by admin | Sep 4, 2017 | National News
PASAY CITY—Following the successful hosting of the ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Retreat in March, the Philippines (PH), as current Chair of ASEAN 2017, stands ready to host once again a series of high-level meetings among economic ministers of the 10 Member States of ASEAN and the region’s trade partners.
As the biggest formal gathering of high-level economic officials this year, the 49th ASEAN Economic Ministers’ (AEM) Meeting and Related Meetings will run from 6 to 11 September 2017. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is set to lead the occasion with Secretary Ramon M. Lopez as the AEM Chair and DTI Undersecretary Ceferino S. Rodolfo as AEM PH Lead.
Since the adoption of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Blueprint 2025 last year and the Consolidated Strategic Action Plan (CSAP) in February 2017 in Manila, community building efforts have intensified under the Philippines’ Chairmanship of ASEAN.
As the lead agency for the AEC Pillar, DTI together with member agencies of the Committee for AEC or CAEC (National Economic and Development Authority, Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Finance, Department of Agriculture, Department of Tourism, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Science and Technology, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Board of Investments, Bureau of Customs, Presidential Management Staff, and Tariff Commission) have been pushing strategic measures that are aligned with the PH thematic priority on pursuing an “inclusive, innovation-led growth.” CAEC is an inter-agency coordination body tasked to facilitate policy formulation, and supervises the implementation of the AEC 2025
Increasing trade and investment, integrating the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the global value chains, and developing an innovation-driven economy are the identified strategic measures to achieve said thematic priority.
Under this year’s Chairmanship, PH’s priority deliverables include strategic measures pushing for an ASEAN-wide Self-certification Scheme, introducing a more robust method for AEC compliance monitoring through the ASEAN Seamless Trade Facilitation Indicators (ASTFI) and Review Mechanism for AEC, fostering a more facilitative and transparent trade in services regime sector through the ASEAN Trade in Services Agreement (ATISA) negotiations, and strengthening investments through the Focused and Strategic (FAST) Action Agenda on Investment, and enhancing intra-regional connectivity and bolstering socio-economic growth in the regions through the launch of the ASEAN Roll-on Roll-off (RORO) Shipping Network.
PH is also introducing Inclusive Business in ASEAN, mainstreaming Women Economic Empowerment in AEC, and supporting cross-border trade and ecosystem of entrepreneurship based on technology and innovation through E-Commerce and the ASEAN Declaration on Innovation.
PH’s membership in ASEAN is seen as a means to further enhance the country’s competitiveness and reap the full benefits of participation in closer ASEAN regional economic integration.
ASEAN trade ministers will also meet their counterparts from Australia, Canada, China, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Korea, New Zealand, Russia, and the United States. These series of meetings will enable and exchange views on global and regional economic developments, as well as include discussions on trade agreements and economic cooperation mechanisms with these countries.
“At the end of the day, what will value is how these meetings concretely translate to creating more and better opportunities for ASEAN citizens to experience inclusive growth that leads to region-wide prosperity, as we partner for change and engage the world,” said Sec. Lopez, referring to this year’s theme of PH’s chairmanship of ASEAN.
Sec. Lopez is also scheduled to have bilateral meetings on the sidelines to discuss important trade and economic concerns and explore commercial opportunities.
“We see ASEAN as a platform where we can regionalize our national interests. Our collective efforts will lead us towards earning takeaways that will truly resonate to the country’s economic thrusts, and in turn to the benefit of our people,” said Usec. Rodolfo.
Alongside engagements with external partners are dialogues with the private sector and business councils including ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ABAC), Canada – ASEAN Business Council (CABC), ASEAN – Korea Business Council (AKBC), US – ASEAN Business Council (USABC), Australian Chamber of Commerce (AustCham), Australia-New Zealand Business Council (ANZBC), Federation of Japanese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Association (FJCCIA), East Asia Business Council (EABC) and ASEAN-India Business Council (AIBC) in order to recognize their significant contribution in producing appropriate policy options and recommendations to further facilitate ASEAN’s deeper economic integration.
by admin | Sep 2, 2017 | Tech Talk
Startup Weekend is an entrepreneurship learning program that gives participants real-world hands-on experience in creating and validating their business ideas. This year, Startup Weekend Bohol aims to connect with talents that have new innovations for the tourism sector.
Any idea from a new kind of souvenir item, to an app that lists the area’s available tourist spots and services (like TarShare), or even a new kind of transport system that will make it easier and cheaper for both locals and tourists to go to beaches, all ideas are welcome!
We purposefully selected a group of mentors that specialize in the various sectors in the tourism industry like food, transport, government, and recreation so they can assist teams that have questions on the application of their new product. The goal is to help guide each team on how they can create a sustainable business model for their idea so they can last many years and serve the tourism sector well.
We are also encouraging ideas that aren’t limited to applications in Bohol but to the whole world! Some of the ideas that have reached the global stage are Airbnb, Tripadvisor, Trivago, and those many apps and services you and your family use for travel or recommendations.
Have an awesome idea? Or are you someone who just wants to work on an awesome idea? Join Startup Weekend Bohol Tourism Edition!
The event is in partnership with the Department of Tourism, Provincial Government of Bohol, and the Bohol Investment Promotion Center. It is sponsored by PrintBit, Gwion, Uniform Solutions, and Sea Drake Island Cruises (we are still open for sponsorships!) . The participants at the event will also be mentored by Michael de Vincent Edwards, Aimee Lim, Tina Amper, Ben Skelton, and Peter Watkins. With them are judges Mark Phillips, Vicky Wallace, and many more startup ecosystem supporters.
Startup Weekend Bohol will be in September 29-October 1, 2017 at the Bohol Bee Farm Panglao. If you’d like to register and stay updated, text Zion at 09084213938 or e-mail us atbohol@startupweekend.org and find us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/StartupWeekendBohol/
by admin | Aug 30, 2017 | National News
MAKATI—Following the double-digit expansion in Philippine (PH) export as reported by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the country also sustained its leading position in terms of Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) for the manufacturing sector at 53.9, the highest among ASEAN Member States.
“The 14% expansion in export was on the back of a robust PMI for manufacturing at 53.9, the highest among ASEAN countries,” said DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez, who also serves as chair of the ASEAN Economic Ministers’ (AEM) Meetings.
Viet Nam’s PMI is at 52.5, Thailand at 50.4, Singapore at 50.3, Indonesia at 49.5, Myanmar at 49.4 and Malaysia at 46.9.
“The PMI is an indicator of the manufacturing sector’s health, with indices above 50 signaling improvement in business conditions while those below 50 show deterioration,” explained Sec. Lopez.
“This favorable PMI is driven by robust domestic consumption and resurgent exports,” he added.
DTI earlier reported that PH exports withstood a slowdown in external demand in June and finished a strong first semester performance, ensuring that exports are both resilient and diversified in terms of products and markets.
Total merchandise exports for the period January to June 2017 stood at USD 31.04 billion, expanding by 14% over the USD 27.33 billion posted during the same period in 2016.
Said expansion was mainly due to high growth rates of exports to newly revived markets of the People’s Republic of China (including Hongkong SAR), as well as the European Union (EU), which gives the Philippines a Generalized Scheme of Preference Plus (GSP+) status, wherein more than 6,000 product lines enjoy duty free entry into the EU market.
Meanwhile, the depreciation of the peso against a backdrop of low inflation rate has also made PH export products more competitive in prices, thus contributing favorably to this surge in exports, according to DTI.
DTI continues to implement programs and projects to sustain robust exports growth. A centerpiece program is the revitalization of the manufacturing industry through the Manufacturing Resurgence Program (MRP) and, in partnership with the private sector, the crafting of currently 36 industry roadmaps geared to enhance the capacity and productivity of domestic industries to produce high value added commodities for both domestic and export markets.
“We remain committed to easing the cost of doing business in the country. We have been collaborating with other government agencies and the private sector in initiatives that will simplify doing business,” the trade chief said.
DTI’s presence can be felt nationwide through 17 Regional Offices that are ready to assist exporters all over the country, to facilitate a conducive environment for businesses and to ensure provision of technical assistance and the needed shared service facilities.
DTI is also assisting exporters with enhanced market intelligence through its 27 international posts
by admin | Aug 30, 2017 | Local News / Bohol Balita
SINANDIGAN UBAY, August 30, 2017 (PIA) –Aiming to sustainably replenish the stocks of swimming blue crabs (lambay) in Bohol, the government and a private sector group signed an agreement to formally establish a hatchery for the crustaceans popularly imported for their meat here at the local Multi Species Hatchery.
The government through the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) regional Director Dr. Allan L. Poquita and Robert G. Eduardo chairman of the Philippine Association of Crab Processors Inc. ( PACPI) formally signed the agreement to mutually cooperate in the production of blue swimming crab August 30, here at the Multi species hatchery right in the middle of Danajon Double Barrier Reef.
Dr. Poquita said the historic event marks the rebirth of the blue crab meat industry through sustaining stocks in the region severely depleted by over harvesting in the past.
He said the project is consistent with BFAR mandate to promote the replenishment and propagation of crabs and achieve food security.
Here, the project intends to acquire suitable berried female crabs from fishers, but them at premium prices and bring them to the hatchery for spawning, according to Chairman Eduardo.
The ultimate goal is to be able to produce at least 20,000 to 30,000 hatchlings every month which would be dispersed to BFAR identified areas along the beneficiary towns and islands along the Danajon Bank, Dir Poquita added.
One of the projects goal is to enhance the Spawning Potential Ratio for blue crabs to a sustainable levels of at least 30%, according to PACPI Executive Director Josette Emlen Genio.
This means that of a female crabs average of 80,000 eggs, only 27% survive and mature enough to spawn, Genio cites recent blue crab studies by BFAR, PACFI and ECOFish.
Common at the Danajon and elsewhere in the Visayas, swimming blue crab (portunus pelagicus) is the country’s 4th in production volume for fishery commodity and 3rd in value production, BFAR emphasized.
However, swimming blue crabs which fetch a P180 to 200 a kilo in wet markets need to go past a gauntlet of obstacles including predation, undersized harvesting and a local culture running counter to sustainable harvest practices to make it past reproduction age.
Visayans prefer to harvest and eat berried or gravid crabs; the eggs indicate good meat.
The Memorandum of Agreement allows BFAR to allocate space, equipment and facilities for lambay production, advance mechanisms to curb the harvest of undersized and egg-bearing females, provide technical supervision in the hatchery production, identify future dispersal activities and monitor stocks, documenting the entire production progress process.
The agreement also makes PACPI provide technical and non technical staff and honorarium who will partner with the hatchery manager, give financial support to the project operation including acquisition of broodstock, feeds, fertilizers for natural food culture and facilities maintenance, provide additional equipment and supplies if needed and help BRAF document the processes.
For the one year project duration, PACPI dedicates P742,200.00 for the operation expenses and wages plus additional supplies and equipment if needed and a separate budget of P354,200.oo for post project assessment to determine the impacts of the hatchery reared-crablets to the wild stocks. (rahc/PIA-7/Bohol)
PACPI Chairman Robert G. Eduardo and BFAR 7 Regional Director Allan L. Poquita along with Sinandigan Ubay BFAR Multi-Species Hatchery Chief Conrado Toston sign the MOA formally establishing the blue swimming crab hatchery here. (rahc/PI-7/Bohol)
by admin | Aug 27, 2017 | Local News / Bohol Balita
By JUNE S. BLANCO
REP. Erico Aristotle Aumentado (Bohol, 2nd District) takes seriously the “teaching a man to fish” part of the saying rather than the “giving a man a fish” part.
He says “teaching” gives a man independence through skills he learns from training – and empowers him to provide for his family.
On the other hand, “giving” merely turns such a man into a mendicant, and in the process, robs him of dignity.
His efforts at teaching skills have earned Aumentado the National Kabalikat Award from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
TESDA recently celebrated its 23rd anniversary during which it conferred awards to partners in attaining its goals.
Aumentado had tapped the rich pool of TESDA trainors in different fields to train his constituents, hence the award given at the TESDA Auditorium, at the TESDA Complex, in Taguig City, Metro Manila.
The solon said TESDA cited him as legislative partner in promoting manpower and skills development for his constituents, especially those who cannot afford to pay for higher education.
Through these years, Aumentado’s office has been, and continuously is being a partner in the development of the Boholano workforce.
TESDA Central Office statistics show that Aumentado’s office – always ready to be of service to the public – had benefitted 8,168 Boholanos who availed of the trainings and scholarship programs from 2014-2016.
He has 5,173 assessed and 5,597 graduates employed. His office also invested P 25,473,141.41 for Technical-Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
TVET is the education or training process that, in addition to general education, involves the study of technologies and related sciences and acquisition of practical skills relating to occupations in various sectors of economic life and social life. It comprises of formal (organized programs as part of the school system) and non-formal (organized classes outside the school system) approaches.
by admin | Aug 26, 2017 | Tech Talk
A Startup Weekend Tourism Edition is a 3-day event where, on Friday night, participants pitch or pick ideas that benefit the tourism sector, form teams, work on their idea, and present their final product vision and business viability on Sunday night. With this format, four things can happen:
Connect. Wanted to work on a project or new business to help better the tourism situation in Bohol but haven’t yet found the right people to help you? Startup Weekend Tourism Edition brings together designers, developers, business professionals, and tourism industry experts to help you go on the right track. You might find your future team members, mentors, and stakeholders at this event!
Discover. Startup Weekend Tourism Edition helps you discover the playing field; you will be introduced to new resources available near you and will leave the event knowing the next steps you need to take on your road to success.
Learn. Participants will learn what it really takes to create a company. No book, panel, speaker, or blog post will teach you what you need to know about business; you just have to experience it and Startup Weekend Tourism Edition will help you do just that by putting you in an environment where you don’t have to worry about anything else (food, internet, resources) other than learning how to create a company.
Start. Startup Weekend Tourism Edition as a platform is designed to get you going FAST. The organizers will ready mentors, and material for you to get the learning process going and will help you make the most out of the weekend.
The event is in partnership with the Department of Tourism, Provincial Government of Bohol, and the Bohol Investment Promotion Center. It is sponsored by PrintBit, Gwion, and Sea Drake Island Cruises (we are still open for sponsorships!) . The participants at the event will also be mentored by Michael de Vincent Edwards, Aimee Lim, Tina Amper, Ben Skelton, and Peter Watkins. With them are judges Mark Phillips, Vicky Wallace, and many more startup ecosystem supporters.
by admin | Aug 24, 2017 | National News
MAKATI—Philippine (PH) exports weathered a slowdown in external demand in June to register a strong first semester performance, the country’s trade chief said.
“We always ensure that exports are both resilient and diversified in terms of products and markets,” Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez said.
Total merchandise exports for the period January to June 2017 stood at USD 31.04 billion, expanding by 14% over the USD 27.33 billion posted during the same period in 2016.
Said expansion is seen almost among all the country’s major export markets, with the People’s Republic of China (including Hongkong SAR) as the country’s top export destination, followed by Japan and the United States (US), according to him.
Electronics, non-electronics show off
Preliminary data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed that the 15% growth of Non-electronics exports outpaced the 12.05% rise in Electronics, accounting for almost equally at 50.1% and 49.9%, respectively, of total merchandise exports.
“The stronger performance of Non-Electronics products vis-à-vis Electronics reflects DTI’s efforts to diversify merchandise exports and improve market mix,” Sec. Lopez added.
For the first semester of 2017, receipts of the following non-electronics increased: Mineral products (81%), Chemicals (11%), Coconut (78%), Footwear (70%), Furniture & Fixtures (43%), Processed Food & Beverages (29%), Machinery & Transport Equipment (24%), Garments (23%), Travel Goods and Handbags (8%), and Iron and Steel (4%).
DTI Undersecretary and Board of Investments (BOI) Managing Head Ceferino Rodolfo confirmed that non-electronics have been accounting for a bigger share of total exports from an average of 40% in 2006-2010 to a 54% average in 2011-2016.
“DTI has been partnering with relevant agencies, industry associations as well as specific exporters in improving PH leadership in certain sectors such as in activated carbon, oleochemicals, bananas, pineapples, tuna, and carrageenan/seaweeds and other algae, where assistance to improve quality and quantity of supply is top-most of the agenda,” said Usec. Rodolfo.
DTI also creates more conducive exporting environment for sectors that have crossed or is close to crossing the USD 1 billion value of exports such as travel goods, handbags, footwear and apparel, aircraft parts, coconut, transport services, construction materials such as builders’ joinery and carpentry of wood including wood panels.
Expanding exports, shifting markets
In terms of PH markets, PH’s expansion in exports can be seen in almost all of PH’s export partners, with PROC (including Hongkong SAR) being top export destination, followed by Japan, the United States (US), Singapore, Korea, Thailand, Germany, The Netherlands and Taiwan. PH shipments to almost all these country destinations increased.
According to Usec. Rodolfo, it is worth noting that currently, ASEAN and East Asian neighbors accounted for about 63% of total PH exports, while the US and the European Union (EU) accounted almost equally for 14.7% and 14.9%, respectively, as a result of our pursuit of active trade relations due to opportunities resulting from ASEAN’s free trade agreements with China, Korea, Australia and India.
“We have been seeing in recent years the gradual shift in market distribution leading to a balance in market diversity,” said Sec. Lopez.
While the US continues to be one of PH’s top export destinations, its share to PH total exports has declined from 8% in 2006-2010 to 6% in 2011-2016. Stronger relations with PH neighbors made ASEAN a consistent market for bulk of our products.
China, in recent years, has also emerged as a consistent top market for PH export products, validating PH’s pursuit of an independent foreign policy as the country opens up to new trade partners and finds new markets and new value chain linkages for trade and investments. China accounted for the fastest growth rate at 34%.
“Recent data also showed exports to EU posted strong growth at about 36% due to greater number of utilization of Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) trade privileges where over 6,000 product lines have 0% tariff duty,” said Sec. Lopez.
The trade chief added that the immense goodwill shown by President Rodrigo Duterte to other nations has resulted to re-strengthened ties not only with China but also with the Middle East. The benefits of special trade arrangements with EU also led to faster export growth in many countries.
Semiconductors drive electronic growth
Semiconductors, which accounted for 72% share of total electronics exports and 36% share of total PH exports, expanded by 12%, driving the growth in electronics. The share of electronics sector to total merchandise exports has been reduced from an average high of 60% in 2006-2010 to 46% average for 2011-2016.
The strong global growth in 2017, particularly the surge of global electronics demand, augurs well with the implementation of the regional industrialization plan of the CALABARZON area, which will diversify electronics exports especially in the production of auto electronics parts and components and business expansion towards merging manufacturing with IT through engineering services outsourcing and other areas.
Electronics exports are concentrated in the CALABARZON area, specifically in Laguna, where sales reached almost USD 7 billion for a remarkable growth rate of 146%, and in Cavite, with exports valued at USD 3 billion for a 72% growth. Together, Laguna and Cavite accounted for almost 60% of total electronics exports.
“We are off to a good first semester. The second semester should see us further raising our game to boost PH exports for a bigger share of the global market,” Sec. Lopez concluded.
by admin | Aug 24, 2017 | DTI Updates, Negosyo Center Updates
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), in partnership with the Association of Development Facilitation and Enterprise Counselors Incorporated (ADFEC Inc.), conducted a Small Business Counselors’ Course on Operations Management (SBCC104) for DTI’s Negosyo Center business counselors on August 14-19 this year at Dohera Hotel in Mandaue City, Cebu.
According to DTI Assistant Regional Director Nelia Navarro, the six-day SBCC training was meant to enable the business counselors to know the intricacies of operations management in order for them to offer relevant information to clients as they counsel new and aspiring entrepreneurs who want to develop their business enterprise.
The recently concluded training participated by Negosyo Center business counselors in Central Visayas also included plant visits to expose them to operations of various companies. After the visits, participants were tasked to produce a report on their observations based on the measures given by the facilitators.
Dir. Navarro explained that the training of business counselors is one significant step to developing the economy in the countryside.
“DTI wants to inspire those living in the provinces to engage in entrepreneurship by having well trained business counselors who can assist them and guide them as they navigate the complex world of business.” ARD Navarro explained.
“We really have to capacitate our business counselors because they are DTI’s frontline staff. Moreover, majority of those they assist through our programs are situated in the countryside.” ARD Navarro added.
After SBCC 104, Dir. Navarro disclosed that the agency is currently preparing to complete the series of trainings for business counselors. “We hope to finish the remaining two sessions before the year ends.”
Negosyo Centers serve MSMEs and promote entrepreneurship in order to generate more job opportunities in the country. The centers also facilitate the access of MSMEs to capacity building programs, technology transfer, production and management training as well as marketing assistance.
by admin | Aug 23, 2017 | DTI Updates, Photo Story
DTI, CARD SEAL PARTNERSHIP FOR THE P3 MICRO-FINANCING PROGRAM. Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez (2nd from L) and Center for Agriculture and Rural Development (CARD), Inc. Founder and Former Managing Director Jaime Aristotle Alip (center) officially inked (18 August) partnership for the Pondo para sa Pagbabago at Pag-asenso (P3) program in Pasig City. DTI and CARD aligned their efforts to provide a community-based microfinancing scheme dedicated for the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). With a total of 2,601 offices all over 82 provinces, CARD is the biggest microfinancing institution (MFI) lending to over six million borrowers in the country. The newly formalized partnership between DTI and CARD will provide MSMEs the ease of access to financial support. CARD reported that it already took the initiative to disburse a total of PhP 77 million to 5,000 borrowers nationwide, ahead of the availability of the PhP 1 billion fund for the P3 program. Also in the meeting ceremony were Small Business Corporation President Bartholomew Brillo Reynes (leftmost), CARD Managing Director Flordeliza Sarmiento (2nd from R) and Executive Director Jocelyn Dequito (rightmost).
by admin | Aug 23, 2017 | DTI Updates, National News
PAMPANGA— The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) engaged export and manufacturing stakeholders during the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) Consultation Sessions in Clark.
“I urged exporters and manufacturers to fully maximize the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) privilege of the Philippines by exploring opportunities in trade especially with the United States and with the European Union (EU),” said DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez.
The trade chief shared DTI’s thrust to balance the inflow and outflow of trade as the Philippine export growth is now 16.3 percent while the import is 13 percent. He also acknowledged the efforts of President Rodrigo Duterte in creating new ties with other countries, which opened new export markets to Russia and China. China accounted for the fastest growth rate at 34%. Recent date also showed exports to EU posted strong growth due to greater number of utilization of GSP+ trade privileges where over 6,000 product lines have 0% tariff duty.
Sec. Lopez also shared the continued negotiations of DTI in expanding preferential tariff lines of GSP and GSP+ engaging the US and the EU through dialogues. DTI also extends its efforts in establishing certifications for exporters, such as the recently signed joint Department Order (DO) between DTI and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). Said DO ensures importing companies that Philippine exporters availing GSP preferences will uphold and protect the rights of laborers.
Board of Investments (BOI) Head and DTI Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo likewise joined the trade chief in highlighting and discussing the untapped potentials of the GSP privileges of the Philippines. USec. Rodolfo even led a cliniquing session with experts from the DTI-Bureau of International Trade Relations (BITR) and the Bureau of Customs to guide exporters in developing their trade strategies.
The Consultation Sessions on GSP was initiated by Former President and now Pampanga 2nd District Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo with Pampanga Governor Lilia Pineda, in an effort to reinvigorate the export industry in the province specifically in travel goods and garments.
Last June, the US government expanded the coverage of the GSP including 23 tariff lines under travel goods sector, creating a potential of additional USD 200-400 million-worth of export revenues, generating 700,000 additional jobs in the country.
Also in the sessions were the Confederation of Garment Exporters of the Philippines Executive Director Marites Agoncillio, Clark Development Corporation CEO Noel Mananquil and Bases Conversion and Development Authority President Vince Dizon.
by admin | Aug 19, 2017 | Tech Talk
Have you ever had anmazing idea for a product, an app, or a new system but didn’t know who can help you make it happen? Startup Weekend is a 54-hour program that helps you shape your idea, meet the people you need to move forward, and guide you to the path of making it happen.
The event is in a workshop-competition format where you work with your selected team, go into the field, be mentored, and finally present your idea to a panel of judges at the end of the event.
This is Bohol’s 3rd Startup Weekend (previous events were in 2014 and 2016) but the first in the Phillippines for a Tourism Edition. What makes this year different? Making the event a “Tourism Edition” means it still has the same format, quality, and energy as any Startup Weekend in the world but this time, it focuses more on tourism-centric ideas. That means everything about the event, it’s mentors, judges, participants, and supporters, are curated to uplift ideas for the tourism sector.
Organized by local volunteers Zion Campo, Ruby Jane Alcantara, Jerome Manatad, Bryan Agua, Maryel Cerio, and Paolo Rigotti; it is the goal of the event to empower ideas that better the processes and products of the tourism industry by empowering and enabling products created by our local innovators and visionaries.
The event is in partnership with the Department of Tourism, Provincial Government of Bohol, and the Bohol Investment Promotion Center. It is sponsored by PrintBit, Gwion, and Sea Drake Island Cruises (we are still open for sponsorships!) . The participants at the event will also be mentored by Michael de Vincent Edwards, Aimee Lim, Tina Amper, Ben Skelton, and Peter Watkins. With them are judges Mark Phillips, Vicky Wallace, and many more startup ecosystem supporters.
