by admin | Jul 12, 2017 | DTI Updates
United Coconut Association of the Philippines (UCAP) recently issued a statement clarifying the American Heart Association’s (AHA) advisory against the consumption of coconut oil.
In the statement, UCAP mentioned that the advisory has gone viral with adverse effect on the coconut oil since it is considered a saturated fat. UCAP called on readers and users of coconut oil to be discerning of the said advisory and news articles drawing conclusion that coconut oil is unhealthy.
According to Dr. Fabian M. Dayrit of the Ateneo De Manila University, the AHA adopted a position that ignores the distinction between medium-chain fatty acid (MCFA) and long-chain fatty acid (LCFA) despite the numerous advances in this certain field of science. Coconut oil is mostly medium-chain saturated fats, the healthy type of fat. Detailed comparison of the fatty acid composition shows that coconut oil is very different from animal fat. Hence, studies that assume they are similar are consequently in error.
Furthermore, Asian and Pacific Coconut Community also highlighted in their recent statement the words of Dr. Bruce Fife, a USA Certified Nutritionist and Doctor of Naturopathy Medicine, “You cannot say LDL is bad and HDL is good.” He explained the two types of LDL: one small and dense, while the other is large and soft. The large LDL is the type that is used in making bile, hormones, and Vitamin D, which are all good for one’s health. Dr. Fife further concluded that, “Eating coconut oil (and other saturated fats) increases both HDL and the “good” LDL, thus, lowering the risk of heart disease. This is one of the reasons why populations that eat a lot of coconut oil have the lowest heart disease rates in the world.”
Department of Trade and Industry’s Export Marketing Bureau (DTI-EMB) concurs with the stand of industry associations such as United Coconut Associations of the Philippines, Inc. and the Asian and Pacific Coconut Community that the advisory is misleading as AHA based its findings on limited studies on saturated fats.
“This is not the first time this kind of negative publicity against coconut oil has happened. If we will look closer to historical accounts, this has happened before. It was magnified this time due to social media and technology,” said DTI Export Marketing Bureau Director Senen M. Perlada.
By and large, DTI will continue to support the industry in sharing the good news about coconut and its economic contribution to millions of Filipino farmers and exporters.
Backed by recent studies and firsthand experiences of its consumers around the globe, DTI will help sustain the impressive health and economic contribution of coconut products such as coconut oil, virgin coconut oil, coconut water, coconut sugar, among others, by continued promotion through roadshows in various markets which will eventually bring additional jobs and income opportunities for Filipinos especially in the countryside.
American Heart Association (AHA) issued a Presidential Advisory on Dietary Fats and Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) on 15 June 2017 which recommended a decrease in consumption of products high in saturated fat such as dairy fat (butter), lard (pork), beef tallow, palm oil, palm kernel oil, and coconut oil.
by admin | Jul 4, 2017 | Tech Talk
JCentre Convention Hall was fully booked and action packed as more than 1000 students, developers, tech enthusiasts attended this year’s Google I/O Extended.
Remembering Google I/O Extended 2015 with 50 attendees and Google I/O Extended 2016 that multiplied to 500 participants, this year’s Google I/O Extended did not just match its previous count but also doubled the population with a total of 1036 participants.
The whole day event was composed of a series of keynotes, talks, breakout sessions, and workshops on topics such as Internet of Things, Firebase, Progressive Web Apps, AR and VR, Machine Learning and TensorFlow, Android: Kotlin, Accelerated Mobile Pages, Polymer and 2017’s Web Trends.
The event was organized by Google Developers Group Cebu (GDG Cebu), a non-profit group of amateurs and professionals in Cebu’s developer community who are passionate about Google technologies. The I/O Extended Roadshow is made possible by its General Sponsor: Google, Event Partners: ASUS & ZenFone AR and Accenture, In-Cooperation with Kyocera Document Solutions Development Philippines Inc., with support from Symph, event’s Official Internet Provider, Globe – GoWiFi, and its Official Media Partner, PR Works.
There was also a part of the program where the sponsors also had a chance to share their latest products and company culture with the participants such as ASUS introducing ZenFone AR and Accenture talking about opportunities at their company. Sponsors also setted up a booth for attendees to get to see and try their exhibits.
The I/O Extended Roadshow kicked off in Cebu, while there is a plan for GDG Cebu to go to other areas such as Bohol, Dumagete and Tacloban. For more information about I/O Extended Cebu 2017 and other upcoming events of GDG Cebu, you can go to their website at gdgcebu.org or the event site at ioextended.gdgcebu.org. You may also follow their social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ under GDGCebu.
by admin | Jul 3, 2017 | Business, DTI Updates, Photo Story
27 June 2017 Manila – The Go Lokal! team led by Department of Trade and Industry Assistant Secretary Rosvi C. Gaetos initiates discussions with Philippine Airlines Inc. on a partnership to promote Go Lokal! products, a Filipino concept store which carries quality and innovative products crafted, designed and manufactured by the country’s micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
(In photo: L-R) Office of TIPG Assistant Secretary Coordinating Officer Rosario T. Liwanag, Bureau of Domestic Trade and Promotions Director Rhodora Leano, Philippine Airlines Inc. Vice President for Marketing Ria Domingo, DTI-Trade and Investment Promotions Group Assistant Secretary Rosvi Gaetos, (PAL) Romeo “Kit” Javier, and BDTP Assistant Director Marievic Bonoan.
by admin | Jul 3, 2017 | DTI Updates, National News
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez welcomed the approval of the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to include Philippine travel goods in its expanded General System of Preferences (GSP) scheme.
Effective 1 July 2017, all US GSP Beneficiary Developing Countries will enjoy duty-free treatment for a number of its travel goods exports to the US. The new GSP program included 23 tariff lines, allowing travel goods such as apparels, bags, wallets and backpacks, luggage, and sport and travel bags made in the Philippines to enter the US market duty-free.
Sec. Lopez pushed for the Philippine advocacy of GSP inclusion and had consistently taken this up with counterparts from the USTR.
“This expansion will boost the local manufacturing industry and eventually provide more employment opportunities for Filipinos, creating 70,000 new jobs and increasing our GDP to 0.5 percent,” he said.
According to the US International Trade Center (ITC), the US imported an estimated total of USD 232 million from the 23 tariff lines of travel goods from the Philippines in 2016, making the country the fifth largest import source of travel goods in the US.
With the new GSP scheme, the duty-free treatment could increase Philippine travel goods exports to the US by USD 100 million annually for the first five years.
“The inclusion of travel goods into GSP will certainly provide benefits to our exporters, particularly micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and export-oriented agri-businesses utilizing banana and other vegetable fibers and community based industries in the various regions of the country,” DTI Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo said.
Meanwhile, DTI Undersecretary Nora Terrado concurred, noting that maximizing market access opportunities from preferential agreements and arrangements such as GSPs and free-trade agreements (FTAs) are an important pillar of the Philippine export strategy as embedded in the Philippine Export Development Plans (PEDPs).
She added that “DTI will sustain and strengthen its advocacy campaign thru the Doing Business in Free Trade Areas (DBFTA) Program to ensure that Philippine exporters use this access and generate jobs.”
Confederation of Garments Exporters of the Philippines (CONGEP) Executive Director Maritess Agoncillo said the decision of the US government was an outcome of the joint efforts of the Philippine government and the private sector to strengthen the Philippine position on pushing for GSP for travel goods.
Sec. Lopez added that he “looks forward to this positive development as a much needed push for expanding employment opportunities and improving countryside development. This will also help contribute to the Duterte administration’s thrust of pursuing inclusive and sustainable growth thru job generation and entrepreneurship.”
The US GSP seeks to promote economic growth and development in developing countries through preferential and duty-free entry to the US market of products from 122 designated beneficiary countries and territories, including the Philippines.
In 2016, the US was the Philippines’ third major trading partner, the second biggest export market, and third top import supplier. A number of US companies are currently manufacturing travel goods in the Philippines, including Coach, Tory Burch, and Michael Kors
by admin | Jun 30, 2017 | Photo Story
TRADE CHIEF CHALLENGES CAVITEÑOS TO SEEK NEW BUSINESS PLATFORMS. Innovation is an open secret that each Filipino entrepreneur should embrace, according to Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez at the Kapatid Mentor Me launch in Bacoor, Cavite on 28 June. Speaking before an assembly of aspiring entrepreneurs, Sec. Lopez strongly encouraged Caviteños to become smarter businessmen by adopting innovative, value-adding and demand-driven practices, as these are crucial in the growth and survival of businesses. He also shared that self-employment, including those engaged with entrepreneurial activities contributed to the decrease in the county’s current unemployment rate from 6.6% to 5.7%. The Kapatid Mentor Me project is a coaching and mentoring program wherein business owners and practitioners share their knowledge and expertise to selected mentees on the different facets of entrepreneurship. In pushing entrepreneurial revolution especially among the micro, small and medium enterprises, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has partnered with advocacy group Go Negosyo and the local government of Bacoor City under Mayor Lani Mercado-Revilla (3rd from L). Joining the trade chief were DTI Asst. Sec. Bles Lantayona (2nd from L), DTI Region IV-A Director Malou Toledo (2nd from R) and other DTI and local government officials.
by admin | Jun 28, 2017 | Edukasyon Updates
JOHN LAURENCE ROBES
Quezon City, Philippines – The Philippine Public School Teachers Association (PPSTA) kicked-off its advocacy campaign for the deprived, depressed, and underserved (DDU) schools last 20 April 2017, weeks before the Brigada Eskwela season begins.
Dubbed as “PPSTA Kaisa sa Brigada Eskwela”, the annual advocacy campaign will be implemented during the Brigada Eskwela season. The campaign is geared towards extending financial assistances to these underprivileged schools, as well as strengthening the bonds between PPSTA and its partners in the service, particularly with Department of Education (DepEd).
In order to identify the recipients, PPSTA will ask for the assistance of all DepEd Regional Directors (RD) and Schools Divisions Superintendents (SDS) to choose one deserving school per division under their jurisdiction. Based on the current data, our country has a total of 18 regions and a total of 217 divisions. This means that starting this year, 217 DDU schools across the now 18 regions will be the recipients of this campaign.
A ceremonial awarding of the donations was held during PPSTA’s 70th Anniversary at the PPSTA Head Office in Banawe, Quezon City which was celebrated with the theme, “PPSTA @70: Sustainable Development: Building Bridges, Promoting Welfare and Fostering Growth.” The event aimed to express the concept of giving back to the community after seven decades of PPSTA’s existence, as well as an indication of PPSTA’s growth and development in terms of providing optimum life insurances, retirement, loans, and other financial service benefits to uplift its members’ standard of living, as well as career and professional advancement opportunities through its scholarship and other competency building programs, and excellent customer service through its competent, and well-motivated employees.
During the event, a short audio-visual presentation was shown to give all guests an overview of the campaign. After which, representatives from each region were called up stang and awarded with ceremonial checks containing an amount based on the number of divisions in the region. The actual checks were provided later in the afternoon.
To commemorate this milestone, the DepEd Undersecretary Jesus Lorenzo R. Mateo attended the affair on behalf of the Honorable DepEd Secretary, Dr. Leonor M. Briones as the Guest of Honor, and the newly appointed Insurance Commisioner Dennis B. Funa as the Special Guest. The event was also graced by DepEd Regional Directors and regional PPSTA chapter presidents from different parts of the country.
by admin | Jun 22, 2017 | DTI Updates
The Department of Trade and Industry – Construction Industry Authority of the Philippines (DTI-CIAP) in partnership with the Philippine Institute of Construction Arbitrators and Mediators, Inc. (PICAM) recently conducted its first NCR Mediators and Arbitrators Continuing Education (MACE) Program for 2017.
The MACE program which was attended by more than 40 arbitrators and mediators is a project of the Construction Industry Arbitration commission, an administrative body established under DTI-CIAP. The training seminar aimed at keeping its CIAC accredited arbitrators updated on the latest dispute resolution practices, analytical tools, laws, rules and regulations, and jurisprudence for both domestic and international construction contracts.
The morning session was graced by Engr. Salvador P. Castro, who served as a speaker and moderator in the interactive session on Key Contractual Provisions focusing on the following clauses in construction contracts: time bar, fitness for purpose and the standard of care. Among the reactors were Atty. Donemark L. Calimon, Atty. Roberto N. Dio, Atty Victor P. Lazatin, and Atty. Eduardo R. Ceniza on legal aspects; and Engr. Jose I. Ortega, Arch. Felicitas A. Pio Roda, and Dr. Primitivo C. Cal on the technical domain.
The topic was followed by a discussion from Mr. Joven B. Joacquin on the PICAM Code of Ethics for Construction arbitrators and mediators.
The afternoon session proceeded with a presentation from Atty. Jesusito G. Morallos on the construction delays; and from Atty. Mario V. Valderrama, a lecture on the International Bar Association guidelines on conflict of interest.
Atty Ruth B. Castelo, DTI Undersecretary for Competitiveness and Ease of Doing Business and also a CIAC-accredited Arbitrator, participated in the event.
The next leg of the MACE program will be held in the regions on August 18, 2017 in Davao City and in Cebu City sometime in November 2017.
by admin | Jun 22, 2017 | DTI Updates, National News
PASAY—Relevant industry players should continue partnering with the Philippine government in developing further the electronics industry, being one of the primary sources of economic growth today, the country’s trade chief said.
Stressing the robust Philippine economy and a booming global market, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez outlined government initiatives to strengthen the electronics industry, as well as DTI’s partnership with industry stakeholders.
Said initiatives include projects that will move the industry’s capabilities to higher value activities, as well as help identify products and technologies in the developing sectors of electronics in the next five years. DTI and the Board of Investments (BOI) also have active partnerships with other institutions to forward capacity-building programs and exchange of best industry practices.
In his keynote speech at the 14th Philippine Semiconductor and Electronics Convention and Exhibition (PSECE) on 21 June, Sec. Lopez said that closer industry-academe linkages can lead to a stronger electronics industry that will later on “generate inclusive economic growth, reaching those at the bottom of the pyramid.”
As one of the pillars of the country’s industrial growth and one of the top 12 industry priorities of the current administration, the electronics industry is a top export performer with a 51.3% share of total exports in 2016 (worth USD 28.8 billion). The industry has also generated about 2.6 million direct and indirect employments as of 2015.
He also mentioned that as the Philippines chairs ASEAN 2017, the government’s priority is to lead an inclusive, innovation-led growth, which means working to create an enabling environment to develop micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and prepare them to become globally competitive, innovative, inclusive and resilient.
“There is a very strong role that innovation plays in helping and enabling a lot of our countrymen to develop an innovation mindset, culture and capability, for them to also have equal chances to success and move up in life,” Sec. Lopez said.
The trade chief noted the need to focus on key areas affecting MSME growth, including the promotion of productivity, technology, and innovation, as well as making these available and accessible to MSMEs.
“If we are able to broaden the capacity and innovation culture to a larger percentage of our population, then we also increase peoples’ chances of becoming successful,” he added.
Sec. Lopez reiterated that Pres. Duterte’s Dutertenomics aims to narrow development gap and widen the gains of economic growth through creation of jobs and income opportunities for all.
Led by the Semiconductor & Electronics Industries in the Philippines Foundation, Inc. (SEIPI), the 14th PSECE provides an avenue, wherein public and private stakeholders gather to strategically identify possible areas of cooperation and to learn best industry practices.
“As we gain insight and appreciation on the issues affecting the electronics industry, we are confident that whatever we learn will help us in our efforts to create broad-based growth that generates jobs, fosters entrepreneurship, and gives Filipinos more opportunities,” Sec. Lopez said.
by admin | Jun 22, 2017 | DTI Updates, Negosyo Center Updates, Photo Story
LOPEZ TO NEGOSYO MENTORS: DEVELOP SMARTER PINOY ENTREPRENEURS. Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez recently (20 June) called on almost a thousand Negosyo Center business counsellors to help DTI and the government develop smarter Filipino entrepreneurs. Speaking at the first Negosyo Fair Business Counsellors’ Conference at SM Megamall, Sec. Lopez highlighted the role of business mentors as front liners of the Negosyo Centers, which he considers an important infrastructure of entrepreneurship. “When you inspire, you transform people and give them the positive entrepreneurial mindset,” he said. To date, there are over 500 Negosyo Centers all over the Philippines ready to provide efficient services to existing and aspiring entrepreneurs, including through provision of free business mentoring and coaching services, trainings and information on market and access to finance. DTI continues to empower Filipino entrepreneurs through these Negosyo Centers, thus infusing the right entrepreneurial mindset in a nation of entrepreneurs. The Negosyo Fair 2017 is open to public until June 24 at SM Megamall.
by admin | Jun 17, 2017 | EDCOM News, Local News / Bohol Balita
BOHOLANOS CAN NOW count on having seaplanes readily available in Bohol, whether it be for commercial flights to take them to business or pleasure destinations; or for emergencies or assistance in times of distress.
Early this week, Gov. Edgar M. Chatto met with Peter Dejaresco of Bohol Chronicle/DYRD, Sarah Dejaresco of Angel’s Wings Tours and Travel, AirJuan Director of Operations Christian von Strombeck and AirJuan Legal Counsel Atty. Christer James Ray A. Gaudiano.
The talk was about possible but imminent ties with Bohol not only for commercial flights but also, for possible assistance to our very own TaRSIER 117 for it to have available aircraft for its operations, especially in times of calamities or emergencies.
Aside from this, Gov. Chatto and AirJuan executives are also mulling over the possibility of having airlifts for dam operations, especially during dry spells.
The latter, of course, would still need the nod of the National Irrigation Administration (NIA).
If plans push through, a MOA Signing could possibly take place this month, in time for the Korea-Tagbilaran direct maiden flight on June 22.
AirJuan is a charter airline that began in 2012 with a commitment to Philippine progress by making business and leisure destinations easily accessible by air.
With a fresh and vibrant approach to business, its focus is on delivering best-in-class service by providing a pleasant and refreshing travel experience.
In 2014, AirJuan began their scheduled charter flights in Palawan, flying from Puerto Princesa to the quaint island of Cuyo and the paradise island of Coron on their nine-seater Cessna Grand Caravan landplane.
The routes made great strides in re-connecting families, thereby stimulating trade in small towns and providing access to the country’s little known gems of destinations.
That success inspired them to start a Coron to Caticlan route in 2015, thus linking two of the world’s best destinations, Palawan and Boracay.
And you bet, the rest is history.
Aside from being excited due to limitless possibilities, Gov. Chatto is also greatly impressed by AirJuan’s seaplanes which provide fast and efficient hassle-free air service to less-chartered destinations.
In fact, Bohol’s tourism people are now so eager to start AirJuan’s commercial flights after its so-called inaugural flight with Bohol tourism stakeholders on board the Cessna which flew for a scenic Panglao tour last week at an altitude of less than 2,000 feet and skimmed Alona beach.
“Of course, we are already excited just thinking about our tourists being brought directly to our beaches; for I could swear this early, this brave move could greatly improve and expand Bohol’s tourism business,” the governor, co-author of the Tourism Act of 2009, enthused.
On a more serious note, Gov. Chatto said he is most eager for the tie-up for this could mean that “Boholanos have better chances of survival during emergencies for let’s admit it, being on board a plane en route to medical facilities is much, much better and faster than traveling by land.”
With this recent development on air travel and emergency response, Gov. Chatto assures “seamless air travel for Boholanos, whether be it for business or pleasure; and quicker response and faster and more efficient medical care when it comes to disasters and emergencies.” (JANETV/PGBh/EDCom)
by admin | Jun 16, 2017 | Tech Talk
Helping raise roughly $40 million for a Silicon Valley company before it produced its first intelligent wearable headset is just one of several feats for this Filipino-American for a serial entrepreneur and “World Economic Forum Technology Pioneer” awardee.
Yobie Benjamin can talk about several amazing things during the 5th Geeks on a Beach (GOAB 5) in Puerto Princesa, Palawan on August 24-25, said Tina Amper of TechTalks.ph and organizer of this annual tech startup event in the Philippines.
The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is GOAB co-organizer. TechTalks.ph members Happy Garaje is responsible for branding; PRworks for media and public relations; and Sym.ph for web development of Geeks on a Beach.
“We hope the presence of Benjamin will inspire local startups and M SMEs. But more important, we are looking forward to having this global technology leader to interact with industry leaders and the startup community to drive action for the betterment of the Philippines and the world. GOAB continues to aim for measurable impact by facilitating potential projects and business deals not only for individual companies but also for the Philippine startup ecosystem,” Amper said.
For starters, Amper pointed out that this former political prisoner during the Marcos dictatorship days raised $40 million for Avegant, the company that makes and sells the Avegant virtual reality video headset and Skully, an intelligent motorcycle helmet that helps you see what is happening at the back, receive and make calls, and communicate with nearby vehicles.
Benjamin recently raised $18.5 million for Token that provides software to banks that enables them to issue a new payment type designed specifically for use in the digital era.
According to Amper, Geeks on a Beach gathers hundreds of technology entrepreneurs and professionals along with concerned government agencies to also look at ways of leveraging technology to help address Philippine social and environmental problems.
Amper said, this former political prisoner’s social concerns can be seen in his involvement in yet another company that is developing the ability to perform 50 diagnostic tests using only a drop of blood. This service, he said in a talk at Stanford University in Silicon Valley, will soon be given for free to whole populations in return for big data.
In Kenya, Benjamin is involved in Wildlife Works that sells carbon credits for protecting the rainforest and wildlife from poachers. The poachers, he said, included Al Shabbab terrorists. In Brazil, Benjamin’s company applied the same business model to mobilize the coastal population to protect mangrove forests.
Geeks on a Beach has partnered with the City of Puerto Princesa in Palawan. Known for its environmental advocacy, the city is the location of the world-famous underground river. The Tubbataha Reef, one of the world’s biggest ecosystem, is located some 92 nautical miles southeast of Puerto Princesa.
PLDT Innolab is supporting GOAB 5 as co-presenter while A Space is co-producer. The sponsors include Payoneer, Zalora, PouchNATION, Istorya.net, Synergy 88 Digital, Uniform Solutions, and NXTLVL Academy.
The media partners are e27, Tech in Asia, Auza.net, Innopub Media, Geeks in
Cambodia, Asian Journal Publications, Balikbayan Magazine, Mobile Ecosystem Forum, QueenCityCebu.com, and ConnectedWomen.co.
The organizational partners are the Philippine Software Industry Association, the 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 organized by TechTalks.ph, powered by Sym.ph, branding by Happy Garaje, and pr by PRWorks.
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Media Inquiries:
Doris Isubal-Mongaya
PRWorks
M : +63 917 791 9545
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