by admin | Jan 15, 2018 | National News, Tech Talk
The Department of Trade and Industry lauds the efforts and strong commitment of the Quezon City Government in streamlining its operations to speed up the processing of business registration and construction-related permits.
DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez, Chair of the government’s Inter-agency Task Force on Ease of Doing Business, explained that the drastic process re-engineering in Quezon City, the LGU with the most number of businesses, is critical because it is the sample city included in the Doing Business Survey, conducted yearly by the World Bank, to gauge the overall competitiveness of the Philippines as a nation, using the cost and ease of doing business as a criterion.
QC Mayor Herbert Bautista issued Executive Order 11 on December 22, 2017 mandating the creation of One-stop Shops, where new businesses can file and pay their application for business permits, including Fire Safety Inspection Certificates, following a 2-step procedure where applicants can get their permit in less than two hours. Applicants need not to go to different offices to obtain business permit and other clearances and but instead transact in a single location.
“The EO signed by the Local Chief Executive provides for reduction in the steps and requirements, and the use of automation. But we need to leapfrog. The effort of the QC shall be complemented by efforts in the national level. Together with the DICT, we are looking at developing a fully electronic registration process using Smartphone App. This is an excellent opportunity for the Philippines to become one of the first countries to adopt a business registration process that can be completed (end to end) on a smart phone”, Lopez said.
Similar with business permits, a one-stop shop dedicated for construction-related permits is also being established, which will co-locate the different city/municipal offices that process building permits and certificates of occupancy, headed by the Office of the Building Official, and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in one place. This is expected to be operational by end of February 2018.
These reforms are seen to significantly improve Philippines’ ranking in Doing Business (DB) Report, where the country dropped 14 notches to No. 113 last year. For Starting a Business indicator, Philippines recorded a dismal No. 173. Quezon City, with an estimated 74,000 registered establishments, represents the country in the survey.
by admin | Jan 12, 2018 | Business, National News
Recent preliminary report from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed that Philippine merchandise export performance continued on a positive trajectory increasing by 10.79% in the first 11 months (January to November) of 2017 compared to the same period in 2016, an analysis confirmed by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
From January to November 2017, the value of merchandise exports was shared almost evenly by electronics and non-electronics with 51.38% and 48.62%, respectively.
Exports of Philippine electronic products increased remarkably by 10.84% in the first 11 months of 2017. This was achieved on the back of the robust performance of six out of the nine subsectors of the industry which contributed 97.95% share in the cumulative total value of the industry.
Meanwhile, non-electronic goods also increased significantly by 10.73% in the first 11 months of 2017, backed by positive growth of a wide range of sectors in the non-electronics category. Topping the list were Forest Products with triple-digit growth of 560.90%. Other contributing commodities exhibited double-digit increases including mineral products (76.12%), sugar and products (47.77%), footwear (47.43%), coconut products (37.61%), non-metallic mineral manufactures (32.17%), and furniture and fixtures (26.27%). Exports of garments also increased by 3.00%, while Travel Goods and Handbags at 1.53%.
“The increase of exports sales for some non-electronic goods this year may be viewed as a result of the sector-focused intervention included in the 2015-2017 Philippine Export Development Plan (PEDP),” said DTI Trade and Investments Promotion Group Undersecretary Nora K. Terrado.
The leading destination of PH merchandise exports for the first 11 months of the year was still the combined markets of PROC and HK SAR. Shipments to this combined market, with a share of 24.49%, increased by 20.99% in value. The next leading destination is Japan with 16.42% share, followed by United States of America (USA) with 14.60% share in total exported goods.
Exports to other top 20 trade partners of the Philippines also showed double-digit growths, ranging from 10.13% to 66.36% YTD; and from 16.00% to 56.75% YOY.
Meanwhile, exports to the United Arab Emirates expanded by 26.96% YOY and 103.6% YTD, respectively. However, these countries account for very small shares in PH exports, ranging from shares of only 0.56% to 2.53% of total PH exports.
The DTI, through its Export Marketing Bureau, implements various programs that assist and cater to the needs of Philippine exporters across the country
by admin | Dec 20, 2017 | Announcements, Local News / Bohol Balita
THE MANAGER EDITOR
Radio Stations Newspapers
BOHOL MEDIA
Province of Bohol
The KITA UG ANG GOBERNADOR (KGOB) has been an effective avenue for information dissemination, transparency in government, and has provided a strong link between government and people thru responsible media.
In line with this, and in the Spirit of Christmas; we will have a simple Christmas Thanksgiving after the program on December 22, 2017 at Café Caloy, Pres. Carlos P. Garcia Heritage House, Tagbilaran City.
Recognizing your important role in this, we are inviting you and your media to join with us in this event.
The governor will be joining us for the program but will be attending another important function after. However, he will be with us at around 11:00 in the morning for lunch.
Anticipating you and your media’s presence.
Thank you so much for your continued support for KGOB and the programs of the Provincial Government and for a better Bohol.
Merriest Christmas and a more Fruitful New Year!
AUGUSTUS E. ESCOBIA
Effective Development Communication Office
NB. Don’t have all the email ad of BOHOL Media members
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 | 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
by admin | Dec 6, 2017 | DTI Updates, National News
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) will continue to provide equipment sharing facilities for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) as part of the agency’s drive to contribute in the administration’s Trabaho at Negosyo agenda.
“For us to contribute in providing jobs, encourage Filipinos to do business and spur economic activity in the countryside, we will provide more Shared Service Facilities (SSFs) to help MSMEs produce fast and efficient products that are proudly Filipino-made and export quality,” DTI Undersecretary Zenaida Maglaya said during the Shared Service Facilities (SSF) Project Summit on December 5, 2017.
The SSF Project is DTI’s program that provides MSMEs access to technology, machinery, equipment, tools, systems, skills and knowledge under a shared system. With access to better technology and more sophisticated equipment, MSMEs will have higher productivity, better and efficient products, higher levels of innovation and creativity, and improved market access to address the gaps and bottle necks in the global value chain being faced by MSMEs.
The equipment-sharing program also increases capabilities of both manufacturing and agriculture-based MSMEs to enable them to develop capacity and a culture of quality.
“The key to inclusive growth is our MSMEs. With the shared service facility, MSME cooperatives and entrepreneurs are provided with sophisticated equipment and machinery that will double their production and help them come up with export-ready products,” Maglaya explained.
As of October 31, 2017, DTI has provided MSMEs with 2,222 SSFs worth P1.188 billion throughout the country, benefitting 215,628 existing and potential MSMEs and has provided 111,747 jobs to Filipinos. SSF beneficiaries include cooperatives, associations or groups of MSMEs including MSMEs or individual entrepreneurs.
As backbone of the Philippine economic growth, MSMEs has since become a major priority of President Rodrigo Duterte, with DTI placing the sector’s development at the front and center of its Employment and Entrepreneurship (Trabaho at Negosyo) agenda.
Maglaya also emphasized that “aside from keeping the country moving towards a more strategic direction at the backdrop of regional development, the government vows to sustain meaningful growth that is truly inclusive—the one that reaches the bottom of the pyramid.”
Also under the SSF Project, DTI also established Fabrication Laboratories throughout the country which aims to enhance the core competencies of existing manufacturers and emerging entrepreneurs in digitally-enabled manufacturing workflows guided by art and design principles.
Through the Fabrication Laboratory, MSMEs, aspiring entrepreneurs and students are provided with innovation, prototyping technologies and software for their products and design.
Currently, there are 12 Fabrication Laboratories in the country operated by schools, institutions or centers. The Fablabs are located and cooperated by the Bohol State University in Bohol; Philippine Science Highschool Central Luzon Angeles City, Pampanga; Local Government Unit in Santiago City, Isabela; Don Honorio Ventura Technological State University in Bacolor, Pampanga; Philippine Science Highschool – Ilocos Region Campus San Ildefonso, Ilocos Sur; University of the Philippines (UP) Cebu City; Bicol University, Legaspi City Albay; Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology Iligan City; Philippine Footwear Federation, Inc. Marikina City; University of the Philippines College of Fine Arts, Diliman, Quezon City; Zamboanga Polytechnic College; and Mindanao Trade Expo Foundation, Davao City.
The SSF Program is part of the Philippine MSME Development Plan to encourage the graduation of MSMEs to the next level where they could tap a better and wider market share and be integrated in the global supply chain.
“We will continue to push significant interventions to support the growth of MSMEs and build a climate conducive to business and innovation. We will continue to provide the necessary services to help entrepreneurs thrive and even expand your businesses in an increasingly competitive market. We will continue to implement,” Maglaya said.
by admin | Dec 4, 2017 | Business, National News
In partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry, Rustan’s Supercenter Inc opens its first Go Lokal! Store in Shopwise Araneta Center today,December 4, 2017 at 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
Go Lokal! is a retail concept store initiated by the DTI in collaboration with selected retail partners to showcase Philippine products of quality and unique designs, crafted and manufactured by the country’s MSMEs.
The Go Lokal!@ShopwiseAraneta will feature new blends and tastes of food products of selected Go Lokal! suppliers from various parts of the country in support of Shopwise’s “Flavor of the Philippines, a showcase of familiar native delicacies from the islands of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.
More Go Lokal! store outlets @Rustan’sMakati, @SMKultura Makati, @Glorietta2, @Robinson’sPlaceManila, @CityMalls nationwide, @EnchantedKingdom and the GoLokal!ConceptStore@DTI located at the groundfloor of the Trade and Industry Bldg., 361 Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City.
by admin | Nov 29, 2017 | Business, National News
MANILA – Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) financing and guarantee attached corporation, Small Business Corporation (SBCorp) attached micro-finance will be offering zero percent interest loans to help the constituents of Lanao del Sur, specifically Marawi micro entrepreneurs displaced by the war, starting early December 2017 up to April 2018 as part of government rehabilitation efforts of Marawi City.
“The recent events in Marawi raised the need to generate several programs that will aide in the rehabilitation of Marawi and the full assistance to affected residents. In support of government-wide efforts to help the people of Marawi, we will be working closely with our Maranao countrymen to ensure they have access to the needed funds to get their businesses back on their feet,” said Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez.
After the interest free loan, we shall extend the Pondo sa Pagbabago at Pag-asesnso (P3) Program which is also the Microfinance program implemented by the SBCorp. This will be complemented by starter livelihood kits being distributed by the DTI.
For Micro Finance Institutions (MFIs) that want to start lending to the Lanao del Sur area in solidarity with the people of Marawi and the entire province, the P3 Program will provide credit risk support to MFIs in exchange for their timely and quick response. A DTI-SBCorp team has been assigned at DTI-Marawi to set up the P3 facility, which will also be supported by DTI-Cagayan de Oro.
To date, SBCorp—with the support of the DTI regional and provincial offices—has accredited a total of 94 MFIs, plus another 45 MFIs in the pipeline. Moreover, the P3 Program is now rolled out throughout the entire country from north to south except for a handful of provinces, with close to 40,000 borrowers to date.
Most of the MFIs that have signed up are cooperatives, i.e. self-help people’s organizations that have a good grasp of the needs of their members to grow their businesses. Likewise, several large MFIs—including the Center for Agriculture and Rural Development (CARD)—have aired their support to the program for its timely scale up even in remote areas of the country.
“We laud SBCorp’s untiring efforts to link up with finance institutions across the country to ensure conduits are in place for the P3 Program. We have the funds, and we now have the channels to help our MSMEs expand their businesses,” said Sec. Lopez
For 2018, the government will add another Php1.0 billion to the P3 fund to support more micro enterprises in growing their small business.
The SBCorp will be accrediting least five local MFIs per province in the coming years to ensure that micro enterprises will have easy and reliable access to reasonably-priced credit within their own locality, with a total of 400 grassroots conduits targeted. The agency will also support these MFIs by way of capacity-building training.
Through the P3 program, the government hopes to encourage communities to organize themselves into cooperatives or other self-help units engaged in entrepreneurship.
DTI also opened the invitation to the rural banking sector to support the P3 Program, given the more than 2,000 branches nationwide that are mostly rural-based. These make the small banks a potent force for scaling up the P3 Program and for improving the fund-channeling system so that the fund reaches micro enterprises in a timely and judicious manner.
Launched last April 2017, the P3 Program supports micro entrepreneurs across the country with an initial funding of Php850 million via lower cost loans. The program is intended to help those people involved in micro enterprises and who are vulnerable to usurious lenders in the absence of an alternative source.
Under the program, a micro enterprise can borrow between Php5,000 up to Php100,000 depending on its business need and repayment capacity. Interest rate and service fees do not exceed 2.5 percent monthly as compared to the 20 percent monthly rate under the 5/6 system. Documentation is simplified and processing time is also reasonable.
Among those helped by the P3 Program were Rose Marie Obena of Tacloban City, Leyte and Hercolano Villasin of Calubian, Leyte. Obena was the sole survivor among her family after Typhoon Yolanda, and was among the first batch of market vendors that accessed a P3 loan to expand her store. The 78-year old Villasin, on the other hand, accessed the P3 Program through the Fatima Multi-Purpose Cooperative (FATIMA MPC) to support his dried fish business, which he had been doing since he was in his teens.
“Through the P3, our poor sectors can find relief from overly expensive borrowings as they pursue their livelihood activities,” the trade chief said.
by admin | Nov 29, 2017 | Malakanyang Updates, Photo Story
PRRD RALLIES LOCAL CONTRACTORS TO ‘BUILD BUILD BUILD’. President Rodrigo Duterte offered strong support to the Philippine construction industry during his keynote speech at the 2nd Philippine Construction Congress (28, November) in Pasay. The President urged local contractors to join the government in building massive infrastructure projects under the ‘Build Build Build’ program, creating more opportunities leading to ‘Jobs, Jobs, Jobs’ through Trabaho at Negosyo, or jobs and business opportunities for Filipinos. Meanwhile, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Ramon Lopez reported to the President the strong commitment of the construction industry to help the government in its efforts for the reconstruction of the Marawi City. Sec. Lopez also mentioned the support of the Philippine Contractors Association (PCA) for the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC) by donating Php 1 million to the anti-crime organization. The 2nd Philippine Construction Congress is headed by the Construction Industry Authority of the Philippines (CIAP), an attached agency of DTI that facilitates and regulates the growth and development of the industry in line with the national goals. Also present at the event was DOLE Sec Silvestre Bello. In the picture are: DOH Secretary Francisco Duque III (rightmost), DTI Undersecretaries Ruth Castelo (3rd from R), Nora Terrado (2nd from R), Rowel Barba (5th from R), and Assistant Secretaries Abdul Gani Macatoman (3rd from R), Ameenah Fajardo (3rd from L) and Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano (leftmost).
by admin | Nov 24, 2017 | Business, National News, Negosyo Center Updates
24 November 2017, Manila – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) teams up with listed property developer DoubleDragon Properties Inc. in the development of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the provinces through the Go Lokal stores. Under the partnership, DoubleDragon will operate and manage Go Lokal stores in all CityMalls branches.
Go Lokal!@CityMall will be launched nationwide tomorrow, November 25, 2017 in CityMall Imus, Cavite. Registration starts at 11:00 am.
Visit Go Lokal! Store outlets @SMKultura Makati, @Rustan’sMakati, @Glorietta@, @Robinson’sPlaceManila, @EnchantedKingdom and @GoLokal!ConceptStore@DTI located at the Groundfloor, Trade and Industry Bldg., 361 Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City.
by admin | Nov 21, 2017 | National News
Manila – Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte and Chinese Premiere Li Keqiang witnessed (15 November 2017) the signing of the memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) of the Philippines (PH) and the Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) of the People’s Republic of China (PROC) during the sidelines of the visit of the Chinese Head of Government to the Philippines.
DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez and MOFCOM Vice-Minister Fu Ziying signed the MOU on joint cooperation on Industrial Parks Development, which would expand opportunities for bilateral trade and economic cooperation.
“The MOU sets the tone in creating a program that will facilitate a seamless investment guide for Chinese investors in PH industrial parks,” said Sec. Lopez.
Sec. Lopez further shared that the MOU provides provisions on undertaking business matching activities to facilitate possible partnership and collaboration between PH and PROC enterprises.
“This joint cooperation will strengthen economic ties between the two countries by enhancing the Philippines’ manufacturing competence and diversifying China’s investments in the Philippines,” said the trade chief.
Chinese investors have earlier visited possible locations in Luzon and Mindanao for industrial park development, as a response to earlier commitments of China to President Duterte to expand opportunities in the Philippines.
Meanwhile, the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) of the Philippines and the State Intellectual Property on Cooperation of China also signed a MOU in protecting, utilizing, managing, and enforcing intellectual property through joint cooperation. The MOU was signed by IPO Director General Josephine Santiago and National Development Reform Commission (NDRC) Vice Chairman Zhang Yong.
Twelve other agreements were signed during the event, including cooperation on youth, infrastructure development, climate change, defense industry, and investment and production, among others.
“The signing of these documents reflects the commitment of Philippines and China towards mutually beneficial cooperation, as well as the resolve of the administration of President Duterte to strengthen further the renewed ties of friendship with China, our Asian neighbor,” he concluded.
