PBBM IS THINKING LIKE THE CEO OF PHILIPPINES, INC.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. meets with the Private Sector Advisory Council led by Sabin Aboitiz and the lead for the Jobs sector, Go Negosyo founder Joey Concepcion. Photo courtesy of the Office of the Press Secretary.

The Philippines’ GDP numbers have defied pessimists and exceeded expectations. The country’s GDP growth for 2022 ended at 7.6 percent and with a seven-in-a-row growth per quarter. This is better than even what the economic planners expected and it is the fastest growth since 1976.

The most obvious contributor is revenge spending. After nearly three years of the pandemic and despite the rising prices, people just went out and participated in the economy. For this, credit must go to both the Duterte administration and the Marcos economic team. The Duterte administration’s handling of the pandemic was not perfect, but it got us through with fewer deaths and an intact economy.

President Marcos’s appreciation of the task at hand is building on this momentum. PBBM is now in the driver’s seat, and we must help him see the country through the worst world economic crisis in decades.

I believe the President is well aware of how important it is to sustain this growth, and this is why he is thinking like a CEO: looking well ahead into the future and choosing actions that will deliver the biggest impact.

I have heard critics say that the President should stay put and handle things on the domestic front. This is like asking the family’s breadwinner to stop going to work, stay home and do chores around the house. Nothing wrong with helping out, but that would mean one day of lost income and opportunity that would have otherwise delivered enough resources to employ a helper. It’s short-sighted and it’s the thinking of small minds.

Being present at events like the World Economic Forum in Davos is an opportunity that we cannot, as a nation, afford to miss. Davos is different because of its scale. It is where everybody goes. The big names in business are regulars at Davos. It is where you go to build an international network and it is where a five-minute chat can translate to billions of investments.

I remember how the President asked us during a meeting of the Private Sector Advisory Council – which comprises the country’s top businessmen – whether or not he should go to Davos. The group was unanimous in saying yes, he should go.

My interest is that these investments and the technology that the investors bring in will eventually benefit our MSMEs. When we scale up MSMEs, we contribute to a sector that generates 62 percent of the jobs in the country. And when people have jobs, they will have the spending power that the country needs to post good growth rates like the one we saw in 2022.

Few people know this, but if you are not part of the official government delegation, you pay for your own ticket. If you ride with the President, you ride in premium economy and you follow the delegation’s schedule. The government does not spend money for the private sector in these meetings, and rightly so. Yet still, the heads of the country’s largest corporations still give of their time and resources to join the President in these events. Why?

Because they believe in the potential of the Philippines, and it is important for the audience in Davos to believe as well. For the Philippines’s biggest businessmen to stand solidly behind the President benefits the country as a whole because investors will be confident that if they park their money in the Philippines, it is safe from instability and divisiveness. Any investor has to be comfortable with the vision of the leadership of a country. The private sector is there to reinforce the message of the President: that the Philippines is a good investment, and that it is open and ready for business.

In my own experience when RFM went public, I didn’t stay home and wait for the investors to come. I didn’t sell only to local investors, I went to New York, to Singapore, to wherever the funds were. That’s just our company; what more if you represent a company with 114 million shareholders?

The investors should be comfortable with making that investment. If the CEO doesn’t go to meetings and roadshows, how will people trust that his vision is aligned with their investment plans? How will they be confident in the prospectus saying that the Philippines offers a good return on their capital when its CEO can’t be bothered to make his pitch in person?

And now with inflation and the still-volatile situation between Russia and Ukraine threatening to make this a protracted conflict, we have to be more aggressive in sustaining that 7.6 percent growth. We are not the only country gunning for more investments. Our problems are not unique. All one has to do is tune in to international news networks to realize that the high prices of goods is also a concern in first-world countries like the UK, Germany and the US.

Yes, the Philippines has problems, but we can still grow better than in previous years, despite the pandemic’s effects, the high prices and the interest rates.

We can sustain the growth, but it will take patience. If the war between Russia and the Ukraine does not escalate any further, I expect that by mid-2023, we should see lower prices and inflation come down by the end of 2023. This can still be a very good year. We just have to step aside and let the President do his job so we can all realize the end-goal of creating prosperity for all.

Philippines' GDP grew by 7.6% in 2022, Beats 2022 GDP Target

MAKATI CITY—The Philippine government's sustained economic recovery efforts and the Department of Trade and Industry's (DTI) continuous investment facilitation has resulted to 7.2 percent Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth for the fourth quarter of 2022, resulting to a 7.6 percent full-year growth for the said year, based on the recent data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). 

"This annual GDP growth can be attributed to the contributions of various industries, especially wholesale and retail, as well as manufacturing. This serves as a testament to the efficiency of our efforts to facilitate the entry of more investments in the country and our industrialization strategy that aims to empower local industries and increase our global competitiveness", Trade and Industry Secretary Fred Pascual boasted. 

Based on the report, the fourth quarter GDP growth was mainly influenced by the following top contributors: (1) Wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles at 8.7 percent, (2) Financial and insurance activities at 9.8 percent, and (3) Manufacturing at 4.2 percent. On the other hand, top contributors for the annual growth in 2022 were: (1) Construction at 12.7 percent, (2) Wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles at 8.7 percent, and (3) Manufacturing at 5.0 percent. 

Further, Secretary Pascual said that "we are keen to sustain this growth, that is why we are intensifying DTI's investment facilitation activities. During President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s previous state visits, we have managed to meet several potential investors, some of them are already in active discussions with our Philippine Trade and Industry Centers abroad or the Board of Investments." 

"Our GDP will continue to grow as more and more investors come to the Philippines to explore business opportunities. We keep on with work on ease of doing business to attract more investors." he added.

In addition, among major economic sectors, Industry (4.8 percent) and Services (9.8 percent) posted positive growths during the fourth quarter of 2022. On the demand side, PSA mentioned Household Final Consumption Expenditure (HFCE), which grew by 7.0 percent in the fourth quarter of 2022.

Meanwhile, Government Final Consumption Expenditure (GFCE) at 3.3 percent, Gross capital formation at 5.9 percent, Exports of goods and services at 14.6 percent, and Imports of goods and services at 5.9 percent were considered by PSA as other sources of growth for the fourth quarter of 2022. 

As a further testament to the robust economic performance of the country, the Philippines also posted 9.3 percent Gross National Income (GNI) growth in the fourth quarter of 2022, and 9.9 percent on full-year

DTI Uncovers more than P350K Uncertified Products in Sta. Cruz, Manila

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), through the Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau (FTEB), busted uncertified sanitary wares and self-ballasted LED lamps worth Php352,775.00 during its heightened enforcement operation in Manila, on 20 January 2023. 

Consumer Protection Group (CPG) Undersecretary Atty. Ruth B. Castelo led the DTI enforcement teams in inspecting 15 retail firms along Tomas Mapua Street, Sta. Cruz, Manila. 

The focused enforcement of DTI technical regulations has seized 190 units of sanitary wares, particularly water closets, urinals, and lavatories; ceramic tiles; and self-ballasted LED lamps. 

Consequently, six (6) non-compliant firms were issued with a Notice of Violation (NOV), mandating them to explain within 48 hours from the receipt of the notice. 

“The DTI boosts its on-the-ground operations and market visibility to spread awareness among manufacturers, retailers, and consumers that even consumer products, like the uncertified sanitary wares and self-ballasted LED lamps that we sealed today, have to undergo and pass the DTI mandatory testing schemes,” said Usec. Castelo. 

Usec. Castelo also emphasized that such operations and market visibility not only uphold consumer protection and welfare but also send a strong warning that the Department will pursue appropriate action against violators.

Last 12 January 2023, the DTI’s ramped-up enforcement operation in Quezon City led to the sealing of uncertified household appliances, lighting devices, and ceramic products worth Php482,121.15. 

Apart from its intense enforcement of technical regulations in the National Capital Region, DTI-FTEB also conducts random operations in other Regions to expand its advocacy on consumer protection and education. 

The nationwide campaign of DTI against uncertified items in the market underscores the enforcement of DTI technical regulations mandating compliance with Philippine Standard Certification Mark Schemes, particularly Department Administrative Order No. 02, Series of 2007.  

To protect consumers or potential buyers of electrical and electronic products; mechanical or building and construction materials; and chemical and other consumer products and systems, DTI – Bureau of Philippine Standards (DTI-BPS) covered products and systems through implementing Mandatory Product Certification Schemes: the Philippine Standard (PS) Quality and/or Safety Certification Mark Licensing Scheme and the Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) Certification Scheme. 

The DTI urges consumers to report retailers, distributors, and manufacturers that sell uncertified items, through the Consumer Care Hotline at DTI (1-384) or consumercare@dti.gov.ph.

 

Meet Brian Poe Llamanzares now Co-owner of one of country's leading Business Magazine, the Rising Tiger

The most distributed local magazine right now in National Bookstore caught the attention of this serial entrepreneur. 

Poe Llamanzares’ Oracles Media Group will now be adding Rising Tiger Magazine to its portfolio which already includes other media entities like The Manila Journal, Negosyante News, and Alike Magazine.

According to Brian, “the team is very confident that it will top the market with its innovations and quality of content. The magazine has already perfected its marketing strategy even-though it’s still new and will celebrate its first anniversary this March 2023. A lot of big names in the business industry have already confirmed and committed their support. While I'm looking forward to helping the company grow.”

Focused on inspiring readers with the profiles of the emerging leaders and captains from different industries, the magazine which was launched during pandemic, opened up to investors to provide more reach and growth for the company. 

“We're really grateful to have Brian as part of our team. I admire his grit and determination, and with him, I am very sure we will be able to reach our goals this year. We are looking forward to all of our future projects together. Rising Tigers Magazine will definitely reach new heights.” (Andria Terese Nicolas, Vice President of Tag Media Group)

The magazine is all about motivating the readers. It also aims to help them grow their businesses. Majority of content is all about leadership while 20% is lifestyle written by socialite Becky Garcia. Entrepreneur, Andrew Troy Nicolas publishes the magazine quarterly under Tag Media Group with planned 9 events under his company for this year that includes Expos and forums. 

“Brian is a valuable asset in the company and with him, we’re very confident that the objective will be accomplished fast. He is very aggressive and determined to help out.”- Robert Laurel Yupangco (Rising Tigers Magazine Adviser)

Israeli Embassy and DepEd Commemorate International Holocaust Remembrance Day

The Embassy of Israel in the Philippines collaborated with the Department of Education for the annual commemoration of International Holocaust Remembrance Day, with this year’s theme: Home and Belonging.

Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines Ilan Fluss thanked the Vice President of the Republic of the Philippines and Secretary of the Department of Education Hon. Sara Duterte and her team who organized the event and made the 27th of January a formal day of commemorating the holocaust in all DepEd schools and facilities.

“The Holocaust is the darkest time in human history – especially for the Jewish people. It was an unprecedented event from 1942 to 1945 when Nazi Germany attempted to annihilate the Jewish people. Six million Jews – one third of the Jewish population – were murdered for the sole reason that they were Jewish,” Ambassador Fluss explained. “Today we are witnessing voices of denial of the holocaust and increasing antisemitism. This cannot be ignored; we can never let it happen again. We must remember, learn, teach, educate, and say - never again.”

 

The Ambassador also remembered the act of former president of the Philippines Manuel Quezon of opening the country’s doors to over 1,300 Jewish refugees fleeing the Nazi regime in 1939. “Pres. Quezon saved not only those individuals, but also their future families.”

The International Holocaust Remembrance Day is the day that the United Nations urges every member state to honor the victims of the Holocaust. It marks the anniversary of the day in 1945 when  the main extermination camp Auschwitz-Birkenau – where more than a million Jews were exterminated – was liberated by the allies.

The ceremony was held on the 26th of January at Bulwagan ng Karunungan, DepEd Complex in Pasig City. In attendance were officials and staff from the Embassy of Israel, Department of Education, representatives from the Department of Foreign Affairs, and members of the Jewish community in the Philippines.

DOST showcases Philippine Tropical Fabrics during 2023 Philippine Textile Industry Stakeholders’ Conference

Manila – The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) showcased Philippine Tropical Fabrics (PTF) during the Philippine Textile Industry Stakeholders’ Conference at the Dusit Thani Hotel, Makati City. Fashion and innovation blended perfectly during the fashion presentation of Filipino-made products with textile fibers from pineapple leaf, abaca, banana, and Philippine silk, designed for government officials and employees’ uniforms.  

“Innovation powers the future of the textile industry” said DOST Secretary Renato Solidum, Jr. “We hope to continuously empower our farmers, community weavers and small businesses who are an integral part of the value chain through S&T programs and projects. The blended textiles made from locally sourced fibers is an illustration on the ability of science to contribute to national economic progress.”

The Philippine Textile Research Institute (PTRI) of the DOST is tasked to create and innovate textiles and auxiliaries in support of the industry. Hinged on the requirement of Republic Act 9242, the Institute has developed yarns and textiles in its PTF v1 way back in 2005. These are yarns containing at least 20% pineapple, banana or abaca fibers in blend with polyester, woven in the mill with polyester warp, effectively meeting the 5% by weight minimum natural textile fiber requirement in the fabric stage.

Another significant textile technology is the development of Philippine Silk. DOST invested in a Silk Research and Innovation Hub in Misamis Oriental. To keep Philippine silk cost competitive, DOST developed a process to generate seven (7) kg of raw silk per day, requiring 15 hectares of mulberry farm providing additional income of P 16,000 per month to almost 60 families with at least ⅛ hectare farm. Also, the Silk Innovation Hub in Kalinga serves the silk production in Cordillera and in 2023 two more will be launched-one in Aklan and one in Negros Occidental. 

DOST also sustained a genomic project to maintain the productivity and vigor of the largest silkworm germplasm in the Philippines. Through these efforts, natural textiles have expanded from wearable items to nonwoven applications for filtration and automotive, bags and footwear through drylaid textiles under our nonwoven textiles R&D.  

Developing natural dyes is another important component in textile transformations. DOST focuses on this to prevent toxic byproducts in the processing of textile and the income opportunities given to local farmers and manufacturers. Through DOST investments, the Natural Dyes Center that serves as the core facility for natural dyes R&D and product development, is able to link eleven (11) NatDyes Hubs all over the Philippines. DOST aims to add three (3) more NatDyes hubs this year. A large-scale indigo dyeing machine is already also working in DOST-PTRI.

The event brought together stakeholders from the industry, government and academe and highlight the significant role of collaborations in enabling innovation-led and creative studies for textile-garment and allied industries. The conference also featured an exhibit of design creations from Filipino artisans.  

DOST Opens Call for Proposals for 2025 Funding

Mabalacat, Pampanga – The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) opens its call for proposals for research and development (R&D) funding for the year 2025 in Mabalacat, Pampanga.  On the first leg of its nationwide campaign in this city, DOST encourages researchers and scientists to submit their proposals for 2025 via the DOST Project Management Information System (DPMIS) from May 1 to May 31, 2023.

DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. led the event saying: “Our role here would be to support innovation and provide a nurturing environment for researchers in the country.  Ultimately, all our efforts are geared towards attaining higher productivity for industry, boosting our economy and attaining a better quality of life for every Filipino through technological and innovative solutions.”

The Call for proposals has set priority areas from the four R&D councils of DOST.

For Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology category, project proposals should focus on the following priority areas: energy; construction; utilities; transportation; food processing; mining and minerals; metals and engineering; advanced materials and nanotechnology; optics and photonics; information and communication technologies; electronics; artificial intelligence (AI); space technology application; convergence of emerging technologies/industry 4.0 and smarter cities; environment; disaster risk reduction-climate change adaptation (DRR-CCA); unmanned vehicle systems; creative industries (games, animation, and film); creative industries; capability development; and science communication.

For Health Research and Development, priority areas are Drug Discovery & Development (Tuklas Lunas®), functional foods, nutrition and safety, re-emerging and emerging diseases, OMIC technologies for health, diagnostics, biomedical engineering for health, digital and frontier technologies for health, disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation in health, and mental health.

For agriculture, priority research areas in crops include mango, coffee, and sugarcane.  DOST is also looking for R&D projects in managing economically important emerging pests and animal feeds resource enhancement. 

In basic research, priority areas are: 1) those that generate discoveries and new scientific knowledge/information; 2) those that forge linkages between the government particularly local government units (LGUs), academe, industry sector, and civil society; 3) those that serve as basis for evidence-based policy making and program development, through the fusion of science and the arts, technology and innovation and 4) those that ensure translation and transfer of social technologies to the people and various publics.  

Through effective management of funds in key sectors, DOST investments in high-impact and sustainable programs become more significant in addressing national concerns.   This is aligned with the research priorities along four major areas, namely: wealth creation, wealth protection, human well-being promotion, and sustainability.

DOST encourages early submission of quality and relevant research proposals.  Interested parties may visit the DOST Project Management Information System (DPMIS) at this website https://dpmis.dost.gov.ph/