Philippine art meets function at Maison&Objet 2024

Fifteen brands, artisans, and artists from different parts of the archipelago come together to steal the spotlight at the prestigious French trade fair Maison et Objet from January 18 to 22, 2024. Spearheaded by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), the DESIGNPhilippines Pavilion promises an immersive showcase of iconic open/limited edition pieces from participating companies, with innovative furniture, lamps and lighting, and visual arts taking center stage. 

Regarded as one of the major trade events in Europe and the design industry at large, Maison et Objet has been instrumental in bringing premium Philippine-made design and lifestyle products into the European market. With over 6,000 visitors from 147 countries, the trade fair serves as the ideal avenue for Philippine companies to strengthen their presence in the international design space. 

“We look forward to returning to Maison et Objet with a physical country pavilion that exemplifies the dynamic and vibrant local design scene that has emerged from our unique geography, history, and cultural influences. We aim to demonstrate through this participation that Philippine-made products can compete globally in terms of creativity, craftsmanship, and innovation,” said CITEM Executive Director Edward L. Fereira, Ph.D. 

Aptly dubbed “ARTIPELAGO,” the country pavilion, curated by designer Anton R. Mendoza, provides a gateway to the archipelagic wonder of the Philippines at Maison et Objet. The exhibit focuses on functional art, highlighting how Filipino designers transform ordinary furniture and lighting pieces into exceptional art forms. 

By combining their expertise in techniques like woodcarving, veneer and marquetry, and weaving, with bold experimentation using materials such as abaca, bamboo, raffia, rattan, capiz, pineapple, and banana fibers, Filipino artisans have created a collection of standout pieces that honor the country’s cultural heritage and embrace modern design and functionality. 

The exhibit will showcase products from the following companies: JB Woodcraft, Finali Furniture, South Sea Veneer, A. Garcia, Weavemanila, Jireh Forge, Venzon Lighting & Objects, Indigenous, Zarate Manila, Mejore, Aerostone, Nature’s Legacy, Tadeco, and Vito Selma.  

CITEM, in partnership with the Office of the First Lady, is unveiling a new concept at the Maison et Objet. In a gallery set-up, visitors will witness ARTIPELAGO as a union of function and art, where interior and design products are elevated and displayed among works of famous visual artists from the country. Aligned with the Office of the First Lady’s commitment to promoting Philippine art and design, ARTIPELAGO will feature a collection of paintings and artworks. This curated collection, masterfully overseen by Anton R. Mendoza of Galerie D’Antoine and DF Art Agency, includes works by renowned Filipino artists Dino Gabito, Marrie Saplad, Pong Bayog, Demi Padua, Jigger Cruz, Manny Garibay, Cedrick Dela Paz, Arnold Lalongisip, Ciron Seneres, Chino Yulo, Mark Copino, Arce, Bryan Teves, and Jana Benitez. 

The Philippine participation at Maison et Objet 2024 is also in partnership with the DTI Competitiveness and Innovation Group and supported by the Foreign Trade Services Corps and Philippine embassies and cons 

ulates in Europe. 

Visit the Philippine Pavilion at Maison et Objet, Hall 6: TODAY, F92-G91, Parc des expositions Paris Nord Villepinte, from January 18 to 22, 2024. For more details, you can contact Chiqui Veneracion, the Philippine representative of Maison et Objet at 2911chiqui@gmail.com. 

In addition to being featured at the Philippine Pavilion, participating companies will be showcased on MOM, Maison et Objet's digital platform, throughout 2024. 

To learn more about the participation, visit fameplus.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 FAME
FAME is a community of brands, designers, and manufacturers that showcase quality artisanal products in signature trade show Manila FAME, on digital platform FAME+, and in trade fairs and B2B initiatives around the world. The FAME community likewise includes global buyers and other stakeholders. 

 

BOI gives green lane endorsement to Metro Pacific’s vegetable, dairy farm projects

The One-Stop Action Center for Strategic Investments (OSACSI) of the Philippine Board of Investments (BOI) has granted Green Lane Certificates of Endorsement to two of Metro Pacific's projects. These include a vegetable farm project located in Bulacan and a dairy farm project situated in Laguna. The total cost of the projects amounts to Php3.4 billion.  

Trade Undersecretary and BOI Managing Head Ceferino Rodolfo awarded the Certificate of Endorsement, under Executive Order (EO) No. 18: Constituting Green Lanes for Strategic Investments, to the officials of Metro Pacific Fresh Farms, Inc. (MPFF) and the Metro Pacific Dairy Farms, Inc. (MPDF) in a brief awarding ceremony at the BOI’s Main Office in Makati City on Nov. 30, 2023. 

The MPFF's Metro Manila Greenhouse Vegetable Production Project will be a state-of-the-art complex of modern greenhouses. The project aims to promote sustainable farming practices and modern farming technology. It is the largest vegetable greenhouse facility in the Philippines, located in San Rafael, Bulacan. The farm is expected to start commercial operation in the 4th quarter of 2024, producing high-quality vegetables.  

Agriculture is the largest user of freshwater, accounting for 70% of global usage. By implementing modern farming practices such as Nutrient Film Technique hydroponics and Drip Irrigation systems, MPFF hopes to reduce the agriculture sector's consumption of natural resources.  

MPFF's sustainable farming project redefines agriculture by discarding conventional farming methods. The initiative aims to make fresh locally sourced organic produce available to Filipinos.  

MPDF's Integrated Dairy Farm Project will manufacture dairy products at a capacity of 30,000 liters per day. The project expands local milk production capacity by 20%, which currently stands at 26.3 million liters. 

The project is set to begin its commercial operations in the first quarter of 2025 in Bay, Laguna. Its main objective is to replace imported milk with locally produced high-quality dairy products, which will help boost the country's self-sufficiency. This initiative will address food security and value chain gaps by offering premium locally-produced products, demonstrating a shift towards efficient local substitutes. 

On February 24, the Office of the President approved EO 18, which aims to hasten, simplify, and automate the permit and license application processes for strategic investments. Operating as the sole entry point for these investments, OSACSI will expedite the endorsement of the project's permit and license procedures, ensuring the swift realization of strategic investments in the country. 

DTI awards the top three startups in the Marikina Creative and Innovation Hub Pitch Competition

MARIKINA CITY — Taking off from its Official Launch a week ago, the Marikina Creative and Innovation Hub staged its first-ever Pitch Competition on 14 December 2023 at Launchgarage. The event, spearheaded by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and powered by Launchgarage, Inc., is one of the pilot programs of the Hub to jumpstart its commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and innovation in creative sectors.  

DTI Competitiveness Bureau Director Lilian Salonga emphasized how the said pitch competition becomes the gateway to the many programs and services of the Hub. “This pitch competition will serve as an inspiring showcase of groundbreaking ideas, motivating participants to actively engage in DTI programs,” Director Salonga highlighted.  

Ten (10) startups across the nine (9) creative domains, as defined in the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act (PCIDA), pitched their groundbreaking and innovative solutions to an esteemed panel of judges comprised of the Design Center of the Philippines Deputy Executive Director Lucky Lopez, Believe.com Head of Distribution Mony Romana, and Launchgarage General Manager Abe Lozada.  

The startups were evaluated based on Innovativeness and Creativity, Sustainability and Viability, Relevance, Impact, and Team Composition.   

In the end, WIKA claimed victory for its game-changing solution that democratizes accessibility for people with hearing/visual disabilities. WIKA impressed the judges with its assistive AR technology that delivers sign language or captions for the deaf or audio description.   

Clinching the second spot is Podcast Network Asia, which provides a platform that empowers all types of creative storytellers. Local Filipino content, in every language from various regions, can be immortalized in the said platform.  

Completing the set of winners is ITOOH Homestyle for pitching its tech-enabled online marketplace that offers a wide variety of quality-vetted and locally-made furniture, décor, art, and interior design.  

Included in the roster of game-changing creative startups that pitched in the competition are Alfombra, Callback, Denim ‘N Denim, Hibla Philippines, Katoonz, Likhaan, and Supafaya.  

Moving forward, the top 3 startups were given the opportunity to join the Hub’s incubation and acceleration programs for creatives: The Incubation, Development, and Entrepreneurial Assistance (IDEA) program and the Accelerating Development, Valuation, and Corporate Entrepreneurship (ADVanCE) Program. Application for the said programs has also opened for creative startups.  

To explore further resources and get the latest updates regarding the Marikina Creative and Innovation Hub, visit the DTI website: https://www.dti.gov.ph/ to stay informed and involved in the ongoing discourse in shaping the future of the Philippine Creative Industries.

OTOP is in the House' fair rakes in over P3-M in sales

In a groundbreaking collaboration, the House of Representatives and the Department of Trade and Industry – Regional Operations Group (DTI-ROG), through its One Town One Product Program Management Office (OTOP-PMO), joined forces to mount the highly anticipated "OTOP is in the House" bazaar at the Congress last November 28-30, 2023. 

The 3-day bazaar exceeded all expectations, generating an impressive sales revenue of over P 3-M. This outstanding achievement not only highlights the growing success of the OTOP program but also showcases the incredible entrepreneurial talent and creativity of Filipino MSMEs. 

A total of thirty-seven (37) micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) or OTOPreneurs from National Capitol Region, Cordillera Administrative Region, Central Luzon, CALABARZON, and Bicol Region showcased their exceptional products, including delicious processed food, trendy wearables, captivating gift items, and practical housewares. Additionally, the online "OTOP Mall powered by SOMAGO" displayed their sample Christmas Gift Packs Special Promo for convenient order taking. 

Committee on Trade and Industry Chairperson Hon. Mario Vittorio "Marvey" Mariño expressed his enthusiasm for the trade fair, stating that it celebrates the signing of RA 11960, also known as the "Act Institutionalizing the OTOP Philippines Program." President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos, Jr. signed this landmark legislation into law on August 25, 2023. 

The opening ceremony was graced by esteemed individuals such as Hon. Stella Luz Quimbo, Senior Vice Chairperson of the Committee on Appropriations, Hon. Bryan Revilla, Assistant Majority Floor Leader, and Hon. Lani Mercado of Cavite. The event received a keynote address from the House Speaker Hon. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, represented by Secretary General Reginald Velasco.  

Representing DTI Secretary Fred Pascual, Usec. Bles Lantayona provided an insightful update on the progress of implementing RA 11960 since its signing in August. 

Under the dynamic leadership of Asec. Leny Baluyut, in-charge of the OTOP PMO, the event saw full participation from DTI Regional Directors. 

'OTOP is in the House' initiative highlighted the remarkable impact of the event, as it provided a thriving market avenue within the Congress for MSMEs to showcase their exceptional goods and services, just in time for the upcoming Christmas season. 

DTI chief Pascual champions PH-Japan mutual economic ties at the Economic Co-creation

TOKYO, JAPAN–On 16 December 2023, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Fred Pascual advanced mutually beneficial economic collaborations between the Philippines and Japan at the ASEAN-Japan Economic Co-Creation held at the Roppongi Academy Hills. He presented the Philippines as a robust economic partner, citing its young workforce equipped with skills for the Industry 4.0 economy. 

Secretary Pascual underscored the forum’s alignment with the ASEAN-Japan Economic Co-Creation Vision and the Future Design and Action Plan for Innovative and Sustainable ASEAN-Japan Economic Co-Creation 2023-2033. “I am pleased that today’s Forum meets my earlier call as it builds on the Co-Creation Vision by identifying several paths to ensure that the ASEAN Member States and Japan benefit from deeper economic relations involving the youth and boosting private-public partnership,” Secretary Pascual said. 

The DTI chief emphasized the prime opportunity for Japan to tap into ASEAN's creative and knowledge economy through strategic partnerships. He particularly leveraged the Philippine workforce, boasting a median age of 25 years old and proficiency in Industry 4.0-related skills.  

Further, the trade and industry chief highlighted the Philippines' strengths in critical sectors like electronics and IT-BPM, identifying them as strategic areas for collaboration with Japan. He stressed the significance of these partnerships in fostering robust supply chains, enhancing resilience, and facilitating higher knowledge exchange between ASEAN and Japan. 

Likewise, the DTI Secretary also called for increased public-private partnerships to promote open innovation beyond borders. He encouraged Japan to engage in co-creation initiatives with ASEAN, specifically in research, product development, and circular economy initiatives, envisioning mutually advantageous outcomes. 

Highlighting the significance of inclusivity and strategic partnerships in chartering ASEAN-Japan economic co-creation, the DTI chief emphasized, “I look forward to more engagements where stakeholders, policymakers, business leaders, academia, and the youth can exchange views on the future of ASEAN-Japan economic cooperation. Such collaboration can ensure that the benefits from deeper engagement remain inclusive and accessible for all. Let us leverage this partnership for our mutual development and foster a relationship that ensures prosperity for all.”  

The ASEAN-Japan Economic Co-Creation Forum is held alongside the 50th Year Commemorative Summit for ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation. Building upon the ASEAN-Japan Economic Co-Creation Vision initiated by ASEAN Economic Ministers last August 2023, the forum aimed to create a secure, prosperous, and equitable economy through mutually beneficial partnerships. This vision underscores the enduring relationship between ASEAN and Japan, outlining critical strategies for generating shared economic and social value. 

This year also highlights the Philippines' role as the coordinator for ASEAN-Japan economic relations. In 2022, Japan stands as ASEAN's fourth-largest trading partner and second-largest foreign direct investment (FDI) source. Meanwhile, the Philippines recognized Japan as the second-largest trading partner and top FDI source in 2022. 

DTI chief Pascual fosters creative collaboration to boost PH economy

TOKYO, JAPAN–On 17 December 2023, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Fred Pascual called for a strengthened innovative economic partnership with Japan to foster shared opportunities and prosperity during the Creative and Sustainable Economy Through Innovation event held at the Imperial Hotel Tokyo. Secretary Pascual emphasized the significant contribution of the Philippine creative industry in fostering robust and inclusive economic growth, aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). 

"Our strategic collaboration with Japan aims to foster dynamic and innovative economies for both countries. These groundbreaking collaborations showcase the boundless potential of our creative industries in propelling inclusive growth and our collective pursuit of sustainable development." Secretary Pascual stressed. 

The DTI chief, through the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) Tokyo, highlighted the collaborative efforts between the Philippines and Japan in advancing a sustainable economy rooted in innovation. He lauded the four (4) pioneering Philippine-Japan projects, including breakthrough collaboration on game development, food, textiles, and fashion design. 

The trade and industry chief recognized the collaboration of Neun Farben and Tsuburaya Productions, showcasing breakthrough technology in recreating Japanese characters as three-dimensional (3D) models. Neun Farben is a subsidiary of Japan's FLAME Ltd. and the X PLUS Group, known for three-dimensional (3D) computer graphics and video production, ranging from realistic designs to stylized anime creations. 

Further, the DTI Secretary boasted the significant partnership between Auro Chocolate, a premiere Filipino tree-to-bar chocolate brand, and Ikeda Senchado, a Japanese heritage brand of 10th-grade tea master Kenta Ikeda. This partnership embarked on Matcha, Hojicha, and Philippine cacao blended flavors, earning gold acclaim in the International Chocolate Awards 2023 World Finals. 

The DTI chief also commended Japan's eco-friendly Banana Cloth initiatives, boosting the Philippines as a producer and exporter of bananas, transforming peel into fabric for contemporary clothing. He shared that the Paris Fashion Week turned the global spotlight to a modern Japanese kimono made from banana fiber. 

In addition, the trade and industry chief lauded the Manila Fashion Festival, a joint venture between the Go Lifestyle Group and STYLEM Takisada-Osaka Co., Ltd. The festival featured traditional Filipino designs made with the innovative fusion of the country’s indigenous fibers and high-quality Japanese fabrics.  

Highlighting the potential of the global creative industry, Secretary Pascual cited the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development's (UNCTAD) report indicating that global exports of creative goods and services reached USD 1.6 trillion in 2020, and poised to contribute 10% of the global GDP by 2030, as projected by Forbes.

“Through innovative partnerships and collaborative efforts showcased in this event, we have affirmed the Philippines' commitment to fostering inclusive growth and sustainability. Beyond upholding the UN SDGs, let’s work together to empower the creative industries as we usher in a vibrant and creative economy for all,” Secretary Pascual underscored.   

The Creative and Sustainable Economy Through Innovation event was held on the sidelines of the ASEAN-Japan 50th Year Commemorative Summit, championing “Friendship and Cooperation,” aimed to harness mutual economic potential to propel the Philippines and Japan’s economies to new heights. 

DTI champions innovative trade remedy measures through TREFS

MAKATI CITY–Aligned with the national innovation agenda of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the Department of Trade and Industry, through the Bureau of Import Service (DTI-BIS), soft launched the Trade Remedy Electronic Filing System (TREFS), an electronic filing system that is set to ease and innovate the lodging and management of trade remedy petitions in the country. Apart from the soft launching of TREFS, the DTI-BIS also conducted an orientation seminar on Philippine free trade agreements (FTAs) that was held on 19 December 2023 in Makati City. 

“The soft launching of TREFS is a prime example of the DTI’s innovative approach to easing our ways of doing business in the trade industry,” said Secretary Pascual.

“This is our way forward, led by the DTI-BIS, as we address the challenges faced by our domestic producers in navigating the complexities of filing trade remedy petitions,” he added. 

TREFS enables 24/7 access, ensuring the convenience of the stakeholders and clients to submit essential documents at their own pace. By utilizing the system, domestic producers will experience a streamlined submission process, providing step-by-step guidance on the filing of trade remedy petitions and extensions. Additionally, timely notifications (instant alerts from the system) will ensure prompt feedback for clients and stakeholders. 

Also, the system's robust architecture is designed to uphold validation protocols enforced by the Import Remedy Measures Division of the DTI-BIS. This means that submissions are meticulously examined, assuring compliance with the requirements outlined in the trade remedy laws.  

According to the DTI-BIS, TREFS is equipped with security and data protection measures, assuring stakeholders that their sensitive information is safeguarded with the utmost confidentiality. It serves as an alternative and faster way to apply and submit petitions for trade remedy measures, resulting in consistency of handling information through a centralized filing system. This will also enable the investigating team to collaborate on a better phase with easily accessible and organized shared files online. 

“TREFS was envisioned to introduce alternative procedure for filing petitions, responses, and other submissions related to trade remedy measures, by providing a more efficient and accessible avenue for these measures,” said Director Maria Guiza Lim of the DTI-BIS. 

Per DTI Undersecretary Allan B. Gepty,“TREFS is not just a system; it is a manifestation of our commitment to efficiency and unwavering dedication to empowering our domestic producers and improving the delivery of service to our stakeholders”.  

This groundbreaking web-based application offers a centralized hub for all trade remedy petition submissions. Its intuitive interface and user-friendly design are designed to cater to the diverse needs of our Philippine industrial producers, stakeholders and clients. 

As part of the DTI’s goal to ensure the safety and convenience of doing business in the Philippines, Secretary Pascual asserted, “TREFS is a testament to our goal of leading a science, technology, and innovation (STI)-driven programs and services. Through a whole-of-government approach, the DTI remains committed to our goal of ensuring the country’s accessible and conducive business environment for all.”