by admin | Feb 16, 2017 | DTI Updates, Headlines, Local News / Bohol Balita
The Department of Trade and Industry sees sustained growth for exports in 2017 as Philippine exported goods yielded a 4.5% growth in December 2016 with a total of $4.71 billion in export revenues from $4.660 billion in the same period in 2015.
“As we implement new strategies in diversifying our markets and upscaling our products and services amidst the slowdown in global trade, we hope that our exports will continue to improve in the next quarters” said DTI Industry Promotion Group Undersecretary Nora K. Terrado.
In a report released by Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), increase in the top five (5) major export commodities contributed to the growth which include coconut oil (crude and refined; 146.5%), other mineral products (104.5%), metal components (66.4%), chemicals (42.1%), and other manufactures (35.8%).
While electronic products experienced a 2.8% decrease in total receipts as compared to 2015 data, these remained to be the top export product of the country with total receipts of $2.451 billion, accounting for 50.3% of the total exports revenue in December 2016. Other Manufactures ranked second with 7.2% share to the total export receipts. It recorded an increase of 35.8% from December 2015 value of $257.32 million. It is followed by Machinery and Transport Equipment with export revenue of $227.05 million, Woodcrafts and Furniture with total sales of $202.14 million, and Ignition Wiring Set and Other Wiring Sets Used in Vehicles, Aircraft and Ships with $153.72 million export sales.
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Notable 67.5% increase in the exports of our Agro-Based Products in December 2016 is a good indication that our agrisector will be up in the coming months. We hope to see more of this trend to fully boost our exports,” added DTI Export Marketing Bureau Director Senen M. Perlada.
Agro-based products shared 7.7 % of the total exports in December 2016 which amounted to $377.30 million.
Total exported goods to East Asia increased compared to other top Philippine exports destination such as ASEAN member countries, USA, and European Union member countries. Merchandise exports to East Asia increased by 9.4% with total revenue of $2.556 billion million from $2.337 billion recorded in the same month in 2015. Japan remained to be the country’s top export destination, with revenue amounting to $946.28 million, comprising 19.4 percent share of the total exports.
For more information on the services of the DTI, log-on to http://www.dti.gov.ph
by admin | Feb 15, 2017 | DTI Updates, Headlines, Local News / Bohol Balita
Philippines, through the Department of Trade and Industry, unveils business programs that champion the promotion of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), youth and women entrepreneurship at the ASEAN 2017 Business and Investment Program (ABIP) Launch at the at the Rizal Ceremonial Hall in Malacañang last month.
The development of MSMEs is among the priority areas in terms of ASEAN’s policy focus and resources. ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) 2025 Pillar 4 (“Resilient, Inclusive, People-Oriented, and People-Centered ASEAN”) reinforces the MSME-oriented mandate and supports the significant work of ASEAN in providing an enabling environment for MSME development and internationalization.
“Philippines, through DTI, wants to highlight business programs and events that will complement the ASEAN efforts to champion the inclusion of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the international trade, and the strengthened promotion of youth and women entrepreneurship,” said DTI Secretary Ramon M. Lopez.
During the ASEAN Business and Investment Program launch, DTI Secretary Lopez shared programs developed which provides the business component of the priority themes and policies that the Philippines is advocating under the AEC pillar with an ASEAN perspective.
The following programs were developed by DTI as chair for the ASEAN 2017 Committee on Business and Investment Promotion:
- ASEAN MSMEs-Mentors Conference 2017;
- ASEAN Creative Cities Forum and Exhibit ;
- ASEAN at International Food Exposition Philippines 2017;
- ASEAN Women’s Business Conference;
- Inclusive Business Summit;
- 2nd ASEAN Young Entrepreneurs Carnival;
- Creative Marketplace;
- Slingshot ASEAN; and
- ASEAN MSME Summit.
Further to this, through the priority agenda of “inclusive, innovation-led growth”, the Philippines is poised to champion the MSME mandate in the ASEAN through the following strategic measures: (1) increasing trade and investment; (2) integrating MSMEs in the digital economy; and (3) developing an innovation-driven economy.
High on Philippines’ hosting agenda for the economic pillar are deliverables geared toward instituting an enabling environment that allows MSMEs to develop and internationalize through policies that ease the cost of doing business and through support activities that nurture their continuous growth.
“As ASEAN, we are highly aware in the need to increase participation from all sectors to ensure that the benefits of integration are fully realized and shared by everyone in the region,” added Secretary Lopez.
DTI as chair for ASEAN 2017 Committee on Business and Investment Promotion, an inter-agency committee established by the Philippines’ 2017 ASEAN National Organizing Committee (ASEAN NOC). CBIP is responsible in engaging the international business community, government, and other parties; and as well as in organizing business and investment-related activities.
For more information on the services of the DTI, log-on to http://www.dti.gov.ph
by admin | Feb 13, 2017 | DTI Updates, Headlines, Local News / Bohol Balita
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez has called for digital empowerment in the Philippines to continue fueling the development of the country’s digital commerce or e-commerce, a key priority in the current trade agenda.
“I urge our micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to welcome digital integration,” said Sec. Lopez, adding that now is the perfect timing to rally towards digital empowerment as the Philippine economy experiences strong macro-economic fundamentals, renewed investor confidence and good governance
During the recent office opening of Google in Taguig, the trade chief said that “digital integration is a great equalizer, as it allows MSMEs to gather product ideas and concepts, do market tests and do promotions and selling at practically no cost.”
He also said that MSMEs can make use of programs in partnership with companies like Google, so that the sector “can take advantage of opportunities that go with going digital.
With vast interest infused in the demography of the Philippines as the world’s social media capital and with 50 million Internet users, accounting for 50% of the country’s total population today, the Philippines can be a model country for digital empowerment, according to him.
“I hope that more effective web services, improved search experience and effective advertising platform will be delivered to all stakeholders. With Google officially in the country, we can only expect production of meaningful local contents,” he added.
Citing Statista, it is projected that by 2021, 81% of the country’s population will be Internet users. For the Southeast Asian region alone, the country has the fastest growing Internet audience at 22% growth rate, according to the 2014 Global Web Index, which also found Filipinos having the highest total screen time spent in social networking globally at 3.2 hours.
Sec. Lopez also hoped that digital companies can be more inclusive in its business operations and assured that DTI will support initiatives that proactively promote digital inclusion among Filipinos through digital literacy and digital accessibility.
“I urge tech companies to spearhead programs that will empower Filipino consumers with skills to harness the benefits of technology to improve their quality of life,” he said, adding that forging multi-stakeholder partnership among the government, the civil society, the private sector and the academe is an urgent need.
Google’s expansion in the Philippines also means creation of more jobs for Filipinos, as country manager Ken Lingan has promised to hire local talents. In addition, with the population getting more connected and easily more engaged, an ecosystem of startups can have more strategic venue, in view of Google’s commitment to grow small businesses online.
For more information on the services of the DTI, log-on to http://www.dti.gov.ph
by admin | Feb 10, 2017 | Announcements, Headlines, Tourism
New tourism campaign aims to take Bohol to dazzling new heights with more flights
Promo fares from as low as P1,599 are up for grabs now at airasia.com
MANILA, 9 February 2017 – AirAsia and Provincial Government of Bohol in partnership with USAID-COMPLETE today formally signed a partnership agreement to promote Bohol as a premiere tourist destination for travelers in the Philippines, in the whole of ASEAN region and in greater Asia where the world’s best low cost carrier by Skytrax provide unparalleled connectivity.
Philippines AirAsia CEO Captain Dexter Comendador said, “Our partnership is a another step forward in an ongoing journey towards providing connectivity and convenience with fresh new approach and experience to engage guests and increase passenger traffic to and from Bohol.”
To celebrate the partnership, AirAsia is increasing its 3x daily flights between Manila and Bohol (Tagbilaran) to 4x daily starting March 1 with promo fares from as low as P1,599 only and up for grabs now at airasia.com for travel period betweenJuly 1 to November 30, 2017.
“Our collaboration is built on a foundation that values a strong and innovative service culture which are the hallmarks of AirAsia’s brand of service. We value the community that we serve and as your official airline partner we are committed to connect Bohol and the Philippines to Asean and beyond,” Comendador added.
“Following the success of our alliance especially after the 2013 earthquake with the LGUs, USAID-Compete and tourism partners, it would be exciting to see Bohol connect to giant markets in Asia not only for tourism but to engage and promote stronger social and economic ties,” he said.
Bohol Provincial Governor Edgar Chatto, Deputy Head of Program Office for US-AID Philippines Christopher Foley, NEDA Director General Dr. Ernesto Pernia, Department of Tourism Undersecretary Alma Rita Jimenez and Philippines AirAsia CEO Captain Dexter Comendador led the signing ceremony which coincided with the formal launch of Bohol’s newest tourism campaign titled Behold Bohol.
AirAsia, the leading and largest low-cost carrier in Asia, services the most extensive network with over 120 destinations. Within 15 years of operations, AirAsia has carried over 330 million guests and grown its fleet from just two aircraft to over 170. The airline is proud to be a truly Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) airline with established operations based in Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines, India and Japan. AirAsia was named the World’s Best Low Cost Airline in the annual World Airline Survey by Skytrax for eighth consecutive years from 2009 – 2016.
by admin | Feb 8, 2017 | DTI Updates, Headlines
The Department of Trade and Industry’s Bureau of Philippine Standards (DTI-BPS) issued a Memorandum Circular to clarify the proper use of the Philippine Standard (PS) and Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) marks on products under mandatory certification.
The BPS disseminated Memorandum Circular 16-04 or the Clarificatory Policy on the Use and Monitoring of the Product Certification Marks Prescribed by the Department Administrative Order (DAO) 04:2008 and 05:2008 and their Implementing Guidelines to address concerns of manufacturers, importers, and traders on the use of the prescribed PS Mark logo and on the location where to affix the ICC stickers.
The Circular specifies how a PS mark or an ICC sticker should be affixed; and provides the appropriate dimensions and design of the PS Mark; and, the verification process for the said marks.
The Circular also specifies that the PS or ICC mark should be placed on the product. As exceptions, the circular indicates when a mark/sticker is not practicable: on a ballast, lamp, circuit breaker, electric tape, wires and cables, and, flat cord; and, when affixing the sticker, will cause damage to its original packaging such as on television set, air conditioning unit, refrigerator, and, microwave oven.
The correct design of the PS Mark including the license number is prescribed in Annex C of the IRR of DAO 04:2008. The PS license number shall be part of the PS mark indicated at the bottom of the said mark.
On the verification of the PS mark or ICC sticker, the Circular also indicates that the manufacturers and importers shall allow the DTI monitors and enforcers to access their stock room or warehouse to verify their product inventories bearing either the PS or ICC mark. When a manufacturer or importer fails to present the appropriate product’s box/package, the Circular cites that it shall be construed as a violation of the provisions and be dealt with in accordance with established rules and policies.
Signed last 19 August 2016, the BPS Memorandum Circular No. 16-04 or the Clarificatory Policy on the Use and Monitoring of the Product Certification Marks Prescribed by the Department Administrative Order (DAO) 04:2008 and 05:2008 and the Respective Implementing Guidelines took effect after its publication in a national newspaper of general circulation last 22 December 2016.
DTI-BPS Officer-in-Charge Atty. Marimel D. Porciuncula emphasizes, “More importantly, this Circular will benefit the consumers. Considering that the industry has been clarified on the issue of where to place the PS and ICC marks on a certified product, it will be easier for consumers to locate these marks thus, are assured of their safety.”
For a copy of the Memorandum Circular 16-04, visit the BPS Standards and Conformance Portal at www.bps@dti.gov.ph. For more info on the said circular, call BPS at (02) 751.4720/ 507.7307.#
by admin | Feb 5, 2017 | DOH Updates, Headlines, Health and Medicine, Infrastraktura, Local News / Bohol Balita
By JUNE S. BLANCO
INABANGA and Buenavista towns in northern Bohol stand to have their ports improved this year.
This after Rep. Erico Aristotle Aumentado (Bohol, 2nd District) inserted funds for the purpose in the 2017 General Appropriations Act (GAA).
Aumentado said a new and bigger P50-million port will be built for Inabanga in barangay Uog. This will replace the existing one which is behind the public market in barangay Tungod.
The seawater off Uog is deeper. He said this augurs well for larger pump boats and motorized bancas. This will make regular the trips to Cebu and back. Many residents and store-owners buy provisions and stocks from Cebu rather than go on land trips to the capital Tagbilaran City.
The solon, however, vowed to secure additional funds for this port when he returns to Manila, as this is a new construction, not just an improvement.
On the other hand, also in the GAA is P40 million for the improvement of the Buenavista fishport.
Of the three congressional districts in Bohol, the 2nd District has the most islands and islets. This means islanders travel a lot by sea to buy from the mainland or from Cebu, their needs at home or in school, or to bring patients to hospitals.
Aumentado said the improved ports will also improve travelling conditions for the islanders and their cargoes.
Meanwhile, the medical team of the Faces of Tomorrow arrived yesterday morning for a week-long surgical mission to correct cleft lips and cleft palates as well as perform general dentistry.
Aumentado led the welcoming delegation at the Tagbilaran City Airport to meet the team headed by its director, Dr. Brian Rubinstein.
At 10:30 a.m. today, the team will start screening the shortlisted patients for operation on Feb. 6-7 for the first batch and Feb. 9-10 for the second batch. Feb. 8 will be for a break/rest day, to be capped with a dinner treat courtesy of the solon.
Feb. 11 is set for the recognition of the surgical team that will be departing from this city in the afternoon of Feb. 12.
The operations – the second surgical mission in Bohol by the Faces of Tomorrow, in cooperation with the Abounding with Love Foundation – will be performed at the Medical Mission Group Hospital and Health Services or the Bohol Cooperative Hospital in Dampas District, this city.
. Rep. Erico Aristotle Aumentado (standing, center) led in welcoming the members of the Faces of Tomorrow surgical and dental team headed by Dr. Brian Rubinstein (standing directly behind Aumentado) at the city airport yesterday morning. A delegation from the Medical Mission Group (MMG) Coop Hospital (left) and some lady Jaycees (right) joined the welcoming fete. FOTO: Aris Aumentado’s Facebook Account
