NOW AND THEN: Rural Improvement Club (RIC) Federation Citronella-based Products

In their aspiration to contribute in the industry sector in town, a group of women from Lal-lo, Cagayan formally registered the Rural Improvement Club (RIC) Federation a non-stock, non-profit federation with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on October 9, 2017.

In the year 2015, with the leadership of Board Member Hon. Maria Olivia Pascual, the club was duly organized in support to the Campaign Project of Lal-lo Local Government, in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology ((DOST), to fight and eradicate Dengue.

Realizing the benefits of citronella and adding their vision to make their community a green and healthy one for their constituents, the club came up with the idea to venture in Citronella Processing.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) also played a big part in the success of Lal-lo RIC, as it gave the business a brand that is known in the national market. Since 2018, when Noemi Agcaoili, a representative of the club joined the Kapatid Mentor Me (KMME) Program of DTI and Go Negosyo, the market of the club expanded at its widest level. The citronella products of the federation never passed the opportunity to join all of the DTI-initiated activities like Padday na Lima Regional Trade Fair, National Trade Fair, Manila FAME, National Arts and Crafts Fair, and Mega Trade Fair that contributed to the exposure of the product for both local and international markets. As a testament to the club’s products, the Local Government of Tuguegarao City ordered 30 Liters of Citronella Oil in celebration for its Annual AFI Festival.

One Hundred Eighteen PH Enterprises join the 2nd ASEAN Online Sale Day, August 8-10

The ASEAN Online Sale Day (AOSD) — a celebration of the unity among the ASEAN Member States through e-commerce trade is on its 2nd year. The ASEAN commemorates its 54th founding anniversary through the AOSD to be held from August 8 through 10.

Consumers can avail of discounts of up to 50% off, buy one, take one promo and many more by visiting https://onlineasean.com to view the local online stores as well as those of other ASEAN countries. The AOSD aims to provide continuous sales opportunities, facilitate cross border e-commerce in the ASEAN region, promote consumer trust in e-commerce, and drive economic recovery.

Out of the 118 participants, 62 are catering exclusively to the domestic market while 57, mostly hotels and resorts and e-commerce marketplaces are targeting both the domestic and the ASEAN markets. The participating companies represent various sectors: food and beverage, tourism and travel, fashion, e-marketplaces, consumer goods, crafts and home and living. Micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with products ranging from snacks, fresh produce, chocolates, coffee, condiments, cosmetics, woven items, and home décor are joining the AOSD. They are Malagos, Villa Socorro, Narda’s, Care Channels Social Enterprise, Lipi Enterprises, Project Beans, Puyo Handicrafts, Coco & Tres Enterprises, Joanique, Haspe, and Capellan’s Deli Food Products, among others. E-commerce platforms like Lazada, Shopee, Shopinas, Mayani and UnionBank GlobalLinker are also joining this event along with members of the Philippine Retailers Association, namely Karimadon, Wilcon Depot, Bench, All Day Supermarket, Metro Retail Stores, Sarabia Optical, Picture City and Rusty Lopez.

Among the participants of the travel and tourism sector are: Conrad Manila, Bluewater Resorts, Crimson Resort and Spa Boracay, Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan, Park Inn by Radisson North EDSA, Gladex Travel Services, Seda BGC Hotel, Diamond Hotel, The Lind Boracay, Evasion Tropicale Travel and Tours, Le Soleil de Boracay Hotel, Paradise Garden Resort Hotel and Convention Center Boracay, Subic International Hotel Corporation, Amorita Resort, and Hilton Manila offering numerous vouchers and discounts of up to 70%.

As the shift to online selling continues, the DTI partners with Lazada as it launches the 8.8 Love Local Sale, a one-stop-shop featuring the unique flavors and products of the MSMEs, artisans and indigenous people through the Online National Food Fair (NFF), National Trade Fair (NTF) Digital Mall and National Arts & Crafts Fair (NACF) Artisanal Shop. Meanwhile, Go Lokal participates through their flagship stores in LazMall, Shopee Mall, Shopinas, and UnionBank GlobalLinker. Grab the opportunity to shop at the ASEAN Online Sale Day and score big discounts from online businesses in the Philippines and other ASEAN countries (Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Malaysia and Myanmar).

MSME Week 2021 to Recognize Outstanding Entrep, Inspire Others

DAVAO CITY – This year’s celebration of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) Week will highlight optimism amid the current uncertainties.

Since March 2020, the local entrepreneurs have been facing several challenges because of the global health crisis. In the meantime, a number of them had decided to suspend their operations until things get better, while others completely closed their businesses.

The MSME Week 2021 is seen as an avenue to promote entrepreneurship and inspire more local entrepreneurs to continue despite the setbacks since the government has been doing its best to extend the necessary assistance.

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) 11 Regional Director Maria Belenda Q. Ambi said that the effect of the Covid-19 pandemic cannot be denied. Hence, the Davao Region MSME Development Council, together with the National MSMED Council, will make the MSME Week 2921 celebration on August 2 to 6 special for them.

“Despite the lifting of the Enhanced Community Quarantine and opening of the economy, some of the MSMEs have remained incapable of bouncing back. Their cash flows are still tight and could not sustain their operation,” Ambi said.

With the theme “Makabagong MSMEs: Bagong Pag-asaLaban sa Pandemya,” the virtual celebration is expected to spread hope and continuously inspire the MSMEs. Among the lined up discussions are Improved Business Climate on day 1; Improved Access to Finance on day 2; Enhanced Management and Labor Capacities on day 3; Improved Access to Technology and Innovation on day 4; and Improved Access to Market on day 5.

The week-long celebration will be culminated with the Search for the Most Outstanding MSMEs in the New Normal awarding. This is to give recognition to those who have overcome the hardships and challenges brought about by the pandemic.

“This will look into how the entrepreneurs turned the pandemic into a season of opportunities and how they have continued to thrive amidst economic hardships and uncertainties. Their success stories will surely bring inspiration to many,” the DTI official shared, adding that these inspiring MSMEs will be the face of competitiveness, innovativeness, and resilience.

Since January this year, DTI 11 has already assisted a total of 13,998 MSMEs through various programs such as product development, capacity building, marketing and promotion. The office is targeting to assist 23,000 MSMEs at the end of the year.

Ambi encouraged everyone to participate in the region’s MSME Week 2021 celebration and follow the DTI 11 official Facebook page (DTI Region 11) to get updates about the upcoming event.

TESDA Chief assures help to advance TVET in ARMM

Taguig City – Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Secretary Isidro Lapeña has assured the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) of appropriate assistance in improving the technical and vocational education and training (TVET)in the area.

Lapeña made the statement as the TESDA Region XII on July 9 turned over assets, equipment, and properties of Cotabato City District Office and Provincial Training Center (PTC) - Cotabato to BARMM’s Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education (MBHTE)

“As TESDA is guided by its principle ‘TESDA Abot Lahat,’ we declare our commitment to help the MBHTE in advancing TVET in BARMM. I look forward to the successful implementation of your TVET programs,’ Lapeña said.

The ceremonial turnover was in line with the implementation of the Republic Act 11054 or the Bangsamoro Organic Law signed in 2018.

Last October30, 2020, Lapeña and MBHTE Minister MohagherIqbal signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) on the devolution of power, control, and supervision to TESD-BARMM over programs and projects allocated for or to be implemented in the Bangsamoro region.

Under the MoA, said programs and projects, whether locally-funded or foreign-assisted, including scholarships and grants, and assets with the corresponding budgetary support, shall be transferred to the Bangsamoro Government, through the MBHTE.

Meanwhile, in his message of acceptance, Iqbal expressed his gratitude to TESDA by ensuring that TVET will continue to be inclusive and within reach.

“It is, therefore, our inescapable duty in the MBHTE to see to it that this purpose is fulfilled. I look forward to collaborating with TESDA as we aspire to achieve higher excellence in TVET," Iqbal added.

Also present during the virtual event were Deputy Director General for TESD Operations Lina Sarmiento, TESDA XII Regional Director Rafael Abrogar II, Deputy Minister Atty. Haron Meling and TESD Bangsamoro Director General Ruby Andong.

DTI and Shopee launch the Online National Food Fair 2021

The Department of Trade and Industry - Bureau of Domestic Trade Promotion (DTI-BDTP) partners anew with Shopee Philippines for another Online National Food Fair on May 10-16. The National Food Fair first went online on May 16-17, 2020 and featured 29 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMES) and their food products. This year, the Online National Food Fair will feature around 3,500 products on the Shopee e-commerce platform: sweets, snacks, beverages, seasonings, staple foods, baking ingredients, breakfast food, superfood and healthy food such as flaxseed from Lifestyle Gourmet Market, turmeric powder from Kablon Farms, whole fresh cow’s milk from Moolk Creamery Corporation, and organic coconut flour from GreenLife Coconut Philippines Inc. Access the online fair on this link starting May 10, Monday: https://shopee.ph/m/2021-national-food-fair

Known as the premier event for Philippine cuisine, heritage food, and local ingredients, the National Food Fair is expanding its reach through digital platforms like Shopee. Sellers can engage buyers to know more about their products through live streaming. Items can be purchased with discounts up to 30%. Wholesale prices are also offered for bulk purchases.

This partnership with Shopee brings a promising start of a series of online events. This project stems from the goal of the DTI to help the MSMEs thrive through the pandemic by giving them the necessary training and guidance in transitioning to digital marketplaces.

Shopee has been conducting webinars and online consultations and offers advanced webinars for sellers with existing accounts to elevate their skills in navigating and maximizing their use of the platform.

“At DTI, we are working towards empowering MSMEs by expanding and increasing their access to economic opportunities. We have partnered with Shopee to further bolster our support for Filipino MSMEs, especially during this pandemic. With the Online National Food Fair, local businesses can promote their products on a larger scale and help them grow in the long run.” said DTI-BDTP Director Marievic M. Bonoan.

The DTI-BDTP is introducing the Hybrid National Food Fair this year which combines the advantages and convenience of virtual marketplaces and the excitement of a physical show. They look forward to holding the physical component of the National Food Fair in September this year. Trade fairs generate not only sales, brand awareness and business leads for the exhibitors, but also allow opportunities to mainstream their products. They also provide unique and immersive experiences for trade visitors through food tasting, seminars and cooking demonstrations.

To get the latest updates on the initiatives of the DTI-BDTP, follow these social media accounts: @DTI.BDTP on Facebook and Instagram, and @DTI_BDTP on Twitter..

YDA Laguna, DTI-Laguna, SLO, SK, AYDOL award livelihood kits to YEP Beneficiaries

Santa Cruz, Laguna — To engage the youth in entrepreneurship and help them cope up with the problem of massive economic recession, the Provincial Government of Laguna - Youth Development Affairs Office (YDA), in cooperation with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Special Livelihood Office (SLO), Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) and the Association of Youth Development Officers of Laguna (AYDOL), launched the Youth Entrepreneurship Program (YEP) on October 17, 2020.

A total of fourteen (14) youthpreneurs were given Negosyo Packages each ranging from worth Php2,000 to Php5,000. These youthpreneurs have successfully finished a series of four (4) webinars (How to Start a Business, Online Selling, Business Opportunities, and How Businesses Cope Up with the Pandemic) via Zoom conducted last October 17, 2020 to November 28, 2020. The awarding of Negosyo Packages held in Pagsanjan, San Pablo City, and Santa Cruz, Laguna, was held last January 19, February 3, and February 8, respectively.

YEP, with its official tagline "Harnessing Our Own Resources for the Advancement of the Youth!", supports the government’s growth agenda of doubling the number of entrepreneurs in the country by 2022 which, in turn, will broaden the gains of economic development, address inequality and uplift the quality of life of Filipinos, particularly the youth. (DTI-Laguna)

BUSINESS OUTLOOK MORE OPTIMISTIC IN 2021 AS GOV'T IMPLEMENTS RECOVERY PROGRAMS: TRADE CHIEF

MANILA—Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez expressed confidence in a more optimistic business outlook for 2021 in reaction to the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) report of the November 2020 Net Economic Optimism, released on January 5. The report, conducted from November 21 to 25, indicated that 42% of Filipinos expect the local economy in better shape in the next 12 months.

“The Duterte administration remains committed in its thrust to assist local businesses build back better. This report shows that despite the setbacks that our enterprises faced during the height of the pandemic, Filipino resiliency and innovativeness will always prevail,” Sec. Lopez said.

According to the survey, only 18% of Filipinos expects the economy to worsen this year while 28% said it would stay the same. This resulted in the net economic optimism score of +24, which is classified as “high”. The SWS described the November 2020 report as a “recovery” from the mediocre scores of -9 in July and -5 in September of last year.

“DTI will continue to implement various programs under the REBUILD PH campaign, or 'Revitalizing Businesses, Investments, Livelihoods, and Domestic Demand,' as we have continuously done when we slowly eased into reopening the economy,” he added.

“With 99.5% of our businesses being micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), DTI shall further strengthen its programs to support MSMEs, such as in training, mentorships, microfinancing and equipment support and market development for enterprises to become COVID-proof. This will save companies that will save jobs. These jobs, in turn, will sustain the incomes that will create demand, which would help to revive the economy,” the trade chief explained.

Sec. Lopez further expressed optimism with the government’s forecast that the Philippines will have a 6.5% GDP recovery for 2021. Likewise, he highlighted the signs of economic recovery, which started to be apparent during the latter half of 2020. These range from the continued improvements in GDP growth from -16.5% in Q2 to -11.5% in Q3, and lowered unemployment rate of 8.7% in October from a record-low 17.7% in April.

He also noted the Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI), which reached 50.1 in September, indicating stable conditions in the manufacturing sector, and only slightly dropped to 49.2 in December. There was also the positive growth in exports reaching 2.9% in September but facing -2.2% in October, which the Trade Secretary described as a “minor bump on the road to recovery.”

Additionally, Sec. Lopez said that he looked forward to the passage of the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises Act (CREATE), calling it a “game-changer” aimed at lowering corporate income tax down to 20% (from the current 30%) for MSMEs or domestic corporations with total assets, excluding land, of not more than PHP 100 million and net taxable income of PHP 5 million and below. The bill is currently at the bicameral conference committee in Congress and is expected to be passed for President Rodrigo Duterte’s signature soon.

“As we promote our country in the face of the expected global recovery, we can tap the emerging opportunities and challenges from shifting trade and investment preferences and changing forms of international production,” the trade chief said.

He added, “This will be made possible as we continue to fast-track our industrial strategies with re-skilling and upskilling of our workforce along with adapting new technologies. With the aggressive Build Build Build infrastructure development program of the Duterte administration, economic infrastructure will further drive down cost and improve efficiencies in business operations. With a more resilient, inclusive and sustainable effort, we are gearing up for a dramatic recovery for the year ahead.”

Sec. Lopez assured that for this year, the Department has laid down targeted programs and projects on investment and exports promotion as well as enhanced livelihood support programs in order to achieve a v-shaped economic recovery, as well as ensuring that not only businesses are supported to bring back more jobs but also the consumer welfare is prioritized.

CITEM, FFCCCII team up to bolster PH participation at CIIE, CIFIT

The Department of Trade and Industry, through the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (DTI-CITEM), has partnered with the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce & Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) to strengthen export promotions in the upcoming China International Import Expo (CIIE) 2020 at the National Exhibition and Convention Center, Shanghai, China from on November 5 to 10.
The partnership also serves as a boost in the ongoing trade and investment promotion efforts of the Philippines, led by the Bureau of Investments (BOI), at the China International Fair for Investment and Trade (CIFIT) in Xiamen, China from September 8 to 11.
On September 10, FFCCCII turned over Php 1 million-worth of financial assistance to CITEM through an online ceremony. The donation will be used to strengthen the content marketing and export promotion of the Philippine delegations in CIIE and CIFIT.
At the turnover ceremony, Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez commended FFCCCII's continuous efforts in promoting local companies to the global market, as well as its assistance to the government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“CIFIT and CIIE are strategic platforms for the Philippines and its export companies to draw the attention of the Chinese market with our exciting showcase of globally competitive product selections, economic developments, and investment opportunities,” noted Sec. Lopez.
“We are grateful to the FFCCCII for directly taking part in these international initiatives to amplify the much-needed support that we are giving to our stakeholders to further stimulate businesses and job creation, which can help the economy bounce back,” he added.
Aside from financial assistance, Undersecretary Abdulgani Macatoman of DTI’s Trade Promotions Group and Special Concerns said that FFCCCII has also been broadening CITEM’s network in terms of export promotions and insightful China market trends seminar through market readiness talks.
“We are also grateful to you [FFCCCII] for acting as a consultant for the layout of the Philippine pavilion following the principles of Feng Shui and a guide on translated promotional materials,” said Undersecretary Macatoman.
The trade undersecretary further said the organization's assistance, which served as a springboard towards both participations, will result in the success of the DTI exhibitors and stakeholders, particularly the export and food companies that are being showcased this year.
Under the PartnerPhilippines branding, the country entered CIFIT as its Guest Country of Honor, which further underscores its willingness and capacity to work together with China towards economic growth and global expansion. In its ongoing CIFIT participation, the Philippines is leveraging on its good bilateral relations with China, strong economic fundamentals, and projected V-shaped recovery by 2021 to attract more Chinese investors to do business in the Philippines.
Meanwhile, the CIIE, as the world’s biggest import expo providing new channels for countries and regions to do business in China, will strengthen cooperation and promote the common prosperity of the world economy and trade. In 2019, the CII had 150,000 individuals from 100+ countries participating at the event.
Under the FoodPhilippines brand, CITEM is eyeing to highlight 40 Philippine food companies through institutional participation in partnership with the Philippine Trade & Investment Centers (PTICs) in China and the Export Marketing Bureau (EMB). Food segments to be showcased at the Philippine pavilion include fruits and vegetables (fresh and processed), coconut products, ethnic and gourmet products and other functional food and beverage.
CITEM prioritizes stakeholders’ health and safety with virtual B2B activities
In this year’s participation in CIIE, CITEM will be adding a digital component to its event participation by observing physical distancing protocols while maximizing available marketing opportunities. The export promotion agency’s goal is to prioritize its stakeholders’ health and safety amid the global COVID-19 pandemic situation while highlighting the best of Philippine food.
“An exciting feature in this year’s participation is the interactive conference pods that will be made available in the FoodPhilippines pavilion to enable virtual business-matching activities. This will serve as an online touchpoint for buyers in China to meet with exhibitors from the Philippines,” said Undersecretary Macatoman.

In lieu of actual Philippine exhibitors manning the booths, the trade undersecretary said Philippine commercial attaches will represent the government and exhibitors, promote exhibitor brands and products onsite, and relay all business leads and contacts generated during the show.

DTI-12 Capacitates Local Sewers of Cotabato City in PPE Suit Making

KORONADAL CITY, SOUTH COTABATO—A skills training on Protective Personal Equipment (PPE) Production was conducted by the Department of Trade and Industry 12 (DTI-12) through its Cotabato Satellite Office to capacitate the local sewers of Cotabato City.

Participants to the one-day skills training on August 27, 2020 are members of the Moving Forward for Quality Life Association, operator of DTI’s Shared Service Facility (SSF) on T-shirt Manufacturing, were trained in producing suits and face masks.

The training is a response of DTI-12 to the call of DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez to encourage local manufacturers to re-purpose some of their manufacturing capacity into producing PPEs and masks in order to address the need for local producers who will supply the needs of healthcare workers.

It was also noted in a meeting of Sec. Lopez with some officials of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases last August 19, he mentioned that when the COVID-19 started in February, the Philippines had no local manufacturer of PPE.

“With the covid outbreak, the demand for PPE is greatly increased for everyday use of healthcare personnel. As such, DTI, being one of the line agencies who is mandated to provide service to help in providing PPEs through our SSF cooperators, we have thought of conducting training to this effect to assure that production of PPEs by our SSF Cooperators are sown according to the desired standard,” said Ma. Theresa T. Chua, the OIC Division Chief of DTI-12 CSO.

“We continue to support local micro, small and medium enterprises especially here in Cotabato City as they adjust to the ‘new normal’ and make them more resilient by providing alternative business ventures,” added Chua.

Supporting the initiative is the Local Government Unit of Cotabato City through its Office of the City Mayor-Investment Promotion Division.

DTI Foresees Better Movement of Commercial Vehicles and Goods with Opening of New NLEX Harbor Link Segment 10

MAKATI CITY—Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon M. Lopez congratulated the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in officially opening to motorists the C3-R10 section of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) Harbor Link Segment 10 in Navotas City on 15 June 2020, which would ensure better movement of commercial vehicles and goods in the area.

The 2.6 kilometer NLEX Harbor Link section is an elevated expressway that will serve as a direct route from NLEX to the Port of Manila and vice versa to make the delivery of goods faster and more efficient.

“We very much welcome the opening of this section of the NLEX Harbor Link, as this will definitely boost productivity and spur trade and commerce. It would cut travel time from Quezon City to the Port of Manila from two hours to 10 to 15 minutes. Likewise, it would also provide ease of travel for Manila port freight carriers and other commercial vehicles,” Secretary Lopez said.

“We laud the DPWH and its private sector partners in working overtime to deliver this vital piece of infrastructure even during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. This will be critical in speeding up our country's post-pandemic economic recovery,” he added.

The project is the first infrastructure project to open during the General Community Quarantine period. By bringing NLEX closer to the country’s central shipping gateway, the Port of Manila, the government foresees speedier transport of goods, as well as increased economic productivity in Metro Manila and North and Central Luzon regions. As no truck bans are imposed along NLEX, cargo trucks would also gain 24/7 road network access.

“Effective logistics development is the key in facilitating trade and connectivity. It lowers cost and clearance time of imports and exports, while also ensuring the smooth flow of commodities. Having stable and reliable logistics would encourage market expansion and improve investors’ confidence in our country's ability to transport goods and services,” Secretary Lopez explained.

“With this new project that improves overall accessibility and reduces transportation costs including travel time, the impact on economic productivity is immense. With reliable logistics, costs to obtain input materials and services are reduced, businesses’ labor pool is increased, and the potential markets are expanded,” he added.

In the first quarter of 2020 alone, the Philippine Ports Authority reported 14,920,227 metric tons of foreign cargo throughput and 782,482 twenty-foot equivalent units of foreign container traffic, both imports and exports, between the Port of Manila to North Luzon.