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Style (11/08/21)

Merrell releases limited edition Funfetti MOAB 2 Boot

OUTDOOR lifestyle brand Merrell has been at the forefront of the hiking shoe category for 40 years. Known for the Moab boot — a staple in yearly lists for “the best hiking boots” by The New York Times, Travel and Leisure, and Forbes — Merrell has a devoted fanbase that spans hardcore hikers to those who embrace outdoor fashion. To celebrate its 40th anniversary, the “Mother of All Boots” is given the funfetti treatment from its uppers down to its outsoles. The Funfetti Moab 2 Mid Waterpoof bears the hallmarks of the regular Moab such as durable leather uppers, a supportive footbed, and incredible on-trail traction. The uppers are reimagined in off-white while the speckled Vibram outsole is supposed to imitate rainbow sprinkles. The boot is punctuated by multicolor laces that tie the birthday theme together. These shoes may look like a sweet treat but they’re made to perform in the trails. This limited-edition Moab comes in whole men’s sizes from 7 to 12. Shop the Moab 2 Funfetti in Merrell concept stores nationwide and online at www.merrell.com.ph.

Unbox gifts from Korres

GREEK skincare brand Korres was born out of Athens’ oldest homeopathic pharmacy in 1996. This festive season, the brand is highlighting Korres Pure Greek Olive with an extensive selection of skincare, body care, and lip care essentials, as well as the Korres Eau De Toilette Collection featuring scents that tell different stories. One of the best-selling products, the Pure Greek Olive 3in1 Nourishing Oil, is rich in organic extra virgin olive oil and reinforced with a mixture of vitamins C, E, F, and omega-6 fatty acids for smooth and elastic skin. This multitasking product can also be used to achieve shiny, silky hair and prevent breakage and frizz. For removing impurities and make-up, there is Pure Greek Olive 3-in-1 Cleansing Emulsion. Another product is the creamy exfoliator Pure Greek Olive Creamy Exfoliating Scrub which has natural olive stone grains to effectively get rid of dead skin cells. To keep skin moisturized throughout the day without the sticky feeling, there is a lightweight day cream, the Pure Greek Olive Moisturizing Day Cream. Pure Greek Olive Nourishing Night Cream is enriched with antioxidant olive leaf extract, extra virgin olive oil, and hyaluronic acid. For lips, the Pure Greek Olive Lip Oil will keep them plump and supple. The ultra-hydrating lip oil also adds shimmer and a shiny finish. Pure Greek Olive Traditional Soap is a 100% natural olive oil soap base that gently cleanses the skin and leaves behind a soft and supple feel. The Pure Greek Olive Showergel is available in different, scents like olive blossom, verbena, sea salt, golden apple, lime, pomegranate, and peach blossom. It can be paired with Pure Greek Olive Body Cream which is available in the same scents. Other products are Pure Greek Olive Body Balsam and Pure Greek Olive Hand Cream. Korres also has a line of fragrances including Morning Mimosa, Vanilla Freesia, White Tea, Mountain Pepper, and Oceanic Amber. Korres products are available in select Beauty Bar stores, beautybar.com.ph, trunc.ph, and the Korres Flagship Store in LazMall.

Montblanc releases eco-conscious bags

MONTBLANC is introducing Montblanc Blue Spirit, a collection of bags and accessories containing regenerated fabric and other environmentally conscious materials. The bags are crafted for customers who care about their environmental footprint while expressing themselves through their style. All the material used in the eco-friendly line was selected to minimize environmental impact, starting with the fabric used both externally and for the lining of each piece — a sustainable nylon yarn called Econyl which is made of waste like fishing nets, carpets, and fabric scraps. Econyl can be recycled infinitely without losing its quality. The collection uses leather made with less water, chemical products, and CO2 emissions. The stainless steel in the detailing in 100% recyclable. Every detail made from plastic including the closures and buckles in certain styles have had a previous life. The straps are made with recycled polyester (Rpet or rePET) that is almost identical to virgin polyester in terms of quality, but its production requires 59% less energy and results in a 32% decrease in CO2 emissions. An internal leather tag stitched inside each of the pieces features a manifesto: “Those who dare, those who will, those who care make the difference.” The full Montblanc Blue Spirit assortment includes two city backpacks, a tote with straps so it can be worn as a backpack, an envelope bag to be worn over the shoulder and a mini envelope, a belt bag, and a duffle, wash bag, a pouch, and a case for overnight trips.

Uniqlo has offers, promos for holidays

GLOBAL apparel retailer Uniqlo will have a series of mega sales and promotions leading up to Christmas. The festivities begin with the 11.11 on Nov. 11, where shoppers can enjoy special offers and discounts on select LifeWear pieces. This will be followed by the Kanshasai (Thank You) Festival from Nov. 19 to 25. New and existing Uniqlo customers can also look forward to the Black Friday and Cyber Monday Sales on Nov. 26 and Nov. 29, respectively. To cap off the season’s festivities and special sale dates, Uniqlo will be conducting a 12.12 sale on Dec. 12. This Holiday season customers will be given a new and limited-edition design of the Uniqlo paper bag which includes parols (lantern). Uniqlo Philippines is also introducing singer and actress Sarah Geronimo-Guidicelli as the new Holiday ambassador. She will join Jose Mari Chan for a new and original Christmas jingle that will be played in Uniqlo stores nationwide. For more updates, visit Uniqlo Philippines’ website at www.uniqlo.com/ph.

Globe 0917 Lifestyle launches first sustainability line

GLOBE’S 0917 Lifestyle brand collaborates with Revolve, a Philippine-based social enterprise, to create products including T-shirts and totes using recycled polyethylene tetraphyte (RPET) bottles. The 0917 Lifestyle Sustainability Shirt, an especially recycled custom unisex shirt, is made from 60% cotton and 40% RPET, equating to roughly four to six one-liter plastic bottles. The tote bag is made from 100% recycled plastic bottles, exactly three one-liter bottles worth. The new sustainability collection is available online at http://0917lifestyle.com/collections/globe-of-good-for-sustainability. To know more about 0917 Lifestyle, visit www.0917Lifestyle.com or check its social media pages. Instagram: @/0917 and Facebook: 0917 Lifestyle.

Yankee Candles on sale

PERFECT Serenity Bliss, Inc., the authorized distributor of Yankee Candles in the Philippines, is holding the PSBI Anniversary Online Sale on its website and online stores. There is an extensive catalog of marked-down Yankee Candle items, from the collection of home fragrances and candle accessories to car scents. The newest candle collection, launched in September, is The Signature Collection. For details on the sale and more, visit www.serenitybliss.com.ph, or follow its social media pages on Facebook www.facebook.com/yankeecandlephilippines and Instagram www.instagram.com/yankeecandlephilippines.

Xiaomi teams up with Swarovski

TECHNOLOGY brand Xiaomi has announced its partnership with Swarovski on a limited edition offering of Xiaomi 11 Lite 5G NE. An iconic Swarovski pendant will be included with selected Xiaomi 11 Lite 5G NE variants across Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. The limited-edition box contains a state-of-the-art Xiaomi 11 Lite 5G NE paired with Swarovski’s signature swan necklace, embellished with a gradation of blue crystals. Xiaomi introduced a new color for the limited edition — Snowflake White, matte and frosted white similar to freshly fallen snow, matching the elegance of Swarovski. The 8+128GB variant of Xiaomi 11 Lite 5G NE packaged in a premium gift box that comes with the Swarovski pendant will retail at P18,990 in all participating Xiaomi Authorized Stores from Nov. 5 to 12. For details on the Xiaomi and Swarovski’s limited time offer, follow the official Xiaomi Facebook page.

OPPO gadgets up to 56% off on 11.11

OPPO will be offering discounts of up to 56% on select gadgets during the 11.11 online brand sale on Shopee and Lazada on Nov. 11. Get deals on OPPO smartphones, including A15 (3GB), A15s, A16 (3GB), A54 (6GB), A74 5G, Reno5, Reno5 5G, and select IoT accessories such as Enco Buds, and OPPO Band B1. Starting Nov. 5, shoppers can start collecting store vouchers amounting to P200 for every minimum spend of P9,999 and P400-off for a minimum purchase of P14,999 which can be redeemed on Nov. 11. Shoppers will have a chance to get free wireless G25 Earphones for all mobile phone orders for a limited time on Nov. 11, from midnight to 2 a.m. Additionally, orders made during the sale will be included on the 11.11 OPPO Livestream raffle via Lazada and Shopee. Ten winners from Shopee and Lazada will receive their orders for free, and six winners from Lazada will win Globe LTE-A Home Prepaid WiFi Modem with three months of 100GB of data. For more updates and detailed promotion mechanics about the sale, visit OPPO’s official website at www.oppo.com/ph or via the official Facebook page at OPPO Philippines.

Scandinavian oral care design arrives in PHL

JORDAN, a Scandinavian brand that has been caring for people’s teeth since 1927 and with world-wide presence in over 50 global markets has now arrived in the Philippines. It brings its range of good quality, easy-to-use, and stylish products to make people’s dental care routine as uncomplicated as possible. Each product is made with carefully selected materials and a purposeful design that has been recognized by international design award-giving bodies such as the Red Dot Design Award and Norwegian Design Council. Its product range for kids, Jordan Steps, offers toothbrushes and toothpastes that are designed with different features that are tailor-made for the child’s age and oral development to help parents establish fun and good dental care habits. For adults, Jordan has a range of products that fit different oral care needs and preferences. Reflecting the Scandinavian and Nordic countries relationship to nature, sustainability is an integral part to Jordan’s product portfolio. The Green Clean toothbrush is made of sustainable and recycled materials — with bio-based nylon bristles, a 100% recycled plastic handle, and packaging made of recycled paper fibers. Jordan Oral Care products are now available in all South Supermarket branches and its official stores on Shopee and Lazada.To know more about Jordan, visit https://www.jordanoralcare.com/.

4-in-1 body lotion includes mosquito repellant

HELLO Glow has introduced Citronella 4-in-1 Body Lotion which contains citronella which irritates and drives away mosquitoes. It is also enriched with Vitamin E which helps protect the skin from damage. It hydrates the skin and serves as a moderately effective natural barrier against the sun. It also contains aloe vera, which has anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce pain or swelling. Aloe vera also helps moisturize, soothe, and hydrate the skin. Finally, Hello Glow 4-in-1 is also infused with the cooling effect of peppermint, for that cool, refreshing feeling. Hello Glow Citronella 4-in-1 Body Lotion (P250) available in Watsons, Lazada (lazada.com.ph/shop/hello-glow/), Shopee (shopee.ph/helloglowofficialstore), and in Ever Bilena Direct Sales.

Anytime Fitness PHL launches year-end sale

ANYTIME Fitness Philippines concludes 2021 with a nationwide Year-End Sale. It will be launched on 11.11 and will run until Nov. 25. The campaign offers the lowest rates for both NCR (National Capital Region) and provincial clubs. The sale also activates the online sign-up option for all clubs nationwide, a first for Anytime Fitness PH. New joiners can avail of the sale rates by visiting any Anytime Fitness club or via the online sign-up links in the clubs’ social media pages. For inquiries visit the Anytime Fitness Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/AnytimeFitnessPhilippines, Instagram page https://www.instagram.com/afphilippines_/, and website https://www.anytimefitness.ph/.

Brazil’s coffee crop expected to rebound after experiencing above-average rainfall

REUTERS

BRAZIL’S 2022-23 coffee crop will probably rebound after favorable rains brought relief from drought, according to Ecom Trading, one of the world’s biggest traders of the commodity.

“We are very optimistic about the recovery,” said Jorge Esteve, a vice-president of Ecom’s Brazilian unit in Sao Paulo. “Rains have been very good, above average since September.”

The wold’s biggest producer will collect the high-yielding cycle of the arabica harvest next year. This year’s crop was hurt by dry weather that reduced output to 54.7 million bags from a record above 70 million bags in 2020-21. Brazil’s crop year spans from July through the following June.

Bigger production could replenish depleted stockpiles and clip the rally in prices. Arabica coffee futures surged 62% this year in New York, with tighter supplies in South America compounded by soaring freight costs and a shortage of containers. That’s lifted the cost outlook for companies such that use the beans such as Starbucks Corp. and Nestlé SA.

Yields from farms south Minas Gerais and Alta Mogiana hit hard by frosts in July will still be affected. Other places like Zona da Mata or robusta-growing regions that experienced milder weather should see better crops. Added plantings in places like Bahia and Rondonia should bump robusta production, Esteve said.  

Ecom’s projections tend to be higher than official forecasts in Brazil and are typically more aligned with the US Department of Agriculture. Brazil consumes around 23.6 million bags a year, with exports exceeding 30 million. A bag weighs 60 kilograms.

Like the rest of the world, the nation is dealing with logistical snarls that have held back about 6 million bags from export over the past few months, Esteve said. A trucker-driver strike  this week has delayed shipments to ports, he said. — Bloomberg

Mitsubishi Xpander Black Series boasts elegant, sophisticated look

PHOTO FROM MITSUBISHI MOTORS PHILIPPINES CORP.

MITSUBISHI MOTORS Philippines Corp. (MMPC) unveils a new trim of its popular MPV model. The Xpander Black Series “takes on a more elegant look with new black accessory accents,” said MMPC in a release. The grille, Dynamic Shield garnish, lower bumper, fog light bezel, and door mirrors are rendered in black to project an aggressive look. For the side and back profile, the sill garnish, door handles, panel moldings, rear lower bumper, and 17-inch alloy wheels are also painted black.

The company said that “the Mitsubishi Xpander is a nameplate that is known to have revolutionized the MPV segment.” Rolled out in the Philippines in 2018, the Xpander pioneered a “bold and sporty design that broke the traditional conservative and practical look of multi-purpose vehicles.” The Xpander was the first Mitsubishi Motors vehicle to carry the Dynamic Shield. The model quickly became the leader in its category.

MMPC President and CEO Takeshi Hara said, “The new Xpander black series is developed to rejuvenate excitement towards our number-one-selling MPV. The Xpander remains to be a very important product in our vehicle lineup and we at MMPC are geared to consistently enhance its offerings to cater to the various demands of the market. With the Black Series, the Xpander presents a more sophisticated look.”

Apart from its new style and personality, the Xpander Black Series still boasts a spacious interior that can accommodate seven adults; flexible seating configuration; a dependable and fuel-efficient 1.5-liter MIVEC engine; a range of comfort, convenience, and safety features; and easy ownership experience.

The Xpander Black Series is available in two colors, Quartz White Pearl and Black Jet Mica, and is priced at P1,138,000. For more information, visit www.mitsubishi-motors.com.ph/cars/xpander/black-series or schedule an appointment with a preferred dealer.

AllDay’s expansion plans lure investors in first week

By Keren Concepcion G. Valmonte, Reporter

NEWLY-LISTED AllDay Marts, Inc. was one of the most actively traded stocks last week, as investors sought a piece of one of the fastest-growing grocery retailers.

Data from the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) showed a total of 4.6 billion AllDay shares worth P3.97 billion were traded from Nov. 3 to 5, making AllDay the fifth most active stock on the market.

Friday saw AllDay’s stock close at 77 centavos apiece compared to its initial public offering (IPO) price of 60 centavos per share.

AllDay made its market debut last Wednesday, hitting the 50% daily trading limit at the beginning of the trading session.

“Investors who haven’t been allocated enough shares during the offer period attempted to buy AllDay shares in the open market instead, which may have played a part in the stock’s strong close during the first day of trading,” Darren Blaine T. Pangan, trader at Timson Securities, Inc., said in a Viber message on Friday.

“Profit taking activity was more pronounced and eventually pulled the stock lower during its second day of trading,” Mr. Pangan said. “[AllDay], however, still closed higher than its IPO price.”

On Nov. 4, AllDay shares hit a high of P1.10. It reached an intraday low of 71 centavos before closing higher than its IPO price by 23.33%, or 14 centavos, to 74 centavos apiece. However, this is lower than its 90 centavos finish on Nov. 3.

Investors were drawn to the stock because of the company’s expansion plans, said Claire T. Alviar, senior research and engagement officer at Philstocks Financial, Inc.

“It is… one of the fast-growing grocery stores in the Philippines with earnings growing by a two-year CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of 94.92%,” Ms. Alviar said in a Viber message on Saturday.

“Positive sentiment in the market given the easing of restrictions and reopening of the economy also helped in the first-week performance of [AllDay],” she added.

Metro Manila’s quarantine restrictions have been lowered to Alert Level 2, which will be in effect until Nov. 21.

The Villar-led grocery operator plans to use its IPO proceeds to pay off debt, fund capital expenditures, and expand its store network.

AllDay intends to expand its current 33-store network to 45 by next year and 100 by the end of 2026.

AllDay’s sales surged to P7.93 billion in 2020 from P3.05 billion in 2018, representing a CAGR of 61.4%, according to its final prospectus dated Oct. 12. Its net profit increased at a CAGR of 94.2% during the period, reaching P219.6 million in 2020.

“The management’s confidence that their strong performance over the years can be sustained may have given a boost to the stock’s performance over the past few days,” Timson Securities’ Mr. Pangan said.

First-half profits rose 58.8% to P179.6 million, while sales grew 19.7% to P4.49 billion in the first half of 2021. Philstocks Financial’s Ms. Alviar believes that AllDay’s momentum will continue into the second half of the year.

“This year, we expect [AllDay’s] net income to grow by 79.28% year on year to P393.69 million since we project [AllDay’s] top line in the second half to be 1.5 times higher than the first six months, given the seasonality factors in the last quarter of the year, particularly with the easing of restrictions,” she said.

“We remain bullish but we will monitor its expansion plans, particularly if it will be able to meet its target [store openings] next year.”

Ms. Alviar pegged the stock’s support at 75 centavos and its resistance at 80 to 83 centavos.

Meanwhile, Mr. Pangan placed the support and resistance levels at 74 centavos and P1.10, respectively.

“As the volatility quiets down in the coming days, we’ll have to see if its support at P0.74 holds, otherwise its IPO price at P0.60 may be considered the next support area to watch,” he said.

How PSEi member stocks performed — November 5, 2021

Here’s a quick glance at how PSEi stocks fared on Friday, November 5, 2021.

Analysts’ Q3 2021 GDP estimates

ECONOMIC GROWTH likely slowed in the third quarter after lockdowns were reimposed in August to curb a surge in coronavirus infections, economists said. Read the full story.

Analysts’ Q3 2021 GDP growth estimates

Shares may move sideways before Q3 GDP data

STOCKS are expected to move sideways this week as ahead of the release of the country’s third-quarter gross domestic product (GDP) data and companies’ financial reports.

The 30-member Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) rose 137.05 points or 1.90% to close at 7,340.77 on Friday, while the broader all shares index increased 53.84 points or 1.21% to end at 4,491.01.

Week on week, the benchmark PSEi inched up by 286.07 points from its 7,054.70 finish on Oct. 31.

Friday’s close was a “new high in nearly 11 months or since Jan. 11, 2021 and also well into pre-pandemic highs or since Feb. 21, 2020,” Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC) Chief Economist Michael L. Ricafort said in a Viber message.

“Market rally last week was due to the pleasant inflation surprise, lower than expected for the month of October, and the economy’s transition to Alert Level 2,” First Metro Investment Corp. (FMIC) Head of Research Cristina S. Ulang said.

Inflation eased to a three-month low in October amid a slower increase in food prices, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported on Friday.

Headline inflation settled at 4.6%, slower than the 4.8% in September, but faster than 2.5% a year earlier. Still, this was the third straight month inflation exceeded the 2-4% target of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas for the year.

This brought headline inflation for the first ten months to 4.5%, faster than the 4.4% forecast by the central bank for the year.

Meanwhile, National Capital Region is under the lower Alert Level 2 on Nov. 5 to 21.

Investors also cheered the “positive manufacturing report for the month of October” as the economy further reopened, Timson Securities, Inc. Trader Darren Blaine T. Pangan said.

The Philippines Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index edged up to 51 last month from 50.9 in September, IHS Markit reported last week. A reading above 50 indicates improving conditions for the manufacturing sector versus the previous month, and below the threshold means deterioration.

For this week, “the market rally will extend and attempt a breakout above 7,400,” FMIC’s Ms. Ulang said.

“There could be bouts of profit taking but will be muted by resurgent corporate earnings growth as of (the ninth month of 2021),” she added.

“Investors may be looking forward to the country’s GDP report for the third quarter of the year” which will be released by the PSA on Tuesday, Timson Securities’ Mr. Pangan added.

RCBC’s Mr. Ricafort said other leads for the market are US Federal Reserve Chair Jerome H. Powell’s speech on Tuesday and the release of US inflation data on Wednesday.

The PSEi’s next resistance is at 7,400 to 7,500 “prior to further upside potential to new highs for 2021 as well as prior to new highs since the pandemic started last year,” he added, while immediate support is at 7,000. — B.A.D. Añago

Analysts warn against compulsory vaccination

PHILSTAR

By Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza, Reporter
and Alyssa Nicole O. Tan and Russell Louis C. Ku

REQUIRING people to get vaccinated against the coronavirus may lead to political divisions and tarnish the credibility of the government’s pandemic response, according to analysts.

“Mandatory vaccination has no legal basis and may even be violative of some persons’ human rights,” Party-list Rep. Carlo Isagani T. Zarate said in a Facebook Messenger chat. The state is partly to blame for vaccine hesitancy because it needs to educate people about it, he added.

“The problem is that the administration has enforced military solutions and has not performed to control the pandemic” he said. “Now, they plan to force and scare people into getting vaccinated, instead of convincing them with a good explanation.”

Last week, vaccine czar Carlito G. Galvez, Jr. said he was in favor of making coronavirus vaccinations compulsory, otherwise Filipinos would be at risk.

Mr. Zarate cited the need for information campaigns “so that more Filipinos would see the importance of vaccination in the fight against this pandemic.”  “Public health education is key.”

“Forcing people to get vaccinated does not take into consideration the fact that there are actually still more people who really want to get vaccinated,” said Maria Ela L. Atienza, a political science professor at the University of the Philippines.

A poll conducted by the Social Weather Stations from Sept. 27 to 30 showed that 64% of adult Filipinos were now willing to get vaccinated against the coronavirus, up from 55% in June.

The government wants to increase the number of vaccinated people “so that they can claim it as an achievement,” Ms. Atienza said in a Viber message. “That is why they want to make it mandatory.”

“There may be legal challenges in court should this proposal push through,” she added.

More businesses around the world have been prioritizing fully vaccinated job seekers. Critics have said making employment conditions based on vaccination status is highly discriminatory.

In the Philippines, business groups have been urging the government to allow the private sector to impose stricter requirements on unvaccinated employees and patrons, and to decline unvaccinated job applicants.

Last month, President Rodrigo R. Duterte said government workers who refuse to be vaccinated should resign.

A bill seeking to make COVID-19 vaccination mandatory is pending at the House of Representatives.

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario S. Vergeire has said compulsory vaccinations would help the country achieve herd immunity. 

Ramon Lorenzo Luis “Renzo” R. Guinto, a medical doctor and associate professor of global public health at the St. Luke’s Medical Center College of Medicine, said the right to refuse vaccines is not absolute “especially if there is a strong case for improving the overall public welfare — including the health of the one being immunized.” 

“In a health emergency such as this pandemic, the government can argue that this temporary suspension of the right to choose can lead to lifelong protection of health and of that same right to choose,” he said in a Facebook Messenger chat. “If you die of COVID-19, there is no more right to choose, no human rights, no civil liberties to enjoy.”

Mandatory vaccinations could lead to boycott and lowered business income, said Bienvenido S. Oplas, Jr., head of think tank Minimal Government Thinkers.

The state should let businesses impose vaccination policies on their own if necessary and face the consequences, he said in a Viber message.

Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) President Benedicto V. Yujuico in an e-mail said the group favors both the “no vaccine, no entry” and “no vaccine, no work” policy.

He also said there is no need for legislation to enforce the policy, which he said could fast-track economic recovery through increased consumer confidence.

Mr. Yujuico said people have a right to choose not to get vaccinated, but “it is not their right to contaminate and expose others to COVID.” “Therefore, they must accept the consequences of being unvaccinated for the good of the majority.”

Michael L. Ricafort, chief economist at Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. said the positives of mandatory vaccination outweigh the negatives in terms of economic impact.

This would lead to a further reopening of the economy, create more jobs and livelihood, he added.

Gene A. Nisperos, a board member of the Community Medicine Development Foundation, said forcing people to get vaccinated is wrong “legally and ethically.” He added that the state’s vaccination program is flawed.

“We respect patient’s rights and uphold their autonomy,” he said in a Viber message. “At the very least, intake of medicine is part of shared decision-making. Thus, convincing the patient thru painstaking explanation is key.”

Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) spokesman Alan A. Tanjusay said low vaccine supply in some provinces remained a problem.

“Many. of the workers are willing to get vaccinated but they have accessibility problems,” he said in a Viber message.

He added making vaccination mandatory could worsen discrimination against unvaccinated workers.

“It’s discriminatory and unfair to workers who have a difficulty accessing limited and inadequate supply of vaccines, and to employers and business owners who can’t buy vaccines for their employees,” he said.

The Philippines aims to give out as many as 1.5 million vaccine doses daily starting Nov. 20. The government has started inoculating children aged 12 to 17 years old and is planning to vaccinate children below 12 years next year.

Philippines adds 2,605 COVID cases, 191 more deaths

PHILIPPINE STAR/ MICHAEL VARCAS

THE DEPARTMENT of Health (DoH) reported 2,605 coronavirus infections on Sunday, bringing the total to 2.8 million.

The death toll rose to 44,430 after 191 more patients died, while recoveries increased by 3,901 to 2.7 million, it said.

There were 33,526 active cases, 66% of which were mild, 5.7% did now show symptoms, 9% were severe, 15.41% were moderate and 3.8% were critical.

The agency said the intensive care unit occupancy rates in the Philippines and Metro Manila were 42% and 38%, respectively.

DoH said 13 duplicates had been removed from the tally, nine of which were recoveries, while 151 recoveries were relisted as deaths. Two laboratories failed to submit data on Nov. 5.

Daily coronavirus infections in the Philippines could fall to fewer than 1,000 by the end of the month, according to researchers from the country’s premier university.

The granular lockdowns in the capital region had helped reverse a surge of the more contagious Delta coronavirus variant, OCTA Research Group fellow Fredegusto P. David told CNN Philippines on Friday.

The capital region was placed under Alert Level 2 from Nov. 5 to 21 amid decreasing infections.

Under the lockdown level, businesses may operate indoors at 50% capacity. They will get an additional 10% capacity if they have a so-called safety seal from the government. For outdoor operations, they may operate at 70% capacity.

It will also allow minors to leave their homes. Local government units can impose “reasonable restrictions” on their movements as long as they are not stricter than higher alert levels.

Mr. David tweeted that the average cases in Metro Manila had fallen to 493, the lowest since Feb. 18.

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario S. Vergeire has said the alert level system first tested in Metro Manila would be expanded nationwide by Dec. 1.

The state started granular lockdowns in the capital region in mid-September to spur business activity.

The Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) has also allowed limited face-to-face classes in colleges for all degree programs in areas under Alert Level 2, the presidential palace said on Friday.

These would be subject to conditions set by the commission, presidential spokesman Herminio L. Roque, Jr. told a televised news briefing. Students and faculty participating in face-to-face classes must have been fully vaccinated against the coronavirus. Room capacity will be limited to 50% and facilities will be retrofitted to ensure social distancing. Local government units must also approve the setup. — Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza

P1-B fresh fund set for EU, Germany-supported Mindanao peace, economic program  

BW FILE PHOTO

A P1-billion peace program backed by the European Union (EU) and German government was launched last week, targeting to benefit marginalized sectors, including smallholder farmers and fisherfolk in Mindanao.  

The four-year project, called SPADe or Strengthening the Implementation of Regional and Local Peace and Development Agendas in Mindanao, will support plans set out by the peace and economic councils across six regions.   

“Special attention will be given to vulnerable and marginalized groups such as smallholder farmers and fisher folk, indigenous peoples, internally displaced people, women, and youth,” according to a statement released Friday by the European External Action Service, the EU’s diplomatic service.   

EU Ambassador Luc Véron said the project “is consistent with our EU vision, which calls for an integrated approach to conflicts, supports state and societal resilience, addresses extreme poverty, inequality and chronic fragility.”  

“Building on our past and current engagements… by investing in improved social cohesion and resilience of communities and by creating economic opportunities, we will contribute to peace,” Mr. Véron said during the launch ceremony.      

SPADe is part of the Mindanao Peace and Development Programme (MinPAD RISE), intended to contribute to inclusive economic growth in the country’s southern area. 

MinPAD RISE initially received a €35.5 grant, or about P2 billion, in June 2020.   

The SPADe program will be implemented by the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) and the Department of Interior and Local Government, with support from German development agency GIZ GmbH.  

“Germany remains committed to contributing to the comprehensive efforts of the peace-building process in Mindanao by providing substantial funding and experts,” German Ambassador to the Philippines Anke Reiffenstuel said.   

Undersecretary Janet M. Lopoz, executive director of MinDA which is also the implementing agency of MinPAD RISE, said it is important to complement “the different initiatives” relating to peace and economic development.  

SPADe will focus on farm and fishery value chain development and investment promotion, strengthening cooperatives and small enterprises, promotion of good governance among local units, natural resources management, and empowerment of vulnerable groups.  

“To reach its socio-economic objectives, the project will promote climate-smart agricultural value chains and improve the services of agricultural cooperatives to their members,” the statement said. — Marifi S. Jara 

Iloilo town leaders told to hasten hiring of 1,092 medical personnel to boost vaccination 

ILOILO PICAO

THE ILOILO provincial government called on town leaders to hasten the hiring of more than 1,000 medical personnel who will augment the coronavirus vaccine rollout, with only 26% of the target population fully vaccinated as of Nov. 3. 

An initial batch of new hires signed their contracts over the weekend, according to the provincial government.  

Iloilo Gov. Arthur R. Defensor, Jr. signed an order in end-October for the contractual employment of 1,092 vaccinators, composed of 156 medical officers, 312 nurses, and 624 nursing attendants.   

They will be paid by the provincial government but the 42 towns and one component city, Passi, are encouraged to hire among their residents for easier deployment.     

“The hiring of medical staff to augment your vaccination teams(s) shall take effect immediately or until Dec. 31, 2021, after which we will evaluate if there is a need to extend their services,” reads the order signed on Oct. 29. 

The daily rates are P2,627.50 for medical officers, P1,146.91 for nurses, and P600.64 for nursing attendants.   

Department of Health (DoH) data as of Nov. 3 show the province had administered the first vaccine dose to 548,901 individuals or 38% of the target which is 70% of the 2.05 million population.   

Those who are fully-vaccinated or have received two jabs stood at 374,462 or 26% of the target.   

Aside from designated main inoculation sites, the provincial health office has also been implementing vaccination activities at the communities. The province also started the vaccination of minors aged 12-17 on Nov. 5.   

The province is currently under an alert level 2, one of the most relaxed quarantine categories.   

As of Nov. 6, DoH data show the province had 2,430 active coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases out of the 34,105 recorded since the start of the pandemic. There were 30,695 recoveries and 969 deaths.   

Data for the province excludes the urban center Iloilo City, which is administered independently. — MSJ

Metro malls to have longer operating hours by mid-November  

PHILIPPINE STAR/ MIGUEL DE GUZMAN

SHOPPING malls in the Philippine capital and nearby cities will be on a longer operating schedule starting mid-November, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said.  

The adjustment comes after Metro Manila mayors lifted the general curfew in the capital region last week along with the easing of the lockdown category to Alert Level 2.    

Malls in Metro Manila will operate from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm beginning Nov. 15, MMDA said in an advisory release Saturday night.   

Operations during weekends and holidays may start as early as 10 a.m., the metropolis’ development authority said separately in a Viber message.  

Independent research group OCTA earlier said Metro Manila is now back to where it was before it struggled to contain a spike in infections spurred by the highly contagious Delta variant, which has been closely watched by health experts worldwide. — Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza 

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