by admin | Mar 15, 2018 | Business, National News
Investment projects approved by the Philippine Board of Investments (BOI) in January to February 2018 continue to surge as the premier investment promotion agency recorded Php131.6 billion worth of projects, up by 402.3 percent compared to the same period last year.
“The sound policies of the government and the strong investor sentiment continues to fuel the growth momentum of the economy as we continue to generate projects and create more jobs for our countrymen,” Trade Secretary and BOI Chairman Ramon Lopez said.
He added that these projects are riding on the growth momentum to continue this year after the agency posted an all-time high of Php617 billion in committed investments last year.
“Barely two months in the new year, we’re off to a blazing start and given the momentum, we will continue to roll for the rest of the year and hit our target of Php680 billion, which is up 10 percent from the record-breaking figure from 2017. There were so many prospects late last year that after seeing the unprecedented growth, they finally decided to roll out new investments and other firms remain bullish with their expansion to take advantage of the expansive economy,” he said.
Trade Undersecretary and BOI Managing Head Ceferino Rodolfo meanwhile pointed out that most of the approvals centered on the need to address the growing demand of infrastructure in light of the administration’s “Build, build, build” program. “The power requirements are enormous and so are the construction part which leads to more cement production and the expansion of transport facilities,” he explained as the biggest project approvals in February came from power, cement and air transportation.
Five solar-power projects of Solar Philippine Commercial Rooftop Projects worth over PHp60 billion were give the nod in a bid to dramatically reduce the cost of power and reduce our dependence to fossil fuels in the long-term. Ionic Cementworks Industries, Inc. is putting up a Php 12 billion cement plant in Pagbilao, Quezon.
Meanwhile, the Metro Iloilo Hospital and Medical Center, Inc. is building a PhP620 million hospital in Jaro, Iloilo while Mabuhay Maritime Express Transport Inc. has been given the green light to as a domestic shipping operator of high speed passenger ship with a project cost of PHp602 million to service the Kailbo-Boracay, Aklan route.
“Our policy has always been to ensure the migration of investments from the National Capital Region (NCR) to the other regions. This is a deliberate policy to ensure that growth is inclusive,” Secretary Lopez said.
The BOI’s 2017-2019 Investment Priorities Plan (IPP) encourages investors to locate in the countryside as part of its general policies under geographical consideration. For example, projects located in any of the identified less developed areas (LDAs) are entitled to pioneer incentives and additional deduction from taxable income equivalent to 100 percent of expenses incurred in the development of necessary and major infrastructure facilities. .
“The IPP was intentionally designed to reduce investments in NCR and disperse activities to the countryside,” Rodolfo noted as NCR investments for January and February are down 36 percent to Php2.47 billion, from Php3.87 billion in the same period last year.
Other regions have set a torrid pace in offsetting the slack of investments in the Metro. Central Luzon topped all regions with Php61 billion in investment approvals, a meteoric 4,778 percent rise from only Php1.2 billion in the same period last year. CALABARZON placed second with Php45.8 billion, up 134 percent from Php19.6 billion in 2017. Coming in third was the Davao region (Region XI) with Php13.8 billion, up nearly 18,000 percent from only Php77 million a year ago in the same frame.
Overall, renewable energy/power projects hit Php87.7 billion, up an exponential 4,178 percent from the same frame last year and accounting for 67 percent of the aggregate investment figure for the first two months. Coming in second was the water supply, sewerage and waste management industry with PHp13.8 billion in project approvals, from none during the same period in 2017. Manufacturing placed third with Php12.7 billion in committed investments.
by admin | Mar 14, 2018 | National News
MAKATI – Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez announced on 13 March 2018 that investments in manufacturing surged by 244%, posting a record of US$ 1.15 billion inflows.
“The figures account for 35% of the US$ 3.3 billion equity capital placements in 2017,” said Sec. Lopez.
The statement was released following the report on the 2017 net foreign direct investments (FDI), which hit an all-time high US$10.1 billion.
Based on the data by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), the country’s investment inflows surpassed the expectations to expand by 21%, over the US$8.3 billion recorded in 2016.
Over 21 industries received FDI inflows. One-third of the total equity placements were attracted to manufacturing industry. Meanwhile, other industries which received bulk of total inflows include gas, steam and air conditioning supply; real estate; construction; and, wholesale and retail trade activities.
According to the Trade Secretary, the manufacturing industry has been delivering on its promise to be a pillar of economic growth in the country.
Since 2012, DTI has intensified its campaign and link in efforts of both government and private sectors to revitalize the manufacturing industry.
“It is a highly viable investment area and a source of meaningful and well-paying jobs for the people,” he added.
Food manufacturing, as well as production of radio, television, and communication equipment and apparatus; chemical and non-chemical products; fabricated metal products; basic metal and non-metallic mineral products, have been identified as vibrant manufacturing sectors.
Top sources of foreign equity investments are Singapore, Japan, The Netherlands, United States, and Luxembourg.
“Investor confidence is real. The Philippines continues to be a magnet for investments, and this is due to the country’s improving business environment, sound macroeconomic policy, political stability, favorable demographics, and of course, our people, who have always been the country’s prime asset in attracting foreign investments,” Sec. Lopez concluded.
by admin | Mar 13, 2018 | Headlines
TAGBILARAN CITY, March 13 (PIA)–Right on track into making sure local government units here raise their competitiveness indices, local leaders and business counselors witnessed the swearing into office a team that would facilitate the positioning of Bohol towns into the countries top cities and municipalities based on their competitive index.
An innovation in itself, the Bohol Competitiveness Council is an inter-agency team of government and non government agencies and organizations who would be at the disposal of Bohol LGUs so they could keep up with the competitiveness standards.
The local council, possibly a first in the country, according to investment promotions chief Maria Fe Dominese, is an interagency team who will assist local government units in complying and elevating its compliance to the competitiveness standards to come out with more efficient governance.
By competitiveness, it is the ability of an LGU to rise above its rivals and achieve sustainable levels of success in its specific categories, based on established parameters, explains Trade and Industry Development Specialist of the local department of Trade and Industry Jude Guieb.
Guieb presented anew the National Competitiveness Council (NCC) Survey and its 2017 Results for DTI 7 Regional Director Asteria Caberte, to at least 14 Bohol local chief executives and technical staff taking care of their compliance to the NCC indices of all towns in Bohol, March 13 at the Jjs Seafoods Village.
As a town’s competitiveness is now seen compared with how other local government units fare, one can easily see in figures measures of the LGU’s level and growth in the areas of standard of living, aggregate productivity and their ability to increase employment, trade and investments.
The competitiveness measure also determines how an LGU uses its resources to improve its standards of living, its schools, roads, financial markets, the consumer and in the end, offer better lives and prosperity to its constituents, DTI explained.
In the 2017 survey, Bohol rose from 54 in 2015, to 36 in 2016 and 23 in 2017. Tagbilaran City on the other hand completed a positive slate of 34, 25 and 21 in the last 3 years.
Governor Chatto emphasized the use of the competitiveness results as a guide for local leaders, as he urged local governments to look at their performances and work on weaknesses and bolster their strengths.
The governor also shared that it is Bohol’s aim of getting more towns into the list of the country’s most competitive.
The competitiveness parameters include economic dynamism or its activities that an environment conducive to business and employment, efficiency in government as measured in compliance to national directives, investment promotions, efficient business registration, local resource generation, health, school services, recognitions of performances, compliance to business permits and licensing system standards, peace and order and social protection.
Also in the parameters are infrastructure support which includes roads, ports, basic utilities, public transport vehicles, education infrastructure, LGU infra investments, accommodation capacity, information technology capacity and financial technology capacity.
Finally, a town’s competitiveness is also measured on its resiliency to disasters and challenges.
Its indicators include a workable land use plan, Disaster Risk Reduction Plan, Annual Disaster Drill, Early Warning System, Resiliency Financing as in putting up budgets for disaster and risk reduction, Local Risk Assessments, Emergency Infrastructure, Utilities, Employed Population and a sanitary system.
And for LGUs to be in the top list, newly instituted Bohol Competitiveness Council can assist and mentor LGUs in their compliance.
The new council includes the Department of Interior and Local Government, League of Municipalities of the Philippines, Department of Trade and Industry, Bohol Information and Communications Technology Unit, Sangguniang Panlalawigan, Vice Mayor’s League of the Philippines, Philippine Councilors League, Provincial Engineer’s, Health, Disaster and Risk Reduction Management, Planning and Development.
The Department of Education, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Social security System, Home Development Mutual Fund, PhilHealth, Bohol Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Alliance of on Government organizations, Public Works and Highways, Information and Communication Technology, Higher Education and the Holy Name University Research Center.(rahc/PIA-7/Bohol)
by admin | Mar 13, 2018 | Headlines, Tech Talk
Dandreb James Arro
Freelancing has been a viable option for many Filipinos. In fact, there are more than 2 million Filipino freelancers despite slower internet in the country, with these freelancers earning an estimated $10 to $50 per hour, depending on the job. Apart from having to earn above daily minimum wage, freelancers are not tied to a desk in a clock in-clock out, eight-to-five corporate setup. This gives them more time to pursue other passions.
While most freelancers opt to work in the comforts of their own home, oftentimes, the cabin fever kicks in and a new working environment becomes a necessity. This is when other go-to work options come in handy, like coffee shops. But expenses can balloon with every fill of coffee and there will be days when a barkada conversation can be loud and distracting.
This is when co-working space came to the scene. A co-working space is a shared workplace where freelancers and startup entrepreneurs can rent a table or room for a fee. These digital nomads can bank on the high-speed internet provided by co-working space while enjoying a new scenery and free coffee. Moreover, these co-working space provide avenues for these individuals to build a community where they can share ideas and collaborate on projects.
Co-working spaces have sprouted in some of the country’s busiest business hotbeds like Makati and Cebu City. Recently, a co-working space venture has found its way into the thriving Tagbilaran City.
D’ Courtyard Technology Hub is a co-working space located at CPG North Avenue fronting Dr. Cecilio Putong National High School (affectionately called Bohol High). It provides a private workstation amidst the bustling Tagbilaran City business scene where teams and individuals can transform ideas into realities.
D’ Courtyard Technology Hub workspaces can accommodate teams of up to 20 members. There are workspaces within glass walls surrounded by garden views, stimulating the senses for the free flow of ideas. The meeting room can accommodate groups to discuss, analyze, and synthesize ideas, the first step in creating a new innovative venture.
Apart from that, D’ Courtyard Technology Hub provides fast and reliable internet up to 200 mbps that allow businesses, freelances, and other players to thrive in the digital economy. Food and beverages are made readily available for a quick bite or refreshment, making sure that the flow of ideas will be uninterrupted by hunger or thirst. The best part is that D’ Courtyard Technology Hub aims to help build communities that explore possibilities through sharing and collaboration.
For those who wish to work in a warm collaborative space that thrives on inspiration and imagination,
D’ Courtyard Technology Hub can be their home. With amenities that suit the life of anyone whose opportunities are sought in freelancing, going online has just been much more enticing.
For more information visit our website www.courtyardtechhub.com or you may contact us directly:
Smart – 09292497628
Globe – 09456047258
Pldt Landline – (038) 427 – 1907
Email – contact@courtyardtechhub.com
by admin | Mar 12, 2018 | Headlines, Negosyo Center Updates
The Department of Trade and Industry through its Go Lokal! program recognized four (4) top MSME suppliers as Top Brand Discoveries for 2017 during its Go Lokal! Buyers’ Day celebration on 8 March 2018 at the DTI Go Lokal! Showroom in Makati City.
Lipi Enterprises, Vicky’s Pili and Food Products, Green Life Coconut Philippines Inc., and Gifts and Graces Fairtrade Foundation Inc., were awarded Top Brand Discoveries for 2017 after careful screening of all established Go Lokal! MSME suppliers with the following criteria: sales performance, number of retail partners carrying the brand, social impact and professionalism.
“As you know, this initiative of the Department is really meant to elevate and upgrade the kind of Micro SMEs that we have here in the country. We want them to be discovered. We want them to be empowered. We want to give them the mainstream place that they deserve—retail malls and outlets which are our partners. It’s different when they are given the chance to succeed,” said DTI Secretary Ramon M. Lopez during the awarding.
The awarded brands were among the micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) registered in Go Lokal! that availed the product development provided by DTI and the free marketing platform through DTI’s retail partners.
Mr. Joseph Lucero of Lipi Enterprises, admitted that access to selling areas was their primary obstacle before being a Go Lokal! supplier. “With Go Lokal! initiative, the DTI helped in bringing us into the malls. They were the conduit between the malls and us, small businesses,” added Lucero. In 2017, Lipi sales increased to 100% after joining Go Lokal!.
Meanwhile, Gifts and Graces, a foundation that was created to connect Filipino artisans and underprivileged communities with consumers, was able to showcase their products at the Go Lokal! retail store in Robinson’s Place Manila.
For Green Life Coconut Products, their presence in various Go Lokal! store locations such as Rustan’s, Robinson’s Ermita, and in 25 City Malls nationwide contributed to their big sales in 2017 amounting to over seven hundred thousand pesos. Vicky’s Pili and Food Products was also recognized for their high-quality pili nut products which recorded a 13% increase in their total sales in 2017 through Go Lokal!
Go Lokal! is a retail concept store and an innovative marketing tool developed by the DTI to showcase quality, cool, modern and 100% Filipino products and help MSMEs in accessing mainstream market.
At present, DTI Go Lokal! has established partnerships with Enchanted Kingdom, SM, Robinsons, Ayala Malls, Rustan’s, Duty Free Philippines, Shopwise, Marketa and City Mall. These partnerships paved the way for over 30 Go Lokal! retail stores in the country.
In photo (from left to right): DTI One Town, One Product (OTOP) Consultant Leon Flores receiving the award for Lipi Shoes, DTI Trade and Investments Promotion Group Assistant Secretary Rosvi C. Gaetos, Gifts and Graces Executive Director Victoria Jalandoni, Vicky’s Pili and Food Products Managing Owner Myra Zandra Gestiada, DTI Secretary Ramon M. Lopez, Greenlife Coconut Products Sales and Marketing Director Ma. Frances Rubio and Pamela Rubio, and DTI’s Bureau of Domestic Trade Promotion Director Rhodora Leaǹo.
