by admin | Oct 18, 2017 | National News, Photo Story
MARAWI INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS (IDPs) RECEIVE AID FROM DTI. As the government intensifies its efforts to help in the recovery, reconstruction and rehabilitation of Marawi City and other affected areas, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) recently turned over sewing machines to help Marawi IDPs restart their business and earn even while still in Evacuation Centers. Leading the turnover of sewing machines were DTI-Regional Operations Group Undersecretary Zenaida Maglaya (third from right), DTI-Northern Mindanao Regional Director Linda Boniao (second from right) with the women of Marawi, Lanao del Sur Governor Soraya Alonto-Adiong (third from left) and PTLDC and Negosyo Center Manager Jasnia Adiong Sheikrashid. This follows Administrative Order No. 03 of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, mandating the creation of an inter-agency task force that would implement the recovery, reconstruction, and rehabilitation of Marawi City and other affected localities. 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)
by admin | Oct 13, 2017 | Business, National News
ZAMBOANGA—During the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) official launch of Trabaho, Negosyo, Kabuhayan (TNK) on 6 October in the Zamboanga Peninsula, the country’s trade chief called on locals to maximize the use of government programs to create businesses and gain employment to empower themselves.
DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez highlighted the government’s initiatives to extend to all Filipinos the benefits of the current Philippine economic growth by strengthening the micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), creating robust industries, and boosting investments. These, in turn, will lead to job generation and sustained entrepreneurial revolution, according to him.
“TNK’s goal is to create a culture of Filipinos who are success-driven, independent, and know how to appreciate the value put on one’s work. The core of the program is to empower the bottom of the pyramid to empower the nation,” said Sec. Lopez.
He shared that the business confidence index of the Philippines is at 38%, which has an impact on various industries such as manufacturing, agriculture, and export.
DTI is currently using the 7Ms of Successful Entrepreneurs framework (Mindset, Mastery, Mentoring, Money, Machine, Market, and Models) as a strategic approach to empower entrepreneurs and encourage Filipinos to start their own businesses, thus helping them improve the quality of life.
Apart from national and international trade fairs, there are partnerships with premier malls, shopping destinations, as well as airports to enhance market access for local entrepreneurs through the Go Lokal! stores and other pasalubong centers.
These Go Lokal! stores and pasalubong centers serve as incubation stores for MSMEs where their products gain public exposure for free before they enter bigger markets.
MSMEs were also encouraged to utilize the government’s business expansion program through the Pondo para sa Pagbabago at Pag-asenso or the P3 program, which offers low-interest financial assistance via recognized micro financing institutions.
Further, the trade chief called on officials from the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and local government units to provide spaces in their respective public markets for MSME products and entrepreneurs.
Meanwhile, at the sidelines of the TNK launch, Sec. Lopez also attended the Zamboanga Peninsula Investment Conference, wherein he encouraged stakeholders to continue partnering with the government in raising the investment profile of the region and improving the investment climate.
“We can address inequality and reduce poverty by implementing programs that sustainably create jobs and increase incomes through exports and investments, as well as through smart, innovation-led entrepreneurship,” he said.
Also at the event were DTI Undersecretary Rowel Barba, Department of Labor and Employment Undersecretary Joel Maglunsod, Small Business (SB) Corporation President Maria Luna Cacanando, as well as Zamboanga Sibugay Governor Wilter Yap Palma, Zamboanga City Mayor Isabelle Climaco-Salazar, Zamboanga City 1stDistrict Representative Celso Lobregat, and 2nd District Representative Manuel Jose Dalipe.
(L to R) DTI Undersecretary Rowel Barba, DOLE Undersecretary Joel Maglunsod, DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez, Zamboanga City Mayor Isabelle Climaco-Salazar, DTI-Region 9 Director Sitti Jain, Indonesian Consulate General Berlian Napitupulu, and DOLE-Region 9 Director Ofelia Domingo at the opening of ZAMPEX 2017 in Zamboanga City.
by admin | Oct 13, 2017 | Photo Story
DTI EXPLORES E-COMMERCE CHANNELS FOR MSMES WITH LAZADA, ALIBABA. To push for greater multi-channel retailing, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez met with Alibaba Group President Michael Evans and Lazada Philippines Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer Inanc Balci on 11 October to explore online retailing opportunities for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). Sec. Lopez opened the possibility of using online platform such as Lazada as a marketing venue for products of local entrepreneurs. “We want to improve market access for our MSMEs, and through e-commerce, their products can gain more exposure and reach more buyers,” shared Sec. Lopez. Lazada Philippines, on the other hand, expressed its intent to partner with DTI for a project, which will deal with microsellers cooperative in the Philippines. As the major stockholder of Lazada, Alibaba Group’s Michael Evans supported the proposed project of one of the leading online selling platforms in the Philippines. In the photo are (L to R) Lazada Group Chief Operating Officer Pierre Poignant, Romulo Law Firm’s Atty. Marie Antonette Quiogue, Alibaba Group President Michael Evans, DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez, Alibaba Group Vice President Eric Pelletier, DTI Undersecretary Nora Terrado, and Lazada Philippines Co-Founder and CEO Inanc Balci.
by admin | Oct 11, 2017 | Business, National News
Philippines’ finest products are on display as the country participates at the World Food And Beverage Great EXpo (FABEX) Kansai 2017 happening from 11-13 October 2017 at the International Exhibition Center (Intex) Osaka. FABEX Kansai is Japan’s largest general trade fair for commercial food, cooking ingredients, equipment, and containers.
Organized by the Philippines’ Department of Trade and Industry, through its Export Marketing Bureau (EMB), the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC)-Osaka, and the Philippine Department of Agriculture-Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service (DA-AMAS), the country’s delegation is showcasing an array of food products, food supplements, food machinery and various kinds of farm produce at the three-day event.
According to DTI-EMB Assistant Director Agnes Legaspi, who leads the business delegation from Manila, the delegation composed of 18 Filipino companies will also visit Tokyo to meet with Japanese importers. This business mission aims to promote the Philippines as a reliable supplier of high quality food products.
“Japan is among our top trading partner and we want to maximize their keen interest on doing business with the Philippines by increasing our promotion efforts of our products and services,” said DTI-EMB Assistant Director Legaspi.
The participating Philippine companies are Aisha-Fil Foods Inc., Amarich Marketing International, Chocovron Global Corporation, Cocoplus Aquarian Development Corporation, D’Farmers Market Fruits and Pastries Center, Greenland Asparagus Multi Purpose Cooperative, Healthy Sweets Mindanao Corporation, J. Emmanuel Pastries, John N’ Mico Food Products, and Mapagmahal Foods.
Also joining are Mardak Global Export Incorporate, Muy Bien Ventures Co., Incorporated, Nattural Quality Corporation, Nisco Philippines Enterprise, Pasciolco Agri Ventures, Philippine Moringa & More Corporation, Philippine Seawealth Food Incorporated, Sangkutsa Food Products Incorporated.
In addition to the Philippine exhibition in FABEX Kansai 2017, government officials who are part of the delegation discussed doing business with the Philippines in a seminar entitled “Philippine Seminar on Business Opportunities on Agriculture and Logistics” organized by the Osaka Port Promotion Association.
by admin | Oct 10, 2017 | National News
Micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from Central Luzon will strut its products in Metro Manila as the Department of Trade and Industry Region-3 is set to open the Likha ng Central Luzon Trade Fair on October 11 to 15, 2017 at SM Mega Mall Trade Hall in Mandaluyong, providing a platform to showcase their products in preparation for entering the mainstream market.
This as the Department pushes for the 7Ms strategy to help Filipino MSMEs compete locally and globally. The 7Ms strategy for Philippine MSME Development are mindset, mastery, mentoring, market, money, machines, models, which are expected to propel MSMEs to make headway in increasing the competitive market.
At least 153 Central Luzon MSMEs will participate in the annual showcase of products from the seven provinces of the region, promoting their provincial branding namely:
Aurora – “Siempre Aurora”
Bataan – “Galing Bataan”
Bulacan – “Tatak Bulakenyo”
Nueva Ecija – “Taas Noo Novo Ecijano”
Pampanga – “Vida Pampanga”
Tarlac – “Natural Tarlac”
Zambales – “Zambales Finest”
“It’s the best opportunity for MSMEs to market their products especially with the consumer base here in Metro Manila is very huge. We also expect the influx of buyers as Christmas season draws near,” DTI Regional Operations Group Undersecretary Zenaida Maglaya said.
MSME participants in the trade fair have been assisted by DTI through Negosyo Centers, Shared Service Facilities (SSF), One Town, One Product, Kapatid Mentor ME Project, SME Roving Academy, among others. The assistance have helped MSMEs enhance their products in terms of quality and quantity of products, product label and packaging.
The Likha ng Central Luzon five-day promotional trade fair will feature products such as processed food, furniture and home furnishings, ceramics, jewelry, handicrafts, fashion accessories, bags, footwear, gifts and holiday decors, and other novelty products.
There will also be an exhibit of prototypes of products that were the result of the OTOP Next Generation project where the DTI provided MSMEs with design consultancy, product development services and product labeling design assistance.
Likha ng Central Luzon Trade Fair is a major regional trade promotion activity jointly organized by the DTI-3 and Philexport – Region 3, with the support of the Regional Development Council – Region 3 and the Central Luzon Growth Corridor Foundation, Inc. (CLGCFI).
Likha 2017 is now on its 19th year and serves as the culminating activity of industry and trade related programs of DTI for the MSMEs of Region 3. The Trade Fair has proven to be an effective venue to promote the products of the region to institutional buyers and exporters based in Metro Manila and nearby areas.
by admin | Oct 7, 2017 | Business, National News, Negosyo Center Updates
03 October 2017 – Three (3) days after the successful “Buyers’ Day at the GoLokal! ConceptStore@DTI on September 29, 2017, another Go Lokal! PopUp store opened @Glorietta2 on October 03, 2017.
The event also sealed the partnership of the Department of Trade and Industry represented by Trade Chief Secretary Ramon M. Lopez and Ayala Corporation CEO Fernando Zobel de Ayala on the Go Lokal! Stores project spearheaded by DTI that aims to help and support the country’s MSMEs gain access to the local consumer market, and eventually, the global export market.
The GoLokal!PopUpStore@Glorietta2 is located at the Palm Drive Lobby of Glorietta 2. Visit other Go Lokal! Stores @SMKultura, @RustansMakati, @RobinsonsPlaceManila, @EnchantedKingdom and GoLokal!ConceptStore@DTI for more of your favorite Go Lokal! products. Go Lokal! will also soon be available online @marketa.ph.
Products carried by PCHEA
In photo L to R: From Ayala Corporation Corporate Strategy and Development, Head of Public Policy, Antonio LambinoII, Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) President Donald Dee, Department of Trade and Industry Assistant Secretary Rosvi C. Gaetos, DTI Undersecretary Nora K. Terrado, DTI Secretary Ramon M. Lopez, Ayala Corporation CEO Fernando Zobel de Ayala, DTI-Bureau of Domestic Trade Promotion Director Rhodora Leano, Philippine Chamber of Handicrafts Exporters And Artisans Inc President Mila L. Lacson, Ayala Malls Group Head Rowena M. Tomeldan, DTI-BDTP Assistant Director Marievic Bonoan, Board Of Directors Member and PCHEA Auditor Raymond U. Maron, Operations Manila And South Central Malls Unit Head, Ayala Malls Group/ Markalex Creative Craft Corp President, Joseph F. Reyes, ECOP Honorary Chairman Edgardo lacson.
by admin | Oct 6, 2017 | National News
Led by the Department of Trade and Industry’s attached agency, Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) and the Philippine Trade & Investment Center-Berlin (PTIC-Berlin), 19 Filipino companies are set to attract trade visitors and buyers on 7-11 October 2017 in ANUGA at Koelnmesse, Cologne, Germany.
Under the brand FoodPHILIPPINES, the Philippine pavilion will highlight the country’s ‘Premium 7’ food export commodities, which include coconut, pineapple, mango, banana, coffee, cacao and tuna—all in different varieties, cultivars, and packaging presentation.
In 2015, 35 Philippine companies netted $67.7 million export sales at ANUGA. For 2017, DTI-CITEM is targeting $62 million, despite the attendance of a smaller delegation to Cologne. To achieve such high export target, CITEM carefully selected 19 food companies that are primed for the European market, each capable of highlighting the best of what the Philippines has to offer.
At present, the Philippines is enjoying a special trade arrangement and incentives with European countries as one of the 30 countries listed under EU’s Generalized Scheme of Preferences (GSP). Under the EU GSP, developing countries can export goods with reduced tariffs entering the EU to stimulate economic growth and job creation in their economies. The Philippines avail itself of the zero preferential duties on 6,274 products going to EU states.
To maximize such potential, PTIC-Berlin is also supporting the Export Marketing Bureau (EMB) of the Department of Trade and Industry in its Outbound Mission composed of five (5) exporting companies with products ranging from fish to muscovado sugar, and coconut to banana products.
Known as the world’s largest and most important food and beverage fair, ANUGA 2017 showcases the diverse product selection in the global food industry, attracting over 160,000 visitors during the five-day event to check out the latest and most innovative products from around 7,200 global exhibitors.
by admin | Oct 5, 2017 | Photo Story
GO LOKAL! OPENS IN GLORIETTA. Following the success of Go Lokal! stores in partner malls and shopping centers, the newest Go Lokal! officially opened at Glorietta 2, Makati City on 4 October. Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon Lopez (2nd from L), Ayala Land Chairman Mr. Fernando de Zobel de Ayala (3rd from L) with Philippine Chamber of Handicraft Exporters and Artisans Inc. (PCHEAI) President Mila Lacson (4th from L) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for a Go Lokal! pop-up store in the one of the leading shopping malls in Makati. The store features unique products from the micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). “MSMEs can now reach the mainstream market and not worry about listing fees and advance rent on spaces,” said Secretary Ramon Lopez. “Go Lokal! serves as an incubation venue for MSMEs before expanding to the mainstream market,” he added. Also at the ribbon cutting were Undersecretary Nora Terrado (leftmost), Ayala Malls Group Head Rowena Tomeldan (2nd from R), PCHEAI Board Member Raymond Maron (3rd from R), and Ayala Land Senior Division Manager Joseph Reyes (rightmost).
by admin | Oct 2, 2017 | DTI Updates, Negosyo Center Updates
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) launched the Bangon Marawi Product Store today (29 September) at the Ground Floor of the DTI Bldg. along Sen. Gil Puyat Ave. in Makati to introduce Maranao products to the public as well as provide livelihood assistance to internally displaced persons (IDPs) from Marawi City.
This follows Administrative Order No. 03 of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte mandating the creation of an inter-agency task force that would implement the recovery, reconstruction, and rehabilitation of Marawi City and other affected localities.
“While our government is working tirelessly to give them respite in the wake of the tragedy afflicting their city, DTI has come up with its own way to help our Mindanao countrymen” Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez (3rd from L) said.
“Given that the Maranaos are inherently traders, we thought it appropriate to find a way to help them showcase their products and bring them to the mainstream market,” Lopez added.
Products on sale include brasswares, wooden furniture, wearables, Maranao woven products, jewelry, fashion accessories, and Maranao native delicacies. The sales and proceeds of the Bangon Marawi products will go to help the Maranaos and others displaced by the conflict in Marawi.
This project is done in partnership with the Bangsa Moro Federal Business Council, the Tugaya Local Government, the Muntinlupa Local Government, and Magsaysay Shipping and Logistics.
Also at the launch were Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana (leftmost) with wife Edith Lorenzana (2nd from L), Undersecretary Rowel Barba (rightmost), Undersecretary Nora Terrado (3rd from R) with other DTI and other officials.
DTI will carry the Bangon Marawi products in all Go Lokal! stores nationwide.
by admin | Sep 30, 2017 | DTI Updates, National News
Pasay – Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez encouraged franchisers to be innovative and creative in their businesses during the 16th Business and Franchise Expo of the Association of Filipino Franchisers Inc. (AFFI) on 29 September.
“Through innovation and creativity, we are confident to see more local franchisers expand across the country’s borders”, said Secretary Lopez.
The franchising industry accelerated by 20% in 2016 from Php16B total sales registered in 2015 and is expected to sustain the expansion in the next two years.
Meanwhile, the trade chief recognized the role of franchising as a tool in economic development and nation-building, particularly the opportunities it provides to the micro, small, and medium, enterprises (MSMEs).
Secretary Lopez further shared that apart from the increasing number of large Filipino firms expanding in ASEAN, household-based micro-enterprises have now the capacity to penetrate the ASEAN market through the programs of the government.
The trade chief highlighted that the government continues to place the MSMEs at the front and centre of trade agenda and at the forefront of regional development to enable those at the bottom of the pyramid, achieve inclusive growth and shared prosperity for all.
He also cited DTI’s efforts to empower and provide opportunities to MSMEs through its 7Ms Framework (Mindset, Mastery, Mentoring, Money, Machine, Market Access, and Models).
Among the ASEAN Member States, the Philippines currently has 1,500 franchises where 65% are Philippine brands. Moreover, there are 140,000 franchise outlets with the Philippine franchise sector generating more than a million jobs.
Secretary Lopez encouraged the members of AFFI to be entrepreneurs for others and be part of the continuing growth story of the franchising sector and Philippine economy.
“We are driven to empower local entrepreneurs and we will continue to work to meet the challenges of the market,“ Sec. Lopez said.
Vice President Leni Robredo, Senator Cynthia Villar, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, and Go Negosyo Advisor Meryl Cruz were also present during the event.
by admin | Sep 29, 2017 | DTI Updates, National News
Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) with assistance from Department of Trade and Industry’s Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) – Berlin recently attended the Oils + Fats 2017 event held in Munich to promote Philippine Coconut products to the European Union (EU).
According to PTIC Berlin Commercial Counsellor Althea Antonio, the visit to Germany by Philippine officials included meetings with senior executives of various organizations such as Coconut Business GmbH, Dr. Georg GmbH, and the Association of Oilseed Crushing & Oil Refining Industry in Germany (OVID).
The Philippines is the number one supplier of coconut oil to Germany according to OVID. However, Philippine exporters face hurdles such as mineral oil content and EU regulations. To this end, collaborative efforts are to be undertaken by the PCA, DTI through PTIC-Berlin, and other relevant agencies in the aspect of information-sharing.
Currently, the PCA is also looking into measures on how to increase the volume of exports through re-planting programs and consolidation of production by small coconut farmers to supply big volume orders from international buyers.
PCA officials who recently visited Germany last 11-18 September for the mission include PCA Administrator Romulo de la Rosa, Director Alan Tanjuakio, and Director Roque Quimpan.
In photo: 2nd Row from left to right – TA Van Randolf Tan, Vice Consul Alvin Malasig, Consul Catherine Torres, Minister & Consul General Donna Rodriguez, TA Malou Tana, TSO Althea Antonio, Minister & Consul Adrian Cruz, TA Ricardo Rosales. 1st Row from left to right – Director Roque Quimpan, Admin Romulo de la Rosa, Ambassador Melita Sta. Maria Thomeczek, Director Alan Tanjuakio.
