Pandemic to top agenda at APEC summit
The COVID-19 pandemic is high on the agenda at today’s first virtual summit of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in which President Duterte and 20 other leaders in the region will participate......»»
Aboitiz tackles climate risk issues at ABAC meeting
The APEC Business Advisory Council III meeting is in full swing, with business leaders from 21 APEC economies engaging in dialogue and discussion to refine recommendations for sustainable and inclusive growth in the region. The 29 July Sustainable Growth Working Group meeting focused on addressing climate change, ensuring energy security and sustainability, and fostering sustainable food systems. Work program priorities are ultimately aligned with the 2023 ABAC theme Equity. Sustainability. Opportunity. which highlights the evolving landscape of environment, social, and governance investing. As vice chair of the SGWG, Aboitiz Group president and chief executive officer and ABAC PH member Sabin M. Aboitiz gave presentations that tackled climate risk issues including the democratization of climate risk information and decarbonization possibilities through nuclear technology. These will inform further discussions amongst the SGWG as they craft the policy recommendations that will formally be shared with APEC leaders later this year. Progress report In his first presentation, Aboitiz shared the progress report on the Climate Risk Scenarios Project. “We proposed the Climate Risk Scenarios Project in order to help economies build long-term climate resilience and fortify investment decisions by using a climate lens. We recognized that acquisition of important data related to climate risks remains limited and very expensive,” Aboitiz said. “The objective of this project is to provide both the public and private sectors with a free platform that contains all the necessary data, methodologies, and policies needed to better understand and manage climate risks,” he continued. By coming together to share and exchange information and knowledge, information gaps between economies can be addressed. With nine economies volunteering for the initial assessment, the final Climate Risk and Assessment Report will be presented at ABAC IV in November of this year. Exploring nuclear energy This was followed by a presentation on the ABAC Experts Roundtable on Exploring Nuclear Energy and Emerging Technologies in APEC. The roundtable discussion, which was virtually held on 30 June, is part of the ongoing developments of ABAC SGWG exploration of nuclear energy and small modular reactors as viable zero-carbon sources. The discussions echo the sentiments of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. as shared in his remarks during the Opening Ceremony of ABAC III on Friday, 28 July. “The government and business sector must come together to identify practical, pragmatic, and promising solutions to sustainably address pressing issues like energy insecurity, the triple threat of climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss,” President Marcos said. RE top in the agenda Striking a balance between being prescriptive and affording, especially developing economies with policy space, we can pursue innovative technologies and approaches; for example, in the exploration of nuclear energy and small modular reactors as viable options for low- or zero-carbon energy sources. In the Philippines, we have identified the use of renewable energy as the top of our climate agenda and we need all the support of the business sector to see this through fruition,” the President added. As the Aboitiz Group undergoes its Great Transformation to become the Philippines’ first techglomerate, it is embracing technology and a renewed entrepreneurial mindset to tackle the challenges faced by the communities it serves. Aboitiz’s regional involvement in advocating and achieving sustainable growth through ABAC is part of its wider dedication to using its expertise and experience to make a positive impact on the world. The post Aboitiz tackles climate risk issues at ABAC meeting 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......»»
China to push trade agenda at APEC summit as US retreats
China will get another chance to reshape Asia-Pacific trade at a regional summit starting Thursday, days after securing a huge trade pact victory and with the US playing protectionist defence......»»
Pandemic to top agenda at APEC summit
The COVID-19 pandemic is high on the agenda at today’s first virtual summit of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in which President Duterte and 20 other leaders in the region will participate......»»
JG Summit FY23 profit: P19.6-B (up 216%)
JG Summit, the Gokongwei Family’s diversified conglomerate, teased its FY23 financial results headlined by a 216% increase in the company’s net income to P19.6 billion......»»
‘Serenade of the Seas’ arrival restarts Subic cruise tourism program
The arrival here of GTS Serenade of the Seas, a 12-decker cruise liner operated by Royal Caribbean International, is expected to resurrect Subic’s cruise tourism program, which had gained momentum before being halted by the COVID-19 pandemic three years ago......»»
Earthquake summit highlights engineering solutions, stricter policy implementation
A recent earthquake summit, organized by the Office of Civil Defense, highlighted the need for enhanced coordination mechanisms, engineering solutions alongside maximum utilization of available technologies and stricter policy implementation to strengthen the country’s preparedness......»»
Inspiring Filipina entrepreneurs
We were privileged to have a few VIPs with us at our Women Summit event last March 9......»»
Why Business Should Start Investing in the Mental Well-Being of Their Employees
The pandemic has triggered waves of anxiety, uncertainty, and financial strain, impacting the mental health of millions of employees. Poor mental health leads to decreased productivity, increased absenteeism, and strained work relationships. With that said, it is crucial to address employees’ mental health issues to have a thriving workspace. Encourage Open Communication and Supportive Culture […].....»»
Extreme Heat as a ‘New Pandemic’: Thousands in PH Cancel Classes During ‘Hottest Year’
(Part 1 of 2) CEBU CITY, Philippines — The decades-old Gabaldon building of Leyte National High School in Tacloban City has narrow hallways, high and dark ceilings, and overcrowded classrooms. On hot and humid days, the rooms can feel stuffy and suffocating, prompting students like Dwight Lebrea, a 17-year-old Grade 12 student, to find ways.....»»
Philippines, Japan, US foreign officials prepare for tri-summit
As the Philippines prepares for a trilateral summit with Japan and the US on April 11, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro met on Thursday in Tokyo with Japanese Vice Foreign Minister Okano Masataka and US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell to discuss regional security issues and economic cooperation......»»
Hong Kong, Philippines work to enhance relations
Filipinos are slowly beginning to travel back to Hong Kong following continued efforts by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office to woo tourists from the Philippines, as well as renew and improve trade and economic ties between the two nations following the COVID-19 pandemic......»»
BPI to sell its entire 15% GoTyme Bank stake back to the Gokongweis
Zobel Family banking unit BPI disclosed that its board of directors has approved the sale of BPI’s stake in GoTyme Bank to a subsidiary of JG Summit and a company called Giga Investment Holdings Pte. Ltd. at a price of P1.20/share......»»
Blinken Arrives in South Korea to Attend Democracy Summit
Seoul, South Korea - U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived Sunday in South Korea on the first stop of a brief Asia tour also including the Philippines, as Washington moves to reinforce ties with two key regional allies.Blinken landed Sunday afternoon ahead of the third Summit for Democracy on Monday, an initiative of U.S. President Joe Biden, which Seoul is hosting this week.Before arriving in Se.....»»
Biden to Host Japan PM Kishida, Philippines President Marcos
WASHINGTON - President Joe Biden will host Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for a White House summit next month amid growing concerns about North Korea's nuclear program, provocative Chinese action in the South China Sea and differences over a Japanese company's plan to buy an iconic American steel company.White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre in a sta.....»»
Biden to host trilateral summit with Japan, Philippines on April 11
Washington, DC [US], March 19 (ANI): US President Joe Biden will host a three-way summit with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos in Washington on April 11, as announced by the White House, as reported by Kyodo News. This historic summit, the first of its kind involving the United States, Japan, and the Philippines, aims to bolster defence cooperation in response to China's asse.....»»
Senate to prioritize LEDAC bills, not Cha-cha
The Senate would rather prioritize bills listed in the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council than rush the passage of the proposed measure to amend the 1987 Constitution – at least based on the chamber’s agenda and schedule for the last week of session.....»»
Pakistan: New Government Should Protect Rights
(New York) - Pakistan's newly elected prime minister, Shehbaz Sharif, should make human rights a key focus of his government, Human Rights Watch said in a letter today to the prime minister. The new Pakistani government should adopt an agenda that actively promotes and protects human rights,.....»»
Hontiveros hopes for fair consideration of divorce bill in Senate
MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Risa Hontiveros expressed hope on Wednesday about the potential reintroduction of a divorce bill onto the Senate’s legislative agenda. In the House of Representatives, a bill on absolute divorce was brought for plenary consideration on Tuesday. The divorce bill in the Senate, however, remains pending for plenary discussion. “I had the.....»»
NEDA welcomes award of NAIA PPP
The award of the contract for the P170.6-billion project to rehabilitate the Ninoy Aquino International Airport highlights the emphasis of the Marcos administration in providing world-class air transportation infrastructure to achieve the government’s economic transformation agenda, according to the National Economic and Development Authority......»»