Science fiction epic Dune leads BAFTA nominations with 11 nods

February 7, 2022 | 12:02 am

Timothée Chalamet in Dune (2021) part 1 — Timothée Chalamet in Dune (2021) part 1 — IMDB.COM

LONDON — Science fiction epic Dune, a mammoth adaptation of Frank Herbert’s 1965 novel, led nominations for the British Academy Film Awards on Thursday, securing 11 nods, with dark Western The Power of the Dog following with eight.

Belfast, Kenneth Brannagh’s semi-autobiographical black and white comedy drama set at the onset of Northern Ireland’s three decades of conflict, received six nominations at Britain’s top movie honors.

All three films will compete for best film at the awards, known as the BAFTAs (British Academy of Film and Television Arts), alongside coming-of-age tale Licorice Pizza and Don’t Look Up, a humorous warning about climate change.

James Bond movie No Time to Die, a remake of West Side Story, and Licorice Pizza each got five nominations.

“It’s an incredibly exciting list of nominations, 48 different films have been nominated this year,” BAFTA Chair Krishnendu Majumdar told Reuters.

“The key thing to take out is the breadth and the diversity of stories. Really different films have been nominated not just in terms of genre but also who’s in them and who’s making them.”

Following an outcry in 2020 over the lack of diversity among an all-white acting nominees list and all-male best director contenders, BAFTA has expanded membership, added a longlist voting round and increased the acting and director categories.

Half of the best director nominees this year are women: Jane Campion for The Power of the Dog, Audrey Diwan for Happening, a French drama about illegal abortion in the 1960s, and Julia Ducournau for body horror Titane.

Aleem Khan (After Love), Ryûsuke Hamaguchi (Drive My Car), and Paul Thomas Anderson (Licorice Pizza) complete the list.

Boasting an all-star cast, Dune, about an intergalactic battle to control a precious resource, is also in the running for adapted screenplay, original score, and cinematography alongside other creative and technical categories.

The leading actress nominees are Lady Gaga for fashion drama House of Gucci, Alana Haim for Licorice Pizza, Emilia Jones for CODA, a coming-of-age story about the only hearing member of a deaf family, and Renate Reinsve for romance drama The Worst Person in the World.

Also nominated are Joanna Scanlan for playing a widow who discovers a devastating secret in After Love and Tessa Thompson for Passing, a film about racial identity.

Leading actor nominees include Benedict Cumberbatch for his portrayal of a 1920s rancher in The Power of the Dog, Leonardo DiCaprio for playing an astronomer desperate to save the planet in Don’t Look Up, and Will Smith for playing the father of tennis champion sisters Venus and Serena Williams in King Richard.

Ali & Ava actor Adeel Akhtar, Mahershala Ali (Swan Song) and Stephen Graham (Boiling Point) complete the list.

The BAFTAs will be held in-person on March 13 in London, following a virtual event last year due to the pandemic. — Reuters

Bangsamoro region accredits more halal certification companies

February 7, 2022 | 12:02 am

EXPORTS of halal goods from the Muslim-majority Bangsamoro region are expected to expand with the licensing of more halal certification firms and initiatives to boost trade links with the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA).

Prime Certification and Inspection (PC&I) Asia Pacific, Inc., whose parent company is headquartered in Dubai, officially received its certification of registration on Feb. 3 from the Regional Bangsamoro Board of Investments (BBoI), along with four other companies.

“The five companies, upon receiving this certificate of registration can fully be operational with their own respective ventures and will automatically enjoy fiscal incentives provided for by the Regional BBoI,” Ishak V. Mastura, the board’s chairman, said in a statement.

PC&I will provide halal accreditation for export products, particularly those bound for the Middle East, the agency said.

For BIMP-EAGA, which covers areas with largely Muslim populations, the Bangsamoro Economic Development Council (BEDC) recently created a committee that will focus on strengthening ties with the four-nation economic grouping.

EAGA, formally established in 1994, is composed of Brunei Darussalam; Indonesia’s Kalimantan, Sulawesi, Maluku, and Papua provinces; Malaysia’s Sabah, Sarawak, and Labuan; and the Philippine regions of Mindanao and Palawan.

Director-General Rosslainie Alonto-Sinarimbo of the Bangsamoro Ministry of Trade, Investment, and Tourism said the sub-committee formed in December will be working closely with the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), which serves as the Philippine’s lead agency for EAGA programs.

“(T)he sub-committee will truly sustain our engagement with MinDA and the BIMP-EAGA counterparts for the region’s sustainable economic growth,” Ms. Sinarimbo said during the 1^st Regular Meeting of the BEDC’s Economic Development Committee in mid-January.

MinDA Development Management Officer Amhed Jeoffrey Datukan said during the meeting that one of the steps recently taken was a partnership with the Bangsamoro Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR) for the development of the halal beef sector, among others.

“MinDA forged an engagement with BARMM-MAFAR on the development of halal beef production industry, assist the Mindanao Barter Trade Council, and implement other several ongoing priorities that BARMM could take advantage of,” Mr. Datukan said.

The Bangsamoro region’s halal verification laboratory was renovated and upgraded last year for P47 million.

The facility, which has been fitted with new equipment, can do analysis for ethanol, gelatin, pesticide residue, minerals and heavy metals in food and water, and meat and meat-based products.

The global halal market, which was estimated at around $3 trillion in 2021, is expected to grow to $10 trillion in the next few years, according to the national government’s Department of Trade and Industry.

Halal, the Arabic word for permissible, refers to goods and services that conform to Islamic law and practices. — Marifi S. Jara

Investors impressed by fourth-quarter BPI rebound

February 7, 2022 | 12:01 am

By Lourdes O. Pilar, Reseacher

INVESTORS snapped up shares in Ayala-led Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) after it reported strong fourth-quarter earnings.

A total of P1.28-billion worth of 12.79 million BPI shares were traded from Jan. 31 to Feb. 4, data from the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) showed, making it the fourth most actively traded issue last week.

Shares in the fourth-largest universal and commercial bank in terms of total assets finished at P100.00 apiece on Friday, up 0.71% week on week from the P99.30 close on Jan. 28. For the year, the stock gained 9.8%.

Analysts pointed to BPI’s strong quarterly earnings report that made it one of the most active stocks last week.

“Banks and financials were generally strong this week, up 2.5% week-on-week, so this likely contributed to higher volume for BPI,” COL Financial Group, Inc. Research Analyst Adrian Alexander N. Yu said in an e-mail.

“In addition, BPI reported strong full year 2021 earnings result of P23.9 billion, up 11.5% year on year driven by lower provisions and strong fee income,” he added.

In a separate e-mail, Regina Capital Development Corp. Head of Research Luis A. Limlingan said investors expected a strong earnings result which caused a sharp rise in BPI’s price a trading session prior to disclosure.

“That’s why on the day of the press release publication, some have decided to top slice from their attractive positions already,” Mr. Limlingan said.

Diversified Securities, Inc. Equity Trader Aniceto K. Pangan said in a mobile phone message on Friday: “Investors reacted positively as price appreciated from P94.50 per share to as high as P100.50 after earnings went up by more than 51% in fourth quarter boosted by income from fees as performance of most business lines surpassing 2019 or pre pandemic levels.”

In its disclosure to the PSE, BPI’s net income rose by 51.2% year on year to P6.4 billion in the October-to-December period.

This brought the bank’s bottom line for the full year of 2021 to P23.88 billion, a 11.5% gain from the previous year, driven by lower provisions and record-high fee income.

Total revenues edged lower by 4.2% to P97.4 billion last year, as net interest income dipped by 3.7% year on year to P69.58 billion.

BPI’s net interest margin dropped by 19 basis points from to 3.3% from 3.5% amid lower yields across most loan portfolios and treasury assets.

Meanwhile, non-interest income declined by 5.5% to P27.82 billion in 2021 due to lower trading income but this was strengthened by a 23.2% boost in fee income, with the performance rebound in most business lines surpassing 2019 levels.

This year, Mr. Yu expects BPI’s revenue to reach P105.6 billion with earnings of P29 billion.

Mr. Limlingan said BPI would benefit from sustained improvement in bank lending, even with the Omicron virus variant around.

He projected BPI’s first-quarter net income to hit mid to high double-digit growth, which would likely be the trend throughout 2022.

“With the strong price action [last] week, we are looking at BPI sustaining the uptrend and hopefully breaking above P100.00 per share,” Mr. Yu said.

Mr. Yu gave BPI a strong support level at P93.00-P96.00 per share and resistance of P100.00 apiece.

Mr. Limlingan pegged BPI’s support at P94.80 per share and its resistance at P101.55.

“BPI’s probably going into consolidation mode next week, given the surge in its price this week,” added Mr. Limlingan.

For Mr. Pangan, the bank “may sustain its momentum going forward barring any surge in transmission rates that may limit ease in restrictions. Also, as long as global inflation rate could be managed to normal levels with gradual monetary policy applications.”

Mr. Pangan’s immediate support for BPI is P93.10 per share and its immediate resistance at P102.50 per share.

Pagdanganan settles for share of 41^st place; Maguire makes history in winning Drive On Championship

February 7, 2022 | 12:01 am

macguire — IRISH golfer Leona Maguire poses with the trophy after winning the LPGA Drive On Championship on Feb. 5 at Crown Colony Golf & Country Club in Fort Myers, Florida. — REUTERS

BIANCA Pagdanganan faltered midway and settled for a share of 41^st place as Irish Leona Maguire took home the crown in the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Drive On Championship on Saturday at the Fort Myers, Florida.

The Filipina Olympian swung out with guns ablaze after firing three birdies in the first 12 holes for a shot at further climbing the ladder but had setbacks in the 13^th and 15^th hole heading home.

Though she made up for it with a birdie in a last push, Ms. Pagdanganan finished with a five-under 211 along with 11 other players for a $6,162 prize (Over P300,000) at the end of the $1.5 million, 54-hole Florida showpiece.

Still, it was a strong rebound for the 24-year-old ace after missing the championship cut in Gainbridge last week heading into her next event at the JTBC Classic in Carlsbad, California on March 24-27.

Yuka Saso, the reigning US Women’s Open champion and Ms. Pagdanganan’s teammate in the Philippines’ Asian Games conquest in 2018, missed the championship cut by just a stroke with 144 at joint 74^th place.

It’s the first early exit for Ms. Saso in the last 11 months as she looks forward to a better outing in the Women’s World Championship on March 3-6 in Singapore and the LPGA Thailand on March 10-13.

Meanwhile, Ms. Maguire unleashed a strong finishing kick with a series of birdies to fend off a late rally by American Lexi Thompson for the $225,000 Florida purse.

Ms. Maguire, who became the first Irish winner in LPGA Tour history, had seven birdies to secure a three-stroke victory with an 18-under 198 total over Thompson with 15-under 201. — John Bryan Ulanday

PSEi to move sideways on rebalancing, oil prices

February 7, 2022 | 12:01 am

SHARES are seen to move sideways following the rebalancing of the index and the rise in oil prices, as well as anticipation of the start of the campaign period for this year’s national elections.

The benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) climbed 73.58 points or 0.99% to end at 7,456.35 on Friday, while the broader all shares index rose 27.74 points or 0.71% to finish at 3,933.94.

Week on week, the index gained 204.38 points from its 7,251.97 close on Jan. 28.

“Local equities surged as optimism returned on the back of easing of alert levels in the Metro, shrugging off the US Federal Reserve’s hawkish tone in the previous week,” online brokerage 2TradeAsia.com said in an e-mail sent over the weekend.

The US central bank earlier said it is likely to raise borrowing costs starting March to quell rising inflation. Markets expect the Fed to fire off at least three rate hikes this year.

This week, analysts said investors will react to the index rebalancing. Other drivers are the surge in oil prices as well as the start of the election campaign period.

“The news of a PSEi rebalancing, placing in Monde Nissin Corp. (MONDE) and Emperador, Inc. (EMP), while removing Bloomberry Resorts Corp. (BLOOM) and Robinsons Retail Holdings, Inc. (RRHI), may cause some turbulence from the beginning of next week to its end,” COL Financial Group, Inc. Chief Technical Analyst Juanis G. Barredo said in a Viber message on Friday.

On Friday, the PSE announced MONDE and EMP will be part of the PSEi effective Feb. 14 after the regulator’s review of the index and sectoral indices’ performances from the first to last trading days of 2021.

Mr. Barredo said the addition of two companies to the PSEi will drive index funds and investors to purchase shares in MONDE and EMP and sell BLOOM and RRHI.

Meanwhile, 2TradeAsia.com said oil prices could continue to cause volatility in the market.

Oil prices surged to seven-year high on Friday. Brent crude rose $2.16 or 2.4% to settle at $93.27 a barrel, Reuters reported.

“While in the grand scheme of things, crude’s sharp ascent may not factor into a surprise rate hike soon, it may still drive investor aversion against fuel and foreign exchange sensitive sectors and/or those that may not be able to fully pass on the higher fuel cost,” 2TradeAsia.com said.

Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. Chief Economist Michael L. Ricafort said the start of the campaign period for the May national elections on Feb. 8 could also affect sentiment.

“This may start the acceleration of election-related spending around the country that could boost economic activities, more employment, and consumer spending, which accounts for about 75% of the economy,” he said.

2TradeAsia.com put the PSEi’s support at 7,300 and resistance at the 7,500-7,600 levels. — M.C. Lucenio with Reuters

Yields mixed on Jan. CPI

February 7, 2022 | 12:01 am

YIELDS on government securities (GS) ended mixed last week after the government fully awarded reissued five-year bonds and as January inflation eased to its lowest level in 15 months.

GS yields, which move opposite to bond prices, went down by an average of 0.7 basis point (bp) on average week on week, based on PHP Bloomberg Valuation Service Reference rates as of Feb. 4 published on the Philippine Dealing System’s website.

At the short end of the curve, yields on the 91- and 364-day Treasury bills (T-bills) dropped by 0.65 bp and 0.1 bp to 0.7497% and 1.4394%, respectively, while the 182-day paper rose 5.12 bps to 1.1249%.

The belly of the curve dipped as the two-, three-, four-, five-, and seven-year Treasury bonds (T-bonds) saw their yields fall by 7.98 bps, 6.17 bps, 5.26 bps, 6.04 bps, and 9.10 bps to 2.481%, 3.1592%, 3.7628%, 4.2296%, and 4.7151%, respectively.

At the long end, the rates of the 20- and 25-year notes rose by 14.91 bps (to 5.1%) and 15.51 bps (5.0931%), while the 10-year T-bond decreased by 7.95 bps to 4.8805%.

Analysts attributed last week’s yield movement to new supply of papers following the full award of reissued five-year bonds last week as well as anticipation for the January inflation print released on Friday.

“The former led yields to rise by as much as 5 bps while the latter recovered such move and more, rallying by as much as 13 bps on good demand,” Security Bank Corp. Chief Investment Officer for Trust and Management Group Noel S. Reyes said in an e-mail on Friday.

He added that the market “remains on edge” after a soft January inflation reading “as a result of rebasing to 2018 which was a high inflation year and may not affect the favorable response normally seen for such a good figure.”

“Players positioned in the four- to 10-year space amid anticipated deceleration in January’s inflation print and as US Treasuries rallied over the largest drop in ADP employment in the last two years,” First Metro Asset Management, Inc. (FAMI) said in a separate e-mail.

The Bureau of the Treasury’s (BTr) offer of reissued bonds was met with “decent” demand, FAMI said, and were awarded at an average rate of 4.089%, well within earlier indications.

The Treasury fully awarded on Wednesday the P35-billion reissued five-year papers — with a remaining life of four-years and two months — despite rising yields after the hawkish tone from the US Federal Reserve. Tenders reached P60.66 billion.

The average yield on the tenor was higher by 7.7 bps from the 4.012% quoted during the Jan. 12 offering. It was also higher than the 3.7848% for the four-year bond, the closest benchmark.

Meanwhile, the consumer price index (CPI) slowed by 3% year on year in January as housing and utilities costs eased, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported on Friday. It was slower than the 3.2% in December and the 3.7% in January last year.

January was the fifth straight month that inflation decelerated from the 4.4% peak seen in August last year. It matched the 3% pace in November 2020 and the median estimate in a BusinessWorld poll and was the slowest print since the 2.3% in October 2020.

The 2018 rebasing brought the average inflation for 2021 to 3.9%, within the 2-4% central bank target last year. The PSA changed the base year for the CPI to 2018 starting in the January report to reflect changing household consumption patterns.

On the other hand, the yield on the US benchmark 10-year bond reached its highest level since December 2019 on strong jobs data, cementing expectations of the upcoming Fed rate hike this year, Reuters reported.

The world’s largest economy added 467,000 in January, above market expectations.

This followed the surprise 301,000 jobs decline reported by ADP private payrolls survey on Wednesday.

For FAMI, bond yields for this week would likely trade sideways as “market’s appetite for longer tenors (seven- to 10-year) will be tested in the upcoming issuances of BTr.”

“For the meantime, eyes remain focused on central bank hikes elsewhere which shall influence interest rate movement here on top of new supply also required by the government to fund expenditure,” Mr. Reyes said. “Hence, such focus will keep rallies on GS short-lived.” — M.I.U. Catilogo with Reuters

Lamborghini says ‘arrivederci’ to cars with purely combustion engines

February 7, 2022 | 12:01 am

VELO_DASH_image2 — PHOTO FROM LAMBORGHINI

FRESH FROM a year of record sales, Lamborghini accelerates its drive toward an electrified future as it stays on course in transitioning to hybrid power, and eventually to fully electric. This year will be the last one with Lamborghini featuring purely gasoline combustion engines.

The Sant’Agata Bolognese-based House of the Raging Bull last year outlined its road map to decarbonization of future models in a plan called “Direzione Cor Tauri” (Towards Cor Tauri). Cor Tauri references the logo chosen in 1963 by company founder Ferruccio Lamborghini. It is the brightest star in the Taurus constellation and represents Lamborghini’s vision of a future that is electrified but “always faithful to the heart and soul of the brand.”

The first phase of the plan started in 2021 and is set to continue this year. Lamborghini will pay tribute to its combustion engine era by launching special versions of its most significant models — like the V12-powered Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4 announced in August 2021, and which just recently took to the road for the first time. Additional special versions are also slated for introduction this year.

In the second phase, to ensue from 2022 until the end of 2024, Lamborghini will transition to hybrid power plants. The company aims to launch its first hybrid production car in 2023, and to have its entire model range composed exclusively of hybrid models by the end of 2024. The company has earmarked an unprecedented investment of nearly US$2 billion over four years to support this shift to electrification, proving Lamborghini’s strong sense of environmental and social responsibility amid a period of profound transformation in the automotive industry.

Evolving from this is the third phase of the plan in which the first fully electric Lamborghini is targeted to launch in the second half of the decade, and to transform all Lamborghini models into full-electric vehicles afterwards. Along with this, the brand aims to introduce a fourth fully electric model before 2030.

Lamborghini’s program to 2030 also involves a sustainability strategy from the production line to the brand’s offices. The brand’s Sant’Agata manufacturing site, which has already received carbon-neutral certification in 2015, has maintained this position even after production capacity has doubled in size. Further reducing carbon emissions, environmental protection, sustainability in the supply chain, attention to employees’ welfare, and corporate social responsibility are parts of this strategy.

“Lamborghini’s electrification plan is a newly plotted course, necessary in the context of a radically changing world. Our response is a plan with a 360-degree approach taking us toward a more sustainable future while always remaining faithful to our DNA,” declared Automobili President and CEO Stephan Winkelmann.

Style (02/07/22)

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Lucky in Love promo at Bonifacio High Street

Bonifacio High Street (BHS) in partnership with Globe, prepares their Lucky In Love promo for both Bonifacio Global City (BGC) customers and Globe subscribers this month of February. All weekdays of February, customers can redeem their Lucky In Love basket at the One Bonifacio High Street Concierge from noon to 8 p.m. This special basket is an exclusive gift of premium treats and goodies from BHS stores: a bottle of wine, chocolates, biscuits, cookies, and sweet treats from Marks & Spencer, a Muji 2022 planner and pen, and many more surprises. To receive the Lucky In Love basket, customers need to present single or accumulated purchase receipts of P5,000 from any of the merchants found at Bonifacio High Street and other places around the estate. As for Globe subscribers, they need to present P4,000 worth of single or accumulated purchase receipts from the BGC merchants to redeem theirs. Those interested in redeeming a Lucky in Love basket must come early as the baskets are limited. For more updates, visit the official Facebook page of Bonifacio High Street at https://www.facebook.com/BoniHighStreet/.

Korean star-endorsed Hada Labo lines now in PHL

ONE cult J-beauty brand that Asian superstars like Blackpink’s Jisoo, Jun Ji Hyun, and Jeon Somi all use and love is Hada Labo. K-pop star and actress Jisoo has once revealed that she has dry skin, so she tends to choose nourishing and moisturizing products like the Shiro Jyun Arbutin Whitening Lotion. Meanwhile, Jun Ji Hyun, who’s best known for films like My Sassy Girl and her series My Love from the Star, was once the face of the OG Goku Jyun Hydrating Lotion which she said gave her bouncy, deeply hydrated skin. Jeon Somi, a Korean solo singer and a former member of the project girl group I.O.I who loves super moisturizing products, has been tapped to endorse the same Goku Jyun Hydrating Lotion. These Hada Labo products — the Hydrating Goku Jyun and the Premium Whitening Shiro Jyun line — are now available in the Philippines. The Goku Jyun Hydrating Lotion, Japan’s #1 face lotion, is infused with four types of Hyaluronic Acid to harness their water-binding power and hydrate skin from the surface to inner skin layers, locking moisture in. Meanwhile, the Shiro Jyun Premium Whitening Lotion contains Tranexamic Acid that effectively helps fight dark spots, rebalance skin tone, and restore skin radiance. It also contains Vitamin C and E to soothe and relieve discomfort after sun exposure. The lotion also has Hyaluronic Acid that prevents moisture loss and Nano Hyaluronic Acid that provides moisture deep down into the inner skin layers. Aside from the face lotions, both lines also have their own face wash and cream selections to complete a simple three-step routine. Hada Labo is available at selected Watsons branches nationwide, or shop online at watsons.com.ph and at the official Mentholatum store on Lazada and Shopee.

Y.O.U Beauty’s special Valentine’s gift box

STAY tuned to Y.O.U Beauty social media channels to find out how to win the Rouge Velvet Matte Lip Cream Limited Edition Valentine’s Gift Box . The Rouge Velvet Matte Lip Cream by Y.O.U. Beauty is made with a smooth and lightweight formula to ensure all-day comfort. Available in 19 different shades, each product has quick dry and non-transfer features that keep it in place after applying, while the hydrating formula made with coconut oil and Vitamin E moisturizes and softens lips and helps reduce the appearance of fine lines. The gift box comes in three distinct versions. There is the Best Sellers Bundle featuring a trio of timeless shades of lip cream: Naked, a discreet yet chic take on nude lip cream; Kelly, a classic red; and Latte, a deep and moody brown. There is the Date Night Bundle containing Honey, a red shade that strikes the balance between bold and bright; Fearless, a coral shade; and Salmon, a peachy hue. And finally there is The Daily Bundle which consists of Naked, Peach, and Latte lipsticks. As a special Valentine’s Day gift, Y.O.U Beauty is giving away Rouge Velvet Matte Lip Cream Limited Edition Valentine’s Gift Boxes. To find out how to win, visit Y.O.U Beauty on Facebook and Instagram for more details. The Rouge Velvet Matte Lip Cream product range is available online at the Y.O.U Beauty Lazada and Shopee stores.

Heart Evangelista curates Trunc.ph for February

IT’S definitely Heart’s month over at the SSI Group’s online shopping destination — Trunc.ph with its special guest, Heart Evangelista-Escudero. The fashion icon is taking over the multi-branded e-commerce luxury site featuring her favorite products from Trunc, Trunc Show, Trunc at Home, and PowderRoom. See her outfits-of-the-day, home hacks, make-up must-haves, and more by turning to Trunc.ph while taking advantage of exclusive promos and discounts for the entire February. More content is brewing over at trunc.ph with digital activities including Heart’s Trunc Haul on Feb. 11, 12, and 19. Trunc shoppers can get 10% off using the voucher code LOVETRUNC from Feb. 1 to March 31. The promo can be used multiple times with no minimum spend required. Meanwhile, customers can take advantage of Free-Shipping for purchases with a minimum spend of P7,500. This discount is auto-applied upon checkout and can be used multiple times. These promos may be used with other voucher codes for bigger discounts on regular, sale, and markdown items of select brands. Learn more at www.Trunc.ph or @Trunc.ph on Instagram and Facebook.

Agriculture companies sign up for post-ASF hog repopulation

February 7, 2022 | 12:01 am

THE Department of Agriculture (DA) said it has signed a partnership agreement with private companies seeking to participate in the hog repopulation effort following the reduction of the herd due to the outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF).

JG Agroventures, Inc. and Pig Improvement Co., in cooperation with the DA, launched a 5,000-sow level breeder nucleus farm in Nueva Ecija on Feb. 5.

“We are initially committing P80 million for this laudable project,” Agriculture Secretary William D. Dar said in a statement.

The facility will be stocked with PIC great grandparent breeders, whose offspring or grandparent (GP) piglets will be sold and distributed to commercial and clustered backyard swine raisers in Luzon.

To fund the operation, JG Agroventures applied for a P2.5-billion loan with the Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK).

“We envision JG Agroventures to supply the DA initially with 1,000 GP quality breeders for every farrowing, which we will distribute to commercial and clustered backyard swine raisers and farmers’ cooperatives and associations (FCAs),” Mr. Dar said.

The DA said it is also partnering with other agribusiness firms to aid in the revival of the swine industry, such as the Univet Nutrition and Animal Healthcare Co. and Charoen Pokphand Foods Philippines, Corp.

Charoen Pokphand invested in a P500-million swine breeder farm in Isabela and has committed to produce 600,000 fatteners.

By 2023, the DA hopes to produce 440,563 breeders and 10.5 million finishers under the hog repopulation program.

The department has allotted P800 million for lending to backyard and semi-commercial raisers.

LANDBANK and the Development Bank of the Philippines have pledged P30 billion and P12 billion, respectively, for lending to commercial raisers in ASF-free areas. — Luisa Maria Jacinta C. Jocson

How PSEi member stocks performed — February 4, 2022

February 7, 2022 | 12:00 am

Here’s a quick glance at how PSEi stocks fared on Friday, February 4, 2022.

Share of Filipinos’ food costs to net minimum wage rises

February 7, 2022 | 12:00 am

Retailers back booster requirement for shoppers

February 6, 2022 | 10:26 pm

RETAILERS expressed support for a proposal to require store visitors to present proof of having received a booster shot as a condition of entry, saying that such a measure will increase confidence in the public.

Steven T. Cua, Philippine Amalgamated Supermarkets Association (Pagasa) said in a mobile phone message that the proposed booster card requirement will ensure that consumers are aware of the need to take all measures needed to contain the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

“Pagasa agrees to this scheme to check on vaccination cards. It will, to certain extent, remind the people to sustain the attitude needed to deal with the pandemic, tone down crowded events, and help maintain a safer environment,” Mr. Cua said.

Mr. Cua said the proposal is best implemented in areas with high vaccination rates.

“It is wise to consider administering this only in areas where a high volume of shots have been provided by government to make this policy practicable and not anti-poor,” Mr. Cua said.

In a mobile phone message, Philippine Retailers Association (PRA) President Rosemarie B. Ong said such a measure will help boost confidence among consumers.

“(The proposal) will give more confidence as mobility increases,” Ms. Ong said.

Mr. Cua said there may be some downsides to the proposed booster card requirement if the COVID-19 pandemic lingers on.

“Guards or checkers (may not pay attention to) the ‘validity’ of booster cards if the pandemic situation carries on for some time and another series of booster shots is due. Guards monitoring these cards must (also) be well-oriented,” Mr. Cua said.

Recently, Presidential Adviser for Entrepreneurship Jose Ma. A. Concepcion III said that booster cards should be required for entry in establishments within high-vaccination zones such as the National Capital Region (NCR).

Mr. Concepcion said booster shots are needed to maintain protection against COVID-19 since the original doses’ efficacy declines within four to six months after the last dose.

“The reality is that the vaccine’s efficacy will wane and we don’t want to risk seeing more cases that could easily have been prevented by encouraging people to get boostered,” Mr. Concepcion said.

“The booster card requirement makes sense in the NCR because they received their primary doses ahead of the rest of the Philippines. However, they are also at higher risk from waning immunity and must be encouraged to get their booster shots right away,” he added.

Currently, only vaccination cards are required for entry into public spaces. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave