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Data centers seen to boom this year
A unit of Globe Telecom Inc. said the data center business in the Philippines would boom this year in response to the growing demand for information storage worldwide......»»
Automated logistics hub rises in Laguna
Flash Express, the fastest-growing logistics and courier service company in the Philippines recently inaugurated its new automated 20,000 sqm hub in Sta. Rosa, Laguna equipped with the most advanced logistics sorting machines. In a ceremony last 20 October 2023, Flash Express presented its newly installed automatic sorting machines that can process up to 600,000 parcels per day. The upgrade of hubs and distribution centers is an important milestone for the company, marking a new level of business volume, quality service, standard logistics management and operation efficiency. The Flash Express PN5 automated hub has a matrix consisting of 20 unloading lines, including 12 sets of DWS and automatic balance wheel sorting machines and 8 manual sorting lines that can process 120,000 parcels per hour. Double-layer automatic sorting machine In the bagging area, there is a double-layer automatic sorting machine with 420 sorting grids that can process 40,000 parcels per hour. While in the sorting area, there are 20 line hauls and 180 DC. With this, Flash Express general manager Vincent Peng said the company, in the past two years as a newly established company in the country, has faced and adapted to the Philippine e-commerce logistics market, social environment, and the industry's competitive environment. “In order to adapt to the development of the market and the needs of customers, we have invested a lot of money and manpower to finish the renovation of our hubs and distribution centers. More advanced equipment and technology have been used, manpower and vehicles have been increased, and the quality and efficiency of operations have been improved. Thus, the capacity of the whole operation has been greatly improved,” Peng said. Confidence in the market He reiterated that the upgrade represents the company's confidence in the market and the determination to develop business partnerships to continuously adapt to the demands of the market development and to continuously improve their operations. Peng said that the business will have a higher standard and more professional attitude to provide customers with more quality, efficient, and reliable service, and to work better with all their business partners to help improve the e-commerce logistics industry. The post Automated logistics hub rises in Laguna appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Ilocos Sur micro-entreps get help from Bong Go
Senator Christopher "Bong" Go’s team, in coordination with Governor Jeremias “Jerry” Singson, Vigan City Mayor Jose Bonito Singson Jr., Caoayan Mayor Germelina Goulart and other local government officials, provided assistance to micro-business owners at the Vigan Conservation Complex and Caoayan municipal gymnasium in Ilocos Sur on Monday, 23 October. A total of 68 individuals received masks and snacks, while select recipients were given shoes, shirts and balls for basketball from Go’s team. Aside from the assistance from Go, the beneficiaries also qualified for the Department of Trade and Industry’s program that Go supported which provides livelihood kits to assist communities affected by crises in their recovery efforts. “Patuloy tayong sumusuporta sa mga programang pangkabuhayan lalo na yung mga makakatulong sa mga mahihirap na nahaharap sa krisis. Sa ating pakikipagtulungan, ang DTI ay nagbibigay ng mga negosyo kits sa mga kwalipikadong benepisyaryo at tinuturuan sila kung paano palalaguin ang kanilang mga negosyo para mapakinabangan ng pamilya ang kanilang kikitain. Nagbigay naman tayo ng karagdagang suporta sa mga benepisyaryo ng programang ito,” he explained in a video message. Also in attendance were DTI 1 Regional Director Grace Falgui-Baluyan and Provincial Director Charry Quodala. Go acknowledged how the COVID-19 pandemic adversely affected businesses in the country. In response to this, Go is one of the authors and co-sponsors of Republic Act 11960, known as the One Town, One Product Philippines Act. This legislation serves to institutionalize the OTOP Philippines Program, a strategic initiative tailored to nurturing the growth of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises throughout the country. The essence of the OTOP Program centers on the identification and promotion of distinctive products originating from various towns and municipalities. In doing so, it not only encourages entrepreneurship but also effectively harnesses local resources while preserving our rich cultural heritage. This approach facilitates increased visibility, market access, and enhanced competitiveness for micro-businesses, thereby making a substantial contribution to our country’s economic resilience. "Hindi lamang ito tungkol sa pag-angat ng MSMEs. Ito'y pagkakataon para sa bawat Pilipino, kahit saan man sila naroroon, na magtagumpay sa negosyo," he elaborated. "When communities take the lead in product development, we see more sustainable and culturally relevant outcomes. This is what OTOP aims to achieve," Go said. Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, emphasized the role played by Malasakit Centers in ensuring convenient access to the government's medical assistance programs. As part of his commitment to alleviating the struggles faced by individuals and families while improving their access to essential healthcare services, Go initiated the establishment of Malasakit Centers in 2018. This was institutionalized in 2019 through the passage of RA 11463, which was principally authored and sponsored by Go. Since its inception, the Malasakit Centers have helped more than seven million poor and indigent patients nationwide. Currently, there are 159 Malasakit Centers, including those at Ilocos Sur Provincial Hospital (formerly known as Gabriela Silang General Hospital) in Vigan City and Ilocos Sur Medical Center in Candon City. Moreover, Go also supported the construction of more than 600 Super Health Centers in strategic locations nationwide including four in Ilocos Sur as identified by the Department of Health which is the lead implementing agency. The initiative was a collaborative effort among lawmakers, LGUs and the DOH. According to Go, Super Health Centers are designed to focus on primary care, consultation, and early detection of diseases, further strengthening the healthcare sector in the country, especially in rural communities. It will also help decongest hospitals. Go, vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, also supported various infrastructure projects, including the road improvements in Magsingal and Narvacan; acquisition of medical equipment for public health facilities in Cervantes, Magsingal, Narvacan, Salcedo, Sinait and Sta. Lucia; acquisition of ambulance units in Burgos, Nagbukel, San Emilio and Tagudin; and construction of multipurpose buildings, halls and gyms in Bantay, Cabugao, Santa, Sigay and Sugpon. The post Ilocos Sur micro-entreps get help from Bong Go appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Tech titan Amazon sees profit climb as cloud promises boon
Online retail colossus Amazon on Thursday said profit surged in the recently ended quarter on growing sales and more efficient deliveries, with its cloud business promising even better days ahead. The e-commerce colossus said it made a profit of $9.9 billion on sales that tallied $143.1 billion in the recently ended quarter, with more than half its operating income made from Amazon Web Services (AWS) cloud unit. Google parent Alphabet and computing colossus Microsoft this week reported rising quarterly profits, playing up demand for cloud computing enhanced with artificial intelligence. Investors, though, had hoped for better performance from Google Cloud causing the company's shares to slip. While Amazon Web Services (AWS) grew 12 percent when compared to the same quarter a year earlier, the unit's growth lagged that of rival cloud businesses operated by Microsoft and Google. "I remain very optimistic about AWS," Amazon chief executive Andy Jassy said on an earnings call. "There's a lot more there for us; then you look at the very substantial, gigantic new generative AI opportunity, which I believe will be tens of billions of dollars in revenue for AWS over the next several years." Amazon just weeks ago said it would invest up to $4 billion in AI firm Anthropic. The success of OpenAI's ChatGPT, a chatbot released last year that can generate poems, essays, and other works with just a short prompt, has led to billions being invested in the field. Anthropic agreed to use Amazon's chips to develop its next models and to use AWS for "mission-critical workloads." Amazon has already announced it aimed to soup up its Alexa voice assistant with generative AI, which the firm said would allow users to have smoother conversations. Retail rebound Amazon earnings "soared past expectations" in the quarter, according to Insider Intelligence analyst Zak Stambor. "We had a strong third quarter as our cost to serve and speed of delivery in our stores business took another step forward," Jassy said, adding its ad business grew "robustly" and AWS cloud computing business "continued to stabilize." "The retail giant's slowdown last year appears to be in the rearview mirror as it has embarked on significant cost-cutting throughout this year and sharpened its focus on key growth areas, such as its high-margin online marketplace and advertising," Stambor said. A top US antitrust regulator sued Amazon in September, accusing the online retail behemoth of running an illegal monopoly by strong-arming sellers and stifling potential rivals. "Our complaint lays out how Amazon has used a set of punitive and coercive tactics to unlawfully maintain its monopolies," said Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina Khan. Robots and drones Amazon said Thursday it will hire 250,000 full-time, part-time, and seasonal employees in the United States to handle shopping demand in the months ahead. Amazon said last week that it will expand drone delivery of certain purchases to a third US state as well as to Britain and Italy by the end of 2024. The US firm has installed a new robotics system in one of its Texas logistics centers, featuring technology like automated vehicles, mechanical arms, and computer vision technology. Amazon already uses 750,000 robots in its warehouses to speed up deliveries. "The better they get at delivery, the more it continues to grow the e-commerce market overall and Amazon's place within that market," said Insider Intelligence analyst Andrew Lipsman. But increased productivity via robots won't fix underlying Amazon worker issues, critics say. Amazon early this year eliminated some 27,000 jobs in a move it said at the time was necessary, after years of sustained hiring. Ads shine Advertising continues to be "a major bright spot" for Amazon and it has started using generative artificial intelligence to help sellers create "eye-catching" ads in its online marketplace, analyst Stambor said. Insider Intelligence expects Amazon's US advertising business to bring in nearly $34 billion this year a major leap from before the COVID-19 pandemic. The post Tech titan Amazon sees profit climb as cloud promises boon appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PBBM skips PCCI annual event’s end
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. failed to attend the final day of the 49th Philippine Business Conference and Expo, or PBCE, sending Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin instead. PBCE is the main assembly yearly of the country’s biggest trade group Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry. An incumbent president usually attends the second day of the PBCE to personally receive the business group’s resolution and suggestions on various issues. Malacañang did not give any detail on Marcos’ failure the biggest gathering of businessmen yearly. However, Vice President Sara Duterte attended the first day of the conference, in which she urged PCCI officials and members to join the Department of Education in reviewing the current senior high school system and provide valuable insights on skills matching in order to produce employable graduates. Besides the President, Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual also did not make it which according to the Department of Trade and Industry communication’s chief, Undersecretary Kim Lokin, Pascual has not been feeling well since Wednesday. Cabinet officials, however, were in the event. They included Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista, Information and Communications Technology Secretary Ivan John Uy, Energy Assistant Secretary Mario Marasigan and Internal Revenue Commissioner Artemio Lumagui Jr. Resolution submitted Bersamin received PCCI’s resolution, handed over by PCCI president George Barcelon and PBCE chairperson Felino Palafox. The resolution included the positions of various sectors, namely agriculture, energy and power; the environment and climate change; education and human resources development; industry and trade; ease of doing business and stability of rules and regulations; infrastructure, transport and logistics; innovation and digitalization; taxation, and tourism. Under the sectors of agriculture, energy and power, the business group urged the national government to develop a long-term plan to attain food security in agriculture and fishery through infrastructure support, technology transfer, product diversification, export enhancement, economies of scale, and adherence to the improvement of value chains and supply chains. For energy and power, the PCCI wanted the Marcos administration to ensure adequate and affordable power supply throughout the country by considering modern technology and harnessing renewable energy resources that meet the criteria of reliability and affordability. In terms of caring for the environment and climate change, PCCI officers and members also wanted the government to update and continue the execution of the National Framework Strategy on Climate Change (2010- 2022) which envisions a climate risk-resilient Philippines with healthy, safe, prosperous, and self-reliant communities and thriving and productive ecosystems. For education and human resources development, the government was urged to propel the Philippine education system to world-class status by harnessing new technologies, fostering innovation, and implementing comprehensive reforms that will prepare students for success in the digital age and the globalized world of work. Empowering businesses For industry and trade, the Marcos administration wanted to empower industries and enterprises by providing them with the necessary tools, resources, and support programs to enhance their competitiveness both in the domestic and international markets, contribute to economic growth, and promote innovation in the Philippines’ industrial and trade sectors. Furthermore, the government was also advised to provide a stable and predictable business environment by ensuring clear, consistent, and transparent regulations, streamlining and simplifying bureaucratic processes, reducing unnecessary red tape, and eliminating barriers that hinder business growth and development. Bersamin received PCCI’s resolution, handed over by PCCI president George Barcelon and PBCE chairperson Felino Palafox. Despite the ongoing Build, Better More infrastructure program, PCCI urged the government to implement a comprehensive national infrastructure, transportation and logistics master plan that outlines a long-term vision for connectivity and country-wide development. Together with the goal of urban decongestion, the strategy shall encompass the development of growth/business centers in different regions to create more employment opportunities and encourage people to relocate outside Metro Manila. The post PBBM skips PCCI annual event’s end appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Blueprint for a sustainable tomorrow
Through a combination of cutting-edge technology, data science and a culture of innovation, Aboitiz Land is making innovative strides in the real estate industry, establishing benchmarks for sustainability and community development. This commitment to adaptability and progress was underscored by Aboitiz Land CEO and president David Rafael during his presentation at the CEO Forum of the CREBA Golden Jubilee National Convention & Housing Expo on 28 September 2023, held at Conrad Manila. Aboitiz Land's dedication to environmental sustainability is evident in every facet of its residential real estate developments. The company's sustainable master plan features prioritize harmony with nature, respecting the natural topography of the land and integrating existing water and landforms like lagoons and hilly terrain seamlessly. This human-centric approach extends to the promotion of green open spaces across high-end and mid-market projects, fostering a connection between residents and the environment. A pinnacle of this commitment is its residential enclave, The Villages at Lipa, within the 800-hectare integrated LIMA Estate. LIMA Estate proudly holds a five-star BERDE certification, a testament to its eco-friendly practices including energy and water efficiency, waste management and community well-being. Poised to become a blueprint for smart cities, it leverages digital technologies for enhanced urban operations. Aboitiz Land also embraces innovation in construction technology, utilizing precast concrete panels to reduce greenhouse emissions associated with traditional concrete production. This approach not only contributes to a significant reduction in environmental impact but also translates into tangible benefits for homeowners, including reduced energy consumption. Aboitiz Land understands the urgent demand for accessible and quality housing in the Philippines. The company addresses this by strategically placing its projects near emerging growth centers and infrastructure. This not only eases congestion in central business districts but also creates job opportunities for thousands of Filipinos. Aboitiz Land’s notable developments include The Villages at Lipa in LIMA Estate, Foressa Mountain Town in the West Cebu Estate and Ajoya communities in key areas of Central Luzon, which is at the heart of the current infrastructure development and growth centers. To help address the critical issue of 6.5 million housing backlog and rising property costs, Aboitiz Land has introduced OneVecino, an innovative digital platform. This tool provides digitized solutions for property search, payments, customer support and property management. It's tailored to cater to the needs of overseas Filipino workers, making home buying more accessible and secure. Aboitiz Land's commitment to community well-being is likewise demonstrated through various CSR initiatives. Elevate AIDA, in partnership with Connected Women, provides digital skills training to women near our communities in Luzon, advances gender parity and promotes socio-economic development. Meanwhile, Project Banca, recognized as an Outstanding CSR Project in Disaster Resilience, supported 60 fisherfolks with motorized fishing boats in areas affected by typhoon “Odette,” showcasing Aboitiz Land's dedication to community well-being and resilience. Aboitiz Land's corporate governance framework is rooted in core values of Integrity, Teamwork, Innovation and Responsibility. The developer is the real estate arm of the Aboitiz Group, which has consistently been acknowledged as one of the best managed conglomerates in the ASEAN region, exemplified by the Golden Arrow Recognition awarded to Aboitiz Equity Ventures. The post Blueprint for a sustainable tomorrow appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DoJ probing subcontracting ‘swindle’
The Department of Justice will look at the circumstances regarding the filing of multiple counts of swindling against corporate officials of a global telecommunications equipment firm. The DoJ will review the 29-page complaint recently lodged before the National Prosecution Office against eight Manila-based Ericsson Telecommunications Inc. officials. The officials are facing estafa charges for allegedly refusing to pay local subcontractors some P54 million covering 32 completed projects in Luzon alone. The “swindled” Filipino subcontractors completed various technical works involving system integration, structured cabling, civil works, and electrical services for a long list of projects in malls, hospitals, business centers, and schools from 2020 to 2023. The DoJ expressed determination to resolve what appears to be a common practice by foreign investors who take advantage of Filipino subcontractors. The department reminded foreign entities to comply with Republic Act 5455, which requires companies owned in whole or in part by foreigners to contribute to the sound and balanced development of the national company on a self-sustaining basis. The DoJ also warned that abusive foreign investors would be held civilly and criminally accountable. Respondents in the criminal case were foreign corporate bosses Martin Wiktorin, Jesmin Ehsan, Johan Kvist and Wee Tiong Ng. Estafa charges were also filed against Emerson Clemena, Jose Michael Hernal, Charis Heidi Ibarra and Roderick Reodica — all holding office at Ericsson’s Bonifacio Global City office in Taguig City. The government does not condone foreign business companies taking advantage of Filipino subcontractors. The post DoJ probing subcontracting ‘swindle’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Malasakit Centers: Haven for poor Pinoys
Amid prevailing financial hardships particularly among poor Filipinos, the pivotal role of Senator Christopher “Bong” Go’s Malasakit Centers comes to fore through the compelling narrative of 23-year-old Wally Bernardo of Cavite. A small baking business, which Wally runs with his partner, helps cover his dialysis expenses. His ordeal started in 2017 when a nagging backache unveiled an unsettling reality — a diagnosis of chronic kidney disease secondary to arthritis. Initially misdiagnosed with high blood pressure, he soon found himself restricted to the regular hum of dialysis machines, a routine that escalated from three times a week to an excruciating 12 times a week, as his condition worsened. As Wally’s medical bills soared, he sought intervention from a Malasakit Center, which led to a much-needed relief for his dire financial situation. Recounting the day his relatives approached the center, Wally said, After that we approached the social health service as I knew there was Malasakit here.” “My relatives went there and gave us our bill. It was processed at about noon. In the afternoon we were already discharged.” The indelible mark of gratitude is apparent in Wally’s words, “Thank you to Senator Bong Go, to his staff. We are really grateful for his help, in giving us a guarantee letter, in assuring those who have not much finances.” As chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, Go persistently encouraged the public to avail themselves of the medical and financial assistance offered by the Malasakit Centers. Malasakit Centers bring together representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. These one-stop shops aim to support impoverished patients in reducing their hospital costs to the least possible amount. The Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, or Republic Act 11463, principally authored and sponsored by Go, has so far facilitated the establishment of 159 operational Malasakit Centers across the country. Meanwhile, Go’s outreach team, together with Mayor Elmor Vita and Councilor Rey Comendador, conducted a relief operation at the municipal gymnasium in Nagcarlan, Laguna last Tuesday, 17 October. Go provided masks, vitamins, shirts, and balls for basketball and volleyball for 450 market vendors. He also gave away shoes, and mobile phones to select recipients. The post Malasakit Centers: Haven for poor Pinoys appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PEZA chief lures potential Rotarian investors with ecozone perks
Members — particularly those in such business enterprises as manufacturing — of the Rotary Club of Manila, Asia’s oldest and biggest Rotary organization, were personally enticed by Philippine Economic Zone Authority director-general Tereso Panga of the benefits, particularly tax perks if they expand operations in the country or poured in investments in the ecozone. Panga, who served as guest speaker at RC Manila’s 14th General Membership Meeting at the Manila Polo Club, Makati City, on 5 October 2023, relayed to the prospective ecozone investors the various fiscal and non-fiscal Incentives offered by PEZA. He said the investment promotion agency offers income tax holidays or ITH of four to seven years depending on the industry tier and location, once onboard PEZA-run ecozones. For the National Capital Region, locators are entitled to four years of ITH for those that are in Tier 1; five years of ITH for Tier 2, and six years for those belonging to Tier 3. For locators in Metropolitan areas or areas contiguous and adjacent to NCR, a five-year ITH is given to Tier 1; six years for Tier 2, and seven years for Tier 3. “A five percent Special Corporate Income Tax holiday is also provided for 10 years for export-oriented projects, while enhanced deductions for five years are given to locators involved in domestic-oriented project activities,” Panga said. Other notable benefits awaiting interested PEZA locators include Customs duty exemption on importation of capital equipment, raw materials, spare parts, or accessories directly and exclusively used in the registered project/activity for a maximum period of 17 years unless otherwise extended under the Strategic Investment Priority Plan of the Philippine government; domestic sales allowance of up to 30 percent of total sales for export-oriented companies; value-added tax exemption on importation and VAT-zero rating on local purchases of goods and services directly and exclusively used in the registered project or activity for a maximum period of 17 years, unless otherwise extended under the SIPP; and exemption from payment of national and local government taxes and fees for the period of availment of the 5 percent special corporate income tax incentive Also, PEZA locators are entitled to employ foreign nationals; can enjoy long-term land leases of up to 75 years, and are entitled to the PEZA 2-year special non-immigrant visa issued to expatriates and their dependents as well as foreign workers. [caption id="attachment_194752" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Philippine Economic Zone Authority Director General Tereso O. Panga[/caption] PEZA performance Panga earlier reported that the investment promotion agency had reaped an overwhelming 114 percent increase in investments in the second quarter of the year, following the approval of 61 new and expansion projects for the period of April to June 2022. PEZA records showed that total investments are expected to bring in a total of P14.347 billion, 114.93 percent higher than the P6.675 billion approved investments for the second quarter of 2022. Of the 61 approved new and expansion projects, 16 are for the Information Technology industry, 15 for export/manufacturing, 13 for facilities, 13 for ecozone development, and two for IT Facilities and Logistics. Meanwhile, expected jobs to be created by those projects total 11,186, which is 29.06 percent higher compared to the 8,667 projected jobs in the 2nd quarter of 2022. For the January to June period of 2023, a total of 90 new and expansion projects have been approved and are expected to bring in P22.488 billion in investments, $747.093 million in exports, and 14,354 jobs. Japan remains PEZA’s top country investor in the first half with P8.007 billion in investments followed by Singapore with P2.169 billion. Also, Panga said that Japan topped the countries with the highest approved foreign investments at 27.34 percent, followed by Filipino companies at 23.19 percent, and American companies in the third spot at 14.82 percent. “PEZA accounted for 60.5 percent of the total foreign investment commitments in Q2 2023 with P35.75 billion,” he told the Rotary Club of Manila members. From 1995 to 2022, PEZA’s total dividends turned in to the National Treasury was a total of P26,889,567,738.07. Ecozones on the rise To date, Panga said PEZA hosts 422 ecozones and 4,352 locator companies/projects throughout the country. Of said number of ecozones, 299 are dedicated to IT Parks and Centers, 79 to manufacturing firms, 24 to agro-industrial parks, 17 are to tourism and three are to medical tourism ventures. Based on the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has projected that “the creation of ecozones will…maximize investments and promote industrial dispersion, especially outside metropolitan areas. Further, the ecozones will be integrated into the local economy by relaxing the requirements, facilitating the free flow of parts, components, and other inputs, and increasing open trade between zone locators and firms outside the zones.” In the coming years, various ecozones will be sprouting, while the ecozones that have already been officially proclaimed by the Office of the President include Robinsons Cyberpark Bacolod, Lima Technology Center (Expansion), Hermosa Ecozone Industrial Park (Expansion), Philtai Central Luzon Industrial Park, Felcris Centrale IT Park, ECCO 4 Building, Lopue’s Mandalagan IT Center, Marina Town Dumaguete, Naga City Industrial Park and Kamanga Agro-Industrial Economic Zone (Expansion), altogether with investments totaling P3.418 billion. Ecozones pending approval are MetroCas Industrial Estates-Special Economic Zone, Suyo Economic Zone and the expansions of Kamanga Agro-Industrial Economic Zone and Lima Technology Center, with a total investment amount of P773.962 million. As of September 2023, the governing board of PEZA has approved big-ticket investments with a total committed investment of P193.200 billion, and these are the First Pangasinan Property Development Corp., Raedang International Builders and Development Corp., Green Energy with Torrefaction Technology Inc., Dyson Electronics PTE, Ltd. Philippine Branch, Sunpower Philippines Manufacturing Ltd., Isla Import Terminals Inc., MJ Landtrade Development Corp., YCO Cloud Malvar Inc., Savya Land Development Corporation, RLGB Land Corporation, Robinsons Land Corporation, TDK Philippines, P. Imes Corp., Best-one Ever Luck Realty Corp., Knowles Electronics (Phil) Corporation, WIPRO Phils. Inc., Glensworth Development Inc., ACI Inc., Megaworld Corporation and Kyungshin Pampanga Philippines Inc. Currently, Panga said PEZA is focused on seven priority sectors, that is, advanced manufacturing, extractives (green ores processing), agriculture and blue industries, IT services and frontier technologies, eco-industrial park development (renewable energy and alternative energy, clean water and wastewater treatment, circular economy, sustainable development goals, green buildings, smart systems integration), Science, Technology and Innovation and the integration of small and medium enterprises into the ecozone value chain. Cannot be done alone by PEZA Panga, in conclusion during his speech at the Rotary Club of Manila meeting remarked that attracting foreign direct investments cannot be done by PEZA alone or by any other investment promotion agency left to its own devices. He emphasized that what is needed to make things work is a whole government, industry and society approach to lessen the cost and improve ease of doing business in the country. “Through our collaborations and strategic alliances, PEZA, together with the Rotary Club of Manila, other ecozone industries, and stakeholders, will strive for success in attaining our country’s goals and objectives, and continue to push for eco-zoning the Philippines towards inclusive and sustainable development,” Panga said. The post PEZA chief lures potential Rotarian investors with ecozone perks appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PEZA chief understands investors’ dilemma
The director general of the Philippine Economic Zone Authority said he understands the clamor of investors with regard to tax perks and incentives, which is why it’s only right that the government has finally decided to amend the implementing rules and regulations of Republic Act No. 11534 or the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) Act. During discussions at the Rotary Club of Manila membership meeting last 5 October 2023, a member of the Club who is an investor in various sectors locally said the current policies of the government in terms of tax perks were unpredictable because of the “tug of war” between the investment promotion agencies, that is, PEZA and the Board of Investments, which are both under the watch of the Department of Trade and Industry, and the Fiscal Incentives Review Board, chaired by Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno. Last among five countries He said that explains why the Philippines is the last among five countries considered by investors as investment destinations in Southeast Asia, with investments now being dominated by Vietnam, followed by Singapore, Malaysia and Cambodia. The Rotarian said in terms of exports, the Philippines is also a laggard compared to the performance of the country’s Southeast Asian counterparts. Total Philippine exports dropped to $6.1 billion in July 2023, from $6.7 billion in the previous month. In comparison, Vietnam in August 2023 enjoyed $32.8 billion in exports. Most attractive destination Vietnam is now considered Southeast Asia’s most attractive destination for foreign investors because of its favorable business environment, steady economic growth, improved infrastructure and pro-foreign investment policy changes. According to Standard Chartered Bank, Vietnam’s advantages to being the top tourist destination are in terms of labor, global trade integration, supply chains, political stability, and potential resources, with the government committed to promoting trade and sustainable growth. Unclear policies Another issue that was being questioned by some investors, according to the Rotarian, is the realization of the Fourth Industrial Revolution which also doesn’t have clear policies for renewable energy, data centers, information technology and artificial intelligence. “We have yet to see concrete policy formulation and a roadmap to that effect, compared to the recent pronouncement of US President Joe Biden that Vietnam is positioned as the future chipmaker. The United States is currently legislating measures to dispense funds for that purpose. There seems to be a disconnect,” the investor said. Regarding this, PEZA’s Panga admitted that there were indeed ‘differences’ in terms of policies among government agencies, particularly the DTI and the FIRB. Still, Panga sought the support of the oldest and first Rotary Club in Asia where it concerns PEZA’s job to further attract foreign direct investments into the country. Panga emphasized that a whole government, industry, and society approach is needed to improve and lessen the cost of doing business. Eco-zoning push “Through our collaborations and strategic alliances, PEZA, together with the Rotary Club of Manila, other ecozone industries, and stakeholders, will continue to push for eco-zoning the Philippines towards inclusive and sustainable development,” he added. Last August 2023, Finance Secretary Diokno and Trade and Industry Secretary Pascual approved the amendment to the IRR of the CREATE Act that will resolve the value-added tax issues raised by transitory registered business enterprises. The post PEZA chief understands investors’ dilemma appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PEZA chief understands Rotarian investors’ dilemma
The director general of the Philippine Economic Zone Authority said he understands the clamor of investors with regard to tax perks and incentives, which is why it’s only right that the government has finally decided to amend the implementing rules and regulations of Republic Act No. 11534 or the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises Act. During discussions at the Rotary Club of Manila Membership Meeting on Thursday, a Rotarian who has invested in the country said the current policies of the government in terms of tax perks remain unpredictable because of the ‘tug of war’ between the investment promotion agencies, namely PEZA and the Board of Investments, which are all under the watch of the Department of Trade and Industry, with the Fiscal Incentives Review Board, chaired by Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno. He said that the reason why the Philippines is the last among the top five countries considered as top investment countries in Southeast Asia, which is now being dominated by Vietnam, followed by Singapore, Malaysia, and Cambodia. He said in terms of exports, the Philippines is also a laggard compared to the performance of Southeast Asian counterparts. The Philippines' total exports plummeted to $6.1 billion in July 2023, compared with $6.7 billion in the previous month. Its tough competitor, Vietnam, this August 2023 is enjoying $32.8 billion in exports. Vietnam is now considered Southeast Asia’s most attractive destination for foreign investors because of its favorable business environment, steady economic growth, improved infrastructure, and policy changes. According to Standard Chartered, Vietnam’s advantages to being the top tourist destination are in terms of labor, global trade integration, supply chains, political stability, and potential resources, with the government committed to promoting trade and sustainable growth. Unclear policies Another issue that was being questioned by some investors, according to the Rotarian, is the realization of the Fourth Industrial Revolution which doesn’t have clear policies for renewable energy, data centers, information technology, and artificial intelligence. “We have yet to see concrete policy formulation and roadmap to that effect. Compared to the recent pronouncement of US President Joe Biden Vietnam will be positioned as the future chipmaker, and the US is now legislating measures to dispense funds for that purpose. There seems to be a disconnect,” the investor said. With this, PEZA’s Panga admitted that there are indeed ‘differences’ with government agencies, particularly the DTI and the FIRB, but also sought the support of the club in PEZA’s job to further attract foreign direct investments into the country. Panga further emphasized that a whole government, industry, and society approach is needed to improve the ease and lessen the cost of doing business. "Through our collaborations and strategic alliances, PEZA, together with the Rotary Club of Manila, other ecozone industries, and stakeholders, will continue to push for eco-zoning the Philippines towards inclusive and sustainable development," he added. Last August, Finance Secretary Diokno and Trade and Industry Secretary Pascual approved the amendment to the IRR of the Act that will resolve the value-added tax issues raised by transitory registered business enterprises. The post PEZA chief understands Rotarian investors’ dilemma appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
IT-BPM seen key economic driver
The head of the Information Technology and Business Process Association of the Philippines or IBPAP, Jack Madrid maintained that the Informatiorn Technology-Business Process Management, or IT-BPM, sector will remain the Philippine economy’s essential pillar, given its large contribution to the government coffers for its nation-building. “This is an important message that we always communicate to our partners in the government and to our employees and to their families. What we do is more than what people think as we are not just call center or contact center work.” “The nature of what we do range from basic customer service to more complex industries such as healthcare, engineering, IT software development, and even creative industries such as animation and game development, “Madrid said in an interview with the DAILY TRIBUNE’s online digital show ‘Straight Talk’. “We do not just do call center work and I think we need to respect the kind of work that we do even more than before, more than what people think it is,” continued Madrid., Export service revenues Madrid said in terms of export service revenues, the IT-BPM sector this year earned a growth rate of 8.8 percent, which translates to an estimated $35.4 billion in revenue, exceeding the global industry’s 7.7 percent average. “We started 2023 with 1.7 million direct jobs for Filipinos, while by revenue, in 2022 the industry generated $32.5 million, the second largest source of foreign exchange to the country, next to OFW remittances. But we are almost at par with them,” he said. “This year, we will grow over $35 million in revenues,” according to Madrid, coming from close to 2,000 IT-BPM firms that are operating in the country. US biggest client GHe said the United States remains the Philippines’ biggest client, in which over two-thirds of businesses come from US companies, serving US customers. “That is why as the flagship association, we oversee all the different industry verticals. But you will be amazed at the number of multinational companies that have been doing very successful shared services operations here in the Philippines. You name the multinational, they are here whether it is in banking, financial services, or healthcare. Even energy. They are all here,” he said. According to Madrid, healthcare companies doing business in the country are at 15 to 20 percent, while the creative side has the smallest workforce, but is considered a sector that has large potential. “The creative side will be quite a bit smaller than that in terms of number of employees but it’s still a sector that has large potential. I think another significant sector would be the global in-house centers. These are all the multinationals who have moved their back-office operations here. Hard to classify by industry because they belong to many different industries. And then, of course, the contact center sector is still the biggest one. About 60 percent of our employees are in the contact center sector and that includes many multinational and global BPO companies who have set up operations here,” Madrid explained. Caring for employees As contact center employees work at odd times, Madrid said the mental well-being of their employees is very important to the industry, which goes along with their aim to make the industry continue growing. “I’m happy that our membership and our industry players are paying a much stronger focus on the mental health and well-being of the employees. Our industry relies primarily on human capital. This is very much a people’s industry. It is the bedrock of how our industry has grown. So, this topic is very important. I think it’s all about balance. I think balancing the demands of work and personal life is very important and nowhere was this more evident than the challenging years of the pandemic, wherein we had to mobilize our employees from working in the office to a work-from-home setup. Something that was not done before,” he said. Madrid said working from home is not as easy for Filipinos as it is for the rest of the world, as Filipinos don’t typically have a home office, unlike Americans and Europeans. Challenging transition “So, the transition for us was quite challenging. Many of our employees don’t have very big homes with an extra room to be used as an office. So, I think I spent a lot of time describing this to investors and locators because it demonstrates the agility, resilience, and survival instinct of the Filipino people,” he said. “And I think we have shown to the world that we were able to perform the work in those challenging years of Covid without any impact on productivity or customer satisfaction. We were able to perform the work so much that there was even more demand from our customers for more jobs to be done here in the Philippines,” he continued. Madrid said that during the pandemic, the ITBPM industry grew as an industry to 255,000 new jobs and will continue to grow. The Philippines is a clear number in terms of ITBPM, next to India, but the Philippines is the number one nation when it comes to delivering customer experience, according to Madrid. The post IT-BPM seen key economic driver appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Iconic Italian home brand marks 16 years in Phl
Sixteen years of bringing joy to Filipino homes. This was how SMEG Philippines presented itself to its guests to mark its recent anniversary celebration at The Ayala Museum. SMEG, the world-famous Italian brand of modern lifestyle home and kitchen appliance that incorporates technology and style into every product, is exclusively distributed in the Philippines by Mondo Cucina Inc., owned by the power couple Ton and Karen Concepcion. SMEG stands for Smalterie Metallurgiche Emiliane Guastalla (roughly translated to English as Metal Enameling Plant of Guastalla, Emilia). It is best known for its outstanding performance and sleek, retro-style designs for refrigerators, washing machines, stand mixers, toaster ovens, microwaves, wine cabinets and coffee machines – all in striking colors of red, blue, orange, yellow, white and what-have-you. The iconic global brand has elevated the culinary experience with a touch of sophistication to numerable kitchens, making them truly a functional pieces of art. “Sixteen years ago, my wife Karen and I went to a town called Guastalla in Emilia Romagna in the northern Italy, where SMEG’s headquarters are located,” said Ton, founder and owner of MCI. “We immediately fell in love with SMEG. Never have we seen such beautiful appliances made with careful attention to design and technology. We knew we have to bring SMEG into the Philippines. And so, in 2006 driven by a passion for excellence into bringing the best experiences to the customers, we open the first SMEG experience center at Serendra in BGC.” Concepcion added: “Today, SMEG is an iconic brand — a household name desired by many. It can be found in top luxury homes all over the Philippines and nearly 10,000 luxury condominiums across Metro Manila, Cebu and Davao, all having SMEG kitchens. Our customers understand that SMEG products are actually pieces of art and not just appliances. We are excited for the future as we continue to innovate and launch new products and expand our stores and service centers nationwide.” Functional pieces of art Since SMEG products have been recognized as functional pieces of art, it was just apt that SMEG Philippines anniversary was held at the Ayala Museum, where guests were first transported to Italy via a delightful indoor garden installation, then ushered to view a great Philippine masterpiece. The venue was transformed into a lush Italian garden playfully adorned with SMEG appliances like an art installation reminiscent of the Emilia Romagna region. It was filled with lemon trees, flowers and verdant greens that came alive with the stunning colors of SMEG appliances showcased as pieces of art. Then, guests were ushered to an exclusive preview of a great Philippine masterpiece -- Juan Luna’s long-lost artwork, “Hymen, oh Hyménée.” This prized work by Luna stayed with him for a decade until his death in Hong Kong in 1899, when it mysteriously vanished. Italian ambassador to the Philippines, Marco Clemente, and SMEG Export director for Asia Matteo Lupi graced the event. Business leaders from the Italian Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines and stalwarts from the country’s property development, design and architecture industries were also present. “Our brand’s commitment to outstanding design and quality remains,” said Karen, SMEG Philippine creative director. “SMEG technology is very important and unique. It’s energy saving. It’s a big plus.” SMEG Philippines continues to push the envelope in terms of design and innovation. The long tradition and history, combined with new creations continue to bring even better SMEG appliances to more homes. “For the next 16 years or maybe not just 16 but many more years, we continue to innovate and market the brand. We always want to think out of the box and that’s the spirit of SMEG — artistic, high quality and unexpected,” Karen concluded. The post Iconic Italian home brand marks 16 years in Phl appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DTI to LGUs: Comply with PBBM order suspending ‘pass-through’ fees
The Department of Industry on Saturday urged local government units to “religiously comply” with the provisions of Executive Order 41 suspending “pass-through fees” for goods transport vehicles on national roads. In a news forum, DTI Undersecretary Kim Lokin said the order “will not only promote ease of doing business, but it will also help local businesses to reduce transportation costs." He added that it will directly address the plight of consumers in terms of prices of goods. “We are very grateful to the President… This has been a longstanding issue, not just from the truckers, but even the manufacturers, iyon pong mga local businesses,” Lokin said, citing that the issues regarding the negative impact of “pass-through fees” have been going on since 2006. “It was only this year that it was finally addressed,” he added. Rina Papa, the Alliance of Concerned Truck Owners and Organization vice president, echoed the same sentiments. Papa said they are looking forward to becoming part of the technical working group that will craft the EO’s implementing rules and regulations. She said EO 41 could make goods transporters save at least P30,000 per year on logistics costs in Manila alone — where two major international ports and the largest domestic port are located. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed EO 41 on 25 September, suspending the collection of "pass-through fees" on national roads as well as the collection of sticker fees, discharging fees, delivery fees, market fees, toll fees, entry fees or mayor’s permit fees for all motor vehicles. Papa also hoped that roads leading to business centers and manufacturing sites would also be covered by the President’s order. The post DTI to LGUs: Comply with PBBM order suspending ‘pass-through’ fees appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Homebuyers shifting to mixed-used properties
Mixed-used development, including townships and communities that feature commercial, residential, and recreational areas is commanding strong popularity among homebuyers. The Spectrum, a mixed-used condominium development, has gained recognition for its top-tier housing options. It was named “Mixed-Use Development of the Year—Luzon” at the prestigious Lamudi Outlook Awards 2023. The Spectrum’s win not only solidifies its status in the real estate industry but also highlights the Ortigas Central Business District as a prime site for mixed-use developments. Located on Julia Vargas Avenue corner of Garnet Road, The Spectrum places its residents right at the heart of the Ortigas CBD, and close to the best lifestyle destinations that urbanites seek. Teresa Tumbaga, division head, asserts that the recognition given by the Lamudi’s Outlook Award 2023, sets the stage for even greater prospects for The Spectrum and its role in Luzon’s urban development. “We are immensely proud of this achievement, which will spur us to craft even more exceptional living spaces for Filipino urban professionals in the metropolis and beyond.” Indeed, with The Spectrum’s proximity to multiple leisure dining, shopping and entertainment options, residents are spoiled for choice. The development is within striking distance of multi-national companies’ corporate headquarters, upscale hotels and restaurants, sprawling shopping malls, hospitals like Medical City, and some of the country’s renowned learning institutions like Saint Pedro Poveda College, La Salle Greenhills, and the University of Asia and the Pacific. The Ortigas CBD is likewise strategically close to the Makati CBD and BGC towards the south and the Araneta City towards the north. Still, while The Spectrum provides its homeowners with a prestigious address, equally important is how the condo features trademark amenities that include enhanced security measures; walkable swathes of greenery and landscaped spaces; swimming pools; fitness centers, and children’s play areas. “If you covet the ultimate condo lifestyle, look no further than The Spectrum, which lies at the crossroads of luxury and convenience,” Tumbaga enthuses. “On this note, we are gratified to know that Lamudi Philippines, a leading digital real estate marketplace, has found The Spectrum deserving of its Outlook Awards this year.” The post Homebuyers shifting to mixed-used properties appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
SBCorp. to lenders: Patience is a virtue
The president of Small Business Corporation, the lending arm of the Department of Trade and Industry, has advised entrepreneur lenders to understand the meticulous procedures of getting a loan from the government, as ushering financial help needs patience because it is not a joke to release funds for them. It is due to the fact that despite the available programs and funds from the government, micro, small and medium enterprises still resort to lending money from loan sharks, particularly those involved in the “5-6” scheme. “First, we need to tell our small businesses to have patience in applying for loans from the government, as some Filipino lenders are used to “instant notification”. Also, some of our lenders, particularly those that are already aging, are technologically challenged. They are easy to get tired of inputting information needed when the transaction is online,” SBCorp. president Robert Bastillo said during the DAILY TRIBUNE’s digital show Straight Talk. Meticulous procedures Bastillo explained that they need to onboard meticulous procedures and requirements because they are being supervised by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, just like banking institutions. “The process is actually short if loans are only petty. We can process the account as fast as one week. We are communicating with lenders through email which is why they must diligently check their emails. Also, another problem is that lenders have no clear signals and internet,” he said. He said interventions from the government are indeed needed, particularly the provision of good Internet connection, in order for these lenders, especially in the far-flung provinces, to have access to the government’s financial aid. Despite this, Bastillo said SBCorp. is continuously making some interventions to draw in more lenders to their programs, particularly those marginalized. “When we did rounds to the poorest municipalities, almost half of them had poor Internet connectivity, while 15 percent had no Internet connection at all. If they are having a hard time applying, the DTI has Negosyo Centers all over the country that can cater to their needs. DTI has Negosyo Centers in 1,300 municipalities,” he said. The post SBCorp. to lenders: Patience is a virtue appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bayani Fernando, a true public servant (1)
On 22 September 2023, in a freak and unfortunate accident, the country lost a man who spent much of his life in dedicated public service. Bayani Fernando, a popular, beloved three-term mayor, a two-term Congressman of Marikina, a few months Secretary of Public Works, and an eight-year Chairman of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, passed away at age 77, creating a vacuum in the kind of leadership exercised by, unfortunately, a few public servants. In a toxic atmosphere of politics, his entry into public service was a refreshing gust of wind. Putting aside his business interests (he founded the BF Group of Companies, engaged in construction, steel, manufacturing, and real estate), he plunged head-on to an unfamiliar terrain. He lost in his first try and emerged victorious in his second. Thereafter, he carved a name for himself as a strict, disciplinarian and creative Mayor of Marikina for three consecutive terms. He has become a legend in local administration. He transformed Marikina from a 4th class municipality to a model city of cleanliness and orderliness, receiving citation after citation in different fields of endeavor. As Mayor, he launched a crusade against all forms of transgressions of law. He stopped illegal vending and destroyed the confiscated food and merchandise to show he meant business. He instilled discipline among the employees. He made the dirty and odorous public toilets in City Hall look and smell like hotel restrooms. He re-settled the informal settlers, not by transferring them to other cities but by providing them with lands and shelter inside the city. Bayan as he is called by his pretty and equally dedicated public servant wife, Marides Carlos- Fernando, dredged the Marikina River of filth and garbage, developed the banks into flood control outlets, and converted both sides of the river as a park. He commenced massive repairs and cementing of roads. He built an efficient drainage system and created sidewalks all over Marikina. He established health centers in the barangays. He enforced the law on everyone, exempting no one. He removed illegally parked vehicles and enforced traffic rules strictly. He made the public market clean and stalls orderly and sectionalized. Garbage was regularly collected. Public service became efficient and prompt. Employees were courteous and sported smiles as they rendered service to Marikeños. Under his watch, the economy of Marikina grew. His other half, a UP product, from whom he derived his inspiration to serve faithfully Marikina, continued the caring Fernando kind of governance. He brought his creative and authoritative leadership as Chairman of the Metropolitan Development Authority to Metro Manila. He brought back the sidewalks to the pedestrians, which were invaded by vendors selling their wares. He forcibly evicted squatters along the railroad tracks, esteros, and those living under the bridge. He made innovative projects that dramatically lessened the chaos that used to vex Metro Manilas. He improved on the nightmarish traffic congestion. He introduced the U-turn slots and constructed food bridges that made crossing the streets convenient and safe. He was a hands-on government worker, ensuring the projects he initiated ran smoothly, and those implementing them were on their toes. He didn’t back down from pressures and resistance coming from powerful politicians and businessmen. He didn’t leave anything to chance or rely on the people he tasked to do a particular job. He had to be there inspecting, correcting, and innovating on anything he put his mind to. Tragically, this admirable character trait brought him to his demise. (To be continued) The post Bayani Fernando, a true public servant (1) appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Biden jumps into auto strike bandwagon
The US auto workers union extended its strike against two of Detroit’s “Big Three” on Friday, and President Joe Biden signaled his intention to join the picket line in support of the workers or, some say, in aid of his reelection. At noon on Friday, 5,600 United Auto Workers union members joined the spectacular worker walkout from the previous week by leaving 38 US parts and distribution centers owned by General Motors and Stellantis. Although the UAW has portrayed its campaign as an effort to level the playing field economically for the working class, Friday’s events also highlighted the high political stakes, as Biden’s visit occurred only one day before a tour by Republican candidate Donald Trump was scheduled. UAW President Shawn Fain stated that the next action would affect 20 states and target Stellantis and General Motors facilities, with whom negotiations had broken down. In a conference, Fain stated, “We’re not going to wait around forever for fair contracts at the Big Three.” Fain said that because of advancements in the company’s negotiations, Ford will escape the most recent strike escalation. Biden was invited by Fain to join the picket line, telling him that the best way he could help was by strengthening their movement and demonstrating to the corporations that the public supports them. By dusk, the president had revealed his scheme on X, formerly known as Twitter. Tuesday, Biden said, “I’ll travel to Michigan to join the picket line and show my support for the UAW’s men and women as they struggle for a fair share of the value they helped create.” “It’s time for a win-win deal that keeps UAW jobs paying well and American auto manufacturing thriving.” Trump, too The trip will be the US president’s most recent to the heart of the car industry in America. Alongside GM CEO Mary Barra, Ford CEO Jim Farley, and other leaders, he has attended the 2022 Detroit Auto Show and significant project unveilings. In an effort to win over working-class voters, former president Trump had planned to visit Michigan the day before Biden’s trip. Fain claimed that by bringing back a cost-of-living factor that had been discontinued in 2009, Ford had enhanced earlier ideas. Additionally, the corporation provided a better profit-sharing program, the immediate promotion of temporary workers to full-time status, and the union’s right to go on strike in protest of plant closures. Fain asserted, “We’re not done at Ford,” adding that the business was “serious about reaching a deal.” With AFP The post Biden jumps into auto strike bandwagon appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go provides more support to TESDA graduates in Negros Occidental
Senator Bong Go congratulated Technical Education and Skills Development Authority trainees who graduated in Victorias City, Negros Occidental on Friday, 15 September. During the program held at the Victorias City Training Center, in partnership with E-Tech Global Training Academy, Go’s team provided shirts, grocery packs, and snacks to 75 graduates. In his video message, the senator seized the opportunity to applaud the graduates for their dedication and resilience in successfully accomplishing their training programs. “Binabati ko po ang lahat ng mga graduates ng Technical Education and Skills Development Authority ngayong araw na ito. Malaking tagumpay po ito para sa inyong lahat dulot ng inyong mga pagsisikap upang makumpleto ang inyong pag-aaral,” said Go. The senator also underscored the significance of vocational education in empowering individuals and fostering the progress of communities. He recognized the role played by TESDA in delivering accessible and high-quality training programs that equip Filipinos with the necessary skills to attain improved job prospects and actively participate in the country’s economic development. “We need more skilled workers in various industries, and I encourage you graduates to use your newly acquired skills to help our country's economy grow. You are now equipped to contribute to our society and make a positive impact in your respective communities,” Go encouraged. "Your hard work and commitment to honing your skills have not gone unnoticed. Today, you stand as a testament to the power of determination and the transformative impact of vocational education. I commend each and every one of you for your achievements," he added. Meanwhile, Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography encouraged the public to seek the assistance of the Malasakit Center located at the Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital located in Bacolod City. Go, principal author and sponsor of the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, has championed the cause of providing convenient access to medical assistance programs for particularly poor and indigent patients. Currently, there are 159 Malasakit Centers established throughout the nation, which have already assisted more than seven million Filipinos, as reported by DOH. Go, vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, has backed numerous initiatives aimed at fostering economic growth and raising the standards of public service delivery within the province. These include the construction of a revetment, multi-purpose public facilities, and several road maintenance initiatives in Bacolod City; and the construction of a multi-purpose building and concreting of a local road in the town of Don Salvador Benedicto. Other initiatives that Go pushed for include the construction of multi-purpose buildings in Calatrava and Himamaylan City; road maintenance in Bago City; and construction of a new infectious diseases wing at the Teresita L. Jalandoni Provincial Hospital in Silay City. Last 25 August, Go’s team provided assistance to struggling small business owners in Cauayan. The post Bong Go provides more support to TESDA graduates in Negros Occidental appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go provides help to micro-entrepreneurs in flood-hit General Santos City
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go continues efforts to help boost the economic recovery of communities affected by calamities and other crises. His team delivered aid to flood-stricken micro-entrepreneurs in General Santos City on Thursday, 14 September. Go’s team held the relief operation at the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) office. Eight small business owners received masks, vitamins, shirts, snacks, and balls for basketball and volleyball while there were also select recipients of shoes from Go. Meanwhile, with the aim of bolstering local communities and nurturing economic recovery, DTI distributed livelihood kits to provide additional support for the recovery of affected micro-businesses. “Ang programang ito ay ating isinulong noong administrasyon ni dating pangulong Duterte at patuloy na sinusuportahan ngayon para maipagpatuloy ang pagtulong sa ating maliliit na negosyante na naapektuhan ng sakuna at krisis,” Go said. “Tuturuan ang mga benepisyaryo na magnegosyo at bibigyan ng negosyo kits para palaguin ito. Masarap sa pakiramdam kapag pinaghirapan at pinagpawisan mo ang iyong negosyo at napalago mo ito. Ang maayos na kabuhayan ang isa sa mga magiging susi sa pagginhawa ng pamumuhay ng iyong pamilya,” he explained further. Moreover, Go reiterated his push for the passage of Senate Bill No. 188, which seeks to establish the Department of Disaster Resilience (DDR), The proposed SBN 188 aims to establish a Cabinet-secretary-level department to develop holistic measures for better disaster preparedness. In his video message, Go highlighted that, if established, the DDR would focus on three critical areas: disaster risk reduction, disaster preparedness and response, and recovery and building forward better. By concentrating on these significant aspects, the proposed department aims to improve the country's ability to mitigate risks, effectively respond to disasters, and facilitate a sustainable recovery process for affected communities. “Parati po akong umiikot sa buong Pilipinas dahil ‘yan po ang aking pangako, pupuntahan ko po kayo basta kaya ng oras at panahon ko… Sunog, lindol, baha, buhawi, putok ng bulkan pinuntahan ko po iyan lahat para makatulong sa abot ng aking makakaya, makabigay ng solusyon sa problema nila, makabigay ng proyekto na makakabenepisyo sa lugar, at makapag-iwan po ng kaunting ngiti sa panahon ng inyong pagdadalamhati,” he said. As chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, Go reached out to residents with health concerns and advised them that they may visit the Malasakit Centers at Dr. Jorge P. Royeca Hospital in the city or South Cotabato Provincial Hospital in nearby Koronadal City. Go principally authored and sponsored Republic Act No. 11463, also known as the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019. The center is a one-stop shop where poor and indigent patients may take advantage of the medical assistance programs offered by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, and Philippine Health Insurance Corporation. To date, there are now 159 Malasakit Centers nationwide. Apart from the Malasakit Centers, Go has also been pushing for the establishment of more Super Health Centers across the country. In General Santos City, two Super Health Centers have been funded to be established. The Super Health Centers offer basic medical services, such as database management, out-patient, birthing, isolation, isolation, diagnostic (laboratory: x-ray, ultrasound), pharmacy, and ambulatory surgical unit. Other available services are eye, ear, nose, and throat (EENT) service, oncology centers, physical therapy and rehabilitation centers, and telemedicine, through which remote diagnosis and treatment of patients are made possible. “Sa mga kapatid ko, sa mga kapitbahay ko, mag-ingat kayo parati at magdasal tayo. Nandito lang kaming mga lingkod-bayan niyo at handang magserbisyo sa inyong lahat sa abot ng aming makakaya, puntahan niyo lang kami at handa kaming magserbisyo sa inyo sa abot ng aming makakaya,” said Go. As vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, Go has also supported several projects in the province including the construction of roads in Banga, Lake Sebu, Norala, Tantangan, and Surallah; acquisition of a dump truck for the local government of Norala; construction of riverbank protection in Koronadal City and T’boli; installation of street lights in Koronadal City, Norala and Tupi; and the construction of a slaughterhouse in T’boli. On the same day, Go’s team also provided similar assistance to micro-entrepreneurs also affected by heavy rains in Lutayan and Columbio, Sultan Kudarat. The post Bong Go provides help to micro-entrepreneurs in flood-hit General Santos City appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»