by admin | May 30, 2017 | DTI Updates, Headlines, National News
Reiterates relevance of innovation in MSME development
MAKATI—Instead of rebellion, an innovative, inclusive entrepreneurial revolution is what the Philippines currently needs, the country’s trade chief said.
Speaking at the launch of the National IP Strategy of the Philippines (NIPS) on 30 May, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez endorsed the new strategy for intellectual property (IP) protection that can help incentivize existing and aspiring Filipino micro, small and medium entrepreneurs (MSMEs) to contribute in developing a more innovative, creative and economically-dynamic Philippines.
“In today’s knowledge economy, intellectual property is undoubtedly an invisible advantage,” said Sec. Lopez, referring to IP as an important vehicle that spurs economic growth, which can help the government in its thrust to alleviate poverty and to realize shared prosperity for all.
With the new IP protection strategy, the government lays the foundation to address the need to safeguard original, innovative and creative ideas of both MSMEs and bigger stakeholders against different forms of IP theft and piracy.
According to the trade chief, without the protection and recognition of a well-functioning IP system, innovative and creative undertakings may be impeded, slowing down the steady stream of competitive products and services in the market.
IP and innovation
Sec. Lopez said that there is a need to assess research and development initiatives if the Philippines wants to become an active player in the innovation game, adding that innovation is a potential area of improvement where the NIPS strategies would be relevant.
“Innovation should not only be for the big guys. We have to make innovation as a general mindset for our MSMEs,” he said.
The NIPS can help the country focus on improving its ranking as 86th out of 128 countries surveyed by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and the World Economic Forum (WEF) for the Global Innovation Index.
“MSMEs only account for 35% of the Gross Domestic Product because value-added is small. Thus, we need to improve value creation process of our MSMEs through innovation,” he added.
IP and the MSME agenda
The trade chief imparted DTI’s current programs on the development of MSMEs, which serve as suppliers and subcontractors to large enterprises, as well as exporters.
The 2017-2022 Philippine Development Plan’s Chapter on Trade and Services identified challenges that hinder MSMEs from growing, including low productivity and competitiveness, lack of access to new technologies, weak technological capability, and failure to engage in innovation and research and development activities.
As a response, DTI, anchoring on the already existing laws on MSME development, continues to harness the business potential of MSMEs by helping them improve their productivity and competitiveness. Current initiatives refer to fostering the right mindset, improving access to money, market, mentoring services, machines, skills training and adopting an inclusive business model.
As of 5 May 2017, 481 Negosyo Centers have been launched all over the country, with 2,035 Shared Service Facilities (SSF) supporting 92,227 users, and 357,383 having undergone SME training. As of April 2017, more than 9,000 barangay micro business enterprises were already registered with DTI.
Making a mark
“With the new joint program of DTI and the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHIL) known as Juana Make a Mark, the women entrepreneurs will have both the intellectual property knowledge and the assistance to protect their marks, thereby improving the marketability and recall of their products,” Sec. Lopez said.
The trade chief also sees the value of IP protection in another MSME program, Go Lokal!, a retail concept store showcasing quality and innovative local products crafted, designed and produced by MSMEs.
“Branding is an important component of Go Lokal! and with NIPS, I am hopeful that we can better empower participating MSMEs to enable them to leverage on trademarks—perhaps even collective marks to promote their products in the market,” he said.
“With a well-crafted national strategy that clearly maps out how intellectual property can be fully utilized to support economic development, we can regain competitive advantage and surge ahead of our neighbors,” he concluded.
by admin | May 25, 2017 | ASEAN agenda, Business, DTI Updates, Headlines, National News, Negosyo Center Updates
Manila, Phl – 23 May 2017 – 16 Delegates from ASEAN China Center (ACC) arrived for a two-day briefing on trade and investment expected to bolster cooperation between the two countries.
Led by the Department of Trade and Industry, officials from the Export Marketing Bureau (EMB), Board of Investments (BOI), and Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) organized a Business Matching and Networking Dinner at the South Ballroom, Diamond Hotel to enable an environment where Philippine and Chinese companies can do business together.
As DTI Assistant Secretary for Trade and Investments Promotion Group Rosvi C. Gaetos stated in her welcome remarks, “As we host the ASEAN Summit on its 50th founding anniversary with the theme “Partnering for Change, Engaging the World”, we continue to reaffirm our readiness for deeper economic partnerships within the ASEAN region and with our extended neighbors such as China”.
In photo: DTI Trade and Investments Promotion Group Assistant Secretary Rosvi C. Gaetos welcomed the delegates from ASEAN China Center on 23 May at the Diamond Hotel in Manila.
by admin | May 25, 2017 | DTI Updates, Headlines, Infrastraktura, National News
Front/Center (from left to right): Yu Shinjo (Executive Director, Jellyfish Inc) and Mr Shunjiro Furuhama (Matsuzawa Kawaraten Co., Ltd)
The Construction Manpower Development Foundation (CMDF) in partnership with the Ministry of Land Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) of the Government of Japan, and the Foundation for International Transfer of Skills in Construction (FITS, Japan) conducted a seminar on ‘Measures to develop construction skills of Foreign Human Resources in Japan’ last March 16, 2017 at the Dusit Thani Manila.
The seminar’s main objective is to explore measures to advance the human resource development of Filipino construction skilled workers trained in Japan. Mr. Keita Ohtsu, Subsection Chief, Construction Market Division, Land Economy and Construction Industries Bureau of MLIT gave a talk on frameworks and recent measures used in Japan.
The present Technical Intern Training System allows for foreign trainees from developing nations to stay in Japan for a maximum period of 3 years to acquire skills through OJT. There is also the Foreign Construction Workers Acceptance Program which allows skilled workers in Japan to address temporary construction demands like the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics.
Mr. Shunjiro Furuhama (Matsuzawa Kawaraten Co., Ltd) discussed the necessity of human resource development to conduct step-up training for trainees with acquired technology and skills to actively participate in the development of the construction industry within their home countries. The Skills Education and Training Program System allows for contents of curriculum, accomplishment levels, and employed materials to be systemized and stored digitally for efficiency. The system helps trainees understand contents and schedule of curriculum to be more cost conscious. There is also a proposal to use Japanese technology in building and improving large scale power plants with the Numata Off-grid Model.
Jellyfish a web-based registry for construction industry workers returning home from Japan was introduced by the Executive Director of Jellyfish Inc., Mr. Yu Shinjo. It aims to filter users based on skills, nationality, language ability, qualification and work experience to come up with job matches. The system protects users’ privacy by having companies request for access from Jellyfish before making contact with a worker. The system also automatically takes out a user from the registry after getting employed.
On the domestic front, CMDF is developing Construction Industry One Registry System (CIORS) a web based registry for construction industry workers and professionals in the Philippines. CMDF sees an opportunity to improve the system by emulating Jellyfish. CIORS plans to include job matching feature in the registry system to benefit both workers/professionals and construction companies. It also aims to map out construction industry workers/professionals in the Philippines with a workforce mapper.
The seminar highlighted the current strategic partnership between the Philippines and Japan and future opportunities of the construction industry in both countries to further develop and invest in improving the sector.
by admin | May 18, 2017 | DTI Updates, Headlines, National News
Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Toronto (PTIC-Toronto) confirmed eight (8) Canadian food distributor and companies to visit the International Food Exhibition Philippines (IFEX) on May 19 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.
Participating companies are major companies in the mainstream and ethnic food trade business based in three provinces of Canada including British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec. The Canadian delegation includes Loblaw, the biggest mainstream supermarket chain in Canada; Canda Six Fortune Enterprise Co Ltd, Corinthian Distributors Ltd and AFOD Ltd, all involved in ethnic market distribution; Bianca International Organic , known for bulk trading; APO Products, Wilby Commercial Ltd, and New Almanic International Ltd, companies known for distributing Filipino products in Canada. These companies will also be part of Incentive Program of DTI-Center for International Trade Exposition and Mission (CITEM), the organizer of IFEX, as they are classified as Very Important Buyer (VIB) at the said trade exposition.
“This is one way of further assisting our Filipino exporters in penetrating markets such as Canada,” said PTIC-Toronto Senior Trade Commissioner Maria Roseni M. Alvero.
With over 700 exhibitors, IFEX 2017 will highlight the Philippines and the ASEAN region as a reliable supplier of ingredients and specialty food, tropical fruits, vegetables, seafood, beverages, bakery and confectioneries, Halal certified products, natural and organic food as well as allied industries and services.
As the first Canadian Food Buying Mission to the Philippines, the mission is organized by the newly opened Trade Section of the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto, the representative office of the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry in Canada.
The Canadian delegation is also expected to meet with Philippine exporters and brand owners in pre-arranged business meetings during IFEX.
by admin | May 17, 2017 | National News
1. What is RA 10913 or the Anti-Distracted Driving Act?
RA 10913 or the Anti-Distracted Driving Act is a new law that prohibits motorists from using communication devices and other electronic entertainment and computing gadgets while vehicles are in motion or temporarily stopped on a traffic light or an intersection. A motorist, as defined under this law, is a person who is driving a motor vehicle.
2. What vehicles are covered by this Act?
This act covers both public and private vehicles. It also covers wheeled agricultural machineries, construction equipment, and other forms of conveyances such as bicycles, pedicabs, trolleys, “habal-habal”, “kuligligs”, wagons, carriages, and carts that may either be human-powered or pulled by an animal as long as the same are operated or driven in public thoroughfares, highways or streets.
3. What does this law prohibit?
Prohibited acts made while driving include but not limited to: making or receiving calls, writing, sending or reading text-based communications, playing games, watching movies, performing calculations, reading e-books, composing messages, and surfing or browsing the internet.
4. What are the actions exempted from this law?
Motorists are allowed to use their devices to make or take emergency calls to authorities in cases of a crime, accidents, bomb or terrorist threat, fire or explosion, instances needing immediate medical attention, or when personal safety and security is compromised.
5. Can we use hands-free devices like microphones and earphones?
Yes. Motorists can use the aid of hands-free function and applications as long as these do not interfere with the driver’s line of sight. This means that no communication or electronic gadget should be affixed on the car’s dashboard and steering wheel. In addition, drivers are only allowed to wear earphones when making or receiving calls. Using earphones to listen to music falls under “similar acts” in Section 4B of the law, in addition to reckless driving violation penalized under other relevant laws. Dashcams may be placed above the dashboard or behind the rear view mirror as long as it does not obstruct the driver’s line of sight.
6. Can we still use traffic and navigational apps like Waze and Google Maps while driving?
Yes. Although motorists are being advised to set their preferred destination on these applications prior to their departure. Gadgets with these applications may be installed in areas shown in the picture below, or other areas that will not obstruct the driver’s view. In cases when motorists need to find alternate routes while in traffic, they are advised to first pull their vehicles aside.
7. Who are authorized to apprehend violating motorists?
The DOTr – Land Transportation Office (LTO) is the lead implementing agency of the Act. The LTO also has the authority to deputize members of the PNP, MMDA, and LGUs to carry out enforcement functions and duties.
8. How will we know if drivers of private vehicles with heavily-tinted windshields are violating the law?
Aside from high-definition cameras that can monitor lights from devices inside heavily-tinted vehicles, the law will also be strictly enforced by enforcers on the ground who were well-trained to determine from the movement of the vehicle whether or not a driver commits distracted driving. A Memorandum Circular setting specifications on the regulation of tints shall be released by LTO soon, upon consultation with tint manufacturers.
9. What are the penalties?
Violators will be penalized with a fine of five thousand pesos (Php5,000) for the first offense, ten thousand pesos (Php10,000) for the second offense, and fifteen thousand pesos (Php15,000) for the third offense with a three-month suspension of driver’s license. Violations incurred beyond the third offense shall be penalized with the revocation of driver’s license and a fine of twenty thousand pesos (Php20,000).
10. Are operators of Public Utility Vehicles (PUV) also liable for violations made by drivers?
Yes. Operators and owners of Public Utility Vehicles (PUV) and other commercial vehicles shall both be held liable for the violations committed by their drivers.
11. When will this be implemented?
The Anti Distracted Driving Act shall be implemented nationwide starting May 18.
Source: https://web.facebook.com/notes/department-of-transportation-dotr-philippines/anti-distracted-driving-act-11-things-you-need-to-know/895831227222681/
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.
