by admin | Nov 20, 2017 | Photo Story
PH welcomes leading Japanese confectionery manufacturers. The Philippines, through the Department of Trade and Industry’s Foreign Trade Service Corps (DTI-FTSC), welcomed 19 confectionary manufacturers from Kansai Kashi Kogyo Cooperative Association, led by its President Mr. Fujisawa Hajime, President of Nobel Confectionery Co., Ltd. (1st row; 5th from left), through a briefing held last 16 November at Dusit Thani Manila in Makati City. In her welcome remarks, DTI Industry Development and Trade Policy Group Assistant Secretary Rafaelita M. Aldaba (1st row, 4th from left) introduced DTI’s Inclusive Innovation Industrial Strategy or i3S, which aims to develop globally competitive and innovative industries to sustain the country’s high growth trajectory with innovation at its core. Agribusiness and processed food are among the 12 priority industries identified under the i3S. Mr. Nobuyuki Nakajima, Deputy Executive Director of Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) Manila (1st row, 3rd from left), and Mr. Kawamura Tomotaka, Project Manager of Sojitz Philippines Corporation (1st row, 6th from left), also shared their valuable experience in doing business in the Philippines from a Japanese perspective. The event was concluded by a business networking session attended by members of the Philippine Confectionery, Biscuit and Snack Association (PCBSA), led by its President, Mr. Kissinger Sy (1st row, 1st from left). The Philippine confectionary industry grew by 2.6% in 2016, with revenues amounting to USD 670.10 million
by admin | Nov 16, 2017 | Business, National News
A delegation led by the Department of Trade and Industry – Calabarzon Office (DTI-Calabarzon) is in Canada and the United States for a trade and business mission to explore joint ventures and market arrangements and to also seek to strengthen business tie-ups and linkages towards business opportunities for Calabarzon enterprises from 12 November 12 to December 02, 2017.
DTI Calabarzon Regional Director Marilou Toledo leads the 20-day business mission and is composed of selected micro, small and medium entrepreneurs (MSME) along with officials and representatives of the municipal government of Alabat, Quezon, Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and DTI Laguna Provincial Office.
The group will actively engage in exploratory networking activities for possible future joint ventures and market arrangements and strengthening business tie-ups/network linkages towards business opportunities through the B2B meetings, market outlet visits and business matching sessions.
On top of the networking activities, the mission hopes to participate in learning sessions.
“I am hopeful that this mission will better equip our MSMEs to help them prosper in business and at the same time provide better opportunities for market linkages, business networking and know market trends and innovative product developments in these lucrative markets,” Toledo said.
The Canadian leg coincides with Canadian Executive Service Organization’s (CESO) 50th anniversary celebration with Toledo gracing the event as a distinguished institutional partner in strengthening MSMSEs in the region.
“This trip to Canada is built on the long-held strategic partnership with the Canadian Executive Service Organization (CESO), one of Canada’s leading volunteer-based development organizations”, Toledo said.
As a strategic partner, the DTI Calabarzon has forged collaboration with CESO to continuously capacitate and equip the Calabarzon MSMEs in their respective business operations.
To pave the way for the mission, DTI last month initiated a workshop to prime up prospective participants on their readiness to export and penetrate the Canadian market.
Business meetings and other exploratory activities are coordinated with the CESO officials, both Canada and Philippine-based, between the Philippine Trade and Investment Centers (PTICs) through Senior Trade Commissioner Ma. Roseni Alvero (DTI Foreign Trade Service Corps, PTIC-Canada), Nicanor Bautista, Commercial Counselor of PTIC-New York, and the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto, led by Consul General Rosalita Prospero.
by admin | Nov 10, 2017 | National News
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) will conduct a Brand Equity Development Seminar for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) on November 15-16, 2017 at Harold’s Hotel, Cebu City.
The two-day activity will be facilitated by Dr. Wilfrido Arcilla, a consultant and the country’s acclaimed Brand Development Specialist
Among the topics to be discussed include key concepts of branding and marketing, new trends and the basic principles of brand development. The rest of the activity will be allotted for the one-on-one cliniquing with MSMEs from Bohol, Cebu, Negros Oriental and Siquijor.
According to DTI Region 7 Director Asteria Caberte, the recent developments among ASEAN partner countries formalizing market and intellectual exchanges pose a huge opportunity for producing innovative and unique Philippine brands.
“Our MSMEs need to be sufficiently prepared and armed with competitive strengths that could define their positions in the global market”, Dir. Caberte said. She emphasized that an effective brand statement and strategy will ensure a major edge in sustaining customer interest and preference.
The two-day seminar is one of the components of the Brand Equity Development Program (BrEDP) of the DTI as it seeks to register the brands with the Intellectual Property of the Philippines, improve packaging and labelling and launch the brands for a massive promotion.
For inquiries, interested parties may call Joy Suralta ofDTI 7 Regional Office at telephone numbers (032) 2550036 -37.
“It is important that entrepreneurs are able to appreciate the concept of branding and brand equity to increase their competitiveness, and sustain business growth Dir Caberte underscored, because they contribute to jobs generation and eventually reduce poverty and increase prosperity in the country.” #
by admin | Nov 8, 2017 | Business, National News
The maiden participation of seven (7) Filipino micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) at the 23rd edition of the Salon du Chocolat in Paris, considered the biggest chocolate exhibition in the world, was capped by the selection of Puentespina Farms as one of the Top 50 producers of cacao beans around the world by the International Cocoa Awards last October 30 in Paris, France.
The recognition given to Puentespina Farms is a first for the Philippines in a competition that brought in 166 entries from 40 cacao producing countries. The samples were “evaluated by 41 chocolatiers and sensory evaluation experts from around the world.”
Rex and Jen Puentespina, Farmer/Chocolate Maker, and Managing Director respectively of the same company behind the Malagos brand of chocolates, represented their mother Charita Puentespina during the recognition rites held at the sidelines of the Salon du Chocolat in Paris, France.
Mr. Puentespina, who proudly waved a Philippine flag to honor their hardworking cacao farmers when called on stage said that “the recognition bestowed on our cacao beans grown in Davao, is a testament to the truly world-class quality of products grown and developed in the Philippines by Filipino cacao farmers.”
Joining the Puentespinas during the recognition rites were Philippine Cacao Industry Council Chairman Mr. Valente Turtur, representatives from the Philippine Embassy in Paris, the Department of Agriculture, and the Philippine Trade and Investment Centre in Paris.
Also present during the recognition rites were representatives from Philippine cacao companies including Auro Chocolate, Ginto Chocolates, Hiraya, Kablon Farms, NutraRich, and Theo and Philo.
Together with Malagos Chocolates, and with funding support provided by the Department of Trade and Industry’s Export Marketing Bureau (DTI-EMB) and Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), the group showcased their products at the country’s first business-to-business booth ever set up at the Salon du Chocolat which ran in Paris from 28 October to 1 November.
According to DTI Undersecretary for Trade and Investment Promotion Group Nora Terrado, “the Philippine participation at the Salon du Chocolat is in line with the DTI’s goal of providing relevant global platforms for Filipino enterprises to have access to, and learn from the international market.”
”The business world is changing rapidly, and it is important for government, in collaboration with the private sector, to constantly identify and be part of truly global avenues where new opportunities for emerging niche sectors such as the cacao industry may be tapped or tested,” added Terrado.
Almost 120,000 attendees including traders, chocolate makers, chocolatiers and aficionados and more than 230 exhibitors flocked to Hall 5 of the Porte des Versailles for the five-day Salon du Chocolat.
The cacao industry in the Philippines currently produces around 12,000 metric tons of beans annually. It has doubled since the revival of the cacao industry in the early 2000s. The goal of the industry is to produce about 100,000 metric tons of quality beans by 2022.
Apart from merely targeting increasing production, cacao industry players are also taking an active role in helping improve its standards.
In photo: The official delegation to the Salon du Chocolat pose before the Philippine booth along with PTIC-Paris Commercial Attache Froilan Pamintuan (third from left) and Eduardo Francisco of PTIC Paris (leftmost). The delegation includes (from left to right): Harleen Jao of NutraRich; Rex Puentespina of Puentespina Farms/Malagos; Pamintuan; Philo Chua of Theo and Philo; Estela Duque of Kablon Farms; Val Turtur of the Philippine Cacao Industry Council; Regional Technical Director Marina Hermoso of the Department of Agriculture Region VII; Joy Angeli Uy of Ginto Chocolates/Bohol; Dalereich Polot of Ginto Chocolates; Laurianne Amacin, stand assistant; Mark Ocampo of Auro Chocolate; Kelly Go of Auro Chocolate; and Francisco.
by admin | Nov 7, 2017 | Business, Major Events, Negosyo Center Updates
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) recently opened the 11th Negosyo Center in National Capital Region (NCR) at the Plaza Central in Poblacion, Muntinlupa City to promote local entrepreneurship and provide one-stop shop assistance to micro, small and medium entrepreneurs (MSMEs) in the city. DTI-Regional Operations Group Undersecretary Zenaida Maglaya acknowledged the efforts of the Muntinlupa Local Government in providing assistance to MSMEs, which facilitate local job creation, production and trade in the city.
On the other hand, Muntinlupa City Mayor Jaime Frenesdi said that Muntinlupa is always a willing partner of DTI as he encouraged entrepreneurs to maximize the services offered in the Negosyo Center, which will equip them with the know-how and how-tos of entrepreneurship needed to upscale their businesses.
The launching of these Negosyo Centers are in line with the Republic Act No. 10644 or the Go Negosyo Act which aims to help micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs); promote ease of doing business; facilitate access to grants and other forms of financial assistance to MSMEs; provide access to Shared Service Facilities (SSF) and other equipment; and other support for MSMEs through national government agencies (NGAs); business registration assistance; ensure management guidance; assistance and improvement of the working conditions of MSMEs; and facilitate market access and linkaging services for entrepreneurs.
Opening the Negosyo Center in Muntinlupa City are (from L-R) Local Economic Investment and Promotions Office (LEIPO) Officer Garry Llamas, Muntinlupa City Representative Ruffy Biazon, Muntinlupa Philippine Chamber of Commerce & Industry Officer Elvie Sanchez-Quizon, Undersecretary Maglaya, Muntinlupa City Mayor Frenesdi, Muntinlupa Philippine Chamber of Commerce & Industry Officer Chito Borromeo, City Administrator Eng. Allan Canchuela, DTI-NCRO Area II Head Rowena San Jose, and Muntinlupa City Councilor Dhes Arevalo
by admin | Nov 7, 2017 | National News, Photo Story
SEC. LOPEZ SWAYS PHILBAKING TO AID MARAWI RESTORATION. Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez (leftmost) recently (23, October) met with the Philippine Baking Industry Group Inc. (Philbaking) to lead the induction ceremony of new officers in Makati. Trade Secretary Lopez urged baking industry players to take part of the restoration of the newly liberated Marawi City by exploring possible opportunities providing livelihood to the Internally Displaced People (IDPs) of Marawi. Members of the association, on the other has given positive feedback with the advocacy of the Trade Secretary, and promised to further look on possible areas of collaboration with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), helping the Maranao community rebuild again. Also in the picture (from L to R) were Philbaking President Paolo Victor Valderrama with other officers Jerry Lao, Walter Co, Gemenni Monton, Johnlu Koa and Edwin Cua, Jay Ferolino, Jon Chua and DTI Undersecretary Ms. Zenaida Cuison Maglaya
by admin | Nov 7, 2017 | Photo Story
ADDITIONAL 600,000 JOBS FOR THE IT-BPM SECTOR BY 2022. Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez (5th from R) with DTI Undersecretary Nora Terrado (4th from L) discussed with the members of the Information Technology and Business Processing Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) current industry challenges and status of the Information Technology and Business Process Management (IT-BPM) industry. Despite the growing threats of Artificial Intelligence, automation, and protectionism, IBPAP remains optimistic that IT-BPM industry will remains in a stronghold, sustaining growth in employment rate of 1.2 million to 1.8 million by 2022. The industry is likewise expected to expand an average of 100,000 jobs every year with a revenue growth of 9%. In the span of five years, IBPAP forecasted that Philippines can cover 15% of the global IT-BPM industry from 12% global share. Stakeholders have high level of confidence in the Philippines, with existing locators consistently growing along the years due to the abundance of talented workforce. NCR remains to be the first choice of new investing companies, but long partners are keen on expanding off the center, extending to other regional centers in Cebu and Davao and other emerging growth centers which are friendly to investors. Also in the meeting were DTI Assistant Secretary Rafaelita Aldaba (rightmost), Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) Deputy Director Mary Harriet Abordo (2nd from L), IBPAP CEO Rey Untal (leftmost), Board of Trustees Vice Chair Cathy Lleto (3rd from L) with other IBPAP Board Members
by admin | Nov 6, 2017 | Business, National News
Japan – A total of eighteen business agreements were recently signed (30 October, 2017) during the sidelines of President Rodrigo Duterte’s working visit to Japan, bagging total investments pledges of USD 6 billion (PHP 300 billion).
“The growing number of Japanese corporations, interested in partnering with Philippine enterprises, shows the value proposition of the country as a favored destination for Japanese Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs),” said Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez, who witnessed the exchange of business agreements with President Rodrigo Duterte.
DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez received Letters of Intent (LOIs) from the several Japanese companies who are keen on expanding operations in the Philippines, namely: Marubeni Corporation for power, railways and water projects; Sumitomo Metal Mining Co. Ltd. for mineral processing; Taiheiyo Cement Corporation for plant and production related infrastructure expansion projects; Tsuneishi Shipbuilding Co. Ltd. for medium-sized marine vessels manufacturing; Ministop Co. Ltd. and Lawson for HR training programs and outlet expansion in the Philippines; and Itochu Corporation for investments in agricultural equipment, bananas and pineapples production, and irrigation projects.
Japan Tobacco Inc., likewise stated its interest to further expand Philippine operation and contribute to the Department of Finance’s (DOF) improved revenue collection program.
Meanwhile, a number of companies from Japan also stated interest in pursuing joint ventures in areas earmarked as strategic to sustainable development and inclusive growth, such as agriculture, renewable energy, manufacturing, services, environment and research and development (R&D) includingTokyo Gas Co., Ltd., on joint study on natural gas usage in the Philippine domestic market with the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI); Itochu Corporation with Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC) on additional renewable energy projects and infrastructure projects;Hitachi Ltd. with Manila Electric Company (MERALCO) on stationary Battery Energy Storage System (BESS); Nomura Real Estate Development Co.,Isetan Mitsukoshi Holdings Ltd., with Federal Land Inc., on a commercial/residential complex that will soon rise in Bonifacio Global City; Yamato Kogyo Co. Ltd., with SteelAsia Manufacturing Corporation on an integrated steel plant; Ubicom Holdings Inc., Advanced World Systems Inc., with Alsons/AWS Information Systems for a software development outsourcing, testing, and R&D project on data analytics, automation, Internet of Things (IoT), automotive software development, enterprise systems and web application, embedded systems, and mobile systems development, Hitachi Asia Ltd., Philippines with Conversion Development Authority (BCDA) in an information and communications (ICT), transportation and urban development projects; and Densan System Co. Ltd. (DSK) with CIS Bayad Center Inc. on a Technology – Business Processing Management (IT-BPM) agreement on financial technology.
“These projects, ranging from retail, commercial, and residential property development, are indubitable signposts of a growing modern economy,” Sec. Lopez said, adding that the tie-ups in these sectors are expected to generate more jobs, raise business standards, and improve business efficiency.
Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) also received LOIs from List Co. Ltd. and Subic Smart Community Corporation on mixed property development projects in Subic Freeport.
“These projects committed not only capital infusions but transfer in technology and human resource (HR) development programs, cementing anew the parameters and direction of Philippine-Japan economic exchange and complementarity,” said the Trade Chief.
“Ultimately, these projects will help chart greater trade and investment engagements between our two countries in order to generate broader inclusive growth and shared prosperity for all, he concluded.
by admin | Nov 2, 2017 | Photo Story
TRADE CHIEF PUSHES FRANCHISING INDUSTRY TO CONTINUE STRENGTHENING THE MSMEs. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez urged members of the franchising industry to be role models, inspire Filipinos to be entrepreneurs, and help the government in uplifting the lives of those at the bottom of the pyramid during Francorp’s 20th Anniversary on 24 October in Taguig. Sec. Lopez highlighted the role of franchising in micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) development. “Franchising is the game changer for any business model as it allows small-scale businesses to grow and become bigger players. Apart from encouraging people to be entrepreneurs, it also provides employment opportunities to many Filipinos”, said Sec. Lopez. The trade chief together with Sen. Miguel Zubiri acknowledged the Filipino brands which have managed to expand in Asia and in other continents such as the Europe, America, and Australia. The Trade Secretary also assured franchisors and franchisees that DTI will be an industry partner for programs and advocacies strengthening the MSME sector. In the photo are (L to R) Francorp’s Managing Director Manuel Siggaoat Jr., Chief Executive Officer Alegria Sibal- Limjoco, DTI Sec. Ramon Lopez, Chairman Samie Lim, Co-founder Manuel Siggaoat, and Chief Marketing Officer Christopher Lim.
by admin | Oct 29, 2017 | Local News / Bohol Balita
By JUNE S. BLANCO
THE House Committee on Tourism chaired by Rep. Lucy Torres (Leyte, 4th District) is slated to attend the World Travel Market (WTM) in London on November 6-8.
This was learned from Rep. Erico Aristotle Aumentado (Bohol, 2nd District), who said he and six other committee vice chairs will be joined by representatives of the Department of Tourism (DOT). The latter will market the Philippines’ attractions and destinations.
Aumentado said the Philippines stands to gain from, the WTM website says, “business contracts between exhibitors and travel professionals, key industry buyers, journalists, digital influencers, students and tourism ministers.”
Last year, over three days, the global event generated more than £2.8 billion as almost 5,000 exhibiting destinations, technology and private sector companies found and networked with 51,000 attendees – in under just one roof.
Industry leaders are also expected to discuss trends, issues and innovations in the travel industry.
From the speakers’ inputs and their team’s observations and first-hand information from fellow attendees, Aumentado said their committee will craft necessary legislations to rev and enhance the Philippines’ tourism industry.
by admin | Oct 27, 2017 | Business, National News
At least 30 families who were affected by the conflict in Marawi City now seeking shelter in Iligan received aid from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to help them start a small business to sustain their needs as they wait to return to their respective homes.
As part of Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM), DTI, together with other government agencies comprising the subcommittee on business and livelihood (SC-BL), will assist affected Marawi residents start small businesses and earn while fast-tracking the rehabilitation process of the war-torn city.
At least P5,000 worth of groceries were distributed per family, who are staying at evacuation centers, which they can sell in evacuation centers or nearby areas.
DTI-Regional Operations Group Undersecretary Zenaida Maglaya said that the livelihood starter kits will help the IDPs earn for their families.
Maglaya added that DTI will train these beneficiaries who were given aid on simple book-keeping to help sustain their businesses.
“The starter kits are more on food items. We will train and monitor them on the progress of their business. Once they return to Marawi, they are now equipped with the basics on entrepreneurship and at least expand the starterkits they received after earning some money,” Maglaya explained, adding that there will be more livelihood starter kits that will be distributed to IDPs.
A total of 40 grocery packages has now been distributed apart from the 63 sewing machines and 60 sewing kits provided to IDPs. The Department, in partnership with the Skills Mastery Institute (SMI), also trained and retrained the IDPs on garments making.
The sewing kits and sari-sari store supplies will allow IDPs to start anew and earn even while still in evacuation centers.
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).
