by admin | Aug 17, 2017 | DTI Updates, Photo Story
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Procter & Gamble (P&G) Philippines partner to help sari-sari store owners. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Procter & Gamble (P&G) Philippines recently launched the ‘Angat Kita’ program, a micro-entrepreneur development program that aims to assist sari-sari storeowners by equipping them with necessary entrepreneurial knowledge and skills that will help them generate more income. The ‘Angat Kita’ program is in line with the Department’s thrust to assist micro entrepreneurs around the country. In her speech, DTI-Regional Operations Group (DTI-ROG) Undersecretary Zenaida Maglaya noted the increase of Filipinos engaged in sari-sari store business to provide their families steady income. Maglaya added that DTI and Procter & Gamble will provide additional assistance to help sari-sari store owners grow their business into grocery stores. “That is actually what DTI wants to happen to our micro entrepreneurs—our sari-sari store owners. We do not want you to stay that way. If you increase your income, your sari-sari store or grocery will eventually become supermarkets. That’s really what the DTI wants to happen,” Maglaya said. In photo are (L-R) City Mandaluyong City Business Permits and Licensing Department Chief Catherine De Leon Arce, Procter & Gamble Philippines (P&G) General Manager Shankar Viswanathan and DTI-ROG Undersecretary Zenaida Maglaya.
by admin | Aug 16, 2017 | Tech Talk
AirAsia Philippines is the official airline partner of this year’s Geeks on a Beach (GOAB) international tech and startup confab.
This year’s edition of GOAB, renowned for its unconventional work and play by the beach format, will be held in Princesa Garden Island Resort and Spa Hotel in Puerto Princesa, Palawan on August 24-25.
AirAsia, which has been supporting GOAB since 2015, is servicing several flights to Puerto Princesa, Palawan from Manila and has recently introduced flights from Davao and Cebu to Palawan last April.
“For the third straight year, AirAsia is supporting GOAB as part of our efforts to support promising startups and grow the tech scene in the Philippines,” said Captain Dexter Comendador CEO of AirAsia Philippines.
The airline, known as Asia’s leading and largest low-cost carrier, is also renowned for transforming air travel into a more convenient experience with tech innovations like web, mobile app, e-boarding pass and kiosk services.
“By giving startups, creatives, and tech entrepreneurs a global stage for new learnings and opportunities for meeting potential partners, GOAB has more than made a difference and we are thrilled to partner with AirAsia, a truly Asean airline and a global brand,” said Tina Amper, TechTalks Founder and GOAB Lead Organizer.
Some of the brightest minds in the industry from the USA, Singapore and other countries will be present at this year’s GOAB. Invited to speak are Yobie Benjamin of Token.io and ClickSWITCH.com, Chris McCann of Greylock Partners, Kay-Mok Ku of Gobi Ventures, Manny Ayala of Endeavor, Aldo Carrascoso of GylcoProX Biosciences, Prasad Vanga of Anthill Ventures, Robertson Chiang of Dragonpay Corporation Miguel Perez of Ayannah, Jason Torres of Ticketbase.com, and Chris Tran of North Ridge Partners.
PLDT, Smart, Voyager, PayMaya, ePLDT, Smart DevNet, PLDT Enterprise, and PLDT Innolab, and Ideaspace are supporting GOAB as co-presenters while ASPACE Philippines is co-producer. GOAB is held in partnership with the City Government of Puerto Princesa, Palaweño ICT Association, and DOST-PCIEERD.
GOAB is organized by TechTalks.ph, powered by Sym.ph, branding by Happy Garaje, and pr by PRWorks. For registration or partnership information or further details, visit www.GeeksOnABeach.com, follow on Twitter/Facebook Geeks On A Beach, or contact hello@GeeksOnABeach.com.
###
Media Inquiries:
Doris Isubal-Mongaya
PRWorks Inc.
M : +63 917 791 9545
E : doris.mongaya@prworksph.com
Skype : dorismongaya
Viber : Doris Isubal-Mongaya
by admin | Aug 12, 2017 | DOH Updates, Smoking Ban
In support of Executive Order No. 26 issued by Pres. Rodrigo R. Duterte, Gov. Edgar M. Chatto issued a Memorandum to all Mayors in the Province of Bohol enjoining them to observe the smoking ban in their respective LGUs.
EO No. 26 entitled “Providing for the establishment of smoke-free environments in public and enclosed spaces.
The Order applies to all persons whether residents or not,
However, Designated Smoking Areas (DSA) are barred in schools, hospitals, clinics, food preparation areas, and locations in which fire hazards are present.
The establishment of the DSA shall comply with the standards set forth under the said Order.
Further, the EO also prohibits the placing of tobacco advertisements and other promotional materials within 100 meters from the perimeter of a school, public playground, and other facilities frequented by minors.
On the other hand, Local government units particularly the City/Municipal Health Officer in coordination with the Department of Health are enjoined to develop, promote and implement their respective Local Smoking Cessation Programs consistent with the National Cessation Programs established pursuant to RA 9211.
Moreover, all cities and municipalities are enjoined to form a Local Smoke Free Task Force to help carry out the provisions of the Order.
Those who are found violating the EO shall be punished in accordance with the applicable penalties provided under Sec 32 of Republic Act 9211 and other applicable laws.
by admin | Aug 11, 2017 | DTI Updates, National News
As part of the agency’s thrust to increase awareness on the positive gains of entrepreneurship, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) link up to provide TESDA graduates with access to trainings on entrepreneurship to help generate to equip them with the necessary skills on entrepreneurship and employment.
According to DTI Sec. Ramon Lopez, acquired business skills by TESDA trainees from the Skills Training for Employment/Entrepreneurship Program (STEEP) can be used in effectively running their businesses in the future.
“This partnership not only complements our objective to equip our people with the right mindset and basic skills, it also contributes to our national goal to realize inclusive growth towards shared prosperity, powered by smarter Filipino entrepreneurs,” Sec. Lopez said.
STEEP aims provide interventions through skills development by providing access to training on entrepreneurship to graduates of TESDA program for self or wage employment to uplift their economic status.
“Through this partnership, we are glad to help TESDA graduates acquire more skills and development which can give them more opportunities to improve their lives by engaging in vibrant entrepreneurial activities,” said DTI Regional Operations Group Undersecretary Zenaida Maglaya.
Under the agreement, TESDA will provide its list of graduates to DTI from the Special Training for Employment Program (STEP) and other similar scholarship program, assist in the conduct of the entrepreneurship training, and monitor and evaluate the implementation of the project.
Upon assessment and selection of TESDA’s certified STEP graduates, DTI, in turn, will provide entrepreneurship training, assist in availment of the microfinancing facilities, provide them access to start-up capital for micro enterprises, and even facilitate business registration of those who wish to engage in business/sole proprietorship.
“This is the service that we will provide to them,” Maglaya explained, adding that “from giving them the right mindset, to ensuring that they will have assistance until they decided to put up their own business, we will make sure that we are with them every step of their entrepreneurial journey.”
The STEEP agreement with TESDA is one of the Department’s initiatives to sustainably generate employment and further promote entrepreneurship in the country as DTI pushes for its “Trabaho at Negosyo” agenda.
by admin | Aug 11, 2017 | National News
MAKATI—“Partner Philippines and Build Value Together” sums up the latest government campaign to encourage investors to ride on the ongoing Philippine (PH) growth story.
Speaking in a Dutertenomics forum, which includes the country’s economic managers, on 10 August, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez encouraged investors to partner with PH, which will help in creating additional value for their businesses that will boost income-generation operations.
“The initiatives under Dutertenomics can help support investors by creating an environment where companies can do business swiftly and efficiently,” said Sec. Lopez, stressing that ongoing infrastructure projects strategically link the country’s industries, which will further power the growth of an already strong economic base.
“Build Build Build will facilitate greater trade and investment as it opens up access to new markets, while minimizing trade and logistics cost,” he added.
According to the trade chief, investors can fully recoup their investments as their businesses enjoy the benefits of operating in a fully-industrialized and secure business environment. They can also enjoy PH’s stable macroeconomic fundamentals, the educated English-speaking workforce, the demographic sweet spot that presents an enlarging consumer base, and wider market access thru preferential trade agreements.
“The hallmark of Dutertenomics is to attain growth with equity, that is, addressing inequality while reducing poverty across the regions towards improved quality of life for all,” he added.
Dutertenomics sums up President Rodrigo Duterte’s key 10-point socio-economic commitment to widen the gains of development, to address income gap and to uplift the quality of life of Filipinos.
Under Dutertenomics is the Build Build Build program that aims to develop massive and efficient infrastructure projects to create more opportunities in the countryside by developing more regional growth centers.
According to Sec. Lopez, PH has its greatest asset in its people: a large pool of highly qualified and educated work force that are strongly customer-oriented, highly trainable with fast learning curve, adaptable to universal cultures and with high level of commitment and loyalty.
He also shared with the audience, which includes British businessmen, that the country’s independent foreign policy strengthens Philippine ties with its partners and has opened new market prospects.
Major players Japan, China, Russia, and the Middle East have been involved in various cooperation projects with PH that translated to increased investments and more job and income opportunities. Sec. Lopez also shared the potential of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) as key to open a huge integrated market base of 3.5 billion with ASEAN plus six Dialogue Partners China, Korea, China, Japan, Australia and New Zealand.
“To simplify, we convert trade and investment gains into employment opportunities for Filipinos, helping them move up in life. At the same time, we develop innovative, competitive, job-generating industries where PH has competitive edge,” said Sec. Lopez.
“Manufacturing, agriculture, infrastructure, services and tourism are the country’s critical industries,” he concluded
DUTERTENOMICS. The Dutertenomics forum once again gathered the country’s economic managers, including Public Works Secretary Mark Villar (2nd from L), Economic Development Secretary Ernesto Pernia (3rd from L), Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno (4th from L), Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez (4th from R), Transportation Undersecretary Cesar Chavez (3rd from R), Bases Conversion and Development Authority President Vince Dizon (leftmost) with British Chamber of Commerce Philippines Executive Chairman Chris Nelson (6th from L) and members.
by admin | Aug 10, 2017 | National News, Negosyo Center Updates
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) welcomed the growing interest of the public in entrepreneurship as more Filipinos turn to Negosyo Centers for assistance for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and aspiring entrepreneurs.
DTI Regional Operations Group (DTI-ROG) Undersecretary Zenaida Maglaya noted that since the inception of Negosyo Centers in 2014, the Department’s assistance to MSMEs spiked a total of 595,573 clients.
Maglaya attributed the “entrepreneurship fever” in the countryside to the agency’s continuing drive to introduce entrepreneurship as a steady source of income, partnerships with other national government agencies, and non-government organizations (NGOs), local government units, and MSMEs.
“This is a very welcome news for us that interest in entrepreneurship among Filipinos is growing. We highly encourage Filipinos, especially our Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) to engage in business so we can help our fellow Filipinos and the country’s economy,” Maglaya explained, adding that at least 3,041 OFWs were assisted by Negosyo Centers.
A total of 562 Negosyo Centers have been established since its inception in 2014, 297 of which were launched under the current administration.
Guided by Secretary Ramon Lopez’s 7Ms framework for a successful entrepreneur, the agency has provided assistance in the following areas: mindset, market access, mastery, machines, money, mentoring, and models.
“These programs for our MSMEs, being the backbone of the country’s economy, are surely beneficial. We would like to create more entrepreneurs and more jobs to help alleviate poverty in the country,” Maglaya said.
“At the start of 2017, we’ve targetted to open 200 more Negosyo Centers. But to be able to reach far-flung areas, we would open more so we expect to surpass the 200 centers target,” she added.
The Republic Act No. 10644 or the Go Negosyo Act aims to help micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), promote ease of doing business, facilitate access to grants and other forms of financial assistance, Shared Service Facilities (SSF) and other equipment, and other support for MSMEs through national government agencies (NGAs), ensure management guidance, assistance and improvement of the working conditions of MSMEs; and facilitate market access and linkaging services for entrepreneurs.
by admin | Aug 9, 2017 | Tech Talk
In its fifth year, the annual Geeks on a Beach (GOAB) international tech and startup confab encourages more corporates to connect with the local startup and technology community and jumpstart their digital innovation.
Connect with PH startup community
“Our bigger goal is to bring the right minds together to connect and initiate value-centric conversations,” said Robert Cristobal, TechTalks.ph Chief Content Officer and Singapore-based Frame316.com Founder.
Cristobal explains that events like GOAB brings together corporates, technical experts (geeks), and startups, with the merging of these unique environments contributing to programs that compels institutions to adopt digital and innovative insights that increase value of their bottom line.
Innovators and startups, also called tech entrepreneurs, are also challenged to create products and services that serve today’s business and societal needs while improving enterprises and livelihoods for the future.
Under the “tech for good” mindset, GOAB also aims to highlight creative ways to address environmental concerns due to this year’s venue in Palawan.
A non-profit, independent community of business, tech, and startup enthusiasts, TechTalks.ph aims to offer valuable programs to help startups or innovation-driven enterprises to succeed and increase the number of tech professionals in the country.
GOAB is expected to draw an estimated 500 participants along with some of the biggest names of the tech, design, and startup world from across the world in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines on August 24-25, 2017.
“For corporates and traditional businesses, GOAB can mean access to as much resources as they can in terms of innovation in tech and design, an area that their existing infrastructures may have challenges acquiring,” said Cristobal.
He cites examples of those that may benefit from GOAB, including a giant transnational corporation seeking a breakthrough in virtual reality technology or a healthcare company planning to build a mobile app that makes diagnosis accessible real-time.
“Opportunities are endless if corporate decision makers would have access to designers, developers and investors. GOAB amplifies that connection, streamlines the process and humanizes the effort to collaborate,” said Cristobal.
Jumpstart digital innovation
TechTalks founder Tina Amper said this year’s GOAB will feature a special series of talks just for corporates and businesses wishing to jumpstart their digital innovation.
She said this is for businesses that want to incorporate automated processes and tools, use software to reach out to new customers and expand profits, harness the power of social media and digital marketing techniques to increase revenue and boost their branding, and partner with experienced and trusted digital experts.
Amper explained that a special track entitled “Corporate Digital Transformation” workshop that could potentially be useful in their respective industries.
Specific topics will include digital literacy for CEOs and decision makers, social media for business, finding your unique brand system (UBS), updating business models and branding in a digital world, and a corporate-startup encounter.
“Corporates should not miss this chance to get instant results and added-value at GOAB. Join us in Palawan,” said Amper.
The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), which has expressed interest in investing in startups will also have one of its directors, Engr. Ramon D. Escueta, grace Geeks on a Beach in Palawan as a keynote speaker. Engr. Escueta is the President of Asia-Pacific Business and Industrial System and Founder/President of APSYS Solutions Technology, Inc.
PLDT, Smart, Voyager, PayMaya, ePLDT, Smart DevNet, PLDT Enterprise, and PLDT Innolab, and Ideaspace are supporting GOAB as co-presenters while ASPACE Philippines is co-producer. GOAB is held in partnership with the City Government of Puerto Princesa, Palaweño ICT Association, and DOST-PCIEERD. The official airline partner is Philippines Airasia and the official ticketing partner is Ticketbase. The silver sponsors include Payoneer, Zalora, PouchNATION, Istorya.net, Synergy 88 Digital, Uniform Solutions, Temasys, and AtoX Solutions. The bronze sponsors are NXTLVL Academy, LabPH, Spring Valley Corporation, North Ridge Partners, Amazon Web Services, Eastern Communications, Startechup, and Gobi Partners.
The media partners are e27, Tech in Asia, Bohol News Daily by Auza.net, InnoPub Media, Geeks in Cambodia, Asian Journal Publications, Balikbayan Magazine, Mobile Ecosystem Forum, ConnectedWomen.co, QueenCityCebu.com, GMA News Online, and MyTV Channel Network. The organizational partners are the Philippine Software Industry Association, National ICT Confederation of the Philippines, UP CeBuinIT, Digital Commerce Association of the Philippines, Developers Connect, Science and Technology Advisory Council – Silicon Valley, Mynimo, Teradoor, Israel Chamber of Commerce Philippines, and the Cloud Security Alliance Philippines. GOAB is supported by Purple Cow, Orange Hub and iSkwelahan.com.
GOAB is organized by TechTalks.ph, powered by Sym.ph, branding by Happy Garaje, and pr by PRWorks. For registration or partnership information or further details, visit www.GeeksOnABeach.com, follow on Twitter/Facebook Geeks On A Beach, or contact hello@GeeksOnABeach.com.
by admin | Aug 8, 2017 | Major Events, Photo Story
DTI, TESDA PARTNER TO PROVIDE EMPLOYMENT, ENTREPRENEURSHIP SKILLS TRAINING. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) agreed to boost the ongoing government efforts to spur employment and entrepreneurship for Filipinos. On 7 August, DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez signed a Memorandum of Agreement with TESDA Director General Guiling Mamondiong to formally launch the Skills Training for Employment/Entrepreneurship Program (STEEP), which aims to provide Filipinos necessary skills development on employment/ entrepreneurship that could help them improve economic status. Sec. Lopez reiterated the commitment of President Rodrigo Duterte to empower the bottom of the pyramid by bringing opportunities closer and accessible to the public. According to him, acquired business skills by trainees from STEEP can be used in effectively running their businesses in the future. TESDA Director General Mamondiong, meanwhile, noted that the cooperation is a manifestation of the willingness to pursue the aim towards a more comfortable life for every Filipino. The trade chief also highlighted that the agreement complements the government’s “Bangon Marawi” program, as well as DTI’s Trabaho at Negosyo agenda.
by admin | Aug 8, 2017 | National News, Photo Story
03 August 2017 Manila – The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in a brainstorming session with the Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC) on the development of training modules for Capacity Building Programs designed for MSMEs. In photo seated from left PTTC Executive Director Nestor Palabyab, OIC for PTTC Training Division Rolan Ynon, OIC for PTTC Business Management Training Services Division Engr. Menandro Ortego, TECO Deputy Director Tony Tsai, and BMTSD Senior Trade and Industry Development Specialist Ms. Genoveva Ancheta11
by admin | Aug 7, 2017 | DTI Updates
The Philippine Halal Export and Development Promotion Board led by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) recently adopted the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the Republic Act 10817 or the Philippine Halal Export Development and Promotion Act of 2016 which sets the direction of the Philippine Halal sectors and takes advantage of the lucrative $3.2 trillion global Halal market.
“As the implementing rules and regulations are now in place, DTI will beef up development and promotional activities for the Philippine halal sector which will open new economic opportunities particularly in the Mindanao region,” said DTI Secretary and Philippine Halal Export Board Chairman Ramon M. Lopez.
The adopted IRR covers the formulation and implementation of a comprehensive Philippine Halal Export Industry Development and Promotion Programs that will increase export, sale, and provision of Halal products, processes, and services aside from ensuring a more competitive Philippine Halal exports through research and product development, quality assurance measures, and value-adding mechanisms.
The DTI through its Export Marketing Bureau (DTI-EMB) has set up its Halal Section that is dedicated to conducting capacity-building activities for and among concerned Halal stakeholders. It also provides necessary assistance to local Halal Certifying Bodies (CBs) about the dynamics of the new Philippine Halal law.
“DTI’s primary role is to promote the sector and ensure that Philippine manufacturers are ready to take part in the existing Halal value chain and ensure compliance to international standards,” explained DTI Export Marketing Bureau Director Senen M. Perlada.
By and large, DTI aims to make the Philippines as an active player in the regional and international markets for Halal. As a way forward, a national strategic planning for Philippine Halal 2022 will involve regional and national government agencies, Muslim religious leaders, private sector and consumers. High on its agenda is the harmonization of existing projects and programs of all relevant government agencies for Halal sector.
The Philippine Halal Export Development and Promotion Board is composed of the DTI as chair, the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos, Departments of Agriculture, Health, Science and Technology, Foreign Affairs, Tourism, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), and two Muslim Filipino professionals.
The IRR is a product of consultations with various stakeholders across the country. The DTI, as lead of the Halal Export Board, spearheaded and continue to lead activities that will uphold Halal awareness.
In photo (from left to right): DTI Export Marketing Bureau Director Senen M. Perlada, DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez and National Commission on Muslim Filipinos Commissioner Aisha G. Flores-Malayang during the signing of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the Republic Act 10817 or the Philippine Halal Export Development and Promotion Act of 2016.
by admin | Aug 5, 2017 | Local News / Bohol Balita
Anytime soon, we would be reading legal questions about why Vice Governor Dionisio Balite still clings on to his seat despite a suspension order which he and a good number of former provincial government officials have been meted with.
For allowing then Governor Erico Aumentado to purchase heavy equipment by greenlighting a letter of credit to a bank, Balite, along with several officials have been given a slap on the wrist and a 3 month work suspension without benefits.
Suspended, Balite and the concerned officials had a legal recourse: file a temporary restraining order (TRO) so implementing the order can be held in abeyance enough for the Ombudsman to decide on the propriety of the move to temporarily suspend perceived erring officials.
Of course, while others just decided to wait out for the suspension, Balite, through his counsel filed for a TRO, which the courts also granted.
Filing the TRO is just a statement that Balite thinks suspension was unjustified.
Those who did not file for the temporary reprieve, might think a TRO is useless.
So, those who just sat out for the suspension order, shamefully chastised, could also be an admission that they did know they were wrong.
But Balite will have none of that. He, who felt there was nothing wrong with allowing the governor to get a letter of credit, questioned and got a temporary reprieve. From the courts, and from the people whose doubts have been expunged for Balite’s fighting for justice.
Seemingly, by some kind of reckoning, Balite’s TRO may have expired already and the Ombudsman still has to blow the whistle and make a decision. This now sparked the legal question.
This week, we already see the social media trolls identified by the local Administration question Balite’s “callousness.”
What made Balite tenaciously cling keep to the vice governor’s seat when the suspension order could already be implemented?
Had it come from Balite’s supporters, we would hail the whistle blowers.
But, when it would emanate from the same mouths who remain zipped about the blatant abuse of discretion of the governor in personally designating the Provincial Administrator and other lower ranking officials to be the governor’s alter ego, even with the vice governor obviously alive and present, would their clanging raucous be worth listening?
By delicadeza, the Vice Governor must be allowed to sit over. But he was never given the confidence.
When the Governor flew out of the country, shouldn’t delicadeza of the disente’ng officails of the best managed province deny the chance for the vice to sit in?
And in utter disregard to delicadeza, we see the Capitol paid barkdogs, or lapdogs praise and announce to all and sundry the presence of a suspended provincial official clearly present and calling the shots.
Why is a suspended provincial official be prominently present on high stakes meetings especially when it entails Capitol dealing with money?
Of course we know what draws these people into these anti-Balite frenzy: the scent of money is like blood in the water for these predators on the prowl.
This, incidentally too, is just the micro picture of a macroscopic reality which only the yellow toes as their script, followed to the dot.
And with these bashing that Balite gets, would looking away from these mentioned excesses not be yellowed hypocrisy?
