by admin | Feb 10, 2018 | Local News / Bohol Balita, Sports
TAGBILARAN CITY, February 1 (PIA)–If Alicia had a trail run and an off-road bike race in two days, Antequera will do it in one: the Antequera Off-road Duathlon 2018.
Now asserting as a viable sports tourism destination, Bohol is at it again this summer, with another grueling race showcasing Antequera’s trails and immersion into locals in a rub-bike run event.
Set at 6:30 AM this March 18, the 5 kilometer (km) run, 25 km bike and 3 km run speeds off in the classic leave no trace race: participants who litter could lose, so they must provide for their race provisions while organizers put up aid stations where participants can refill water bottles or hydration packs.
“We want this with least environment impact, so participants are advised to pocket their litter and empty them at the aid stations, outside help from non-participants or spectator, like food, hydration, tools, or medical assistance from any person not directly involved in the event in the entire bike course is strictly prohibited,” one of the race organizers, Russel Villas said.
“Even pacing from a non-competitor or vehicle is not allowed at any time on the bike course, participants may walk their bike if needed, but they can’t complete the bike course without their bikes,” he added.
Participants must complete the entire bike course unassisted, strictly following the designated track and specified as race course, or face disqualification, return to the transition area on the same mountain bike they started as a bike change would be ground for disqualification and immediate ejection from the race.
Open to participants 16 year old and above and who have at least trained or participated in an off road race, the Antequera Duathlon is still accepting registrations until Feb 28 at Bohol Bike Shop in Tagbilaran, for individuals at P600 and relay at 1,200, which includes race kit; finishers medal, jersey and post race meal.
Open for three categories, the race accepts 29 years and below, 30-39, 40-49 and 50 and above for the male category and 35 years old and below and 35 years old and above for females.
Set to go, rain or shine, this March 18, at exactly 6:30am of March 18, race clock officially stops at 1:00pm of the same day, or 6 1/2 hours after gun start, according to Vice Mayor Simon Leo Jadulco, head of the organizing team.
“Duathletes who are still on the road by the cut-off may still finish the race beyond and still get their finisher’s medal and shirt, but they will not be included in the official list of finishers as the race provides no time extensions,” he added.
As to the off-road bike segment, organizers said only 26, 27.5, 29 inch wheels mountain and fat bikes are allowed with minimum 1.9 tire size for the race.
Those using a tire size 1.9 below, will be disqualified for a podium finish in all categories.
Concerned about safety, organizers also said “riders with bikes that have safety issues will be disqualified.”
With this, racers need to get their bikes checked-in at the transition area on March 17, Antequera Town Center from 3:00-5:30pm, when they can also claim their race kits.
Another bike check-in will and race kit claims is set 4:00am-5:30am on race day and upon mandatory 2 hours check in, race bibs, proper running and biking apparels, hydration bottle and helmets are also presented, personal audio devices, strictly prohibited.
All bikes must be checked-in and mounted on the racks at the transition area by 5:30 AM race day, no extensions or late check-in of bikes are allowed.
Before that, participants may still have full access to their bikes before these are hung in racks at the transition area, which would not be removed until the start of the bike leg.
Race briefing is set March 17 at 5:30pm at the transition area and a carbo-loading dinner will be served later.
For Tagbilaran City based-bikers, a truck for bikes will be available only at 3:00pm March 17, 2018 from the Rizal Park, Tagbilaran City, and will ferry the bikes back to Tagbilaran after the race on Sunday, according to duathlon organizers.
Campsite are provided at the plaza or at the Antequera Training Center for overnight stay. (rahc/PIA-7/Bohol)
Even before the sores of Alicia Trail Run could be healed, runners would again hit the training regime for the Antequera Duathlon 2018 this March 18. Registrations are only until the end of February, according to Vice mayor Simon Leo Jadulco, duathlon organizer. (rahc/PIA-7/Bohol)
by admin | Feb 8, 2018 | Business, National News
THE Department of Trade and Industry’s Export Marketing Bureau (DTI-EMB) is leading Philippine exporters who underwent training and assistance under the Regional Interactive Platform for Philippine Exporters (RIPPLES) Plus program at one of the largest trade events in Germany, the Ambiente 2018, from February 9 to 13.
The Philippine country pavilion will highlight Lifestyle Philippines, the country’s umbrella brand featuring high-quality and world-class designed lifestyle products with the theme, “Sustainability through Design.” Philippine exhibitors are expected to feature aesthetically appealing yet sustainable products inspired by plants and other natural resources abundant in the country.
Participating RIPPLES Plus-assisted companies include Artisana Island Crafts, Silay Export, Marsse Tropical Timber Plantation, Red Slab Pottery and PumicUnlimited Ventures. These companies are among participating Filipino exhibitors that will showcase products under the trade fair’s three categories: Dining, Giving, and Living.
Marsse Tropical Timber Plantation and Celestial Arts were qualified for the Dining category. Meanwhile, GSG Paper is in the Giving category for their handmade and vibrant products that fit in the group’s varied gift selection.
Red Slab Pottery, Artisana Island Crafts, Silay Export, Tadeco Home Décor, PumiceUnlimited Ventures, 33 Point 3, Arden Classic, Chanalli, Finali Furniture & Home Accessories, Freden Export, Larone Crafts and Nature’s Legacy are all under the Living category’s home interiors and design collection.
RIPPLES Plus is a program developed by DTI-EMB that assists emerging micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in various export-related needs including development of their products and services through strategic interventions such as trainings and capacity building; investment, marketing and promotions, support for innovation, product development and design; and market access facilitation through Mutual Recognition Arrangements and certifications. These interventions or modes of assistance ensure competency of Philippine companies to become export-ready.
RIPPLES Plus also works toward increasing the number of internationally competitive Philippine product and services that will help in driving the country’s economic growth.
The Philippines’ Ambiente 2018 participation is organized by the DTI’s Center for International Trade Exhibition and Missions (CITEM), in partnership with Philippine Trade and Investment Center – Berlin (PTIC-Berlin) and DTI-EMB.
Ambiente is the leading international trade fair for consumer goods held in Messe Frankfurt, Germany. Table settings, kitchen accessories and household products take the spotlight in the show. Gifts, interior trends and home concepts are also showcased.
by admin | Feb 8, 2018 | DTI Updates, National News
08 February 2018 Manila – The Go Negosyo center of the Department of Trade and Industry and PLDT Enterprise partner to launch “A Growing Collaboration for the Filipino”, on February 12, 2018 at the Isabela Ballroom B & C, Makati Shangri-la Hotel. The event will promote the use of digital tools that will enable entrepreneurs to have a wider reach through a nationwide marketplace, providing wider market access for MSMEs across the country.
The event will also launch PLDT’s PayMaya, the first prepaid online payment app that enables the financially underserved to pay online without a credit card. Demonstrating how PayMaya works is a Go Lokal! pop up exhibit during the event where guests can buy Go Lokal! products via PayMaya.
Go Lokal! is a retail concept store which showcases high quality, innovative Philippine products designed, crafted and manufactured by the country’s MSMEs. The GoLokal!ConceptStore@DTI is located at the Groundfloor, Trade and Industry Bldg, 361 Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City. For more information on Go Lokal! and its store outlets, please visit golokal.dti.gov.ph.
by admin | Feb 7, 2018 | Headlines, National News
ANKARA – Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez led a delegation to Turkey to convene the first Philippine (PH)-Turkey Joint Committee on Economic and Technical Cooperation (JCETC) as well as the signing of Summary of Discussions covering trade, investment promotions, and economic cooperation on 5-6 February 2018.
“The Philippines is committed to pursue several growth opportunities by strengthening partnerships with emerging economic partners like Turkey,” said Sec. Lopez.
The PH trade chief and his JCETC counterpart, Turkey’s National Defense Minister Nurettin Canikli, who is the Minister designated to represent their government in this meeting, discussed various areas of trade and investment cooperation on micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs); manufacturing such as textiles and garments, pharmaceuticals, agri-processing for mango, coconut, banana; hotels and tourism; infrastructure; air services; customs; energy; science and technology; education; standardization; film and creatives; defense; contracting and consultancy services.
They offer to buy products PH can export to Turkey and shall venture with Filipino partners to manufacture the needed products, such as in textiles and pharmaceuticals. They also offer to provide interest-free financial assistance for any project critical to the country’s development as well as security cooperation.
The meeting also involved dialogues on the ongoing government efforts in rebuilding Marawi and how Turkey, as a pre-dominantly Muslim country, can assist PH on its programs and projects. It included discussions on how Islamic financing can be utilized for those MSMEs affected by the siege. They will study the industries that can be put up in Mindanao and can generate more jobs for the people in Marawi.
Both officials also witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Investment Promotion by PH Board of Investments (BOI) Managing Head Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo and the Republic of Turkey Prime Ministry Investment Support and Promotion Agency (ISPAT) President Arda Ermut.
The MOU covered the intention of both parties to exchange best practices as well as information on investment environment and opportunities. Likewise, it encourages local companies to set up and expand their businesses in the partner country.
In 2016, Turkey was PH’s 45th trading partner, 45th export market, and 43th import supplier. In 2017 (covering January-November), total trade between two countries hit a significant increase with USD 163 million.
“Engaging with Turkey is in line with the thrust of President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration to engage with non-traditional trading partners to reinvigorate ties and increase trade between both countries,” said Sec. Lopez.
The trade chief cited current PH exports to Turkey are still confined mostly to desiccated coconut, personal care products, electronics, and tires. These areas are expected to expand with the renewal of economic ties between the two governments and the direct networking among the private sector business delegates. Several business complementations were identified such as in textiles, tourism, pharmaceutical, and infrastructure development.
“During our discussions, we noticed that there are opportunities for our Philippine exporters—whether manufactured goods or services—to further tap the Turkish market,” he added.
The Turkish market comprises more than 80 million people, with per capita income twice of PH’s, and an 11.1% GDP growth posted during the 3rd quarter of 2017.
Meanwhile, an MOU on the enhancement of cooperation in agriculture—plant production and protection; animal farming, health, and breeding; fisheries and aquaculture; food industry; research; rural development; irrigation and extension service; as well as promotion of joint ventures between private sectors—was signed by PH Ambassador to Turkey Maria Rowena Sanchez and Minister Nurettin Canikli.
Partner Philippines
At the sidelines of the JCETC meetings, DTI met with PH and Turkish business officials through a forum with the Turkish Contractors Association (TCA). Sec. Lopez encouraged Turkish companies to join the PH growth story and partner with the country through infrastructure projects, including President Duterte’s “Build Build Build” program.
The meeting was arranged by the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC), the Philippine Embassy in Ankara, and the Turkish Ministry of Economy.
The Trade Secretary attended as well a roundtable discussion with the Foreign Economic Relations Board of Turkey or the Dış Ekonomik İlişkiler Kurulu (DEİK), a leading business organization based in Istanbul. Currently, the organization is represented by 94 founding institutions, 136 bilateral business councils, 5 sector-specific business councils, and 2 special purpose business councils.There will be an immediate Turkey business and investment mission to the Philippines on March this year.
Also at the roundtable discussion were Philippine-Turkey Business Council Chair Ernesto Chua Co Kiong and his counterpart from the Turkish-Philippine Business Council, Mr. Ilkem Sahin. Both expressed optimism on the future economic relations between the two countries.
Sec. Lopez likewise met with other Turkish companies interested in doing business in the country, such as IS Holding and Elginkan.
IS Holding is keen on having ventures in PH involving low cost mass housing, energy, shipyard development as well as film and content production. Meanwhile, Elginkan expressed their interest to expand its operations in Southeast Asia particularly in the Philippines as their potential manufacturing hub in the region.
by admin | Feb 5, 2018 | Headlines
Following President Duterte’s vision to diversify and strengthen the country’s trade and investment relationship with other countries, the Philippines (PH) has revived the Joint Committee on Economic and Technical Cooperation with Turkey, followed by a series of fora with ministerial and business chambers in Hungary. The Trade & Investment Mission will be led by DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez, from February 5 to 9, 2018, which aims to promote as well the exports of more Philippine products to both markets and attract Turkish and Hungarian investors to do business and establish their operations in the country.
Co-organized by the Board of Investments (BOI) through the International Investments Promotion Service, Philippine Trade & Investment Centers (PTICs) in Paris and Berlin (with jurisdiction on Turkey and Hungary, respectively), and the Philippine Embassies in Ankara and Budapest, the Mission is in conjunction with the inaugural Philippine-Turkey Joint Committee for Trade, Economic and Technical Cooperation (PH-TR JCTEC) on February 6, 2018 in Ankara, Turkey. The Framework Cooperation agreement with Turkey was signed in 1999, but the talks have not advanced.
“The Philippines’ engagement with Turkey and Hungary is in line with the current Administration’s strategy of rebalancing investment and trade relations with non-traditional partners through the pursuit of an independent foreign policy. With the country’s solid economic fundamentals built on the upbeat confidence of investors on the Duterte administration’s reforms and programs to create sustainable growth, we are positive of getting more investments from our foreign economic partner countries such as Turkey and Hungary as we continue to promote the country as a prime investment destination,” said Sec. Lopez.
The Trade Secretary is joined by a 6-member delegation from the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Philippine-Turkish Business Council, United Architects of the Philippines, Integrated Micro-Electronics Incorporated, Malabon Longlife Trading Corporation, Megawide Airports Group & GMR-Megawide Cebu Airport Corporation, Philippine Food Service Equipment & Supplies and Great Crescent Flour Corporation.
For the Turkey leg, the delegation will promote construction; manufacturing particularly automotive, electronics, shipbuilding, and aerospace; Halal products; coconut products; personal care and IT Business Process Management, including creatives services—all of which were determined based on the existing priority sectors for trade and investment to Turkey validated by the Turkish Embassy in Manila and PTIC Paris and the Philippine Embassy Ankara.
The BOI represented by Trade Undersecretary and BOI Managing Head Ceferino Rodolfo, and Turkey’s Prime Ministry Investment Support & Promotion Agency represented by Vice President Mustafa Rumeli, are set to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on exchanging information on investment environment and opportunities and sharing of experiences in attracting foreign investments as well as best practices in investments promotion.
The MOU also encourages interested local companies in setting up or expanding their businesses in the area of both participants, and provide support to facilitate inward investment to the extent possible under both parties’ respective laws and policies.
Meanwhile, for the Hungary leg, the delegation will meet with its counterpart led by Minister Peter Szijjarto, promote manufacturing particularly the sub-sectors of machineries, medical devices, automotive parts, aerospace, pharmaceuticals, food and agri-business; infrastructure; and shared services.
The two countries represented by Secretary Lopez and Minister Szijjarto agreed to pursue cooperation in said sectors during the Philippines- Hungarian Economic Cooperation Agreement held last March 28, 2017 in Manila.
Turkey and Hungary are minimal sources of foreign investments in the PH. On the trade side, in 2016, Hungary ranked as the PH’s 40th trading partner, 26th export market, and 64th import supplier. Turkey on the other hand was the country’s 45th trading partner, 45th export market, and 43rd import supplier.
