by admin | Jan 5, 2018 | Headlines, National News
At least 24 Maranao entrepreneurs received assistance from the Small Business Corporation (SB Corp) in form of the Pondo sa Pagbabagao at Pag-asenso (P3) loans to help bring back the business environment in the war-torn city.
SB Corp, the micro-financing arm of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) released a total of P245,000 to 24 borrowers who were also recipient of DTI’s business starter kits. Another P10,000 P3 loan package was also released to 13 micro enterprises last week.
“DTI is bringing the government’s P3 microfinancing program closer to the entrepreneurs of Marawi by helping them start and rebuild their businesses. We are committed in reviving the vibrant business environment in the city, especially for the Maranaos who are well-known as traders,” said DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez.
As part of Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM), DTI, together with other government agencies comprising the subcommittee on business and livelihood (SC-BL), has assisted affected Marawi residents to bring back the illustrious business city.
DTI Undersecretary for Regional Operations Group Undersecretary Zenaida Maglaya assured that the agency has been on the ground to provide assistance to affected Marawi internally displaced persons (IDPs) to hasten the recovery and rehabilitation of the city.
“Together with member agencies of the Task Force Bangon Marawi Subcommittee on Business and Livelihood, we would make sure that Marawi City will quickly return to normalcy upon the orders of the President. We’re bringing back business for our brothers and sisters who were greatly affected by the war,” Maglaya said.
SB Corp has earmarked at least 1,000 Marawi entrepreneur beneficiaries that will receive loan packages in the first quarter of 2018.
Maglaya added that more entrepreneurs will be assisted by the agency through loan packages without interest.
The initial 37 borrowers were recipient of the DTI business starter kit from DTI Lanao del Norte and DTI Iligan City provincial offices. Succeeding loans will be done in cooperation with the local government and the administrator of the Marawi public market who shall identify qualified market stall owners as perspective borrowers.
Other micro enterprises who are neither DTI starter kit recipients or Marawi public market stall owners, may apply for P3 loans from SB Corp accredited conduits such as Radiowealth Finance Company Inc. (RFC) and CARD, Inc. who are presently operating in the area.
The provision of starter kits is in line with the order of President Rodrigo Duterte to provide livelihood to IDPs from Marawi City and other affected localities. This also follows the Administrative Order No. 03 of the President, mandating the creation of an inter-agency task force that would implement the recovery, reconstruction, and rehabilitation of Marawi City and other affected localities of which providing business and livelihood is crucial.
Member agencies of the Subcommittee on Business and Livelihood are Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
The P3 program for Marawi will also provide credit risk support to microfinancing institutions (MFIs) including rural banks who want to start lending in the Lanao del Sur area in exchange for their timely and quick response. Loan qualification criteria will be relaxed to support gradual normalization of MFI operations in Lanao del Sur and nearby provinces where the displaced microenterprises were temporarily relocated.
Interested microenterprise owners may contact SB Corp P3 Marawi coordinators at (088) 291-8033, 0975-906-2762, or 0916-662-0488.
by admin | Dec 22, 2017 | Headlines, National News
MANILA – The families of soldiers who were killed in action in Marawi were the recent (18 December 2017) beneficiaries of livelihood packages as part of a tribute organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) at the PICC in Manila.
“DTI acknowledges the ultimate sacrifice made by our soldiers who fought and died during the Marawi siege. In the spirit of the season and as a show of continued support from the Duterte Administration, we decided to forego the usual department-wide Christmas party and use the funds instead to help the families of the slain soldiers,” Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said.
Over 29 families of soldiers killed in Marawi each received a Kabuhayan Starter Kit, a book on stories of DTI-assisted entrepreneurs to inspire them, several gift items and gift certificates, and toys for their children.
We also offered equity financing packages for the negosyo they would like to pursue.
Likewise, the JVO Foundation also gave food packs for each of the families that attended the event. Gift certificates amounting to a total of Php100,000 were also raffled off to the families.
Prior to this event, DTI reached out to help the soldiers who were wounded during the Marawi fighting by holding the “TNKS Po! Trabaho, Negosyo, Kabuhayan ‘Kaya Natin ‘Yan’” event at the AFP Medical Center in Quezon City on 3 December 2017.
DTI not only gave out Christmas gifts and raffle prizes to the wounded soldiers and their dependents during this event but also offered negosyo mentoring and consultations on how to start their own business. Livelihood packages also to be given once they select their preferred negosyo.
by admin | Dec 22, 2017 | Headlines, National News
MAKATI – After the record-breaking investment approval of Php 616.7 billion for 2017, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Board of Investments (BOI) met with Russian investors from BT SVAP LLC on 20 December 2017 to discuss investment intentions focusing on a pipeline coating facility in the Philippines (PH).
“More investors have expressed their confidence in the country’s economic stability and business environment under the Duterte administration. They wish to partner with us in providing more jobs and opportunities for Filipinos, especially those at the bottom of the pyramid,” said Sec. Lopez.
Igor Shaporin, BT SVAP LLC’s Chairman of the Board of Directors, expressed the company’s intention to put up a facility in Mariveles, Bataan where accessibility to sea and land transportation is easily available.
The company’s prospect location would require a big land area and will have innovative production technology in pipeline coating.
The Moscow-based BT SVAP LLC is an integrated company specializing in the development and implementation of innovative solutions in industrial production and construction of pipeline system for fuel-power complex, chemical industry, and housing and utilities infrastructure.
The group also focuses on production of protective shelves for pipes and pipelines which uses modern hi-tech production and logistics facilities, as well as multifunctional design-engineering units.
The trade chief conveyed PH’s openness to investors and the government’s efforts in diversifying investors, while also ensuring ease of doing business in the country.
“This could be a pioneer technology in the country. Apart from investments, sharing of technological know-how, and employment generation, this will also open opportunities for our domestic market and export industry,” said the trade chief.
Also at the meeting were Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, BOI Managing Head and DTI Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo, and DTI Undersecretaries Nora Terrado and Rowel Barba.
by admin | Dec 11, 2017 | National News
11th World Trade Organization (WTO) Ministerial Conference (MC)
Buenos Aires, Argentina
10 December 017
Pre-Ministerial Conference Statement of DTI Secretary Ramon M. Lopez
Chief Negotiator in the WTO and Head of Philippine Delegation in Buenos Aires
The Philippines has benefited from globalization, in particular from the WTO. We have been growing at the fastest rate for the past five years and globally-linked, modern sectors such as BPOs and IT-enabled services, semiconductors and electronics, parts manufacturing for GVCs in auto & aerospace, and shipbuilding (among others) have been major contributors.
Our goal in globalization is not only for the Philippines to grow, but for EACH and EVERY Filipino to participate in (and not just benefit from) economic development. We cannot rely on growth to trickle down; the marginalized should be active participants in economic activities at the outset. Poverty in the Philippines has a sectoral and geographic dimension. One-third (1/3) of rural Filipinos are poor, compared with one-tenth (1/10th) among those living in urban areas. In addition, while more than 99%of our enterprises belong to the Micro and Small categories; they account for only about 35% of total production.
These domestic realities set our Mission’s priorities at the WTO Ministerial Conference (MC) 11—Agriculture and MSMEs. Our international engagements—whether as active participants, or as host and Chair—have all been pursued as an extension of our domestic priorities. Our domestic priorities determine our international agenda and position. In the APEC Summit in Da Nang (Vietnam), President Rodrigo Duterte elevated our domestic focus on Inclusive Growth and Inclusive Business to Inclusive Regional Cooperation. At the ASEAN, our Chairmanship pushed for Inclusive Regional Integration. At the WTO MC 11, we will argue for Inclusive Globalization.
Hence, in Buenos Aires, Philippines’ continuing priorities are, first, the substantial reduction and/or elimination of trade-distorting domestic support by developed countries and developing countries which retain domestic support entitlements as well as the elimination of all forms of export subsidies; second, the improvement of disciplines to protect the domestic agricultural sector through a Special Safeguard Mechanism for agriculture; and third, outcomes that will lead to greater participation in international trade for Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), particularly those based in developing countries.
Why is SSM a Philippine priority in MC11? SSM would allow developing countries to temporarily increase tariffs on agriculture products in cases of import surges or price declines. It prevents irreversible injury to very vulnerable farmers against price volatility. It also serves to balance large subsidies given to agricultural products in rich countries.
In addition, the Philippines places great importance on the role of MSMEs in promoting inclusive growth. However, we believe that even among MSMEs, competition needs to be fair among them—as what may be medium-sized enterprises in a developed country, may already by a large company in a developing country. Thus we are pushing for a discussion on a comparable definition of MSMEs. But even among similarly-sized MSMEs—support system and resources vary from country to country. And, hence, the development level of countries should be considered.
Lastly, in MC 11, the Philippines will argue for the Doha Development Agenda (DDA) to remain as the overall framework for WTO negotiations. The Ministerial Declaration in Doha (2001) recognized that “trade can play a major role in the promotion of economic development and the alleviation of poverty.” In particular, the DDA highlights the need to provide a discipline on the subsidies being given by developed countries to their agriculture; and provide more effective temporary protection from price volatilities to poor, vulnerable farmers.
In summary, the Philippines’ priorities for MC11 are: 1) eliminate trade-distorting domestic support and export subsidies; 2) SSM for agriculture; and 3) a Ministerial decision on an MSME work programme that considers development levels. In addressing these, we will continue to uphold the DDA.
It is time for WTO to deliver on its promise. It should implement a globalization framework that is truly developmental and where no one is left behind.
DA Secretary Emmanuel Piñol will be the co-lead of the PH Delegation in Buenos Aires on 11-13 December 2017. The group includes the representatives of DTI, DA, DFA, NEDA, Tariff Commission, NFA, IPO, PRC, Philippine Mission to the WTO, Philippine Embassy in Buenos Aires and Senate of the Philippines.
MC11 will gather trade ministers, foreign ministers and high-level representatives from the WTO’s 164 member countries. A total of 4,000 delegates are expected to attend. A number of non-governmental civil society organizations (CSOs) and groups will be attending the event as observers. Meetings with Philippine-based CSOs will be arranged in Buenos Aires.
by admin | Dec 7, 2017 | Headlines, National News
6 December 2017 – ABAC (APEC Business Advisory Council) Philippines renewed its commitment towards achieving inclusive growth in the Asia-Pacific region, especially in the Philippines.
This move came as ABAC, in their annual Report to Leaders, called on APEC Leaders to further liberalize trade in goods and services as well as investment flows. Business representatives in the region recommended to their government leaders to tackle structural reforms and non-tariff barriers, encourage cross-border investment and to make the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific a reality.
In a statement released at the conclusion of the fourth ABAC meeting in Da Nang, Viet Nam last November, ABAC 2017 Chair Mr. Hoang Van Dung further stressed, “Across the region, we need solid digital infrastructure, skills that empower our workforce for the jobs of the future, and a regulatory environment that enables the movement of data and information across borders while also safeguarding privacy and security appropriately.”
Meanwhile, APEC Leaders, in their Da Nang Declaration, committed to take bolder and sustained collective actions to promote sustainable, innovative and inclusive growth, deepen regional economic integration, realize the full potential of the business sector, particularly the MSMEs, and enhance food security and sustainable agriculture.
Moving forward with ABAC’s recommendations and APEC’s priorities, the Philippine team, with guidance from Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez has identified four areas of focus going to 2018. ABAC Philippines will work with concerned government agencies and other stakeholders to implement work streams on: (1) addressing non-tariff barriers, (2) facilitating the mobility of skilled workers and promoting quality workforces, (3) enhancing MSME global presence with emphasis on digital economy and e-commerce, and (4) expanding financing availability and accessibility for MSMEs.
“These four themes will be the common priorities of both APEC and ABAC Philippines as we believe that unlocking the potential of our MSMEs and our people – creating equal opportunities and strengthening their capacities – is key to achieving inclusive, sustained and quality growth in the Philippines,” said ABAC Philippines chair Tomas Alcantara.
APEC Philippines, through the Department of Trade and Industry, is continuing its work on developing a cross-border business-to-business (B2B) digital platform that will showcase products, sellers and service providers in the region. Called the APEC MSME Marketplace, the online portal was formally launched during the SME Ministerial Meeting last September in Ho Chi Minh, Viet Nam. According to Secretary Ramon Lopez, “DTI is full steam ahead in improving the functionalities of the APEC MSME Marketplace, as well as the development and capacity-building programs for Philippine MSMEs as we aim to mainstream them into the global economy.”
Prior to the ASEAN Summit in Manila, ABAC Philippines attended the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting and related meetings, particularly the fourth ABAC meeting, the annual APEC CEO Summit, and ABAC Dialogue with APEC Leaders, held this November in Da Nang, Viet Nam. The week-long event is the culmination of the discussions and presentations of the various APEC and ABAC programs and initiatives carried out for the year under Viet Nam’s leadership.
by admin | Dec 7, 2017 | National News
Pasay – During his recent (5 December) keynote speech during the inaugural National Shared Service Facility (SSF) Summit, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez urged over 170 cooperators all over the Philippines to scale up their production and ride on the increasing manufacturing industry growth in the country.
Trade Secretary Lopez shared that the government’s SSF Project is the key towards boosting rural development and promoting inclusive growth throughout the country, especially for those at the bottom of the pyramid.
“As DTI provides increased capabilities to the cooperators in the regions, the next challenge is how to help their businesses grow and achieve bigger targets,” said the trade chief.
A major component of the government’s program to develop Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) is the SSF Project, which aims to improve the competitiveness of MSMEs by providing them with machinery, equipment, tools, systems, skills, and knowledge under a shared system.
This project is spearheaded by DTI together with project partners termed as Cooperators, which includes non-government organizations, people’s organizations, cooperatives, industry/ trade/ business associations, local government units (LGUs), state universities/colleges technical vocational schools and other similar government and training institutions.
Four years since the creation of the SSF Project, DTI has successfully established a total of 2,186 SSFs nationwide while bridging technology and business, and improving greater productivity in the regions. To date, the SSF project has served more than 215,600 beneficiaries and generating more than 111,700 jobs.
Sec. Lopez emphasized the importance of SSF in increasing production efficiency, and introducing new ways of manufacturing while also assuring quality consistency in production.
“A convention like this brings together cooperators all over the country, where they can share best practices for further development,” he said during the national summit.
Aside from supporting MSMEs with shared service facilities, DTI also provides them access to money and markets, free mentorship and trainings, and models of negosyo (or business) as part of its 7Ms strategy for MSME development.
“DTI is committed in creating a new wave of smarter entrepreneurs. As such, we urge businesses and cooperators to develop highly differentiated products in the market,” he concluded, highlighting the importance of continue innovation to grow businesses and level-up business models
