by admin | Sep 20, 2017 | ASEAN agenda, Headlines
Following the Philippine hosting of the 5th Ministerial Meeting on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement on 10 September, as part of the 49th ASEAN Economic Ministers’ (AEM) Meeting and Related Meetings, ASEAN economic ministers expressed strong commitment to take a more pragmatic and realistic approach to conclude the 16-party agreement.
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the lead agency for the AEM Meetings reported that as part of the approach to conclude RCEP, ASEAN economic ministers instructed negotiating leads and teams to recalibrate long-held negotiating stances and positions, to arrive at an acceptable ‘landing zone’, and not hinder negotiation progress.
Top economic officials of the 10 ASEAN Member States and ASEAN FTA Partners— Australia, China, India, Japan, Korea, and New Zealand—discussed the way forward for the earnest conclusion of RCEP negotiations. The recent RCEP ministerial meeting enabled clear takeaways as Ministers mapped out the way forward in further progressing market access and text based negotiations on the core negotiating areas embodied in RCEP.
With this guidance received from the ministers, the Incheon Round in October 2017 will be deemed important in defining the future course of the negotiations and steer it to a close. Two chapters have been concluded thus far, including the Chapters on Economic and Technical Cooperation, and Small and Medium Enterprises that underscore RCEP’s development dimension.
“The RCEP has entered a critical phase and, as in any negotiations there are familiar challenges arising from multiple parties with differing stages of development and varying interests,” said DTI Secretary and 2017 AEM Chair Ramon Lopez.
ASEAN has exhibited its strong leadership in managing the RCEP process. The “RCEP Key Elements for Significant Outcomes by End of 2017” welcomed by the Ministers provides the emerging architecture of the RCEP, which will define the FTA’s final shape and form.
The Philippine trade chief added that the country recognizes the difficulties in reconciling differing and even opposing interests and views in an effort to achieve balance between the interests of the developed, developing and least developed economies and addressing these in the most equitable manner.
“More trade and investment as a result of RCEP will engender a more competitive market, generate jobs, and inject capital. These positive outcomes will contribute to the Philippine economic development goals,” added Sec. Lopez.
Given the expectation that RCEP could provide fresh energy to global free trade and open markets, all eyes are on RCEP and how it will set the example for the pursuit of free and open trade.
RCEP represents integrated market of more than three billion people with a combined GDP of US$ 22.4 trillion and one of the world’s largest free trade area accounting for 28.3% of global goods imports and 29.7% of global goods exports, 27.8% of global inward foreign direct investment (FDI) stocks and 24.6% of global outward FDI stocks, and 17.2% of global services imports and 25.4% of global services exports.
Against the backdrop of growing protectionism and anti-globalization sentiments across the globe, ASEAN remains resilient and dynamic in forging ahead with regional economic integration that is a key facet of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), demonstrating both the centrality and leadership of ASEAN.
“RCEP is seen as the next logical step in ASEAN’s regional integration, by bringing it and its partner economies under a single, ambitious, high quality trade agreement, which would further reinforce the Southeast Asia region as the economic center of gravity,” said Sec. Lopez.
“The importance of RCEP to the respective economies of each ASEAN Member State cannot be over-emphasized, not just in terms of the benefits that are expected to accrue to our individual economies but also on our collective posturing as an open and outward-oriented regional trade bloc,” concluded Sec. Lopez.
by admin | Sep 19, 2017 | DTI Updates, Headlines
More collaborative initiatives are expected from the Philippines (PH) and the Republic of Korea (ROK) as discussion on trade and investments progresses, with focus on strengthening bilateral cooperation on agriculture and manufacturing industries.
In the recent bilateral meeting between Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez and Minister for Trade, Industry and Energy Kim Jyun Chong on 8 September 2017 at the sidelines of the Philippine hosting of the 49th ASEAN Economic Ministers’ (AEM) Meeting and Related Meetings in Pasay City, both sides considered expanding cooperation on tropical fruits and meat products.
With the current initiatives to improve commitments under the ASEAN-Korea Trade in Goods Agreement, ROK Trade Minister Kim indicated openness to look into PH request for improved access for Philippine bananas, mangoes, and pineapples to the Korean market. Both sides also agreed to tap respective agriculture officials to expedite the ongoing accreditation process for other Philippine agricultural products namely, durian, mangosteen, avocado, and okra. Meanwhile, Sec. Lopez favorably considered market access for Korean strawberries and heat-treated pork and chicken products.
In promoting inclusive growth and strengthening the PH’s micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), PH and ROK initiated a feasibility study involving the Philippine Mold and Die Center. Such collaboration highlighted the potential of the mold and die industry, which is considered as the mother of manufacturing industry and a priority sector of PH development. PH expressed confidence that the implementation of said project would support the government in providing better access to expensive mold and die machineries for entrepreneurs.
ROK also expressed its support for the PH’s electric vehicle industry and its benefits to industrial development. In line with this, PH committed to provide usual incentives and highly encouraged Korean electric vehicle manufacturers to invest in the country and ride on the PH’s growth story.
ROK also expressed its hope for the conclusion of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) involving ASEAN and its key trade partners.
In the course of discussion with his Korean counterpart, Sec. Lopez mentioned PH’s intention to further liberalize the Foreign Investment Negative List (FINL) with utmost attention on foreign equity requirements and terms on public utilities.
by admin | Sep 18, 2017 | Business, DTI Updates, Headlines
More investments, jobs ahead
NEW YORK—The Philippines continues to strengthen business collaboration with investors and multinational corporations based in the United States.
Speaking to 85 business executives in the Philippine Investment Forum on 31 August, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez highlighted the sound macroeconomic fundamentals of the country, aiming a 7% to 8% increase in GDP annually and reduce poverty from 21.6% in 2015 to 14% by 2022.
The trade chief also shared the government’s focus on infrastructure development with USD 160 billion worth of projects to directly address investors’ concerns on power supply, affordable telecommunications, and efficient transport of goods and services.
At the sidelines of the Forum, Sec. Lopez with DTI Undersecretary and Chief of Staff Atty. Rowel Barba met with different associations and business executives to seek opportunities for the manufacturing industries and to continue the government’s engagement with US business stakeholders.
The trade chief had a roundtable meeting with the members American Apparel and Footwear Association (AAFA) to discuss potential relocation and expansion of their manufacturing facilities in the Philippines. He also encouraged member companies, which include Tellas Limited (formerly Luenthai USA), Under Armour Inc., Michael Kors (USA) Inc., Ralph Lauren Corporation, Coach Inc., and the Ascena Retail Group Inc., (makers of Ann Taylor, Loft, Lane Bryant, Dressbarn, and Catherines) to take advantage of the extended duty-free treatment to imports of travel goods (including luggage, handbags, backpacks, tote bags) under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) Program.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Trade and Investment Center in New York noted that AAFA members and the brands they carry have increased their presence in the Philippines due to huge domestic market, rapid economic growth and expanding middle class.
Sec. Lopez also met with the officials of a research-centric organization, the US-Philippines Society, for a collaborative project to streamline the country’s revenue-generating operations, to respond to internal and external security concerns, and to mitigate the impact of global warming on vulnerable sectors.
Shearwater CFO and COO Tom Kendrot joined the series of meetings with Sec. Lopez to confirm Shearwater’s expansion through its third operation center in the Philippines, opening in 2018 in Iloilo City.
Shearwater is a US clinical solutions provider, which has clinical process outsourcing operations in Taguig City and Cebu City. Such expansion is expected to bring in USD 7 million worth of investments and increase the company’s labor footprint in the country to 3,000.
Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez (5th from R) met with senior representatives of leading member companies of the American Apparel and Footwear Association (AAFA) in New York City on 31 August 2017 to discuss potential expansion of manufacturing facilities in the Philippines. The trade chief was joined by DTI Undersecretary Rowel Barba (4th from L), Philippine Consul General Maria Theresa Dizon-de Vega (6th from R) and Philippine Special Trade Representative to New York Nicanor Bautista (5th from L).
by admin | Sep 15, 2017 | Headlines, Photo Story
ASEAN Kiosks Launching. (L-R) Gov. Edgar Chatto, Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) Port Management Office of Bohol Manager Engr. James Gantalao, Tubigon Mayor William Jao, Tubigon Port Manager Yolando Ponce and PIA-Bohol Manager Rey Anthony Chiu led the ribbon-cutting during the launching of the ASEAN Information Kiosks at the departure area of Tubigon Port last Sept. 14, 2017. The launching is in time for the preparation for the 34th ASEAN Maritime Transport Technical Working Group meetings in Bohol province next week. (ecb/PIA7-Bohol)
by admin | Sep 10, 2017 | Headlines, Local News / Bohol Balita
By JUNE S. BLANCO
IF MOHAMMED won’t come to the mountain, the mountain must come to Mohammed.
Rep. Erico Aristotle Aumentado of Bohol’s 2nd District made this resolve when, on his island sorties on inspection trips on the progress of implementation of his infrastructure projects built with counter-parting funds, he noticed several children and pregnant women needing medical attention.
This led to the launching on Friday, Sept. 8, of the A.R.I.S. Health or the Active and Responsive Initiative for Sustainable Health.
The parents and elders told Aumentado that while they needed treatment, they could not afford the trip to the mainland to seek medical help.
This prompted Aumentado to mobilize the sea ambulance procured for the District by his namesake father and immediate congressional predecessor former Governor and Congressman Erico Boyles Aumentado.
After ascertaining that the vessel was seaworthy, the solon organized a trip for around 100 mostly children and their mothers from Malingin Island of Bien Unido town to the Don Emilio del Valle Memorial Hospital (DEDVMH) in Ubay town.
Aumentado said bringing a team of doctors, medicines and equipment to the island would be personnel and labor intensive. This would also require off-duty staff to render overtime services because on duty staff need to man the hospital at all times.
The solon expressed apprehension that the staff who just came off duty and required to render services for the mission will be exhausted when it will be time for their hospital duty again. He said tired staff are prone to human errors that might endanger the lives of hospital patients.
The Malingin islanders rode the sea ambulance to the Don Emilio del Valle Memorial Hospital (DEDVMH) for consultation and were given the prescribed medicines all free of charge.
Aumentado thanked Dr. Elle and his staff and Mayor Constantino Reyes for their coordination and mobilization of their respective staff for the successful mission and launching of A.R.I.S. Health.
The patients were ferried back to Malingin on board the sea ambulance. The two-way trips were also free of charge.
“This is the least I can do for my islander-constituents needing medical attention,” Aumentado said.
Residents in all the other islands and islets in the district will have their trips scheduled in time as part of his health advocacy, he explained.
The patients need not spend for the trip or the medicines. They just need to bring their lunch, he added.
As part of his advocacy and tapping government funds, he intends to equip the DEDVMH with a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) equipment so that patients will no longer be forced to go to Cebu City or to private hospitals in Tagbilaran City as this would mean additional expenses.
Additionally, he intends to establish a dialysis center in the hospital with at least five dialysis machines. This will be a major improvement over the current dialysis unit, he concluded.
by admin | Aug 31, 2017 | Headlines, Local News / Bohol Balita, Police Reports
TAGBILARAN CITY, August 31, 2017 (PIA) –The National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) in Region 7 handed out commendations to the Provincial Director and 18 Bohol police officers for taking measures to intercept and stop the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) from sowing terror in Bohol.
The awarding of commendations also came during the Regional launching of the National Crime Prevention Week held at the Bohol Cultural Center in Tagbilaran City, August 31.
The NAPOLCOM also handed out a post humus commendation to PO2 Rey Anthony Nazareno who rendered a selfless sacrifice when he was killed in action during an encounter against heavily armed terrorists in Inabanga.
Aside from a commendation, PO2 Nazareno got a gratuity pay of P203,208 as a one year’s salary equivalent to 16,934 monthly pay, funeral benefits worth over 30,000and special financial assistance from the Philippine National Police.
NAPOLCOM 7 Regional Director Atty. Homer Mariano Cabaral along with Governor Edgar Chatto and Assistant Secretary Gerald Anthony Gonzales and City Mayor John Geesnell Yap handed the plaques of commendation to the men and other units who took quantitative measures to intercept and involve themselves in action during the encounter against the heavily armed terrorists belonging to the ASG.
It may be recalled that as soon as intelligence reports came about the presence of heavily armed man in Barangay Napo, an inland barangay in Inabanga April 11, Bohol police authorities sent the maneuver groups: the Provincial Public Safety Company (PPSC) and the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) units to confirm.
With elements from the local Inabanga Police Station, PSSupt. Felipe Natividad led PSupt. Lorenzo Batuan, PSupt Rene Kyamko, PSInspector Cesar Acompañado, PSInsp. Jojit Mananquil, SPO1 Justeofino Hinlayagan, SPO4 Tito Tradio in advancing the government’s tactical edge against the incursionists.
Also commended were PO3 Allain Randy Liba, PO3 Enrico tayactac, PO2 Jose Felicisimo Rebosura, PO2 Teogenes Dumanayos, PO2 Edwin Gudito, PO2 Albert Faustino, PO2 Archemoore Ceniza, PO2 Ronald Hingpit, PO2 Junald Jungco, PO2 Marlon Ampoloquio, PO2 Brynil Niones and PO1 Marjun Autentico, who were in the responding team.
Also commended were the Bohol Provincial; police Office in general, the PPSC, SWAT, Provincial intelligence Bureau, provincial Intelligence Detection and Management Bureau and the Inabanga Police Station.
NAPOLCOM said their pursuit resulted to the prevention of the bandits from spreading terror in the Visayas region and in the country as a whole.
The courageous performance and selfless dedication to public service of these PNP officers are worthy of emulation, NAPOLCOM through Regional Director Cabaral said.
On the other hand, four more police officers who have brought police work into a higher level earned commendations for their Community and Service Oriented Policing (CSOP) for advancing the soft arm of the law against drugs.
SPO1 Janew Villame, PO2 Rosardo Emrio Jr., PO1 Aldrin Palaca and PO2 Ronald Calabria earned commendations for using their talents to bring out an information education communication campaign against illegal drugs and their use, according to PSSupt Natividad. (rahc/PIA-7/Bohol)
Courageous performance and selfless dedication worth emulating, this sums up the NAPOLCOM commendation which was given to 19 police officers and units involved in the neutralization of the ASG bandits in Bohol, during the ceremony at the Regional launching of the National Crime Prevention Week, August 31 in Tagbilaran, City. (PIABohol)
