Redefining the Future with AI @t Aboitiz Innovation AI Summit 2023

Aboitiz Data Innovation (ADI), the Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (DSAI) arm of the Aboitiz Group, reveals more details of its inaugural AI Summit Philippines (AI Summit PH 2023), happening at the Marriott Grand Ballroom from May 10 to 11, 2023. The two-day summit promises to provide insights from industry leaders and trailblazers as they share actionable use cases of how AI can and has revolutionized the financial services industry while addressing new fraud challenges in this increasingly digital world.

Featuring talks, panel discussions, and networking opportunities, the AI Summit PH 2023 cuts across three streams: Data Science and Transformation in Financial Services, Powering Smart Cities through Data, and Operationalizing Data Science and AI.

For the first stream, embracing and learning about DSAI technology is key for sustainable growth in the financial services sector to foster economic stability, promote financial inclusion of underserved populations, drive innovation, and redefine value in the industry.

One of the highlights of the stream is a C-Suite Roundtable that brings together the heads of half of the digital banks in the Philippines: UnionDigital Bank (UnionDigital) President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Henry Aguda, GoTyme Bank President and CEO Nathaniel Clarke, and Maya President Angelo Madrid. Digital banks are set to revolutionize the financial services industry by leveraging technology such as AI to increase efficiency and champion financial inclusion. The digital bank roundtable will be moderated by ADI CEO Dr. David R. Hardoon.

Under his leadership, ADI empowers the Aboitiz Group as it undergoes its Great Transformation to become the Philippines’ first Techglomerate by operationalizing DSAI to transform data into business and sustainability outcomes. The Group’s banking and financial services arm, Union Bank of the Philippines (UnionBank) and its thrift bank subsidiary City Savings Bank (CitySavings), are at the forefront of innovation in the local financial services industry with their successful integration of DSAI solutions.

Another C-Suite Roundtable in the Summit will underscore the importance of enabling a transformative culture as leaders drive enterprises toward becoming data-driven companies. The panelists include Aboitiz Equity Ventures (AEV) Chief Transformation Officer Emilie Sydney-Smith and UnionBank President and CEO Edwin R. Bautista, who represents the award-winning and innovative bank. Along with other corporate leaders and trailblazers such as Maria Noemi Azura of Insular Health Care and Victor Paterno of Philippine Seven Corporation, the roundtable will provide valuable insights into how organizations can embrace data-driven strategies to drive innovation and achieve transformation. This roundtable will be moderated by UnionBank’s Chief Customer Experience Officer and Chief Digital Channel Officer Ana A. Delgado.

“We are thrilled to convene industry leaders and experts to explore the revolutionary impact of AI on the finance sector,” said ADI Chief Operating Officer for Financial Services Guy Sheppard. “This summit offers a unique opportunity for attendees to gain valuable insights into how AI can transform financial inclusion, redefine value creation, and address emerging challenges in data science and digital transformation. From automating routine tasks to enhancing risk management and fraud detection, AI has the potential to revolutionize the finance industry by enabling more efficient and personalized services, improving decision-making, and unlocking new opportunities for growth and innovation.”

Sheppard will be moderating “The Changing Face of Fraud,” a panel that delves into the flip side of modern technologies. New and dynamic threats necessitate new rules and approaches to mitigate risks. The panel features experts and professionals in the field of fraud prevention from leading financial services firms Bank of the Philippines (BPI), Maybank Philippines, UnionBank, and UnionDigital.

The summit also covers sustainability in a panel discussion on creating inclusive financial systems through technology. The panelists include CitySavings Vice Chairman and CEO Lorenzo Ocampo, UBX President and CEO John Januszcak, PayMongo CEO Jojo Malolos, and Robin Newnham of the Alliance for Financial Inclusion.

This is just a small glimpse into what lies in store for those who attend the highly anticipated event. ADI invites those interested in hearing from and networking with industry leaders and like-minded individuals and organizations, exchanging ideas on how to use AI to transform the financial services industry for inclusive growth and sustainability.

Register your attendance at www.aiphsummit.ph/registration/ to get a complimentary pass to the event.

About Aboitiz Data Innovation

Aboitiz Data Innovation (ADI) is the Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (DSAI) arm of the Aboitiz Group. ADI consolidates DSAI operating models across the Group and promotes a data-driven culture across the organization. Its chief responsibility is to transform data into business outcomes, use information to make better decisions, reinvent business models, and develop high-value solutions to create new processes, products, and services. By operationalizing DSAI across the Aboitiz Group’s business units, ADI is advancing an over-a-century-old company’s Great Transformation journey into becoming the Philippines’ first techglomerate. For more information, visit aboitizdatainnovation.com.

About Aboitiz Equity Ventures

Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Inc. (AEV) is the public holding company of the Aboitiz Group with major investments in power, banking and financial services, food, infrastructure, land, and data science and artificial intelligence. Today, AEV is recognized as one of the best-managed companies in the Philippines and the region, consistently cited for its commitment to good corporate governance and corporate social responsibility. With five generations of Aboitiz Group business success behind it, AEV continues to drive change for a better world by advancing business and communities.

The Aboitiz Group is a member of the Global Compact Network Philippines Board of Trustees and helps champion the Philippines’ sustainability initiatives on an international level through policies, advocacies, and initiatives that align with the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC). The company has also launched its #OneAboitizSustainability Framework which aims to transform its life-essential businesses into having improved sustainable practices and a positive impact on the environment and society.

To know more about the #OneAboitizSustainability programs, please visit https://sustainability.aboitiz.com/.

BIG-BROTHER AGRI COMPANIES, GOVERNMENT AGENCIES MEET WITH PRESIDENT MARCOS ABOUT KAPATID ANGAT LAHAT AGRI PROGRAM (KALAP)

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. met with Go Negosyo founder Joey Concepcion at the Malacañang Palace, as Concepcion led the group of big-brother agriculture companies and relevant government agencies last April 25 to deliver an update on KALAP, or Kapatid Angat Lahat Agri Program. This is the second KALAP meeting with the President after the program’s ceremonial signing with government agencies last March 6.

Among the issues brought up during the meeting was the need for interventions in ensuring that farmers get access to credit – an issue that was the result of earlier consultations with banks and financial institutions on agriculture lending. 

During the meeting, Concepcion emphasized the importance of achieving scale. “KALAP needs scale. The five hectares that the small farmers have now is not competitive. At the same time, banks can’t lend to them because the lands cannot be collateralized per agrarian reform law. While right now, there are workarounds by the big-brother companies as they work with groups of small farmers, we need to think about longer term solutions,” he said later in an interview.

The President, for his part, assured the group during the meeting that he will look into each industry concern in detail separately, adding that Landbank and the Development Bank of the Philippines are expanding their credit program coverages to agriculture. He further said he will look into the use of digitalization in farm management as started by Universal Leaf Philippines (ULPI) in the tobacco industry. ULPI’s Winston Uy shared during the meeting the technology they use in tobacco farming, and his intention to share it with other big-brother companies as one of the tools they can use under KALAP.

Other big-brother companies also presented to the President their models that can be used for KALAP. In addition to Uy, there was James Amparo, who shared Yovel East’s model for rice farming, Christian Moeller for coconut, Simon Bakker for cacao, Kais Marzouki for coffee, and Nando Cojuangco for sugar 

Since its signing last March, KALAP has enticed more big agriculture companies to join the program. Banks and financial institutions similarly expressed support for KALAP’s push for easier access to credit for small farmers. The Go Negosyo program aims to transform Philippine agriculture and create jobs by focusing on major agricultural commodities, adopting inclusive business models, and creating an enabling business environment.

“There has been a lot of interest, especially among the big companies on how they can participate in KALAP. There is still plenty of room for solutions and we are open to seeing how we can work with more big-brother companies,” said Concepcion.

KALAP aims to give farmers access to money, markets and mentorship, the three M’s that make for successful enterprises. “With KALAP, we aim to see transformed agricultural commodities, food security, job opportunities, and an industry that is able to meet the requirements of the market, both in quality and quantity,” said Concepcion.

The private meeting at the Palace included the heads of the agri companies who, under the KALAP model, will share their inclusive business models that integrate small farmers into the value chain of large corporations. Key government agencies, meanwhile, will help facilitate the environment to create a productive, profitable, sustainable and competitive agriculture industry

Nissan and PDRF join Forces in Disaster Response

April 28, 2023, PAMPANGA—Nissan Philippines Inc. recently signed a partnership agreement with the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF) that will allow the Foundation to use Nissan's full electric vehicle (EV), the LEAF, for its disaster response and recovery activities.

In a ceremonial signing held at the PDRF Emergency Operations Center in Clark, Pampanga, Nissan Philippines partnered with PDRF as part of their Blue Switch initiative that aims to build an ecosystem with various organizations to use EV technologies in addressing social concerns such as disaster response, climate change, responsible travel, and energy management.

Present at the ceremonial signing were Nissan Philippines Inc. President Juan Manuel Hoyos and General Manager for Communications Dax Avenido, PDRF President Rene Meily, PDRF Chief Resilience Officer Guillermo Luz, and PDRF Executive Director Veronica Gabaldon.

“PDRF is grateful to Nissan for this innovative partnership. Their LEAF electric vehicle will be an important asset when we confront challenges going forward,” said PDRF President Rene Meily.

Through this partnership, Nissan Philippines will lend LEAF EVs to PDRF to be used as emergency response vehicles. The Nissan LEAF has vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology which allows bi-directional charging and use the EV's battery to transfer power to other sources. Its reliable power source can supply electricity to affected communities and emergency responses during disasters.

Nissan representatives also demonstrated the capabilities of the LEAF and allowed the PDRF executives to test drive the vehicle.

“Nissan is proud to be part of the roster of private companies which partnered with PDRF. We are very excited to see how the Nissan LEAF can assist PDRF in providing innovative and sustainable solutions to minimize the impacts and recover from disasters. This partnership is the next step in our strategy towards a more sustainable and resilient future for the country,” Juan Hoyos, Nissan Philippines President said.

The partnership will also enable the two organizations to explore efficient and sustainable ways to respond to disasters and mitigate the impact of climate change. The partnership is aligned with PDRF’s commitment to more green and sustainable approaches to disaster response

Copernicus - Philippines and EU join forces for better response to natural disasters and climate change

Manila - Officials from the Philippine Space Agency, the Department of Science and Technology and the European Union launched today (24 April 2023)  the Copernicus Capacity Support Action Programme for the Philippines (CopPhil) worth approximately Php 610 million or €10 million. 

The first space cooperation programme in the region, this new initiative will help Philippine authorities develop national systems to make use of EU’s earth observation’s satellites data in the country’s disaster mitigation and climate change adaptation and food security strategies.

The EU's earth observation flagship programme, Copernicus provides free environment and climate data derived from a constellation of satellites –the Sentinels- which monitor the earth and its many ecosystems 24-hours daily. This free information aims to help public authorities, businesses, and international organisations mitigate climate change impacts and build a sustainable future for all.  

In the Philippines, Copernicus’ satellite images have already helped authorities monitor the situation of remote communities in the aftermath of typhoons such as Odette or accidents like an oil spill to help authorities plan their disaster preparedness plans and mitigation programmes.  

The launch of CopPhil featured a line-up of high level national and international speakers from the Philippine Government, academia, industry, and space agencies, as well as representatives from the European public sector and space agencies from Austria, Italy, Greece, Spain, Germany, France and Romania, and from the European Space Agency.

During the launch, Science and Technology Secretary Renato Solidum welcomed Copernicus and the Copernicus programme in the Philippines as “a long-awaited cooperation on an innovative system that will provide the Philippines new opportunities to develop earth observation applications for disaster risk reduction and management, environmental protection, and climate change adaptation". (Please check quote with the DOST)

Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) Director General Joel Marciano Jr. said that “the Agency welcomes this partnership with the European Union as it strengthens the domestic space value chain, particularly the ability to process and use satellite images and spaceborne data to better manage, and protect our environment and natural resources, and be better prepared in the face of disasters and climate change”. 

 

H. E. Luc Véron, European Union Ambassador to the Philippines, said that “the Copernicus programme for the Philippines is a pioneer initiative in Asia and Asia Pacific and a starting point for a larger programme on Digital Connectivity. The programme will enhance capacities for a stronger and more shock-resilient Filipino economy and society”. 

“In the long term the European Union is exploring the possibility to create a network of Copernicus partners in the ASEAN region aside from other parts of the world. The uptake of innovative technologies such as Copernicus will trigger growth, jobs and modernisation of digital infrastructures that can be used in many sectors in the Philippines”, Ambassador Véron said. 

Background

The launch of CopPH was supported by the European Commission's Technical Assistance and Information Exchange Instrument (TAIEX). The Instrument promotes peer-to-peer interactions and technical exchanges between EU Member States’ public administrations and those in partner countries.  

Copernicus is a European Union Programme aimed at developing European information services based on satellite Earth Observation and in-situ (non-space) data. 

The Programme is coordinated and is managed by the European Commission. It is implemented in partnership with the European Union Member States, the European Space Agency (ESA), the European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT), the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), EU Agencies and Mercator Océan.

The Copernicus Services deliver near-real-time data on a global level which can also be used for local and regional needs, to help us better understand our planet and sustainably manage the environment we live in. Copernicus data support countries worldwide in their efforts to comply with the targets set in the Paris Agreement’s Nationally Determined Contributions. For more information, visit https://www.copernicus.eu/en.

For information or questions on Copernicus technologies and the EU-funded National Copernicus Capacity Support Action Programme please contact:

Giovanni Serritella

Programme Manager Environment & Climate Change

EU Delegation to the Philippines 

Giovanni.SERRITELLA@eeas.europa.eu 

Mobile: +63 945 2477927

Luc Verelst

Team Leader - Copernicus Bridging Phase

Luc.Verelst@gmail.com 

Mobile : +63 918 369 8769

Olaf Neussner

Disaster Risk Managem

Massive data breach leaked from NBI, PNP, other agencies

MANILA, Philippines —A staggering 1,279,437 records belonging to law enforcement agencies, including sensitive police employee information, have been compromised in an unprecedented data breach, as revealed by a report from the leading cybersecurity research company VPNMentor on Tuesday.

The massive data hack, which exposed 817.54 gigabytes of both applicant and employee records under multiple state agencies, including the Philippine National Police (PNP), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), and Special Action Force (SAF), has put the personal information of millions of Filipinos at risk.

Exposed records encompass highly sensitive data such as fingerprint scans, birth certificates, tax identification numbers (TIN), tax filing records, academic transcripts, and even passport copies.

DILG chief to Azurin: CCTV video speaks for itself; bolsters cover-up plan on drug case

A total of 1,279,437 records from law enforcement agencies, including police employee records, were left exposed in a massive data breach, according to a report published by cybersecurity research firm VPNMentor on Tuesday.

Sample of a criminologist accreditation, police clearance form, and BIR identification card, all available on the exposed database.

Sample of a criminologist accreditation, police clearance form, and BIR identification card, all available on the exposed database.

Internal directives addressing law enforcement officers were also exposed in the data breach.

“As an example, these would be orders from the top leadership of how to enforce what laws and what gets priority or additional training that is needed etc… I cannot further confirm or verify the accuracy or authenticity of these documents contained within this database. As such, I cannot guarantee that the contents of the documents are accurate or reliable,” writes cybersecurity researcher Jeremiah Fowler, who authored the report.

Fowler reported that these government documents were stored in an unsecured, non-password-protected database “readily accessible to individuals with an internet connection” and vulnerable to cyberattacks or ransomware. Fowler noted that law enforcement officers are at risk when their personal documents are exposed, but no such attacks have occurred.

“Any data breach that exposes personal information belonging to police and members of law enforcement or other officials can be dangerous. Individuals whose data is exposed could be potential victims of identity theft, phishing attacks, and a range of other malicious activities,” stressed Fowler.

“The availability of government records in an unsecured database raises concerns about potential national security issues. The exposed records could also potentially allow criminals to target members of law enforcement for blackmail or other schemes,” he added.

This database was left exposed for a minimum of six weeks, according to the report. However, Fowler recommended that a full forensic audit be conducted to “fully understand the extent and impact of the breach.”

PNP Public Information Office Chief Rederico Maranan relayed to INQUIRER.net a message from Anti-Cybercrime Group Director Police Brig. Gen. Sidney Hernia, stating that the cybercrime unit is still conducting vulnerability assessment and penetration testing.

“We cannot categorically say at this time that there was leaked applicants’ data… We also requested complete access logs from the PNP Recruitment and Selection Service (PRSS) to evaluate those logs,” he stated. 

Q1 2023 Philippines Property Market Briefing

The Philippine economy grew 7.6% in 2022, its fastest pace of growth in more than 40 years, exceeding the government’s target of between 6.5% and 7.5%. Colliers experts say that this is a positive signal for the property market, which, over the past decades, mirrored the boom–bust cycle of the country’s economic output.

As we close one quarter and welcome a new one, let’s revisit the performance of the property sector to see whether improving economic growth prospects indeed translate to an industry recovering steadily. Join us on April 27 as our experts discuss the performance of the Office, Residential, and Retail sectors for the first quarter of 2023, and what better way to signal such promising outlook than to hold this meaningful discussion in the Makati Commerce Tower – an impressive new office tower along Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue in Makati and Colliers’ official partner for this event.

The highlights will be discussed by Joey Roi Bondoc (Director, Research) and Kevin Jara (Associate Director, Office Services – Tenant Representation) and joining them as panelists in the Q&A are Paul Chua (Director, Capital Markets & Investment Services), Paul Ramirez (Senior Director, Valuation Services), Theresa Teodoro (Senior Director, Advisory Services), Dom Fredrick Andaya (Senior Director, Office Services – Tenant Representation), and Richard Raymundo (Managing Director, Colliers). The discussion with be moderated by Maricris Sarino-Joson (Director, Office Services – Landlord Representation).

This event is also made possible by the following partners:

- Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (https://www.facebook.com/DHSUDgovph)

- Organization of Socialized Housing Developers of the Philippines (https://www.facebook.com/oshdpnational)

- Subdivision and Housing Developers Association (https://www.facebook.com/shdaph)

- Australian–New Zealand Chamber of Commerce Philippines (https://www.facebook.com/ANZCHAMPhilippines)

- British Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (https://www.facebook.com/BritishChamberPhilippines)

- Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (https://www.facebook.com/pcciofficial)

- Healthcare Information Management Association of the Philippines (https://www.facebook.com/himap.ph)

- ULI Philippines (https://www.facebook.com/ULIPH)

- ABS-CBN News Channel (https://www.facebook.com/ANCalerts)

- Philippine Daily Inquirer (https://www.facebook.com/INQ.Property)

- Philstar.com (https://www.facebook.com/philstarnews)

- Business World (https://www.facebook.com/BWorldPH)

- Manila Times (https://www.facebook.com/themanilatimesonline)

- Business Mirror (https://www.facebook.com/BusinessMirror)

- Malaya Business Insight (https://www.facebook.com/malayanews)

To attend this event at the newly opened Makati Commerce Tower, click this link to save your seat: http://bit.ly/3MFiXqD.

Should you prefer to attend via Zoom, click this link to register: https://bit.ly/3GOdUk4.

#ColliersPH #BeExperts #AcceleratingSuccess #ColliersInsights #PropertyMarketBriefing #PhilippinePropertyMarket #PhilippineRealEstate #OfficeSector #ResidentialSector #RetailSector

A MEETING OF MINDS

Shortly after Ferdinand Marcos Jr. became the clear winner in last year’s presidential elections, I sat down with him at his campaign headquarters in Mandaluyong. Prior to this meeting, he and I had never really sat down for a chat. We would see each other in fleeting social encounters, but had mainly only heard of each other, be it through common friends, in our own respective advocacies and profession, through our children and, of course, by reputation.

Clearly, I was not the only one who was curious about him back then. When he appeared as our featured presidential candidate on our Go Negosyo show “Kandidatalks,” that episode reached more than one million people and attracted 379,000 total views when it streamed live over Go Negosyo’s Facebook page in December 2021.

Almost a year on, as I got to know the President through our meetings and on official trips abroad, I realized how similar our vision is for the country’s MSMEs.

Foremost is his giving MSMEs their due place as champions of our economy, especially in job creation. MSMEs are 99 percent of the enterprises in the Philippines, contributing almost 65 percent of jobs here in the country and accounting for more than a third of its GDP. Growing our MSME sector will widen our economy’s base so that it can no longer be affected by the performance of its large companies or a pause in government spending.

We are also aligned in seeing how digitalization can help our MSMEs.

The President has vowed to continue former president Rodrigo Duterte’s “Build, Build, Build” program and build more roads and ports so that the flow of goods and people can become more efficient. But to this he added the importance of building not just physical infrastructure, but also digital infrastructure.

The pandemic pushed Filipinos to acquire e-wallets and this was key to taking digitalization to the next level: a cashless society that has long been promoted by our financial managers. We saw so many MSMEs thrive and new ones being born during the pandemic, driven and aided by the rapid rise of digital payments. With digitalization, these small enterprises enjoyed an even playing field with the big players, able to push their products to their communities and equipped to receive payments and overcome roadblocks that used to stand between them and payments. We saw how digital money and market platforms created more access for entrepreneurs to sell their products and services.

Since many Filipinos remain unbanked – about 44 percent of adult Filipinos as of 2021, according to the BSP – and therefore have no access to credit cards, the e-wallets like GCash and Maya, and the many joining their ranks, have their place in helping spur digitalization and financial inclusion in our country.

The President early on also saw how local government units play a major role in helping MSMEs. He proposed allocating a portion of the Internal Revenue Allotments of LGUs to fund projects for MSMEs. This is prescient as when we started putting together the framework for the Kapatid Angat Lahat Agri Program, LGU cooperation emerged as a key component in helping our small farmers become agripreneurs.

Agriculture is where we truly had a meeting of minds. The agriculture sector accounts for a quarter of the total number of jobs here in the Philippines. Couple that with the number of jobs contributed by MSMEs, then it stands to reason that helping the small agripreneurs will redound to so many benefits not just in food security and sustainability, but also in job generation.

The President also said he wants to help farmers get access to credit. Agriculture is a risky venture, and our farmers are poorly equipped to mitigate their own risks and convince the banks to lend to them. It also doesn’t help that those who need credit the most have the least access to it – literally and figuratively, as our far-flung provinces have yet to even have ATMs in their communities, least of all an actual physical branch where farmers can easily apply for and pay off their loans.

From our meetings with the banks as part of our KALAP initiative, there is clearly much that needs to be done to improve farmers’ access to credit. We are willing to meet them halfway through KALAP. With hope, and with the big brothers in agriculture on their side, small farmers will have the confidence of the banks and lending institutions enough to ease access to credit. This will enable farmers to scale and increase productivity and, over time, build their credit rating.

The President also saw the need to rationalize the tax system to protect the MSMEs. From my conversations at Go Negosyo with the active and aspiring small entrepreneurs during our mall-based entrepreneurship mentoring roadshow 3M on Wheels, I could tell that the MSEs want to be part of the formal economy.

They have very little reason not to, because they understand that in order to grow their businesses, they need the documentary requirements that will allow them to get the capital they need to increase production, or even open a bank account to enable them to make bigger transactions. Clearly, facilitating the ease of doing business for MSEs will help make them part of the taxable economy, further increasing their contribution to our country. It is something that I believe the President and I both saw as an obvious truth.

The President went on to say that MSMEs must be encouraged to grow, to set their goals to go beyond just making money and realize their role in social transformation. Our role in the private sector is to help ease the way for them.

DOST INTRODUCES GENOMICS TO IMPROVE FILIPINO HEALTH, SAFETY AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES

New breeding and disease detection studies, forensic applications revealed to the public

On Friday, April 14, 2023, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) was lauded by United States Embassy Science and Technology Fellow and National Science Foundation Program Director Dr. Sally O’Connor for effectively translating “basic research into useful products” and the creation of successful startups.

The report highlighted “Investments in genomics research also found immeasurable success in battling the spread of SARS CoV2 through public surveillance of outbreaks, tracking of the spread of specific variants, and influencing policy to prevent further spread of the virus.”  This is in reference to the swift response of DOST in rolling out programs and projects related to COVID-19 detection, tracking and management technologies.

Sustaining its momentum, the DOST revealed a new discovery derived from genomics that affected exclusively, people with Filipino ancestry.  Called X-linked dystonia-parkinsonism (XDP) or lubag, it is a debilitatingly severe neurodegenerative disease affecting males with maternal ancestry tracing back to the Panay region of the Philippines. It is a progressive disease that usually affects males from the age of 35 to 45 years of age.  It is also a disease that can be inherited.

The DOST is working to characterize  the genetic prevalence of the causative gene that will provide a better understanding of the burden of disease in the Philippines and help decision makers to determine where investments in health care should be targeted for this uniquely Filipino disease.

Genomics studies in the country have also expanded to the Philippine Population Database Utilizing DNA Fragment Analysis, Capillary Sequencing, and Next Generation Sequencing for Forensic Applications.  Its studies include the history, evolution, origins and applications of Filipino genomes.  This study also helped resolve child sexual abuse cases.

According to DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr. “Investing in R&D is critical for the Philippines’ future. The DOST Genomics Program is an excellent example of how investing in R&D can lead to significant advancements in various fields, creating new products and business opportunities and employing additional staff, resulting in income-generating partnerships with private institutions. By investing in programs like this, the Philippines is creating a more resilient and sustainable society, driving innovation, economic growth, and improving the quality of life for its citizens.”

In agriculture, DOST provided strategic science-based interventions to address low productivity of swine thru the development of the DNA marker aided selection (MAS) technology. DNA-marker selection technology has higher selection efficiency and offers a great opportunity to hasten genetic improvement (in terms of improving productivity, production efficiency and meat quality, and elimination of genetic defects) in swine as compared to the traditional method of selection.

DOST also showcased the exhibits of spinoff companies created due to successful R&D programs like the Manila Health Tek Covid-19 Test Kit, Andali Rapid Test Kit for ASF, biomarkers for cancer diagnosis, and new breakthroughs or technology on genomics.

“The DOST Genomics Program’s impact spans diverse sectors, including human health, agriculture, forestry, and marine resources. Its contributions have been indispensable in the fight against a health crisis,” said DOST Undersecretary Leah J. Buendia. “R&D is critical to our ability in addressing the challenges of today and the unknowns of tomorrow.”

European Maritime Group lauds decision of EU Commission to Recognize PH Seafarer Certificates

MANILA, Philippines - The Joint Maritime Committee of the Dutch-, German-, Nordic- and Norwegian Chambers of Commerce welcomes the decision of the European Commission to continue the recognition of Filipino Seafarers’ Certificates, which will ensure the stability of employment for Filipino seafarers. 

“The decision of the European Commission to continue recognizing Filipino seafarer certificates presents a very positive development in the Philippine Maritime Industry” says Mr. Tore Henriksen, Chairperson of the Joint Maritime Committee. “It is commendable that the Philippine authorities have taken necessary steps towards complying with the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), and have demonstrated their commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of Filipino seafarers who contribute significantly to the global shipping industry.” 

The Joint Maritime Committee also commends the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Susan Ople, Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Jaime Bautista, the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) for their continued work on institutionalizing the changes recommended by the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA), as well as the European Commission for rendering technical assistance to this endeavour. 

The Joint Maritime Committee together represent the interests of a large segment of the maritime private sector community of Europe (Denmark, Finland, Germany, Iceland, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden). It is represented by the Dutch Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines, the German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce, the Nordic Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines and the Philippines-Norway Business Council.  

 

Philippine Institute of Interior Designers will host the First-Ever Manila Interior Design Summit: Designing the Future

Philippine Institute of Interior Designers will launch its first-ever Manila Interior Design Summit this April 10-12, 2023. The theme for the pioneer MIDS event is #DESIGNINGTHEFUTURE.

To celebrate the future of design, society, and creativity, PIID has a lot of activities in store for all the attendees. A Philippine Institute of Interior Designers Creative Walk in partnership with BGC Art Foundation on April 10, a two-day CPD Seminar entitled GRN META: Metamorphosis of Green Spaces on April 11-12, and the launch of the APSDA Awards.

The summit will gather esteemed speakers from the Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, India, and Singapore to help us formulate our individual answers to the call: How do we want the future of interior design to look like?

“We acknowledge that technology is part of the now and it will also be a huge part of tomorrow. So the question of how we can utilize that for the environment and humanity’s advantage is what we wish to discuss and learn from this year. How can we help as designers? How can we make sustainable and future-proof design decisions? How can we preserve culture and humanity in the spaces that we create? How does the future look like?”

“We often consider the future in the way we live and the decisions that we make daily. As Interior Designers and shapers of the built environment, now more than ever, the call to action is to sculpt spaces that are future-proof, sustainable, and also preserving humanity and culture,“ said Hannah Dumlao, Communications Head of Philippine Institute of Interior Designers (PIID).

“By asking these questions and hearing the answers of different people from the various sectors of the design environment who have begun to explore the aspects of technology, culture, sustainability, and green design, we hope to contribute to the movement of Designing Consciously for the Future,“ she shared.

The main event of MIDS is a two-day seminar for interior designers, architects, and allied professions focusing on strategies and best practices for designing the future in a sustainable manner. 

It is poised to explore the key principles of sustainable design– such as minimizing waste, reducing energy consumption, and using environmentally friendly materials, and how these principles can be applied in interior design and architectural projects.

The seminar will also emphasize the importance of collaboration between different designers of the built environment, suppliers and stakeholders in creating sustainable and innovative design solutions.

Aside from the two-day design symposium, PIID has also collaborated with a few collectives to present, promote, and help empower the creativity and vision of the Filipino. Creativity is a huge ingredient of cities, it greatly shapes and tells of the soul of a place. With this in mind, Philippine Institute of Interior Designers is kicking off MIDS with creative activities and initiatives.

The event and activity line up for MIDS 2023 are as follows:

• The Philippine Institute of Interior Designers Exhibition

April 10-12, 16, 2023
Alveo Central Plaza, BGC Arts Center, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig

• DIGITAL PIID ART WALK by BGC Art Foundation

April 10, 2023
(Various Locations) Bonifacio Global City, Taguig

• The Philippine Arts & Crafts Exhibition by Kindred Collective

April 11-12, 2023
Nutriasia Lobby, Maybank Performing Arts Theater, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig

• GRN META: Metamorphosis of Green Spaces Design Symposium

April 10-12, 2023
Globe Auditorium, Maybank Performing Arts Theater, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig

• The PIID GALA & APSDA AWARDS Launch

April 12, 2023
Marquis Events Place, Uptown, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig

• Grammar of Movement Lecture by Carlo Calma

April 16, 2023
The Theatre At Solaire, Solaire Resort & Casino, Parañaque

• Diyosa by Ballet Philippines, Dir. Carlo Calma

April 16, 2023
The Theatre At Solaire, Solaire Resort & Casino, Parañaque

Growth in the Countryside

Although the National Capital Region remains the hub of economic activity, even at the height of the pandemic, government statistics show that only 18.6 percent of the establishments are located here. That leaves a majority scattered throughout the provinces in the Philippines.

What is telling is that more than a third of jobs are generated in the NCR, showing us that as far as size and scale are concerned, the NCR still brings in the numbers. Following NCR as the next most establishment-rich areas are its neighboring provinces, CALABARZON and Central Luzon, which still comprise highly urbanized cities and economically active towns.

That still leaves us with some 80 percent of establishments in the countryside that have the potential to help local economies and generate jobs for the local population. Needless to say, they play a vital role in sustaining local economies and providing livelihood opportunities to residents.

However, these MSMEs in the provinces often face unique challenges that hinder their growth and competitiveness, and if we are to all grow at the same pace, it is essential to provide support and assistance to help them thrive.

As someone who firmly believes in the potential of MSMEs to drive economic growth and provide prosperity for all, I am convinced that we need to grow the MSMEs in the provinces. One of the critical reasons is that they are often the only source of livelihood for rural communities. These businesses provide an essential means of income for farmers, fishermen and other rural workers who may not have access to formal employment.

Moreover, supporting the MSMEs in the provinces can help reduce urban migration, which is a significant problem in the Philippines as it clogs the major cities and creates more problems down the road. By creating job opportunities in the countryside, we can reduce the burden on urban areas and alleviate the strain on resources and infrastructure, and even create more livable spaces for our workers.

During the initial provincial run of our mall-based entrepreneurship mentoring event 3M on Wheels in Baguio City last month, I found that MSMEs in that area are quite innovative. They are attuned to identifying new opportunities and focused on creating solutions to problems. With the right support, I can only imagine how they will perform at  their full potential.

Moreover, many MSMEs in the provinces are engaged in agriculture and agribusiness, which are vital sectors for the Philippine economy. By supporting these businesses, we can promote sustainable agricultural practices, increase food security and generate income even in the far-flung areas.

However, despite their importance, the MSMEs in the provinces, especially those in the agriculture sector, often face significant challenges that hinder their growth, including limited access to financing, infrastructure and technology.  The most significant challenge is perhaps the lack of access to financing. Most financial institutions are concentrated in urban areas, making it difficult for rural businesses to access capital. This lack of access to financing can stifle business growth and limit an MSME’s ability to invest in new technologies or expand operations. Also, making MSMEs part of the taxable economy by encouraging them to join the financial system can redound to so many benefits for the economy.

That is why starting this April, Go Negosyo’s free entrepreneurship mentoring program 3M on Wheels will reach out to more active and aspiring entrepreneurs in the provinces. We are set to hold 3M on Wheels in Pampanga this April 15 at the Marquee Mall in Angeles City, and then on to Cavite, Cebu, Bulacan, Batangas, Cagayan de Oro and Iloilo.

3M on Wheels builds on Go Negosyo’s Mentor Me on Wheels (MMOW), the highly successful on-ground, nationwide mentoring program which we started in 2018. It was inspired by the growing number of Filipinos turning to entrepreneurship to lift themselves out of poverty. As MMOW, the program has successfully mentored more than 10,000 entrepreneurs across the Philippines. Since we resumed the mall-based mentoring event as 3M on Wheels last year, more than 5,000 active and aspiring entrepreneurs have benefited from the program.

By renaming it as 3M On Wheels – the three M’s standing for Mentorship, Money and Market – we expand it to reflect not just mentorship, but also access to capital and markets. The expanded mentoring program encompasses the wider scope of entrepreneurship mentoring we now give to aspiring entrepreneurs. We felt that as we continue our mission of giving MSMEs access to business opportunities, we must expand it to the wider framework of money, market and mentorship – completing the three M’s that we believe are essential in growing small businesses.

During the event, the active and aspiring entrepreneurs receive one-on-one coaching from veteran entrepreneurs and successful business executives from different industries. Finance service providers, meanwhile, introduce entrepreneurs to facilities for small-business lending, while specialists in different marketing channels are on hand to introduce solutions that cover everything from establishing physical stores and digital platforms, to logistics solutions and digital payment platforms. Participants can also inquire at booths from potential franchise or business opportunities.

And to assist the entrepreneurs in their regulatory affairs, government agencies will be on hand to answer questions on documentation, certifications and applications.

Thanks to the successful businessmen and entrepreneurs who generously give of their time and knowledge, and to the finance institutions and enterprise solutions providers who have been with us through the years, we were able to scale our mentoring into a nationwide program, and now expand its scope.

DOST Launches Search for Regional Women Social Enterprises

(Taguig, City)— To celebrate Women's Month, the Department of Science and Technology's Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD) launched Women-Helping-Women Innovating Social Enterprises (WHWise): the Search for Innovative Women Entrepreneurs in the Regions on 31 March 2023. 

Themed “Breaking Silos: Empowering Women Social Entrepreneurs Through Innovation,” the launch puts in the spotlight the value of women in social entrepreneurship and the importance of partner DOST Regional Offices (ROs) in implementing the search and tapping their network of women-led social enterprises.

In addition to managing and running the regional competition, DOST ROs will also help in promoting the position by designing and organizing their own call conferences, identify candidates, assess pitch submissions, and collaborate with DOST Technology Business Incubators (TBIs) to get candidates ready for the national competition.

DOST-PCIEERD Executive Director Dr. Enrico C. Paringit emphasizes that WHWise is DOST's first initiative to support female entrepreneurs. The Women-Helping-Women program unites an impressive group of female incubator managers and partners to provide a variety of services, including access to technologies, training, skills development, mentorship, and business incubation through the DOST's TBIs.

"Our partnership with the DOST Regional Office will expand our reach in providing support to women social entrepreneurs, the communities they empower by helping them become innovative through science and technology,” Paringit said.

The following regional offices will be running the WHWise Program:

1 Implementing Region: Region I under Dr. Teresita A. Tabaog, Officer in- Charge, Office of the Regional Director

Project Title: WHWise: PUSSH WOMEN (Providing Upgrading Support to Social Enterprises, Honing Women for Opportunities Mobilizing them Towards Nation-building) 

Project Leader:  Engr.  Jordan Abad

2. Implementing Region: MIMAROPA, under Regional Director Ma. Josefina P. Abilay

Project Title: WHWise: Innovating Social Enterprises (WHWise) in MIMAROPA

Project Leader: Ms. Jelyn Docto

3. Implementing Region:  DOST-VIII, under Regional Director Engr. Ernesto M. Granada

Project Title:  WHWISE: Unlad Bayi: 2023 Eastern Visayas Search for Innovative Women Enterprises

Project Leader: ARD Marilyn O. Radam

4. Implementing Region:  DOST-IX, under Regional Director Martin We

Project Title: WHWISE: Shepherding More Innovative Women-led Enterprises Towards Success (WHWISe: Smile to Success)

Project Leader: Regional Director Martine Wee

5. Implementing Region: DOST-X, under Engr. Romela Ratilla, Officer-in-Charge, Office of the Regional Director

Project Title: WHWISE:  Babaye para sa Babaye: WHWISE Regional Search- Northern Mindanao

Project Leader: Engr. Jonathan Agbayani

6 Implementing Region: DOST-XI, under Regional Director Dr. Anthony C. Sales

Project Title: WHWISE Capacity Building of Women-led Enterprises in Region XI in Preparation for the 2023 WHWise National Innovation Challenge: Search for Innovative Women Entrepreneurs in the Regions

Project Leader: Dr. Anthony C. Sales

7. Implementing Region: DOST-CAR, under Dr. Nancy A. Bantog 

Project Title: WHWISE: Search for Women-led Innovative Enterprises in CAR

Project Leader:  Dr. Nancy A. Bantog

8. Implementing Region: DOST-NCR, under Engr. Romelen, T. Tresvalles, Officer in Charge, Office of the Regional Director

Project Title: WHWISE: Fostering Innovation to Scale-Up Technopreneurship Operations of Women Led Social Enterprises

Project Leader: Ms.  Jennifer Queddeng

9 Implementing Region: DOST-Caraga, under Regional Director Engr. Noel M. Aioc

Project Title:  WHWise:  Accelerating Innovation and Inclusive Entrepreneurial Ecosystem for Women in Caraga through WHWise Program

Project Leader:  Engr. Emman Lliam L. Prisco

DOST Secretary Dr. Renato U. Solidum Jr. praised the launch as it provides opportunities for women social entrepreneurs in the regions that can spur development in the countryside.

“The WHWise Program can help address the barriers that women entrepreneurs face and contribute to a more inclusive and thriving startup ecosystem.  It is highly commendable especially with the Regional Offices for answering our call to leave no one behind and ensuring that women entrepreneurs in the regions get the opportunity to showcase their innovative ideas to contribute to the country's economic growth,” he said.

DOST-PCIEERD launched the WHWise Initiative in 2021 to support women-led social enterprises and serve more communities. (Text and photos from DOST-PCIEERD)

STATEMENT ON THE HACKED DOST PCIEERD FACEBOOK PAGE

April 8, 2023 –The Department of Science and Technology’s Philippine Council for  Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development would like to  inform the public, especially our stakeholders from the media, the research community,  and various government and non-government institutions, that the official Facebook page  of the council was hacked on April 7, 2023, at 12 a.m. 

As soon as we learned about the incident, we notified Facebook's parent company, Meta.  DOST-PCIEERD is working closely with Meta to ensure that our services are not hampered in any way and to regain access to and control over our page. 

We are aware of the value of our Facebook page to our clients who want to stay in touch.  We want to reassure you that we are making every effort to resolve the problem as soon as possible. Data security for our clients is a key concern for us. We acknowledge that the page breach may have alarmed and perplexed some of our followers. Yet our services, client information, and systems we deploy were unaffected by this problem. We will continue to provide the same level of attention and support to our stakeholders. 

Nonetheless, as a precaution, we ask those who follow our Facebook page to be wary of any odd online posts or behaviors and to report them right away to either our organization or Facebook. 

We are committed to ensuring that this matter is resolved quickly, effectively, and with the utmost regard for PCIEERD's core values: integrity, innovation, and excellence. 

Thank you for your understanding and continued support. 

The 15th Philippine Food Expo 2023

The only All-Filipino food and beverage show in the country. 

Supporting local growers and entrepreneurs while featuring native delicacies and gourmet offerings, the 15th Philippine Food Expo makes a much-awaited comeback this April 28-30 at the SMX Convention Center Manila.

The 3-day expo features over 300 exhibitors of business supplies, packaging & equipment, export-grade food products and more.

Scan the QR code to pre-register and avail of a discounted entrance fee! 

To see the Schedule of Events, List of Exhibitors, and latest event updates, visit www.philippinefoodexpo.ph or follow us on Facebook or Instagram.

#philippinefoodexpo2023 #philfoodexpo2023 #foodshow #foodphilippines #foodexplorer #tradeshowph #foodexhibition

The 2nd Food & Beverages Manufacturing Summit 2023

WITH THE RAPID EVOLUTION OF CONSUMER FOOD PREFERENCE and the growing demands for food production that goes with increasing population and stronger spending power, the agri-food sector remains the biggest employment sector in the ASEAN community accounting for 38% of its work force. As such, the agri-food industry is a top-ranked priority for the ASEAN integration, with bulk of their economic growth, trade and investments depending on it. However, there is much to be accomplished for its sustainable growth and development by raising land productivity and ensuring market demands.

The ASEAN agribusiness is also gaining power in export trading. Latest studies present great opportunities for intra-ASEAN trade in agri-food. Albeit a smaller share of 2.5% to total exports as compared to a 4.3% share of extra-ASEAN exports to total exports, its growth has significantly doubled from 2008-2011 with more growth potential projected if the ASEAN is able to achieve harmonization of standards across all its participating countries and address the technical barriers to trade.

With the rise of globalization of food trade, the challenge of keeping up with the changes in consumption and demand as incomes rise with population growth and greater economic prosperity remain. The rise of wealth and spending power result to greater consumer demand and a change in diets require more variety and nutritious food at affordable prices. These changes in urbanization and consumer behaviour are also evident in the shift of raw materials sourcing - from small farms to modern supermarkets. Food manufacturers and retailers may take advantage of this shift as great opportunities present themselves in the rise of global groceries and the increase of processed food exports. According to the Institute of Grocery Distribution, Asia’s grocery markets are forecasted to surpass Europe and North America combined within the next 4 years.

These evolving trends will be the central theme of the 15th Philippine Food Expo that will commence on April 28-30, 2023 at the SMX Convention Center, Pasay City, Manila, Philippines with an expanded floor area of 7,000 sqm exhibition space.

She Can STEM: Student told to plant a root crop, now a computer engineer and an aspiring farmer

“If you find programming this hard, you might as well drop out and start planting root crops.” This is what Christine Rose Bulayo’s programming instructor told her when she was desperately trying to solve her first programming problem as a student.

Bulayo was among the guest speakers at the “SheSTEMs: Championing Women’s Participation in STEM Education and Careers,” a United Nation’s 67th Session on the Commission on the Status of Women (UN CSW67), Philippine-led Virtual Side Event. The guests talked about their experiences and contribution as a woman in Science, Technology, Mathematics and Engineering (STEM). This activity was hosted by the Department of Science and Technology-Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI).

Bulayo recounted her story: “A long time ago there’s a young woman sitting in front of a computer, sweat dripping down her forehead as she frantically types away. Desperately 

trying to solve her first programming problem. She’s nervous, unsure if she’s cut out for this field, then she hears the words of her instructor saying: if you find programming this 

hard, you might as well drop out and start planting root crops.”

Bulayo admitted that she was tempted to give up at that time. But six years later, that same woman is now speaking at the SheSTEMs, and is now a computer engineer.

But that is not all that Bulayo has been up to. She also now cultivates a hectare of land with a variety of crops from vegetables to fruits and herbs, a true woman of science by heart.

“So who says you must choose? With perseverance and determination, I did both. I am 

Christine. I am now a computer engineer. I am a DOST scholar and I am an aspiring farmer and of course, I am a woman,” Bulayo said in narrating her experience of nearly 

ditching a STEM career.

Bulayo, pursuing noble advocacies, is currently involved with Permaculture Literacy Program, a climate adaptation initiative that addresses issues from the ground up. The issues it is addressing are food security, climate change, and people’s lack of interest in 

farming.

She explains that Permaculture is more than just an agricultural practice. It is a lifestyle. It is living each day thinking, knowing nature, being one with nature, and working with nature, and not against it.

“This is our own way of recreating the 21st century Garden of Eden, with the integration of student, earth citizenry, climate resiliency, and regenerative healing of the planet. Of course, with the help of digital technology,” Bulayo added.

There are various technological tools that help perform tasks with speed and efficiency. There’s a software that help create a base map and conduct a sector analysis for a 

permaculture site. It can determine the path of the sun and identify the areas with sufficient sunlight or plant growth, as well as discern a topography of the land and the 

flow of water. These features are crucial in designing and planning for larger areas of land.

Bulayo, being a DOST scholar, is among those who contributed to its increase. Dr. Josette T. Biyo, Director of DOST-SEI said that the number and share of female DOST-SEI undergraduate scholars shows an increasing trend in the past three years. From 44.8 percent in 2020, it reached 50.3 percent in 2021, and 52.3 percent in 2022

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported that there’s a 148 percent increase in the number of females in S&T careers between 1990 to 2015. From 179,000 females in S&T careers in 1990, this increased to 445,000 in 2015.

On the other hand, Subhashini Chandran, Vice President for Social Impact of Mastercard Asia Pacific, also among the SheSTEMs speakers, expressed her gratitude to the DOST and Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. and the organizers for holding the 

SheSTEMs event and pledged Mastercard support for the CSW67 recommendations. Chandran encourages actions that will meet the gap, the demand, and underline the importance of really encouraging young girls and women to pursue careers in STEM.

Bulayo added that technology is not actually scary. The real problem is not whether machines think, but if people do. So, collectively the people’s task is to help design 

digital environments that can connect. This is why there’s a need to have a collaboration among national and local government, the private sector, civil societies, academia, and 

of course, multilateral organizations. (Geraldine Bulaon-Ducusin, S&T Media Service)

Becoming Kulas

Last week I had a very interesting chat with Kyle Jennermann, aka Kulas, of the widely popular YouTube channel “Becoming Filipino.” Now I have had celebrities and VIPs from business and government over at my home, but I was quite pleasantly surprised at how the household staff were star-struck with this Visayan-speaking Canadian native.

Apparently, his vlogs have resonated with a wide demographic: young and old, Pinoys, balikbayans, foreigners, digital natives and newbies. He has over a million followers on his YouTube channel, where he documents his life here in the Philippines as he goes about traveling the country and experiencing what it’s like to be Filipino. He has probably visited more places in the Philippines than the average Pinoy, and in his vlogs he showcases the beauty of the country and its people.

Proof that he’s truly imbibed the culture is that he speaks in broken Tagalog (he can understand you perfectly, though) but is quite fluent in Bisaya. Since settling here in the Philippines ten years ago, Kulas has indeed assimilated quite well. And clearly, many Pinoys have taken to him, too, judging by the popularity of his YouTube channel.

I met with Kulas in connection with our upcoming Tourism Summit 2023 this May 6. We have invited him, along with decision-makers from government and business, local and international tourism entrepreneurs and travel influencers, to come join us at the SM Seaside City in Cebu for a day dedicated to discussing the future of Philippine tourism.

One highlight of the Tourism Summit is the awarding of the very first Inspiring Tourism Entrepreneurs Award. Through the award, we aim to recognize outstanding entrepreneurs in the tourism industry for their role in fostering a more integrated and sustainable tourism industry in the country, and for their significant contribution to developing the Philippine tourism landscape.

By acknowledging these inspiring entrepreneurs, we hope to encourage more Filipinos to pursue entrepreneurship and promote the country’s tourism sector. Fifteen entrepreneurs will be selected under several categories. And in recognition of the power of social media, we will be giving special awards to 10 travel vloggers and influencers. This is a particularly exciting award as it touches on our push for our MSMEs to use social media to push their businesses and become influencers.

Tourism has been a crucial driver of Philippine economic growth and job creation for decades, providing a significant contribution to the country’s GDP. However, what is often overlooked is the crucial role played by MSMEs in this sector and, conversely, how much tourism affects MSMEs. For independent travelers, the micro and small entrepreneurs are the touchpoint to local culture. They are the ones who sell the locally sourced fruits, cook local dishes and serve as guides to less-traveled paths.

Tourism touches a wide range of MSMEs, from logistics to accommodations, food and beverage to recreation and entertainment, and travel services. Moreover, the multiplier effect of tourism is undeniable, as it creates ripple effects across the economy, not the least of which is jobs. By helping our MSMEs in the tourism industry, we can create more job opportunities, increase income for local communities and encourage entrepreneurship, which is vital for the country’s economic growth.

Before the pandemic hit, tourism was one of the biggest employers in the country, accounting for nearly six million workers, mostly in the transport and the accommodations/food sector. The ADB estimates that before the pandemic, tourism supported 195 million jobs directly, and more than 330 million in total, most of them MSMEs. The decline during the pandemic is estimated to be as big as 70 percent, each year from 2020 to 2021.

Because its reach is so broad across industries such as retail, transportation, food and services, accurately measuring the impact of tourism on the revenues of each specific sector is challenging. However, the ripple effects of a tourism slowdown are often felt strongly among small and micro-entrepreneurs, highlighting the industry’s crucial role in supporting local economies. Add to this the seasonal nature of the business for these MSMEs, and you can only imagine how devastating the lockdowns and travel restrictions were for the souvenir vendors and the carinderias and, further up the line, the farmers and fishermen, handicrafts makers, tricycle drivers and numerous other micro entrepreneurs.

Recovery will depend on how well we can support the MSMEs, with policies and programs centered on people and sustainability, which means upskilling our MSMEs in the tourism sector and helping them upgrade their products. One crucial point will be how well we will help them use digital technology. Already, we are seeing the power of social media in stirring general interest in travel. We hope to encourage more MSMEs in the tourism sector to maximize this tool as we start getting back on track. We must help them become like “Kulas,” not only in the savvy for engaging visitors, but also in the ability to look at our country through fresh eyes to see just how much we have to offer.

Early this year when I met with Sec. Christina Frasco of the Department of Tourism, I pledged my support to help the country’s tourism efforts. With hope, we can help our MSMEs in the tourism industry become ready to receive visitors as tourism continues to pick up, able to provide the goods and services with our trademark Filipino hospitality and solidify their place as a significant contributor to the growth of Philippine tourism.

A whole family with PWD ID cards was reported and questioned over their said cards

September 3, 2020 

MANILA, Philippines — Members of a family whose six persons with disability (PWD) identification cards spread on social media earlier in the year may face charges after a House panel found none of them were qualified for the card, which gives bearers discounts and priority seating.

This was confirmed by Rep. Ronnie Ong (Ang Probinsyano Party-list), who co-wrote the original House resolution calling for a probe into the proliferation of fake PWD cards, in a phone call. 

Groups say House reps' slamming of PWD card abuse exposes holes in disability legislation. Here’s how

Social distancing's victims: In a Luzon quarantine, the disabled are mostly forgotten

'Easy to overlook': Social amelioration lapses weigh doubly on PWDs, advocates say. 

"With regard to the Chongs, Quezon City has said it would take legal action against not only the Chongs but also the PDAO (Persons with Disability Affairs Office) officers who issued their cards...We will just leave the action to the Quezon City local government. They have said they will file cases through the NBI and through its legal office," Ong said. 

"The fact that they are thinking or they are about to file a case against them means that the cards are probably not legal."

QC government: No forms, records for family PWD cards in viral photo

Philstar.com reached out to the Quezon City Legal Department Office for confirmation but the office declined to comment.

Disputing the findings of the Quezon City local government, Carolyn Chong, the family matriarch, said in an affidavit that the six cards—which entitle holders to a 20% discount and exemption to value-added tax to go with a 5% discount on basic necessities and prime commodities—were legitimately acquired. 

Earlier in June, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte said that the six cards, a photo of which went viral on social media, were not supported by application forms or other documents on record with the local government. Quezon City legal officer Niño Casimiro also said then that their release may have been "facilitated" by a city employee during the previous administration.

The city government has said that the family allegedly paid P2,000 each for the said IDs.

"Our PWD cards are all genuine and authentic. I submitted the application forms and the supporting documents. The PWD cards issued to us contained the same information I supplied on the application forms...we use our PWD cards mostly in drug stores and occasionally in restaurants," wrote Chong in the statement, a copy of which was acquired by Philstar.com.

"We never abused the use of our PWD cards. We have never used the PWD cards to cut into queues or to use a parking slot allotted for PWDs. I believe that there are people who are less mobile who should avail of these parking slots. My children and I only use the PWD cards within the parameters of the law," she also said. 

The same affidavit was presented in a hearing of the House special committee on persons with disabilities on Thursday, August 27. The Chong family had been invited to the hearing but they did not attend.

Family with six PWD cards invited to House hearing, asked to cooperate with QC legal 

'Varying visual issues'

In the affidavit, Chong claimed that she and her children "have visual issues but in (sic) varying extent." She said that one child has astigmatism while three of them are nearsighted. She also admitted that she checked the "psychosocial disability" category for her youngest child, though the basis for this is not explained at any point in the document. 

Many people have astigmatism and other conditions that are corrected with the use of glasses or contact lenses.

"As for myself, I have been wearing eyeglasses since elementary," she wrote, also admitting that her children were not actually present at the interview and processing for the issuance of their IDs at the Quezon City Persons with Disabilities Affairs Office.

"[S]ome of them were in school while some were at work, which is why they were not able to personally submit their documents...I was also in the honest belief that the children did not have to appear anymore since it was their mother who was personally processing the applications on their behalf."

Chong also said that her applications included medical certificates after the family was "diagnosed by an in-house eye doctor of an optical shop located in a major mall," though these medical certificates were not submitted to the House committee, Ong said.

"The doctor checked our eyes and issued each of us a medical certificate. Unfortunately, I cannot recall anymore the identity of the doctor," Chong said. 

"I do not personally know anyone at the Quezon City PDAO, nor did I ask for any endorsement from anyone to secure special assistance or preferential treatment. I also did not give any amount to anybody inside or outside the PDAO. Neither did anyone ask for any money while I was processing the application," she added. 

Screengrab shows a copy of the Chong family's affidavit submitted to the House special committee on persons with disability.

According to Priscilla Cuevas, the representative of the Department of Health present at the hearing, neither astigmatism nor nearsightedness is actually included among the disability spectrum of visual issues that qualify a person to avail of a PWD ID and the benefits that come with it.

"Recently, we did a model disability survey using a more advanced way of classifying persons with disabilities and we found out that 12% of Filipinos in the country actually have severe types of disabilities," she said. 

Lawmakers want review of disability benefits law amid 'fake PWD' allegations

At the same inquiry, Quezon City Persons with Disabilities Affairs Office officer-in-charge Renato Cada asserted the city government's findings that the Chong family did not submit any of the supporting documents needed to avail of the PWD IDs. 

Cada also said that it was not even authorized representatives of the city who signed on behalf of the PDAO, and no medical certificates or abstracts were presented to the office. 

National Council for Disability Affairs Executive Director Emer Rojas, who was present at the hearing, hit what he said was the "discretionary" way of giving IDs within local governments, which he said also extends to medical certificates that were given by unauthorized doctors. 

"Visual ailments for example should be issued by ophthalmologists and psychosocial disabilities are issued by psychiatrists, that's the way it should be," he said. "PDAO personnel aren't doctors so as long as they see a medical certificate, they think they have already complied... We need accountability from them because anyone can give out cards."

Lawmaker: Family should submit medical certificates

Sought for comment, the Quezon City local government said in a text message that no information can be disclosed on the case right now.

Earlier, Casimiro, Quezon City's legal officer, also said that the city government would be focusing more on addressing the faulty processes in issuing cards rather than filing cases against the family and the personnel who "facilitated" the release of their cards. 

Ong also said in an interview with Philstar.com on Thursday that the family should cooperate with the investigation if they are not guilty. 

"I hope if what they’ve been saying since Day One is true, that they’re not guilty, then they can just forward their medical certificates to the committee to clear their name...they submitted an affidavit and that’s it. Just that," he said. 

"In the bigger picture, there’s really a lot of abuse of the cards...This law is really to help legitimate PWDs, but what happened is that more often than not, it’s affluent families that abuse it to get discounts," he added. 

At the hearing, Cada also disclosed that the PWD IDs of the Chong family were revoked. Ong said that Cada later said that they were "not actually revoked yet by the office because any actions that would be taken by the city government would go through its legal affairs office."

The House resolution calling for a probe, penned by Ong and Rep. Eric Yap (ACT-CIS Party-list), raised concerns over the possible effects that fake PWD cardholders would have on local businesses amid the novel coronavirus lockdown. 

"These fake PWDs are bad for businesses, especially for small ones. They are faking their disability and are abusing the PWD Law just to get discounts. Our business sector is barely surviving these days and it is the duty of the government to make sure that they are protected from these kinds of consumer abuse," the two said then in a joint statement.

Almost a fourth of PWD card holders are unqualified, advocate says

In a phone call with Philstar.com, Alex Mendoza, Quezon City Federation of Persons with Disability Inc. president, said that the proliferation of fake PWDs has long been an issue in the country and is nothing new. 

"We can’t know how much of them are fake anymore because of how long it’s been and how many have applied since then. A lot of applicants really don’t show up personally, they have someone go for them instead because they know we’ll see that they really aren’t disabled...there are a lot of cases without supporting documents," he said. 

"As an issuing agency, PDAOs have the right to request for documents [from applicants.] My conservative estimate is that 25% of the PWDs we have right now are not qualified to have their cards," he added. 

For his part, Ong said: "I don’t agree with it, I think it’s higher. My rough estimate probably is 70% [of PWDs are fakes]. We’ve reached the situation where people are really just giving PWD cards away. It’s like, ‘Do you want a PWD card? I can get you one.’ They’ve made it into a discount card, which is really bad.

Source: from Philstar.com