Digital Pilipinas Festival 2 and inaugural Festival of Festivals kick-off program held

Tweet

Voice of Digital Pilipinas - Digital Bayanihan Awards launched to highlight PH tech excellence

As a precursor to the second installment of the Digital Pilipinas Festival and the inaugural Festival of Festivals, an exclusive kick-off program took place today together with the media partners and co-convenors of Digital Pilipinas, the largest private sector-led movement for creating an innovation and technology ecosystem and is the pioneering ecosystem-builder in ASEAN that is actively engaged and synergized in a global digital economy.

Digital Pilipinas Convenor and GeiserMaclang Co-founder Amor Maclang, Tangere CEO and Founder Martin Penaflor, and the media partners and co-convenors of Digital Pilipinas recently gathered for an exclusive kick-off program as a prelude to the second Digital Pilipinas Festival and the inaugural Festival of Festivals this November 20 to 24, 2023 at SMX Aura and in various co-located venues and innovation hubs across the country.

Amor Maclang, Convenor of Digital Pilipinas and Co-founder of GeiserMaclang, emphasized, “We’re not just fintech and so for the first time, we are rolling out and inaugurating a couple of equally important festivals that will stand side by side with the Philippine Fintech Festival in championing the Philippine digital economy.”

The Festival of Festivals, a weeklong celebration of multiple festivals highlighting key industries and priority growth sectors that will support innovation and growth in the country, is happening within the Digital Pilipinas Festival on November 20 to 24, 2023 at SMX Aura and in various co-located venues and innovation hubs across the country.

One of the standout events during the Festival of Festivals is the Sustainability and Climate Festival, which Digital Pilipinas will be launching together with the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Transnational Diversified Group. Maclang stressed, “How can we ignore the fact that climate is an imperative that has to be permeated across various industries? Please help us as we embed climate and sustainability across 12 other industries. Please do help us because there is no planet B and there's no plan B.”

Recognizing the importance of the Muslim community, another highlight during the Festival of Festivals is the first Philippine Halal Economy Festival organized by Digital Pilipinas together with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Halal Task Force and the Embassy of Malaysia.

In collaboration with DTI, Digital Pilipinas will also launch the Creative Digital and Esports Economy Festival. Maclang said, "Even though esports players and content creators have a lot of money, they don’t have a digital banking identity, insurance, or health services. We hope to change that in a Digital Pilipinas.”

The other inaugural festivals this year include the Philippine Investment Festival, Philippine Proptech Festival, Philippine Insurtech Festival, Philippine Digital SME Festival, Philippine Digital Government Festival, and the Philippine CyberSecurity & TrusTech Festival.

Part of the kick-off program today was the press launch of The Voice of Digital Pilipinas - Digital Bayanihan Awards, a collaborative undertaking between Digital Pilipinas and Tangere which aims to recognize tech-native and mainstream industry brands and individuals that champion digital economies and innovation within their respective fields.

Martin Penaflor, CEO and Founder of Tangere, shared, “In partnership with Digital Pilipinas, we’ve been conducting what we call the Tangere Voice of the Filipino. We’re now in our 5th survey. The first survey was about cybersecurity. In our survey result, the most trusted outlet for online applications would be government-made applications. That came from the survey that we did in two days. Because of that fast turnaround time, we are now able to conduct surveys almost every other week which we will be sharing with partners and co-convenors of Digital Pilipinas.”

The Voice of Digital Pilipinas - Digital Bayanihan Awards seeks to identify sentiments on nascent tech as well as recognize and celebrate the outstanding achievements of industry leaders, companies, brands, and individuals who have made significant contributions to the digital and innovation landscape as champions of the Digital Economies in the Philippines, backed by real-time data, sentiments, and insights from the Filipino people.

With 15 categories to choose from, the Voice of Digital Pilipinas - Digital Bayanihan Awards gives voters the opportunity to influence and celebrate excellence in various industries. Each category represents a significant facet of the digital landscape, showcasing innovation and expertise within these areas. 

The categories are: 

• Innovative Company of the Year
• Innovative Government Agency of the Year
• Innovative LGU of the Year 
• Young Tech Entrepreneur of the Year
• Local Agritech Company of the Year
• Local Digital SME of the Year 
• Local Ecommerce Company of the Year
• Local Fintech Company of the Year
• Local Health Tech Company of the Year
• Local Innovative Tech Company of the Year
• Local Tech Startup of the Year
• Local Urban Mobility Company of the Year
• Innovative Academic Program of the Year
• Tech Media Award of the Year
• OFW Service of the Year

Voting for The Voice of Digital Pilipinas – Digital Bayanihan Awards is a straightforward process. The first step includes scanning the QR Code or visiting the website, and the second step entails filling out the survey form with votes by typing in the names of the organizations or individuals in each award category. Voting closes on November 12, 2023. The grand reveal of the winners will take place during the Digital Pilipinas Festival 2.

This signing ceremony and launch of the Voice of Digital Pilipinas - Digital Bayanihan Awards is one of the events leading up to the Digital Pilipinas Festival 2. Happening immediately after the Singapore Fintech Festival and coinciding with the Philippine Startup Week, the Digital Pilipinas Festival 2 is anticipated to be the biggest gathering of industry leaders and country delegations.

To learn more about the role of technology and innovation in shaping a more sustainable future, join the Digital Pilipinas Festival in November. To register, please visit https://digitalpilipinas.ph

------------------------------------------

ABOUT DIGITAL PILIPINAS

Digital Pilipinas is now the largest private sector-led movement for creating an innovation and technology ecosystem in the country that is actively engaged in a global digital economy through its domestic and international trajectories.

Uratex Monoblock launches Bawal Ang Marupok campaign

Tweet

Plastic chairs, tables and drawers are often used in Filipino households, workplaces, and various establishments. Regardless of size, layout, and design preference, these must-have essentials have proven their importance to furnish and transform a space into a functional, conducive place that can be easily redesigned whenever needed.

Due to the high demand, various brands produce plastic home furnishing items, specifically monobloc chairs, to make them more accessible and available to consumers. However, not all are made the same.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), through the Bureau of Philippine Standards (DTI-BPS) has implemented guidelines and standards to ensure quality and safety – requiring all manufacturers, distributors, and importers of monobloc chairs and stools to apply for the mandatory Philippine Standard (PS) mark – a proof that the product passed the standards set by the DTI-BPS.

In line with its mission to provide the best quality products and address the desire of the consumers for durable and value for money items, Uratex Monoblock is one of the plastic furniture brands that adhered and passed the mandatory tests and requirements set by the DTI-BPS for monobloc chairs and stool; the first brand in the Philippines to passed the Level 5 of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) – ISO 7173, the highest plastic furniture standard in the country.

Why Bawal Ang Marupok?

Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, the brand launched the Bawal ang Marupok campaign with the goal to educate and equip the market on how to be keen and discerning when it comes to investing in plastic chairs and avoid marupok or brittle ones that can potentially harm them. One of the ways that the brand emphasized is to check the warning label to see if the chair has PS certification and recommended seat load capacity for safety and assurance.

Moreover, the campaign aims to highlight the brand’s ongoing thrust and purpose to nurture and protect its consumers by providing top-notch quality products that are not just ergonomic in design, but are also durable and will stand the test of time.

In the recently held campaign media launch at Eton Centris, on January 17, 2023, Uratex Monoblock conducted a forum led by Uratex Monoblock Business Unit Director Dindo Medina, Department of Trade & Industry-Bureau of Philippine Standards (DTI-BPS) Assistant Director Ferdinand L. Manfoste and Department of Science & Technology - Forest Products Research & Development Institute (DOST-FPRDI) Deputy Director Rico Cabangon as part of the panel. 

During the panel discussion, Mr. Medina explained the objective, rationale, and inspiration behind the Bawal Ang Marupok campaign while Mr. Ferdinand Manfoste and Mr. Rico Cabangon explained why Uratex Monoblock chairs easily pass, if not exceed industry standards. Both industry experts shared their insights on the safety and durability of Uratex Monoblock chairs.

“Uratex Monoblock’s passion has always been to provide our consumers with quality items,” Mr. Medina shared. “With the Bawal ang Marupok campaign, we aim to further communicate Uratex Monoblock’s standard for excellent craftsmanship, as well as to educate consumers to be more discerning of the quality and durability of plastic chairs as they value the safety of their family.”

Apart from industry experts, Mommy celebrities, Rica Peralejo-Bonifacio and Camille Prats Yambao graced the event to share their thoughts and actual experiences – highlighting their role as a mom to be alert and well-informed with regards to buying quality household items for the home.

“For me, my family’s safety always comes first,” Rica shared. “Whenever I purchase items for our home, I always consider how the item can serve our family. Is it safe? Is it durable? Can it last for a long time?”

“Monobloc chairs have been a Filipino household staple, but I agree that not all are made the same,” Camille said. “I really agree with Uratex Monoblock’s campaign, bawal talaga ang marupok. It’s really an invitation for every Filipino home to give importance to products that are safe and durable,” she added.

Media invitees were also given a short walk-through of how Uratex Monoblock chairs are being tested before they go out to the market. They also got to participate in various strength tests that ensure the durability of Uratex Monoblock chairs.

Uratex Monoblock chairs come in various designs and styles and are both BPS and ISO Level 5 certified. They are guaranteed safe and durable, can withstand time, and can hold up to 200 kilos. With its recent campaign launch, Uratex Monoblock is a living proof that quality and durability matters – Bawal ang Marupok!

To learn more about Uratex Monoblock and its products, visit uratex.com.ph/collections/monoblocks. You may also follow/uratexmonoblockchairs on Facebook, and @uratexmonoblock on Instagram for updates and upcoming promos.

----------------------------------

About Uratex Monoblock

Established in 1993, Uratex Monoblock is a brand of high quality, stylish and durable – made from strong solid plastic – plastic furniture that is widely used in homes, offices, restaurants, and other establishments and institutions. For three decades, Uratex Monoblock has assured its customers of the durability and quality of its products through accreditations and recognitions by both the national government and other local and international organizations.

Shopee Launches First #TatakPinoy Virtual Trade Fair of the Year

Tweet

While MSMEs still comprise the majority of registered businesses in the country, a survey conducted by the Department of Trade & Industry (DTI) - Ecommerce Office in September 2020 showed that 73% of MSMES still require assistance in digitizing their operations. 

Shopee remains committed to help MSMEs transition to digital easily and seamlessly as it once again partners with the DTI to launch the #TatakPinoy Virtual Trade Fair from March 18-24. This initiative is in line with Shopee’s goal to provide local MSMEs with the support that they need to grow their businesses online.

Through the week-long virtual trade fair, Shopee users will be able to discover and purchase Filipino-made essentials from a variety of shops ranging from snack food, health & beauty, groceries & pet stores, fashion, and more, at discounted rates. This year’s #TatakPinoy Virtual Trade Fair will feature a diverse range of local sellers from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. This is among Shopee’s many initiatives to empower local businesses to shift online and encourage users to support them. Alongside these virtual trade fairs, sellers are also provided with different marketing tools, training, and initiatives to help them maximize their businesses’ growth on the platform such as Shopee University Summit, where local MSMEs can learn ways to drive their business growth from industry speakers and leaders.

The virtual trade fair will also feature products from beloved Filipino brands such as Splash Personal Care, Zenutrients, Go Natural, Ever Bilena, San Miguel Foods, EQ, Lifeline Clothing, Sweetbaby, and Tala by Kyla.

DTI’s Bureau of Domestic Trade Promotion Director Marievic Bonoan says, “Being able to provide our local MSMEs with opportunities for growth and development is one of our top priorities at the DTI. We understand the important role e-commerce platforms, like Shopee, play in creating a seamless digital transition for MSMEs. Through initiatives like the #TatakPinoy Virtual Trade Fair, we believe that we can help these businesses maximize their full potential and make the digital transition smoother.”

Shopee Philippines Director Martin Yu says, “Supporting MSMEs is at the very core of what we do. We are deeply committed to creating more opportunities to help our local businesses adapt and thrive in the e-commerce industry through initiatives like our #TatakPinoy Virtual Trade Fair. We look forward to this opportunity to once again help our sellers in their e-commerce journey, and also allow our users to support these community-owned businesses.”

Aside from the wide range of products available at the #TatakPinoy Virtual Trade Fair, Shopee users will also also enjoy ShopeePay vouchers for 20% off with a minimum purchase of Php 300, valid on all #TatakPinoy: Virtual Trade Fair items this March 18-24.

For more information about the #TatakPinoy: Virtual Trade Fair, visit https://shopee.ph/m/tatakpinoy2022.

DTI innovates with 2021 Hybrid National Food Fair to bolster food entrepreneurs

Tweet

With the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, the DTI-Bureau of Domestic Trade Promotion is introducing innovations to help Filipino MSMEs recover and thrive in the new normal. This year, the 2021 Hybrid National Food Fair will combine the excitement of the traditional, physical event with the advantages and flexibility of a digital, online event.

In addition to the usual food fair held at a Metro Manila mall, the virtual components of the 2021 Hybrid National Food Fair allow the participation of exhibitors and visitors who could not be physically present due to travel restrictions and health protocols. Also, while the physical fair is slated to run for only 10 days from September 16 to 27, 2021, the online events are spaced across several months, thus providing the participating MSMEs with sustained market exposure for the whole year.

MSME Webinar Series

To help MSMEs prepare for the 2021 Hybrid National Food Fair and equip them skills to hurdle new challenges in growing their business, the Bureau of Domestic Trade Promotion and the Philippine Trade Training Center organized a free webinar series covering the following topics:

· Digital Payment Workshop for MSMEs

· Penetrating Domestic Market thru Online Platform

· Facebook Business Page Development

· Click and Close: Social Media Navigation for Successful Negotiation

· Online Visual Merchandising

· Negotiating with Buyer (Covering Customer Service, Business Pitching)

The webinar series was held via Zoom and Facebook Live last May 5 to 7, 2021, and reached 24,200 views on social media.

Online National Food Fairs and Digital Promotions

SHOPEE.PH. Held last May 10 to 16, the Online National Food Fair on the Shopee PH platform showcased 3,500 products from 278 MSME Stores and the Go Lokal Official Store. Featured products included sweets, snacks, staples, breakfast food, superfood/healthy food, beverages, seasonings, and baking ingredients, among others. As of May 31, the campaign generated 2,900 orders equivalent to sales of PHP 1.61-million for the participating MSMEs. Having been onboarded to the online shopping platform, all Shopee Stores of the MSMEs remain accessible as permanent online stores. Shopee is the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan.

MAYANI.PH. Another online venue for the Online National Food Fair is Mayani, a farm-to-table e-commerce platform focused mainly on agricultural products. Held periodically since June 2021, buyers can enjoy up to 30% markdowns on featured food and artisan products when shopping on www.mayani.ph/NFF. Fresh vegetables, fruits and upland crops from the Cordillera Administrative Region were marketed and sold online for the benefit of farmer cooperatives and indigenous people’s organizations under the DTI-led Integrated Natural Resources Environmental Management Project – Livelihood Enhancement Support 2.

LAZADA. Scheduled for August 8 to 12 as part of the Lazada Love Local 8.8 Sale, this Online National Food Fair will include 74 participating MSMEs from 13 regions nationwide. Featured products will consist of processed food and beverages, cooked food, halal products and cuisine, Filipino snacks, food packaging materials, condiments and other cooking ingredients, among others. MSME sellers who qualify will be onboarded to the Lazada platform for free. To promote the event, Lazada will livestream cooking demonstrations by Chef Oliver John Gomez, an alumnus of the Center for Culinary Arts who combines his culinary expertise with a passion for organic agriculture production. LazLive will also feature a mukbang session showcasing food products from the MSME Stores on Lazada. Mark your calendars and don't miss out, by clicking on https://www.lazada.com.ph/88-shop-local/.

NFF DIGITAL STORE. Also set to launch within the year is the NFF Digital Store hosted on UnionBank GlobalLinker, an e-commerce platform that allows MSMEs to connect to local and global B2B and B2C partners, suppliers, and customers. The integrated NFF Digital Store will give participating MSMEs access to functionalities and networks to help grow and manage their business. The NFF Digital Store will be another venue for food entrepreneurs to have a permanent presence online, thus expanding their market reach even beyond local borders and despite restricted movement. One hundred MSMEs are set to be among the initial exhibitors in the NFF Digital Store.

Physical National Food Fair

Tentatively scheduled for September 16 to 27, the 2021 National Food Fair will be held at the Festival Mall in Alabang, Muntinlupa City. The exhibitor booths will be spread out across the Carousel Court, the Event Hall, and the Civic Drive Hallway of the mall.

A wide range of food products will be available during the event, including processed food and beverages, fresh produce and organic products, fresh and dried seafood, cooked food, halal products and cuisine, condiments and other cooking ingredients, dairy products, health and wellness products, food supplements, traditional cooking tools/equipment, food packaging materials and allied products, baskets and bayongs, labeling and food processing equipment, and even label and packaging design services.

The 2021 Hybrid National Food Fair is organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) through the Bureau of Domestic Trade Promotion (BDTP) and with support from the Regional Operations Group (ROG).

For more information about the DTI-Bureau of Domestic Trade Promotion, please follow their social media accounts @BDTP on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. You may also email bdtp@dti.gov.ph.

Shopee Partners with the Department of Trade and Industry to Launch its Second ASEAN Online Sale Day

Tweet

From August 8 to 10, shoppers can look forward to up to 75% off on ASEAN products

Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, launches its second ASEAN Online Sale Day (AOSD) in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). From August 8-10, shoppers can enjoy up to 75% off on featured products from ASEAN countries like the Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Cambodia, Laos, and Indonesia.

The ASEAN Online Sale Day is a yearly event that aims to facilitate transborder e-commerce in the region, support local MSMEs in the country, and enhance stronger partnerships between stakeholders and businesses. Users can look forward to amazing brand deals from Krizia Ladies Wear, Go Lokal! Official Store, Mondial88 Trading Corporation, IRVINS Salted Egg, Chocovron, BLK Cosmetics, Happy Skin, Jersey Milk, and the Globe Official Store.

Marievic M. Bonoan, Director at the DTI - Bureau of Domestic Trade Promotion, said, “The DTI is looking forward to partnering with Shopee once again for the ASEAN Online Sale, and we are thankful for their support in promoting cross-border trade amongst ASEAN countries. It also allows ASEAN nations to promote their products and services on a large platform and establish a strong online presence, further maximizing their online selling experience. We will continue to collaborate with organizations like Shopee to drive economic recovery through e-commerce.”

E-commerce continues to expand and make a significant impact on the lives of consumers, with about 2.14 billion people expected to buy goods and services online this year. Meanwhile, brands and individuals begin to embrace digitalization and innovative integrations to sustain economic recovery and progression, with a projected growth of $5.4 trillion US dollars worldwide in 2022. With the current global situation, online platforms like Shopee, plays a big role in the new normal and will continue to make online shopping easy and rewarding through initiatives like the ASEAN Online Sale Day.

Martin Yu, Director at Shopee Philippines, said, “As e-commerce rapidly grows, Shopee continuously finds ways to improve consumer trust in the industry, especially in ASEAN businesses. We are glad to partner with the DTI through this campaign, where we can support local and regional sellers by giving them expanded channels to market and sell their products, promoting cross-border e-commerce activities in the region to drive our region’s digital economy forward.”

From August 8 to 10, users can get 20% off ShopeePay voucher with a ₱300 min spend*, when they use the code: AOSD2021. Valid on AOSD sale items from Aug 8 to 10, 2021 only. For more information about the ASEAN Online Sale Day, visit https://shopee.ph/m/2021-asean-online-sale

Download the Shopee app for free via the App Store or Google Play.

Philippine Trade and Investment Center brings Filipino food closer to HK with "Philippine Flavours" campaign launch

Tweet

Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC – Hong Kong) promotional  campaign entitled “PHILIPPINE FLAVOURS

The marketing collateral for the unveiling ceremony of PHILIPPINE FLAVOURS issued on 25 July 2021.

(HONG KONG SAR)--The Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC – Hong Kong) will conduct an unveiling ceremony for its new brand marketing campaign entitled, “PHILIPPINE FLAVOURS,” in the Hong Kong market together with the Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong (PCGHK), the Philippine Trade and Investment Center – Beijing, the Philippine Trade and Investment Center – Shanghai, the Philippine Trade and Investment Center – Guangzhou, the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions, the Department of Trade and Industry – Export Marketing Bureau, the Department of Trade and Industry Baguio – Benguet, and the Office of Agriculture Counsellor of the Philippines in Beijing, on 5 August 2021 at 2:00PM.

The unveiling ceremony will be streamed live via zoom and via the Facebook account PTIC-Hong Kong. During the event, Consul General of the Philippines to Hong Kong Raly L. Tejada, will welcome and thank all the participants to the unveiling. The main launch will feature a Philippine local Chef – businessman and a Hong Konger Key Opinion Leader – chef using Filipino ingredients in cooking three (3) dishes which are popular in Hong Kong. After the video, a panel will discuss how the concept of Philippine Flavours came to be and its relevance to the Philippines and Hong Kong today. The Secretary of the DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez will further the importance of supporting Filipino products in his closing remarks.

The Philippines, being located close by Hong Kong, has been untapped by the Hong Kong market for the Philippines food, beverages, and ingredients. The presentation will highlight the different possibilities that Filipino products may take part of in the Hong Kong market. On the other hand, the Hong Kong market will be informed about the similarities of the Filipino and Hong Kong palates and flavours with respect to their own cuisines, so the Hong Kong market can make use of a lot of Filipino products in their daily needs.

We welcome everyone to register thru https://tinyurl.com/4rtb2upv to join the unveiling ceremony if you are interested.

For more information, please visit PTIC-HK’s microsite at www.dti.gov.ph/overseas/hongkong or send emails to hongkong@dti.gov.ph.

Certified Lokalista: No Region Too Far-flung, No Seller Too Out Of Reach - J&T Express encourages support for local products on Double-day sales

Tweet

Courier service J&T Express Philippines, known for efficiently delivering parcels even to far-flung and hard-to-reach locations in the country, showcased its Certified Lokalista Campaign in a webinar during its highly anticipated double-day sale on Nov. 11. 

The campaign, which started on Oct. 16, 2020 and will run up to January 14, 2021 encourages people to ‘buy local’, patronize, and support small-to-medium-sized entrepreneurs, and thus promote regional products to a larger national audience.

J&T’s Certified Lokalista campaign has been attracting entrepreneurs from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, many of whom are promoting and distributing their wares in other islands and regions outside their own for the very first time.

Officer-in-Charge Executive Director Nelly T. Dillera of the Department of Trade and Industry’s Philippine Trade Training Center (DTI-PTTC) pointed out one distinct factor that set this new e-commerce explosion apart from similar trends. She said:  “Culture is the basis of how we can and should develop products, from food to wearables. What is important is preserving them while adapting to the new global economy. E-logistics has made it possible for local products and crafts to be brought to the homes of the people.”

With 75,000 online entrepreneurs now active on digital marketplaces, DTI itself, which is focused on exports, “did a backward integration on helping people to start their own business and onboard e-commerce,” Director Dillera continued. One support that the DTI-PTTC will be providing these new entrepreneurs is training in vital areas like the digitization of their processes; business finance and operations; business marketing; business human resources and organization; and working in the logistics and supply chain.

According to Zoe Chi, Vice President of J&T Express Philippines, the Certified Lokalista campaign celebrates the hard work, creativity, and nationalism of the online sellers. She said, “Filipino entrepreneurs, especially those who went above and beyond amid the mobility restrictions brought about by the pandemic, deserve to be supported and recognized for their creativity and tenacity.”

Panel moderator Amor Maclang, the Co-founder of GeiserMaclang Communications Inc., enthused that the increasingly popular digital double-day sales, launched on the same day of the same month by different online marketplaces, can be a long-overdue opportunity where shoppers can support regional entrepreneurs. She said, “It is because of these men and women that our local products are finally getting the recognition they deserve! Generations-old family recipes, regional specialties, and other proudly Filipino wares are becoming stars on these e-commerce platforms.”

The Certified Lokalista campaign kickstarted in 2020 by awarding Filipino entrepreneurs with a Certified Lokalista badge that will recognize them as J&T trusted sellers. These Certified Lokalistas, whose inspiring work has paved the way for the promotion of Filipino goods,  will be awarded P20,000 worth of free shipping by J&T Express. These citations are also designed to influence more sellers to represent their own regional products online.

Ms. Chi described how the challenges brought about by the coronavirus crisis and its lockdowns became instead an opportunity for businesses to discover the advantages of e-commerce and e-logistics. She looked back, saying, “After the pandemic greatly reduced mobility, both old and new entrepreneurs without any previous e-commerce interest or experience joined the platform in droves. It was a matter of survival because people were staying away from brick-and-mortar stores and were doing a lot of their shopping online. But what these sellers may or may not realize is that by joining e-commerce, they aren’t just boosting online sales--they are becoming ambassadors of their own heritage.”

Four Certified Lokalistas who represented the three major islands of the Philippines spoke about and showed their own homegrown products and produce which gave their respective regions their unique edge.

Maria Todi, founder of the School of Living Tradition, based in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, emphasized the intricacy and beauty with which native artisans design and weaveT’boli shirts, bracelets, necklaces, and rugs, among other heirlooms. Because the handicrafts are a collective effort, Todi said that buying from the T’boli means “not just helping one weaver or organization, but helping a community.”

Meanwhile, Katherine Jordan, the Marketing Head of the Leyte-based online food store Mary’s Abuyog Special Toskolyet Moron, atp., named the following delicacies that have become popular outside the region:  pili nuts, chocolate moron, binagol, sagmani, and suman latik.

Rica Dakudao-Buenaflor, who relocated from Davao to Bicol in 2002, founded Que Rica to manufacture, promote, and deliver the latter’s best cuisine to other parts of the archipelago. She maintained that Bicol should be known as the “land of Keto” because of its nutritious food:  “We produce the healthiest recipes when it comes to heart-healthy fats. Coconut milk is high in fat and with no carbohydrates.  The pili nut contains the highest healthy-fat content, and 95% of the overall production of pili nut comes from Bicol.”

Finally, Bulacan-based culinary whiz Rheeza Santiago-Hernandez said it is about time that the normally reticent Bulaqueños start promoting the dishes that they are known for. One example is the hamon bulaqueña which has a rich place in Philippine history. Santiago-Hernandez said, “It is historical. It was served during the liberation of Bulacan in 1898 during the time of General Gregorio del Pilar, who was then a lieutenant colonel. Other national heroes who have dined on it are Jose Rizal and Apolinario Mabini.”

As celebrity host Robi Domingo put it, the work of these regional entrepreneurs I “making local the new premium.”

Ms. Chi emphasized that J&T Express Philippines is passionate about supporting Filipino entrepreneurs and the whole local e-commerce landscape considering the wide reach of their courier service. She said, “Community can be vital in the promotion and expansion of entrepreneurship as we have heard from our guests. Lokalistas or local entrepreneurs are the best ones to reach out to their fellow entrepreneurs, and J&T will support them in that endeavour.”

Zoe Chi, Vice President of J&T Express Philippines

“As the logistics company with the fastest and farthest-reaching operations, no region is too far-flung and no seller is too out-of-reach. With a safe and trustworthy partner like J&T Express, e-commerce can continue to boom and fuel our economy while acting as a platform for Filipino entrepreneurs,” Ms. Chi added.

Global, PH Design Leaders at Int’l Design Conference 2018

Tweet

Local and foreign design rock stars, change makers and industry leaders are participating in the International Design Conference (IDC) 2018 on September 21 at the Samsung Hall in SM Aura. 

Theme of the conference is Dangerous Ideas: Unleashing Design Leadership. Organized by the Design Center of the Philippines, an attached agency of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the one-day event will seek to outline the different ways to make ideas that are nothing short of dangerous the norm in a world of hyper-change. 

Keynote speakers include Quotient Design Research founder Michael Barry and Aidea, Inc. president and chief executive officer Abelardo “Jojo” M. Tolentino, Jr. 

Barry, an engineer and product designer, will contextualize craftsmanship in the wake of Industrialization 4.0 that makes more digitization and mechanized fabrication more and more sophisticated. With his artistry rooted firmly in Philippine culture, Tolentino will discuss his journey as a homegrown talent. 

He will also share the secret that enabled Aidea to become the first and only Philippine architectural firm included in Building Design’s World Architecture100, a ranking of the top firms in the world. Aidea is ranked 47th. 

Launched in 2017, the International Design Conference embodies the ethos of Design Center – to nurture a strong community of creative and act as a catalyst for the design community to thrive. 

For more information, visit https://designcenter.ph/ and Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/DTI.DesignCenterPH/. 

Holcim Pledges Steady Cement Supply, Innovations For Build, Build, Build

Tweet

Top officials of building solutions provider Holcim Philippines, Inc. recently met with Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez to share the company’s initiatives to better support the government in upgrading the country’s infrastructure through stable supply of quality cement nationwide.

Holcim Philippines Chairman Tomas Alcantara, President and CEO John Stull and Senior Vice President for Sales William Sumalinog personally expressed the company’s willingness to further build up its production capacities in light of the increased cement demand driven by the government’s massive infrastructure investments. They also assured the DTI compliance to product standards to ensure highest quality and performance.

Holcim Philippines officials assure Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) their commitment to stable cement supply for the country’s building boom during a courtesy visit to Secretary Ramon M. Lopez on 24 August 2018. From left are Holcim Philippines Senior Vice President for Sales William C. Sumalinog, Chairman Tomas I. Alcantara, DTI Secretary Ramon M. Lopez and Holcim President and CEO John Stull.

“DTI has implemented new initiatives and policies to encourage investments to create more employment opportunities, and at the same time support the government’s plans for progress. I am happy to hear Holcim’s commitment to implement cement capacity expansion to ensure that our infrastructure and construction requirements will be well supported and generate additional employment,” Lopez said.

Holcim Philippines is currently implementing projects that will raise its cement capacity nationwide to 12 million metric tons by 2019 from the current 10 million metric tons. The Company is studying further investments on additional clinker lines with the construction sector expected to sustain its strong growth amid the healthy economy.

“The Company recognizes the strong potential of the Philippine market and is committed to continue being a partner in its progress as seen by our efforts to improve operations and competitiveness,” said Alcantara.

For his part, Stull noted that the Company has been rolling out new technologies and approaches that enable local builders to deliver projects within deadlines and budgets. A key focus is blended cements that are not as energy intensive to produce but deliver superior results for building.

“Our Company supports the DTI’s drive to maintain the high standards for cement which is critical especially at this time of high construction activity. We also want to reassure them that Holcim Philippines can be counted upon to provide the market not just with high-quality cement, but innovative construction solutions that help the country build better with certainty,” he said.

DTI order to bloat cement prices, put construction industry in jeopardy

Tweet

With its imposition of a burdensome requirements on pure importers of cement , the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is in a collision course with President Rodrigo Duterte, who vowed to reduce bureaucratic red tape to ease the process of doing business in the country. 

Making matters worse, the DTI imposition will jeopardize the massive infrastructure projects under the Duterte administration's Build, Build, Build program through high construction cost by bringing prices of cement to stratospheric heights. 

The President made the vow in his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 25, 2016 and repeated it in his second SONA on Monday, July 24, 2017. 

"A year ago, I also warned government officials and employees that I will never tolerate corruption in my administration, not even a whiff of it. Let the dismissal of several high-ranking officials — whom I myself appointed — serve as a warning to all that I will never back down on my commitment to cleanse this government," Duterte said in his second SONA to the applausse of the audience. 

Duterte is aware that corruption is still happening. "Since we launched this hotline (8888), we have received numerous complaints from the public on government… slow government processing and clearance, of changing procedures and requirements, centralized issuance of clearances and permits in Metro Manila, and discourteous government employees, among others," Duterte said in his second SONA. 

Also, speaking before an investment forum in Davao City recently, he said: “I would like to destroy government itself.... If I had my way, I would reinvent (it). We can have less powers but more efficient organization...If there’s an ideal setup that we can follow, I’d be glad to put in place something of a bureaucratic authority that would move by itself automatically...” 

The President also bared plans to summon officials facing complaints from the public. If proven they have committed irregularities, Duterte said, he would ask them to resign or else he would fire them. He said he was ready to give them another chance but they have to “kneel down” before the public and vow to improve their service. 

In an earlier speech, Duterte had said: 

"The fight (against corruption) will be relentless and it will be sustained... I order all department secretaries and heads of agencies to remove redundant requirements and compliance with one department or agency shall be accepted as sufficient for all...(They should) refrain from changing and bending rules, government contracts, transactions and projects already approved and awaiting implementation... Changing the rules when the game is ongoing is wrong.” 

But according to industry sources, those in the DTI have turned a deaf ear to the President's resolve to cut red tape in government as they have issued an order that imposes an additional burden on small cement importers. This, it is feared, could only lead to the emergence of a cartel composed of giant cement manufacturers-importers who reportedly want to bring back cement prices to the P300 per bag level in 2015 from its present price of about P197 per bag. 

While requesting anonymity, industry sources have welcomed the filing of a graft and corruption complaint against a DTI undersecretary before the Office of the Ombudsman for the official’s role in having the DTI’s Bureau of Philippines Standards issue Department Administrative Order (DAO) 17-02/05. At the same time, the source said that a separate case is being prepared against another DTI official for approving the highly controversial order without going through proper public consultation. He also claims that the rush to cure the flawed order is being kept under wraps by the DTI. 

The controversial DAO requires importers to secure an Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) on top of the 'PS' or Philippine Standard mark for imported cement. The DAO, however, exempts from the ICC requirement the big cement manufacturers operating integrated cement plants in the country but also importing cement. 

Several reasons have been cited why the DAO 17-02 and subsequent DAOs should be suspended or totally revoked. 

"The DTI order creates an environment which could threaten the stability of the cement prices in the market as the DAO 17-02/05 is a surefire formula for prices to spike uncontrollably and for supply to be manipulated,” said a source in the construction sector. 

The source pointed out that in 2014, the cement price was around P300; when importers entered the picture, the price immediately fell to around P217; currently, the price hovers at around P197. 

This, the insider said, "offers solid proof that open competition augurs well for the public." 

“If DAO 17-02/05 was intended to protect the public by ensuring the quality of the imported cement, the industry group wondered why both manufacturers-importers and small importers get their cement from the same plant abroad: So how could there be any difference in quality?” he asked. 

“At the same time, if quality is the issue as announced by the DTI official recently in defending the order, why are the big manufacturers-importers trying to negotiate with cement plants abroad so they can exclusively sell cement in the Philippine market, thus removing the pure importers from the equation?” he added. 

The DTI order could actually set back the implementation of the Build, Build, Build infrastructure development program of the Duterte administration as cement supply from local manufacturers may not be sufficient to meet the expected big demand for the commodity, the industry source said. 

The insider lamented that the DTI "wittingly or unwittingly strengthens the stranglehold by a few giant cement manufacturers-importers that have been acting as a de facto cartel to dictate cement prices in the domestic market." 

Prior to the implementation of DAO 17-02, the release of covered imported cement was allowed by mere presentation of the PS mark. An ICC was not required, whether the cement importer operated or did not operate an integrated cement plant in the country. 

The DTI order, the source added, is "arbitrary and capricious as this was issued without any proper public consultation." 

Moreover, the insider said that if this DAO is implemented, "the highly ambitious P9 trillion Build, Build, Build infrastructure program will be the first to feel the impact with skyrocketing cement prices and manipulated supply. At the same time, the public is expected to bear the brunt of such protectionist move." 

As this develops, the construction sector is starting to express unease over the order as such move will surely escalate prices and will throw their signed contracts in disarray.

First Go Lokal! store in Robinsons Place Manila

Tweet

Quality Filipino products from outstanding micro, small, and medium entrepreneurs from various parts of the country are now in Metro Manila through the Go Lokal! stores.

Robinsons Department Store, in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) opens today the first Go Lokal! store in Robinsons Place Manila.

Robinsons Department Store, an affiliate of Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc., is the first mainstream outlet to launch Go Lokal!, a public-private collaboration between DTI and local retailer partners that aims to showcase modern and indigenous quality products crafted, designed, and created by innovative Philippine micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). 

The Go Lokal! program has been designed to serve as incubation, marketing, and branding platform for the best of Philippine MSMEs products including next generation One Town One Product (OTOP) offerings. This new market access platform via a design-led concept store is set to revolutionize the way hard-to-find and artisanal Filipino products are sold in the local market, and will bring together a specially-curated line-up that ranges from food, apparel, accessories, home décor, gadgets and gift items. 

They can be found in consumer-frequented locations as a mainstream distribution channel for world-class Filipino products while offering value for money for targeted consumers and tourists.

Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said DTI is more than excited to open its first mainstream Go Lokal! store with Robinsons Department Store as its dynamic partner in this effort of maximizing market access and providing exposure to our MSMEs.

“Go Lokal! is truly a vibrant model for MSME development and inclusive business. We are happy that committed partners like Robinsons have taken on this challenge. We look forward to opening more outlets in their malls and department stores across the country,” Sec. Lopez said.

Robina Gokongwei-Pe, President and COO of Robinsons Department Store, said that the program will benefit MSMEs because it’s a mainstream platform that brings them closer to a more diverse market and creates positive effects to the economy by encouraging entrepreneurship. “This partnership with DTI is Robinsons Department Store’s contribution to nation-building by providing our entrepreneurs an environment where they can be passionate about their businesses and prosper from their efforts, as we create opportunities for MSMEs to grow, succeed and make an impact to the retail industry,” said Gokongwei-Pe.

Johnson Go, General Manager of Robinsons Department Store, said that Go Lokal! is Robinsons Department Store’s way of supporting Filipino entrepreneurs into their initial foray into more mainstream markets by making them more accessible to both local and foreign consumers. “The diverse product line of Go Lokal! brings together the best products that the Philippines has to offer which are world-class locally-made quality products by our MSMEs,” said Go.

The DTI Secretary also said that aside from providing market access for MSME products, the Go Lokal! program is a platform for new entrepreneurs to test the marketability of their products without the fear of losing rental and commercial costs because their experience is free of charge.

 

Portion of Go Lokal! revenues will go to the various corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects of Robinsons Department Store including the government’s drug rehabilitation program.

2016 Sikat Pinoy National Trade Fair : Give the Best of the Philippines this Christmas

Tweet

Lighting of the special setting to mark the official opening of the Sikat Pinoy National Trade Fair. In the photo are (from left): Hon. Jocelyn Limkaichong, 1st district representative of Negros Oriental ; Asec. Christopher Naga (ROG) ; Director Rhodora Leano, Bureau of Domestic Trade Promotion.

Looking for Christmas gifts that are unique and meaningful, yet affordable? Do you want to share your Christmas blessings by supporting the livelihoods of home-grown small and medium entrepreneurs? Do you want to help provide employment to our countrymen in the provinces, and preserve our heritage crafts?

The 2016 SikatPinoy National Trade Fair, with its theme Piling-Piling Produktong Pilipino, brings the best products of SMEs from all over the Philippines under one roof for the convenience of Metro Manila shoppers. This is happening on December 7-11, at the Megatrade Halls in SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City. Admission is free.

Over 280 exhibitors were carefully screened and selected to bring a mix of regional delicacies, artisanal crafts, home décor, novelty items, knick-knacks, etc. Here is a rundown of what visitors will find at the fair:

• FURNITURE & FURNISHINGS – dining sets, sala sets, tables, chairs, stools, bar counters, beds, cabinets, wine racks, wall panels, chandeliers, lamps, and clocks made from wood and other locally available material.

• HOME DÉCOR – dividers, trays, hampers, baskets, paper weights, wall décor, vases, planters, fossilized flowers, corn husk roses, water bonsai, fine bone China home décor, curtains, fitted sheets, blankets, mats, soft toys, candle holders, chimes, and many other decorative items.

• FASHION ACCESSORIES – fine jewelry (rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, bangles) made from gold, silver, pearls and other semi-precious stones; costume jewelry; bags, wallets, pouches, backpacks and satchels made from leather, snakeskin, buntal, pandan, ticog, and other indigenous materials.
• 
  
• HANDWOVEN – wall hangings and tapestries; table runners, placemats and napkins; blankets and rugs; shawls, ponchos, and tribal wear — made from Banaue ikat, Kalinga fabric, Vigan abel, Negros silk, Bohol raffia, other local weaves. 

• FOOTWEAR – shoes, slippers, sandals, espadrilles made from local materials such as abel and sabutan.

• SNACK FOOD – chicharon, chicharabao, empanada, macapuno, nata de coco, coco jam, peanuts and peanut butter, bibingka, macaroons, uraro, biscocho, butterscotch, rosquillos, cookies, sans rival, polvoron, turones de casoy, cashew nuts, mazapan de pili, pastillas, banana chips, durian candy, noodles, and many other regional delicacies.

• PROCESSED MEAT — different types of longganisa from Vigan to Lucban; as well as tocino, bagnet, embutido, tapa, pork barbeque, and other meat products.

• CONDIMENTS – vinegars such as sugarcane vinegar, coco vinegar, apple cider vinegar, and sukang Iloko; different types of bagoong, shrimp paste and crab paste; bottled laing, sinaing na tulingan, ginataang tailis, and bicol express; chili flakes and paste, garlic bits; fruit preserves, macapuno, and coco sugar; Himalayan sea salt, and many others.

• COFFEE & BEVERAGES – robusta/arabica coffee from the Cordilleras and corn coffee from Agusan del Sur; fruit wines made from bignay, bugnay, pineapple, guyabano, honey, rambutan, yacoon, sugar cane, and mango; herbal teas made from moringa, lemongrass, turmeric, and ginger brew; fresh milk, yoghurt, and kesong puti; pure tablea, calamansi concentrate, and other health drinks. 

• HEALTH AND WELLNESS – organic soaps, facial creams, body lotions and moisturizers, shampoos and conditioners, and other beauty products; virgin coconut oil and herbal oils and balms; wild honey and bee propolis.

Come and do your shopping at the 2016 SikatPinoy National Trade Fair. You will not only find a unique gift that will surely be appreciated by friends and loved ones, you will also be contributing to national economic development and inclusive growth by supporting the Trabaho at Negosyo (Employment and Entrepreneurship) initiative of the Department of Trade and Industry.

For more information, contact the DTI-Bureau of Domestic Trade Promotion at telephone no. 751-3223, fax no. 751-3224, or email bdtp@dti.gov.ph. Please “Like” the Facebook page www.facebook.com/sikatpinoyfairs for updates on Sikat Pinoy events.