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One more city in Philippines declares pertussis outbreak
MANILA, March 25 (Xinhua) -- The government of Iloilo, a city in central Philippines, on Monday declared an outbreak of pertussis after it confirmed seven out of 15 reported cases, the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said. Iloilo is the third city to declare an outbreak of pertussis, or whopping cough, after Quezon and Pasig, two cities in the capital region, announced last week that they hav.....»»
Why planned power boost to Cebu Island welcomed and needed
MANDAUE CITY, Cebu — A business leader in Cebu’s industrial and logistics hub welcomes a firm’s plan to give the island a power boost with its planned expansion and construction of its power facilities. Mark Ynoc, incoming president of the Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI), told CDN Digital in a message, why the.....»»
Lamitan City’s 6th seal of good local governance eyed to boost local investment climate
The local government unit of Lamitan City in Basilan province got its sixth Seal of Good Local Governance from the central office of the local government department, many in the business sector consider a big boost to the area’s investment climate......»»
Iloilo appeals to break stalemate in port dev’t, privatization
The Iloilo government is asking the Department of Transportation or DoTr, the mother agency of the Philippine Ports Authority or PPA, to help hasten the privatization and overhaul of the Iloilo Commercial Port Complex, which could catalyze economic growth in the city. Speaking to reporters on Friday, Iloilo City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas said a much-needed Public-Private Partnership will facilitate a more efficient trade and faster supply chain movement across the city. "Together with the business community, we have been pushing for the development of our ports — both airport and seaports. There was an offer from the ICTSI (International Container Terminal Services, Inc.) for our port but it is not moving," Treñas told reporters. The Iloilo City Local Development Council Executive Committee through Resolution No. 1 Series of 2021 had already endorsed the unsolicited proposal of the ICTSI to the National Economic Development Authority for review and approval. Yet, the submission has not progressed into a favorable action or result to date. Treñas, who sits as Chairman of the Infrastructure Development Committee of the Regional Development Council, had requested PPA General Manager Jay Daniel R. Santiago to prioritize fund allocation for the city's port development and expansion. In his letter dated 5 September 2023, Treñas cited that Western Visayas recorded the highest economic growth rate among all regions at 9.3 percent, which exceeded the national average of 7.2 percent. However, Treñas lamented that the Iloilo International Port in Barangay Loboc, Lapuz, Iloilo City, has not seen any additional improvements since its establishment in the 70s. Thus, the Iloilo City government reiterated that access to domestic and international transportation and logistics is of utmost importance to boost the sectors of trade, commerce, and tourism. "If ICTSI comes in, we will be able to accommodate more international and domestic vessels and we will have a better RORO (roll-on, roll-off) port. It will also reduce berthing costs," the city mayor said. "I think they presented a proposal to our local economic development office, they proposed to convert it into a container port to improve berthing facilities and add equipment, and I think they want to develop the RORO port. At the moment, we do not have a RORO terminal," he added. Operating 33 terminals in 20 countries across six continents, ICTSI is a global developer, manager, and operator of container terminals in the 50,000 to 3.5 million twenty-foot equivalent units per year range. The post Iloilo appeals to break stalemate in port dev’t, privatization appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
LGUs urged to adopt eBOSS
The Anti-Red Tape Authority on Wednesday encouraged the local government units to comply with the Electronic Business One-Stop Shop or eBOSS to boost the ease of doing business in the Philippines. ARTA Director General Ernesto Perez said that the eBOSS is a program developed by ARTA in partnership with the Department of Information and Communications Technology to provide LGUs with a digitalized and streamlined business processing and licensing system. "The eBOSS makes it easier and faster for businesses to register and obtain permits, which can help to attract more investors and create more jobs," Perez said in a public briefing. Perez added that ARTA is working with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to ensure that all LGUs comply with the eBOSS requirement. "We are providing LGUs with the necessary support and guidance to help them implement the eBOSS. We are also working with the DILG to monitor the compliance of LGUs," Perez said. As of September 2023, only eight out of 17 LGUs in Metro Manila have been verified by ARTA as compliant with eBOSS. Among them are Quezon City, Valenzuela, Marikina, Parañaque, Muntinlupa, and Quezon City, all of which have seen an increase in revenue collection and business registration. Outside Metro Manila, Lapu-Lapu, Cagayan de Oro, and Batangas City have also complied. "We urge all LGUs to comply with the eBOSS requirement. This is not only a legal requirement, but it is also in the best interest of our businesses and our economy," Perez said. ARTA's Partnership with the Civil Service Commission ARTA has also partnered with the Civil Service Commission (CSC) to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of government services. Under the partnership, ARTA and CSC will work together to develop and implement training programs for government employees on anti-red tape and ease of doing business. The partnership is also expected to promote the use of technology to improve government service delivery, Perez said. In addition, he said both ARTA and CSC will monitor and evaluate the performance of government agencies in terms of anti-red tape and ease of doing business. "We believe that this partnership with CSC will be instrumental in our efforts to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of government services," Perez said. "A more efficient and effective government will benefit both businesses and citizens. It will make it easier for businesses to operate and create jobs, and it will make it easier for citizens to access government services," Perez added. The post LGUs urged to adopt eBOSS 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......»»
Living in a highly urbanized city
In all areas of our life, God is there — whether in our family life, business, and social gatherings, or even in the administration of a province — yes, God is there; God is with us. Today, while the prices of basic commodities and petroleum products continue to rise, we can experience the presence of God. For example, in the province of Bulacan, we can say that God is there because of the developments undertaken by the provincial government under the leadership of its governor, the Honorable Daniel Fernando. Along with local executives of each city of the province, Governor Fernando, since his assumption to office, has implemented various developments. We can see that all his endeavors are geared towards making every city of the province “highly urbanized,” and among these is the City of San Jose del Monte. The changes in the province of Bulacan have been remarkable. Under Fernando’s watch, the Manila International Airport in Bulacan is being constructed, one of the major projects of the governor. The influx of businesses in every city of the province proves Bulakeños have confidence in the governor’s leadership. As one observer said, Bulacan’s progress is seen under the administration of Governor Daniel Fernando. For instance, San Joseños are grateful for the provincial government’s support to turn San Jose del Monte into a fully and highly urbanized city, one of the prize-winning cities of the province. I witness this because every time I visit our mission in Montalban (Rodriguez), Rizal, I have to pass by SJDM. The Bulacan government believes that once SJDM becomes a “highly urbanized city,” there will be more business opportunities, more jobs, quality service, and a much better life for its residents. I believe the neighboring cities and a portion of Rizal province will also benefit. Why? Because as a “highly urbanized city,” the people around it would also be assured of better services. The residents of SJDM have only to vote “yes” in a plebiscite to the proposal of the local government to turn SJDM into a “highly urbanized city.” I challenge the people of SJDM to study the positive results and the consequences of agreeing with their local government to the proposal. San Jose Del Monte City Mayor Arthur Robes said more funds coming into the city would increase the number of investors, boost its infrastructure, improve its education system, provide more jobs, and attract tourists. He said they have only one aim, and that is to improve the lives of San Joseños. He added that being a highly urbanized city would result in more immediate oversight of local policies, regulations, and decision-making. He said this would help the town grow and develop through careful planning and management. In December 2020, former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte proclaimed the city of San Jose del Monte a highly urbanized city by Proclamation No. 1057. Its residents can now make it a reality. The post Living in a highly urbanized city appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PBBM will attend Nov. APEC summit
JAKARTA, Indonesia — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is set to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit in San Francisco, California in November where he is expected to meet with other leaders of APEC member economies, as well as potential investors from Silicon Valley. In a chance interview with reporters here late Tuesday evening, Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez said the US will host the meeting from 15 to 18 November. Romualdez said Marcos is also planning to visit another city on the West Coast after the summit, and possibly make a stopover in Honolulu, Hawaii. “The President would like to have a lot of meetings with potential investors once again. There’s a lot of interest in the Philippines now from many companies,” he said. Romualdez said Marcos is particularly interested in meeting with tech companies and financial institutions in Silicon Valley. “The Silicon Valley tech companies are very eager to meet with him. There’s also quite a number of requests from financial institutions. There are also companies in the manufacturing business on the West Coast, and probably a follow-up on the modular nuclear power plants that we’ve been talking about,” Romualdez said. The APEC Summit is an annual meeting of leaders from 21 economies in the Asia-Pacific region. The summit is designed to promote economic cooperation and trade in the region. Marcos’ participation in the APEC Summit is seen as an opportunity to boost the Philippines’ economic relations with the United States and other APEC member economies. It is also seen as an opportunity to attract foreign investment to the Philippines. Should President Marcos’ visit to California push through, it will be his third trip to the US since he took office in June 2022. He visited Washington, D.C., on a five-day working visit last May and New York City for the United Nations General Assembly in September 2022. The post PBBM will attend Nov. APEC summit appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PBBM will join APEC Summit in California
JAKARTA, Indonesia — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is set to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in San Francisco, California in November to meet with other leaders of APEC member economies, as well as potential investors from Silicon Valley. In a chance interview with reporters late Tuesday evening, Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel "Babe" Romualdez said the United States will hold the meeting from 15 to 18 November. Romualdez said that Marcos is also planning to visit another city on the West Coast after the summit, and possibly make a short stopover in Honolulu, Hawaii. "The President would like to have a lot of meetings with potential investors once again. There's a lot of interest in the Philippines now from many companies," Romualdez said. Romualdez said that Marcos is particularly interested in meeting with tech companies and other institutions from Silicon Valley. "The Silicon Valley tech companies are very eager to meet with him. There's also quite a number of requests from financial institutions. There are also companies in the manufacturing business in the West Coast, and probably a follow-up on the modular nuclear power plants that we've been talking about," Romualdez said. The APEC Summit is an annual meeting of leaders from 21 economies in the Asia-Pacific region. The summit is designed to promote economic cooperation and trade in the region. Marcos's participation in the APEC Summit is seen as an opportunity to boost the Philippines' economic relations with the United States and other APEC member economies. It is also seen as an opportunity to attract foreign investment to the Philippines. Should President Marcos' visit to California push through later this year, it will be his third since he took office in June 2022. He previously visited Washington, D.C., for a five-day working visit last May and New York City for the United Nations General Assembly in September 2022. The post PBBM will join APEC Summit in California appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
OTOP bill seen helping MSMEs, local products
Senator Mark Villar on Tuesday thanked President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for signing the One Town, One Product, or OTOP, bill which will greatly help the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Sector or MSMEs in the country. Villar said the newly enacted OTOP law will also boost the promotion of local products. Marcos signed the OTOP bill on 24 August which authorizes the Department of Trade and Industry to establish the OTOP Philippines Trustmark, an assurance that the products under the program represent the country’s best merchandise. Villar said the OTOP Philippines Trustmark signifies business and products are “excellent in terms of quality, design, value and marketability.” The law covers all the OTOP Philippines programs including local delicacies, agricultural-based products, artisanal crafts, and skills-based services that can only be found in the country. Bill seeks rural upliftment Villar underscored that the OTOP law is also envisioned to assist rural communities in growing the local economy and promote the convergence of initiatives from local government units, national government agencies, and the private sector in developing and promoting Philippine products. Under the newly enacted law, the regional and provincial offices of the DTI shall, in cooperation with the concerned LGUs, determine the beneficiaries of the OTOP Program based on the qualifications and standards in place. Beneficiaries will be provided a comprehensive package of assistance covering areas of product development, product design, packaging and labeling assistance, technology updating, and product enhancement. On the other hand, the DTI and the Department of Science and Technology will be in charge of providing capacity building through training opportunities, standards and market compliance, market access, and product promotion. Villar said all LGUs must establish their own local OTOP Hub in any location that has high foot traffic of consumers, preferably in the city or municipal hall. The post OTOP bill seen helping MSMEs, local products appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Recently enacted OTOP bill to aid MSMEs, boosts Phl products
The One Town, One Product bill will greatly help the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Sector or MSMEs in the country. “Gusto po natin ipaalam sa ating mga kababayan lalo na sa mga local MSMEs and consumers na batas na po ang One Town, One Product,” said Senator Mark Villar. The newly enactyed OTOP law will also boost the promotion of Philippine local products. Marcos signed the OTOP bill into law on 24 August which authorizes the Department of Trade and Industry to establish the OTOP Philippines Trustmark, an assurance that the products under the program represent the country's best merchandise. The OTOP Philippines Trustmark shall signify that the business and products have been marked as “excellent in terms of quality, design, value, and marketability," Villar said. The law covers all the OTOP Philippines programs including local delicacies, agricultural-based products, artisanal crafts, and skills-based services that can only be found in the country. Villar underscored that the OTOP law is also envisioned to assist rural communities in growing the local economy and promote the convergence of initiatives from local government units, national government agencies, and the private sector in developing and promoting Philippine products. Under the newly enacted law, the regional and provincial offices of the DTI shall, in cooperation with the concerned LGUs, determine the beneficiaries of the OTOP Program based on the qualifications and standards in place. Beneficiaries will be provided a comprehensive package of assistance covering areas of product development, product design, packaging and labeling assistance, technology updating, and product enhancement. On the other hand, the DTI and the Department of Science and Technology will be in charge of providing capacity building through training opportunities, Standards and Market Compliance, Market Access, and Product Promotion. The law also creates the OTOP Philippines Hubs, which will be strategically located in ports of entry such as airports, seaports, bus terminals, high-traffic retail outlets like malls, tourist destinations, and other consumer-frequented locations. LGUs must establish their own local OTOP Hub in any location that has high foot traffic of consumers, preferably in the city or municipal hall. The post Recently enacted OTOP bill to aid MSMEs, boosts Phl products appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
‘Bleisure’ experience to boost community economy
Lanson Place Mall of Asia, strategically located near shopping, entertainment, and business hubs in the city and boasts 389 units designed for both long and short stays and offering a range of dining outlets, is set to become a must-visit destination offering unparalleled “bleisure” experience, as well as effectively aligning itself with a national initiative of fostering economic growth and community development. The property offers prime business opportunities with tremendous growth potential for the local communities. Initially, the project generated 185 positions during pre-opening and is expected to reach over 220 once operation begins. This team is almost exclusively Filipino, emphasizing the project’s positive impact on the local community and the number of local jobs created. “The true success of Lanson Place Mall of Asia lies in the unwavering dedication of its exceptional workforce and the unparalleled service they provide to every guest. Beyond the bricks and mortar, the thriving community spirit fostered by the staff sets this establishment apart. Their commitment to being devoted hosts creates an environment where guests feel welcomed, cherished, and truly at home,” said Laurent Boisdron, the vice president and general manager of Lanson Place Mall of Asia. In addition to contributing to the country’s labor market, Lanson Place is committed to supporting local businesses and positively impacting the Philippine economy. By partnering with local suppliers, vendors, artists and talents, Lanson Place embraces the unique cultural richness of the Philippines to complement its status as a world-renowned hotel and serviced apartment brand. Redefining authentic hospitality Lanson Place offers an oasis of calm where guests can find genuine human connection and a sense of belonging. The Lanson Place team genuinely cares about each guest’s well-being, seeking to make their stay comfortable and transformative through their different facilities, services, and staff interactions. The management team has provided several training and development programs to help staff adjust quickly and efficiently. This includes initiatives like new systems training and sustainability programs anchored with SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. Additionally, the property will periodically accept internships or partnerships with schools to better support the local community in the future. Boisdron shared that a critical aspect of their partnership approach for collaboration between the property and local suppliers is their affiliation with SM Central Procurement. “All vendors we work with are accredited by SM, which opens opportunities for them to partner with our company in the future,” he said. “This affiliation not only provides our suppliers with added credibility but also strengthens our commitment to supporting local businesses and the local economy.” Reducing carbon footprint The local partnerships and collaborations promote sustainability by reducing the carbon footprint associated with long-distance sourcing and supporting the livelihoods of local businesses and artisans. A partnership with the Lanson Place brand also gives small businesses networking advantages and a platform to showcase their products and services. These can serve them well in the future, considering this entails growth, recognition and sustainability in the local market. The property also promotes mutually benefiting partnerships and stresses transparency and proper ethics are practiced for every partner. Once Lanson Place Mall of Asia opens its doors to the public, guests will be greeted with genuine warmth and personalized service expected from the Lanson Place brand. The property will have 247 hotel rooms, 142 serviced residences, and amenities like a state-of-the-art fitness center and rooftop infinity pool. It will also boast an exceptional dining experience at Cyan Modern Kitchen, Lanson Place Mall of Asia’s signature restaurant. With a menu crafted by skilled chefs and a warm and elegant ambiance, Cyan Modern Kitchen will be the perfect venue for memorable dining moments. While the complete hotel opening is yet to come, introductory offers for stays are currently available. Guests can enjoy an exclusive advanced booking offer for stays booked between 2 October and 30 November. The post ‘Bleisure’ experience to boost community economy appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Larone Crafts’ trendy Filipino handbags make waves in Europe
Jennifer Lo is living proof that an eye for aesthetics can be inherited. Based in Makati City, Metro Manila, the third-generation entrepreneur has carried on her family’s business of handicrafts—Larone Crafts, registered in 1984. Growing up, she helped her mother during trade shows, observing how business was conducted with foreign buyers and taking minutes of business meetings. After completing a short course on Manufacturing Management at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles in 2006, she worked with various fashion companies before coming back to the Philippines to help in her mother’s handbag business. “I’m the steward of my parents’ and grandparents’ hard work. My goal is to make the business sustainable for another 20 years,” said Jennifer, who operates out of a compact 500-square-meter office that includes a production area and warehouse on the top floor. Larone Crafts’ designs are modern but remain true to Pinoy traditions by incorporating Tinalak weaves and the woven fabric Inabel. Natural plant fibers such as abaca, raffia and seagrass sourced from all around the Philippines add an indigenous charm to the products. The results are timeless accessories that buyers can keep in their wardrobe season after season. “The bags are meant to be used all year round. We do not make items that are just for a certain season to be thrown away the next. We manufacture them to last," said Jennifer. Among Larone Crafts’ handbags, the signature hand-embroidered clutch bags are a particular hit with buyers. Larone Crafts' agility to keep abreast with technological advancements and design trends has kept it exporting successfully over the years. The company’s first exports were made in 1984 to the USA. Back then, Jennifer was only three years old. “I can see how conducting international business at a time when the Internet was not yet existing must have been quite a challenge,” she said. In 2009, when Jennifer joined the company, she continued to step up to evolving market trends. “Smaller niche brands were coming into the field. Rather than large containers of orders with thousands of pieces of the same style, orders of several styles and colors in a few hundred pieces were preferred,” she recalled. In 2022, following the pandemic, 3 percent of Larone’s customers were from the European Union, 90 percent from the USA and the rest a mix from other countries. For a long time, the only way to start an international business was through participation in trade fairs, which is not an easy thing to do alone. The company has been part of the Manila FAME almost every year since the 1980s. Showing at Maison et Objet, NY Now and Ambiente over the last 10 years has also been fruitful. “We received support from the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions, the export promotion arm of the Philippine government’s Department of Trade and Industry, to participate in international trade shows in the EU and in the USA. Before the internet and emails, this was the only way of gaining new overseas customers.” Jennifer feels that her company’s participation in these trade shows has been instrumental in reaching customers, particularly in the EU. Trade shows boost market research, linkages, design aesthetics and competitiveness. She emphasized that CITEM’s support in terms of product design, booth design and implementation, and pre-show marketing has been invaluable in upgrading her business. “These are all high costs that would be difficult for our small business to absorb when initially trying to enter into a new market.” Jennifer sees many benefits from the EU Generalized System of Preference Plus (GSP+). “The EU GSP + makes our products more competitive in the EU market by reducing the cost of importing our goods into the country for our buyers. It improves access to the 27 countries in the EU.” Larone Crafts is already exporting to Spain and the Netherlands, with samples sent recently to Italy which are expected to generate more orders. “The EU is an attractive export market for our company because of the ease of doing business with their bilingual teams, the market’s love for sustainable, handmade and natural products, and the favorable trade policies such as the GSP+.” As Jennifer works towards expanding her product assortment in home and lifestyle products, she is cognizant of those who work for her. Depending upon the volume of orders, in any given season, she employs approximately 100 workers. She not only retained artisan families from her mother’s time, but also sources from small businesses that employ women. “We work with weavers and artisans in their communities from all over the Philippines, giving them a reliable livelihood and helping to preserve the region’s traditional crafts.” The ARISE Plus Philippines project is enabling Philippine exporters to take advantage of European Union market access and the trade privileges granted under the GSP+. It supports the overall EU-Philippines trade relationship and trade-related policies. ARISE Plus Philippines is a project of the Government of the Philippines, with the Department of Trade and Industry as lead partner together with the Department of Agriculture, Food and Drug Administration, Bureau of Customs, the Department of Science and Technology, as well as the private sector. It is funded by the EU, with the International Trade Centre as the technical agency for the project. The post Larone Crafts’ trendy Filipino handbags make waves in Europe appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Manhattan of Pasay City (3)
The iconic Manhattan of Pasay City along Manila Bay, world-class and impressive, well-planned and eco-friendly, is set to affirm the city’s reputation as the first “Eco-City” in the Philippines. To date, the project has reclaimed more than 117 hectares of submerged lands above water, a testament to the technical capabilities and synergy of the Pasay Harbor City Corporation and its EPC contractor, Netherlands-based Royal Boskalis Westminster N.V. — one of the world’s top dredging companies. The project is set to be completed a decade and a half from today, with its horizontal development, including roads, bridges, drainage water, power, sewerage, communications, and other primary utilities and facilities. Pasay Harbor City Corporation or PHCC, the joint venture partner of the City of Pasay for the 265-hectare Pasay Reclamation Project with a closed P57-billion syndicated loan agreement, with five of the country’s largest banking institutions. With the loan in place, PHCC has secured funding for the completion of the project, the future site of Metro Manila’s premier central business district by the bay. The project is part of the Pasay Eco City Grand Vision to build a sustainable, eco-friendly, and world-class metropolis consistent with its mission to promote the quality of life of its people. The signing was led by PHCC’s chairman Carlos S. Gonzalez, its president Manuel S. Gonzalez, and counsels, Atty. Roan Libarios of Libra Law and Atty. Santiago T. Gabionza Jr. of VGD Law. This investment is a much-needed boost to the economy still saddled by the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic by creating jobs and economic multipliers and positioning Pasay as the next leading business, investment, and tourism hub in the country. The loan agreement was made possible due to the approvals of the bank lenders following months of required due diligence, particularly, PNB Capital led by its president/ CEO Gerry B. Valenciano and PNB executive vice president Cenon C. Audencial Jr.; BDO Unibank led by executive vice president Jeannette S. Javellana; Metrobank led by First Vice President Christopher Hector L. Reyes and First Vice President Mercedes P. Uyboco; Landbank led by Senior Vice President Gonzalo Benjamin A. Bongolan; DBP led by President/ CEO Emmanuel G. Herbosa; and the Lenders’ Counsel, Marievic G. Ramos-Añonuevo of SyCip Salazar Hernandez and Gatmaitan. The solid, visible, and incontrovertible proof of the completion of the project is the stunning success of the Mall of Asia, as envisioned by its father, the late visionary and father of the global metropolis of Pasay, Mayor Duay Calixto. For indeed, one can just marvel at the great transformation of the reclaimed area, now the home of SM and Mall of Asia. Manhattan of Pasay City is following Mayor Duay’s vision which turned into reality when Pasay City, in 2015 alone, earned P3.2 billion in real property taxes, business and work permits. With the project in progress, the city could double or even triple its income in taxes alone. The integrity and quality of workmanship in the erection of the iconic project are assured by the technical capability of the EPC contractor Netherlands-based Royal Boskalis Westminster N.V., one of the world’s top dredging companies. The Netherlands is a country built partly on reclaimed land by dredging companies with the likeness of the firm hired by the planners of the iconic Manhattan Tower in Pasay City. The post Manhattan of Pasay City (3) appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Aboitiz Group furthers ‘Great Transformation’ into 2023
The Aboitiz Group has seen exceptional performance in the first half of 2023, showcasing its "Great Transformation" into the Philippines’ first techglomerate. Leveraging innovation as well as synergies across its diverse business portfolio, the group has solidified its position as a trailblazer of industry. With a strong foundation in place, the Aboitiz Group eagerly sets its sights on forthcoming projects that promise further success and innovation. AboitizPower. The Aboitiz Group’s holdings in power generation and distribution, AboitizPower, continues to support the country’s energy transition and socioeconomic development with its diverse portfolio of thermal and renewable energy power plants, as well as internationally certified asset management capabilities from its distribution utilities. With close to 1,000 megawatts (MW) of ongoing and disclosed energy projects, it is en route to accomplishing its 10-year growth strategy of having at least 9,200 MW in its generation portfolio equally split between RE and thermal sources of energy by the next decade. This journey includes the development of the 17 MW Tiwi Binary Geothermal Power Plant, the 94 MW Cayanga-Bugallon solar facility, and the 167 MW Laoag solar facility. AboitizPower is also looking to begin the construction of its Calatrava Solar project and Olongapo Solar project within the year. These RE investments are complemented by other developments in Battery Energy Storage Systems, like the SN Aboitiz Power 24 MW Magat Battery in Isabela, which — much like the commercially operational 49 MW Maco Battery in Davao de Oro — will help provide regulating and contingency reserve power to the country’s grids. Subsidiaries. Meanwhile, subsidiaries Davao Light and Power Company, Visayan Electric Company, Cotabato Light and Power Company and Subic EnerZone Corporation were the first power DUs in the Philippines to be certified with an ISO 55001:2014 certification for Asset Management, an international standard that attests to the efficiency of how they manage the lifecycle of their assets, i.e., power lines, transformers and substations. This validates the reliability of their services and strengthens the uninterrupted provision of electricity in their respective service areas. Efficient asset management is essential for DUs to successfully manage their infrastructure and optimize maintenance and costs, thereby ensuring regulatory compliance and a reliable bridge between transmission lines and businesses, communities and homes. UnionBank. Union Bank of the Philippines continues on its trajectory of becoming a Great Retail Bank as it has consistently been recognized as one of Asia’s leading companies. Among the many recognitions for the 1st half of 2023 that UnionBank has reaped are: Best Retail Bank in Southeast Asia (Cfi.co), 4-time Best Retail Bank in the PH (The Asian Banker) and 6-time Digital Bank of the Year PH (The Asset). In line with its nation-building “Tech-UP Pilipinas” advocacy, UnionBank’s strategic partnerships have been focused on digitization as an essential element for client success. UnionBank’s determination to be an enabler of the Philippines’ bid to be a G20 country by 2050 is apparent as it continues to nurture and grow its diverse client portfolio that includes corporate, MSME, high net worth as well as local and national government entities. As a recognized trailblazer that embraces technological innovations that empower its customers, UnionBank together with its digital banking arm UnionDigital Bank (UnionDigital), fintech arm UBX and thrift arm City Savings Bank (CitySavings) showcased its expertise in artificial intelligence at the first AI Summit PH 2023 last May. The first half of the year also saw UnionBank’s commitment to offering clients amazing and exclusive experiences through partnerships with Live Nation (for world-tour concerts) and GMG productions (for the Hamilton musical). “The investments we made last year have exceeded our expectations. UnionDigital is already profitable after less than a year in operation. There is strong momentum in the acquired credit cards business from Citi. New-to-bank card customers are at a record level. We are geared up to grow our retail banking business. Our infrastructure is ready for scale. We have sufficient capital coming from the recent stock rights offering to further grow our earning asset capital base,” said UnionBank president and CEO Edwin R. Bautista. Aboitiz InfraCapital. Aboitiz InfraCapital remains on track with its purpose of enabling businesses and uplifting communities. AIC Economic Estates maintains its position as the leader in industrial-anchored mixed-use development nationwide, with the largest footprint of developed industrial estates as well as the single largest privately owned industrial estate in Lipa-Malvar, Batangas– LIMA Estate. 2023 marked LIMA Estate’s 25th anniversary, as well as the 30th year of West Cebu Estate in Cebu. These estates are undergoing industrial and commercial expansion to accommodate more locators and create approximately 90,000 employment opportunities. Water business. For AIC’s water business units, Apo Agua can now produce safe and reliable water for the Davao City Water District’s water reservoirs. Apo Agua’s laboratory has also obtained accreditation for drinking water analysis from the Department of Health. AIC's LIMA Water, on the other hand, continues to operationally benefit from its SMART Water Network, leading to reduced fuel consumption and high facility uptime. Digital infrastructure. In the digital infrastructure landscape, Unity Digital Infrastructure completed the first closing of a total of 250 sites from its acquisition of over 1,000 telecom towers from Smart-PLDT and Globe Telecom. Additionally, Unity marked a major milestone by successfully co-locating three Mobile Network Operator tenants (Globe, Smart and DITO) in one of its towers in Cebu. The three-tenant tower is the first in the Philippines and showcases the effectiveness of the shared tower model in support of the government's drive to improve digital connectivity through the common tower initiative. Mactan-Cebu International Airport. Mactan-Cebu International Airport surpassed expectations with significant growth in passenger traffic, peaking at around 5 million passengers in the first half of this year, more than double the previous year. The resumption of major international routes, such as Shanghai and Taipei, and improved aircraft availability are expected to further boost traffic in the second half of the year. MCIA's excellence in promoting the airport and in ensuring customer experience was also recognized, as it received the Routes Asia 2023 Marketing Award in the 5 million category and became the first airport in the Philippines to be accredited by the Airports Council International for its Airport Customer Experience. The post Aboitiz Group furthers ‘Great Transformation’ into 2023 appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Pursuing sustainable dev’t, food security
Asia is the world's largest rice consumer, accounting for 90 percent of global rice consumption. According to a business website that made use of data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Foreign Agricultural Service, the Philippines is among the top 20 countries with the highest rice consumption per capita. Data shows that the country's almost 113 million population consumes around 16.50 million metric tons of rice every year. The affordability and availability of rice have been cited as the primary reasons for Filipinos' penchant for eating rice. Thus, the proliferation of restaurants in the country serving "unlimited rice" has always been a fool-proof marketing strategy to entice customers. India's announcement in July that it would restrict the export of non-basmati rice has jolted not just the country but the global rice market. India is the world's largest rice exporter, accounting for over 40 percent of the global rice trade. It is on this note that I am calling for stronger government interventions in the agricultural sector. Unfortunately, India's decision comes at a time when the country is grappling with flooded rice fields as a result of recent calamities. But we cannot blame India for its decision to prioritize its domestic market. We have to be prepared as this could trigger a rice crisis affecting millions of Filipinos who consider rice a staple food. It is high time that we provide our local farmers with much-needed support to boost domestic rice production by offering them drought-resistant rice seeds, more fertilizers, additional irrigation, increased training, and easy access to credit facilities with low-interest rates. Our government must focus on short-term remedies such as exploring alternative sources like Vietnam and Thailand. But more importantly, we must implement long-term interventions that will lead to sustainable rice production. I have always been an advocate of sustainability and self-sufficiency to achieve food security which is a top priority of the current administration. Meanwhile, I have remained committed to visiting various parts of the country, not only to provide assistance but also to address the concerns of our people. On 5 August, we attended the blessing and ribbon-cutting ceremony of the two-storey Malasakit Center Building at Cotabato Regional and Medical Center in Cotabato City. We aided 647 patients and 2,535 medical frontliners including security guards, utilities, and other hospital staff. Meanwhile, qualified beneficiaries were given financial assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development. Joining us were CRMC Chief of the Hospital, Dr. Ishmael Dimaren, Maguindanao del Norte Rep. Bai Dimple Mastura, Matnog Mayor Zohria Bansel-Guro, Sultan Kudarat Mayor Tucao Mastura, and Vice Mayor Shameem Mastura. We also participated in the inauguration of the new Super Health Center (SHC) in the town of Libungan, where we assisted 1,000 indigent beneficiaries together with Vice Governor Efren Piñol, former vice governor Shirlyn Macasarte, Mayor Angel Rose Cuan and Vice Mayor Jims Fullecido. At the invitation of Mayor Angel Rose Cuan, we attended the town's Inter-Barangay Basketball Championship as part of its 62nd Founding Anniversary and 8th Katambolit Festival. We then headed to Midsayap to attend the groundbreaking of the SHC and assist 1,000 struggling residents together with Rep. Samantha Santos, Vice Gov. Efren Piñol, Mayor Rolando Sacdalan, and Vice Mayor Vivencio Deomampo Jr. On 4 August, we witnessed the groundbreaking of the SHC to be built in Monkayo, Davao de Oro. We visited the construction and renovation of the public market funded through our efforts. We also distributed assistance to 1,000 indigents in the area accompanied by Congresswoman Maria Carmen Zamora, Vice Governor Jayvee Uy, and Board Member Herv Apsay, among others. On 3 August, we were in Batangas to witness the groundbreaking of the Batangas Provincial Medical Center (New Provincial Hospital) in the municipality of Tuy. We also led the distribution of aid to 1,700 residents, with the support of Governor Dodo Mandanas. We were joined by Vice Gov. Mark Leviste, Congressmen Eric Buhain and Ray Reyes, Tuy Mayor Jose Jecerell Cerrado, San Luis Mayor Oscar Lito Hernandez, Vice Mayor Maan de Gracia, Lian Vice Mayor Ronin Leviste, and other local officials. We then went to Davao City to attend the 1st General Assembly of the Philippine Councilors League-Occidental Mindoro. On 2 August, we visited Caloocan City and witnessed the groundbreaking of the SHC, along with Health Secretary Ted Herbosa, Congresswoman Mitch Cajayon-Uy, Congressman Oca Malapitan, Mayor Along Malapitan, and Vice Mayor Karina Teh. We distributed aid to 980 impoverished residents in collaboration with the offices of Cong. Cajayon-Uy, Councilor Ed Aruelo, and Councilor Wewel De Leon. For those affected by Typhoon Egay, we distributed food packs and assisted 5,000 beneficiaries in Minalin, Arayat, and various towns in Pampanga; 500 in Bauang, La Union; 700 in Calumpit, and 1,700 residents from Hagonoy, Guiguinto, and San Miguel in Bulacan; 900 in Dagupan City, San Fabian, and Calasiao in Pangasinan; 200 in Binangonan, Rizal; and 200 in San Antonio, Zambales. We also assisted 89 fire victims in various barangays in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental. We also provided help to 1,200 impoverished residents of Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija; 1,049 in San Pedro City, Laguna; 800 in Tabaco City, Albay; and 67 more in Pulupandan, Negros Occidental. We also helped people in Bulacan, including 66 in Santa Maria, 66 in Paombong, 66 in Baliwag, 66 in Bustos, 66 in Obando, and 66 in Norzagaray. In Batangas, we also assisted 500 beneficiaries from Calaca, 400 in Tanauan City, and 57 more in Batangas City. The post Pursuing sustainable dev’t, food security appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Close business, gov’t collab spur growth — Pascual
Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual is urging private entities to continuously work with the government in addressing issues crucial to economic recovery and growth. At the 3rd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Business Advisory Council meeting in Cebu City last Friday, Pascual said the partnership between the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation and the APEC Business Advisory Council is actually regarded by the Philippine government as a cornerstone of its vision for the country’s future. “It exemplifies the power of synergy — when government and business come together and connect, we lay the groundwork for a trade environment that is not just functional, but inclusive, resilient, and sustainable. This dynamic collaboration enables us to stay agile and responsive as we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of business and technology,” he said in a speech. In line with this year’s theme, “Equity, Sustainability, Opportunity,” ABAC Philippines focused on helping communities build back stronger through collective efforts. With critical goals to pursue, Secretary Pascual called for stronger partnership and collaboration among APEC Member Economies in crafting policy reforms that would spur economic growth. Areas of focus For this year’s work program, the ABAC will initially have these areas of focus: (1) Economic Integration Working Group; (2) Sustainable Growth Working Group; (3) Digital and Innovation Working Group; (4) Finance Task Force; and (5) Inclusion Task Force. Secretary Pascual has also commended the efforts of ABAC in shaping a strong, credible, and relevant World Trade Organization even as he recognized ABAC’s strong push toward the eventual realization of the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific. “The Philippines views the FTAAP as a mechanism to boost economic recovery in the region, especially for medium, small and micro-enterprises most affected by the pandemic. We thus support the immediate implementation of the FTAAP Agenda Work Plan which contributes to APEC’s sustainability and inclusion objectives,” he said. ABAC Philippines is currently focused on several initiatives including the promotion of the availability and accessibility of climate risk scenario information, the exploration of the viability of nuclear energy as a zero-carbon energy source, and other use cases under the Sustainable Growth Working Group. Further, it is working on enhancing cross-border data flow in financial services. For its part, the DTI is prioritizing (1) APEC’s Support for the Safe Passage of Maritime Crew in the Covid-19 Era, (2) Boracay Action Agenda to Globalize MSMEs, and (3) APEC Trade Repository. Aligned with this year’s ABAC meeting theme, the DTI aims to provide equal opportunities for all, promote regulations for environmental stewardship, and commit to fostering a digitally inclusive APEC community. The post Close business, gov’t collab spur growth — Pascual appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
San Pedro sampaguita industry boom seen
The local government of San Pedro City in Laguna is optimistic that one of its main livelihoods the sampaguita industry is now gearing towards progress now that livelihood projects in the city are being intensified. The city has achieved considerable success in using indigenous products for its livelihood projects which include Sampaguita growing as its main industry, mushroom growers, nutribun making, soap making, and itik growing, salted egg and balut industry. Laguna First District Representative Ann Matibag said that they have started the projects last year to give her people more jobs and business opportunities. Also included were medical missions, infrastructure projects, financial and medical assistances and scholarship programs. “I observed that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is oriented towards agriculture development, not to mention, provision of housing, health and educational programs, among others,” Matibag said. “Programs focused on raising quality of life of the people are what I continuously push for the people San Pedro.” The lawmaker has already started promoting the sampaguita industry of the city as she wore a Sampaguita dress during the President’s second State of the Nation Address. “Our aim is to boost our local agricultural production — through consolidation, modernization, mechanization and improvement of value chain — augmented by timely calibrated importation, as needed,” Marcos said during his SoNA. He added that sector of agriculture has increased 2.2 percent in first three months of this year, noting that the quest for food security guided by science and balance of nature will result in productive, sustainable and responsible for both present and future generations. The post San Pedro sampaguita industry boom seen appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Quezon City, DTI partner to boost ease of doing business
The Quezon City government has partnered with the Department of Trade and Industry to further streamline the process of applying for business permits in the city......»»
QC, DTI to integrate business name registrations
The local government of Quezon City and the Department of Trade and Industry announced Thursday that they have agreed to integrate the latter’s Business Name Registration System into the city’s Online Business Permit Application System to allow a seamless verification process and further boost ease of doing business. Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte and Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual signed the memorandum of agreement for the integration which is expected to streamline business processes, detect fraudulent submission of requirements and effectively monitor compliance of QC-based businesses. “Since one of the requirements for processing the business permits of sole proprietors is the certificate of business name registration from DTI, we need to ensure compliance. Instead of manually verifying the authenticity of CBNRs, the integration will allow digital processing of data and documents thereby speeding up the process,” Belmonte said. Based on DTI’s data, business name applications processed online grew from 35 percent to 75 percent based on payment collections received since the development and launch of the BNRS Next Gen in 2019 while Quezon City is home to more than 65,000 businesses with almost half of them being DTI-registered. “So we deem it imperative to track growth, regularly monitor compliance, and gather necessary data for policies and programs,” said the QC mayor. With the integration of DTI’s BNRS into QC’s digital platform, Business Permits, and Licensing Department head Margarita Santos said concerns such as the submission of fake BNRS will be addressed. “This will also pave the way for faster evaluation of permit applications through an automated, system-to-system verification,” Belmonte said. The post QC, DTI to integrate business name registrations appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»