STI reports 18% enrollment increase

November 24, 2021 | 12:03 am

STI Education Systems Holdings, Inc. reported an 18% increase in enrollment for this school year, which totaled 82,629 compared with last year’s 70,223 after a 40% climb in students signing up for college.

In a disclosure to the exchange on Tuesday, the listed educational institution said it saw 56,342 students enroll in its tertiary education programs for the school year 2021 to 2022, up from the 40,176 logged in the previous school year.

“The significant growth in significant growth can be attributed to the group’s consistent enrollment strategies, aggressive recruitment, and innovative online learning delivery and world-class curriculum that are responsive to the trends and challenges in the country’s educational landscape,” STI Holdings President and Chief Executive Officer Monico V. Jacob said.

STI Holdings starts its fiscal year on July 1. For its first quarter, STI Holdings trimmed its net attributable loss to P114.23 million, 44% lower from the P202.64 million logged in the same period last year.

The increase in enrollment pushed STI Holdings’ gross profit higher by 61% to P186.9 million from P115.8 million. Its topline posted a 27% growth to P375.26 million from P296.64 million.

Bacolod-based STI West Negros University, Inc. posted the biggest enrollment increase among STI institutions, logging a 36% growth with 7,580 students enrolled this school year from 5,584.

STI Holdings said classes for its tertiary and senior high school students of STI Education Services Group (STI ESG) and STI WNU began on Sept. 13, while STI WNU’s School of Graduate Studies began on Oct. 2.

All classes are still conducted online through STI’s ONline and ONsite Education at STI (ONE STI) Learning Model for the STI ESG and STI WNU, while the Guided Online Autonomous Learning program is used for iAcademy.

STI shares at the local bourse on Tuesday went up by 2.94% or one centavo to close at 35 centavos per share. — Keren Concepcion G. Valmonte

Despite pandemic, artists show their work at first Visayas Art Fair

November 24, 2021 | 12:03 am

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AFTER over a year in lockdown, artists from the Visayas have come together to showcase their works in Cebu City.

A collaboration between Cebu Design Week (CDW) and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, the Visayas Art Fair will be held on Nov. 25 to 28 at the Montebello Villa Hotel, Cebu City.

Carrying the theme “Connecting the Islands Through Art,” the fair brings together artists from Regions 6, 7, and 8 to showcase Visayan identity, arts, and culture, with the goal “to have a diverse set of participants and our decision makers to celebrate the great diversity and craftsmanship of the Visayas region,” says the art fair’s brochure.

“We want to give a good stage for the artists that we have,” Visayas Art Fair Main Events Chairperson Lorenza Bacquiran said during an online press launch on Nov. 11. “The enthusiasm from artists and different artist groups are incredible. They are just waiting for the right time to get together in one venue to be presented to the world.”

WHAT’S IN STORE
Galleries, art collectives, and artists from all over the Visayas region and National Capital Region (NCR) will display their works and art installations. There will be 17 participating galleries from the Visayas, and nine from the National Capital Region.

The participating galleries from Visayas are: Adeste Deguilmo, Art Portal, CAI, Dramus Art Gallery, Florentino, Jose Picornell, Lloyd Tronco and Anthony Fermin, NANO, Napoleon Gallery, Orange Project, PASPI, PONT Studio, Quebe Gallery, Southwest Art Club, Solitaryo Cinco, and Jose T. Joya Gallery-UP Cebu.

The participating organizations from the NCR are: 1335 Mabini, the Art Association of the Philippines, Galeria Lienzo, Metro Gallery, Mono8 Gallery, R Gallery, Secret Fresh, The Working Animals Art Projects, and Vinyl on Vinyl.

There will be three areas in the art fair venues in the Montebello Villa hotel, including the Cebu Design Week pop up area. There will also be a sneak peek of the soon to open Museum of Contemporary Art in the hotel’s glass house. The Montebello Villa hotel is located at Governor M. Cuenco Ave., Apas, Cebu City.

“Art never thrives in a vacuum. It should be an exchange of ideas, techniques, concepts. By bringing artists from the NCR here, that should make for a very [fruitful] exchange for the future,” furniture designer and Visayas Art Fair overall consultant Kenneth Cobonpue said on the participation of artists from Metro Manila.

“This show is very gallery-driven. The galleries themselves are selecting the artists they are going to present. Depending on the orientation of the gallery, the field of artists will be curated accordingly,” said Maria Luisa Booth, CDW overall event chairperson.

“We are hoping for quite a high level of art, as well as an opportunity for young emerging artists to expose their work and also to be exposed to other artists,” she added.

The fair’s feature exhibitions include “By No Means” which is a curated group exhibit of 10 Visayan women artists and artworks that depict how art connects women across different sectors, cultures, and regions. Affiliate events include workshops and talks facilitated by the UP-Cebu Fine Arts faculty and participating exhibitors.

There will also be a special display by The Chocolate Chamber and fashion shows featuring Miss Cebu 2022 candidates and students at Fashion Institute of Design and Arts Cebu (FIDA).

Other activities include on the spot painting contests, a nude art class, a life-size sculpture installation, and crochet and retaso (scrap cloth) bombing installation on trees.

All guests, exhibitors and staff must be vaccinated. Non-vaccinated individuals will have to undergo a COVID-19 antigen test on site (priced at P380) and must receive a negative result. Pre-registration of guests online is encouraged. Hygiene stations will also be in place. Guest capacity will be based on regulations of the IATF that will be implemented for the duration the event.

To register, visit https://tinyurl.com/VAF2021. for more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/cebudesignweek. — Michelle Anne P. Soliman

Manila survives San Juan late rally to top FilBasket

November 24, 2021 | 12:03 am

RONJAY Buenafe canned two free throws in the dying seconds as AICC Manila survived a late San Juan-Go for Gold flurry and eked out a 72-68 victory on Monday night to rule the inaugural FilBasket Subic Championship at the Subic Gym.

After their 13-point lead late in the third quarter was sliced to just two, 70-68, with four seconds to go, Mr. Buenafe was fouled by Paolo Hernandez and calmly drained the two charities to complete the 2-1 series win by the big city cagers.

Michael Mabulac pounded his way to 18 points, eight rebounds and three steals and Chris Bitoon had 13 points and six caroms for Manila, which lost the series opener, 80-74, on Saturday, but bounced back in Game Two with a 74-70 triumph the next day to force the winner-take-all showdown.

Hesed Gabo had 10 points, three boards and six assists in Game Three and was named Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP) after he normed 14.3 points, three rebounds and three assists in the series.

It was Mr. Buenafe, a former Ateneo star, however, who came through with the biggest plays of the game.

Mr. Buenafe buried a booming triple with 52 seconds left in the third quarter to give Manila a 54-41 cushion.

When the Knights came roaring back to cut their deficit to two on a three-pointer by Jhonard Clarito with four ticks remaining, it was again Mr. Buenafe who coolly sank the freebies that sealed the deal.

Simon David Camacho of Medical Depot, meanwhile, was named Conference MVP and part of the Mythical team that also included Thomas Torres of Muntinlupa, Renz Palma of Nueva Ecija, Orlan Wamar of San Juan, and Mr. Mabulac of Manila. — Joey Villar

World must bolster WHO and agree on pandemic treaty, expert panel says

November 24, 2021 | 12:03 am

GENEVA — The World Health Organization (WHO) must be strengthened with more funding and greater ability to investigate pandemics through a new treaty, an independent panel said on Monday, ahead of a conference of health ministers next week.

Efforts to end the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic have been uneven and fragmented, marked by limited access to vaccines in low-income countries while the “healthy and wealthy” in rich countries get boosters, the high-level experts said in their latest review.

The panel co-chairs, former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark and former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, reiterated a call for urgent reforms. These included new financing of at least $10 billion a year for pandemic preparedness, and negotiations on a global pandemic treaty.

In May, the panel evaluated how the WHO and member countries had handled the pandemic, and said a new global response system should be set up to ensure that no future virus can cause a pandemic as devastating.

“There is progress, but it is not fast or cohesive enough to bring this pandemic to an end across the globe in the near term, or to prevent another,” the panel said in the report.

More than 257 million people have been reported to be infected by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus and 5.4 million have died since the first cases were identified in central China in December 2019, according to a Reuters tally.

Health ministers from WHO’s 194 member states open a three-day World Health Assembly on Nov. 29 to consider negotiating a treaty aimed at preventing future pandemics. It would be only the second global public health treaty, after a 2003 accord to control tobacco use.

“Strengthening the authority and independence of the WHO and developing new legal instruments are pivotal to the package of reforms required,” the panel said. “WHO requires more funding and greater ability to investigate and report potential pandemics more quickly and independently.

Ms. Clark, speaking at an event organized by Chatham House in London, said it had taken just five months to negotiate two new conventions on nuclear safety after the accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in Ukraine in 1986.

“A key message to member states meeting at WHO next week is please act. We are still in the middle of a pandemic, we can’t shrug it off … Please get on with the negotiations for the treaty,” she said.

The review said a pandemic treaty should aim to build preparedness, strengthen obligations for countries to alert the WHO to outbreaks and allow speedy on-site investigations, and ensure fair access to vaccines and drugs. — Reuters

Invest only in legitimate crypto assets, consumers told

November 24, 2021 | 12:02 am

REGULATORS reminded consumers to check whether they are engaging with legitimate entities to avoid scams related to cryptocurrency.

“Our regulations are really meant to protect the…financial system. That’s why we impose certain standards on anti-money laundering, counter-terrorism financing, and cyber consumer protection…,” Melchor T. Plabasan, Technology Risk and Innovation Supervision department director at the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, said at the Financial Education Expo held virtually on Tuesday.

Mr. Plabasan said the central bank views cryptocurrency as a digital asset rather than as legal tender.

He said they are not prohibiting people from investing in virtual assets and are only reminding them to be careful of scams.

“The responsibility when enforcing prohibition is also heavy. We cannot control the internet, even for example we say crypto is not allowed,” he said.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has issued over 419 advisories related to investment scams since 2019. SEC Commissioner Kelvin K. Lee said about 40 or 50 were warnings related to cryptocurrency scams.

“The technology is fairly new and it’s got a lot of potential. But at the same time, a lot of risk,” Mr. Lee said.

Amid the rise in crypto-related products and businesses, Mr. Lee said consumers should check whether the entities they are dealing with are registered with regulators like the BSP or SEC.

BSP’s Mr. Plabasan said dealing with registered entities will ensure consumers only transact with those that have been vetted for possible “dirty money” cases, security issues, and stability based on their assets.

Philippine Digital Asset Exchange Founder and Chief Executive Officer Nichel O. Gaba said digital assets can be used in various ways in an economy like the Philippines, including for remittances.

He said that digital assets may go through price fluctuations but are unlikely to cause a bubble that could burst at this time, citing the case of Bitcoin.

“For example, in the case of Bitcoin, it’s impossible to imagine right now that it will be gone, because everywhere in the world, there are legitimate companies and licensed financial institutions that are trading it,” Mr. Gaba said during the same event. — L.W.T. Noble

Monde Nissin reallocates P7.105-B IPO proceeds

November 24, 2021 | 12:02 am

MONDE Nissin Corp.’s board of directors has approved the reallocation of proceeds from its initial public offering (IPO) amounting to P7.105 billion, which will now also be used to fund the operating expenses of its meat alternative business, Quorn Foods.

In a disclosure to the exchange on Tuesday, the company said the portion of the proceeds was only allotted for “capital expenditures to expand capacity of its meat alternative business.”

Monde Nissin said this will now include operating expenses, not over P4.1 billion, “and/or capital expenditures to expand the capacity of its meat alternative business.”

“The company’s allocation for operating expenses in the meat alternative business will be used as additional investments for brand building, research and development, influencer partnerships, and new process capabilities, among others,” the company said.

“This will allow the company to capture the global growth opportunity and strengthen its position as a global leader in the meat alternative business,” it added.

In a disclosure to the exchange on Nov. 11, Monde Nissin said third-quarter revenues from its meat alternatives business declined by 3.8% “on an organic basis,” citing labor shortages in the United Kingdom.

However, favorable foreign exchange rates led to a 3.6% revenue growth for Quorn Foods, allowing the business to finish the quarter with P3.61 billion.

Monde Nissin recently named actress Drew Barrymore as one of Quorn Foods’ newest brand ambassadors, calling her the “Chief Mom Officer.” The meat alternatives business also recently launched five new products.

Back home, Quorn Foods products are also back on the shelves of supermarkets and are also available on online shopping platforms.

In the third quarter, Monde Nissin reported an 8.7% increase in core net attributable income to P2.86 billion, while its sales posted a 4.1% growth to P17.69 billion.

For the January-to-September period, Monde Nissin’s core net attributable net income declined 5.3% to P7.12 billion, while net sales inched up by 2.2% to P51.45 billion.

Monde Nissin shares at the stock exchange went up by 1.93% or 36 centavos to close at P18.98 per share on Tuesday. — Keren Concepcion G. Valmonte

Nordic-Noir Millennium series to be extended by three new books

November 24, 2021 | 12:02 am

THE Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson — EN.WIKIPEDIA.ORG

STOCKHOLM — Swedish Nordic-Noir series Millennium will be extended by another three books, publishing house Polaris said on Monday, after having acquired the rights to the popular series.

The Millennium books have sold more than 100 million copies and have been published in more than 50 countries. The original three books were written by Stieg Larsson, who died in 2004, and parts four to six were written by David Lagercrantz.

“The series about Lisbeth Salander and Mikael Blomkvist is an astonishing epic and David Lagercrantz did a fantastic job when he took the helm,” Jonas Axelsson, publishing manager at Polaris, said in a statement.

“To take this deeply loved story forward as a new original publisher is not only dizzying and honoring but also very encouraging,” he said.

It is not yet clear who will write the new books. — Reuters

Youthful California Precision Sports books first win in defeating Baguio Lady Highlanders in four sets

November 24, 2021 | 12:02 am

By John Bryan Ulanday

GAMES TODAY

(Aquamarine Recreational
Center Gym, Lipa, Batangas)
1:30 p.m. – Baguio vs. California Precision Sports
4 p.m. – Petro Gazz vs. Chery Tiggo

LIPA CITY — Casiey Monique Dongallo sizzled for 25 points as the California Precision Sports (CPS) clobbered the Baguio Lady Highlanders, 25-14, 23-25, 25-11, 25-12, for a breakthrough win in the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) Champions League yesterday at the Aquamarine Recreational Center Gym here.

Ms. Dongallo hammered out 24 kills while also listing seven digs to further prove her caliber as among the best players, only at 16 years of age, in the tilt featuring a stacked cast of professional players.

Jelaica Faye Gajero (16) and Jenalyn Umayam (11) were also instrumental in CPS’ maiden win after putting up valiant fights against seasoned clubs of F2 Logistics, Tuguegarao Perlas and Premier Volleyball League (PVL) champion Chery Tiggo.

“We joined this tournament for exposure and experience. We have nothing to lose here, but everything to gain,” said Ms. Dongallo, who is averaging almost 20 points in four matches so far.

True enough, the Antipolo-based CPS team of decorated mentor Jerry Yee has not backed away from the challenge after scaring F2 Logistics, 21-25, 14-25, 19-25 and Chery Tiggo, 22-25, 25-27, 23-25.

CPS, with an average age of only 16 years, even snatched a set against Tuguegarao Perlas before falling short in four sets, 20-25, 27-25, 15-25, 17-25.

“We may be young, but we always want to give everything we’ve got, regardless of our age. As much as possible, we don’t want to be called young as we want to get at par with the seasoned teams here,” added the 17-year-old Ms. Gajero.

Meanwhile, Mary Ann Atuban (7) and Joan Lyn Maddatu (7) led the also youthful Baguio squad (0-4) with an average age of only 21 years.

CPS, now at 1-3, shoots for a strong finish today in an upset bid against Petro Gazz (2-1), while winless Baguio (0-4) also attempts the same against Chery Tiggo (2-1).

The Champions League is backed by Rebisco, Pitmaster Foundation, Inc., Top Speed, 1Pacman Partylist, Philippine Sports Commission and Philippine Olympic Committee as platinum sponsors; F2 Logistics, Asics, PLDT, MVP Sports Foundation and Mikasa as gold sponsors; and BCDA, Philippine Red Cross, Lipa City, Davis Paint and Emerald PVC Pipes, Fittings and Doors as silver sponsors with PNVF godfather, Taguig Rep. Alan Peter S. Cayetano, chairman of the Champions League, giving his full support.

Say aah — as lockdown loosens, see your dentist

November 24, 2021 | 12:02 am

People neglected their teeth over the pandemic and now that restrictions have loosened, it might be time to visit the dentist.

“It’s critical that we reset bad habits as clinics slowly begin to increase their operating hours,” said Dr. Leo Gerald R. De Castro, managing partner at the Asian Center for Dental Health Specialties.

“When this pandemic began, nobody expected that protecting ourselves from this disease by remaining socially distant would come at the cost of personal health,” he added, referring to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Dental check-ups every six months, whether in person or virtual, is the best way to ensure that problems don’t get worse, he said, citing a study released by market research group IPSOS and pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) this March that showed close to half (46%) of 500 Filipino respondents reduced their frequency of visiting a dentist compared to before the pandemic.

The most common issues reported by Filipinos are bad breath (74%), tooth decay (72%), and plaque or tartar build-up (60%).

“When it comes to everyday hygiene like toothbrushing, the standard recommendation I would make is to brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day, in the morning and evening, with a soft-bristled brush,” said Dr. De Castro, adding that a toothbrush should be replaced every three to four months to avoid bristles becoming too frayed to clean hard-to-reach spots.

SNACKING AND STAINED TEETH
Frequent snacking during lockdowns and drinking beverages like coffee or tea, which can stain the teeth, contributed to 77% of Filipinos suffering from sensitive teeth, 42% having yellow teeth, and 34% having cavities.

“Consumption awareness is key to take action against these,” said Dr. De Castro. “The best thing we can do is avoid excessive snacking of foods and beverages that are high in sugar as these can cause dental caries or cavities.”

Those already experiencing issues like plaque buildup or acute toothaches are advised to virtually consult their dentists to get a quick professional opinion on minor concerns that do not require immediate treatment.

MOUTH, HEART, BRAIN
People with gum disease have two to three times the risk of having a heart attack, stroke, or any serious cardiovascular event, according to research from Harvard Medical School. “This is due to gum diseases potentially increasing the body’s burden of inflammation. Plaque can also break off the walls of blood vessels, which can travel to the heart or brain,” said Dr. De Castro.

Diabetics are also at risk of gum infection. The connection lies in the body’s blood vessels: “Poor blood sugar management leads to higher risk of oral infections. Uncontrolled diabetes weakens white blood cells, which are our bodies’ defense against bacterial infections that can occur in the mouth,” he said.

Meanwhile, Emerson Aguinaldo, GSK Consumer Healthcare’s general manager for Southeast Asia and Taiwan, pointed out that oral habits have long-term effects.

“Good oral care habits like good, regular tooth-brushing using proven effective consumer healthcare products (toothpaste, mouth rinse and floss) are no exception,” he said. “We need to show people the power of getting these habits right due to the many positive effects this can have on overall health, ultimately reducing the risk of developing a number of health conditions in the long term.

“I hope more Filipinos can think of dental hygiene as a form of self-care,” said Dr. De Castro. “Self-care is all about taking time to do things that help us live well and improve both our physical and mental health. Simple oral hygiene practices can help us minimize the risks of these life-changing conditions.” — Brontë H. Lacsamana

Fed’s bank-watchdog vacancy spurs louder cries from progressive groups

November 24, 2021 | 12:01 am

PROGRESSIVE GROUPS are doubling down on their push for an aggressive Wall Street watchdog after President Joseph R. Biden delayed a decision about who will serve as the Federal Reserve’s vice chairman for supervision.

Biden’s long-awaited move to nominate Fed Chair Jerome H. Powell on Monday didn’t include an announcement of who would fill the watchdog role, which became vacant last month when Governor Randal Quarles’s term expired. Lael Brainard, who was tapped to be vice chair of the central bank, was previously considered a top contender — so that could mean the regulation job stays vacant into next year.

“The failure to nominate a vice chair for supervision with a strong record on financial regulation in the public interest, is a serious problem,” advocacy group Americans for Financial Reform said in a statement. “President Biden should move quickly to fill all remaining vacant seats, and any new seats that open, with a diverse set of candidates, and break decisively from the approach of drawing senior officials from Wall Street.”

The Fed supervision chair is one of the most powerful banking watchdogs in Washington and will play a key role in the White House’s plans to shape financial regulation. The official helps craft rules and oversees big banks such as JPMorgan Chase & Co. and Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. While Monday’s announcement adds to uncertainty about who may be considered for the job, potential candidates include Sarah Bloom Raskin and Raphael Bostic, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, according to policy analysts.

“We believe this opens up the contest to be vice chair for supervision,” Jaret Seiberg, an analyst at Cowen & Co., said in a note.

The leadership vacuum leaves several initiatives on hold, including key bank-capital and leverage rules. It also slows down the ability for the combined regulatory agencies to team up on finishing old business, such as the Dodd-Frank Act’s requirements for new limits on financial executives’ bonuses — a rule that’s been been delayed for more than a decade.

The supervision chief would presumably also take a major role in erecting new guardrails for the cryptocurrency industry, as the administration seeks to push stablecoins such as Tether into the jurisdiction of bank regulators.

Senator Elizabeth Warren, who has repeatedly criticized Mr. Powell’s views on regulation, said filling the supervision post is “critically important.”

“This position must be filled by a strong regulator with a proven track record of tough and effective enforcement — and it needs to be done quickly,” Ms. Warren said in a statement.

Mr. Powell has previously said that he’ll defer to the next vice chairman for supervision on policy shifts affecting Wall Street banking.

Because Mr. Biden is leaving Mr. Powell in place and promoting Ms. Brainard, the three remaining vacancies will give the White House more opportunities to bring new people onto the board.

“The vice chair of supervision position is a place for President Biden to put his mark on financial regulation for the next several years,” said Todd Phillips, director of financial regulation at the Center for American Progress, a liberal think tank. — Bloomberg

Fighting antibiotic resistance with reinvigorated R&D

November 24, 2021 | 12:01 am

Methicillin-resistant Staph bacteria via US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)/NIH

Antibiotics are medicines that fight infections caused by bacteria; they do not work for viral infections such as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

However, data collected by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that patients with COVID-19 may be more susceptible to developing secondary bacterial infections while hospitalized. Such patients are given antibiotics to treat the secondary bacterial infection, also known as hospital-onset infections, and prevent complications.

Hospital-onset infections are more likely to be caused by antibiotic-resistant germs. According to the CDC, there have been sporadic antibiotic-resistant outbreaks in COVID-19 units and higher rates of hospital-onset infections in the US.

The agency warned that COVID-19 can create a perfect storm for antibiotic-resistant infections in healthcare settings. Pressures of the pandemic such as increased hospitalizations and PPE shortages lead to infection control lapses, which may influence the spread of germs in hospitals.

Nov. 18–24 is World Antimicrobial Awareness Week, an annual celebration which aims to increase awareness of global antimicrobial resistance and encourage best practices among the general public, health workers and policy makers to avoid the further emergence and spread of drug-resistant infections.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites (microbes) no longer respond to medicines, making common infections harder to treat and increasing the risk of disease spread, severe illness and death.

Many factors have accelerated the threat of AMR worldwide —including overuse and misuse of medicines in humans, livestock and agriculture, as well as poor access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

Each year, a growing number of infectious pathogens causes the death of an estimated 700,000 people. AMR is increasing, posing a significant threat to people’s health, healthcare systems, and ultimately to economic development. Resistance to second and third-line antibiotics is expected to be 70% higher in 2030 compared to 2005 in OECD countries, and compromise many basic procedures of modern medicine, such as surgeries.

By 2050, around 10 million people could die annually due to AMR, without prompt and effective action as per The Pharmaceutical Industry and Global Health: Facts and Figures 2021 published by the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Industry Associations.

Poor discovery prospects, combined with weaker returns, means that the arsenal of antibiotics is declining, having peaked in 2000. Approvals for new antibiotics have plummeted, while the number of antibiotics that become obsolete and lose its efficacy due to resistance exceeds new approvals.

Hence, AMR requires action across all government sectors and society. Given the growing public health and economic burdens posed by antimicrobial resistance, there is an urgent need to reinvigorate the antimicrobial pipeline. This is particularly critical given the long development times, approximately 10 to 15 years, for new medicines and vaccines.

Vaccines are a critical complementary tool to mitigate the threat of AMR. Vaccines prevent commonly-acquired bacterial infections, whose treatment would require antimicrobial medicines, reducing the opportunity for bacteria to develop resistance.

About 139 vaccines prevent viral infections, including COVID-19, which are often treated inappropriately with antibiotics, and which can also give rise to secondary infections that require antibiotic treatment.

Despite great challenges, around 100 life-sciences companies and associations globally are promoting research and development of new therapies to fight AMR, investing in various innovative R&D therapies, both antibiotic and non-antibiotic.

In July 2020, 23 biopharmaceutical companies partnered with nongovernmental stakeholders to respond to this urgent threat by launching a $1-billion AMR Action Fund with a goal of delivering up to 4 novel antibiotics by the end of the decade.

At a media forum with the Department of Health, Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP) President Dr. Beaver Tamesis said that pharmaceutical companies are also helping build data, partnering with healthcare professionals, and communicating to the public the value of fighting AMR before they become superbugs.

Dr. Tamesis, also the president of MSD in the Philippines, added that companies are also working with hospital infection control committees to develop systems and ensure that updated information on the hospital microbial environment is developed and cascaded to the necessary hospital personnel.

Further on the ground, PHAP members involved in the retail of medicines also continuously conduct training and re-training of frontliners — pharmacists and pharmacy assistants — in the dispensing of antibiotics. Patient education is also being carried out to ensure the appropriate use of these lifesaving medicines.

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.

PBC eyes SEA Games gold — Bong Coo

November 24, 2021 | 12:01 am

TEAM Philippines at the 2021 IBF Super World Championship — POC

INSPIRED by its bronze medal performance in the World Championships in Dubai, the Philippine bowling team has trained its sights at claiming its first Southeast Asian (SEA) Games gold medal in over a decade in the Hanoi tilt in May next year.

“Our target is to win the SEA Games gold,” said Philippine Bowling Federation (PBC) secretary-general Bong Coo in yesterday’s online Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum.

Ms. Coo was sourcing her optimism from the national keglers’ two-bronze haul in the Dubai meet last week that ended a 15-year medal drought in the annual tournament that produced several Philippine mints including three by Ms. Coo herself and one from national men’s squad coach Biboy Rivera.

In the last SEA Games that the country hosted two years ago, the Nationals missed out on a gold and instead wound up with a silver in the men’s team and a bronze in the women’s team.

The country’s last gold in the biennial meet, in fact, came exactly a decade ago courtesy of Frederick Ong in the men’s singles in Jakarta, Indonesia.

And national team mentor Jojo Canare hopes the golden drought would end in Hanoi.

“We will do our best to send our best bowlers in the SEA Games,” said Mr. Canare.

Mr. Canare said the team will most likely be composed of Kenneth Chua, Patrick Nuqui, Merwin Tan and Ian Dysangco in the men’s side and Rachel Leon, Mades Arles, Norel Nuevo and Uella Marcial in the women’s since they are the same bowlers who delivered the bronzes in Dubai.

There is a chance they may add some young guns along the way.

Ms. Coo said they have prepared a rigid four-month training starting early next year. — Joey Villar