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DTI issues circular on proper use of certification marks
The Department of Trade and Industry’s Bureau of Philippine Standards (DTI-BPS) issued a Memorandum Circular to clarify the proper use of the Philippine Standard (PS) and Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) marks on products under mandatory certification. The BPS disseminated Memorandum Circular 16-04 or the Clarificatory Policy on the Use and Monitoring of the Product Certification Marks Prescribed by the Department Administrative Order (DAO) 04:2008 and 05:2008 and their Implementing Guidelines to address concerns of manufacturers, importers, and traders on the use of the prescribed PS Mark logo and on the location where to affix the ICC stickers. The Circular specifies how a PS mark or an ICC sticker should be affixed; and provides the appropriate dimensions and design of the PS Mark; and, the verification process for the said marks. The Circular also specifies that the PS or ICC mark should be placed on the product. As exceptions, the circular indicates when a mark/sticker is not practicable: on a ballast, lamp, circuit breaker, electric tape, wires and cables, and, flat cord; and, when affixing the sticker, will cause damage to its original packaging such as on television set, air conditioning unit, refrigerator, and, microwave oven. The correct design of the PS Mark including the license number is prescribed in Annex C of the IRR of DAO 04:2008. The PS license number shall be part of the PS mark indicated at the bottom of the said mark. On the verification of the PS mark or ICC sticker, the Circular also indicates that the manufacturers and importers shall allow the DTI monitors and enforcers to access their stock room or... read moreInabanga, Buenavista ports up for development – Aris
By JUNE S. BLANCO INABANGA and Buenavista towns in northern Bohol stand to have their ports improved this year. This after Rep. Erico Aristotle Aumentado (Bohol, 2nd District) inserted funds for the purpose in the 2017 General Appropriations Act (GAA). Aumentado said a new and bigger P50-million port will be built for Inabanga in barangay Uog. This will replace the existing one which is behind the public market in barangay Tungod. The seawater off Uog is deeper. He said this augurs well for larger pump boats and motorized bancas. This will make regular the trips to Cebu and back. Many residents and store-owners buy provisions and stocks from Cebu rather than go on land trips to the capital Tagbilaran City. The solon, however, vowed to secure additional funds for this port when he returns to Manila, as this is a new construction, not just an improvement. On the other hand, also in the GAA is P40 million for the improvement of the Buenavista fishport. Of the three congressional districts in Bohol, the 2nd District has the most islands and islets. This means islanders travel a lot by sea to buy from the mainland or from Cebu, their needs at home or in school, or to bring patients to hospitals. Aumentado said the improved ports will also improve travelling conditions for the islanders and their cargoes. Meanwhile, the medical team of the Faces of Tomorrow arrived yesterday morning for a week-long surgical mission to correct cleft lips and cleft palates as well as perform general dentistry. Aumentado led the welcoming delegation at the Tagbilaran City Airport... read more
ASEAN Task Force recommends boosting intra-regional trade and investment as global economic growth picks up
Amid the backdrop of steady economic recovery, high-ranking officials from the 10 Member States of ASEAN gathered in the Philippines for the second time this year to finalize recommendations that could further bolster the region’s trade and investment flows. The High-Level Task Force on ASEAN Economic Integration (HTLF-EI) is composed of trade vice-ministers and serves as the visionary body for progressing the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC). It convened its 32nd Meeting on 1 – 2 August 2017 in Makati City in preparation for the upcoming 49th ASEAN Economic Ministers (AEM) Meeting in September 2017. The HLTF-EI is primarily responsible for ensuring that the 10 ASEAN economies are on-track and on-time with the plans and programs intended to realize regional economic integration and achieve the vision of an AEC. The Philippines was led by DTI Undersecretary Ceferino S. Rodolfo. Among the issues discussed for Economic Ministers’ consideration include the rapidly changing global economic environment and current technological and scientific advancements brought about by the 4th Industrial Revolution (4IR). The HLTF-EI underscored the need for ASEAN to be well prepared and in a position to maximize the opportunities from 4IR to foster the region’s economic growth, and promote inclusive and equitable economic development. The HLTF-EI exchanged views on the need to strengthen ASEAN’s centrality and leadership in driving the RCEP negotiations, as well as in working towards the timely completion of the priority economic deliverables set by the Philippines for its Chairmanship of ASEAN 2017. “As established in the AEC 2025, the region needs to be together to mitigate the changes. Regional economic integration must therefore be strengthened, with the target to narrow down the...Bohol Hosts 12th PSITE National Convention
Bohol is once again a host to a nationwide gathering of individuals, this time from the IT education sector. The 12th Philippine Society of IT Educators National Convention was held last February 24-27, 2010 at the Bohol Plaza Resort and Restaurant, Dayo Hill, Mayacabac, Dauis, Bohol. An estimated 250 participants coming from all over Philippines attended the said convention. A soft opening was held in the evening of February 24, 2010, with a talk from Intel, coupled with dance performances of HNU’s Diwanag Dance Theatre and Cultural Troupe. The event formally opened in the morning of February 25, 2010 with HNU’s Himig Diwa rendering the invocation, the Lupang Hinirang and Awit sa Bohol. The event was graced with the presence of Atty. Handel Lagunay, the Bohol Provincial Administrator, giving the Welcome Remarks in behalf of Governor Erico Aumentado while the keynote message was given by Mr. Carlo Subido, the Business Development Manager of Intel Philippines. There were plenary sessions on topics such as Flattening the IT Education Sphere, Addressing ICT Education Gap Through Partnership and Service Science, Management and Engineering (SSME). There was also a presentation on Educating Voters: An ICT Challenge and on the ITE Undergraduate Thesis Project Framework. In between these talks were presentations from the different sponsors of the event. In the evening, the participants were entertained by a serenade from Himig Diwa and dance numbers from Dr. Cecilio Putong National High Sschool’s Bukang Liwayway, headed by Mr. Oscar Real. The most awaited event was the JEDI (Java Education and Development Initiative) Night, which took place at Flushing Meadows in the evening of February 26, 2010....Local News/ Bohol Balita
4th OTOP Visayas Fair kicks off in Cebu
The 4th OTOP (One Town, One Product) Visayas Island Fair kicks off in Cebu. Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Undersecretary for Regional Operations and Development Group Merly M. Cruz said the OTOP Fair, now on its fourth year, has immensely help micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) not only in opening market opportunities but also in improving the quality of their products. Last year, the annual Visayas Fair generated P26M in sales with 105 participating exhibitors. DTI-7 Regional Director Asteria Caberte said that due to the increasing popularity of the annual trade fair, they now encounter a problem of space to accommodate the growing number of exhibitors interested to join the event. Products for display are souvenir items, novelty items, gift items, furniture and furnishings, natural fiber and fashion accessories such as bags, shawls, headgears, processed food and footwear. Tourist destinations in the Visayas have also been included in the OTOP marketing program. (PIA-Cebu/FCR) Click here for full...PGMA says country has enough food supplies
FOOD is nothing to worry despite the disasters that reportedly affected the country’s food supply. Both President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap agree that with more than two and a half months of food supply available, the country could rest its worries. During Regional Media Interview with Bohol Chronicle Radio Broadcasting Corporation President and Chief Executive Officer Peter Dejaresco, President Arroyo, who has been called a brilliant economist by international papers agreed that she is comfortable with the country having 2 ½ months of food supply. Many people have speculated that the flood-damaged farmlands in Luzon would create supply imbalance all over the country. Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap however reported the current food supply situation and added that the supply inventory does not even include the Visayas and Mindanao harvests. He also added that the country can’t just look at the National Food Authority (NFA) when it comes to inventories of food supplies while pointing out to commercial suppliers who stockpile enough. By showing a price-monitoring chart, Sec. Yap also clarified that even while the NFA is presently tendering its supplies, the country’s market prices for rice in Luzon even lowered after the storms. The Boholano by-affinity cabinet member also added that his agency is looking at recovering 150,000 hectares of storm-damaged ricelands as soon. The government is preparing one bag of seeds and five bags of fertilizer to any farmer who has rehabilitated his farm, Yap claimed. On how the country is faring in its disaster relief and rehabilitation programs, the President, with the help of Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, reported the crucial role of...Tarsier ordinance lacks implementing rules
PENDING the crafting of the implementing rules and regulations on the tarsier ordinance, top environment and natural resource officer here hints that wildlife establishment caretakers should strictly police themselves to conserve the tarsiers. Environment and Natural Resources Officer Nestor Canda admitted that the Bohol tarsier ordinance could not be fully implemented yet, sans the IRR. While awaiting the IRR from the Capitol, Canda called for a technical conference with tarsier tourism establishment operators in Loboc to generate commitments or lose their business. At the conference attended by the media, PENRO Canda said the operators have committed to the strictly follow the terms and conditions stipulated in their wildlife permits to keep the tarsier viewing business up and about. He explained during the recent Kapihan sa PIA, that the ordinance has not clearly stated the nitty-gritty of its implementation and so it confuses local governments, thus the impediment. A few weeks back, a complaint about the way the tarsiers are treated in the so-called tarsier-in captivity tourism establishments in Bohol. Tasiers, nocturnal insectivores are Bohol’s trademark wildlife showcase and are scientifically called tarsius syricha owing to their erect spines and well-developed tarsals. Almost a cross between a rodent and a monkey but not quite, tarsiers are extremely delicate and its population is threatened to extinction by human activity. “Exposing them to tourists who may not be able to stop themselves from touching, petting and feeding the tarsiers at daytime would surely alter their habits,” claims a tour guide who constant reminds guests of the proper decorum while at the stop in Loboc. It may be recalled that the Sangguniang Panlalawigan,...Gov’t to bid Panglao airport this month
BIDDING for Panglao airport phase one finally opens this month, reports transportation Undersecretary and former city Mayor Jose Torralba in a radio interview. Torralba, who is manning the airport project management office here said the multi-sectoral consultative meeting held last Tuesday at the Bohol Beach Club was the last procedural requirement needed to seal the fate of the airport’s initial construction phase. The National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Investment Coordinating Committee initially nodded to the project even after consultants proposed drastic changes leading to major project funding realignments. With the changes, the entire project bloated to nearly double its initial cost, needing the NEDA ICC nod anew to use the early appropriations of P4.2B to fund the initial phase of the airport project. The project go-signal was on the condition that Bohol provincial government conducts another multisectoral consultation to address ecological or environmental issues, Usec Torralba explained.. Moreover, the preconditions also include that Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) conducts value engineering of the project and that budget cover be issued to the Department of Transportation and Communications by the Department of Budget and Management. The recent multi-sectoral meeting in Panglao churned out the resolutions, which would engage the NEDA to finally green-light phase one of the project. Phase one of the project comprises the construction of the airport’s 2.5 kilometer runway and its lighting facilities. This phase also uses up the funds NEDA has earlier earmarked for the entire project, explains Gov. Erico Aumentado, weeks back. From the initial P4.27 billion, the total total project now costs P7.54 billion. The project cost blew up due to increase of item...Tarsier stop operators agree to stop feeding
TARSIER establishment operators have committed to stop feeding and promised more actions to protect and conserve the tarsiers during the recent technical conference with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources authorities here recently. According to PENRO Nestor Canda, he would endorse the agreements they have forged with the tarsier establishment operators in Loboc to the provincial legislators as inputs to guide them in their future action. Canda claimed the DENR has asked for the conference as a way of probing on the recent complaint of tarsier abuse filed by a tourist to the SP Tourism Committee and consequently at the Provincial Tourism Council. The complainant, who took a video footage of how a group of Asian tourists poked midribs at the tarsiers was allegedly threatened by a Cebu-based tour guide whom she named as Jacinto Tan. Over the generated alarm, Boholano groups vowed separate probes on the incident as Bohol top environment officer said he reviewed the stipulations of the wildlife permits issued to operators during the conference. Claiming that the incident was unfortunate, he reported that the operators have committed to pro-conservation actions to keep their tarsiers on display. Aside form strict observance of no feeding policy, operators also vowed to strictly police so that the rare animals are not touched or that taking pictures would use no flash bulbs. An agreed carrying capacity of the establishment would be implemented it would now limit the number of tourists in one tarsier interaction, he said. And to get that much needed vigilance, operators are now vowing to monitor each other’s wildlife farms and report incidents of abuse. Over...National News
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