Dataline 17 (2013) by Department of Trade and Industry

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August 26, 2013 Vol. 17, No. 17

A bi-monthly digest of global and domestic industry trends and developments. Published by the Trade and Industry Information Center, Department of Trade and Industry  Manila, Philippines Tel. (632) 895.3611  Fax (632) 895.6487  To subscribe, email: publications@dti.gov.ph Online: http://www.dti.gov.ph

In this issue Business Update 1. DTI to roll out BPLS in Basilan PHL among ‘outperformers’ in Asia 2. Bizmen advised to invest in Mindanao 3. DTI to implement e-payment for biz name registration Inside DTI 4. DTI to strengthen 1. DTI’s DBFTA program trade promotion efforts reaches 6,522 participants in H1 5. Filipinos shifting from sari-sari stores 2. 2013 Patawid Trade Fair nets P1.4M to supermarkets 3. DTI convenes meeting on Focus

IT-BPM roadmap 4. DTI, DA to form rubber industry cluster teams

Consumer News 1. DTI reports prices stable for 3 years 2. DTI awards four companies for promoting competitiveness 3. DTI celebrates 32nd anniversary Good News, Philippines! through Diskwento Caravan 1. Philippines to weather China slowdown 4 ACN prepares for Consumer 2. S&P raises PHL growth forecast Welfare Month 3. Global firm sees continued growth 5. DTI-Guimaras heightens consumer welfare campaign MSME News 1. DTI pushes for MSME development 6. DTI-Davao del Norte promotes consumer rights with SSF Project 2. ‘Bizniz’ kiosk MOA signed, SME Feature Roving Academy launched in SME briefing sessions inspire CARAGA index more entreprenuers 3. DTI, GIZ campaign ProGED to MSMEs 4. Inter-sectoral committee for MSME Statwatch development conceived What’s New?

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Focus PHL among ‘outperformers’ in Asia

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he Philippines continues to be acknowledged as one of economic outperformers in the Asia-Pacific region amid weak demand from the United States (U.S.) and Europe, ratings firm Moody’s Investor Service reported. Distinct from the rest of the region, the Philippines, together with other few economies, is expected to be more attractive as an investment destination given its proven resilience in the face of difficulties. “Indonesia and the Philippines have featured the biggest improvements in terms of their percentile ranking,” Moody’s Sovereign Mid-Year Update said. The ratings firm said high economic growth, narrow fiscal deficits, and exchange rate appreciation have combined to lead to debt consolidation in both countries and have contributed to the upward trajectory in their ratings. The Philippines was one of the few countries that were able to reduce levels of government debt despite

Inside DTI 1. DTI’s DBFTA program reaches 6,522 participants in H1

ome 6,522 participants have gained insights on how the local business sector can cope with increased competition within the region with the conduct of information sessions on Doing Business in Free Trade Areas (DBFTA) program by the Department of Trade and Industry’s Bureau of Export Trade Promotion (DTI-BETP) in the first half of the year. The BETP conducted a total of 60 sessions, or 48% of the targeted 125 sessions for the year, that were attended by business stakeholders representing 3,134 companies from different regions and provinces.

the global slowdown that started in 2009. Notably, this came as other countries accumulated debt to fund stimulus efforts during the crisis, it added. Moody’s said the country’s level of government debt fell by 4.9% in relation to its proportion to gross domestic product (GDP) between 2007 and 2013. This was lower than the 10.8-% decline in Indonesia, but higher than the 4.8% posted by India. With the Philippines’ improved performance, Moody’s once again hinted at a possible upgrade of the country’s sovereign credit rating. Ratings firms Standard & Poor’s and Fitch Ratings already rated the Philippines at investment grade, while Moody’s still rates the country one notch lower. “The positive outlook for the Philippines is unique globally, while those for Hong Kong, Mongolia, and Singapore have been revised to negative this year,” Moody’s said. (PDI 07/19) The participants included manufacturers of both finished and intermediate products; suppliers of raw materials; representatives from local government units, government agencies, and industry associations; members of the academe; and other interested stakeholders. The DBFTA information sessions were held in the following areas:  NCR including Camanava (Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas and Valenzuela)  La Union and Ilocos Norte (Region 1)  Bataan (Region 3)  CALABARZON  Aklan, Iloilo,and Antique (Region 6)  Cagayan de Oro (Region 10)  Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM)

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August 26, 2013 3 Private and government partners in DBFTA sessions    

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Bureau of Customs (BoC) Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) and its chapters Philippine Plastics Industry Association (PPIA) Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers Inc. (PICEI) Professional Regulatory Commission (PRC) Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines (SEIPI) Tariff Commission

The BETP teams sought to encourage local manufacturers and exporters, material suppliers, and industry groups to produce world-class products to compete

2. 2013 Patawid Trade Fair nets P1.4M

xhibitors in the recent 2013 Patawid Agro-Industrial Trade Fair in Tabuk City, Kalinga province hauled P1.4M in sales, 16% higher than last year’s P1.2M. Robust sales were attributed to the display of wider product line from woven apparel, processed foods, furniture, souvenir, decors, gifts, handicrafts, ornamental, and organic agri-products. This year, 65 exhibitors joined the fair compared to 57 in 2012. They were Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-assisted micro, small-medium entrepreneurs in the province and other guestexhibitors from the provinces of

effectively with the country’s trade partners in getting a bigger share of existing markets as well as opening up new ones within the region. The sessions dealt with specific topics requested by the local hosts, particularly what local companies need to do to compete effectively; the benefits they could derive from specific free-trade agreements (FTAs) the Philippines has signed with its preferred trade partners; and the specific requirements they need to comply with to penetrate these markets. The participants were also oriented on DTI’s different programs, activities and projects, including the availability of seminars and trainings, to help them make use of the DTI’s resources to improve their productivity and competitiveness.

Benguet, Mt.Province, Ifugao, Quirino, and Isabela. A joint project of DTI-Kalinga and Tabuk City Government, the Patawid has become part of the traditional celebration of Matagoan Festival and the City Founding Anniversary. Top 5 Sellers (In Php) Sector Gifts, housewares and decors Processed foods Ornamental plants Agri-tech, health products /services Barangays

Amount 754,611 291,565 156,310 133,468 44,195

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3. DTI convenes meeting on IT-BPM roadmap

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ublic and private sector stakeholders in the information technology-business process management (IT-BPM) sector met as a Technical Working Group (TWG) to attune the IT-BPM Roadmap 2012-2016. IT-BPM Roadmap TWG Members         

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Board of Investments (BOI) Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Senate Technical Education Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Department of Finance (DOF) Information Technology and Business Process Management Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) Philippine Software Industry Association (PSIA) Animation Council of the Philippines (ACPI) Game Association Development of the Philippines (GDAP) Healthcare Information Management Outsourcing Association of the Philippines (HIMDAP)

“TWGs will be convened for every sectoral roadmap where a joint review of the roadmap strategies and action plans will be conducted as the

4. DTI, DA to form rubber industry cluster teams

he Departments of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Agriculture (DA) are planning to form regional and provincial rubber industry cluster teams in Region 4B or Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan (MIMAROPA) as part of efforts to develop its rubber industry. The DTI said the need to organize regional and provincial rubber industry cluster teams was identified during a workshop conducted to draw up plans to support MIMAROPA’s rubber industry.

industry stakeholders present updates to the inter-agency representatives,” DTI Undersecretary for Industry Development and Trade Policy Group (IDTPG) Adrian S. Cristobal Jr. said. The IT-BPM Roadmap has identified some of the vital issues that need to be addressed to achieve their goal by 2016 such as the business environment and policy framework, talent development, and marketing and branding and cost/risk management. The IT-BPM sector is considered one the major engines of growth in the services industry and a considerable job generator for skilled Filipinos. As of 2012, the industry generated employment for nearly 800,000 with sector revenues of USD 13.2B. It is one of the largest net foreign exchange earners along with remittances from overseas workers and tourism. The 2016 targets are USD 25B in revenues and 1.3M employees. Since 2010, the Philippines has been the acknowledged leader in voice BPM and the second most-preferred destination for non-voice, complex services in the world. MIMAROPA has vast tracts of land suitable for developing a rubber plantation. It is important for the country to expand rubber production due to the high demand in the local and export markets, DTI National Rubber Industry Cluster Manager Sitti Amina Jain said. Earlier, the DTI said it wants the country to be able to take advantage of the higher rubber demand seen from Yokohama Tire Philippines, Inc. (YTPI), which is

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expected to raise the production of its tires by 2017.

as it is expected to hike production to 50,000 tires per day.

YTPI is the country’s major market for its rubber. It produces 21,000 tires per day, and acquires about 4% of its rubber requirement from the Philippines.

By developing the country’s rubber industry, the government does not only expect to increase both domestic and export sales but attract investments as well as create jobs in the region.

By 2017, YTPI’s total requirement for rubber is seen to increase

Good News, Philippines! 1. Philippines to weather China slowdown

he Philippines is seen to withstand the after-effects of an economic slowdown in China — even as Asian economies are seen “hardest hit” by the event — on the back of the former’s strong fundamentals, Japanese investment bank Nomura said in its Global Markets Research report. The report notes that economies in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN-5) — the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand — would see varied impacts of a slowing Chinese economy. “The ASEAN umbrella covers economies that would be both among the worst-hit (Singapore) and the least vulnerable (the Philippines) to a sharp slowdown in China,” it reported. According to Nomura, the Philippines would see its growth slow to only 5.9% in the China risk scenario, from a base case projection of 6.2% — a “modest” slowdown, the bank said, compared with other ASEAN economies that could see expansion slow by as much as one percentage point. “Not only is the Philippines less exposed to weaker export demand from China, but domestic demand is being boosted by the structural reforms that are allowing higher quality fiscal spending —

particularly infrastructure implementation — and are crowding in private investment,” said the bank. Although China’s weak economy is seen to weaken global commodity prices, the impact’s extent would depend “on whether the country is a net commodity exporter or importer,” said the bank. “In Thailand and the Philippines, both net commodity importers, we would expect the current account balance to benefit from lower global commodity prices. The import bill would fall as lower prices more than offset weaker exports (from both lower volume and price effects). In addition, we would expect the Philippines’ current account balance to remain resilient given still substantial remittances from overseas workers,” Nomura noted. In terms of fiscal policy, the Philippines has “ample fiscal space” and thus would have scope to provide stimulus measures if needed, it said. “Fiscal reforms that we expect to continue have supported higher spending in social and economic services,” it added. Currencies of ASEAN countries, however, would see varied performance, with “open economies” like Singapore, Malaysia, and

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Thailand seen to be most at risk of depreciation due to outflows and slow external demand. “The Philippines should be the relative outperformer in the region given the strength of its economy

2. S&P raises PHL growth forecast

tandard & Poor’s (S&P) recently raised its Philippine economic forecast for the year but cut its growth projection for AsiaPacific as a whole and citing the impact of a slowing growth in China, the world’s second largest economy. In its report “Credit Conditions: Increased China Downside Risk Dampens Asia’s Growth,” the debtwatcher revised its 2013 gross domestic product (GDP) growth outlook for the Philippines to 6.9% from 6.5% in May. “The more domestically-led Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) economies, headed by the Philippines and Indonesia, continue to outperform the more trade-dependent newly industrialized economies,” the report read. The revised projection now falls within the Philippine government’s 6%-7% goal this year and is slightly higher than last year’s 6.8%. S&P sees ASEAN economies growing 5.5% this year before accelerating to 5.6% next year.

3. Global firm sees continued growth of PHL real estate sector

lobal real estate services firm Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) is bullish on the continued growth of the Philippine real estate industry in 2013 and in the next five years. The sector will grow higher than last year on the back of the robust office market which is mainly driven by the business process management (BPM) industry,

driven primarily by domestic demand, a favorable political backdrop, a structurally strong current account surplus, and limited dependence on foreign capital inflows,” it said. (BWD 07/24)

“The ASEAN sub-region will continue to be the bright spot in Asia-Pacific, owing to the larger contribution of domestic demand to growth in these economies,” according to S&P report. The debtwatcher noted the downward revision for its Asia-Pacific forecast was largely prompted by cuts made in China’s economic forecast. “We now see real GDP growth in Asia-Pacific at 5.3% this year, down slightly from our 5.5% forecast in May,” the report read. S&P sees Asia-Pacific growth accelerating to 5.6% next year. The economy will remain robust this year on domestic demand and a continued uptick in manufacturing and investments, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan said. Philippine output expanded by 7.8% in the first quarter, the fastest in Asia, on the back of strong domestic demand and rising investments. GMA News 07/30)

JLL Philippines International Director and Country Head David Leechiu said. “Foreign investors are confident of setting up here. These are mostly from United States, United Kingdom and Australia,” Leechiu said. The BPM industry comprises 90% of the office market, while multinationals and corporate

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headquarters share the remaining 10%, he said.

Cebu and Davao are starting to develop their condominium markets.

Leechiu said the residential and retail markets were also expected to have grown in the first half of the year compared to 2012.

Tthe retail market is also growing because of the rising purchasing power of Filipinos, he added.

He pointed out that other areas outside Metro Manila particularly

MSME News 1. DTI pushes for MSME development with SSF Project

ome 122 facilities and equipment worth almost a total of P42.69M have been rolledout by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) from January to July providing assistance to 15,197 entrepreneurs under the Department’s Shared Service Facility (SSF) Program.

With these, he is optimistic about the growth of the real estate sector over the next five to six years. (Zambotimes 07/31) The Department has allocated P700M for the SSF Project. The project is expected to provide 5,036 jobs for those in the 609 poorest municipalities where the facilities are situated. Areas already awarded with SSFs include the Mt. Province, Bulacan, Quezon, Laguna, and Sorsogon.

SSF beneficiaries/projects Mt. Province  Bayyo Multi-pupose Cooperative  Lukkat Irrigators’ Association

Veggie noodle production

Bulacan  San Francisco MPC  Sta. Maria Dairy Farmers MPC expansion

Kropeck production Product packaging and storage

Quezon  Pinagdanlayan Rural Improvement Club  Samahan ng Maliliit na Magsasaka sa Barangay Apad Lutao (SAMABA)  Calauag Small Coconut Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative (CSCFMPC)

Instant Salabat production Coir hank, twine, and geonet production Coconut sauce processing

Laguna  Lingap sa Nayon ng Barangay Anglas Multi-Purpose Cooperative (Lingap)

Coco coir production

Sorsogon  Sorsogon State College (SSC) Food Processing Center  Seamancor Eco-Developers

2. ‘Bizniz’ kiosk MOA signed, SME Roving Academy launched in CARAGA index

he Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) for the provision of “Bizniz” kiosks in the CARAGA region during the launch of the small and medium enterprise (SME) Roving Academy in Butuan City.

Food processing and packaging

Around 300 persons attended the launch representing government agencies, CARAGA local government unit (LGU), business sector, and persons with disabilities (PWD). Meanwhile, four SMEs would receive the “Bizniz” kiosk provided by the signed MOA.

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“The DTI’s Small and Medium Enterprise Roving Academy (SRA) is a continuous learning program for the development of micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) to become competitive in the domestic and international markets,” Bureau of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprise Development (BMSMED) Officer-in-Charge (OIC) Jerry T. Clavesillas said, adding that the Department would utilize a database to track the progress of SMEs under the program.

3. DTI, GIZ campaign ProGED to MSMEs

he Promotion of Green Economic Development (ProGED) project of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) was endorsed during the Sandugo Regional Trade Expo with the theme “Go green. Buy local.” Activities for the five-day event included a feature of environment friendly, handcrafted products, and edibles; display of green initiatives and the country’s natural resources; Green Forum; and small and medium enterprise (SME) Roving Academy (SRA) and National Competitiveness Council (NCC) Roadshow. ProGED encourages micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs),

4. Inter-sectoral committee for MSME development conceived

he Department of Finance (DOF) convened with some government agencies and non-government organizations to establish a cross-sectoral committee for the alignment of policies to foster micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) development and empowerment. Entrepreneurship is seen to have the potential of alleviating poverty and promoting inclusive growth

SRA learning stages 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

Start-up and capability building Market awareness Market readiness Export readiness Export market entry Export sustainability Export expansion

“Bizniz” kiosk MOA beneficiaries    

Butuan ProFood Dinagat Islands PWDs Regional Association Tourism Industry Cluster

especially those in the tourism industry, to adapt greener operations. This is to further develop the competitiveness of MSMEs to be able to cater to markets increasingly leaning towards green products. “The Philippine government saw the potential of MSMEs as a tool for poverty alleviation and as engine for the nation’s growth,” DTI Regional Operations and Development Group (RODG) Undersecretary Zenaida CuisonMaglaya said. Some 98% of businesses, a third of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and 60% of the country’s workforce are from MSMEs. (balita.ph 07/28)

Paricipating institutions       

Department of Foreign Affairs (DOF) Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Landbank Senate of the Philippines Gawad Kalinga Center for Agriculture and Rural Development-Mutually Reinforcing Institutions (CARD-MRI)

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particularly in the countryside. DOF Secretary Cesar V. Purisima cited the Agriculture sector as an example, saying that the sector employs a third of the population but only contributes 12% to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Strategies to cultivate formation and create opportunities for MSMEs

Business Update 1. DTI to roll out BPLS in Basilan

he Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) will soon roll out the business permit and licensing system (BPLS) streamlining project in Isabela City, Basilan. National Economic Research and Business Assistance Center (NERBAC)-Zamboanga Peninsula Coordinator Herminia B. Cuevas said Isabela City is one of the 32 local government units (LGUs) they are targeting in the region to adopt the BPLS. Cuevas stated that they are working jointly with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in pushing the adoption of the BPLS reforms in all LGUs in the country.

were discussed during the meeting. One strategy was the utilization of Landbank branches as resource centers for businesses in rural areas. Further meetings and consultations are to be set where business development experts would be invited. (dof.gov.ph 07/29)

4 BPLS components    

BPLS process improvement Automation/computerization of BPLS Customer relations improvement at LGU levels Institutionalization of reforms

“That’s the target, but first of all, LGUs must start with what we call component ‘0’ which involves getting the commitment of the mayors and the decision makers at the local level to ‘own’ the initiative. Without it, this project will never take off the ground,” she said.

BPLS objectives

They are optimistic that all 72 LGUs in the region will complete their BPLS re-engineering and simplification program to meet, if not surpass, the minimum standards set by the national government on the program by 2016. Of this number, 19 have successfully simplified their BPLS in accordance with the upscaled national BPLS standards.

2. Bizmen advised to invest in Mindanao

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Help LGUs improve revenue generation Reduce time and resources spent by LGUs in the BPLS process Provide complete information base on business enterprises in their localities Reduce graft and corruption Create good image for the LGU in the area of good governance.

he Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is urging businessmen to invest in Mindanao for it offers vast opportunities.

and Investment Promotions (TIPG) Ponciano C. Manalo Jr. said eight of the top 10 provinces producing coconut, a global favorite, are in Mindanao.

In the first Philippine Investment Conference (Phil iCon), DTI Undersecretary for Trade

The Philippines ranked third among the biggest coconut-producing countries, next to Indonesia

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and India. Meanwhile, the country ranked first in global share production of copra while coco coir and peat have become traditional export staples. Aside from coconut, Manalo said opportunities are also available in the seaweed extract carageenan. “We are the world’s largest exporter of carrageenan, a USD 5-B global market, and as demand for food, organic as well as processed, increases, we are identifying

3. DTI to implement e-payment for biz name registration

he Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Bancnet are currently working on the electronic payment for the agency’s enhanced business name registration system (eBNRS). The Debit Payment Facility for business name registration is a result of the memorandum of agreement (MOA) signed between the DTI, Bancnet, and the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP). “This debit payment feature of eBNRS and the supporting back-end and integration processes are currently under test. Debit Payment Facility is targeted for full implementation before the end of this year,” DTI Undersecretary for Management Services Group (MSG) Nora K. Terrado said.

4. DTI to strengthen trade promotion efforts

he Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is committed to achieve its export trade goals this year through promotion activities in various platforms here and abroad. “We are targeting all possible venues like trade fairs, outbound missions, foreign missions coming to the Philippines, business matching services, and corporate presentations overseas to promote the country’s export products,” DTI Undersecretary for Trade and

this is a definite for investment opportunity,” he said. Investment opportunities are likewise available in tropical fruits like mangosteen, banana, pineapple, and papaya, which all enjoy huge demand overseas. Viable sectors in Mindanao     

Agriculture Agro-industry Food processing Manufacturing Tourism

The facility will allow entrepreneurs to apply for business name or renew for the same without going to the DTI offices, hence saving time, transportation, and other expenses and enjoy the convenience of paying the pertinent fees online. While the works for the e-payment facility are in the pipeline, DTI is also eyeing alternative modes of payment and is already in discussion with other payment providers for modes of payment coursed through payment networks, the banks, mobile service, or through credit card charge. DTI’s e-payment system supports the government’s objective to foster transparency, accountability, and good governance in the bureaucracy. Promotions Group (TIPG) Ponciano C. Manalo Jr. said. The success of the recent Korea Importers Association’s (KOIMA) buying mission and business matching session in the country as well as the overseas missions in the Middle East last February prompted the Department to organize another multi-country outbound mission in Middle East and Europe towards the end of the year.

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August 26, 2013 11 Target Markets High-impact    

Japan Korea The Middle East Taiwan

Traditional    

France Germany The United Kingdom (U.K.) The United States (U.S.)

Manalo noted that with the Philippines’ participation in the Tokyo International Gift Show last February and the 38th International Food and Beverage Exhibition (FOODEX) last March, they are expecting a surge in Japan’s importation of local food and non-durable products. He said the DTI will continue showcasing local goods in major international trade fairs like Anuga in Germany, FABEX in Japan, and Maison et Objet in France later this year.

5. Filipinos shifting from sari-sari stores to supermarkets

Vital   

Brazil Nordic Regions Russia

(IFEX) Philippines as an international event to provide its over 700 local and foreign exhibitors a boost in seeking opportunities through tapping emerging markets in Asia, and connecting with the region’s food leaders,” Manalo added. He affirmed that the DTI will continue to expand promotions activity and focus on various foreign markets.

“We also launched the May edition of the International Food Exhibition

The Department is likewise promoting products at the local level through fairs like the Sikat Pinoy National Food Fair in August and National Handicrafts Fair in September.

The latest findings present a potential gold mine for supermarket chains who can take advantage of Filipinos’ new shopping habits.

he local buying habits, especially for grocery items, changes rapidly because of the proliferation of supermarket chains, the Nielsen Global Survey reported. “The preference to these smaller but frequent shopping trips is brought about by the close proximity of the supermarkets to the homes,” Nielsen Philippines Managing Director Stuart Jamieson said. “In part, this is because we see all these supermarket chains opening more and more branches in places that previously depended only on small convenience stores,” Jamieson said.

Whereas Filipinos used to secure their day-to-day household item needs from neighborhood sari-sari stores, many have now begun to move to supermarket shopping for the supply of their essential items. Filipino shoppers said they prefer supermarkets which offer convenience, safety and a clear, air-conditioned environment that are easily accessible from their homes. (PDI 07/20)

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Consumer News 1. DTI reports prices stable for 3 years

2. DTI awards four companies for promoting competitiveness

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epartment of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Gregory L. Domingo said prices of basic commodities in the Philippines remain fairly stable the past three years, and have in fact increased only below 5% the past year.

he Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has awarded four companies for their outstanding achievement in implementing pro-active programs to promote competitiveness in their workplaces. The recipients conducted plant level trainings or symposia to be recognized and later monitored on the program implementation by Center for Industrial Competitiveness (CIC).

Domingo said this is an “overwhelming development” at a time when the inflation has been kept a benign rate of 2.9%. He said the DTI is in the forefront of ensuring stable prices.

CIC training group invited those who successfully implemented the programs and conducted plant level validation in each company. The companies were invited to present their accomplishments before a panel of judges. Meanwhile, CIC offers quality and productivity programs to both public and private organizations.

Pro-active Programs Achievement Award 2013 recipients Company