Dataline 18 (2013) by Department of Trade and Industry

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September 09, 2013 1

September 09, 2013 Vol. 17, No. 18

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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 Focus PHL has most improved business climate in SEA Inside DTI 1. PHL ready for EU GSP+ 2. DTI weighs proposal to extend tariff on testliner boards 3. DTI-CARAGA spots P87-M projects under bottom-up budgeting 4. Copper, chemical industries create Industry Roadmap Good News, Philippines! 1. PHL exports up in June, seen to rise by Q4 2. Investments rush into PHL MSME News 1. 12 coops get SSFs 2. DTI-Caraga, 4A launch SME roving academy activities 3. DTI brings food products from 16 regions to MM 4. JICA affirms support for Filipino MSMEs

Business Update 1. BETP conducts DBFTA info sessions in Region 10 2. DTI capacitates repair shops in Davao Oriental 3. Retail sector set to soar 4. Retailers urged to use more local goods 5. PHL urged to reassess manufacturing value Consumer News 1. Diskwento Caravan, successful in Compostela Valley 2. DTI-Zambo City earns P182K in fines from FTL violations 3. DTI, SMFI warn public on fake Monterey GCs Features 1. Engineered bamboo: Product worth developing 2. Ceramic’s big leap thru SSF ASEAN Watch 1. PHL to benefit from China’s increasing imports 2. PHL eyes Thailand food business opportunity 3. APEC team checks Davao Statwatch What’s New?

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Focus PHL has most improved business climate in SEA

Vol. 17, No. 18 2

he Philippines has exhibited the best progress in business environment in Southeast Asia in the last five years, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Business Outlook Survey 2014 conducted by the United States Chamber of Commerce (USCC) and the American Chambers of Commerce (AmCham) in the ASEAN showed. Covering a total of 475 American firms in 10 ASEAN countries from May 10 to June 10 this year, the survey revealed that 39 U.S. companies in the Philippines had the biggest increase in terms of satisfaction in the local business environment from 2008 to 2013. “The Philippines has shown remarkable improvement across almost all factors,” the survey said. Notably, satisfaction of American firms surveyed here increased across 14 business factors out of 16 over the five-year period, led by a 50-% improvement in satisfaction with the stability of the government and political system. Amid improved satisfaction in the Philippine business environment, 64% of the U.S firms surveyed said they expect their profits to increase this year.

Inside DTI 1. PHL ready for EU GSP+

he Philippines is all set to file its application for the European Union’s (EU) new Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) scheme, or GSP+, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Undersecretary for Industry Development and Trade Policy Group (IDTPG) Adrian S. Cristobal Jr. said. The DTI said the scheme is a special incentive for sustainable development

For next year, 84% project higher profits, while 8% expect it to remain steady. In terms of business expansion, 67% of the respondents said they expect their workforce to increase in the Philippines this year. Most or 92% of executives reported that expatriate employees are generally satisfied with their assignments in the Philippines and 82% assert that these expatriates will likely extend their stay. (TPS 08/27)

Change in Satisfaction of Local Business Environment for PHL (2008 vs 2013) ASEAN Business Outlook Survey 2014 Factors Growth Stable gov’t and political system Availability of trained personnel Corruption (or lack of) Personal security Sentiment towards the U.S. New business incentives offered by gov’t Infrastructure Free movements of goods within the region Availability of raw materials Housing costs Office lease costs Ease of moving products through customs Tax structure Availability of low cost labor Laws and regulations Local protectionism (or lack of)

(in %) 50 25 20 18 18 15 15 12 10 10 9 6 6 5 2 0

and governance as it is anchored on the effective implementation of 27 international conventions on human and labor rights, environment, and governance principles. It said the EU’s regular GSP, a package from which the Philippines is currently benefiting, covers 6,209 tariff lines. Of this figure, 3,767 are subject to reduced tariffs, while the rest enjoy zero duty.

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Cristobal said GSP+ offers a more “generous” scheme of preferences and covers 6,274 products, all of which are subject to zero duty. “The DTI has been holding a series of briefings with stakeholders to provide them information on the requirements and processes in applying for the GSP+ scheme and its benefits,” Cristobal said. He said he recently met with representatives from the tuna and garments sectors to relay the government’s assurance of assistance, particularly on issues related to non-tariff measures and rules of origin. Industry associations, which include the Confederation of Garment

2. DTI weighs proposal to extend tariff on testliner boards

he Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is studying a recommendation from the Tariff Commission to extend the safeguard measure imposed on imported testliner boards which expired in June. As the DTI has yet to issue a decision, the tariff on imported testliner boards will remain at its current level of P1,211.15 per metric ton (MT).

3. DTI-CARAGA spots P87-M projects under bottom-up budgeting

Exporters of the Philippines (CONGEP), Textile Mills Association of the Philippines (TMAP), and the Garment Business Association of the Philippines (GBAP), said the GSP+ is expected to create 40,000 new jobs in the textiles and garments sector in the first eight months after qualifying for it. The Tuna Canners Association of the Philippines (TCAP) indicated that the volume of canned-tuna exports to the EU is seen to increase by 64% and will subsequently result in a 70-% increase in the industry’s employment. Based on conservative DTI estimates, Philippine exports to the EU are projected to grow by 12% and create an additional 270,000 jobs.

is necessary to give the local industry time to implement its adjustment plan and prepare for competition from imports. For the first year of implementation, the Tariff Commission is proposing a safeguard duty of P1,150.60 per MT, which represents a 5-% reduction in the current safeguard duty of P1,211.15 per MT, following the DTI’s formula.

Testliner boards, which are usually made of recycled paper, are used to produce corrugated boxes for the packaging of consumer products.

The recommendation was made after the conduct of public hearings for the petition filed by the Philippine Paper Manufacturers Association, Inc. (PPMAI) in November last year.

The Tariff Commission has recommended the extension of the safeguard duty on testliner boards, which expired on June 14, for another three years, citing that it

The safeguard measure on testliner boards was introduced by the DTI in July 2011 to help local players adjust to competition from imports.

he Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-CARAGA has identified P87M worth of projects in the region for next year under the Department’s bottom-up budgeting (BuB) strategy.

The amount represents 16% of the DTI’s P549-M total budget for the proposed BuB projects nationwide, accounting for the biggest share among DTI regional offices.

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The BuB deepens participation in public expenditure and promotes a greater sense of understanding and ownership of the budgeting process among the public. The national government pursues the BuB process to incorporate the funding requirements for the development needs of focus cities and municipalities in the budget proposals of participating agencies. This process calls for the civil society organizations’ (CSOs) active participation activities such as preparatory assemblies, updating

4. Copper, chemical industries create Industry Roadmap

embers of the copper and chemical sectors each formed a Technical Working Group (TWG), together with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and other concerned government agencies, to review and refine their roadmaps.

and assessment of relevant economic and social data, and the local poverty reduction action plan (LPRAP) workshops. The DTI-CARAGA will implement these projects in partnership with some 48 local government units (LGUs) and their partner CSOs. The proposals submitted for funding include projects on shared service facilities (SSFs), industry clusters development, skills and management trainings, livelihood and enterprise development, and business-enabling mechanisms.

The industry’s roadmaps and other strategic sectoral roadmaps, together with the Manufacturing Industry Roadmap, will be integrated in the Comprehensive National Industrial Strategy (CNIS) document. The CNIS will serve as a foundation to the Philippine Development Plan (PDP).

Industry roadmap TWG members Copper industry private sector • Philippine Associated Smelting and Refining Corporation (PASAR) • Philippine Electric Wire Manufacturers Association (PEWMA) • Wallace Business Forum • Major mining firms Chemical industry private sector • Association of Petrochemical Manufacturers of the Philippines (APMP) • Samahan sa Pilipinas ng mga Industriyang Kimika (SPIK) • Philippine Plastics Industry Association (PPIA) • Philippine Federation of Chemistry Societies (PFCS) Government sector • Commission on Higher Education (CHED)

• Department of Environment • • • • •

and Natural Resources (DENR) Department of Finance (DOF) Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Board of Investments (BOI) Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)

(For chemical industry only) • Food and Drug Administration (FDA) • Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) • Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) • Philippine National Police (PNP) • Philippine Tariff Commission • University of the Philippines (UP)

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Roadmap targets Copper Industry • Short-term plans (2016) - Operationalization of one to two world-class mines - Revival of investor interests - Exploration of new applications - 700,000 metric tons per year (MTPY) production • Medium-term plans (2022) - Full production capacity for initial world-class mines - Development of new mines - Establishment of wire rod casting plants - 1.1M MTPY production • Long-term plans (2030) - Establishment of linkages for local mining and smelting - Near self-sufficiency in copper rods - Development of higher value products - 1.5M MTPY production

Good News, Philippines! 1. PHL exports up in June, seen to rise by Q4

xport earnings for June 2013 reached USD 4.49B, or 4.1% higher than the USD 4.31B posted during the same month last year.

Chemical industry • Short-term plans (2016) - Value creation - Capacity-building for local and global markets - Workforce productivity development - Product and process innovation - Environmental management advancement - Increase in socio-economic contribution - Become major chemical industry player in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) • Medium-term plans (2022) - Become leading exporter in the ASEAN • Long-term plans (2030) - Exports to reach USD 30B - Gain foothold in the global market

expressed faith that exports will recover by the 4th quarter due to the core product, market, and export promotion strategies of the Philippine Export Development Plan (PEDP). (MAB 08/14)

The Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. (PhilExport) also

Top five export commodities (June 2013) Commodity

% total exports

June 2013 receipts (in USD)

June 2012 receipts (in USD)

% change

Electronic products

44.7

2.05B

-2.2

Other manufactures

7.1

321M

335M

-4

Woodcrafts and furniture

6.3

281M

158M

77.6

Other mineral products

4.1

185M

117M

58.4

Machinery and transport equipment

7.7

177M

268M

-33.8

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2. Investments rush into PHL

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hilippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA)-approved investments for January to July this year totalled P97.47B, up 28.05% from the P76.12B generated in the same period last year, while Clark Development Corporation (CDC) gained USD 200M worth of investments since December 2012 until end-July this year. Some 401 projects registered with PEZA year to date as against only 313 projects in the same period last year. Majority of this year’s investments are expansions or reinvestments of existing locators. Most investors are from Japan. However, European firms, led by those from the Netherlands, have also begun to come. PEZA is targeting an 8-% increase in investments for 2013 against last year’s total investments which reached P311B. “We anticipate the inflow of huge projects to register in the second half of the year because majority of the huge projects last year came in the fourth quarter,” PEZA Promotions & Public Relations Group Manager Elmer San Pascual said.

MSME News 1. 12 coops get SSFs

Investments committed to the CDC, meanwhile, reached USD31.42M from eight new and expansion projects signed from April to July this year. Revival of projects from seven Clark-based firms since December last year adds USD 175.14M to the investments. (MAB 08/13, 08/25; clark.com.ph 08/22)

PEZA investment sectors

• • • • •

Agro-Industries Export Information technology (IT) Manufacturing Tourism

Clark-based locators

• Aderans Philippines, Inc. • Luen Thai (L&T) International Group • • • • • •

Phils. Inc. MSK Group Work Inc. Mt. Carmel Medical Center Pishon Corporation Preferred and Proven Therapies, Inc. Stotsenberg Medical Center, Inc. Wind Tunnel International

CDC revived projects Air separation plant facility Hotels International sports complex Language institute Resorts Retirement estates Wakeboarding and water theme parks

• • • • • • •

of banana chips, muffins, and papaya pickles.

SSF recipients in Nasugbu, Batangas are sugar-based cooperatives producing muscovado sugar and sugarcane juice, while the cooperative in Bingawan, Iloilo is engaged in the production

The awarded SSFs are the first for Region 9; part of the 25 to be implemented within the year and of the 67 for the region.

he Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) awarded 12 cooperatives throughout the country with shared service facilities (SSFs) amounting to almost P3.86M.

The nine beneficiaries in Zamboanga City are cooperatives involved in food processing, handicrafts, and abaca production.

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Beneficiaries and SSFs

2. DTI-Caraga, 4A launch SME roving academy activities

Batangas

SSF Assistance

Kamahari Agri-based Multi-Purpose Cooperative

Automatic granular packaging machine

Riverside Multi-Purpose Cooperative

Presser-extractor and workbench

Iloilo Guintapaguin Agrarian Reform Cooperative

Food processing equipment

330

Zamboanga AGAPE Human Development Foundation

Food processing and handicraft production equipment

423

Bandera-Dulian Abaca Growers’ Association

Portable abaca fiber stripping machines

143

Gawad Kalinga Womens’ Association

Handicraft production equipment

402

La Paz Abaca Growers’ Association

Portable abaca fiber stripping machines

143

Latap Abaca Fibers Producers’ Association

Portable abaca fiber stripping machines

475

MAPZACARA MP Cooperative

Coco sugar processing equipment

365

Pasobolong Women of the Holy Rosary

Food processing equipment

377

Tugbungan Women’s Association

Bangus processing equipment

210

Tulungatung Women’s Association

Handicraft production equipment

633

he Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Caraga recently conducted a series of technology demonstrations and specialized trainings under the Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Roving Academy project, benefitting some 35 persons with disability (PWD). The DTI-Caraga, in cooperation with the San Miguel Mills, Inc. and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), conducted the sessions, which include skills training, product pricing and costing, and product packaging and labelling.

Amount (in Thousand Pesos) 280 78

With the theme “Building an inclusive and non-handicapping environment for PWDs," this activity is part of the 35th National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation (NDPR) Week celebration. It aims to effectively integrate the PWDs in the mainstream. Meanwhile, DTI-4A recently launched the SME Roving Academy in Calamba City, Laguna. The SME Roving Academy is a continuous learning program to develop the micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to become competitive

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in the domestic and international markets, DTI-4A Public Information Officer Charlie S. Dajao said. The program aims to integrate the business development services for SMEs at the national and local levels; establish the provincial, regional, and national entrepreneurship development

3. DTI brings food products from 16 regions to MM

he Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) recently showcased home-grown fresh and processed food specialties and delicacies from the country’s 16 regions through the Sikat Pinoy National Food Fair. “While food fairs have become quite a common place to look for home-grown products and best buys especially with the prevalence of weekend markets, the Sikat Pinoy National Food Fair brings together more than 250 food entrepreneurs from the various regions of the country in one venue,” DTI Undersecretary for Trade and Investment Promotions Group (TIPG) Ponciano C. Manalo Jr. said.

With the tagline “Piling-piling Pagkaing Pilipino,” the fair was held at the SM Megatrade Hall, SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City

4. JICA affirms support for Filipino MSMEs

networks; and manage an inclusive promotion program. A “Go Negosyo” seminar was also conducted for free featuring highly successful and top-notch entrepreneurs-resource speakers to help motivate, inspire, and mentor participants to become successful entrepreneurs. from August 21-25, 2013. The DTI, in cooperation with its regional and provincial offices and the Department of Agriculture (DA), organized the fair. Some featured products

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Coffee from Benguet Unoy rice from Kalinga Empanada from Ilocos Longanisa from Vigan Ivatan yellow rice from Batanes Sans rival from Pampanga Cashew nuts from Palawan Smoked fish from Cavite Suman sa lihiya from Oriental Mindoro Laing and pinangat from Albay Snack foods from Iloilo Chicharon from Cebu Moron from Leyte Juices from Zamboanga Processed meat from Misamis Oriental Coco sugar from Davao del Sur Tablea from Agusan del Sur

apan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is keen on addressing the gaps experienced by Filipino micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) by further helping them to enhance their capacity, JICA Philippines Chief Representative Takahiro Sasaki said.

to plan, implement, and facilitate service delivery; evaluate projects; and improve industry competitiveness and business environment.

JICA has been helping local MSMEs by providing funds to the National Industry Cluster Capacity Enhancement Project (NICCEP), a three-year technical cooperation which helps selected industry clusters

Sasaki said they recognize the efforts of NICCEP in contributing to the country’s economic development as those industry clusters opened opportunities for many Filipinos.

JICA started to fund NICCEP since 2012 and is still interested to continue its support.

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JICA also shares expertise by implementing various programs through different organizations and government agencies such as the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

Its major programs have already contributed P2.6B worth of investments and generated 97,000 jobs in the country.

NICCEP’s priority industry clusters

• Luzon -

• Mindanao

Bamboo Coffee Dairy Coffee Health and Wellness Information and communications technology (ICT) - Milkfish - Wearables and homestyles • Visayas - Gifts, decors, and housewares (GDH) - Health and Wellness - ICT - Tourism

Business Update 1. BETP conducts DBFTA info sessions in Region 10

he Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) Bureau of Export Trade Promotion (BETP), in partnership with DTI-10, conducted a series of information sessions on Doing Business in Free Trade Area (DBFTA) in Northern Mindanao. Held from August 13-15, 2013 in Cagayan de Oro, Iligan, and Ozamiz, the sessions discussed the Association of Southeast Asian

2. DTI capacitates repair shops in Davao Oriental

Banana Coconut ICT Mango Mining Palm oil Poultry Rubber Seaweeds Tourism Tuna Wood

Nations Economic Community (AEC) and how businesses could increase trade with Philippine Free Trade Agreement (FTA) partners. The activity is a massive advocacy campaign for businesses, the academe, and stakeholders to increase their awareness and foster appreciation on the benefits of FTAs and how they could avail of these benefits.

(BPLO), DTI-DO held the provincewide Forum on Competency and Guidelines for Service and Repair Shops last month.

In partnership with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and Mati City’s Business Permit and Licensing Office

The activity was aimed at creating awareness on the required competencies of service and repair shop technicians as well as the regulatory requirements for repair shop operation, DTI-DO Provincial Director Ma. Belenda Q. Ambi said.

he Department of Trade and Industry-Davao Oriental (DTI-DO) made 60 repair shop owners and technicians undergo a capacity building seminar that will further equip them with the necessary knowledge to run their businesses.

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During the seminar, TESDA presented their “Sertipikadong Pinoy” Competency Assessment and Certification Program highlighting the Philippine Technical Vocational Educational and Training [TVET] Qualifications Framework (PTQF), a program for middle-level skilled workers. The seminar also discussed topics that can enhance the participants’ entrepreneurial skills

3. Retail sector set to soar

he Philippine retail sector can become a local and international retail investments “hot spot” with the current boom in consumer spending and economic growth, consultancy agency Oxford Business Group said. Oxford cited the Philippine Retailers Association’s (PRA) forecast of a double-digit growth in the retail industry to kick in this year, following the 10-% growth in 2012. PRA National Vice President Paul A. Santos told Oxford that the retail sector would be worth P1.61T by 2016, up from P1.43T in 2011. “While many Filipinos still patronize traditional outlets like sari-sari stores, the number of modern grocery stores

4. Retailers urged to use more local goods

he Department of Finance (DOF) urged Philippine retailers to increase the local content in their supply chains to further boost the country’s small enterprises and help generate much-needed jobs in the countryside. “Retailers should organize a reverse trade fair (to engage small local firms) and show them what you need to buy,” DOF Secretary Cesar V. Purisima

to cope with the prescribed standard of quality services. Participating local government units (LGUs) Baganga Cateel Lupon Manay Mati City

is growing, and buying habits are changing,” Oxford said. The group also cited a report by market research firm Nielsen, which shows that shoppers now opt for smaller, more frequent outings to chain stores rather than buying in bulk. Officials of international retailers like Sainsbury’s have highlighted the benefits of operating in the country, saying that the Philippines has a lot to offer from a retail viewpoint. Outside of brick-and-mortar stores, online shopping holds potential for retailers, even if less than 3% of Filipinos shop online, Oxford said. (BWD 08/17, MAL 08/19)

stated during the 22nd National Retail Conference. Purisima said that using more local goods would also help ensure the sustainability of the retailers’ respective businesses. He assured retailers that the government is willing to extend their assistance and provide incentives to companies that will increase their local content. (PDI 08/08)

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5. PHL urged to reassess manufacturing value

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he Philippines and other countries undergoing transition from agriculture to services must reassess the importance of manufacturing and eye developing higher-productivity and complementary services, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) said in a recent report. ADB stated that the country needs to complete and implement its manufacturing roadmap, for an advanced and sophisticated manufacturing sector is the key for developing advanced

Consumer News 1. Diskwento Caravan, successful in Compostela Valley

he Department of Trade and Industry-Compostela Valley (DTI-CV) organized the Presyo Diskwento Caravan where town folks shopped for discounted household and grocery items.

The one-day activity was part of the 65th Araw ng Compostela celebration which helped them gain higher sales of P322,180.

2. DTI-Zambo City earns P182K in fines from FTL violations

he Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Zamboanga City collected P182,000 from 23 business establishments that committed fair trade law (FTL) violations. The enforcement activities were conducted during the first half of 2013. Most of the violations were on the laws on standards, price tag, labelling, and sales promotion. “To date, there are actually 45 firms that were charged if we are to include the most recent enforcement activity we have conducted on July 17 wherein out of the 50 firms inspected, 22 were found in violation of FTLs and hence, were subsequently penalized,” DTI-Zamboanga City Provincial Director Rolando G. Acuña said.

complementary services sectors like logistics, transport, and finance. “Such countries may wish to consider continuing to develop these more productive segments of the service sector while not neglecting manufacturing,” ADB added. The country’s manufacturing road map was released last August as per ADB’s advice. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is in the process of creating industry roadmaps to develop various sectors. (BWD 08/21)

“The good turn-out and sales of the Diskwento Caravan was because it was conducted during the culmination program of the Araw ng Compostela, as well as the 7th Buganihan Festival, where throngs of people came to celebrate,” DTI-CV Consumer Welfare Officer Dexter P. Bermudez said.

Acuña appealed to business owners to strictly obey the FTL provisions. “It’s not that we are after the fines collected. But we do not hesitate to administer administrative sanctions if business establishments do not follow the rules," he added.

DTI-enforced fair trade laws (FTLS)

• Advertising and sales promotion • Consumer product quality and safety • Consumer products and service warranties

• Deceptive, unfair, and unconscionable sales acts and practices • Mislabelling/fraudulent advertising • Price tag • Service and repair shops

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3. DTI, SMFI warn public on fake Monterey GCs

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he Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) informed consumers on fake Monterey gift checks (GCs) when San Miguel Food Inc. (SMFI) temporarily deferred the redemption of Monterey GCs in neighborhood outlets nationwide. Monterey meat shops in Quezon City (QC) area encountered irregular influx in GC redemptions, which were found to be fake, SMFI said in a letter to DTI. Meanwhile, consumers from QC can temporarily redeem their

Features 1. Engineered bamboo: Product worth developing

product worth developing for both the local and foreign markets is engineered bamboo (EB) – a low-cost product manufactured from bamboo and designed to be a replacement for wood in furniture and furnishings. When EB is combined with metal, ceramics, and glass, astoundingly beautiful furniture is created to furnish and decorate homes, restaurants, and hotels. The Aklan Fiber Festival held last April 2013 showcased prototype furniture and home furnishings made from EB, also called ply-boo or e-boo. Beds, chairs, consoles, tables, cabinets, and home decorations made from EB were specifically conceptualized and designed to meet the furniture and furnishings requirements of the Boracay market with its cosmopolitan clientele. However, e-boo can become showcase products for homes, businesses, schools, and construction, both for the domestic market and international buyers. Given adequate exposure, it can even help boost the sagging sales of bamboo furniture and furnishings abroad,

Monterey GCs at the firm’s outlet in Farmers Plaza, Cubao. Customers from other areas are asked to register their contact numbers with the outlet cashiers and wait for the company’s update on the redemption’s resumption. Indications of Monterey fake GCs

• Series numbers are manually stamped and not the official numbers released to the market • Last digit numbers are darker than other numbers in the series • Have smooth paper surfaces

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Aklan Provincial Director Diosdado D. Cadena Jr. said. EB products are made by converting bamboo poles into strips, slats, and chips. They can be made either entirely of bamboo or mixed with other media such as saw dust and different wood varieties that are reassembled, layered, glued, and fashioned into solid lumber or panel-like materials. EB is usually topped by a veneer of bamboo showing its natural grain and color, and may even include its node. EB is among the product clusters being pushed under the DTI’s Rural Micro-Enterprise Promotions Program (RuMEPP). It was the DTI’s response to the total log ban imposed by the government on February 4, 2011 to save Philippine forests, cited as among the most endangered in the world. Cadena said another use of mixed media application has emerged in construction, citing a construction company based in General Santos City that uses EB as a value-added product in the form of planks and semi-finished products like cabinets and door-and-window shutters.

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EB can provide Philippine furniture manufacturers the competitive edge over ASEAN competitors, DTI-Bureau of Export Trade Promotion (BETP) Director Senen M. Perlada said. Perlada said EB has huge export potentials since bamboo is endemic in the country, bamboo plantations can thrive nationwide, and new

2. Ceramic’s big leap thru SSF

he Department of Trade and Industry‘s (DTI) Shared Service Facility (SSF) Program is making big improvements on Bicol Region’s ceramic industry. Ceramic manufacturers are expecting to boost their production after the DTI turned-over four pieces of equipment amounting to P1.8M. The 21 newly developed micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) have greatly improved their way of life through DTI’s SSF. The Putsan Ceramics Manufacturers Association, Inc. (PCMAI) runs the Philippine Ceramics Arts and Crafts Center’s (PCACC) day-to-day operations and is one among the program’s first recipients.

ASEAN Watch 1. PHL to benefit from China’s increasing imports

he Philippines is expected to benefit from China’s pledge to increase imports from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). China’s exports to ASEAN hit USD 204.3B while imports reached USD 195.8B in 2012, making China its leading trade partner. “As China is set to surge its imports from ASEAN, the Philippines should also take advantage

technologies are readily available for adaption. The Filipinos’ innate creativity and the plant’s flexibility as a raw material for a variety of products and uses can be showcased in international trade exhibitions and missions, and in local trade fairs and exhibits.

From the most primitive to the most modern technology, PCACC now produces world-class decorative ceramics made of terracotta (red clay) with employed glazing technology.

PCACC’s market for ceramics

• • • • • • • • • • •

All Red Clay Manufacturing Corp. Jollibee Little Quiapo Mandarin Oriental Manila Hotel McDonald’s Philippine Airlines (PAL) Rustan’s Singapore Airlines SM Kultura Sofitel Philippine Plaza

of the opportunity,” Japan’s Research Institute of Economy, Trade, and Industry (RIETI) Senior Member Willem Thorbecke said. Thorbecke said the Philippines should be a business-friendly environment for foreign direct investments (FDIs) and move up its competitiveness particularly in parts and components sector as this is China’s major import products from the country.

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2. PHL eyes Thailand food business opportunity

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he Philippines is looking at food business opportunities to strengthen its trade relations with Thailand. “Even as both countries have been trade partners for a long time, there is still room to collaborate for increased trade,” Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Undersecretary for Trade and Investment Promotions Group (TIPG) Ponciano C. Manalo Jr. said. Manalo said food is a bright spot for trade with Thailand providing the country with steady rice supply as part of food security cooperation. While trade between both countries has increased in the past 10 years, it is expected to grow even further with the creation of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Economic Community (AEC), Thailand Ambassador Prasas Prasasvinitchai said. (TPS 08/19)

3. APEC team checks Davao

STATWATCH USD 195.8B Worth of China’s imports from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)

USD 4.49B Export earnings for June 2013, up 4.1% from June 2012’s USD 4.31B

USD 200M Value of Clark Development Corporation’s (CDC) investments from December 2012July 2013 P1.61T Retail sector’s worth in 2016, according to the Philippine Retailers Association (PRA) P97.47B Worth of Philippine Economic Zone Authority’s (PEZA)-investments for January-July 2013

P87M DTI-Caraga’s budget allocation for proposed projects for 2014 P3.86M Worth of Shared Service

n line with Davao’s bid to host the senior officials meeting during the APEC Summit, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit inspected Davao’s hotels and convention centers.

Facilities (SSFs) recently awarded to 12 cooperatives

“The members of the inspecting team are from different national agencies like the Departments of Tourism and Foreign Affairs,” City Tourism Office (CTO) Officer-in-Charge (OIC) Ma. Felisa C. Marques said.

P322,180 Sales generated

APEC team inspected the Public Safety and Security Command Center (PSSCC), SMX Convention Center, six shortlisted hotels, and other attractions in the city. (BWD 08/21)

P1.8M Value of four equipment awarded for Bicol’s ceramic industry through the DTI-SSF Program from the Diskwento Caravan held during the 65th Araw ng Compostela in Compostela Valley

P182,000 Fines collected from 23 business establishments that violated Fair Trade Laws (FTLs) in Zamboanga City

250 Number of food entrepreneurs that participated in the Sikat Pinoy National Food Fair recently

64% Percentage of U.S. firms in the PHL who expect their profits to increase this year

dataline

What’s New?

September 09, 2013 15

Title : Disruptive Technologies: Advances that will Transform Life, Business, and the Global Economy

Title : The New Digital Age

(A synopsis of selected book acquisitions at the DTI-TIIC library)

In this report, the authors combine observations about the physical world with their insights into our digital future. It also outlines in great detail and scope all the promises and perils awaiting us in the coming decades. This is a forward-thinking account of where our world is headed and what this means for people, states, nations, and businesses. This is a book about technology, but even more about humans, and how humans interact with, implement, adapt to, and exploit technologies in their environment, now and in the future, throughout the world. Also shows the importance of a guiding human hand in the new digital age. 324p.

Legend: BWD - Business World MAB - Manila Bulletin MAL - Malaya PDI - Philippine Daily Inquirer TPS - The Philippine Star clark.com.ph

Entered as Third-Class Mail at the Makati Central Post Office under Permit No. PM-04-08 valid until 31 December 2013

Author : Manyika, James; et.al. Publisher : McKinsey & Company Call Number : 00 000/00.02.01/MAN/ 2013 This report identifies technologies that could drive truly massive economic transformations and disruptions in the coming years. It assesses the potential reach and scope and the potential economic impact and disruption of major rapidly advancing technology areas. Also looks at exactly how these technologies could change our world, and their benefits and challenges, and offers guidelines to help leaders from businesses and other institutions to respond to such challenges. 163p.

Philippine Postal Permit No. PM-04-08

Author : Schmidt, Eric/Cohen, Jared Publisher: Alfred Knopf Call Number : 13.08.02/SCH/2013

Editor-in-Chief: Anne L. Sevilla Managing Editor: Vic S. Soriano Associate Editor: Jam A. Hourani Writers: Resty P. Par, Hazel S. Dizon, Joanna D. Cruz, Airiz A. Casta, Kit S. Andaya Design/Layout: Ren C. Neneria Circulation: Myrna V. De Los ReyesTo subscribe, email: publications@dti.gov.ph