by admin | May 16, 2017 | DTI Updates, Headlines
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) announced the opening of another Go Lokal! store in partnership with the country’s largest mall chain, SM Group, on 17 May at SM Makati.
“This launching is another milestone for DTI’s initiatives to provide greater market access for our micro entrepreneurs that are part of Go Lokal!,” said DTI Secretary Ramon M. Lopez.
Last March, SM Group signed an agreement with DTI which allowed SM’s Kultura Filipino to operate and manage Go Lokal. It will display and sell world-class products sourced from micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) all over the Philippines which offer consumers, institutional buyers, and tourists, value for their money.
DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez together with SM Investments Corporation Vice-Chaiperson Teresita Sy-Coson will lead the ribbon cutting ceremonies which will be held at the ground level of SM Makati where a 3-day Go Lokal exhibit will also be up. Meanwhile, the Go Lokal permanent store located at the 2nd level concourse area near Kultura Filipino will be open to the public starting May 17.
“Most of our small businesses are unable to pay high rental fees in consumer-frequented areas. Through Go Lokal, DTI with its partners aim to provide support services by providing free-spaces for their products for a certain period of time,” explained Secretary Lopez.
DTI sees Go Lokal! as an opportunity for the country’s MSMEs to go mainstream and test the marketability of their products without incurring the high costs of operating a retail outlet.
SM Group, the largest chain mail in the country, vowed to help DTI in achieving its goal of helping small businesses by partnering with it. DTI and SM Group partnership aims to ensure a strong and nationwide presence of Go Lokal stores in prime locations for the convenience of the buying public.
At present, Go Lokal stores are operational in Enchanted Kingdom’s Pugad souvenir shop and at Robinson’s Ermita branch. DTI also signed partnership with Double Dragon’s CityMall.
Initiated by DTI, in collaboration with selected retail partners, Go Lokal! aims to be an excellent marketing avenue for MSME incubation, marketing, and branding. Go Lokal! carries everyday products made from indigenous materials but modern in design, world class in packaging, and are competitively-priced: from food, home décor, arts and crafts, health and wellness products, to fashion apparel and accessories.
Through Go Lokal, DTI advances inclusive growth by driving MSME development, generating jobs and promoting meaningful livelihood. It provides market access to hundreds of MSME’s, as well as contributes to the upliftment of communities and other vulnerable sectors of society by apportioning part of store sales to community-based projects including drug rehabilitation.
by admin | May 12, 2017 | DTI Updates, Headlines, Local News / Bohol Balita
TAGBILARAN CITY, May 12, (PIA)–There might be a little hope for Balicasag, Panglao and maybe Cabilao to set up their municipal ports to be supervised by the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), but they have to redo the proposals to get the plan back on track.
PPA Engineering services Division chief Engr. Richard Elopre told members of the Association of United Development Information Officers in Bohol (AUDIO) meeting at the PPA Multi-Purpose Hall that there used to be a proposal for the PPA to help build Balicasag and Cabilao Ports.
Although technically beyond the jurisdiction of the PPA, as the proposed ports would be serving small motorized boats and are regulated by the Maritime Industry Authority of the Philippines (MARINA) and fishing boats by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), the PPA would have all operated ports under their supervision, PPA chief safety officer and public information officer Archt Epelito Arao-arao bared.
Earlier, information officers who listened to the PPA mandates asked how the PPA determines the establishment of ports.
Concerned about the haphazard manner by which boat operators dock in Panglao’s tourism island Balicasag, Panglao Information Officer and Executive Assistant Danny Reyes asked if the PPA can help put up a port of sorts to streamline Balicasag dive, snorkel and island hopping operations and spare the tourists from the hassle.
Reyes said around 80 to 100 motorized bancas come to Balicasag every day and dock just everywhere.
On this, Archt Arao-arao explained that since the 1970’s creation of the PPA, it has predetermined ports based on revenues, income, size and strategic locations as part of PPA ports system, then which were strategically spaced less than 50 kilometers.
Balicasag happens to be less than 50 kilometers from Tagbilaran.
All [established] ports in the country shall be under the supervision of the PPA, Araoarao, who has almost 20 years of PPA work in his belt, cited the mandate of the office and added that in Bohol, the PPA also exercises supervision over municipal ports like Bien Unido, Loay and Alburquerque.
He said, “we evaluate, as we are mandated by law, to assess the capacity of the operator, private entities, individual private ports.”
For those starting to operate one, he advised, they should have approval and permission from PPA as the agency will have it under its supervision.
In Bohol, PPA operates the ports of Tagbilaran, Loon, Tubigon, Getafe, Talibon, Ubay, Tapal and Jagna.
But, for Panglao, Archt Arao-arao, who presented his presentation by soliciting ideas, insights or suggestions on how to further develop the PPA services, also leaked that the PPA in Tagbilaran may help endorse the project proposed to the Central Office.
Engr Elopre said a common port for Balicasag and Cabilao has been tackled way back but the move died, himself not privy to what had happened.
The PPA engineering chief even added that an ocular inspection has been completed then and resurrecting the plan would also restart the paper process.
For now, the establishment of a PPA supervised port in Balicasag could be a move supportive of the town’s efforts to regulate and streamline motorized banca operations as well as stop the degradation of Balicasag coral cover, the indiscriminate dropping of anchors ruining patches of marine coral gardens. (rahc/PIA-7/Bohol)
by admin | May 12, 2017 | DTI Updates, Headlines, National News
The Department of Trade and Industry’s Center for International Trade Exposition and Missions (CITEM) is set to launch the 11th edition of the International Food Exhibition (IFEX) – Philippines, the biggest international food trade exhibition which will compose of over 700 exhibitors showcasing ethnic and specialty food from various Asian countries.
High on this year’s food exhibition is the promotion of the historical, geographical and cultural influences behind the best of Southeast Asia’s distinct cuisines through “TASTE ASEAN,” that is set on 19-21 May at the World Trade Center (WTC) and at the Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC) in Pasay City.
“Philippines is among the top exporters of food worldwide. We hope that with this year’s IFEX, we could target sales of up to $118 million,” said DTI Trade and Investments Promotion Group Undersecretary Nora K. Terrado.
On 6 May, during the IFEX Al Fresco event with the media, CITEM Executive Director Clayton Tugonon announced that with IFEX success in recent years, it should be held annually. “IFEX helps not just uplift the Philippine brand, but also allow our exhibitors to introduce their products to a whole new market globally,” Tugonon added. Past years, the Philippines would hold IFEX after every other year.
“ASEAN is home for so many delicacies and food brands that are truly world-class. We hope to make these brands widely known to our local and foreign buyers,” explained Undersecretary Terrado.
Tropical fruits, vegetables, fresh and processed seafood, sauces and condiments, and other food products that make up the food industry worldwide will be up for selling during the exposition.
Exhibitors, aside from the ASEAN member states, who also confirmed their presence at IFEX 2017 include China, South Korea, Taiwan, and Turkey.
DTI noted that IFEX is the only business-to-business and export-oriented food show in the country designed for local and international food companies to meet and transact with the world’s top buyers.
IFEX Philippines is organized by CITEM, the leading attached agency of the DTI that conducts international trade expositions and missions promoting the Philippine brand.
At present, the Philippine food industry is among the top industries where micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) thrive. In 2015, out of the 896,839 established MSMEs in the country, 13.3% of these are in the food and accommodation services which created a total of 666,254 jobs.
by admin | May 12, 2017 | DTI Updates, Headlines, Local News / Bohol Balita, Police Reports
TAGBILARAN CITY, May 11, (PIA)–Proven to be very reliable, information from the grassroots about the where-about of the remaining two wounded members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) has kept government troops on their toes.
It might not be long before the timely report could come anytime and the capture of the remaining bandits could happen, Police Regional Director Chief Superintendent Noli Taliño said, May 10.
With plenty unfiltered information getting in and communities on their toes, a regional police official summed, “right information at the right time should help.”
To do that, authorities are now organizing communities and capacitating residents what to look out for the of terrorists trying to evade government troops, through security briefings and impressed on the need to organize for information networking, while asserting and assuring tourists that travel in Bohol is still safe.
The Provincial Government gathered Bohol local officials: mayors and barangay captains including barangay peacekeeping action teams (BPATS) May 10, for the authorities to talk about helping government troops in reporting the presence of suspicious persons and of the Philippine National Police program Bikes for Peace and its events.
Explaining to members of the BPATS, barangay officials and local officials gathered for the Anti-Terrorism Information Drive at the Bohol Cultural Center in Tagbilaran and at the Quinale Beach in Anda, General Taliño emphasized Boholano courage and unity which thwarted the terror attempts of the notorious group here.
The police regional chief cited the crucial information of the community in Napo, in validating the presence of the armed men after the intelligence sources report a plan by the ASG to venture into the Visayas.
The information resulted to the encounter and the death of 4 armed men, 2 supporters and 4 government troopers.
He also cited the information from a motorcycle for hire driver about the presence of suspicious men near a cave in Bacani Clarin, a week later.
Band leader Joselito Melloria and three of his armed companions died in the ensuing gunfight after the validation of the information.
The community also efficiently caused the apprehension of another ASG bandit who survived over nearly a month roaming the jungles of Inabanga, Clarin and Tubigon before giving himself away when he attended a fiesta and refused to eat pork.
In fact, Taliño pointed out that the government troops’ engagement with the bandits succeeded because of the timely action of local authorities.
Without the courage and unity, [of Boholanos] the ASG could have done [what they intend to do], he pointed out.
Because of this, Police Chief Superintendent Taliño led the Regional Police Office and the Bohol Provincial Police Office and civilian bike enthusiasts in a two day Bike of Peace events in Bohol.
For the 20 kilometer Ride for Peace in Panglao May 9, General Taliño said the Rides for Peace would be held to assure tourists that it is still safe to go to Bohol or any place in the Visayas.
In Anda, after taking the 44 kilometer ride, bikers danced the zumba while waiting for the barangay officials for the terrorism briefing.
Topics during the forum with the local officials and peace advocates include Community and personal Profiling as well as Community Organizing.
Both topics are very important in fortifying communities against the entry of suspicious strangers that may further do crimes and start terror cells, the Tagalog speaking police chief said.
Importanteng bagay ang gusto nating ma-achieve, he said of the Bike for Peace and the Anti-Terrorism Forum.
We want people to help and we want fortified communities to help take care of their security, he added.
As to the Bike for Peace, Taliño said we will be doing this [Bike For Peace] in Bohol, Cebu or Siquijor, little this may be, but anything that can help, we will do, he capped. (rahc/PIA-7/Bohol)
PCSuperintendent Noli Taliño speaks to BPATS and barangay officials of Anda, Candijay and Guindulman during the recent Anti-Terrorism Forum held at the Quinale Beach in And Bohol following a 44 kilometer Bike for Peace Ride from Jagna to Anda. (rahc/PIA-7/Bohol)
by admin | May 12, 2017 | DTI Updates, Headlines, National News
Philippine exports for the first quarter of 2017 grew by 18.34% after it reflected double-digit growth for March 2017 with 21% total increase amounting to $5.58 billion compared to $4.61 billion recorded value in the same period in 2016, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) announced.
In the recent report of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), the increase for March 2017 exports data, an almost double of the 11% year-on-year growth figure posted in February this year, further lifted the cumulative value of merchandise exports covering the period January-March 2017.
“Increase for March 2017 exports marked the fourth consecutive positive growth in the value of Philippine merchandise exports since December 2016,” explained DTI Export Marketing Bureau Director Senen M. Perlada.
For March 2017, electronics remained to be the country’s top export with total receipts of $2.80 billion, accounting for 50.2% of the total exports revenue in March 2017. It increased by 19.0% from $2.36 billion registered in March 2016.
On the other hand, exports of manufactured goods were valued at $4.69 billion, accounting for 84.1% share of the total export receipts in March 2017, went up by 16.5% from $4.03 billion recorded in the same month last year.
United States (including Alaska and Hawaii), with export receipts valued at $809.93 million, topped other countries as the Philippine top export market for March 2017. It is followed by Hong Kong with revenue amounting to $798.25 million, and Japan as third market with $762.43 million export sales.
By economic bloc, East Asia registered to be the top destination of Philippine goods with 46.4% share to total exports, followed by European Union with 16.2% share to total merchandise exports. ASEAN ranked third with 14.9% share in overall Philippine exported goods.
Against other trade-oriented economies, the Philippines landed at third place among the top export performers for March 2017, a major leap after landing 9th place for February 2017. Malaysia topped the list with 24.1% export growth followed by Indonesia with 24% for March 2017.
PH outward shipments for Q1
Covering the first quarter of the year, exports of Philippine electronic products increased significantly by 15.27% while non-electronic goods also posted +21.48%. Positive performance of the five out of nine subsectors of the electronics industry drive growth which contributed 96.65% share in the cumulative total value of the industry. Semiconductors, which grew +16.3% in the first quarter of 2017, remained to be country’s top electronics exports.
Increase for non-electronic goods was driven by the triple-digit growths in Forest Products (+168.1%) and Coconut Products (+133.1%). The rest of the contributing commodities exhibited double-digit increases ranging from 18.7% to 89.4% except for Basketwork (+8.1%) and Travel Goods and Handbags (+7.6%).
Top markets for Q1
Except for Japan, cumulative value of export shipments to top market destinations of the country posted substantive growths in the first quarter of 2017. Combined markets of China and Hong Kong with a share of 23.6% which also grew by 35.94% topped the list of exports destinations. Second to the list with total 15.49% share was USA which rose by 13.66%; followed by Japan with 15.34% total share of exports which declined by 17.41%.
In terms of year-to-date export growth, shipments to the Netherlands, which has 4.12% share in total exports, reflected the highest growth with 55.98%.
by admin | May 12, 2017 | DTI Updates, Headlines, Local News / Bohol Balita
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) reminds business owners whose BN registrations will expire on June 30, 2017. DTI Bohol accepts early renewal of business name registration three (3) months before its expiry.
BN registrations that have already expired, but are still within three (3) months or ninety (90) days from the expiry date will be renewed without penalty. On the other hand, BN registrations that expired ninety one (91) days or more after their expiry dates can still be renewed but, with a fifty percent (50%) penalty/surcharge on the basic fee.
Business name registrations not renewed beyond one hundred eighty (180) days will be deleted automatically from our records thus, a new registration will be required.
