought were supposed to be included in the formulary, except to say that the multinational healthcare company advocates coverage for people with metastatic cancers and rare disease conditions. — P. B. Mirasol

Toyota PHL to launch all-new Lite Ace on July 15

July 13, 2022 | 12:02 am

TOYOTA MOTOR Philippines Corp. (TMP) is set to launch the all-new Lite Ace on July 15 as its offering in the light commercial vehicle (LCV) segment.

TMP said in a statement that the Lite Ace, which has a retail price starting at P570,000, will be aimed at local business owners in various industries and serve the evolving needs of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

According to the car manufacturer, the vehicle will come in more than one body type and will prioritize loading capacity and efficiency to transport people and goods.

“The launch of the all-new Lite Ace will bring us even closer to fully realizing our goal of Mobility for All. With TMP’s entry into this new vehicle category, we aim to empower and enable more Filipino business owners, whether they’re just starting or looking to expand,” TMP First Vice-President for Vehicle Sales Operations Sherwin Chualim said.

“Our goal is to help them progress and maximize income through a Toyota vehicle that’s simple to acquire, reliable to use, and easy to maintain,” he added.

The all-new Lite Ace will be officially launched at the Farmers Plaza activity area in Cubao, Quezon City. Displays of the new model can be visited by interested customers until July 17.

“With the official launch on July 15, customers may look forward to Toyota Financial Services’ newest package which gives customers an option to avail a weekly payment scheme. On top of this, unique value chain offers will also be revealed, all to aid owners to make the most of their businesses through excellent assistance and servicing from Toyota’s 72 dealerships nationwide,” the TMP said. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave

Central bank to finalize new sustainability rules

July 13, 2022 | 12:02 am

THE BANGKO SENTRAL ng Pilipinas (BSP) is targeting to finalize its proposed regulations on the wider adoption of sustainability principles in banks’ investment activities by August this year.

“The BSP is now on its third phase of sustainability-related regulations with the recent release of draft guidelines on the integration of sustainability principles in banks’ investment activities. The finalization of this policy proposal is targeted for August 2022,” the central bank said in a statement on Tuesday, referring to a draft circular released in May.

BSP Governor Felipe M. Medalla said promoting sustainability is urgent.

“We are committed to helping our supervised financial institutions develop their capacity in sustainable finance. This enabling approach will accelerate mobilizing funds toward projects and activities to achieve our growth targets and, at the same time, reinforce the country’s resilience to natural disasters and climate change,” Mr. Medalla said.

The first and second phases of the BSP’s sustainablity-related regulations were the issuances of the Sustainable Finance Framework in April 2020 and the Environmental and Social Risk Management Framework in October 2021, respectively. These guidelines set standards on incorporating sustainability principles in banks’ core businesses and risk management frameworks, as well as in assessing credit and operational risks.

The central bank said aside from these guidelines, it will also release its 11-point strategy to implement the Sustainable Central Banking Program.

“This will embody the BSP’s roles as enabler, mobilizer, and doer in championing sustainability in the financial system,” it said.

The central bank said it is also collaborating with industry associations, development partners, and other interest groups for capacity-building activities for banks and other institutions on sustainable finance.

It likewise noted a sustained rise in banks’ issuance of sustainable bonds since 2017.

Latest central bank data showed that sustainable bonds issued in foreign currency have reached $1.4 billion, while peso-denominated issuances reached P152.9 billion.

Meanwhile, through a partnership with the World Bank, the BSP is also conducting stress tests to assess the impact of climate transition risks on the banking system.

“The BSP will enhance its data collection tools to facilitate the assessment of climate- and other environment-related financial impact. It will also supplement existing regulations on stress testing with guidelines that integrate climate stress testing design,” the central bank said.

“Moreover, the BSP is looking into potential regulatory incentives to further mainstream sustainable finance. In relation to this, the BSP supports amendments to the Agriculture and Agrarian Reform (Agri-Agra) Law which considers engagement in sustainable finance as compliance with the mandatory agri-agra credit,” it added. — Keisha B. Ta-asan

Gin Kings renew rivalry with Bolts in crucial PBA duel

July 13, 2022 | 12:02 am

SECOND-RUNNING Barangay Ginebra and No. 6 Meralco push for their respective bids as they renew their rivalry in a crucial Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup duel on Wednesday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Gin Kings (6-2) seek to give their Top 2 campaign a boost while the Bolts (4-3) look to move closer to the playoffs in the 6 p.m. entanglement following the equally important battle between Blackwater (5-2) and Rain or Shine (2-6) at 3 p.m.

Ginebra and Meralco face off for the first time since their Governors’ Cup title clash won by the former in six games. The rivals duel without their head coaches with Gin Kings mentor Tim Cone serving the Miami Heat’s NBA Summer League team and Bolts tactician Norman Black attending to his ailing mother in the US.

They enter the court coming off contrasting fates with Ginebra bowing to TnT, 106-92, and Meralco beating Rain or Shine, 77-73.

“We still have a chance at Top 2 so we’ll move on,” interim coach Richard del Rosario said after their loss. “We’ll correct the things that we need to correct and then look forward.”

Luigi Trillo steered Meralco to victory last time and will join hands with Ronnie Magsanoc in manning the ramparts.

“Tulungan lang kami. I’m sure coach Norman would want to be here and we’re just holding the fort. But obviously, he has more important things, his mom,” said Mr. Trillo. “Hopefully, we can get a couple more wins para when he gets back, at least we have a shot entering the playoffs, better chance.”

Meanwhile, the Bossing try to bounce back from their 110-107 overtime loss to leader San Miguel Beer and stay in the mix in the chase for the two win-once incentives.

The Elasto Painters, on the other hand, eye a follow-up to their 96-86 upset of NLEX to keep their quarterfinal hopes alive. — Olmin Leyba

Stephanie Honrado’s images of everyday objects

July 13, 2022 | 12:02 am

Nude B — NUDE STUDY by Stephanie Honrado

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FOLLOWING her first solo exhibition “Come Stai?” (How are you?) in June 2020, and her participation in the Art Fair Philippines group show “Headspace,” Florence-based contemporary artist Stephanie Honrado returns this month to Salcedo Private View with the exhibition, “Ode to the Ordinary”.

Ms. Honrado was first exposed to Florence’s classical art when she visited in 2010. In 2019, she traded a career in finance for the paintbrush. Ms. Honrado is currently on her third year at the Angel Academy of Art in Florence, Italy. The Academy reopened in September 2020 under very stringent COVID-19 protocols.

“Ode to the Ordinary” shows Ms. Honrado continuing in her creative journey to capture the innate beauty of ordinary things in her adoptive hometown of Florence.

“Classical painting embodies a structured method for transcribing images to canvas. Only consistent practice helps a student to progress effectively and efficiently in learning to paint in the classical way. In my experience, the tenets of the classical method became more clearly interconnected and practical as I moved from one project to another in the Academy. Over time, the lessons made better sense and became more practicable for me,” Ms. Honrado told BusinessWorld in an e-mail.

Ms. Honrado finds beauty in the ordinary in creating variations on the same subject.

The Scarf series tackles a subject she started painting in 2017 and continues in this show. Set against a weathered backdrop, the scarves were painted in varying primary colors to further emphasize their stationary positions.

“The three scarves are my personal wardrobe staples. I find in them practical applications for lessons on hue, value and chroma learned from the Academy. This series embodies the deliberate rendering of simple, functional objects for a visual experience in form, color, and texture,” Ms. Honrado said.

Meanwhile, the Sky series paintings depict cloud formations that the artist observed daily from her preferred spot in the Basilica di Santa Chiara, which is renowned for being the oldest standing church in the Gothic-Italian style in Assisi. “Cloud formations are visually entertaining. To enjoy them means looking up and away from my own busy-ness and [taking] a literal break from the humdrum of [everyday life],” Ms. Honrado said, adding that she enjoys “the fleeting and challenging yet comforting nature of clouds.”

Aside from the Scarf and Skies series, Ms. Honrado showcases nude paintings which she worked on for her figure painting classes.

“In these classes, we work to get better and faster at progressing from the underdrawing to underpainting to full color rendering stages of a painting,” Ms. Honrado said.

The nude studies, the artist explained, are all works in progress and present everything she learned so far in art school. While studying, she realized that “one is not born an artist, one becomes an artist.”

“This process of becoming requires intentional focus and repeated decisions to work well; to work with courage even when the learning is difficult and slow, or challenged by mistakes,” she said.

“Effective painting undoubtedly requires a good understanding of where and how any subject is situated or represented in space,” Ms. Honrado said. “However, painting the nude also requires a working understanding of anatomy, especially the arrangement of bones and muscles and how they facilitate motion as described by the model’s pose.”

Ms. Honrado is currently in Manila working on personal projects. She is also preparing for more challenging projects in time for her upcoming final year at the Academy in September.

“Ode to the Ordinary” by Stephanie Honrado is on view until July 22 at Salcedo Auctions, NEX Tower, 6786 Ayala Ave., Makati City. For inquiries, e-mail info@salcedoauctions.com or contact 8823-0956, 0917-107-5581. — Michelle Anne P. Soliman

Arts & Culture (07/13/22)

July 13, 2022 | 12:01 am

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The musical Bayan Bayanan rescheduled

PERFORMANCES of Bayan Bayanan: Letters from Home, a new musical based on the classic play by Bienvenido M. Noriega, Jr., which were originally set for this weekend, have been rescheduled. The new dates are July 29 and 30 (7 p.m.) and July 31 (3 p.m.). Ticket holders for the original performances are advised to keep their tickets as the same tickets will be honored. Presented by the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and Erehwon Center for the Arts, the musical will be staged at the CCP’s Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo. The play portrays the heart-warming and, sometimes, heartbreaking stories of Filipinos trying to carve a better life for themselves abroad. This production is supported by the Embassy of France in the Philippines, which has designated the play as part of their series of celebrations for the 75^th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and France. French actress Uno Zigelbaum has a special role in this musical. She joins Banaue Miclat-Janssen, Ava Olivia Santos, Carlo Mañalac, Roxy Aldiosa, Carlo Angelo Falcis, Jacinta Remulla, Richard Macaroyo, Greg de Leon, Jane Wee, Christine Angelica Evangelista, Carlo Mañalac, Timothy Carlo Racho, Kendrick Tamayo, Abigail Sulit, Jane Florence Wee, Matteo Teehankee, Karina Macaspac, and Adrian de Ubago in the cast. It is directed by Anton Juan. For more information, visit the CCP website www.culturalcenter.gov.ph.

National Museum holds 2^nd seminar on Museum Practices

THE NATIONAL Museum of the Philippines (NMP), through its Museum Services Division, will hold the second part of its seminar on Museum Practices with the theme “Building Resilience Towards NMP’s Collections And Heritage Management: Exhibition, Curation, Preservation & Digitization.” It will be held on July 13, 9 a.m. to noon and will be offered to the public for free through Zoom Meeting, Facebook Live, and onsite but on a limited capacity at the Auditorium, Ground Floor of the National Museum of Fine Arts. Interested participants must register through this link: https://bit.ly/NMP_SOMP2022. An e-mail confirmation with the Zoom link will be sent to the registered e-mail address of the confirmed participants. For more information, contact the NMP Museum Services Division, Education and Training Services Section at educationandtraining@nationalmuseum.gov.ph.

People And Places: A Cordillera Legacy photo exhibit

THIS July and August, the Ortigas Foundation Library, Water Dragon, Inc., and the City Government of Baguio present an exhibit of vintage photographs called “People And Places: A Cordillera Legacy”. The exhibit will present photos of Baguio and its inhabitants from 1900-1925, taken from the Jonathan Best Collection and the Ortigas Library Image Bank. The exhibit will be held at the Baguio Convention & Cultural Center from July 13 to Aug. 28. Viewing hours will be from 9 a.m, to 6 p.m. on Tuesdays-Saturdays. For more information, contact the Ortigas Foundation Library at (02) 8401-6503, and the Baguio Convention Center at +63 74-446-2009.

Altro Mondo presents three exhibits

THE WORKS of Mark Belicario and Francisca Juarez, Jeffrey Gumlao, and Keith Paras are on display until July 30 at Altro Mondo Art Contemporanea. “Alarming X Surrealista,” a two-man exhibition featuring the works of Mr. Belicario and Ms. Juarez, “An Adventure of a Lifetime,” a solo exhibition featuring the works of Mr. Gumlao, and “Life in Colors,” a solo exhibition featuring the works of Keith Paras are on view at the Altro Mondo Creative Space, 1159 Chino Roces Ave. San Antonio Village, Makati City. Gallery hours are Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Odin Rathnam joins MSJO for concert

THE CONCERT Bach & Friends will feature the music of German composer Johann Sebastian Bach, performed by the internationally celebrated Manila Symphony Junior Orchestra (MSJO). Odin Rathnam, a world-renowned concert violinist, recording artist, and violin teacher, joins the MSJO for this concert which will take place on July 28, 6:30 p.m., at the lobby of the Ayala Museum in Makati. Slots for on-site audiences will be limited. Tickets are available for both onsite or online viewing at www.ayalamuseum.org/events/rhc-bach.

Thor: Love and Thunder mural up in BGC

TO CELEBRATE the release of Marvel Studios’ Thor: Love and Thunder, Walt Disney Studios Philippines unveiled a massive mural in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. The mural, located at Central Square 1 in BGC features Thor and Mighty Thor side by side in their most powerful form, ready for battle. The mural was made by 27-year-old mural artist Jappy Agoncillo, who was raised on television, comic books, fantasy stories, and other lively elements of pop culture. The Thor: Love and Thunder mural has an augmented reality aspect that was done in partnership with Globe Telecom. The movie is now showing in cinemas nationwide.

The value of clinical trials

July 13, 2022 | 12:01 am

Roche research laboratory in Mannheim, Germany. — ROCHE.COM

The research and development of a new medicine or vaccine is a long and complex process which could last from 10 to 15 years. A crucial part of this discovery and development process is called a clinical trial, the various phases of which entail rigorous studies designed to determine safety and efficacy.

In fact, all the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines and treatments being used to protect adults and children from the potentially fatal virus went through the extensive clinical trial process. All other lifesaving medicines and vaccines for other diseases have also been part of clinical trials.

Clinical trials are carefully designed studies that establish the benefits and risks of a medical treatment or intervention, according to the Pharmaceutical Research Manufacturers of America (PhRMA).

Following a rigorous screening and preclinical testing process, a pharmaceutical company that wants to bring a drug to market will file an Investigational New Drug (IND) application with regulators, which enables the IND to be tested in human volunteers in clinical trials. In every clinical trial, respecting and protecting the safety of volunteers is of the highest importance.

Under the UK National Institutes for Health (NIH), a Phase I trial tests an investigational drug on a small group of often healthy people to determine its safety and side effects as well as find the correct drug dosage. A Phase II clinical trial, on the other hand, involves up to 300 participants. The emphasis at this stage is to establish the efficacy of the investigational drug on people who have a certain disease or condition. A Phase III clinical trial, meanwhile, gathers about 3,000 people to study different populations and different dosages. Under Phase III, investigational medicines are studied in combination with other drugs.

In recent years, there is also a strong commitment to enhance representation of diverse participants in clinical trials to determine the safety and efficacy of the investigational drug in people coming from different backgrounds.

A journal published by the NIH highlighted the health and scientific benefits of clinical trials, foremost among them allowing participating patients to play an active role in their own healthcare. Participants also have access to innovative research treatments before they are widely available. Moreover, clinical trials increase the options for treatment when standard therapy has failed.

The journal added that clinical trials likewise help patients obtain expert medical care at leading healthcare facilities during the trial. In the bigger picture, they help others by contributing to the advancement of medical knowledge that will benefit more patients.

During his recent visit in Manila, Roche Pharmaceuticals Global Chief Executive Officer (CEO), William “Bill” Anderson noted that the company allotted $16.1 billion for research and development in 2021.

“Clinical trials aren’t just of scientific importance; they are also a means to broaden patient access to innovative, life-saving treatments,” he said.

Beyond the health benefits, clinical trials translate to investments that have positive economic impact on the country. These economic benefits include direct investments made by biopharmaceutical companies to identify and operate clinical trial sites; hire staff and contractors; recruit, retain and treat participants; and conduct clinical trial protocols and activities, including monitoring research sites.

The Philippines, in an earlier study, ranked third when it comes to clinical trials following Singapore and Thailand. For his part, Mr. Anderson said that Roche has a strong clinical trial footprint in the Philippines.

Roche Philippines General Manager Dr. Diana Edralin said that the company has conducted at least 20 clinical trials in the Philippines, many of them on cancer. She added that the company has also supported clinical studies related to severe COVID-19.

At the moment, there are three Roche global clinical trials that the country is participating in. As part of efforts to enhance clinical trials in the country, Dr. Edralin said that they are supporting Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines training and accreditation for local institutions.

Mr. Anderson, meanwhile, expressed the Swiss company’s ambition to double the medical advances they bring to patients at half the cost to society. He noted that in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) where half the world’s population live, the medical advances available in many countries are still beyond the reach of the people.

He lauded legislators and the Philippine government for enacting the Universal Healthcare Act, National Integrated Cancer Control Act and Rare Diseases Act. As in other countries, he stressed that healthcare access and affordability gaps remain. “None of us alone can fix this. We each have great intentions, but we need to work together to address the root causes.”

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.

Metro Manila’s construction materials retail price index

July 13, 2022 | 12:01 am

RETAIL PRICES of building materials in Metro Manila grew at its fastest annual pace in more than 13 years in April amid global supply constraints caused by the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. Read the full story.

ACEN files P30-B debt securities with SEC

July 13, 2022 | 12:01 am

AC ENERGY Corp. (ACEN) has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) the shelf-registration of debt securities worth up to P30 billion, of which the P10-billion first tranche will be offered as ASEAN green fixed-rate bonds.

“Since our debt levels remain very manageable, we are taking this opportunity to issue Peso green bonds to fund our renewable energy expansion in the country,” said ACEN Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer Ma. Corazon G. Dizon in a disclosure on Tuesday.

A green bond is a type of fixed-income instrument that is specifically used to raise money for climate and environmental projects. The three-year shelf-registered securities are to be offered in one or more tranches.

Ayala-led ACEN said proceeds from the bond offering will fund the 283-megawatt direct current (MWdc) San Marcelino solar farm in Zambales, the 42-MWdc expansion of its Arayat-Mexico solar farm in Pampanga, and the construction of its 133-MWdc solar farm phase one in Lal-lo, Cagayan.

ACEN fully owns the San Marcelino project while the Arayat-Mexico solar farm project and the Cagayan solar farm project are in partnership with GreenCore Power Solutions 3, Inc. and Natures Renewable Energy Development Corp. (Naredco), respectively.

Naredco is partnership among three energy companies, namely: ACEN, ACE Endevor, Inc., and Cleantech Renewable Energy 4 Corp.

The construction of the projects is in line with ACEN’s aggressive renewables expansion in the Philippines and across the region.

At present, ACEN has approximately 3,900 MW of attributable renewable energy capacity and is working to build 5,000 MW of renewables by 2025, towards its goal of becoming the largest listed renewables platform in Southeast Asia.

The offering has received PRS Aaa, the highest possible rating awarded by the Philippine Rating Services Corp. (PhilRatings) to any issuance of debt securities. It also means that PhilRating expects ACEN to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

PhilRatings said the stable rating means it is likely to be maintained or to remain unchanged in the next 12 months.

ACEN, the listed energy platform of the Ayala group, announced in October 2021 its commitment to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

At the stock market on Tuesday, the company’s shares dropped by P0.09 or 1.08% to P8.21 apiece. — Justine Irish DP. Tabile

Folded paper or polymer banknotes are valid — BSP

July 13, 2022 | 12:01 am

THE BANGKO SENTRAL ng Pilipinas (BSP) has clarified that folded banknotes are valid and can be used for transactions.

“The BSP informs the public that folded banknotes, whether paper or polymer, can still be circulated and accepted for payment. As such, retailers and banks should accept them for day-to-day payment transactions,” the central bank said in a statement late on Monday.

“Recently, the BSP issued guidelines on the proper handling of polymer banknotes. This includes storing banknotes in wallets where they fit properly (the typical bi-fold wallet fits this criteria), keeping them clean, and using them as payment for goods and services,” the central bank said.

“The BSP stresses that [these] guidelines apply to both paper and polymer banknote. The handling guidelines were issued to raise public awareness on the proper use of polymer and paper banknotes to safeguard their integrity and prolong their lifespan.”

The central bank is testing the use of polymer notes via a pilot circulation of 1000-piso notes that started in April. The paper P1,000 bill remains in circulation.

Polymer bills are deemed to be more durable than the Philippines’ current abaca-based bills as they are said to last longer. These banknotes are also water, oil, and dirt-resistant, according to the central bank.

The BSP added in its Monday statement that individuals can verify the value or authenticity of their currency with any bank, as lenders will refer these cases to the central bank for examination.

Under Presidential Decree No. 247 issued in 1973, it is illegal to willfully deface, mutilate, tear, burn or destroy notes and coins issued by the BSP. Violating this will result in a fine of not more than P20,000 and/or imprisonment of a maximum of five years.

The BSP made the clarification following social media reports about establishments refusing to accept creased polymer P1,000 bills for payment. The establishment concerned has already refuted these reports. — K.B. Ta-asan

JRU outlasts LPU in five-set thriller, earns Final Four slot

July 13, 2022 | 12:01 am

JOSÉ Rizal University (JRU) outlasted Lyceum of the Philippines University (LPU) in the fifth and final set, 25-11, 16-25, 17-25, 25-21, 17-15, on Tuesday to complete a semifinal return since 2018 in the NCAA Season 97 volleyball at the Paco Arena.

Sydney Mae Niegos came through big particularly in the deciding set where she had key blocks and finished with a team-best 14 points while skipper Dolly Versoza chipped in 11 hits including 10 on spikes to help power the Lady Bombers seal the fourth and last seat to the stepladder semis.

There, JRU clashes with No. 3 San Sebastian in another knockout game for the former set on Friday with the winner battling No. 2 Arellano University.

The victor of the stepladder phase will battle College of St. Benilde, which swept its way straight to the finals with nine wins, in the best-of-three championships.

JRU actually ended up tied at No. 4 with idle Mapua on 5-4 records but took the last slot—its second semis appearance since making it that far four years ago—with a better quotient score.

“I’m lost for words, but I’m very proud of the girls,” said an emotional JRU coach Mia Tioseco.

It was particularly memorable for Ms. Versoza, who will graduate with at two Final Four appearances as she was part of that historic JRU squad that had advanced that far for the first time since the school decided to bring back the volleyball program in 2008.

“We’re very excited and very happy for the whole JRU community,” said Ms. Tioseco.

In contrast, it was a heartbreaking defeat for the Lady Pirates, who were seeking a date with destiny as they had never made it the playoff round in the sport since joining the first and oldest collegiate league in the land 11 years back.

Meanwhile, the league forfeited the non-bearing game between University of Perpetual Help and San Beda due to health reasons. — Joey Villar