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Play to the top with the latest Omen by HP 16 gaming laptop

The grind never stops with the Omen by HP 16 laptop, powered by 11th Gen Intel® Core™ i7 processor and up to NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 3070 GPU to take gaming to the next level.

Gaming has grown from being a casual hobby to a lucrative career. For many players today, they may be introduced to video games through streaming platforms. While others are avid esport watchers who want to be like the pros.

Whether one is a casual or grinding to the top, they need a high-powered device that will level up their gameplay. The latest Omen by HP 16 laptop might just fit their needs because of its powerful capabilities without the bulk.

Max power and performance

Gaming happens with Intel®. The Omen is powered by 11th Gen Intel® Core™ i7 processor that ensures constant movements and shots are smooth. The 11th Gen Intel® Core™ processors bring powerful performance to your laptop for desktop-caliber gameplay, creation and mobile workstation productivity. These processors offer the pinnacle of mobile performance and unmatched connectivity, and are further equipped with the NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 3070 GPU that can handle stunning graphics, especially for cinematic games.

Sleek, compact design for gaming anywhere

From the desk to the living room couch to their friend’s house, gamers can carry the Omen by HP 16 laptop anywhere thanks to its sleek and lightweight design. It has a 16.1 diagonal inch screen with up to a QHD display, and a 165Hz refresh rate, so there’s no on-screen lag here. The Omen also comes with a floating hinge design that makes the screen look like it’s levitating.

The Omen by HP 16 laptop has a sleek 16.1 diagonal screen with up to a QHD display and a floating hinge, so gamers can play in style anywhere.

Play longer and cooler

With up to 9 hours battery life, players can grind any game as long as they want on the Omen by HP 16 laptop. They also don’t have to worry about overheating as it’s built with the OMEN Tempest Cooling, a three-sided venting and five-way airflow system that will keep everything cool even in the most heated games.

Personalize the gaming experience

Just like in-game customizations, players can customize the Omen’s performance and lighting options via the OMEN Gaming Hub. They can also get rewards just by playing certain games. It’s a one-stop hub to easily optimize the way they play.

Enjoy game sounds and cutscenes on loud speaker

Most gamers keep their headphones on to know where their opponents are, but there are also games that don’t require them. With audio by Bang & Olufsen, players can immerse themselves while playing and watching cutscenes while on loud speaker.

Overall, the Omen by HP 16 laptop carries the ideal specs to run various games. Casuals, advanced players, and esports pros will certainly feel a level-up in gameplay every time. The great part is that they can bring this gaming device anywhere, so the grind doesn’t stop.

Get the latest Omen by HP 16 laptop at HP Official Store in Lazada, Shopee, or visit the nearest Authorized HP Reseller store.

 

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Millionaires group calls for wealth tax at virtual Davos

ZURICH – A group of more than 100 billionaires and millionaires has issued a plea to political and business leaders convening virtually for the World Economic Forum: make us pay more tax.

The group calling itself the “Patriotic Millionaires” said that the ultra-wealthy were not currently being forced to pay their share of the global economic recovery from the pandemic.

“As millionaires, we know that the current tax system is not fair. Most of us can say that, while the world has gone through an immense amount of suffering in the last two years, we have actually seen our wealth rise during the pandemic – yet few if any of us can honestly say that we pay our fair share in taxes,” the signatories said in an open letter, published on the occasion of the World Economic Forum’s “virtual Davos“, which began on Jan. 17.

Reuters reported last year on the staggering rise in billionaires’ wealth in 2020, as the world went into lockdown and the global economy faced its worst recession since World War Two, prompting the millionaires‘ group to call for higher taxes.

While that spurred more than 130 countries to agree a deal to ensure big companies pay a global minimum tax rate of 15%, aimed at making it harder for them to avoid taxation, the millionaires said the wealthy still needed to contribute more.

Over the course of the two years of the pandemic, the fortunes of the world’s 10 richest individuals have risen to $1.5 trillion – or by $15,000 a second – a study by Oxfam this week showed.

 

‘PART OF THE PROBLEM’

In the letter, the signatories including Disney heiress Abigail Disney and venture capitalist Nick Hanauer told Davos participants convening for a week of online power-brokering and talks: “You’re not going to find the answer in a private forum… you’re part of the problem.”

A spokesperson for the World Economic Forum said paying a fair share of taxes was one of the forum’s tenets, and a wealth tax -as exists in Switzerland, where the organisation is based -could be a good model to deploy elsewhere.

In most countries outside a handful in Europe and some recent joiners in South America, the rich do not have to pay annual taxes on assets such as real estate, stocks or artwork, because they are taxed only when the asset is sold.

According to a study conducted by the Patriotic Millionaires together with Oxfam and other non-profits, a progressive wealth tax starting at 2% for those with more than $5 million and rising to 5% for billionaires could raise $2.52 trillion, enough globally to lift 2.3 billion people out of poverty and guarantee healthcare and social protection for individuals living in lower income countries.

The World Bank in 2021 published an article urging countries to consider a wealth tax to help reduce inequality, replenish state coffers depleted by COVID-19 relief schemes and regain social trust.

However, outside Argentina and Colombia, no new wealth tax schemes have been initiated since the start of the pandemic. – Reuters

Mild COVID cases still lead to attention and memory issues – study

LONDON – People with mild COVID-19 who do not suffer any other traditional “long COVID” symptoms can still exhibit deteriorated attention and memory six to nine months after infection, a study by Britain’s Oxford University has found.

Cognitive issues impacting concentration levels, along with forgetfulness and fatigue, are features of long COVID – a condition that afflicts some after an initial bout of infection – but it has not been established how widespread issues with attention span might be following COVID-19 infection.

In the study, participants who had tested positive for COVID-19 previously but did not report other traditional long COVID symptoms were asked to complete exercises to test their memory and cognitive ability.

The researchers found that participants were significantly worse at recalling personal experiences, known as episodic memory, up to six months after infection.

They also had a bigger decline in their ability to sustain attention over time than uninfected individuals up to nine months after infection.

“What is surprising is that although our COVID-19 survivors did not feel any more symptomatic at the time of testing, they showed degraded attention and memory,” said Dr Sijia Zhao of the Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford.

“Our findings reveal that people can experience some chronic cognitive consequences for months.”

The researchers said that individuals over time demonstrated episodic memory and attention span largely returned to normal after six and nine months, respectively.

Participants also performed well in tests of other cognitive abilities, including working memory and planning, in the analysis of 136 participants.

Stephen Burgess of the MRC Biostatistics Unit at the University of Cambridge highlighted the small number of people involved in the study, adding that it was not randomised.

“However, despite this, differences between the COVID and non-COVID groups in terms of several specific measures of cognitive ability looked at in this study were striking,” he said.

“Despite the limitations of non-randomised research, it seems unlikely that these results can be explained by systematic differences between the groups unrelated to COVID infection.” – Reuters

Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines partners with ORIX Rental Corporation as its fleet solutions provider

Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines, Inc. (CCBPI)—the bottling arm of Coca-Cola in the country—strengthens its partnership with ORIX Rental Corporation (ORC), one of the country’s leading companies engaged in Full Service Operating Lease (FSOL) of cars, vans and light trucks—with the latest delivery of almost 300 new service vehicles for Coca-Cola’s sales force under ORC’s FSOL solutions.

The procurement of new Toyota service vehicles is part of CCBPI’s Tools of Trade refresh program, which decommissions older vehicles to upgrade the fleet with new models. Once the delivery tranches of vehicles are finalized, CCBPI will have a total of close to 800 units with active operating leases with ORC.

The delivery of the first batch composed of 202 units started in December 2020 and was completed last April. Last September, CCBPI awarded ORC a contract to provide close to 600 more units, which are scheduled to be turned over from December 2021 onwards.

“Our Company’s top priority has always been to look after our people. Part of our People First commitment is to make sure that our associates have the proper resources for a more fulfilling career,” says Richard Schlasberg, CCBPI Commercial Vice President. “Amid the challenges we face, we are pursuing our People initiatives and we continue to empower our people through initiatives like refreshing our tools of trade.”

Schlasberg adds, “We are excited to complete the deliveries and to fully transition to the new vehicles very soon. We are very grateful for our partnership with ORC, and for their help and support.”

“We are truly honored to have been chosen as the corporate fleet solutions partner of CCBPI. ORIX Rental Corporation is a Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) company. Our full service operating lease offers worry-free solutions that help improve the efficiency and productivity of the sales and operating officers of companies. We manage all the time-consuming administrative tasks such as vehicle purchase, maintenance, registration and insurance, thereby allowing our clients to concentrate on their core business,” ORC President Constancio Tan said during the ceremonial turnover held recently at Toyota Makati, Inc. (TMI) showroom in Makati City.

Present at the turnover ceremony were Ronald Tamayo (CCBPI Procurement Director), Mike Gamo (Procurement Category Manager), Shintaro Yamaji (ORC Director), Helen Aguilar (ORC Executive Group Head), Lito Ondevilla (ORC Marketing and Operations Group Head), Blesilda Rodriguez (President, Toyota Makati, Inc.), and Cristina Fe Arevalo (Senior Vice President of New Mobility Business Division, Toyota Motor Philippines).

FSOL benefits and advantages

ORC services multinational companies and big local corporations by providing vehicles for lease to cater to their various transportation needs. Its FSOL product is the best option for acquiring brand new vehicles since companies do not need to allocate any funds and pay outright. The monthly rental payments are fixed throughout the term of the lease period.

The company’s FSOL offers a complete service package – from the purchase of vehicles, periodic service maintenance, insurance claims, LTO renewal and disposal of units. Each client will have one central contact (Fleet Service Advisor) who will oversee all matters related to their fleet such as scheduling of preventive maintenance, assisting during accidents and addressing technical concerns for the entire lease agreement.

Companies can rest assured that vehicles are in prime condition since maintenance is carried out regularly. ORC has close to 400 accredited dealers and repair shops nationwide that can provide servicing maintenance of the leased vehicles.

The full range of ORC’s value-added services include 24-hour roadside assistance, seminars on defensive driving techniques, carnapping prevention, basic vehicle maintenance and fuel saving tips, and access to Fleet Portal to view various vehicle reports.

ORC’s proven track record in FSOL and its extensive network of dealers help companies manage their businesses more efficiently, saving both time and money. With its presence nationwide, ORC is able to adapt its services to the needs of each client and help them make the best decisions for their company fleet.

ORC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of ORIX METRO Leasing and Finance Corporation, a joint venture between Metropolitan Bank and Trust Company (Metrobank) and ORIX Corporation, a pioneer in the leasing industry in Japan. For more information about ORC’s FSOL solutions, call (02) 8804-0800 / (02) 8858-8888 locals 231, 156 and 801 or email lpondevilla@orix.com.ph, oqromanillos@orix.com.ph, jglizada@orix.com.ph or visit www.orix.com.ph.

 

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UnionBank at 40: Future forward, a leap to enduring greatness

Aboitiz-led Union Bank of the Philippines (UnionBank) is widely-known to have been trailblazing many firsts in the country since it began operations forty years ago. UnionBank has always been among the first to embrace technological innovations to empower its customers into the future of banking. The Bank’s 40-year journey began with a simple vision: to become one of the top three universal banks in the country with respect to market capitalization, profits, and customer coverage.

UnionBank began building the foundations for its operations in 1981, and in just a year, became a commercial bank on Jan. 19, 1982. A decade after, in 1992, the Bank debuted at the Manila and Makati Stock Exchanges in June of that year, and was granted a Universal Banking License the month after.

In 1994, UnionBank acquired the International Corporate Bank, which marked the first of a series of acquisitions that would strengthen UnionBank’s capabilities to deliver banking services tailored to the unique needs of Filipino customers.

In 2006, UnionBank purchased 98% of one of the top 20 largest banks in the country International Exchange Bank (iBank), making it the 7th largest private domestic commercial bank in the Philippines.

In 2013, in line with a renewed thrust to enable financial inclusion in the country, UnionBank acquired thrift bank City Savings Bank. The acquisition enabled the Bank to expand its customer franchise and achieve its goal of financial inclusion that is also driven by sustainability.

In its thrust to promote sustainable financial inclusion, the Bank entered into its first venture into rural banking and micro-financing by acquiring a majority stake in the Cebu-based First-Agro Industrial Bank (FairBank) in 2016.

In the same year, UnionBank embarked on its radical digital transformation journey, favoring expansion through digital channels over the traditional opening of more branches, while reinforcing its commitment to deliver superior customer experience and making a promise that ‘no one gets left behind’ to promote inclusive prosperity in the Philippines.

The rest, as they say, is history as UnionBank went full throttle on its journey and continued to achieve numerous industry-firsts, gaining the reputation as the country’s most innovative bank even before the Filipino mass adoption of the internet.

UnionBank was the first Philippine bank to introduce mobile banking through wireless application protocol-enabled cellphones, the first Philippine Bank to launch a banking website, first to use an online payment card through EON, first to use a chat bot (Talk to Rafa), first to launch its own stablecoin (PHX), first to introduce mobile check deposit through its award-winning app UnionBank Online, opened The ARK — the first fully digital bank branch in the country, launched UBX — the Bank’s fintech and corporate venture capital arm, leveraging ecosystems and data to explore new possibilities to make financial services more instinctive and accessible, the first Philippine bank to go fully on the cloud, and launched UnionDigital becoming the first publicly listed Philippine bank with a digital banking license.

Capping off the year 2021, UnionBank surprised the country with the announcement of a game-changing deal to acquire the consumer banking business of American banking giant Citi in the Philippines. Seen as the largest transaction in the local banking community in recent years, UnionBank Chairman Erramon Isidro M. Aboitiz said, “This acquisition further cements our position as a leading bank in the Philippines, as well as fast-tracks our growth aspirations in the retail banking segment.”

Today as it ushers in its 40th year, UnionBank is globally-recognized by International Banker magazine as “already an unequivocal digital trailblazer in both the Philippines and Southeast Asia”, named ‘Asia Trailblazer Institution of the Year’ by Retail Banker International, and ‘Best Bank for Customer Experience in Southeast Asia’ from Global Brands Magazine, among many other international recognitions.

“Our success today has been a product of looking ahead into the future and preparing for the evolution of banking. We will continue to help ‘tech up’ customers, partners, institutions in line with our ‘Tech Up, Pilipinas’ aspiration, empowering all of us to weather this pandemic and emerge more resilient than ever. Together, we can be future forward and leap to being a bank of enduring greatness,” said UnionBank President and CEO Edwin R. Bautista.

 

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BoI sets P1-trillion investment goal

PHILIPPINE STAR/ MIGUEL DE GUZMAN

THE BOARD of Investments (BoI) is targeting to approve P1 trillion in investment pledges this year, despite the threat from more variants of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

This year’s goal is 53% higher than P655.4 billion worth of investment approvals in 2021, but lower than P1.018-trillion investments in 2020.

“Buoyed by 2021 FDI (foreign direct investments) results as well as the healthy pipeline of strong investment leads, both foreign and domestic, and with the reforms that we are anticipating to still be passed in the next months, we are confident of hitting P1 trillion in BoI-approved investments this year,” Trade Secretary and BoI Chairman Ramon M. Lopez said in a statement on Tuesday.

Central bank data showed FDI net inflows rose by 48% year on year to $8.14 billion in January to October .

“The data released by the BSP are consistent with the figures of the BoI, where a surge of foreign investments by 218% was recorded last year. This goes to show that the pandemic did not stop the flow of foreign investments into the country and we are looking forward to getting more in 2022,” Mr. Lopez said.

Mr. Lopez said in a mobile phone message he is confident the BoI would meet its investment target this year due to the “expected passage of major economic reforms that will ease restrictions on foreign equity participation.” 

He cited the recently signed law amending the Retail Trade Liberalization Act (RTLA), as well as measures tweaking the Foreign Investments Act and Public Service Act.

Republic Act (RA) No. 11595, which amended the RTLA, reduced the minimum paid-up capital for new foreign retailers to P25 million. The amendments to the Public Service Act would open up more sectors to foreign investments.

“Plus, with the country’s participation in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and other free trade agreements and more aggressive and targeted investment promotion, the continued push for ‘Build, Build, Build’ infrastructure program and Ease of Doing Business, we can be more bullish on our investments target for 2022,” Mr. Lopez said.   

The Senate has yet to concur with the ratification of the RCEP, which took effect in 11 other nations on Jan. 1.

Trade Undersecretary and BoI Managing Head Ceferino S. Rodolfo in a statement said he expects last year’s investment leads could still materialize by the second or third quarter of 2022.

He said a “big” telecommunications project worth P155 billion is now up for approval by the Fiscal Incentives Review Board.

Other upcoming projects include a new domestic shipping operator, new operator of charging stations, three new operators of telecommunication infrastructure, a new producer of animal feeds, and a cement manufacturer, Mr. Rodolfo said.

“(We are) zeroing in on projects that will transform the Philippine economy to become more modern such as telecommunications, roads, green energy, health, innovation and digitization, sustainable and competitive heavy industries among others,” the BoI said.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) is wooing more investors from the United States to aid the country’s economic recovery.   

“The Americans remain as one of the top three biggest contributors of investments in the Philippines under PEZA,” PEZA Director-General Charito B. Plaza said at a webinar on Tuesday.

Based on PEZA data, US investments in the country as of the third quarter of 2021 had reached P400.67 billion, while exports amounted to $6.76 billion.   

The data also showed that there were 420 American enterprises registered with PEZA, employing 330,906 workers. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave

Dynasties, celebrities dominate circus of Philippine elections

REUTERS
A man wearing a face mask takes part in a simulation for the 2022 Philippine election at a polling station in Pasay City, Dec. 29, 2021. — REUTERS/LISA MAIE DAVID

By Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza, Reporter

PAUL OLID, 23, said he has yet to hear presidential candidates for this year’s elections discuss how they plan to jumpstart the Philippine economy amid a coronavirus pandemic.

“It’s still the same kind of people who are running,” the first-time voter said in a Facebook Messenger chat. “No matter how good their track records are, if their platforms don’t align with what the country currently needs, then it might not solve our problems.”

Mr. Olid may be too advanced for a voter in a country where families monopolize political power and celebrities get elected for their entertainment value.

President Rodrigo R. Duterte will leave his post after six years of turning policies and institutions upside down, and political analysts think Filipinos still have yet to learn that the gamble with an autocratic populist has not paid off.

“We are at a time of great uncertainty,” Ador R. Torneo, a professor and director of De La Salle University’s Institute of Governance, said in a Facebook Messenger chat. “Many stakeholders are waiting for concrete plans for economic recovery but only a handful of presidential candidates have shared their plan.”

He said few candidates have presented their programs, including those leading in opinion polls.

London-based Capital Economics this month said the list of presidential candidates in the Philippines has been uninspiring and bodes poorly for the Southeast Asian nation’s future.

Candidates should be talking about their political and economic platforms four months into the elections, said Michael Henry Ll. Yusingco, a research fellow at the Ateneo de Manila University Policy Center.

“That would have been ideal for us voters,” he said in a Messenger chat. “It would give us more time to evaluate the plans and possibly even ask questions.”

In its report, Capital Economics said the late dictator’s son Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos, Jr. was well ahead in opinion polls “but faces charges of tax evasion, which could see him disqualified.”

“He will be joined in the race by a host of other candidates, including a retired actor (Francisco “Isko” M. Domagoso) and a former boxing world champion (Senator Emmanuel “Manny” D. Pacquiao, Sr.),” the think tank said.

There’s also Vice-President Maria Leonor “Leni” G. Robredo, who entered politics after her husband, a local government champion, died in a plane crash in 2012. She beat Mr. Marcos by a hair in the 2016 vice-presidential contest.

She will have to beat him again, which some see as a rerun of the 1986 snap elections, when widow Corazon C. Aquino crushed the Marcoses. That year, a popular street uprising toppled the dictator’s regime and sent him and his family into self-exile in the United States.

“Name recognition goes a long way in Philippine politics, which explains why three of the last four presidents have been actors and the children of former presidents,” it added.

The foreign think tank was referring to ex-President Joseph E. Estrada, who was an action star before he became president in 1998, his successor Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and the late Benigno S.C. Aquino III.

Mr. Estrada was toppled by a popular uprising in 2001 and spent years in prison before he was convicted for corruption and later pardoned by Ms. Arroyo, the daughter of the late President Diosdado P. Macapagal, Sr.

Ms. Arroyo was later jailed under the government of Mr. Aquino, who was thrust into the political limelight after the death of his mother in 2009.

Mr. Aquino, like his parents, came from pedigreed stock — landed, aristocratic families that have long been part of the ruling elite. His campaign was based on a legacy far greater than his own.

Aside from having the first female Philippine president for a mother, his father Benigno Jr. was the country’s greatest democracy champion before he was assassinated in 1983 presumably by agents of the dictator Ferdinand E. Marcos.

“Name recognition doesn’t correlate with competence,” Capital Economics said. “A lack of policy-making experience in leaders (plus high levels of corruption) has contributed to the economy’s poor performance over recent decades.”

“Foreign investors and other countries with ties to the Philippines or have an interest there have often looked closely at political developments in the country as an indicator of stability in other areas like the economy,” said Maria Ela L. Atienza, a political science professor at the University of the Philippines.

Some critics expect Mr. Marcos to follow in his father’s footsteps by reviving cronyism, censorship and military abuse. He will be a step ahead of Mr. Duterte, who revered the dictator and styled his leadership after him.

Aside from corruption, the country’s weak political system also prevents leaders from pursuing economic reforms, she said.

“The country has weak political parties and even a popular president cannot always count on allies in both Houses of Congress to solidly back up much needed reforms that can improve the economy,” Ms. Atienza said in a Viber message.

Mr. Yusingco said none of the candidates have presented a roadmap for their term in the next six years. “Not even a first 100 days plan.”

He noted that only two candidates have campaign websites. “Hopefully, when the campaign period officially begins next month, all the candidates will have websites with details of their programs.”

Few presidential candidates have real policy experience and achievements, said Robin Michael U. Garcia, a political economy professor at the University of Asia and the Pacific.

“Policy-making expertise can be relegated to industry experts and scholars in different fields,” he said in a Messenger chat.

He said a presidential candidate should have a vision and plan for a developing country struck by the pandemic. “He should also have empathy for people so he can follow through on his vision.”

PHL eyes climate change policy loan from ADB

PHILIPPINE COAST GUARD FACEBOOK PAGE

THE ASIAN Development Bank (ADB) is in the initial stages of analyzing a policy loan program that will help address climate change in the Philippines.

The program would address local policy changes in social inclusion, clean energy, electric mobility, climate financing and food security, the ADB said.

“Climate change impacts are estimated to cause a decline of between 9% and 21% of agricultural productivity by 2050,” the multilateral lender said in its initial poverty and social analysis released on Tuesday.

“The Philippines is recognized as a country with high natural disaster risk levels, and these are exacerbated by climate-related risk.”

The program, the ADB said, would help pursue policy reforms on social inclusion in climate action, addressing the vulnerability of women and children.

“This policy reform in energy will encourage the uptake of clean energy by improving clean supply and efficiency,” the ADB said.

The policy reform aims to cut costs for consumers, lower financial risks for investors and create a national policy that would support the use of electric vehicles in public transportation.

“New agriculture policies will support adaptation and institutionalize or embed a climate resilient agriculture approach in the Department of Agriculture and improve productivity and resilience for staple crops after extreme climate events to improve food security,” the ADB said. “Creating new agriculture research centers will promote gender-sensitive and climate-resilient plant breeding.”

The multilateral lender said the income of women in rural areas is based on agriculture and fish, and women are put at risk of food insecurity during natural disasters.

Women represent a quarter of workers in agriculture, which could be a low estimate due to the work being seen as an extension of their household tasks. This “invisibility” then leads to unequal access to land ownership and credit.

“Gender equality in climate financing has been uneven across climate-related sectors — well-integrated in agriculture and water but poorly addressed in the infrastructure and energy sectors,” the ADB said.

The bank is looking at lending $3 billion to the Philippines this year, which will focus on infrastructure and climate change resiliency programs.

About 20 typhoons hit the Philippines every year, causing billions of pesos in damage and displacing thousands of Filipinos. Typhoon Odette caused widespread destruction in Central Visayas and Mindanao in December. — Jenina P. Ibañez

NEDA urges private sector to increase productivity as PHL pursues high-income status

Hundreds of Filipinos wait in line at a COVID-19 vaccination site in Pasay City, Jan. 16. — PHILIPPINE STAR/ MICHAEL VARCAS

SOCIOECONOMIC Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick T. Chua said the private sector should help increase productivity as the Philippines recovers from the effects of the pandemic and pursues high-income status.

“(An) issue I want to bring up — which requires significant support from the private sector — is enhancing or increasing productivity,” he said at an event organized by the Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines on Tuesday.

“In the next two years, the Philippines will likely enter the upper middle-income country status. That is a level of development that can only be sustained and bring us to high-income level in the next generation if we innovate.”

He said if the country simply assembles products and does not develop innovative production, then it will “hardly” become a high-income country.

Improving productivity involves enhancing human capital development, health and education outcomes, logistics, factory and office business processes, and governance, Mr. Chua said.

The government has been rolling out the fourth phase of its national action plan against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Meanwhile, the government’s pandemic-response scores for November rose as infection management improved at the time, National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Undersecretary Rosemarie G. Edillon said.

NEDA last year launched the government’s pandemic scorecard, which measures the country’s infection management, vaccine rollout, and socioeconomic recovery during this fourth phase.

Ms. Edillon in a presentation on Tuesday said the country had a 6.98 score out of 9 in November, higher than the 4.9 in October and 4.42 in September.

Infection management jumped to 2.82 from 1.44 in October, while the vaccine rollout score moved up to 1.72 from 1.28. Meanwhile, the economic recovery score inched up to 2.44 from 2.19.

“We are still battling the Omicron but we are more confident now actually that since we have been here before and we know that this is something that we can weather,” she said.

She said she expects better numbers for December but some reduction in January due to the Omicron-driven surge in COVID-19 cases.

Ms. Edillon added that it is too early for the government to revise its economic targets for 2022.

Government economic managers expect the gross domestic product to expand by 7-9% this year. They expect weekly productivity losses of P3 billion due to the shift to the more restrictive Alert Level 3 in Metro Manila and neighboring provinces, a response to the surge in COVID-19 cases after the holidays.

“There’s still a lot of developments that can happen, hopefully very positive developments at that,” Ms. Edillon said. “There’s still enough time to catch up.”

Meanwhile, ING Bank N.V. Manila Senior Economist Nicholas Antonio T. Mapa said revenge spending stopped as COVID-19 cases shot up, although noted that authorities have been downplaying the impact of the latest surge amid lower hospitalization rates.

“Officials are also extra confident of still achieving the 7-9% growth target this year, pointing to past experiences where GDP managed to crest 7% during a similar surge,” he said in an e-mail.

“And although metrics do suggest a lower hospitalization rate so far, one cannot dismiss the fact that the recovery momentum has been disrupted by the current spike in cases.”

Mr. Mapa said the surge in cases would result in household spending shifting to healthcare goods. Productivity will also be reduced after thousands of workers caught the virus, he said.

“All these disruptions may be overcome but we need to brace for a potential pullback in expectations and sentiment from both firms and consumers alike.”

The daily COVID-19 tally went up to 28,471 cases on Tuesday for a total active case count of 284,458. — Jenina P. Ibañez

Tech talent, skilled professionals seen in demand

New businesses, digitalization, growing financial sector spur this year’s job needs

TECHNOLOGY talent and professionals skilled in business management, sales, and finance are expected to be in high demand in the Philippines this year as a result of new businesses, digitalization, and the growth of the financial sector, recruitment firm Robert Walters Philippines said.

Many Philippine-based companies will need more tech talent with expertise in automation, data analytics, cloud, and 5G, or fifth-generation technology, said Robert Walters Philippines Country Manager Nic Sephton-Poultney, citing the findings of the company’s Salary Survey 2022.

Conducted in September last year, the Salary Survey, he said, is based on an analysis of placements made across Robert Walters network of offices and specialist disciplines in 2021. “Insights are drawn both from the consultants’ interactions, in their respective countries, with companies as well as candidates whom they have placed.”

Risk, finance operations, and front office workers will also be in high demand in 2022, Mr. Sephton-Poultney said during a virtual media discussion on Tuesday, citing the emergence of new businesses, digitalization, and the growing financial sector.

Because of the public health crisis, employment candidates’ priorities today have also shifted, with many of them now focusing on base salaries rather than allowances or variable bonuses, according to the recruitment firm.

“Companies should also note that healthcare benefits are extremely critical, and many candidates will prioritize offers from companies that provide healthcare to employees along with their dependents,” Mr. Sephton-Poultney said.

“Candidates may also be likely to accept an offer if the salary is slightly lesser but includes healthcare coverage for the whole family,” he added.

Filipino workers also prefer work-from-home setups or flexible arrangements.

For companies to attract and retain employees, hiring managers are encouraged to accommodate flexibility or work-from-home arrangements, Mr. Sephton-Poultney noted.

“We have seen many employees leave or candidates reject offers when organizations require them to work in the office with no option for hybrid or work-from-home arrangements. This is highly prevalent in the Philippines, and we can expect that to continue in 2022.”

At the same time, Robert Walters’ survey findings showed that in 2022, employees who stay with their current employers can expect salary increases of between 4% to 8%.

“Job movers can expect to receive 15% to 20% increases, though niche and technical positions can receive up to 30% or 35% increments,” the recruitment firm noted.

Mr. Sephton-Poultney also said that there have been exceptionally high salary increments of up to 70% for job movers in tech positions because of the war for talent in the country. — Arjay L. Balinbin

Managing COVID risks among pregnant women

Screenshot via World Health Organization

By Patricia B. Mirasol  

PREGNANT WOMEN with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) face increased odds of maternal death, admission to intensive care, and cesarean section deliveries. 

Clinical recommendations for this patient group include vaccination, as well as home care for those with mild to moderate symptoms, according to medical experts in a recent webinar organized by the World Health Organization (WHO).  

There is no contraindication for COVID-19 vaccination among pregnant women, said Dr. Michelle Giles, an Australia-based infectious diseases physician who specializes in managing infections in pregnancy and gynecology. “There is an abundance of safety data. [Getting vaccinated] is strongly recommended for pregnant women.”  

She added that many countries recommend booster doses for women who have received two doses.  

HOME-BASED CARE
Home-based care for mild and moderate cases during and after pregnancy is possible for pregnant women with COVID-19.  

“We see an increased need for home-based care to minimize the risk of transmission,” said Dr. Priya Soma-Pillay, a South Africa-based maternal and fetal medicine sub-specialist with an interest in high-risk obstetrics.  

A pregnant patient is suitable for home care if: she has mild to moderate COVID-19; if trained healthcare workers are able to monitor her progress; if she able to adhere to restrictions around the home; if she has a support network (a spouse, caregiver, or similar) who know how to prevent home transmission; if there is a line of communication between the patient and trained healthcare workers; and if her home has access to hygiene supplies and is able to manage waste properly.   

“Before the decision is made for home-based care, a clinical picture of the patient needs to be made,” said Dr. Soma-Pillay at the same event. 

Healthcare workers have to wear standard PPE (personal protective equipment) of gloves, surgical mask, and apron in the routine care of pregnant COVID-19 patients at home. If a home delivery is anticipated, then a full PPE of gloves, gown, hair cover, N95 ventilator, and goggles is necessary.  

Antipyretics (or fever reducers) may be given for pain and fever, Dr. Soma-Pillay said, with antibiotics to be given for bacterial infection.  

RECOMMENDED TREATMENT
Systemic corticosteroids are also recommended for patients with severe to critical COVID-19. This type of drug provides relief for inflamed areas of the body.  

“For women with mild or moderate COVID-19, the benefits of antenatal [before birth] corticosteroid might outweigh the risks of potential harm to the mother,” said Beverly Hunt, a UK-based professor of Thrombosis & Haemostasis at King’s College London, and a specialist in thrombosis and acquired bleeding disorders.  

Ms. Hunt told the audience that corticosteroids such as prednisolone, hydrocortisone, and methylprednisolone do not cross the placenta. On the other hand, the corticosteroid dexamethasone does, and is thus not to be used — unless the goal is to improve fetal lung maturity.  

COVID-19 pill molnupiravir, meanwhile, should not be administered to pediatric patients. Neither should it be administered during pregnancy.  

“If a woman of child-bearing age is given molnupiravir, she should also be given barrier contraception,” Ms. Hunt said.  

WHO’s recommendations for molnupiravir will likely be released in early February. 

As with all of the recommended drugs for the management of COVID-19, the balance of benefits and harms for the pregnant woman and fetus should be discussed with the woman.  

This balance, added Ms. Hunt, depends on the woman’s clinical condition, her wishes and that of her family, and the healthcare resources available to her.  

RISK FACTORS
Pregnant women with COVID-19 were more likely to be admitted to intensive care, according to a global meta-analysis of 192 cohort studies. They were also more likely to require invasive ventilation.  

The 2020 study, published by the British Medical Journal, further found that pregnant women with COVID-19 were at higher risk of preterm birth and stillbirth. The newborn babies of pregnant women with COVID-19 also had an increased risk of being admitted to intensive care.  

“This review is currently being updated, and the preliminary findings [of the review have yet to be] published,” Dr. Giles said.   

Per the Updated Living Systematic Review that includes 435 studies, cesarean section delivery is also more likely among pregnant women with COVID-19.  

Three-fourths (or 75%) of pregnant women with COVID-19 are estimated to be asymptomatic, added Dr. Giles. The most common manifestations for those who do have symptoms are fever (40%), cough (41%), and dyspnea (21%).  

  

Warning signs for pregnant women with COVID 

Dr. Priya Soma-Pillay, a maternal and fetal medicine sub-specialist with an interest in high-risk obstetrics, said these are signs that require urgent medical attention among pregnant COVID-19 patients:  

  • Difficulty in breathing and talking  
  • Coughing blood  
  • Chest pain or pleuritic chest pain (a sharp, stabbing pain upon coughing or sneezing)  
  • Signs of dehydration/unable to tolerate oral fluids  
  • Dizziness  
  • Confusion  
  • Pain, bleeding, ROM (rupture of membranes), decreased FM (fetal movement)  
  • Unremitting fever of more than 39 degrees Celsius despite use of paracetamol  

AirAsia: Travelers now prefer contactless procedures

BW FILE PHOTO

LOW-COST carrier Philippines AirAsia, Inc. on Tuesday said that most Filipino travelers now prefer contactless solutions, especially for passenger boarding and booking process.

Citing a survey it commissioned in December 2021, the airline said that “62% of Filipinos traveling in the next 180 days have contactless travel touchpoints as among their prime concerns, followed by value for money and better flight timing.”

The low-cost carrier hired Tangere, a big-data analytics firm, to conduct a survey of 1,605 respondents aged 18 to 60 years old from Metro Manila, balanced Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

“The recent survey revealed that this pivot to contactless solutions is in agreement with current traveling behavior as 31% of the travelers said they use mobile e-wallets in purchasing their tickets,” the airline noted.

It also said that 29% of the respondents use their credit cards, while 18% use other forms of mobile and internet banking.

“For the travelers, using non-contact payments helps promote a convenient and time saving, more secure and safe transaction.”

Only 6% of the respondents indicated that they would pay in cash, while 2% still prefer over-the-counter payments.

“Guests who book their tickets online also prefer to access the airline’s website via their mobile phones (43%) and their laptop or computer (37%),” the airline noted.

“Another 27% said they would also use the airline’s mobile app if available,” it added.

The airline intends to launch this year a facial recognition technology for contactless check-in procedure.

The service is expected to “add another layer of health and safety protection for AirAsia guests as the app would only require them to take a selfie, upload a copy of their passport or national ID and go through a one-time verification process at the check-in counter,” Philippines AirAsia said. — Arjay L. Balinbin

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