Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Negros Oriental on its 3-in-1 event: Trade Fair, Create Fest, and Coffee Fest

NOCCI Proposed Sand and Gravel Ordinance

NOCCI FreeWiFi Project

President Edward Du was elected as Chair of the Negros Oriental Tourism Council

Fish Visayas Project Bohol Site Visits

32nd Visayas Area Business Conference (VABC)

Participated in the first Central Visayas Investment Assistance Network (CVIAN)

General Santos City Business Delegation Mission

ABAC MSME Supply Chain Resilience Capacity Building Workshop

Courtesy Visit of U.S Embassy Manila

cebu

Bohol Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc.

Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry 

Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc.

Siquijor Chamber of Commerce and Industry

PCCI - Panglao

REGION VII

CEBU CITY — Business stakeholders in Cebu welcomed the expansion project of a coal-fired power plant in Toledo City to prevent outages that happened in Aklan early this year.
Concerns on the environment, they said, would be “outweighed” by the economic benefits that would come with more power supply, considering the dwindling reserves in the Visayas grid to which Cebu is a part of.
Aboitiz-led Therma Visayas Inc (TVI) will expand its existing coal-fired power plant in Toledo City bringing in additional 169-megawatt “on island” power supply.
“More power supply is always better,” said Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) president Charles Kenneth Co in an interview.
Just like its previous power plants, Aboitiz assured that their expansion would also be equipped with green technology.
He said they would use a “circulating fluidized bed (CFB)” which would reduce emission of toxic chemicals in the atmosphere.
According to the Science Direct website, the CFB combustion system is counted as one of those technologies which facilitates the use of fuels in an environmentally satisfactory and economically viable way.
CFB technology belongs to the group of clean coal technology, nearly eliminating the pollutants.
<h3>READ: <a href="https://business.inquirer.net/411827/powering-cebu-stable-electricity-for-growth" target="_self">Powering Cebu: Stable electricity for growth</a></h3>
The Department of Energy has endorsed TVI’s expansion of its coal plant in Toledo City, located some 48 kilometers west of Cebu City or about an hour and a half drive from the capital city.
The Inquirer tried to get a statement from an environmental group in Cebu but it has yet to respond as of 4 p.m. Wednesday.
Former Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) president Steven Yu said Cebu’s base load power was fast dwindling because of aging plants and the expansion of coal plants from TVI would help improve the situation.
“It is public knowledge that our plants are aging, starting to frequently break down and we are lacking sufficient spare capacity to supplant it if something massive simultaneous break down happens,” he said.
Yu emphasized that economic benefits to prevent “costly outages” outweigh environmental concerns, especially with the presence of green technology on clean coal.
“While we are scaling up on our RE (renewable energy) generation capacity, this will help stabilize our power supply versus demand and avoid costly blackouts. The negative environmental effects are being outweighed by the positive impact to the economy and other offsetting carbon reduction measures,” he said.
As of Jan. 26, the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) showed that the Visayas grid has the lowest power reserve at 269 MW as compared to the Luzon and Mindanao grids.
Visayas has 2,411 MW available power supply while its peak demand is at 2,117 MW.
Luzon has 3,608MW of power reserves while Mindanao has 802 MW.
MCCI incoming president Mark Ynoc emphasized the importance of stable power supply as vital in the continued recovery of business establishments from the downturn during pandemic.
Ynoc said that population was expected to grow and investments were also pouring in on Cebu which would need more power supply.
Read more: https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1897569/biz-leaders-welcome-expansion-of-cebu-c

Biz leaders welcome expansion of Cebu coal-fired power plant  

At least 60 MSMEs in Central Visayas have found a home in the mall-based One Town, One Product (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/otop.philippines?__cft__[0]=AZW-JHf7Dj5hm1NfpaPv10rQGriid9c44Frt8eKN0WWBSm2MPoB6uCblLBE8eJLzW825aiv_KAmfCceCI56aw9PqB6vbAaAGqtiXSRn4rxiPguZ0YIDTR_hS4h0pmk_SGM8rF_Z5LOuY2ev74RYkYUUm96t-h9b7gvFFRQFpa4Z6VT6hA2vGS6C0b7GyWwnpgak&__tn__=-]K-R" target="_self">OTOP Philippines</a>) Hub to showcase their products
CEBU CITY — <a href="https://www.facebook.com/DTI.Region7?__cft__[0]=AZW-JHf7Dj5hm1NfpaPv10rQGriid9c44Frt8eKN0WWBSm2MPoB6uCblLBE8eJLzW825aiv_KAmfCceCI56aw9PqB6vbAaAGqtiXSRn4rxiPguZ0YIDTR_hS4h0pmk_SGM8rF_Z5LOuY2ev74RYkYUUm96t-h9b7gvFFRQFpa4Z6VT6hA2vGS6C0b7GyWwnpgak&__tn__=-]K-R" target="_self">DTI Region 7 Central Visayas</a> inaugurated its 6th OTOP Hub in the region at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AyalaCenterCebuMall?__cft__[0]=AZW-JHf7Dj5hm1NfpaPv10rQGriid9c44Frt8eKN0WWBSm2MPoB6uCblLBE8eJLzW825aiv_KAmfCceCI56aw9PqB6vbAaAGqtiXSRn4rxiPguZ0YIDTR_hS4h0pmk_SGM8rF_Z5LOuY2ev74RYkYUUm96t-h9b7gvFFRQFpa4Z6VT6hA2vGS6C0b7GyWwnpgak&__tn__=-]K-R" target="_self">Ayala Center Cebu</a> on Tuesday, September 26, 2023, with <a href="https://www.facebook.com/lamacmpc.official?__cft__[0]=AZW-JHf7Dj5hm1NfpaPv10rQGriid9c44Frt8eKN0WWBSm2MPoB6uCblLBE8eJLzW825aiv_KAmfCceCI56aw9PqB6vbAaAGqtiXSRn4rxiPguZ0YIDTR_hS4h0pmk_SGM8rF_Z5LOuY2ev74RYkYUUm96t-h9b7gvFFRQFpa4Z6VT6hA2vGS6C0b7GyWwnpgak&__tn__=-]K-R" target="_self">Lamac Multi-Purpose Cooperative</a> as its operator.
DTI 7 Regional Director, Maria Elena Arbon, mentioned that the OTOP Program's marketing intervention involves not only conducting trade fairs but also establishing OTOP Hubs nationwide. The Ayala Center Cebu OTOP Hub is the 112th of its kind in the country, as confirmed by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/DTI.ROG?__cft__[0]=AZW-JHf7Dj5hm1NfpaPv10rQGriid9c44Frt8eKN0WWBSm2MPoB6uCblLBE8eJLzW825aiv_KAmfCceCI56aw9PqB6vbAaAGqtiXSRn4rxiPguZ0YIDTR_hS4h0pmk_SGM8rF_Z5LOuY2ev74RYkYUUm96t-h9b7gvFFRQFpa4Z6VT6hA2vGS6C0b7GyWwnpgak&__tn__=-]K-R" target="_self">DTI Regional Operations Group</a> (ROG) Assistant Secretary, Leonila Baluyut.
This hub will feature a curated selection of products, including those based on coco, cacao, coffee, processed food, processed fruits and nuts, bamboo, as well as wearables and homestyle items from MSMEs in Bohol, Cebu, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor.
Usec. Blesila A. Lantayona from DTI ROG expressed gratitude to Ayala Land Inc. for partnering with DTI to establish OTOP Hubs in all its Ayala Mall branches nationwide, under its Alagang Ayala Land program, focusing on generating livelihood and jobs through social enterprises.
Following negotiations with Ayala Center Cebu management and directives from Ayala Land Inc., the mall management has agreed to provide a significantly large space of 110.24 sqm, with free rental for one year and minimal payment for other common charges, to be shouldered by the identified hub operator — Lamac MPC.
Ayala Land, Inc. AVP Jinky T. Aguinaldo Alagang also affirmed Ayala's alignment with the project's purpose, promising continued support.
DTI 7 leveraged the expertise of the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/DTI.DesignCenterPH?__cft__[0]=AZW-JHf7Dj5hm1NfpaPv10rQGriid9c44Frt8eKN0WWBSm2MPoB6uCblLBE8eJLzW825aiv_KAmfCceCI56aw9PqB6vbAaAGqtiXSRn4rxiPguZ0YIDTR_hS4h0pmk_SGM8rF_Z5LOuY2ev74RYkYUUm96t-h9b7gvFFRQFpa4Z6VT6hA2vGS6C0b7GyWwnpgak&__tn__=-]K-R" target="_self">DTI - Design Center of the Philippines</a> (DCP) to create the store's design layout. DCP, led by Executive Director Maria Rita Matute, handled the visual merchandising for the official launch of the OTOP Hub, following design and branding guidelines provided by DTI Head Office for the interior design and branding of OTOP Hubs nationwide.
In her acceptance message, Lamac MPC General Manager, Maria Elena Limocon, along with Pinamungajan Mayor Ana Jessica Baricuatro, conveyed their readiness to manage the OTOP Hub, making Lamac MPC the first cooperative nationwide to undertake this responsibility.
The OTOP Hub in Ayala Center Cebu will serve as a marketing platform to sell and promote OTOP products in Central Visayas. It will also function as an incubation and market testing facility, providing local and international tourists with a convenient and one-of-a-kind pleasant shopping destination for innovative and high-quality OTOP products during mall operations and hours.
RD Arbon stated that the number of merchants and products is still expected to grow in the coming weeks as the agency continues to onboard its assisted MSMEs.
This launching event aligns with the month-long celebration of the Philippine Creative Industries Month through DTI’s regional-festive initiative – FiestaKucha Cebu. (DTI 7/PR) <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/iamdtiph?__eep__=6&__cft__[0]=AZW-JHf7Dj5hm1NfpaPv10rQGriid9c44Frt8eKN0WWBSm2MPoB6uCblLBE8eJLzW825aiv_KAmfCceCI56aw9PqB6vbAaAGqtiXSRn4rxiPguZ0YIDTR_hS4h0pmk_SGM8rF_Z5LOuY2ev74RYkYUUm96t-h9b7gvFFRQFpa4Z6VT6hA2vGS6C0b7GyWwnpgak&__tn__=*NK-R" target="_self">#iamDTIph</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/dti7?__eep__=6&__cft__[0]=AZW-JHf7Dj5hm1NfpaPv10rQGriid9c44Frt8eKN0WWBSm2MPoB6uCblLBE8eJLzW825aiv_KAmfCceCI56aw9PqB6vbAaAGqtiXSRn4rxiPguZ0YIDTR_hS4h0pmk_SGM8rF_Z5LOuY2ev74RYkYUUm96t-h9b7gvFFRQFpa4Z6VT6hA2vGS6C0b7GyWwnpgak&__tn__=*NK-R" target="_self">#DTI7</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/otophub?__eep__=6&__cft__[0]=AZW-JHf7Dj5hm1NfpaPv10rQGriid9c44Frt8eKN0WWBSm2MPoB6uCblLBE8eJLzW825aiv_KAmfCceCI56aw9PqB6vbAaAGqtiXSRn4rxiPguZ0YIDTR_hS4h0pmk_SGM8rF_Z5LOuY2ev74RYkYUUm96t-h9b7gvFFRQFpa4Z6VT6hA2vGS6C0b7GyWwnpgak&__tn__=*NK-R" target="_self">#OTOPHub</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/otopphilippines?__eep__=6&__cft__[0]=AZW-JHf7Dj5hm1NfpaPv10rQGriid9c44Frt8eKN0WWBSm2MPoB6uCblLBE8eJLzW825aiv_KAmfCceCI56aw9PqB6vbAaAGqtiXSRn4rxiPguZ0YIDTR_hS4h0pmk_SGM8rF_Z5LOuY2ev74RYkYUUm96t-h9b7gvFFRQFpa4Z6VT6hA2vGS6C0b7GyWwnpgak&__tn__=*NK-R" target="_self">#OTOPPhilippines</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/supportlocal?__eep__=6&__cft__[0]=AZW-JHf7Dj5hm1NfpaPv10rQGriid9c44Frt8eKN0WWBSm2MPoB6uCblLBE8eJLzW825aiv_KAmfCceCI56aw9PqB6vbAaAGqtiXSRn4rxiPguZ0YIDTR_hS4h0pmk_SGM8rF_Z5LOuY2ev74RYkYUUm96t-h9b7gvFFRQFpa4Z6VT6hA2vGS6C0b7GyWwnpgak&__tn__=*NK-R" target="_self">#SupportLocal</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/buylocal?__eep__=6&__cft__[0]=AZW-JHf7Dj5hm1NfpaPv10rQGriid9c44Frt8eKN0WWBSm2MPoB6uCblLBE8eJLzW825aiv_KAmfCceCI56aw9PqB6vbAaAGqtiXSRn4rxiPguZ0YIDTR_hS4h0pmk_SGM8rF_Z5LOuY2ev74RYkYUUm96t-h9b7gvFFRQFpa4Z6VT6hA2vGS6C0b7GyWwnpgak&__tn__=*NK-R" target="_self">#BuyLocal</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/buybisaya?__eep__=6&__cft__[0]=AZW-JHf7Dj5hm1NfpaPv10rQGriid9c44Frt8eKN0WWBSm2MPoB6uCblLBE8eJLzW825aiv_KAmfCceCI56aw9PqB6vbAaAGqtiXSRn4rxiPguZ0YIDTR_hS4h0pmk_SGM8rF_Z5LOuY2ev74RYkYUUm96t-h9b7gvFFRQFpa4Z6VT6hA2vGS6C0b7GyWwnpgak&__tn__=*NK-R" target="_self">#BuyBisaya</a>
Source: https://www.facebook.com/100068993806690/posts/pfbid02YT9Jv1gWegiwCQfqhP41iVomboosHCfoLVWm2q552jx6Gc7wgsN1qv4zX1NGQL4vl/?mibextid=cr9u03
By: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/DTI.Region7?__cft__[0]=AZW-JHf7Dj5hm1NfpaPv10rQGriid9c44Frt8eKN0WWBSm2MPoB6uCblLBE8eJLzW825aiv_KAmfCceCI56aw9PqB6vbAaAGqtiXSRn4rxiPguZ0YIDTR_hS4h0pmk_SGM8rF_Z5LOuY2ev74RYkYUUm96t-h9b7gvFFRQFpa4Z6VT6hA2vGS6C0b7GyWwnpgak&__tn__=-UC%2CP-R" target="_self">DTI Region 7 Central Visayas</a>

Support Local, Buy Bisaya

September 16, 2023
RECOGNIZING the need to boost Central Visayas’ food source amid an ongoing rice crisis and other challenges, the Regional Development Council (RDC) 7 approved on Friday, Sept. 15, 2023, the inclusion of the Tamlang Valley Sustainable Agriculture for Growth and Resiliency project in Negros Oriental into the Regional Development Investment Program (RDIP) 2023-2028.
Government officials said the 25,000-hectare Tamlang Valley is poised to become the food basket of the region, catering to the food demand of Bohol, Cebu, Siquijor, and Negros Oriental. The provinces are known for their tourism destinations, while Cebu is the region’s leading hub in industrial and information and communications technology.
The valley can mass produce high-value crops like rice (2,500 hectares), coconut (500 hectares), sugar and fuel ethanol (2,000 hectares), bananas (500 hectares), coffee and cacao (200 hectares), abaca, bamboo and banana grass (300 hectares), cassava and corn (200 hectares), livestock, and upland fisheries or tilapia farming (100 hectares).
Tamlang Valley is a hinterland area in Negros Oriental, straddling the municipalities of Siaton, Sibulan, Santa Catalina, and Valencia.
Negros Oriental endorsed the project through Provincial Development Council Resolution No. 76, series of 2023.
Total funding for the project is set at P1.463 billion.
The RDC 7 observes a P150 million threshold for projects to be included in the RDIP.
The Tamlang Valley project is proposed to be funded by the Department of Agriculture (DA) 7, Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) 7, National Irrigation Administration (NIA) 7, Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA) 7, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources 7, and the DA-Philippine Rural Development Program, with a counterpart funding from the Negros Oriental Provincial Government.
Full council endorsement
Melanie Ng, chairperson of the RDC Economic Development Committee (EDC), told the RDC 7 that the project met the Regional Development Plan (RDP) criteria for full council endorsement.
The EDC passed a resolution recommending RDC full council approval for the inclusion of the Tamlang Valley Sustainable Agriculture for Growth and Resiliency Project in the RDIP 2023-2028 during a special meeting on Sept. 13.
Ng said the EDC found the project supportive of the Central Visayas Regional Development Plan 2023-2028 strategies of ensuring food security, modernizing agriculture and promoting agri-business, and increasing the income-earning ability of individuals and families.
She added that the project is also set to contribute to the RDP outcome of “sufficient and stable supply of food commodities attained” through increased agriculture, aquaculture, and livestock production.
The project also met the funding requirement after the Negros Provincial Government submitted the revised and consistent figures on Sept. 13.
Various government agencies also signified support for the project with representatives from the DA 7, PCA 7, NIA 7, and PhilFIDA 7, providing inputs in the conceptualization through a two-day workshop on Aug. 29 to 30.
Ng also added that the project met the environmental and social acceptability criteria.
Preparations
Ng said Environmental Compliance Certificates and other essential environmental requirements will be prepared for the construction of farm-to-market roads and irrigation dams, while also considering the adoption of organic farming materials and technology to maintain soil fertility.
The EDC, however, recommended that the environmental management plan prioritize soil and water conservation methods to safeguard the water source from contamination.
Early in the meeting on Sept. 15, Negros Oriental Gov. Manuel Sagarbarria already sought the full support of the council to endorse the Tamlang Valley project noting the timeliness of the project amid the soaring prices of rice.
Edward Du, president of the Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry, briefed the members of the RDC 7 that the project’s needed endorsement was revived due to the rice crisis.
Du said the Philippines will be one of the most hit countries as it depends on Vietnam for its rice imports.
Currently, many countries that were previously supplied by India are now turning to Thailand and Vietnam for their rice needs. India recently ceased exporting non-basmati white rice, leading to a global disruption in rice supply and prices.
“The Philippines will be hit the most of this rice crisis because of El Niño and the climate change,” he said, during the RDC Meeting held in Dumaguete City.
Du said the Tamlang Valley project is expected to solve this problem and at the same time, help ensure food security not only for Negros but also for the entire Central Visayas.
He said the proposed agro-industrial zone, already has prospective investors and partner agencies that will develop the area.
Insurgency
Tamlang Valley’s potential was seen as early as 2007, with a feasibility study conducted by the Neda 7 and the first project conducted in 2008.
However, due to insurgency, the project was put on hold until 2017 when concerns about food security emerged.
In 2021, a partnership between the Philippine and Hungarian governments was inked to develop the Tamlang Valley Zone of Peace, Integrity, and Development Project, which will be rolled out in different phases from 2021 to 2024.
It will involve two major components – agricultural development, and social service and enterprise development.
The Hungarian Government has committed $100 million for the project.
Besides the approved inclusion of the Tamlang Valley project to the RDIP, the EDC also recommended the endorsement of the project as an agro-industrial estate to the DA for the conduct of a feasibility study and for the RDC to encourage regional line agencies in partnership with the private sector and civil society organizations to consider implementing programs, activities and projects in Tamlang Valley as convergence initiatives. Both of these recommendations were approved by the council.
The recently formed Tamlang Valley Management Council was also recognized and took oath on Friday.
source: https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1972842/cebu/local-news/rdc-oks-tamlang-valley-project-seeks-to-boost-food-security-in-cv?fbclid=IwAR1fkW5h0AbDaIEp4h2EiuH1FLZ0J3qkOKk21uATeEDqYjFtQyO5YBZSPic_aem_AR61jo9I41W64Fedc-uHJPwK_l2zoFPma_RSi2BP6vyCS7vy74xCJk27C1o6u1c25uY
by: Sunstar CEBU

RDC OKs Tamlang valley project, Seeks to boost food security in CV

CEBU CITY — The Quarry Permittees Association (QPA) of Negros Oriental led by its President Ruben William V. Carballo has entered into a Memorandum of Agreement with Integrated Digital Outdoor (IDO) Solution, OPC, Maayo Shipping, Inc., and the Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (NOCCI) to fully implement the provisions of the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) Circular No. 2020–27 dated June 17, 2020 and the newly-enacted Negros Oriental Provincial Ordinance No. 29, Series of 2023.
The signing of the MOA was held during a special meeting at Mezzo Hotel, Cebu City, on Aug. 14, 2023, which was also attended by DENR Regional Executive Director (RED) Paquito Melicor, Jr., Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB- 7) Regional Director Arman Malicse, and DICT–7 Regional Director Frederick Amores.
In that meeting, QPA got the full support of the three government agencies to fully implement all the provisions of EMB Circular 2020–27 by adopting the Provincial Eco Asset Reporting Monitoring System (PEARMS) Digital Platform of IDO Solution, Inc. as well as the manpower and administrative support of both NOCCI and Maayo Shipping, Inc.
The PEARMS Digital Platform provided by IDO Solution plays a vital role in efficiently monitoring asset and truck movements of all silica, sand and gravel permittees in Negros Oriental, ensuring transparency, compliance, and effective monitoring of all these quarrying activities in the province.
NOCCI and QPA will also seek the support of all local government units in Negros Oriental to adopt the PEARMS Digital Platform to ensure strict compliance with and effective enforcement of the newly enacted Negros Oriental Provincial Ordinance No. 29, Series of 2023.
Source: https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1819127/qpa-signs-agreement-supporting-new-circular-on-quarrying-in-negros-oriental

QPA signs agreement supporting new circular on quarrying in Negros Oriental 

The very first Philippine Economic Briefing (PEB) held in Cebu City on August 11, 2023 highlighted the promising performance and potential of the business community in the Visayas.
Fastest-growing region
In his keynote message, Department of Finance (DOF) Secretary Benjamin E. Diokno lauded the Western Visayas for being the fastest-growing region in 2022, with 9.3 percent growth, followed by Central Visayas with 7.6 percent and Eastern Visayas with 6.8 percent.
“The administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. recognizes this and is fully prepared to support its growth and development in the next five years,” the Finance Chief said.
To boost growth in sectors such as tourism, Finance Secretary Diokno cited that there are 65 infrastructure flagship projects of the PBBM Administration located in Visayas, with an indicative total cost of Php 1.7 trillion.
Department of Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco added that Cebu is now the number one most preferred traveler’s destination in the country, outranking its last year’s tourism performance: “A shining star of tourism, especially post-pandemic, has really been Central Visayas.”
Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Jaime J. Bautista added that there are 42 ongoing DOTr projects, which include the Php 17.05 billion New Dumaguete Airport, the Php 9.195 billion New Cebu International Container Port, and the Php 16.9 billion Cebu Bus Rapid Transit.
Meanwhile, Department of Budget and Management Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman assured the Visayas business community that the priority areas of the private sector are aligned with the priority expenditures of the administration.
Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry Central Visayas Regional Governor Melanie C. Ng responded positively to the reforms shared by the Economic Development Group in their presentations, especially on public spending, and noted that an increase in government spending means a high multiplier effect that is felt in the economy: “And that’s what we’ve been waiting for.”
Public-private sector collaboration
National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Undersecretary Joseph J. Capuno stressed, “The private sector and the government are in one mind on how to go about fostering the kind of development that we want in the Region.” He added that by taking advantage of key growth opportunities, “we can create not only more jobs, but also high-quality jobs in the Region.”
Regional Governor Ng noted that tourism, Information Technology and Business Process Management (IT-BPM), and creative industries are the key growth sectors in Visayas that the Philippine government should invest in.
“We are Visayans. We are very resilient people. We don’t wait for things to happen. We make things happen,” the Regional Governor said.
The last leg of the Post-State of the Nation Address (SONA) PEB is slated in Laoag City on August 14, 2023.
Source: https://www.dbm.gov.ph/index.php/secretary-s-corner/press-releases/list-of-press-releases/2885-we-make-things-happen-visayas-business-community

WE MAKE THINGS HAPPEN—VISAYAS BUSINESS COMMUNITY

Sen. Mark Villar, chair of the Senate Committee on Trade, Commerce and Entrepreneurship, urged entrepreneurs, local governments and the community to ensure that the journey to digitalization is both ecological and equitable.
Villar, the keynote speaker in the 32nd Visayas Business Area Conference (VBAC) in Panglao Island, Bohol Province last week, reminded local, provincial and regional chambers, local government officials, industry stakeholders Philippine Chamber of Commerce, and the academe to consider the far-reaching effects of technological advancements and how these shape sustainable business practices.
He cited the recent declaration of Bohol Island by UNESCO as the first Global Geopark in the Philippines as a proof of how sustainability in technology can harmonize to achieve milestones. Villar pointed out how a geological heritage of international significance can serve local communities by combining conservation of public outreach and sustainable approach to development.
“In these synergies between technology, governance and innovation that we must harness as we  journey as a digitized Philippines. The journey must be ecological and equitable. With the richness of our technology, we must not lose sight of our ecology or disregard the fairness of our society. We are welcoming the age of digital technology where business models, societies, economies and governments are constantly reshaped as we ponder over the economic frontiers that define our future. It is clear as daylight that the digital revolution holds unlimited potential. In the national reserves of Bohol we find a microcosm of what we may dream for the entire Philippines. The way technologies collaborate with the natural preservation and sustainable tourism in Bohol should serve as an inspiration to us all,” he added.
The senator also pointed out cybersecurity and data privacy as among the major challenges that need to be addressed decisively as it is a growing concern amid the digital revolution.
“This is where governance comes in. The role of governance goes beyond regulation and checks. It extends to fostering an enabling environment for technology and innovation to flourish. For instance, I am pushing for the Internet Transactions Act which is also one of the priority legislations of the President which is now in the advanced stage of legislation to create a framework for the consumers who engage in digital transactions and give them consumer protection. It is a long overdue bill. There are no clear rules and laws that will protect the consumers who engage in e-commerce.”
On the other hand, Information and Communication Technology Undersecretary Jocelle Batapa-Sigue told conference attendees that digitalization is not an end but rather, a means.
Batapa-Sigue said she may be part of the DICT but she does not advocate digitalization. Instead, she advocates outcomes and impact in the lives of Filipinos coming from digitalization. “At the end of the day, you ask this question: How [do] all these things change the lives of our citizens? The human connections that we need to counterpart.”
Furthermore, she enjoined all industry players and stakeholders to be part of DICT’s game plan. She invited the local business chambers of Regions VI, VII and VIII of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry – Visayas to take an active role in being an open partner of the growth in economy.
“I am an advocate of what we call “magic.” Magic is a formula that drives jobs and innovation. It means making [the] academe, government, industry or private sector, collaborate. How many of you as business leaders of your cities and regions have reached out to both government and Academe and all the stakeholders, realizing the business sector cannot do it alone? It has to be a whole-of-city, a whole-of-country, a whole-of- government approach. Everyone needs to harness and consolidate all the stakeholders. That’s the game plan in a nutshell. We’re here to connect,” she added.
Frank Carbon, chairperson of the 32nd VBAC, in his speech, said that one of the objectives of the conference was to demonstrate the importance and the need for the business sector to work together with the national and local government officials. Business alone, we cannot do this. Government alone, it will be very, very difficult. But if we work together we can move forward fast,” said Carbon.
The Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce has entered into a Memorandum of Agreement with the STI West Negros University that aims to strengthen the partnership and collaboration of the business and education sectors in educating and molding future professionals who are equipped with skills that the industries need.
Atty. Julie Ann Carbon, director and corporate secretary of the MBCCI, mentioned in her speech the partnership between the chamber and the university which she considers a breakthrough.
“In Negros Occidental, we had this signing of a MOA with STIWNU and we are so glad that representatives are here headed by Dr. Mima Villanueva, the Vice President for Academic Affairs. It is actually for meeting the objectives of the school and the chamber. We will be studying the curriculum and see whether it is aligned to the business needs of the industry,” explained Carbon.
Moreover, the PCCI-Visayas also reached out to national government agencies and invited NGAs like the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC).
“We are trying to bring in these national government agencies to join hands with us, to work with us on the power industry also. It is something that is very very important. The DOE and the directors and officers of the ERC, they are together in one team, trying to discuss the plans and programs of the DOE so that the ERC could also have their regulatory persons. So that there are no more gaps,” said the conference chair.
Conference organizers said the recently-concluded two-day conference served as a platform for stakeholders to address questions, share ideas and initiate dialogues. All inputs taken by attendees from the different discussions that covered various topics under the theme, “Exploring New Economic Frontiers in Technology, Governance and Innovation”, will be used to take definitive actions for a more sustainable, inclusive and digitized Philippines.*
Source: https://visayandailystar.com/villar-pushes-ecological-equitable-journey-to-digitalization/
By • YASMIN PASCUAL-DORMIDO

Villar pushes ecological, equitable journey to digitalization

Bohol Governor Erico Aristotle Aumentado underscored the importance of local governments and local business chambers to work together in order to create a business enabling environment when he spoke before entrepreneurs and members of local chambers in the Visayas during the opening of the expo in The Bellevue Pavilion in Doljo, Panglao Island, Bohol province yesterday.
He also shared initiatives of the provincial government towards digitalization.
“In the province of Bohol, we have recognized the significance of digitalization in shaping our future as we strive to become a smart and resilient province under our strategic change agenda embracing information and communication technology (ICT). We aim to create a business enabling environment that encourages investors to set up shops in our 47 municipalities and one city,” said Aumentado.
The province is also pursuing climate smart agriculture and tourism.
“We value our partnership with the business sector to ensure that the government’s efforts will result in a resilient and competitive province, making Bohol a significant player on the national stage. Our province is an emerging hub for investment and business opportunities aside from being the first UNESCO Global Geopark in the Philippines,” added the governor.
Frank Carbon, chairperson of the 32nd Visayas Area Business Conference (VABC) said the expo serves as a venue for local governments, national government agencies and entrepreneurs to meet and discuss ways on how they can effectively work together.
“The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) is breaking our four walls. We are building bridges towards the community. I’m referring to the community where we operate, the LGUs who manage the communities and the national government agencies. They are our partners now. We’re trying to link up and build partnerships with them. And this exhibit is focused on what are the various projects of our national government agencies that will benefit the communities and LGUs,” explained Carbon.
He further said that the initiatives of the PCCI aim to bring together these players so that they can connect and talk, because what used to happen was the NGAs just read about projects in communities in the papers.
Meanwhile, Vierna Teresa Ligan, officer-in-charge of the Department of Trade and Industry, congratulated the local chambers’ strong commitment towards developing innovative business models as they explore new borders where technology and innovation are the driving forces in improving business operation.
“Digital technologies drive inclusive and sustainable growth and generate operational efficiency in business. Today, there is a strong push to advance the use and applications of technology and innovation in the country across all processes both in government and private business operations,” she said as she emphasized how technology allows people, communities and governments to benefit from innovations and how it allows a country to leap frog and bypass obsolete technologies and systems.
The DTI pointed out that these technologies will further fuel improvements in productivity in sectors such as agriculture, industry, tourism, and services.
Furthermore, the conference theme, “Exploring New Economic Frontiers in Technology, Governance and Innovation” according to her, manifests that the Visayas Region is now ready to embrace current trends in business as technology and innovation contribute largely to the overall goal of the Philippine Development Plan that of establishing the foundation for inclusive growth, a high trust and resilient society and a globally competitive knowledge economy.
The DTI believes that through the promotion and adoption of technologies that incorporates innovation, the agency would like to see investments on technology-based startups and enterprises across all sectors where the creative capacity of entrepreneurs and businesses will be strengthened and further developed.*
Source: https://visayandailystar.com/investments-on-tech-based-startups-business-enabling-environments-pushed/
By • YASMIN PASCUAL-DORMIDO

Investments on tech-based startups, business enabling environments pushed

DUMAGUETE CITY – The Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NOCCI) is hopeful of a better Philippine economic forecast under the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
“The business sector is generally satisfied with the President’s report during his State-of-the-Nation Address (SONA), especially on the decreasing inflation rate from a high of 8.7 percent last year to 5.4 percent as of June 2023,” NOCCI president Edward Du told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) on Friday.
At the rate that it is going, the Philippines can keep up with being touted as among the fastest growing economies that the President noted in his SONA, he added.
The group also lauded the government's campaign against smuggling and hoarding of agricultural products by unscrupulous importers which usually threatens and upends micro, small and medium entrepreneurs.
“The proposed amendments to the Cooperative Code and Fisheries Code will also help solve our food sufficiency, food security and food inflation problems,” Du said.
The NOCCI executive said he is looking forward to a more stable, robust and faster internet connectivity after the President mentioned the importance of digitalization for a more efficient public service and minimizing graft and corruption in the government.
“The solution to high cost of electricity, lack of internet access and high cost of logistics is to bring in more foreign investors in renewable energy, telecommunications companies, airlines and shipping companies to foster more competition and break the current oligopoly in the power, telecommunications, airlines, and shipping industry,” Du said.
According to him, the “growing digital divide” will further increase inequality and that is why NOCCI has been championing free Wi-Fi and digitalization in the poorest provinces like Negros Oriental “to attract more foreign investors to invest in the countryside to narrow the gap.
Batting for a strong middle class, Du said the lack of internet access means a lack of access to basic necessities like electricity and water, access to information, new technologies, and new opportunities.
The NOCCI has established more than 35 free Wi-Fi zones with public and private partners in hard-to-reach areas in the province, to benefit especially the so-called last-mile schools.
With the President’s announcement of Starlink and other telecom companies coming in to strengthen the country’s internet connectivity, education will be boosted and the economy will continue to rise, Du said. (PNA)
Source: https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1206679
By Mary Judaline Partlow

Negros Oriental biz group sees growing economy under PBBM

Jul 27, 2023 - Jul 28, 2023
The Bellevue Pavilion, Doljo, Panglao Island, Bohol
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