by admin | Apr 30, 2018 | Headlines
SINGAPORE – The Philippines (PH) continues to be an investment destination for Singaporean companies as USD 185.7 million-worth of investment pledges providing 1,920 job opportunities were signed at the sidelines of the 32nd Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit on 28 April 2018.
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) reported that the investment pledges will cover collaborative works on aviation, solutions for sustainable urbanization, as well as development of marine renewable energy, packaging, film manufacturing, information, communications technology, financial technology, water solutions, prefabricated projects, food, and blockchain technology.
“With our robust bilateral trade and investments ties, we are confident that these new business agreements will even deepen our relationship further. These will push Philippine-Singapore trade engagement to even greater heights,” said President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.
“With these investments coming in, I am fulfilling a personal commitment to my countrymen to bring them more job opportunities. That’s why I am appreciative of your investment in the Philippines. I promise you that when you invest in the Philippines, we will ensure that your investments will be protected,” the President added.
The President witnessed the presentation of six Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and four Letters of Intent (LOI) signed between the PH business delegation—composed of Filinvest Development Corporation, Everhydro Corporation, Cebu Air, Inc., ICS ICT Support Service Corporation, Ascent Solutions Philippines Inc., and Jollibee Foods Corporation—and Singaporean companies, including Keppel Corporation, OceanPixel, SIA Engineering Company Limited, Hitachi Asia Ltd., Robin Village International Pte. Ltd., Ascent Solutions Pte. Ltd., and Golden Beeworks Pte. Ltd.
Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon Lopez also signed an LOI with the ASEAN Business Advisory Council Chairman Robert Yap, which involves a feasibility study on a suitable site for the implementation of a free online marketplace, SGConnect™ legacy project.
Sec. Lopez also signed an LOI with Lepack Packaging Pte. Ltd. Director Lim Seong Nam, which will explore opportunities to help and assist micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) by developing innovative packaging.
In 2017, Singapore (SG) was PH’s 6th trading partner, 5th export market, and 7th import supplier with total bilateral trade valued at USD 9.34 billion. Exports of semiconductor devices manufactured on consignment basis also boosted PH export to SG by 1.16% in 2017.
Likewise, a significant growth of 378% (or Php 2.13 billion in 2017 from Php 444 million in 2016) approved investments from SG was noted in electricity, gas, steam, and air conditioning supply industry.
Meanwhile, Secretary Lopez encouraged SG’s business community to join PH’s growth story by locating and expanding their businesses in the country.
“There are enormous opportunities for companies partnering with Philippines as the country is on its economic breakout,” said Sec. Lopez.
“The 6.7% GDP growth, increasing consumer base, and highly-skilled and young workforce complement the various reforms and infrastructure programs of the government, as well as new policies in enhancing business environment and competitiveness,” Sec. Lopez added.
The trade chief also highlighted PH’s preferential agreements and market access to Europe, the European Union and United States.
“We are a strategic partner as the Philippines is located at the crossroads of international shipping and airlines, and a natural gateway to the East Asian economies. With our preferential agreements to big economies, we can also provide access to the large US and EU markets,” Sec. Lopez concluded.
by admin | Apr 28, 2018 | Tech Talk
Dalareich Polot and Joy Angeli Uy, two young Boholana entrepreneurs launched their personal advocacy called FACADE (Food, Agriculture, Culture and Arts, Development, Education) with a tagline “Opening an open space of possibilities”. FACADE aims to change the face of culture in the province of Bohol through community development and education.
Two social entrepreneur speakers from Manila, JOSH MAHINAY, founder of BEAGIVER and DR. ANTON MARI LIM, Co-Founder and President of Yellow Boat of Hope Foundation also inspired the guests with the stories of the respective communities they are helping.
During the launching, they introduced FAÇADE Talk Series 1 that was held in Tagbilaran City Grounds for 3 consecutive nights from April 24-26, a side event of Tagbilaran Fusion Nights 2018. The first topic was handled by two young Boholano coffee farmers, Duke Minoza of Buenaventura Farm and Paolo Rigotti of Rigotti Coffee with the topic: Cacao Seed to Cup Appreciation Night”. On the second night, April 25, the topic was “Bean to Bar Chocolate Journey and Chocolate Appreciation Night” handled by our two Bohol chocolate makers , Ms Vina Antopina and Dalareich Polot itself. On the 3rd night, April 26, the topic was “Organic Food and Farming, Sustainable Planet, Produce and People” handled by Efrenia Holt and Cyrus Lobrigas of KABOOM Organic Farming Group of Bohol. The talks were attended by several people who pre-registered and walk-in people during the Fusion Nights.
“This is just a personal advocacy for the both of us, purely borne out of our numerous frustrations with how underappreciated certain aspects of our culture are. Our only equities are our network, sweat, and ultimately, just our passion. The only gain is to see Bohol as a creative hub for food, culture, and the arts.” Polot and Uy said during the launching.
“We want to see Bohol in the future as a creative hub for food, agriculture, culture and the arts and development. We want Boholanos to talk, collaborate, open a conversation and inspire each other. Shobe Joy and I personally thank all our sponsors who were at our back when we planned for this. “ – Dalareich said in her facebook post.
Polot and Uy will be preparing their next series soon and hopefully during the Sandugo Festival.
by admin | Apr 28, 2018 | Headlines
TAGBILARAN CITY, April 28 (PIA)—Construction at the New Bohol Airport for Sustainable Environment Project (Panglao Airport) may be suffering some 8.40 % variance from its planned accomplishment as of March 31, 2018, but Department of Transportation (DOTr) authorities said they can still make it in time for the August 2018 opening.
A report furnished by the DOTr to Bohol authorities showed that by March 31, DOTr should have seen an 88.61% accomplishment, but the contractors Chiyoda Mitsubishi Joint Ventures accomplished 81.21%, resulting to the slight variance.
But DOTr Panglao Airport Project manager Engr. Edgardo Mangalili said has seen worse.
At the beginning of the 2012 proposed P7, 440, 290, 000.00 project, there was so much negative slippage that contractors had to get their workers on overtime shifts to be able to beat the monthly timelines, Mangalili said.
The new airport project manager told Manila-based media during a recent updating and project presentation inside the project management office conference hall, new Panglao airport complex that the catch-up and crashed program of the project to keep up with the revised implementation schedule significantly cut the slippage and kept it up to date.
He added that the contractors are still willing to speed up the project despite an extended deadline for completion.
From the 2012 proposed plan, a change in scope of the initial project has significantly moved schedules.
From the initial runway length of two kilometres, a revised plan now included an additional 500 meters of runway, and an expanded Passenger Terminal Building that would now be a two-story building almost doubling up the floor space.
The plan revision, which the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) approved in September of 2016, now entails a bigger budget of P7, 773,000.
The project also stretches from 50.50 man-months starting from May 5, 2014 to 62.90 months, according to DOTr and its consultants: Japan Airport Consultants.
Originally set for completion by December 21, 2017, the revision moves the completion to June 2, 2018.
By March 31, 2018, Engr. Mangalili, in fact said that the contractors accomplished ahead in its civil works timeline, 2.9% more as its planned accomplishment for the period was pegged at 32.74.
To date, contractors have completed the 2.5 kilometer runway, two taxiways and the airport apron, Engr. Mangalili showed photos to prove his point.
From its building works, contractors have accomplished 28.50% even as they have accomplished the putting up of the 2nd layer of roofing for the Passenger Terminal Building as of now, the project engineer said.
The administration building and the control tower are on scheduled timelines and its Fire Rescue and Maintenance Building is also up.
For its utility works, the airport contractors have completed 5.35%, with a 1.5% setback from its planned accomplishment for the period.
The contractors have put up the power house, sewage treatment plant and its related structure as well as its material recovery facility.
And as the new airport would be a huge upgrade from the sunrise to sunset operations in Tagbilaran, Panglao airport would have air navigation and aeronautical ground lighting facilities, which are now installed and awaiting final testing, according to the project manager.
Up in place are the Very High Frequency Omni Directional Range Detection, Distance Measuring Equipment and counterpoise structures as well as its aeronautical ground lighting facilities.
Overall, DOTr thinks if the airport starts its operations by August 2018, the June 2 completion timetable affords them more than ample time to embellish the airport to make the grand inaugural flight on schedule. (rahc/PIA-7/Bohol)
by admin | Apr 25, 2018 | Headlines
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) will assist affected workers and displaced micro, small and medium entrepreneurs to lessen the impact of the the six-month closure order of Boracay Island in Malay, Aklan.
DTI Regional Operations Group Undersecretary Zenaida Maglaya said that the agency has identified initiatives to cushion the impact to workers and entrepreneurs of the island’s shutdown on April 26.
“We recognize the importance of Boracay Island to our local entrepreneurs there. However, we would also like to ensure that the island maintain its pristine condition, which is why we have identified programs that will help local entrepreneurs,” Maglaya said.
DTI, a member of the Working Group on employment and livelihood and the lead agency in the establishment of the Operations Center/ One-Stop Shop in Boracay Island, has identified activities that may provide workers alternative income and other alternative markets for the MSMEs.
While the island is closed to tourists, MSMEs selling to Boracay will be given the chance to continue their businesses as DTI identifies alternative market outlets in nearby resorts and Pasalubong Centers.
Aside from these, the DTI will launch the Negosyo Serbisyo sa Barangay and come up with trainings, coaching and mentoring on business opportunities, online marketing seminar, and micro loans through the Pondo para sa Pagbagago at Pag-asenso (P3), among others.
by admin | Apr 24, 2018 | National News
With the success of the Kapatid Mentor ME Program in 2017, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) looks to capitalize on its accomplishment and pick up where it left off as the program which is intended to assist micro and small enterprises in scaling up their businesses will continue for year 2018, aiming to reach more entrepreneurs in the countryside.
While reaching out to MSMEs, the Kapatid Mentor ME Program is also expected to contribute to the administration’s Trabaho, Negosyo Agenda—by producing more entrepreneurs, resulting to jobs for Filipinos.
DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez said the Kapatid Mentor ME Program has sparked an entrepreneurial revolution in the countryside by empowering micro and small enterprises that will benefit the community through job creation.
“The Kapatid Mentor Me (KMME) Program is driving the entrepreneurial revolution in the Philippines. More importantly, this revolution is happening in the countryside,” said Lopez.
“With the goal of helping entrepreneurs attain the mindset and business know-how, they need to sustain and scale-up their businesses. This program empowers MSME business owners—particularly in the provinces—and helps them create jobs that benefit the whole community.”
Philippine MSMEs account for 99.5% of the total number of establishments and employ 62.8% of the country’s workforce, contributing substantially to the country’s manufacturing output and total employment, making them critical engines of economic growth and development.
Kicking off in 2016, the Kapatid Mentor ME Program aims to assist MSMEs in scaling up and sustain their businesses through weekly coaching and mentoring by business owners and practitioners on different functional areas of entrepreneurship. The program is jointly undertaken by DTI and the Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship – Go Negosyo.
In 2017, DTI assisted 24,078 individuals, including 17,144 MSMEs and graduated 1,780 Micro Entrepreneurs throughout the country. The program also was able to certify 426 mentors, who will handle the modules and the mentoring aspects.
Sec. Lopez also highlighted the importance of the Department’s partnership with PCE-Go Negosyo and local government units (LGUs) throughout the country.
“To sustain this growth, continued collaboration between DTI, PCE, and local government units is essential. Our goal now is to develop competitive MSMEs and create a culture that recognizes their contribution to the economic growth of the country,” he said.
The 2018 Kapatid Mentor ME sessions kicked off last February 13, 2018 in Ifugao and will run in 16 regions throughout the country until September 2018.
The 11-week program will have weekly modules such as Marketing, Financial Management, Human Resource Management, Operations Management, Business Law, Taxation, among others. On the 11th week, the mentee is required to present his/her business improvement plan, incorporating the learnings from the lectures and mentoring sessions.
To qualify as a mentee, the entrepreneur should be a business owner or manager of a micro/small enterprise operating for at least one year.
