When Tech Meets Taste: Grab’s Dine Out Feature Reimagines Island Dining in Boracay

Boracay has long been a paradise for sun-seekers. Now, with the help of Grab, it’s a destination for savvy food lovers, too.

Introducing Grab Dine Out - a tech-driven dining experience that lets travelers explore Boracay’s culinary gems while scoring up to 20% off their bill. From beachside breakfasts to golden hour cocktails, Grab’s newest feature transforms your island food crawl into a smarter, more rewarding journey.

Accessible directly through the Grab app, Dine Out is now live across select dining establishments in Boracay. Whether it’s fresh-caught seafood, island-style comfort food, or globally inspired fare, users can now dine their way through the island with curated savings in just a few taps.

“Food is memory, identity, and discovery,” says Grab Philippines Vice-President for Cities CJ Lacsican. “With Dine Out, we’re not just offering discounts - we’re creating new ways for travelers to connect with places and cultures. Every bite becomes a bridge between people, flavor, and stories - powered by tech that makes it effortless.”

Here’s how it works: 

- Dine Out Discounts - Already seated at a Grab Dine Out partner restaurant? Just open the Grab app, tap the Dine Out tab, select the venue, input your bill, and instantly enjoy savings of up to 20%.

- Dine Out Vouchers - Prefer to plan ahead? Buy a discounted voucher before your meal — some with chef-curated must-try dishes — and redeem seamlessly when you dine in.

From hidden gems tucked in palm-shaded corners to cult-favorite seaside grills, Grab Dine Out partners span Boracay’s dynamic food scene — including Cathy’s Bistro, Jeepney Stop, Totally Bananas, Kasbar, The Black Attic, La-Ud, and Muchos. More restaurants are being added each week.

Already available in Metro Manila, Cebu, and Davao, this latest island rollout signals Grab’s intent to make food discovery more accessible and more affordable — wherever your journey takes you.

Pro tip: Whether you’re in flip-flops or full resort mode, Grab Dine Out doesn’t just unlock deals — it elevates how you travel, eat, and explore. No guesswork, no bill shock — just great food and even better value.

ArenaPlus Makes Summer Splash by Supporting LoveBoracay and Star Magic All-Star Games

ArenaPlus, the newest offer and first sportsbook brand under DigiPlus (formerly Leisure & Resorts World Corporation (LRWC)), made waves this summer with back-to-back sponsorships of key events that pushed summer tourism and summer sports activities in various parts of the Philippines.

The leading sportsbook in the Philippines helped launch LoveBoracay, the 6-day beach music festival, on the iconic white beaches of Boracay. In addition, ArenaPlus helped stage the star-studded Star Magic All-Star Games at the Mall of Asia Arena in May.

LoveBoracay, the sequel to 2022’s prime beach activity, LaBoracay, highlighted activities that promoted sustainable tourism, wellness, and the arts to celebrate Boracay’s regained glory and prestige this year. As a major sponsor, ArenaPlus supported festival activities like the cleanup drive, art exhibit, bazaar and parade, street dance competition, the local music festival, and aqua and beach sports.

ArenaPlus pledged one million pesos worth of cash prizes and helped award the winners of beach sports competitions in volleyball, football, tennis, and frisbee. Tourism Secretary Cristina Garcia-Frasco, other tourism officials, and local officials led by Aklan Governor Jose Enrique "Joen" Mirraflores, and Malay Mayor Floribar Bustista were present at the event.

The Star Magic All-Star Games also received major support from ArenaPlus as the annual sports-entertainment festival returned after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. ArenaPlus provided both event participants and the audience with merchandise and freebies to make the event more enjoyable. The badminton matches, won by Daniel Padilla and Neil Coleta, the volleyball games and the basketball competition won by Team Showtime composed of Vhong Navarro, Teddy Corpuz, Ogie Alcasid and Eric “Eruption” Tai were made more enjoyable with perks provided by ArenaPlus.

ArenaPlus President Jasper Vicencio said the brand takes great pride and happiness in being a part of activities that promote fun and entertainment. “We will engage in more events and activities in the future that will enable us to provide more fun and happiness to our community and the public at large. We take great pleasure in advancing leisure activities like fun events and sports competitions that contribute to wellbeing and mental health,” he said.

ArenaPlus is the official sports entertainment gateway of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) and the official gaming partner of the Philippine Volleyball League (PVL).

For more information and updates visit https://linktr.ee/arenaplusph.

Amazing Travel Deals Await with Traveloka’s Su-Paw Sale

There’s no reason to miss out on the opportunity to get on a plane and travel the world with Traveloka’s biggest promo yet, the Su-Paw Sale! On October 25, Traveloka users can enjoy up to 50% discounts on flights, accommodations, and activities and attractions too.

Southeast Asia’s leading online travel platform introduces the Su-Paw Sale in line with its ongoing Petfluencer campaign, which highlights that ease of making all types of travel arrangements via Traveloka; so easy that even your favorite furry friend can do it.

On Friday, October 25, from 10:00 am onwards, Traveloka app users can browse through all destinations and travel periods and enjoy discounted flight bookings with as much as 50% off, up to a maximum of P10,000.

Meanwhile, discounts for hotels and accommodation will also be up for grabs! Users can get up to 40% off, or up to P1,500, for a minimum spend of P3,000 from 6 - 8 pm only. And then specifically for in-app use for hotels, people can enjoy up to P1,250 off their hotels bookings of three nights. Those who are looking to book for 2 nights can also avail of up to 25% off.

Complete the package by taking advantage of cut-rate offerings of Traveloka’s Xperience. First time users can avail 25% off activities and attractions with a minimum spend of P2,000, while existing users can get 20% for a minimum spend of P1,500.

These awesome discounts are available for a limited time only, so get on Traveloka and be among the lucky users to avail of these one-time promos. With Traveloka, you can fly, stay and play the easy way—with just one app to tap.

It’s not just any sale, it’s Traveloka’s Su-Paw Sale! To learn more about these amazing travel deals, download the Traveloka app from the Google Play store on Android or from the App Store on iOS today.

Traveloka, which is available online or as a downloadable app on the Google Playstore and the Apple App Store, provides a wide range of travel needs in one platform—from flights, hotels, and trains; to flight+hotel packages; attractions & activities; and more—enabling customers to create moments together with their friends or loved ones.

Talagang Panalo Tayo kay Haresco!

Aking nasaksihan ang abot langit na pasasalamat ni Congressman Teodorico Haresco sa kanyang pagkakahalal muli sa kanyang bayang Aklan at sa mga kapwa niyang Aklanon na sumuporta sa nakaraang eleksyon. May Ilang buwan na rin ito at sa ngayon, ang magiting na  kongresista ay ginagawa ang lahat ng paraan upan maisakatuparan ang ganyang mga plataporma at mga naipangako bago mag eleksyon.

Bilang representante sa kongreso siya ay nagpresinta ng pagtulong, unang una sa larangan ng Kalusugan, maaari siyang lapitan para sa tulong medical lalo na kung ang mga ospital ay Philippine Heart Center, Philippine Kidney Center at PGH. Isa pa sa kanyang ginagawa ay ang pagpapapatuloy ng kanyang programa na bigyan ng scholarship ang mga deserving students na papasa sa entrance exam, bukod duon, siya din ay  magpagpapatayo ng mga impastraktura na kaagapay sa mga malalaking programa sa Boracay.

Itutuloy din ni Cong. Haresco ang mga proyekto para sa mga Aklanon lalo na sa mga Micro-Entrepreneurs. Isasali na rin nya sa kanyang mga plano ang pagpapatayo ng Farming schools na naglalayong magturo ng Organic Farming dahil na din sa umuusbong na pangangailangan nito.

Si Congressman Teodorico Haresco ay nagtapos sa De La Salle University ng Maynila at nakakuha ng kanyang Master's degree na International Economics sa McGill University sa Montréal, Canada noong 1978. Ang kamangha-manghang cosmopolitan at multi-national na background ni Ginoong Haresco ay makikita sa kanyang malawak na pag-iisip, diskarte  at solusyon sa mga isyu sa ating bansa. Naharap sa mabusising gawain sa paglutas ng mga isyu sa gaya ng pagkokonekta ng merkado sa kabayanan sa kabila ng malaking hamong ng pagkakahiwalay ng mga isla sa ating bansa. Si Teodorico Haresco ay lumikha ng isang konsepto na naging President's Bridge Program (PBP), sa ganitong mga ideya ay napansin ng ibang mga lahi ang kanyang proyekto na ginamit ng ibang mga bansa kabilang ang Cambodia, Siberia, at Sri Lanka.

Dito sa Pilipinas, madalas nating makita ang mga artikulo sa balita at mga snippet na nagpinta ng mga pampublikong tagapaglingkod sa isang masamang ilaw. Ang nakakalungkot na bahagi ay, ito ay nagiging pamantayan at hindi kami nasusukalang tuwing nakakakita tayo ng masamang balita tungkol sa mga pulitiko na ito.

Sa bagong generasyon na kung saan nasa digital age na ang mundo, kailangang mag-isip nang dalawang beses ang mga pampublikong tagapaglingkod dahil madali silang mailantad kung gumagawa sila ng di kanaisnais sa gobyerno.

Dapat nilang patuloy na gumawa ng mga karapat-dapat na proyekto na kapaki-pakinabang para sa kanilang mga nasasakupan upang maalala nila ang susunod na halalan.

Patuloy nating subaybayan ang mga proyekto na ginagawa at mga gagawin pa sa ilalim ng pamamahala ni Congressman Haresco at maging malaya tayo na punahin, makipagtulungan at magbigay ng mga suhestiyon sa kanya sa pamamagitan ng pagdulog sa kanyang opisina o kaya'y deretso sa kanyang connection sa social media.
https://www.facebook.com/CongNonongHaresco/

Plan the Perfect Long Weekend Getaway with Traveloka

This August has a number of holidays and long weekends that adventure and vacation loving Filipinos can look forward to: Eid al-Adha on the third week of the month, Ninoy Aquino Day on August 21, and National Heroes Day on August 26. Make the most out of these extended breaks by satisfying your wanderlust and going on that much-desired getaway.

Here are some suggestions on where you can go and what you can do to achieve your #looongweekendgoals.

●        August 10 to 12: Singapore or Cebu

Singapore’s always been an accessible and ideal weekend destination for Filipinos. Its quaint old neighborhoods, eclectic dining scene, lively arts and culture, and other exciting attractions make it an even better destination.

The Island of Cebu, meanwhile, offers travelers the best of both worlds: a colorful urban lifestyle and the serenity of nature—the choice is yours!

●        August 9 to 12: Palawan or Hong Kong

You can never go wrong visiting Palawan. Coron, El Nido, and Puerto Princesa are just some of the most beautiful places on the island that offer unique experiences for every adventurer.

Hong Kong, on the other hand, has consistently been a top destination for Filipinos. Travelers can enjoy amazing shopping deals, delectable cuisine, and an unforgettable array of sights and attractions.

●        August 21, 2019: Staycation in Metro Manila

A staycation in Metro Manila on hump day may just be the quick break you need. Treat yourself to a comfortable bed, delicious hotel food, and cool amenities.

●        August 21 to August 26: Japan or Seoul

If you can afford to file a two-day leave, go all out and book a trip to Japan or Seoul, South Korea.

Spend the long weekend in Tokyo or Osaka and have a taste of amazing food while taking in fashion-forward trends, a rich history, and quirky pop-culture.

You can also enjoy the electric atmosphere in Seoul. Experience a whole range of activities, from sampling tasty local delicacies to soaking up K-pop and the rich culture and heritage. Shopaholics will also love the amazing retail finds here.

●        August 23 to 26: Bangkok or Taipei

For those who can only file a one-day leave, a four-day vacation in Bangkok, Thailand or Taipei, Taiwan is perfect.

Bangkok’s culture is best experienced by simply immersing yourself into the heart of things. Try the food and get lost in the sights and sounds of the bustling city.

A trip to Taipei will give you the chance to explore its rich cultural history, irresistible culinary treats, and a modern urban vibe.

●        August 24 to 26, 2019: Davao or Boracay

A quick escape to Davao can prove extremely refreshing, regardless if you stay in the city or head out to experience the beach or the great outdoors.

Boracay’s rebirth, on the other hand, has ensured that its white sand beaches are kept pristine and majestic.

Excited for the upcoming long weekends? Turn these dates into #LooongWeekendGoals with Traveloka, the ultimate one-stop online travel platform, for an experience like no other.

Traveloka provides a wide range of travel needs in one platform—including flights, hotels, transport, flight+hotel packages, attractions, activities, and more—helping customers to easily create moments together with their friends and loved ones.

Check out Traveloka’s #LooongWeekendGoals promotion and get amazing deals! Book your flight+hotel packages via https://www.traveloka.com/en-ph/packages. Download the app via Google Play or the App Store for more exclusive promos.

Win a Trip for Two to Boracay, Cebu, or Hong Kong with AXA’s Auto-Pay Feature

Pay your insurance premium through AXA Philippines’ auto-pay for a chance to win a trip for two (2) to Boracay, Cebu, or even Hong Kong!

The auto-pay feature of one of the country’s leading insurers allows you to pay your premium automatically and conveniently through your preferred bank account or credit card.

Joining is easy. Simply visit the promo page www.axa.com.ph/autopayfaq and download the auto debit or credit card form. After you have filled it out, submit it to your AXA financial advisor or any AXA branch. You may also get the form from any AXA branch. Submit the filled-out form to that branch.

A successful application for auto-pay automatically entitles you to one (1) raffle entry per policy. If for example you enroll three (3) policies, then you get three raffle entries.

Three lucky policyholders will each win a three-day, two-night trip for two (2) to Boracay or Cebu with hotel accommodation, roundtrip tickets,and airport transfers. One grand winner gets a three-day, two-night trip for two (2) to Hong Kong with hotel accommodation, roundtrip tickets,and airport transfers.

The promo is open to AXA policyholders who are at least 18 years old with a policy issued before May 27, 2019. Promo period is until July 27, 2019. Automatic debit or credit card payment arrangement must be submitted within the promo period and approved by August 29, 2019.

Enroll your policy now with AXA Philippines’ premium auto-pay service.

To know more, visit www.axa.com.ph/autopayfaq.

8990 Holdings Ventures Into High-End Market

8990 Holdings, one of the fastest growing real estate developers in the Philippines and listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange under the symbol “HOUSE,” will literally rise a thousand feet above sea level, as it enters into high-end property development. 8990 Holdings has agreed to acquire 100 percent of the outstanding shares of GENVI Development Corporation, one of Cebu’s top developers of high-end properties, including its flagship project, Monterrazas de Cebu.

A rare gem hidden for generations, Monterrazas de Cebu is the largest and last remaining contiguous mountain property development in the heart of Cebu City. The more than 200-hectare property, which has a commanding view of Cebu, Mactan, and Bohol, is a masterplanned integrated community with residential, commercial, and institutional clusters.

Its first set of phases have already been launched and are in varied stages of development. In 2007, Monterrazas de Cebu offered its first high-end residential community, The Peaks. Here, residents get to wake up to the most majestic views of the city and enjoy the five-star amenities of its clubhouse, Verandas.

The Verandas is to be perched on the highest peak of Monterrazas, featuring unmatched architectural beauty that gives residents a 360-degree view of not only the city, but the islands of Mactan, Bohol, and the Buhisan forests.

A year after it introduced The Peaks, Monterrazas de Cebu launched another residential community called North Ridge—an upscale subdivision focused on the core Filipino value of family, where they can share intimate bonds and make timeless memories without boundaries, all against a backdrop of the city skyline and the islands beyond.

In addition, residents of the North Ridge community can take delight in their own landmark clubhouse called The Pavilions. It features a free-form infinity pool, a play area, a lounge, and two function rooms.

These existing projects, however, are less than half of the total land area of Monterrazas de Cebu. With 8990 Holdings’ acquisition of GENVI Development Corporation, the development of these upscale subdivisions and high-end residential communities will definitely continue. In fact, the company also plans to offer other residential projects for those seeking luxury living close to the city.

“The acquisition of Monterrazas de Cebu firms up our intention to expand 8990 Holdings into other real estate segments that have proven to have strong demand in the past years,” said 8990 Holdings president and chief executive officer Willie J. Uy.

Prior to entering the upscale segment, 8990 Holdings has made big moves to beef up and support its plans.

The company acquired new technologies which will be used in developing Monterrazas de Cebu and its future projects. It is also exploring architectural designs seen in the top cities around the world which will be adopted in the next phase of the Monterrazas de Cebu development. Spearheading the sales team will be Dennis Lim, who joins 8990 Holdings as national sales head.

“We wanted to get someone who has the experience in the higher end market. We found this in Dennis Lim. His 21 years of experience in real estate and handling luxury projects, such as the Grand Hyatt Manila, was the main reason why we believed he would help bolster 8990 Holdings’ move towards this segment,” added Uy.

“Our ultimate goal is to become one of the largest property companies in the Philippines. Through organic growth we have been able to double our revenues to Php11.5 billion from a mere Php5.7 billion six years ago and expand our land bank to almost 600 hectares. The addition of Monterrazas de Cebu brings 8990 Holdings’ landbank to approximately 800 hectares. As with other top companies, it is a natural progression for one to move into new markets to achieve sustained exponential growth in the years to come.”

Last year, 8990 Holdings launched its leisure company, 8990 Leisure and Resorts. Its hospitality arm will spend Php5 billion in key destinations in Cebu, Makati, Davao, Palawan, Boracay, Siquijor, Alabang, Manila, Iloilo, Legazpi, Clark, Lapu-Lapu, Siargao, and Baguio.

8990 Holdings’ aggressive growth has indeed risen a thousand feet. And it looks like the company is showing no signs of letting up.

DTI - Sydney Partners with Expand Franchising and other Organizations to Promote Franchising in Australia

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) through the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) in Sydney, Australia, partnered with Expand Franchising and other organizations in organizing franchising seminars and small group business consultations to promote franchising in Australia.

The first franchising seminar was conducted on February 19, 2019 in Campbeltown in partnership with Narra Co-operative, Inc., a membership co-op comprised of Filipino-Australians involved in community events.

On February 20, 2019, PTIC-Sydney hosted a coffee talk on franchising and a series of small group business consultations with Expand Franchising.

A seminar on “Franchising Trends and Opportunities” was likewise hosted by the Australia Philippines Business Council (APBC) on February 21, 2019.

Ms. Alma Argayoso, the Philippine Consul Commercial to Australia said the franchising seminars and business consultations are initiatives under the Trabaho, Negosyo, Kabuhyan (TNK) program that the DTI overseas office in Sydney supports.  

The TNK is a project of the DTI in partnership with other government agencies, private sector, academe and civil society organizations, to promote entrepreneurship and generate employment.

“We aim to help our Kababayans or their families back home invest in viable economic activities in the Philippines by providing them with information and resources to help them succeed as entrepreneurs”, Argayoso said.

“Franchising is one of the business opportunities that we promote because it’s an important tool for economic development that creates thousands of enterprises and generates millions of jobs,” Argayoso added.

Mr. Ignacio Gimenez of Expand Franchising brought to Australia its partner in the Philippines, RK Franchise Consultancy,Inc., represented by its founder, Mr. Rudolf Kotik. Mr. Kotik has over 40 years in the franchising business and developed over 800 brands in the Philippines and abroad.

Mr. Kotik presented franchising trends and opportunities and the benefits, procedures and steps to becoming a franchisee or a franchisor for those who would like to scale up and open their business for franchising.

“We believe owning a franchise is a good investment. It has less risk than an independent start-up with an average ROI of two years and the opportunity to grow the business more rapidly than an independent business,” Kotik said.

“It’s the biggest and most successful business system in the world and the Philippines is in the top ten with the most number of franchise units globally. Among the latest trends are innovative food and beverage outlets, self-service laundromats, education and tutorial services, specialized beauty services, and animal care services,” Kotik added.

While most of the interested parties were overseas or former Filipinos, looking for a franchise to set-up in the Philippines or bring to Australia, a number of foreigners also expressed interest in the co-ownership arrangements where several investors can buy 80% share in the franchise while 20% remains with the franchisor. The franchisor will run the business and provide monthly financial reports and quarterly dividends. This is a win-win arrangement where a franchisor uses OPM or Other People’s Money to grow the business, while a franchisee invests in a business without having to worry about the day-to-day operations.

 

In photo: Mr. Rudolf Kotik presents franchising trends and opportunities to APBC

      members and guests.

In photo: PTIC-Sydney hosts a coffee talk on franchising at the Descano Café.

PH, Malaysia to pursue cooperation on Halal, barter trade, and strengthening BIMP-EAGA

MAKATI – Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez pushed for greater bilateral cooperation on the area of barter trade between the Philippines (PH) and Malaysia (MY) during his dialogue with Minister of International Trade and Industry Datuk Ignatius Darell Leiking on 8 March 2019. The trade chief highlighted the revival of barter trade system in Mindanao will support the promotion of Halal industry from both countries. The ministers also agreed to cooperate in strengthening the Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines East ASEAN Growth Areas (BIMP-EAGA).

“We should really make these areas of cooperation work as it will create and bring more economic activities to both Filipinos and Malaysians. The barter trade as well as the BIMP-EAGA will mean a lot to our people,” said Sec. Lopez.

The trade chief conveyed the ongoing progress in the revival of barter trade system in Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi areas (BASULTA) that aim to provide more livelihood and income to small coastal communities, especially in Sulu and Tawi-Tawi. Likewise, he underscored PH’s potential in Halal industry and the opportunities it offers to Malaysian consumers.

Officials from the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) noted that apart from electronics, top imports from PH include processed food, which could be a strong start for Halal promotions.

In 2018, MY stood as the country’s 10th largest trading partner, 11th export market, and 9th top import supplier. Total bilateral trade from both countries amounted to USD 6 billion in 2018 compared to USD 5.5 billion in 2017.

DTI will head a delegation on April to attend the Malaysia International Halal Showcase. “This kind of activities are very important to PH as the country is still beginning to recognize its potentials in the Halal industry and would learn much from big economies, like Malaysia,” Sec. Lopez added.

Both ministers expressed the need to focus on the development of ASEAN’s sub regions, which include the BIMP-EAGA.

Meanwhile, Minister Leiking expressed his appreciation on PH products and home-grown brands like Jollibee, which is currently expanding in MY.

MITI officials also conveyed the interest of many Malaysian companies in participating in PH government’s massive infrastructure project, Build Build Build as well as the assistance extended to companies intending to invest in PH.

The meeting between Sec. Lopez and Minister Leiking followed the visit to PH of His Excellency Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad last week. Present during the meeting were DTI Undersecretaries Ceferino Rodolfo and Abdulgani Macatoman, Assistant Secretaries Angelo Taningco and Allan Gepty, Board of Investments International Investments Promotion Service Chief Lanie Dormiendo, Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) Chief Executive Officer Dato’ Wan Latiff Wan Musa, Malaysian Investment Development Authority Executive Director for Strategic Planning Zabidi Mahbar, ASEAN Economic Integration Division of MITI Director Khairulnizam Hashim, and MATRADE Manila Trade Commissioner Siti Azlina Mohd Ali Hanafiah.

DTI Presents Investment Opportunities to Dutch Shipbuilding Firm

MAKATI – With Dutch shipbuilding company Damen Shipyard Group visiting the Philippines (PH) to possibly partner with the Philippine Navy to build and supply naval defense vessels, Department of Trade and Industry Secretary (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez took the opportunity to present the Hanjin Facility in Subic and other investment options in a meeting with them last 04 March.

“Shipbuilding is one of our priority industries not just in Subic, but also in many locations in our archipelagic country. We have the required manpower and skillset for new shipbuilders. As a market ourselves, the country is also in need of smaller vessels like the Roll-On-Roll-Off (RORO) ships,” said Sec. Lopez.

Unlike Hanjin, Damen does not produce large container ships. Instead, they focus on smaller vessels like yachts, cruises ships, navy ships, and tug boats. The company’s chairman Kommer Damen said this puts them in a good position because they’re not affected by the overcapacity in the cargo ship market that caused Hanjin to scale down their operations.

The company already has a footprint in PH through their partnership with the Filipino company Propmech Global Technologies and their contract with the Philippine Airlines. DTI Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo said that Damen's technical team already surveyed the facility and is reviewing how it will fit in their current plans.

Board of Investments (BOI) Governor Napoleon Concepcion shared that shipbuilding companies from Australia and Norway are investing in Visayas and Mindanao respectively and offered similar sites to the Dutch company.

Chairman Damen said this is a good scenario to have with more shipbuilders in an area due to greater industry support and better education for employees.

Rep.Teodorico 'Nonong' Haresco, Jr. wants more than to see his fellow Aklanons achieve a certain level of success in lif

Congressman Teodorico 'Nonong' Haresco Jr. narrated his story to us when he started to be an entrepreneur for as early as his college days at De La Salle University, on how he was able to grow a two thousand-peso loan from a relative into a buy-and-sell business by purchasing shrimps in Aklan, then selling it in Manila.

Not only an entrepreneur student, he also finished with honors in Economics and in Accounting, He was able to turn his startup of 50-hectare prawn-farming venture in his hometown of Ibajay, Aklan and he would find himself catering to big name restaurants in the metro.

Not only did he finish his schooling in Manila but he also went to Canada and completed his M.A. in International Economics at the McGill University, also participated in United Nations Conference on Trade and Development-International Trade Center in Switzerland where his business acumen led to the formation Haresco Trade Specialists Co. and Silver Thread Inc., this venture exported local capiz shells to the European country.

Even though it is clearly set that he's life is all good outside the Philippines, he still decided to go back to his hometown in Aklan

A person like Rep. Nonong is someone that I admire because he is someone that have a good heart for the less privileged and at the same time uplifts them, not by giving them fish but teaching them on how to fish. A wise person does thing long term not only for himself but for his fellow. This proud Aklanon is a firm believer that micro-enterprise industry has the ability to better the lives of his kababayan with commitment and dedication.

To eventually be able to provide jobs for others in their communities and help in the development of its socio-economic sector is a vision Haresco continues to aspire for Aklan.

Happily married and a loving father of four, his contributions to the development of Aklan and the Philippines are well documented. As of date, Congressman Nonong Haresco has authored and co-authored more than 60 house measures including HB00111, an act establishing a mechanism for the sustainable development and use of the island of Boracay; HB00115, an act increasing the bed capacity of Ibajay District Hospital from 25 to 100; HB02239, an act granting P1,000 monthly stipend by way of financial assistance to centenarians; HB02240, an act exempting users of electronic vehicles from the payment of road user’s tax; HB02241, an act to prescribe nutrition labeling for food products; HB02323, an act granting P500 monthly allowance to barangay tanods; HB02414, an act amending section 5 of Republic Act No. 10121, otherwise known as an act strengthening the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management System; HB02415, an act to combat abuse and increase penalties for crimes against senior citizens; HB03192, an act providing for the establishment of barangay drugstores, otherwise known as “Botika sa Barangay”; HB03366, an act penalizing anti-competitive agreements, abuse of dominant position, and anti-competitive mergers, establishing the Philippine Fair Competition Commission; HB03776, an act empowering the micro, small, and medium enterprises; and HB04335, an act requiring mandatory installation of closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras on major roads included in routes of public utility vehicles among others.

Aside from these, some of his milestone accomplishments include being the only Visayan and Aklanon to receive the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry Businessman of the Year Award (2007) and the Deutsche Bank Banker of the Year Award (2005). He was People Asia’s Person of the Year and graced the cover in 2008 and is one of the Modern Day Filipino Heroes (2008), as well as one of 23 Filipinos cited in the book celebrating 347 years of Philippine-British Relations. His company WINSOURCE Solutions Inc. has been a five-time recipient of the Queen’s Awards for Enterprise.

Teodorico 'Nonong' Haresco, Jr.a alsoconceptualized President’s Bridge Programme (PBP) as a parallel intervention to regular government infrastructure programmes. This very successful reengineering model in the Philippines is being duplicated in Sri Lanka, Papa New Guinea, Cambodia, Siberia, and in other parts of Asia.

Lastly, Haresco is also the principal developer of a nationwide scholarship fund for the children of slain journalists and has put 34 young scholars through school since 2007.

Gov’t Touts Reforms on Ease of Doing Business Ahead of World Bank Survey

Following the protest by the Philippine government on World Bank’s 2019 Doing Business (DB) Report, the Department of Trade and Industry kicked off a communication campaign in its bid for better results in the 2020 cycle by reporting to the public, the various Ease of Doing Business reforms initiated by various agencies of government. 

DTI organized a briefing of respondents which participated in the 2019 DB survey composed of lawyers, contractors, accounting firms, and other professionals. Key officials from SEC, BIR, LRA, and the QC Government presented the various programs, and policies issued by agencies aimed at promoting efficiency in government.

During the briefing, DTI Undersecretary Rowel S. Barba underscored the whole-of-government approach. 

“We are proud of the reforms instituted by the Legislative, Executive, and Judicial branches of government to promote Ease of Doing Business. We need to catapult the Philippines, and we need Congress, the Supreme Court, and the executive branch to closely work together,” Undersecretary Barba said. 

The trade undersecretary's statement was in reference to the recent enactments by the legislative and the Supreme Court. Three of these major reforms were the Revised Corporation Code, Personal Property Security Act, and the Supreme Court’s new rule on small claims coverage. DTI is looking to the three and their resulting initiatives to have an impact on the country's performance in the 2020 survey and succeeding survey cycles.

The Revised Corporation Code, signed into law on 20 February 2019, removes the minimum paid-in capital requirement, promotes electronic filing of articles of incorporation, and directs the SEC to issue rules and regulations to protect minority investors and improve corporate governance in accordance with international best practices.

Businesses will also have greater access to credit through the Personal Property Security Act, which allows borrowers to use other personal property like inventory, accounts receivable, and agricultural products as collateral.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court’s increase in the amount covered in small claims cases from Php300,000 to 400,000 will allow more cases to be filed in Metropolitan Trial Courts and reduce the costs associated with debt collection.

During the briefing, SEC Commissioner Jayvee Francisco presented the Lane for Express Application Process (LEAP) which will drastically improve the processing of simple applications.  The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) meanwhile reported on the issuance by the Commissioner of Internal Revenue Caesar Dulay of Revenue Memorandum Circulars 6-2018, 19-2018, 27-2019, and 29-2019 streamlining requirements and procedures to allow new business taxpayers in QC to immediately start its business operations while waiting for the printing and delivery of its receipts/invoices by BIR accredited printers. 

Undersecretary Barba said these reforms are in line with the President socio-economic Agenda, to promote competitiveness and ease of doing business, adding that, “Beyond our objective of improving the Philippines’ rank and score, the steps we have taken signify our commitment to create a competitive business environment and foster innovation and entrepreneurship.  We are confident that the reforms initiated by the Supreme Court, Congress, and the executive branch will make doing business in the Philippines easier”. 

 

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Government addresses high shipping costs and port congestion; public consultation on Joint Administrative Order conducted

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Finance (DOF), and  Department Transportation (DOTr),  jointly organized a public hearing on the Joint Administrative Order (JAO) that will tackle the long outstanding issues of high shipping costs, port congestion, and inefficient container handling that adversely affect the importers, exporters, and the consumers in general. DTI Undersecretary Rowel S. Barba (2nd left) presided over the public hearing  on February 14, 2019, which was attended by foreign shipping lines, truckers, customs brokers, container yard operators, terminal operators, and exporters to gather comments and recommendations before the finalization of the draft regulation.  He was  joined by DOTr Undersecretary Fernando Juan Perez (2nd right), Bureau of Customs Deputy Commissioner Edward James Dy-Buco (left) and Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) General Manager Jay Santiago.  Parties are requested to submit inputs and proposals to the draft JAO on or before February 21, 2019.

Go Lokal! gets Most Innovative Idea Award at SPRints 2017 Huwarang DTI

The Go Lokal! team, led by DTI-Trade and Investments Promotion Group (TIPG) Assistant Secretary Rosvi C. Gaetos (third from right) and former TIPG undersecretary Nora K. Terrado (fourth from right), receives the “Most Innovative Idea Award” at the SPRints 2017 Huwarang DTI on January 31, 2019 at the Philippine International Convention Center, Pasay City. The SPRInts or “System for Performance, Rewards, and Incentives” is an annual search for top performing DTI executives and employees whose notable contributions led to the agency’s improved work conditions and services. Joining Gaetos and Terrado (from left) are: Planning Management Service Office-in-Charge Robert Alvin T. Arceo, Management Services Group Undersecretary Ireneo V. Vizmonte, Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon M. Lopez, product specialist Stanly Ruiz, Bureau of Domestic Trade Promotion Assistant Director Marievic M. Bonoan, consultant Leon Flores, and Human Resource and Administrative Service Director Joel R. Cruz.

 

DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez (fourth from left) with the DTI Executives and awardees of the Huwarang DTI Employee of the Year 2017.

From left:  Regional Operations Group (ROG) Undersecretary Zenaida C.  Maglaya, ROG Assistant Secretaries Demphna Du-Naga and Blesila A. Lantayona, TIPG Assistant Secretary Rosvi C. Gaetos, and former undersecretary Nora K. Terrado.