Ilocos Rice Retailers Received P15K Subsidy

One hundred seventy-one (171) micro rice retailers in Ilocos Region each received P15,000 cash assistance under the DSWD’s Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP). Said 171 micro rice retailers in public markets were validated to be compliant to Executive Order (EO) 39 which imposes Mandated Price Ceilings on Regular-Milled Rice at P41.00 per kilogram and Well-Milled Rice at P45.00, respectively.

The Department of Trade and Industry has conducted monitoring activities in key cities and municipalities since the effectivity of EO 39 in September 5, 2023. As a result of said monitoring activities 175 Micro Rice Retailers found to be compliant were endorsed to DSWD as possible beneficiaries under the SLP of the DSWD. Pay out for the other four beneficiaries shall be done after completion of the requirements prescribed under the SLP.

A total of Php 2,565,000.00 SLP funds was distributed by DSWD in the 12 key cities and municipalities in the region with the assistance of the LGUs, DTI, DILG and DA. The cash assistance aims to ensure availability of affordable rice for consumers.

Payout areas include the cities of Alaminos, San Carlos and Dagupan in Pangasinan; the cities of Laoag and Batac in Ilocos Norte; Candon and Vigan City in Ilocos Sur and; the City of San Fernando in La Union. Other areas include the municipalities of Sto. Domingo, Ilocos Sur; San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte, Agoo and Naguilian in La Union

DTI, DA and NFA shall continue to monitor the compliance of rice retailers until the lifting of the EO 39. Compliant micro rice retailers are advised to coordinate until September 18, 2023 with their respective LGUs, DTI Provincial Offices and Negosyo Centers for possible inclusion to the DSWD’s Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP).

DTI CHIEF VISITS THE ARRIVAL OF THE FIRST REACTIVATED LUFTHANSA A380 AT THE LTP’S MRO FACILITY

PARAÑAQUE CITY—During the onsite visit held on 30 January 2023, Trade and Industry Secretary Fred Pascual welcomed Mike-Kilo at the Lufthansa Technik Philippines (LTP) MRO facility located at Villamor Airbase. This is in support of the collaboration between the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and LTP in promoting the MRO industry in the country. The Lufthansa Aircraft that arrived in the country from Frankfurt, Germany is the first reactivated A380 aircraft of Lufthansa to undergo extensive C-Check in preparation for the increased travel demand.

"With the collaboration of young and talented minds in the aviation and aerospace industry, the Philippines is transitioning to a highly cost-competitive environment that will make its strategic location a viable MRO hub in Asia." Secretary Pascual said.

Likewise, with several Philippine companies that are AS9100 and NADCAP-certified, MRO operation in the country guarantees a wide range of services that will cater to the growing demand of the aviation industry globally.

Since its inauguration in 2020, Lufthansa Technik Philippines has been committed to its role of promoting competence as a MRO for commercial aircraft, including the largest Airbus available.

Further, Secretary Pascual added that "their opening of another hangar last August 2022 is a testament to faith and confidence in the country’s significant role in the global value chain for aerospace."

Through its partnership with the private and public sectors, DTI, through the Board of Investments (BOI), is committed to delivering its promise of making the Philippines the hub for manufacturing and aftermarket services in the aerospace industry. With the Aerospace Industry Roadmap, the Department looks forward to a favorable economic climate for the aviation and aerospace industry by promoting the Philippines as a globally-recognized MRO hub.

The FUTURE of Original Filipino Creative Content is MaAYO, Indeed!

Cebu, Philippines, September 28, 2022 – While the Philippine Creative Industry is already a major player in outsourcing internationally, the potential in original content is the necessary next step seeing the massive demand for different voices from all over the world.

The Creative Content Creators’ Association of the Philippines (SIKAP) believes that the Philippines is a rich resource of stories and talent that can generate for our country a wealth of Intellectual Property that can manifest unmatched business potential and revenue in original creative content.

 

An organization of top caliber Filipino individuals from the Animation, Game Design, Comic Book, Literary, and Music industries, SIKAP came together to give back to local creators what experience and know-how they gleaned navigating the international markets on their own. It all starts with a new and exciting opportunity to learn about developing, showcasing, and marketing original Filipino content.

 

AYO 2022, envisioned to be the Philippines’ First Original Content Market by 2024, is a four-day event which will be held on October 7 & 8 (hybrid) and October 14 & 15 (online).

 

Its 2-day face to face conference (streamed online via Airmeets) at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel in Lahug will feature key speakers who will share with up-and-coming creators from Cebu and the Visayas knowledge about creatorship and the industry at large. Headlining Day 1 are: SIKAP members Marla Rausch, CEO of US and Manila-based motion capture studio Animation Vertigo; Ria Lu, writer, game development veteran, and Studio Director at Laguna Games MNL; illustrator, animator, and Creative Director Karla Circe; game development industry champion, chief of Taktyl Studios and current GDAP president James Lo; plus celebrated filmmaker Sari Dalena. In addition, luminaries from the Cebu creative and business communities are also expected to engage the event goers in lively, future-forward discussion.

 

Award-winning creators and producers Cris Dumlao, Keith Sicat, and Mookie Tamara, lead interactive talks and workshops on day 2 plus prominent Intellectual Property professionals take the stage for a discussion on protection and rights. 

 

For its online component, AYO boasts of an international lineup of creative champions who will guide participants in storytelling, pitching, polishing, even financing and promotions of original work. Logging in are SIKAP core member and Writer & Director Real-time Filmmaker Micah Fernandez; Alec Sokolow -  Oscar nominated screenwriter (Toy Story), producer, & director; international entertainment communications, PR, and publicity leader Marcin J. Sobczak (Loving Vincent & Billie Eilish: The World's a Little Blurry); plus SIKAP Board of Advisors Singaporean film producer Gin Kai Chan; producer, director, and investment specialist Vinci Roxas. Rounding off AYO 2022’s stellar roster are SIKAP Senior Advisor animation producer, developer, and writer Eric Calderon; speculative fiction novelist, editor, multiple international literary and Palanca awardee Dean Francis Alfar; and acclaimed Disney writer Mikki Crisostomo.

Co-presented by the DICT; in partnership with DTI R-7; alongside our trade partner the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, SIKAP aims to make AYO our creative content market par excellence, showcasing the Philippines to the world.

 

For more information, like and subscribe to SIKAP's Facebook page at facebook.com/creativecontentcreatorsassociationofthephils or go to their website at https://www.sikapphilippines.org.

Philippine Food Exporters Return Onsite at IFEX Philippines 2022

A multi-sensory experience awaits guests and participants as IFEX Philippines 2022, the country’s much-anticipated food trade show opens its doors at the World Trade Center Metro Manila from September 22 to 24.

Returning onsite since the pandemic, IFEX Philippines aims to showcase the best food products by local producers and manufacturers in a three-day event that includes thematic settings of distinct and innovative food and ingredients, networking and business-to-business (B2B) activities, talks and seminars, cooking demos and product presentations, special events, and more.

Expected to grace the opening of the event, either in person or via recording, are top foreign and national government officials including Sen. Cynthia A. Villar, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food; Sen. Imee Marcos, Vice-Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food; Undersecretary Ireneo V. Vizmonte, Officer-in-Charge (OIC), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI); and Assistant Secretary Glenn G. Peñaranda, OIC, Trade Promotions Group (TPG).

Organized by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), IFEX Philippines is expected to attract around 3000 visitors and buyers, and feature thousands of top quality Filipino food products and ingredients from almost 400 exhibitors.

Spotlight on the crème de la crème

On its first day, IFEX Philippines will give recognition to new and innovative Filipino food products at Katha Awards for Food for 2022. Katha Awards aims to strengthen the reputation of the Philippines as a go-to destination for globally competitive food products. Katha recognizes exporters that explore new galleries of flavors, original brand ideas, unique food fusions, and creative packaging methods.

One winner from each product category will be selected for  Best  New  Product: Beverage; Fine Food and Specialties; Marine Products; Meat and Poultry Products; Snack Foods and Crisp Savoury Products; Baked Goods; Processed Fruits and Vegetables; and Natural, Healthy, and Organic Products. IFEX Philippines will also select one winner for the Best Booth Display.

New Flavors, New Features

During the three-day event, IFEX Philippines will feature a special section called Flavor Finds, a collection of new food discoveries and innovations in the Philippine food scene. Flavor Finds will showcase products from NXTFOOD PH, CITEM’s comprehensive product development and marketing program that aims to bring innovative Philippine food products to the global market. It will also showcase new products from select exhibitors and emerging Philippine food products and ingredients with tremendous export potential–ube, plant-based food, and Philippine craft beer.

Open House, another show feature, introduces the latest programs and activities within the food sector by showcasing products from IFEX Philippines partners. It will also highlight government efforts to champion Filipino food exporters, manufacturers, and MSMEs. Programs under Open House will include the following:

• COCONUTPHILIPPINES - A showcase of coconut products from food SME exporters under CoconutPhilippines, the country branding of the most versatile food produce of the Philippines. CoconutPhilippines is presented through the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP) of the Philippine Coconut Authority under the Department of Agriculture.

• TASK Program ​(Technology Advice and Solutions from Korea) - A joint program by the Department of Science and Technology and the Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology that assists Philippine food companies in solving manufacturing issues such as product quality, production efficiency, and compliance with standards.​

• Philippine Craft Beer - Superior in quality and infused with distinct aromas and flavor profiles, the Philippine craft beer will be spotlighted in a unique booth setup with beer tasting activities. As one of the country's fast-rising industries, the craft beer industry aims to preserve the art of traditional brewery.

• RAPID Growth Program - The Rural Agro-enterprise Partnership for Inclusive Development and Growth (RAPID Growth) is a multibillion-peso value chain-based and market-driven business development initiative that aims to achieve inclusive and sustainable economic development for Philippine rural farming communities in the country.

• One Town, One Product (OTOP) Philippines - OTOP PHILIPPINES is a priority stimulus program for micro, small and medium-scale enterprises. The program enables localities and communities to develop and promote products or services that are rooted in their local culture, community resources, and competitive advantage.

• Processed Fruit and Nuts Pavilion - The Processed Fruits and Nuts (PFN) Pavilion features products from local enterprises under the Industry Cluster Enhancement Program of DTI. The cluster envisions the Philippines as a globally competitive supplier of quality processed fruits and nuts.

IFEX Philippines also has a dedicated space called the IFEX Kitchen for food-tasting activities, cooking demonstrations, and product presentations. Talks and seminars will cover topics such as sustainability in the food sector,  Kosher certification, intellectual property, FDA registration, and more.

IFEX Philippines 2022 will be held in partnership with DTI-Regional Operations Group and regional offices in Cagayan Valley, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Bicol Region, Western Visayas, CARAGA, Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, and Davao Region. Other government partners include DTI - Export Marketing Bureau (EMB), DTI - Foreign Trade Service Corps (FTSC), DTI - Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC), Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), Coconut Farmers & Industry Development Plan (CFIDP), RAPID Growth Project, One Town One Product (OTOP) Philippines, Department of Tourism - Tourism Promotions Board (DOT-TPB), Department of Science and Technology - Industrial Technology Development Institute (DOST-ITDI), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and Secret Kitchens of Samar. 

Industry partners include Philippine Exporters Foundation Inc. (PHILEXPORT), Philippine Food Processors and Exporters Organization, Inc. (PHILFOODEX), Integrated Food Manufacturers’ Assn. of the Phils. for Productivity (INFOMAPP), Philippine Confectionery, Biscuit and Snack Association (PCBSA), Brandexports, Northridge, and Craft Beer Association of the Philippines (CBAP). IFEX Philippines has also partnered with the Technology Advice and Solutions from Korea (TASK) Program, Chapter Coffee, Philippine Wine Merchants, and Bleeding Heart Rum, as well as media organizations COOK Magazine, Business Mirror, Philippine Graphic, Pilipino Mirror, Manila Bulletin, Philippine Daily Inquirer, and Philippine Star.

To learn more about the event, visit IFEXConnect.com.

About CITEM

The Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) is the export promotions arm of the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

For nearly 40 years, CITEM has established the country’s image as a premier destination for quality export products and services. It continues to set the highest standards of creativity, excellence and innovation to achieve competitiveness in the home, fashion, lifestyle, food, creative, and sustainability sectors.

CITEM is committed to developing, nurturing, and promoting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), brands, designers, and manufacturers by implementing an integrated approach to export marketing in partnership with other government and private entities.

About IFEX Philippines

IFEX Philippines (formerly International Food Exhibition) is CITEM's long-running trade event and sourcing program for Philippine and global food and ingredients.

Together with IFEXConnect.com, IFEX Philippines serves as a one-stop business-to-business (B2B) platform aiming to optimize their sourcing experience of buyers from anywhere in the world.

IFEX Philippines is organized by the Center for International Trade Expositions & Missions (CITEM).

Food Export Show IFEX Philippines Returns on Site this September

IFEX Philippines, the country’s long-running and biggest export-oriented food show, is back on the trade show floor at the World Trade Center Metro Manila in Pasay City from September 22 to 24, 2022.

With the theme “Discover your love affair with Filipino Flavors,” the event is set to offer international food importers, buyers, and aficionados a multi-sensory food experience which has been missed by many at the height of the pandemic. IFEX Philippines is organized by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), an attached agency of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). 

 

“This is the first time that IFEX Philippines is going to be back on site since the pandemic in 2020. We look forward to welcoming our participants, especially buyers and guests, and for them to see and taste first hand what the Philippines has to offer in terms of food exports,” said CITEM Deputy Executive Director Ma. Lourdes D. Mediran. 

 

It’s a Love Affair 

Built on the Filipino concept of a “love affair,” IFEX Philippines 2022 seeks to “pursue and enthrall” participants and guests by capitalizing on the practice of “panliligaw” or local courtship traditions. “Love affair is the heart of Filipino food. We’re tapping into local culture to evoke a sense of discovery and romance in creating a unique Filipino food experience. Through IFEX Philippines, we want to highlight the reasons why Filipino flavors stand out in the world and why the Philippines is a premier destination for food products and ingredients,” said Mediran. 

 

Expected to join the expo are more than 300 companies and enterprises all over the Philippines from the following sectors: beverages; fine food and specialties; fruits and vegetables; biscuits and confectioneries; snacks and crispy savory food products; meat and poultry; dairy products; cereals, grains, and starch; seafood and marine products; organic and natural; raw materials and food ingredients; and allied services. 

 

A Showcase of Familiar and New Flavors 

IFEX Philippines 2022 will have multiple trade components including exhibitions, business matching activities, seminars and talks, and special events. The event will also feature a thematic showcase of distinct Philippine food and ingredients, dynamic cooking demonstrations, and product presentations. These on-site activities will be complemented by digital components such as virtual business-to-business (B2B) meetings and online streaming for special events. 

 

This year’s trade show will also introduce a special section named Flavor Finds as its main highlight. It will feature new and innovative products from NXTFOOD PH, the banner for products developed under CITEM’s food innovation program, as well as currently in-demand local products like ube, plant-based food, and handcraft beer among others; and new products from select exhibitors. 

 

The event will also pilot Coconut Philippines, the country branding of the most versatile food produce of the Philippines, through a showcase of coconut products from food SME exporters. CoconutPhilippines is presented through the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP) of the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) under the Department of Agriculture (DA) which aims to increase the productivity of and modernize the country’s coconut industry. 

 

IFEX Philippines 2022 will be held in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Regional Offices in Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Bicol Region, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Eastern Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Davao Region, and CARAGA, as well as the DTI-Export Marketing Bureau, DTI-Foreign Trade Services Corps, Philippine Exporters Foundation Inc. (PHILEXPORT), Philippine Food Processors and Exporters Organization, Inc. (PHILFOODEX), Integrated Food Manufacturers’ Assn. of the Phils. for Productivity (INFOMAPP), and Coconut Farmers & Industry Development Plan (CFIDP). 

 

To learn more about the event, visit IFEXConnect.com or email ifexphilippines@citem.com.ph. END 

About CITEM 

The Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) is the export promotions arm of the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). 

 

For nearly 40 years, CITEM has established the country’s image as a premier destination for quality export products and services. It continues to set the highest standards of creativity, excellence and innovation to achieve competitiveness in the home, fashion, lifestyle, food, creative, and sustainability sectors. 

 

CITEM is committed to developing, nurturing, and promoting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), brands, designers, and manufacturers by implementing an integrated approach to export marketing in partnership with other government and private entities. 

 

About IFEX 

IFEX is the country's most comprehensive trade promotions program for the domestic food industry, helping Philippine and global exporters promote premium quality food and ingredients to the world through physical and/or digital trade shows and business-to-business platforms, digital marketing efforts, an online community, and a product innovation program. 

 

IFEX Philippines (formerly International Food Exhibition) is CITEM's long-running trade event and sourcing program for Philippine and global food and ingredients. 

 

Together with IFEXConnect.com, IFEX Philippines serves as a one-stop business-to-business (B2B) platform aiming to optimize their sourcing experience of buyers from anywhere in the world. 

 

IFEX Philippines is organized by the Center for International Trade Expositions & Missions (CITEM). 

2022 Hybrid National Food Fair Successfully Generates P65-M Revenues for MSMEs

The recently-concluded five-day 2022 Hybrid National Food Fair was a huge success, generating a total of Php65.49-million in revenues for the 252 participating exhibitors. Of this amount, Php43.42-million were cash or retail sales, Php10.5-million were booked orders, and another Php11.57-million are under negotiation. The event was able to attract 25,455 visitors to the physical fair.

The top performers for the event were:

EXHIBITOR	PRODUCTS	REGION
1. Bahaghari Global Food, Inc.	Snack food	4B
2.  Joyful Garden Farm Organic Farmers’ Association, Inc.	Fresh and processed fruits and vegetables	3
3. Penn’s Gourmet, Inc.	Fresh & processed marine products	8
4. Edelyn’s Homemade Nuts	Snack food	3
5. Magallaya Mt. Specialty Coffee	Philippine coffee	CAR
6. Lola Puring’s Food Products	Snack food	3
7. Binuhat Arts & Crafts Trading	Packaging and labeling	CARAGA
8. Khan’s Food Products	Beverages	CARAGA
9. Sally’s Authentic Bicol Express	Cooked food	NCR
10. Ayana’s Siling Kinamayo	Condiments	11

Billed as the biggest domestic trade event since the onset of the pandemic, the 2022 Hybrid National Food Fair brought together MSMEs from the country’s 17 regions to showcase their wares for Metro Manila consumers and also provided B2B business matching opportunities for institutional buyers. For this year's event, 76 new MSME exhibitors were able to comply with the requirements which qualified them to participate in the fair.

Recognizing the growing importance of e-commerce, at least 70 MSMEs also sold their products through permanent online stores on the Lazada e-commerce platform’s simultaneous virtual event, accessed through http://tinyurl.com/nationalfoodfaironlazada.

A digital catalog, SISIDLAN, served as a business matching tool by showcasing more than 270 food entrepreneurs and their products in full color with direct access to their digital stores, social media links, and contact information. Through SISIDLAN, buyers and consumers can directly contact all participating HNFF exhibitors for negotiations and order bookings. It is available for download on this link: https://bit.ly/SISIDLAN.

As the premier domestic trade show for food entrepreneurs, the 2022 HNFF included special settings to elevate the food fair experience. Show highlights included a Negosyo Center One-Stop-Shop; Digital Partners Lounge; Fresh Produce Pavilion; KAPEtirya Philippine Coffee Pavilion; PINASarap! Innovative Food Gallery; Tara, Kain Tayo! Tablescape and Bar Special Setting; and #FlexPHridays Photo Wall Corner. A special setting by the Design Center of the Philippines focused on “FOODTURES: Key Directions in Functional Food,” while the DTI-Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program had a Negosyo Agraryo special setting.

During the fair, the daily program of activities delivered a total of 28 business talks, 9 cooking demos, 4 wine-mixing shows, and 4 video presentations. The workshops were open to the public and were also livestreamed on BDTP’s Facebook page.

The physical component of the 2022 Hybrid National Food Fair was held from June 1-5 at the Megatrade Halls of SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City. The online component on the Lazada e-commerce platform was extended until June 8 as part of Lazada’s 6.6 mid-year Mega Sale.

The 2022 Hybrid National Food Fair was organized by the DTI-Bureau of Domestic Trade Promotion (BDTP) in cooperation with the DTI-Regional Operations Group. For more information about this and other programs of the DTI-BDTP, please follow their social media accounts on Facebook (DTI.BDTP), Instagram (dti.bdtp), and Twitter (@DTI_BDTP). You may also email BDTP Director Marievic M. Bonoan at bdtp@dti.gov.ph.

Enjoy All-You-Can-Eat Mangoes at Market! Market!

Shop and win cash at Market! Market!

Up to 70% off at the mallwide sale until June 5

Shop and win! Make your way to Market! Market! for its mallwide sale and get up to 70% discount at your favorite stores. When you present P1,500 worth of single or accumulated receipts, get a chance to win P50,000 in cash, too!

Exchange receipts collected during the mallwide sale from May 27 to June 5 with raffle coupons for the chance to win P50,000 in cash, a home furniture set, or P5,000 worth of Metro gift certificates.

More receipts, more coupons

Shoppers are entitled to one (1) coupon for every P1,500 worth of single or accumulated receipts from shops in the mall, excluding Metro Supermarket/Department Store, Fashion Market!, Gift Market! and Home Market! Single receipts worth P4,500 and above may be exchanged for a maximum of three (3) raffle coupons.

The promo is registered with the DTI under DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-143907, 143869 Series of 2022.

For more information on mall activities, schedules, and promotions at #iLoveMarketMarket, like and follow Facebook.com/MarketMarket, @ilovemarketmarket on Instagram and TikTok, and @MarketMarketBGC on Twitter. You may also visit www.ayalamalls.com.