IFEX 2023 generated $162M in export sales–CITEM exec

By Andrea E. San Juan @andreasanjuan

THE 16th International Food Exhibition (IFEX) Philippines, an international food and ingredients trade show, posted a 52-percent increase in export sales of $162 million in actual and negotiated export sales, compared with its 2022 edition, according to the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM).

In a news statement released on Tuesday, CITEM, the export promotions arm of Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), said the annual food trade event attracted almost 9,500 local and international trade visitors and buyers.

CITEM also noted that physical business-to-business (B2B) meetings, with the assistance of DTI-Export Marketing Bureau (EMB), generated over

$61 million in export sales.

Visitors, on the other hand, generated P9.7 million in retail sales during the event.

On the top export commodities, the export promotions arm noted fruits and vegetables contributed the most with nearly $80 million generated in export sales alone, followed by snacks and crispy and savory food generating over $21 million in export sales.

Meanwhile, domestic sales generated by the trade show this year reached P147 million.

For his part, CITEM Executive Director Edward Fereira said the event “proves” that Filipino food is on track to become one of the world’s food-sourcing destinations for Asian cuisine, especially with the growing presence of businesses from the region.

“This year’s IFEX has been outstanding as we have brought together the best tasting and the highest-quality of food products and ingredients under one roof with representations from the regions of the Philippines,” Fereira said.

The CITEM official also underscored the importance of events such as the IFEX Philippines, saying that Filipinos can not only share innovations within the food sector with the global market but also “impart the centuries-old culture and heritage of the Philippines.”

“Through the event, we bridged more businesses together and improved our relations with our current partners as we gear toward responding to the growing demand for Asian and healthy food products like durian and ube [yam],” Fereira added.

Last year, the country’s major International food trade show generated $107.1 million in export sales.

In a media briefing held on May 26, 2023, IFEX Project Manager Rowena G. Mendoza told reporters that with the “magnitude” of exhibitors, “most likely we can bring you a better figure for the export sales lalo na ang ating mga regions and also even ‘yung ating mga consolidators, ‘yung ating mga food exporters. Talaga na they can already stand on their own.” Fereira earlier noted that in its 16th year, the food trade event aims to position the Philippines as a “sourcing destination” that is not only capable of meeting global demands but also offers some of the “most distinct and innovative products on the market.” IFEX Philippines is CITEM’s longrunning trade event and sourcing program for Philippine and global food and ingredients.

This year’s edition ran from May 26 to 28,2023.

WB okays ₧11.42-B funding for BFAR’s FishCoRe project with packaging and labeling intervention, and provision of climate-resilient technologies, and storage house for dried seaweed production, among many others.

THE Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources’ (BFAR) collaborative project with the World Bank (WB) worth P11.42 billion is ready for implementation in August this year.

The seven-year Philippine Fisheries and Coastal Resiliency (FishCoRe) project, with a total funding of $209 million or P11.42 billion, was approved by the WB Board of Executive Directors recently.

“We thank the World Bank and all our partner national government agencies for helping us prepare for the eventual implementation of the FishCoRe project,” BFAR National Director Demosthenes Escoto said in a statement.

The project also seeks to develop and diversify fisherfolk livelihood through various technologies like integrated multitrophic aquaculture (IMTA), communitybased nursery production of sea cucumber, abalone, sea urchin, aquasilviculture, stock enhancement activities, and the like.

“The development of infrastructure such as fish landing sites, fish ports, cold storage, and mobile laboratory facility and equipment is another priority of the project,” Escoto said.

The project will be implemented in two Fisheries Management Areas (FMA), the FMA 6 and 9, or the major fishing grounds on the northwest coast of Luzon, and in archipelagic waters between the Visayas and Mindanao.

These two FMAs were selected after a two-stage selection process where all 12

FMAs were assessed based on a set of criteria drawn and agreed upon by the Department of Agriculture and BFAR and submitted to the WB in the early stages of preparation. These criteria include the level of vulnerability to threats, status of fisheries resources, contribution to fisheries production, institutional capacity for governance, aquaculture potential, and without existing and pipeline official development assistance. Raadee S. Sausa and/or the ERC, revoke any franchise or privilege granted to a party who violates the provisions of the EPIRA.

The DOE’s Electric Power Industry Management Bureau will lead the team. Its members include representatives from the Grid Management Committee, Philippine Electricity Market Corporation, National Transmission Corp., Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp., and ERC.

Within six months from effectivity of the order, the first PAA will be conducted. Thereafter, the succeeding PAAs shall be executed at least every three years from previous audit.

The ERC will issue the necessary rules in support of the DOE order.

The order was signed by DOE Secretary Raphael Lotilla on June 8, 2023 and was posted on its website on June 13.

“This project is a holistic approach which confronts from all sides the various longstanding issues being faced by the fisheries sector; from ensuring the sustainability of our fisheries and coastal resources for food security, to enabling maximized benefits of our fisherfolk towards poverty reduction through improved management on all facets to ensure a robust and resilient fisheries sector,” he added.

Meanwhile, the project is now set to provide multiple fisheries interventions to enhance both ecosystem and community resilience and benefit over 1.15 million fisherfolk, small and medium enterprises, other fisheries stakeholders, and residents in coastal communities across the country.

“Fisheries is a key sector in the economy that contributed 12.81 percent to the country’s total agricultural gross value-added in 2022,” the BFAR said.

Currently, it provides livelihood to about 1.49 million individuals in the country.

Moreover, Filipinos mostly consume fish and fishery products, constituting 11.68 percent of each person’s total food intake, next only to rice and rice products.

‘Ted’

in DOH’s bid to secure more bivalent vax

REGISTRATION requirements and high vaccine demand abroad hinder government attempts to secure more Covid-19 vaccine, according to the Department of Health (DOH).

S ecretary Teodoro J. Herbosa said the DOH could no longer easily procure Covid-19 vaccines with the expiration of the national public health emergency this year.

The state of public health emergency allowed the local use of Covid-19 jabs as long as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) could issue the necessary emergency use authorization (EUA) for procurement.

Without a public health emergency declaration, Herbosa said Covid-19 vaccines must now be registered with the FDA to be used locally.

“ So we hit a snag there, but we are trying hard to get all these bivalent [vaccines],” Herbosa said.

F urther complicating their vaccine procurement attempts, he added, is the high demand for Covid-19 jabs worldwide.

“Remember w e are not the only country that wants the bivalent, all other countries are also scrambling to get some of it,” Herbosa said.

Priority sectors

THE DOH said it is aiming to purchase more vaccines since it currently has only 390,000 Covid-19 bivalent vaccine, which were donated by the COVID-19 Vaccine Global Access (COVAX).

“ This 390,000 jabs are really insufficient. So what we will have to do is to prioritize who needs it first,” Herbosa said.

T he said Covid-19 jabs will be allocated for the elderly, for those with existing comorbidities, and health-care workers.

In preparation for the rollout of the said jabs, which arrived in the country this month, Herbosa said they have already started redistribution to their different regional offices.

“We will continue to push for people to get vaccinated because it will prevent you, especially if you are at high risk of mortality, from dying,” Herbosa said. Samuel P. Medenilla

Escoto, moreover, said that this sector has continuously been at the receiving end of challenges and threats to its sustainability such as illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, declining fish catch, high postharvest losses, and widespread poverty in the fishing communities.

The project also eyes to address these challenges through the adoption of the ecosystem-based approach to fisheries management (EAFM), therefore enhancing the value of fisheries production and elevating income in coastal communities through science, knowledge, and technology.

Specifically, the project will support the development and implementation of appropriate fisheries management policies, improve institutional capacities for strengthened law enforcement, establish support facilities for the rehabilitation of coastal and marine habitats, and other necessary investments to balance increasing productivity while conserving the country’s natural resources.

FishCoRe aims to develop aquaculture and fisheries enterprises in aquaindustrial business corridors through subprojects like satellite multi-species hatcheries, offshore mariculture in climate-resilient cages, postharvest handling and fish/shellfish processing, experience as mandarin business development manager, familiarity, knowledge and awareness on cruise consultant will be a strategist and a leader able to steer the company to the most profitable direction while also implementing its vision, mission and long term goals. Basic Qualification: Proven experience as mandarin business development manager, familiarity, knowledge and awareness on machinery and heavy equipment use by company. Demonstrable experience in developing strategic business plan. Salary Range: Php

30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Proven experience as mandarin business development manager, familiarity, knowledge and awareness on machinery and heavy equipment use by company. Demonstrable experience in developing strategic business plan. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

CHINA WUYI

Mandarin Cruise Consultant Brief Job Description: The Mandarin Cruise Consultant will be a strategist and a leader able to steer the company to the most profitable direction while also implementing its vision, mission and long term goals.

Basic Qualification: Proven experience as Mandarin Cruise Consultant, familiarity, knowledge and awareness on machinery and heavy equipment used by the company. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

53.

Basic Qualification:

YING, LIXIN Mandarin Cruise Director Brief Job Description: The mandarin cruise director will be a strategist and a leader able to steer the company to the most profitable direction while also implementing its vision, mission and long term goals.

54. ZHU,

JIANG, HUAYIN Mandarin Cruise Consultant Brief Job Description: The Mandarin Cruise Consultant will be a strategist and a leader able to steer the company to the most profitable direction LIU, SHUNHAI Mandarin Cruise Consultant Brief Job Description: The mandarin cruise consultant will be a strategist and a leader able to steer the company to the most profitable direction while also implementing its vision, mission and long term goals.

Basic Qualification: Proven experience as mandarin business development manager, familiarity, knowledge and awareness on machinery and heavy equipment use by company. Demonstrable experience in developing strategic business plan.

Salary

Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Proven experience as mandarin business development manager, familiarity, knowledge and awareness on machinery and heavy equipment use by company. Demonstrable experience in developing strategic business plan.

55. Salary Range: Php 30,000

MA, HAIBIN Mandarin Field Service Coordinator Brief Job Description: The mandarin field service coordinator will be a strategist and a leader able to steer the company to the most profitable direction while also implementing its vision, mission and long term goals. Php

LYU,

Basic Qualification: Proven

Salary Range: Php 30,000

59. 4/f direction while also implementing its vision, mission and long term goals.

CHEN, YUNFU Mandarin Security Officer Brief Job Description: The Mandarin Security Officer will be a strategist and a leader able to steer the company to the most profitable direction while also implementing its vision, mission and long term goals. 65.

College graduate. Proven experience as Mandarin Quality Inspector. Familiarity, knowledge and awareness on machinery and heavy equipment use by company. Demonstrable experience in developing strategic business plan. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 CHN-PHL HUAIYUAN INTERNATIONAL CONSTRUCTION CORPORATION Unit A&b 20/f Rufino Pacific Tower, 6784 Ayala Avenue, San Lorenzo, City Of Makati 66. KAMALDEEP SINGH Technical Works Supervisor Brief Job Description: Supervise all members of the multi-site technical services team of engineers, ensuring all tasks are allocated and completed within the agreed time frame. Basic Qualification: With good verbal communication skills in English and Mandarin language familiar with the field of construction works. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 67. KUMAR, VIJAY Technical Works Supervisor Brief Job Description: Supervise all members of the multi-site technical services team of engineers, ensuring all tasks are allocated and completed within the agreed time frame. Basic Qualification: With good verbal communication skills in English and Mandarin language familiar with the field of construction works. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 68. SHAO, YONGLIANG Technical Works Supervisor Brief Job Description: Supervise all members of the multi-site technical services team of engineers, ensuring all tasks are allocated and completed within the agreed time frame. Basic Qualification: With good verbal communication skills in English and Mandarin language familiar with the field of construction works. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 CRONYX INC. Flr. No. 4th-10th, Yinhope Bldg., Dela Rama Cor. Zoili Hilario St., Seascape Village, Ccp Complex Subd., Zone 10, Barangay 76, Pasay City 69. KANG, YUNLONG Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk Brief Job Description: Gather data and capture the information into databases. Basic Qualification: Ability to concentrate for lengthy periods and good in verbal communication and written. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 70. LING LING Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk Brief Job Description: Gather data and capture the information into databases. Basic Qualification: Ability to concentrate for lengthy periods and good in verbal communication and written. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 71. TA HONG QUYEN Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk Brief Job Description: Gather data and capture the information into databases. Basic Qualification: Ability to concentrate for lengthy periods and good in verbal communication and written. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 DEXIN INTERNATIONAL IMPORT AND EXPORT CORP. 534, Tomas Mapua St., Barangay 298, Santa Cruz, City Of Manila 72. WANG, DADE Chinese Cargo Office Agent Brief Job Description: Prepare airline and custom documentation. Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in Chinese documentation. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 DIGICHROM INC. Unit 2001-a, 2602 & 2603 20/f & 26/f Pbcom Tower, 6795 Ayala Ave. Cor. V.a. Rufino St., Bel-air, City Of Makati 25/f Yuchengco Tower, Rcbc Plaza, 6819 Ayala Ave. Cor. Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., Bel-air, City Of Makati 73. DIEP VI LAM Vietnamese Speaking Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Manage incoming and outgoing calls, chats and emails. Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking reading and writing in Vietnamese. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 74. LE THI HONG NGOC Vietnamese Speaking Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Immediately escalating serious complaints or issues that you are not equipped to deal with. Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in Vietnamese. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 75. NGUY VI PHUNG Vietnamese Speaking Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Manage incoming and outgoing calls, chats and emails. Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking reading and writing in Vietnamese. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 DIGISPARK TECH CORP. Unit 3 16th Floor Ore Central Building, 31st Street Corner 9th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City Fort, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig 76. LI, DEYAO IT Technical Support - Mandarin Speaking Brief Job Description: Maintains the computer networks of all types of organizations, providing technical support and ensuring the whole company runs smoothly. Basic Qualification: With Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science or any related course with a minimum of 1-year IT experience and able to speak and write in Mandarin. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 trends, sales results, and other data related to the Chinese/Vietnamese client’s services. Works as an independent consultant or as part of consultancy firm to provide sales expertise to Chinese/ Vietnamese clients. Create detailed reports with research findings and analysis to with sales strategies.

XIANGJUN Mandarin Quality Inspector Brief Job Description: Conduct orientation and training of employees. in use of heavy machinery purchased abroad. Responsible for enforcement of safety procedures and practices in the use of heavy machineries.

141.

CHENG Mandarin Sales Consultant Brief Job Description: Research industries, markets, demographics, trends, sales results, and other data related to the Chinese/Vietnamese client’s services. Works as an independent consultant or as part of consultancy firm to provide sales expertise to Chinese/ Vietnamese clients. Create detailed reports with research findings and analysis to with sales strategies.

142.

Sales Consultant Brief Job Description: Research industries, markets, demographics, trends, sales results, and other data related to the Chinese/Vietnamese client’s services. Works as an independent consultant or as part of consultancy firm to provide sales expertise to Chinese/ Vietnamese clients. Create detailed reports with research findings and analysis to with sales strategies.

WU, GUO Mandarin Sales Consultant

143.

Brief Job Description: Research industries, markets, demographics, trends, sales results, and other data related to the Chinese/Vietnamese client’s services. Works as an independent consultant or as part of consultancy firm to provide sales expertise to Chinese/ Vietnamese clients. Create detailed reports with research findings and analysis to with sales strategies.