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.

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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 product

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) 

DOST Forest Products Research & Development Institute 65th Founding Anniversary Celebration STAKEHOLDERS CONSULTATIVE DIALOGUE

Theme: Investing on the Science, Economics and Sustainability for the Inclusive Growth of the Philippine Essential Oils Industry

September 21, 2022 (Online via Zoom & Facebook)

Rationale:

Essential oil, also called as essence, volatile oil or etheric oil, is a complex mixture of volatile constituents, obtained mainly from a botanically defined plant raw material through steam distillation, hydro-distillation, dry distillation or mechanical process. They may comprise volatile compounds of terpenoid or non-terpenoid origin. Some may also contain alcohols, acids, aldehydes, ketones, phenols, esters, ethers, epoxides, amines, sulfides and terpenes in varying proportions.

Though essential oils’ functions in a plant is not well understood, it has a wide range ofapplications in various industries such as in food and beverage; fragrances, cosmetics and aromatherapy; household and pharmaceutical.

A number of essential oils are produced on small farms or collected from forests. Essential oil production is an important contribution to the local incomes of relatively poor rural populations in developing countries. Aside from the socio-economic importance to the producing communities, these crops play important environmental roles.

In 1995, during the Third UNIDO workshop on essential oil and aroma chemical industries held at the Anadolu University Medicinal and Aromatic Plant and Drug Research Center in Eskisehir, Turkey, the importance of the essential oils production in the developing countries has been pointed out.

There are an estimated 3,000 essential oils known globally, approximately 150 are of commercial importance and traded on the market (Barbieri &Borsotto, 2018). The major producers of essential oils across the world are China and India, followed by Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Vietnam in Asia. In Africa the major essential oil producing countries include Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, and Algeria; while the Ivory Coast, South Africa, Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Ethiopia play minor roles.

In the Philippines, essential oils are very much in demand and a number of companies, local and international have started investing on this industry.

Based on the trade data from the Observatory of Economic Complexity (OEC), the Philippines exported essential oils in 2020 amounting to US$ 819,000 making it the 94th (out of 181 countries) largest exporter of essential oils in the world. On the same year, essential oils were the 597th (out of the 1100 products) most exported products in the Philippines, shipped to the countries: United States, Singapore, United Arab Emirates, India and Qatar.

While the country’s import values on essential oils in 2020 totals to US$ 22,600,000 becoming the 34th (out of 212 countries) largest importer of essential oils in the world. Essential oils were the 457th (out of the 1200 products) most imported products in the Philippines, primarily from United States, India, China, United Kingdom and Singapore.

Lagging behind from the progression of the essential oil industries of its neighboring Asian countries such as Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Sri Lanka and India, the Philippines, which is similarly endowed with vast resources of aromatic plants must realize the significance of this industry andinvest on this. A good start is to convene the different key players of the industry and strategize on the advancement of the Filipino Essential Oils products; thus, the conduct of this consultative dialogue.

Objectives:

This consultative dialogue aims to convene the different key players of the essential oils industry in the Philippines in order to achieve the following:

To assess the current status of the essential oil industry at a global and local perspectives;

To identify the industry needs, gaps and opportunities;

To facilitate the creation of learning and sharing mechanisms among different stakeholders; and

To forge collaboration activities that will advance the competitiveness of the Filipino essential oils industry.

Methodology:

An online platform will be used to facilitate the exchange of ideas among the different essential oils stakeholders.

Pre-selected resource speakers recognized and referred for their significant works and experience related to essential oils will be invited to share their specific topic. The topics to be presented will provide different lenses and perspectives of the essential oils industry, i.e. international to local, production, processing & manufacturing, research and technology innovations, enterprising & marketing, policies & institutional support mechanisms, which are important in advancing the local essential oil industry. Below is the list of possible speakers to be invited to the event (Table 1).

Each resource speaker will be given 10 minutes to present. After each session’s presentations, 15 minutes will be allotted for questions and answers/open forum.

The call for invitation to the event will be posted to different social media platforms.

A reliable internet connection and interface streaming at Facebook is important and a must.

Table 1. List of possible speakers

Name/Organization

Specific Topic / Short Profile

1. Stephanie Paquin-Jaloux (Firmenich)

To provide international perspectives about the essential oils industry

Firmenichas one of the top flavors and fragrances companies globally

2. Ben Mead (Iba Botanicals, Inc)

To provide international and local perspectives about the industry

Iba botanicals experience and programs on

essential oils production, processing and manufacturing

3. Philip Cruz (ARIL / Herbanext Lab)

To share R&D, technology innovations experiences of ARIL/Herbanext Lab facility on essential oils production, processing, chemical & clinical testing, etc.

As DOST BIST first grantee and awardee

4. Russel Lorenzo (Casa de Lorenzo Organic Products)

To share essential oils extraction and processing

experience, product development, marketing and other aspects/learnings of the industry

5. Rosalina Tan (Philippine Pili Industry League, Inc.)

To share the PiliAni/ elemi oil experience from pili growers/farmers production, harvesting, processing,

products development/manufacturing, marketing, and international engagement

6. Oscar Mejia III (Scentsories)

To share his experience as a Filipino Artisan Perfumer, Scentsories experience on producing

local lines of perfumes, local and international engagements, etc.

7. Sherill Quinatana (Oryspa / Ivory Space)

To share her experience as CEO of the Oryspa and as former President of the Philippine Franchise

Association in light of the essential oil industry potentials in the country

8. Jerbie Go (Alliance of the Philippine Aromatherapists)

To share the APA as a network of different players/interest groups and individuals on essential oils and aromatherapy

To highlight the APA’s capacity building and

networking mechanism to improve the needs of the essential oils industry

9. Richard Villaspin (Kooperatiba ng MaliliitnaMagniniyog ng Barangay Kanapawan - KMMBK) – Camarines Norte

To provide a local community /cooperative of farmers’ perspectives on their citronella oil production experience As CBFM PO that supplies citronella oils to different market

10. Ben Maputi (Mt. Kitanglad Agri- Ecological Techno Demo Center) – Malaybalay, Bukidnon

To provide a local community /cooperative of farmers’ perspectives on their eucalyptus & citronella oil production experience

To highlight the experience on how government agencies (DA, DENR, DOST, DTI, DOT) help their group to become a recognized techno demo center for agroforestry crops and eco-tourism

11. Manuelito Putong (Agarwood Growers Association of the

Philippines, Inc.)

To share AGAPs initiatives and prospects on Agarwood essential oils in the Philippines 

12. Jaja Naval (al Da’wah Farm – Lopez, Quezon)

To share their cooperative’s experience and prospects on essential oils production

13. Government Agencies

DOST-FPRDI to share the F3TP and its R&D outputs in light of the essential oils industry development

DENR FMB to provide policy guidelines (and areas of opportunities) on the propagation, production of aromatic trees/plants, in light with the existing tenurial modes implemented in forestlands like CBFMA, PACBRMA, IFMA/SIFMA, etc.

DOST-ITDI to share technologies/facilities on essential oils extraction, processing and testing

DTI to share programs and opportunities for

essential oils product development, packaging, marketing and standards development

14. Funding Agencies

DOST PCAARRD

DOST PCIEERD

DENR-FASPS

other  Draft Provisional Program

Morning:    Opening Ceremony

8:30 – 8:45    Prayer & National Anthem – FPRDI Chorale & Himig Agham Kawayan 8:46 – 9:00    Opening Message: FPRDI Dir. Dr. Romulo T. Aggangan

9:01 – 10:30    Keynote Messages:

Former DOST Sec. Fortunato de la T. Peña New DOST Sec. Renato U. Solidum Jr.

New DENR Sec. Maria Antonia Yulo - Loyzaga New DTI Sec. Alfredo E. Pascual

10:31 – 10:40    Overview of the Consultative Dialogue

10:41 – 11:15    Session 1 (Essential Oils Industry: International Perspectives) Firmenich, Iba Botanicals

Q&A

11:16 – 12:00 Session 2 (Essential Oils: R&D Processing Facilities & Technologies) Herbanext Lab, Casa de Lorenzo Organic Products, DOST-ITDI Q&A

Lunch Break

Afternoon:

1:16 – 2:00    Session 3 (Essential Oils: Products & Enterprise Development) Scentsories-Oscar Mejia III, Oryspa-Sherill Quintana, Pili Ani-Rosalina Tan, APA-Jirbie Go

Q&A

2:01 – 2:45    Session 4 (Sustainable & Responsible Sourcing of Raw Materials) CBFM PO – KMMBK Citronella Oil Production Bicol;

CBFM PO – Mt. Kitanglad Agri-Ecological Techno Demo Farm Center Eucalyptus Oil Production Malaybalay Bukidnon

Agarwood Growers Association of the Philippines, Inc.; Al Da’wah Farm cooperative in Lopez Quezon

Q&A

2:46 – 3:45    Session 5 (Essential Oils: Institutional Issues & Concerns) DENR FMB, DTI, DOST-FPRDI

Q&A

3: 46 – 4:45    Session 6 (Essential Oils: Funding Opportunities)

DOST PCAARRD, DOST-PCIEERD, DENR FASPS

Q&A

4:46 – 5:00    Wrap up / Synthesis

5:01 – 5:15    Closing Message (DOST-FPRDI Deputy Director, Dr. Rico J. Cabangon)

Inaugural National Survey to Understand the Role of Filipinas in Engineering Launched

The Women in Engineering baseline survey aims to gather data about gender disparity. 

The Philippine government has earmarked P1.29 trillion for infrastructure, the second largest outlay in its proposed P5.24 trillion 2023 national budget.  

This reflects the critical role that continued development, improvement, and expansion of infrastructure will have on our economic recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic.  

It is well known the Philippines has a higher degree of parity between men and women in the economy, particularly in managerial roles. But how strong a role do Filipino women play in the key disciplines related to infrastructure, such as engineering and construction?  

First Nationwide Survey About Women in Engineering  

For the first time ever, several reputable national organizations will seek to answer that question.  

Recently, the Council of Engineering Consultants of the Philippines Young Professionals Forum (CECOPHIL-YPF), partnered with the Women’s Leadership Initiative (WLI), Women in Infrastructure Foundation (WIFI) and Geoladies PH, launched the first-ever Philippines National Women in Engineering survey.  

This historic survey seeks to collect statistical and qualitative data from women engineers, affiliated professionals, and their employers, which could serve as a roadmap to produce programs and policies to promote gender equality, inclusivity, and diversity in the sector. It focuses on perspectives on how women are perceived in the workplace, key gender issues in engineering, and if there are adequate gender-related policies in the workplace. 

“There is a glass ceiling that might not currently be there on paper but is visible in the social and economic pressures it creates it for women. We want to do something about it. We want to understand where we are right now, and so we want to hear from women engineers,” said CECOPHIL-YPF Chairperson Atty. Jean Jacquelyn Nathania De Castro. 

More Women Needed in Key STEM Roles 

The Philippine Council of Women, in its Gender Equality and Women Empowerment Plan 2019-2025, recognized the lack of women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM). In a 2019 report, the National Economic and Development Authority said less than 7% of women are employed in the construction industry but did not provide data on whether those women are employed in managerial or entry positions. 

There is lack of current, focused statistical data on how large the gender gap in the infrastructure industry might be. What issues do women who are in, or have tried to get into, engineering and construction face? What are the challenges that they face in career progression and promotion?  Without knowing how high the glass ceiling is, how can policymakers decide where to start making cracks so that women can play an equal role in developing our built environment? 

“Every one of us, men and women, play a vital role in the construction industry. This survey will serve as a starting point in coming up with programs and policies that will further elevate the role of women,” said Construction Industry Authority of the Philippines (CIAP) Executive Director-In-Charge Doris Gacho. The CIAP and the Federation of ASEAN Consulting Engineers have both expressed their endorsement of the survey.  

The survey has been coursed through several key organizations to gather respondents from all fields of the construction sector. CECOPHIL-YPF, along with its partners from the CIAP, the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board, and Urban Land Institute Philippines have reached out to contractors, consultants, and developers to encourage their employees to answer the survey and share their experiences. 

“We may not be conscious about it but having women in STEM poses a huge advantage for businesses. Women’s involvement and leadership in STEM pushes economic growth and advances gender equality," said PHI Corporation President and CEO Mary Joy Maraat. PHI Corporation serves as the third-party consultant for the survey. 

Qualified individual engineers and allied professionals who were not able to participate through their affiliated organizations have also been invited to answer a public survey.  

More information about the methodology and scope of the survey can be found on PHI Corporation’s website (https://www.phicorpglobal.com/womeninengineering).

Digitalization of services remains a top priority - SSS chief

Social Security System (SSS) President and CEO Michael G. Regino announced on Monday that the digitalization of the pension fund’s services remains one of its top priorities in the coming years.

PCEO Regino said that as online transactions become the new norm, more notably during this COVID-19 pandemic, the SSS plans to add more services to its online channels such as the My.SSS Portal, SSS Mobile App, Text-SSS, uSSSap Tayo Portal, and Self-service Express Terminals.

“In 2021, out of the 52.62 million transactions we received, excluding inquiries, 43.52 million or 82.7 percent were made using our online channels,” Regino said.

Currently, there are more than 30 member services and over 20 employer services that can conveniently be accessed through the My.SSS Portal. These services cover transactions for membership, contributions, loan granting and repayments, benefit disbursements, among others. Some of these services can also be accessed through other SSS online channels.

“Since the My.SSS Portal is our main online channel, almost all of the new online services are made available here first. However, intensified efforts are also put towards making the services in this portal accessible in the SSS Mobile App for smartphone users, Regino added.

“We are gradually implementing mandatory online transactions for our programs. However, those without the personal means to transact with us online may use the e-Centers in our branches,” he concluded.

Information about SSS online services including how-to guides can be accessed through the uSSSap Tayo Portal at https://crms.sss.gov.ph; and SSS' social media accounts at “Philippine Social Security System – SSS” for Facebook, “mysssph” for Instagram and YouTube, and “PHLSSS” for Twitter. The SSS also has a Viber Community at “MySSSPH Updates.”

Small and Medium Businesses are recovery powerhouses thanks to global e-commerce

How Filipinos Are Leveling Up To Become SMBs owners

From online retailers doing live selling on social media to entrepreneurs launching their business on e-commerce platforms, we’ve seen how the ingenuity and resilience of Filipinos led businesses that enabled them not just to survive but in fact, thrive in the new normal. Despite the economic challenges brought by the pandemic, Filipino entrepreneurs and freelancers have succeeded in building and sustaining their businesses and their participation in the digital economy has been a major factor in this success.

Despite bearing the brunt of the economic slowdown brought on by the global health crisis, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) have contributed to the economic recovery of the Philippines. MSMEs accounted for 99.51% of all businesses and generated a total of 5,380,815 jobs, or 62.66% of the country’s total employment in 2020, according to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

“Empowering the small and medium businesses is an important part of supporting the overall economic recovery in the country. By simplifying international business transactions through our innovative solutions, we aim to help more and more Filipinos participate and succeed in the global digital economy,” said Miguel Warren, Vice President, Payoneer Southeast Asia.

As the country transitions to the post-pandemic new normal, entrepreneurs continue to strengthen their businesses by embracing digital transformation. From ensuring secure online payment transactions, to promoting their products and services and growing internationally, Filipinos now depend on digital technologies to turn their businesses into small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) that can compete in the global market.

Providing convenient payment options for customers
Businesses that offer a range of convenient, secure, and digital payment options using their preferred local method are often more preferred by global customers and clients. To help Filipinos participate and succeed in the global digital economy, financial services company Payoneer provides businesses with an easy, quick, secure, and affordable payment platform with no hidden fees.

Among the clients that benefit from Payoneer’s payment platform are business process outsourcing (BPO) companies in the Philippines. According to the Information Technology and Business Process Association of the Philippines (iBPAP), the BPO industry grew 1.8 percent in terms of headcount and 1.4 percent in terms of revenue in 2021. To sustain this growth and remain competitive globally, local BPOs need to make financial transactions with their clients, suppliers, and the government more secure and convenient.

With an easy-to-navigate digital platform, Payoneer enables not only BPOs but also online merchants and freelancers to be in full control of payment setups. It allows them to bill their global clients, get paid in multiple currencies, pay overseas business expenses at a lower cost, transfer funds to their local bank accounts, and make purchases online.

Securing financial transactions
Today, selling goods and services internationally requires trust and with Payoneer, there are over 5 million businesses across the world that use the platform. To ensure the security of the financial transactions of all SMBs customers and partners it serves, Payoneer makes sure that all payments processed are made through fully compliant, secure, and tightly audited payments that are regulated financial entities across the globe. Payoneer also operates under a robust, risk-based compliance program that addresses the regulatory requirements of each country that is involved in a cross-border payment.

In addition, Payoneer secures business transactions with its best-in-class fraud protection. It deploys multiple layers of risk technology alongside various procedures to protect businesses against different fraud scenarios such as registration fraud, account takeover, and other activities. Likewise, Payoneer provides a local team of customer care experts who can assist SMBs across all stages when it comes to chargeback claims and other concerns.

Think global, Act Local
More than just a payment platform, Payoneer is the world’s go-to partner for digital commerce. By simplifying payment for cross-border and managing the complexities of moving money, Payoneer allows SMBs to focus on their business and growth.

“At Payoneer, we believe in the potential of our SMBs to go global. Through our solutions, we aim to help as many entrepreneurs and freelancers in the Philippines grow and expand across the globe,” added Warren.

SMBs of all stages can utilize Payoneer’s innovative tools, integrations, and customer service to do business transactions and grow their businesses anywhere in the world. Aside from providing mechanisms for cross-border payments, Payoneer offers a range of services including digital business management, working capital access, merchant services, tax solutions, and risk management. These digital commerce services streamline operations of businesses from 200 countries and territories, allowing them to focus on growing the business

About Payoneer
Payoneer is the world’s go-to partner for digital commerce, everywhere. From borderless payments to boundless growth, Payoneer promises any business, in any market, the technology, connections and confidence to participate and flourish in the new global economy. Powering growth for customers ranging from aspiring entrepreneurs in emerging markets to the world’s leading digital brands.

From over 5M customers, Payoneer is trusted by the World’s leading digital brands serving over 2,000 top marketplaces & digital platforms, sending tens of billions of dollars a year to SMBs worldwide. For 15 years, Payoneer has pioneered this new reality that pushes frontiers, making connections, unifying and creating global ecosystems.

USAID, private sector leaders back National Roadmap on Water Supply and Sanitation, launch call for innovations on water scarcity

Manila, August 31,2022 - To mark World Water Week 2022, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in partnership with Water Alliance led by the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) and the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF), organized the Water Forum 2022 on August 31 to create solutions and contribute to government efforts in solving water security issues in the country.

The forum brought together over 200 representatives from the public and private sectors to share ideas and develop an action plan to support the Philippine Water Supply and Sanitation Master Plan (PWSSMP) implemented by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).  The PWSSMP serves as the national roadmap to achieve universal access to safe, sufficient, affordable, and sustainable water supply, hygiene, and sanitation by 2030.

“The Philippine government estimates a total investment of more than Php1 trillion from 2020-2030 to achieve the country’s water supply and sanitation targets,” noted NEDA Director-General Arsenio Balisacan in his message, delivered by NEDA Undersecretary for Investment Programming Joseph Capuno.  “While we face an enormous challenge, we should also see an opportunity for us to invest in new approaches, tools, and ideas from the partnerships with local governments, national governments, and private sector to ensure all Filipinos have access to safe, sufficient, affordable, and sustainable water supply and sanitation.”

USAID Acting Mission Director Rebekah Eubanks recognized the vital role of partnerships and innovation to help ensure access to safe drinking water and sanitation, noting  “We look forward to continuing our support for government and private sector efforts to help the Philippines achieve a water secure future. 

During the event, USAID, in partnership with PDRF, Manila Water Company, and Maynilad Water Services, Inc. also launched the second round of the Philippine Water Challenge which seeks to generate promising technologies and innovations to help solve the country’s water security challenges.  Selected proposals will receive funding and networking support to help reduce water consumption, promote water reuse and recycling, and ensure water efficiency in times of water shortages. throughout the Philippines. For more information, visit pdrf.org/philippine-water-challenge-year-2.

For over 60 years, USAID has partnered with local and provincial governments and the private sector to support water security goals.  To stem the tide of water scarcity and strengthen water security around the world, including in the Philippines, USAID continues its commitment to bolster foreign assistance on sustainable water security and sanitation so that Filipinos have the water they need to be healthy, prosperous, stable, and resilient.

CFA Society PH recognized 8 funds that have delivered the highest risk-adjusted returns compared to its peers

The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Society Philippines held a virtual awarding of the Best Managed Fund of the Year Awards 2022 and recognized eight (8) funds that delivered the highest risk-adjusted returns to its investors.

The winners were assessed by the CFAP Fund of the Year Committee, which reviewed the financial institution’s submission of investment information and fact sheets. To know which of the entries had the highest returns, the committee used the Sortino ratio of each fund based on its five-year and three-year track record.

CFA Society Philippines gave awards in eight categories, both in peso-denominated and dollar-denominated funds. Only the funds accessible to the public or retail investors were considered.

Here are the winners:

MEDIUM TERM BOND (FVPL) refer to funds that use fair value profile and loss valuation purely (FVPL) with maturity duration up to five (5) years.

• Peso Medium-Term Bond (FVPL) – China Bank Intermediate Fixed Income Fund
• Dollar Medium-Term Bond (FVPL) – AUB Gold Dollar Fund

MEDIUM TERM BOND (HTM) refer to funds that utilize held-to-maturity valuations with maturity duration up to five (5) years.

• Dollar Medium-Term Bond (HTM) – ALFM Dollar Bond Fund

LONG TERM BOND (FVPL) refer to funds that use FVPL purely but with maturity duration greater than five (5) years.

• Peso Long-Term Bond (FVPL) – SB Peso Bond Fund
• Dollar Long-Term Bond (FVPL) – China Bank Dollar Fund

BALANCED FUND refers to fund that use FVPL purely with the mandate to invest in diversified portfolio of bonds and stocks where investment in stocks shall be up to a maximum of 40% to 60% of the fund.

• Peso Balanced Fund – UnionBank PHP Balanced Fund

EQUITIES refer to investments that were kept in cash for liquidity or portfolio-rebalanced with other portfolios. In this award category, only actively managed equity funds were eligible to participate.

Peso Equity Fund – ATRAM Alpha Opportunity Fund
• Dollar Equity Fund – BPI Invest Global Equity Fund-of-Funds

“The goal of the CFA Institute and the CFA Society of the Philippines in giving the fund of the year awards is to put investors first. We put the investors first by awarding funds that provided the best risk based returns on a consistent basis over a five (5) year period.  This performance and consistency is important for investors who put their hard earned money in the hands of their fund managers for their future.” Dr. Robert B. Ramos, CFA, CIPM, CAIA , President and Chairman of CFA Society Philippines said.

"Consistent with our advocacy to promote investor education and excellence in the industry, CFA Society Philippines is pleased to present the awards to deserving funds this year at a time when financial security is ever more important for many investors amidst the ongoing pandemic." added Mr. Mark Ilao, CFA, CIPM, Trustee and Vice President for Candidate Relations of CFA Society Philippines.