| Regional Affairs
ASEAN action on FDI highlights urgency of reform for Philippines Business World 20th Mar 2016
MEMBERS of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have in recent months introduced policy measures aimed at facilitating the entry of foreign direct investment (FDI), highlighting the need for the Philippines to hurry along its programs to enhance competitiveness. “Clearly, the Philippines is falling more behind the other destinations of FDIs,” said Bernardo M. Villegas, professor at the University of Asia and the Pacific. He was reacting to a report by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) that says Asian countries took the lead in adopting investment policy measures that are mostly geared towards further opening up their economies. ECCP President Guenter Taus pointed out that 14 of the policy measures took place in ASEAN countries.
National Affairs
Aquino seeks fair coverage Manila Bulletin 31st Mar 2016
President Aquino yesterday gave local media another lecture on how to do their job. Recognizing the important role of the media to nation-building, President Aquino appealed for fair and comprehensive coverage of the election period. In his speech before the Publish Asia 2016 conference at the Manila Hotel, the President lamented what he described as bias of print media for “sensational candidates” and “clickbait” headlines, reminding them about the responsibility for truthful and fair reporting this elections season.
Roxas won’t retain Noy’s Cabinet PhilStar 31st Mar 2016
Liberal Party (LP) standard-bearer Manuel Roxas II is not likely to retain any of the Cabinet members of the present administration even if he wants to continue the daang matuwid or straight path advocacy of President Aquino. “I expect a clean slate as we begin in 2016,” Roxas told members of the Makati Business Club (MBC) and Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) at a forum yesterday. Roxas declined to identify individuals he plans to appoint to the Cabinet if he wins in May. “I’ve been through this a number of times when I served in the Cabinet in the past. It will be if I will name anyone, because they will be scrutinized, perhaps pilloried and demonized,” he said.
Noy: All presidential bets want to pursue my programs PhilStar 31st Mar 2016
There is no genuine or authentic opposition to the administration Liberal Party (LP) since all presidential candidates have nothing against his government and have vowed to pursue the reform programs he started, President Aquino said yesterday. “Even a surface perusal of all the platforms of their (LP standard-bearer Mar Roxas) opponents basically say they will not stop any of our programs, policies or projects, but rather enhance it,” Aquino told the crowd at the Manila Hotel. “This is unique in the sense that nobody can really be branded as primary opposition. Seems everybody wants to say that they will do exactly what we did but better,” he added.
Duterte assures media protection if elected PhilStar 31st Mar 2016
Presidential candidate Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte vowed that media practitioners will be protected under his presidency. Duterte called for greater protection of journalists in the country whose works he described as “under dangerous and even deadly conditions.” “The state must protect the media,” Duterte said. “In a democracy, the role of media is very important. In the absence of a credible opposition party, you can rely on the media,” he added. On Wednesday, the National Press Club challenged the presidential candidates to lay down their agenda for the media and their plans to address the media killings in the country.
Mar Roxas vows to provide connectivity to all Phl schools PhilStar 31st Mar 2016
Liberal Party (LP) presidential candidate Manuel Roxas II vowed to provide Internet access to all schools if he wins the upcoming election, believing this would help improve the quality of education in the country. Roxas said Internet access can help provide new ways of teaching old lessons and would enable students to connect with the rest of the world. “Internet access today is the same as what our road access was in the past. The road is what connected that far-off community to the rest of the country and the rest of the world, and now that is what Internet connectivity will do,” Roxas said in a presidential forum in Makati on Wednesday.
Poe camp: Ratings surge expected due to SC ruling PhilStar 31st Mar 2016
The camp of Sen. Grace Poe on Thursday said that the surge in the senator's survey ratings was expected due to the recent decision of the Supreme Court allowing her to run for president. In the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey commissioned by TV5, Poe topped the presidential poll with 35 percent while Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte obtained 26 percent. Vice President Jejomar Binay scored 18 percent while former Interior Secretary Mar Roxas scored 17 percent. Partido Galing at Puso campaign manager Cebu Rep. Ace Durano said that the favorable SC ruling was one of the factors why some supporters shifted loyalty to Poe. "The marked improvement in our survey performance is proof that our campaign efforts are achieving their desired results. We are able to reach more and more Filipinos with each day on the campaign trail," Durano said.
More key witnesses expected to attend money laundering probe CNN Philippines 28th Mar 2016
Senators expect Kim Wong to appear on Tuesday's (March 29) Senate investigation on the multi-million dollar money laundering scandal. Kim Wong is the casino junket who allegedly received a fourth of $81 million hacked from Bangladesh central bank. Senate Committee on Banks, Financial Institutions and Currencies chairman Sen. Serge Osmeña earlier said Wong could be the main coordinator of the alleged laundering scheme from the Rizal Commercial Bangking Corporation (RCBC) Jupiter branch in Makati to casinos.
Presidential debate 'not good form,' but good entertainment – analyst Rappler 22nd Mar 2016
The "improved" format of the second presidential debate held in Cebu City on Sunday, March 20, drew high expectations, as candidates had more time to answer questions and engage each other on various policy issues. The town hall format of the debate allowed candidates to interrupt each other and go on off-tangent attacks that shifted the discussion away from debate topics, but made for good entertainment, according to analyst and communications expert Clarissa David.
PiliPinas 2016 Cebu Presidential Debate: Winners of Part 1 Rappler 21st Mar 2016
Rappler editors named the following candidates as the winners for each of the 3 separate segments of the first parts of the presidential debate: Part 1 (on the FOI bill and corruption): Grace Poe Part 2 (on tax laws and Yolanda rehabilitation): No clear winner Part 3 (on crime and the coco levy issue): Mar Roxas The event was held Sunday, March 20 at UP Cebu.
Customs
BOC to start destroying rotten meat products at MICP Manila Bulletin 30th Mar 2016
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) may now proceed with the disposal of meat products that have been abandoned rotting in the Manila International Container Port (MICP) for two years. This came after the International Container Terminal Services. Inc (ICTSI), which runs the MICP, gave the go signal for the BOC to dispose of the meat products after it waived the charges on the meat shipments. MICP acting collector Mel Pascual said that storage fees for a first batch including five container vans of frozen meat have been waived by ICTSI, signaling the start of its destruction.
Government to remove hindrances to trade, export PhilStar 21st Mar 2016
The government intends to prioritize over the next two years the removal of unnecessary domestic regulations that raise the costs of production and restrict the flow of export products. The Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc. (Philexport) and the Export Development Council (EDC) said the newly approved Philippine Export Development Plan (PEDP) 2015 to 2017 outlines key strategies to fast track regulatory reforms in boosting the country’s trade and exports. According to the export groups, measures include accelerating and completing reforms at the Bureau of Customs through the immediate passage of the proposed Customs Modernization and Tariff Act as well as modernizing the agency by automating customs procedures.
Gov’t discusses TPP anew with US officials Inquirer 21st Mar 2016
THE PHILIPPINES and the United States agreed last week on an “expanded engagement” in the coming months to thresh out key bilateral issues and move forward in the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) discussions. US Trade Representative Office director Christine Brown and Philippine officials led by Trade Undersecretary Ceferino S. Rodolfo met last week in Washington to discuss investments, customs, intellectual property rights and agricultural trade issues under the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA). The discussions also centered around the Philippines’ interest in joining the TPP. The US officials briefed their Philippine counterparts on key TPP chapters of interest and reviewed plans for further technical consultations on TPP outcomes.
PRESS RELEASE: PHLPost and BOC ink MOA for speedier delivery of parcels PHL Post 21st Mar 2016
After the signing of the memorandum of agreement between Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) and the Bureau of Customs (BoC), a more efficient and reliable processing of parcel is expected in the coming days. PHLPost Postmaster General Joel Otarra and BoC Commissioner Bert Lina signed a memorandum of agreement to hasten the procedure in handling of parcel and speed up the delivery of packages. Both parties said this will give way for a centralized examination and assessment of duties, taxes and other charges on postal items which will be done in the Central Mail Exchange Center (CMEC) in Pasay City.
Defense & Security
Noy mulls submarine force for Philippine defense PhilStar 31st Mar 2016
As the Chinese military continues to tighten its hold on vast areas in disputed waters, the Philippine government is considering building a “submarine force” as a deterrent to Beijing. President Aquino made the pronouncement yesterday at the Publish Asia 2016 opening ceremonies, even as he stressed that nothing is concrete yet. He said the realization that the Philippines is a “natural transit point into the Pacific” has led him to “study whether or not we do need a submarine force.” In recent years, China has been expanding its control over large areas in the West Philippine Sea – by deploying warships and coast guard vessels as well as by building artificial islands, in the process destroying coral reefs and other marine resources.
Indonesian Military Not Needed to Free Hostages: the Philippines Jakarta Globe 31st Mar 2016
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Wednesday (30/03) said they will secure the release of ten Indonesians currently held hostage by the Abu Sayyaf militant group in southern Philippines. “Our constitution does not allow the involvement of other country's military forces here without a treaty,” AFP spokesperson Col. Restituto Padilla said in response to Indonesia's offer to deploy personnel to help free the hostages, as reported by Inquirer.net. Indonesian Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu previously said the Indonesian Military (TNI) and police are ready to deploy to release the ten Indonesians, who were kidnapped while traveling on a boat in Indonesian waters off North Sulawesi.
China’s airfields on Spratlys meant for fighter jets – US PhilStar 30th Mar 2016
A senior US State Department official yesterday disputed China’s claims that the airstrips built on its artificial islands in the South China Sea were meant for flights for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. Colin Willet, US deputy assistant secretary, Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, said what China has been doing in the region was to outstrip all other claimants. “The runways they’ve built are designed to accommodate strategic bombers, not cargo planes for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief,” Willet told a group of journalists in a teleconference from the US embassy in Manila.
Aquino says PH may need submarines to protect territory Manila Bulletin 30th Mar 2016
The Philippines may invest in its first ever submarine fleet to help protect its territory in the disputed South China Sea, President Benigno Aquino said Wednesday. The impoverished nation, which has never before operated submarines and until now relied on US surplus ships, has been ramping up its defense spending in response to China’s military expansion in the region. China claims almost all of the South China Sea – home to some of the world’s most important shipping routes – despite conflicting claims from the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan and Brunei.
Government inks deal to purchase anti-submarine choppers Business Mirror 30th Mar 2016
THE Department of National Defense signed on Tuesday the contract for the procurement of two anti-submarine helicopters from defense supplier AgustaWestland Inc. If delivered, the two choppers would be deployed aboard the two brand-new frigates that the military is also acquiring.
The U.S. military is moving into these 5 bases in the Philippines The Military Times 24th Mar 2016
A new agreement between the United States and the Philippines clears the way for a new permanent American military presence across five bases that will support rotational deployments near the contested South China Sea. The bases include: Antonio Bautista Air Base. Located near the capital of the island province of Palawan, which is strategically located near the contested Spratly Islands in the South China Sea. Basa Air Base. Located about 40 miles northwest of the Philippines' capital, Manila, the air base was originally constructed by the U.S. Army Air Corps before the Second World War. Fort Magsaysay. Located on the northern Island of Luzon, Fort Magsaysay is the largest military installation in the Philippines, and is one of the primary training areas of the Philippine Army.
Economics
ADB scales down PH GDP growth to 6% this year Manila Bulletin 30th Mar 2016
he Asian Development Bank (ADB) has cut its Philippine growth forecast from 6.3 percent to a flat six percent for this year but still expects “robust” consumer spending, investments, improved employment and higher state salaries. The estimated Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth is higher than its regional growth forecast of 5.7 percent this year, from actual growth of 5.9 percent in 2015. For 2017, ADB sees domestic growth of 6.1 percent.
Experts push for PH inclusion in TPP Inquirer 30th Mar 2016
Economists and industry experts are pushing for the country’s membership in the ambitious Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade deal, which is expected to boost Philippine exports by up to 42 percent, and gross domestic product, by 59 percent. According to the US Agency for International Development (USAID), experts believe the Philippines is primed to seize the opportunities and the significant economic gains from being part of the TPP, should it be opened up to a second round of membership. “The Philippines is well-positioned to seize opportunities in the TPP, given our experience and commitment to participate in various international fora and our pursuit of mutually beneficial trade agreements in the Asia-Pacific region and Europe,” said Cielito Habito, former director general of the National Economic Development Authority (Neda).
Challenges face Philippine trade, investments PhilStar 28th Mar 2016
Economic restrictions, poor infrastructure and bureaucracy remain the major concerns pulling back Philippine trade and investment from reaching their full growth potential, according to a report by the Nordic Business Council Philippines (NBCP). In its 2016 country report of the Philippines, NBCP identified key challenges that continue to affect the country’s competitiveness as a trade partner and investment destination. Topping the list are the economic restrictions in the 1987 Constitution which limit foreign participation in several industries.
Philippines is still poor: Philippine Daily Inquirer The Straits Times 28th Mar 2016
Poverty remains the one area that overshadows the economic achievements of the Aquino administration. At the end of a six-year term highlighted by enviable economic growths that began in 2010, more than 26 million Filipinos remain poor. And nearly half or more than 12 million of them live in extreme poverty and without the means to feed themselves. Contrast this with the few Filipino families who land every year in the Forbes magazine’s list of billionaires (in US dollars) and one can do the math.
January imports grew at fastest rate in 5 yrs Inquirer 24th Mar 2016
Amid robust domestic demand and sustained investor confidence, the value of imports in January jumped 30.8 percent year-on-year—the fastest growth rate in over five years, the government reported Wednesday. Preliminary Philippine Statistics Authority data showed that $6.825 billion worth of imported goods came in at the start of the year, exceeding the $5.219 billion a year ago as well as reversing the steep 25.8-percent year-on-year drop posted last December.
Energy
DOE rejects moratorium on coal plants’ development Manila Bulletin 30th Mar 2016
For once, the Department of Energy (DOE) has categorically stated that it will not impose moratorium on coal plant developments because these are still needed to meet the country’s growing energy demand. Instead, the department is working on policies and measures that shall set stricter standards on coal-fired power plants, including storage and handling of coal fuel. In a very emotional statement aimed at the recent pronouncement of former United States vice president Al Gore when he was in Manila, Energy Secretary Zenaida Y. Monsada has stated firmly that “we cannot stop coal plants” – at least she emphasized that “not at this time.”
Philippines Commissions Largest Solar Project In Southeast Asia Clean Technica 30th Mar 2016
Earlier this month, the largest solar power project in Southeast Asia was commissioned in the Philippines. The project is a clear demonstration of the fact that the Philippines is a rapidly emerging solar power market in Southeast Asia. Two solar power projects with a total installed capacity of 185 MW were commissioned in the Philippines. This includes the largest project in Southeast Asia, a 135 MW project now operational at Cadiz. According to local media reports, the project has been established with a total investment of $200 million.
Solar Power Caused Blackouts Across the Philippines — And It’s Going To Get Worse Daily Caller 28th Mar 2016
Solar power is wrecking the electrical grid in the Philippines, and the blackouts are only going to get worse according to reports by power grid operators published Monday. Data from the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) showed that solar power has caused ‘stress’ on the power grid, leading to brownouts and blackouts. The data show that solar power is frying the grid by producing either too much, or too little electricity, triggering failures and blackouts in the Visayas island group of the Philippines.
Higher power rates loom in April Inquirer 28th Mar 2016
Consumers may have to pay slightly higher power bills next month as distribution utilities such as Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) start collecting new Feed-in-Tariff (FIT) charges. Regulators recently approved higher FIT-Allowance (FIT-All) charges of 12.40 centavos a kilowatt-hour (kWh) for 2016. The current rate (implemented since February 2015) is 4 centavos a kWh. The higher FIT-Allowance (FIT-All) will result in an additional P16.80 in the monthly bill of a typical Meralco consumer using 200 kWh, officials of the power retailer said. That is, if all other bill components such as the generation, transmission and distribution charges as well as related taxes remain the same.
Green energy Philstar 20th Mar 2016
In Pililla, Rizal, 27 wind turbines are not only generating 54 megawatts of electricity but are also turning into tourist attractions. Over in Bangui, Ilocos Norte, a combined solar and wind power plant – said to be the first of its kind in the world – has been providing energy to the province. In nearby Pagudpud, also in Ilocos Norte, another wind farm is generating 81 MW of power. Alternative energy is gaining ground in the Philippines, and the government must provide the sector sufficient support. The other day, a 63.3-megawatt solar farm was inaugurated in Calatagan, Batangas. The largest of its kind in Luzon, the farm uses 200,000 solar panels and has the capacity to supply power to the entire western Batangas.
Renewable energy is becoming affordable Manila Bulletin 20th Mar 2016
For a number of years, the production of renewable energy—from the sun and the wind—languished because it was considered too expensive to produce. Now, however, the picture has changed. According to a recent report by the Lazard investment fund, the cost of electricity generation, using wind power, fell a whopping 61 percent in the years from 2009 to 2015. And the cost of solar energy, from the sun, fell a full 82 percent. This puts renewables into a price range that is competitive with fossil fuels, coal, or oil.
Aquino inaugurates Batangas solar farm Inquirer.net 20th Mar 2016
PRESIDENT Aquino on Wednesday inaugurated the 63.3-megawatt Calatagan Solar Farm, the biggest solar farm in Luzon that has claims to be able to power the noontime energy needs of western Batangas. Solar Philippines CEO Leandro Leviste said the Calatagan Solar Farm is one of the first of dozens of solar projects completed this year. It began operations just weeks before the Department of Energy’s (DOE) March 15, 2016 deadline for projects seeking eligibility for feed-in-tariff (FIT) incentives. The FIT system is a scheme to allow accelerated development of renewable energy by offering incentives to renewable energy producers such as long-term contracts and higher prices for renewable electricity they supply to the grid.
Energy group calls for stronger efficiency policy Manila Times 20th Mar 2016
Energy efficiency stakeholders are seeking from the Department of Energy (DOE) a stronger policy on accelerating Philippine compliance toward a low carbon energy sector. The Philippine Energy Efficiency Alliance Inc. (PE2), composed of 27 companies, seeks an expanded coverage of the proposed DOE circular to be released by the end of March. An expanded circular would include obligations of medium and large energy consumers may potentially serve as a bridge policy while efforts are underway to pass an urgent legislation. “There has been no energy efficiency and conservation law in the Philippines in the last 36 years. We believe that policies shifting toward energy efficiency, rather than energy conservation, support economic growth instead of stifling it,” PE2 president Alexander Ablaza said.
Philippines touts gas, renewables as answer to energy demand Climate Change News 20th Mar 2016
The Philippines government says it can meet rising energy demand and new climate targets with a mixture of gas and renewables steadily replacing coal in the country’s energy mix. Gas is the “fuel of the future” said Jesus Tamang, head of policy and planning at the energy department, outlining how Manila will meet a goal of cutting emissions 70% on business as usual levels by 2030. The expansion of the use of natural gas is seen to reduce 3.2 million tonnes of carbon dioxide by 2030.
Financial Services
SEC requires broker-dealers to build own websites Manila Bulletin 30th Mar 2016
To strengthen investor protection, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), had set a new requirement to brokerage firms, obliging them to build their own websites to improve their accessibility to the public. According to SEC, the websites shall contain basic information about the brokerage firms such as the services offered, the names, current photos and contact details of its directors, principal officers, associated persons and salesmen. The corporate regulatory watchdog said while this requirement is included in the 2015 Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Securities Regulation Code (SRC IRR), this is also “intended to enhance investor protection”.
SEC deems market merger too risky The Manila Times 29th Mar 2016
The Securities and Exchange Commission, explaining its disapproval of the takeover by the Philippine Stock Exchange of PDS Holdings Inc., the country’s fixed-income market operator, said the integration could pose a serious threat on the country’s capital markets. In a press briefing held on Tuesday, SEC Chairperson Teresita Herbosa, said the decision to deny the application for exemptive relief by the PSE was based on the paramount importance of public interest.
More US firms raring to invest in PH Philippine Daily Inquirer 21st Mar 2016
ABOUT six American firms engaged in manufacturing, IT-business process management and infrastructure are expected to firm up their planned investments and expansion plans in the Philippines within the year to take advantage of the country’s economic gains. This development was an offshoot of a successful road show held by the Philippine government in the United States earlier this month, Trade Undersecretary Nora K. Terrado said. Terrado said the government conducted a series of investment seminars in New York, Chicago and Las Vegas attended by hundreds of prospective US-based investors. On the sidelines, Terrado and her team were able to conduct one-on-one meetings with 12 American firms that have strongly expressed their interest to be part of the country’s economic success story.
Philippines’ mobile wallet providers announce interoperability Enterprise Innovation 21st Mar 2016
Mobile money interoperability in the Philippines took a step forward with the successful integration of the digital payments mobile app of Paymaya Philippines, the digital financial services arm of PLDT and Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), with Globe Telecom’s mobile money service GCash. It is seen to boost the local digital commerce ecosystem. The interoperability agreement is part of an initiative of the GSM Association (GSMA) and the Philippine Central Bank in making mobile money services more inclusive and accessible to more people in the country. With the interoperability in place, users of the PayMaya app can soon send funds to users of other mobile money systems, including GCash, and vice-versa. This move is seen to boost the growth of mobile money usage in the country, and in turn, expand the local digital commerce ecosystem.
Philippine central bank chief wants secrecy law lifted after heist Nikkei 18th Mar 2016
Philippine central bank Gov. Amando Tetangco on Friday made a fresh call to relax the country's bank secrecy law in the wake of an $81-million digital heist that has raised questions about the country's ability to block illicit fund transfers. "Right now, the prevention of this particular illegal activity like money laundering is being hampered by the very strict bank deposit secrecy law," Tetangco told reporters.
Food & Agriculture
Bio-fertilizer machines help turn household waste into farm inputs Inquirer 30th Mar 2016
With the Philippines gaining recognition all over Asia for achievements in organic farming, the Department of Agriculture is ramping up efforts to popularize the use of bio-fertilizers, particularly through composting as a community activity. To fuel the initiative for composting, the DA’s Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM) through the National Organic Agriculture Program (NOAP) prepared a P100-million package of composting facilities for biodegradable wastes (CFBW) and small-scale composting facilities (SSCFs) for nationwide distribution.
Philippines seen as regional hub in new strategy PhilStar 30th Mar 2016
The Philippines is embarking on an ambitious plan to become a regional manufacturing, services and agribusiness hub starting 2022 under the Comprehensive National Industrial Strategy (CNIS). The CNIS is the country’s blueprint for overall industrial development strategy covering the sectors of agriculture, manufacturing, and services. “CNIS links the manufacturing sector with the agricultural and services sectors. In the process, forward and backward linkages will be strengthened, supply chain gaps will be addressed and the industries’ participation in the global and value chains will be deepened,” Trade Secretary Adrian Cristobal Jr. said in a presentation yesterday.
Climate change threatening Philippines’s food security PhilStar 28th Mar 2016
Climate change as manifested by the destructive El Niño and La Niña phenomena is threatening the country’s food security, an official of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has warned. Speaking before the joint House special committees on food security and climate change recently, Thelma Cinco, head of the impact assessment and applications section of PAGASA, said the dry and wet spells brought about by El Niño and La Niña would greatly and directly affect agricultural production. She said there has been an increase in global sea surface temperature of 0.85 degree Celsius since 1880, and is projected to further go up in the coming years due to climate change. She said the country will experience an average of 19 weather disturbances yearly, mostly during the last quarter.
Corn farmers bat for exports World Grain 30th Mar 2016
Local corn growers have expressed confidence that they could tap the export market over the medium term and be very competitive in the Asean economic community, after the issuance of government guidelines on biotechnology. Roger Navarro, president of the Philippine Maize Federation Inc. (Philmaize), said that corn producers could be assured of better yields and be allowed to export at the proper time. "With the new JDC (joint department circular) for biotechnology, local corn farmers have better chances of tapping the export market because we will continue reaping higher yields with Bt corn," Navarro said in an interview.
SEARCA completes regional surveys for crop project sites The Manila Times 30th Mar 2016
Philippine-based Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) recently staged a reconnaissance survey of rice, corn, and coconut producing regions appraise appraisal potential project sites. SEARCA’s Linking Farmers to the Market: Towards Transforming Subsistence Farms to Commercial Farms conducted the survey and participatory rapid area appraisal (PRA) in potential project sites in Isabela, Cagayan, Nueva Ecija, Pangasinan, Quezon, Iloilo, Lanao del Norte, Zamboanga del Norte, Bukidnon and North Cotabato. The surveys were conducted from December 2015 to March 2016. The project is funded by the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Agricultural Research (DA-BAR).
Albay declared UNESCO biosphere reserve Rappler 21st Mar 2016
The province of Albay has been declared a biosphere reserve by the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), joining a list of areas around the world that are prime examples of sustainable development and biodiversity. The approval was given by the UNESCO during a two-day meeting in Lima, Peru, following the recommendation of Man and Biosphere (MAB) program's International Co-ordinating Council (ICC). The newly-added sites were announced Saturday, March 19.
Alarm bells for agri sector Philstar 21st Mar 2016
We know how bad our agriculture sector has been performing lately. In terms of average growth, it lags significantly behind the country’s economic gross domestic product stats for some years now. Our farmers’ products poorly compete with the onslaught of cheap imports of many agricultural products, especially now that tariff barriers with ASEAN countries continue to be lowered or are being fully eliminated. Then too, in terms of competitiveness, compared to other Asian countries, the country’s agricultural production cost is much higher for almost all products, making the Philippines vulnerable to large-scale smuggling.
FAO, DA initiate use of drones for DRR in agriculture sector Sun Star 21st Mar 2016
Drones were launched Thursday in Pampanga to officially mark a joint undertaking by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Department of Agriculture (DA) to initiate the use of the technology for disaster risk reduction in the agriculture sector. “The adoption of modern technologies in agriculture, such as the use of drones or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), can significantly enhance risk and damage assessments, and revolutionize the way we prepare for and respond to disasters that affect the livelihoods of vulnerable farmers and fishers and the country’s food security,” FAO Representative in the Philippines José Luis Fernández said in a statement.
DOST launches agri, aqua business hub the Manila Times 21st Mar 2016
Science and Technology Secretary Mario Montejo recently inaugurated the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD) Innovation and Technology Center (DPITC) that will house a modern exhibition hub, a digital library, a conference facility, and a business hub. A new platform for technology promotion, transfer and commercialization, the center offers the following services: intellectual property protection, technology assessment, licensing, investment packaging, spin-off support, manpower training, market matching and expert services delivery.
More perks ready for agriculture lending Philstar 21st Mar 2016
Guidelines and incentives on lending to the agriculture sector were crafted to entice banks to extend credit to the industry traditionally accounting for a tenth of the Philippine economy. “This type of financing would facilitate and allow small farmers/fisherfolks to have, if not more, access to credit,” the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said. “This is expected to further improve productivity in the agriculture and fisheries sectors and at the same time, uplift the lives of these marginalized farmers/fisherfolks,” it added. Under Circular 908, banks and other covered financial institutions are mandated to craft policies and procedures for lending to the entire “agriculture value chain.”
Health & Life Sciences
Philippines’s health expenditure climbs to P526 B PhilStar 31st Mar 2016
The country’s spending on health increased to more than P526 billion with more than half of it coming out of the pockets of Filipinos, data from the Philippine National Health Accounts (PNHA) show. According to the PNHA, which is under the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), public health expenditure was over P526 billion in 2013, or 11.7 percent higher than the P471 billion spent in 2012. Of that amount, 56.3 percent or P296.5 billion came from out-of-pocket spending. These are expenses paid for by individuals for medicine, medical consultation and hospitalization. The percentage is higher than the ideal 45 percent. Private sources like insurance companies, health maintenance organizations (HMOs) and expenses by private establishments and schools accounted for P62.4 billion or 11.9 percent of the 2013 health spending.
Philippines tops in breast cancer incidence around the world Interaksyon 30th Mar 2016
Unknown to many, the Philippines has the highest incidence rate of breast cancer among 197 countries of the world with an increase of 589 percent over a 30-year period. This was bared by Dr. Ellen A. Manzano of the Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society, who is dean of the College of Medicine of the Lyceum Northwestern University in Dagupan City during a Breast and Cervical Forum at CSI Stadia on Tuesday. She said around 500,000 women around the world die of cervical cancer every 47 minutes. In the Philippines, she said, at least 12 Filipino women die of cervical cancer each day.
WHO: Anti-dengue vaccine review not yet completed Manila Bulletin 30th Mar 2016
A week before the Department of Health (DOH) starts administering the first ever anti-dengue vaccine to thousands of public school students, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced that it has not yet completed its review on the product. In a statement, WHO said it is still awaiting its Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE) to release its findings on Sanofi Pasteur’s Dengvaxia, which is expected to be completed next month. “The WHO Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization is currently reviewing the evidence and will advise WHO (likely in April 2016) on recommended use of a dengue vaccine,” WHO said.
DOH shelves modernization plan for Philippine Orthopedic Cente Manila Bulletin 29th Mar 2016
The modernization plan for the Philippine Orthopedic Center (POC), the 70-year-old national referral for orthopedic disorders and spinal injuries, is temporarily shelved as the Department of Health (DOH) still cannot find a qualified provider. “Temporarily shelved siguro ang pwedeng sabihin because government is not backtracking on the mandatory 70 percent indigent or PhilHeath only, no balance billing patient. So because of this impact, hind pa umuusad ang usapan ng POC (Maybe we can say that it is temporarily shelved because government is not backtracking on the mandatory 70 percent indigent or Philheath only, no balance billing patient. So because of this impact, the talks on the POC is not moving),” Health Secretary Janette Loreto-Garin said.
Philippines: Largest mass screening for TB held in New Bilibid Prison ICRC News Release 29th Mar 2016
The largest mass screening for tuberculosis (TB) in the country is being held for about 5,700 inmates in New Bilibid Prison (NBP), Muntinlupa City, as part of efforts to end TB in Philippine jails and prisons. The mass screening in the maximum security compound, which began on March 14 and will end in May, is the fourth such activity held in NBP with the support of the ICRC, in collaboration with the Department of Health and the Philippine Business for Social Progress.
The Philippines is now a diabetes hotspot Inquirer 29th Mar 2016
Simple guidelines can help diabetics avoid the dire, costlier complications of their affliction. They just have to memorize fractions, small numbers, letters and hand gestures. One such example is the Three A’s. The rule lists general qualities in food and beverages that can compromise a diabetic’s health: apat ang paa, asin, asukal. It instructs diabetics to avoid meat from four-legged animals, and opt for chicken or fish. They should also cut back on salty and sweet items. Food is a major concern for people diagnosed with diabetes, said Dr. Danilo Baldemor at a press conference of The Diabetes Store (TDS)—the country’s first one-stop-shop for diabetes-related matters.
Cebu debate: Education, health on agenda, but not discussed Rappler 21st Mar 2016
The second presidential debate held in Cebu on Sunday, March 20, was expected to discuss climate change and disaster preparedness, education, health, and corruption, as set by the Commission on Elections (Comelec). Education and health, however, were sorely missing.
ICT
Globe boosts data capacity, coverage Business Mirror 29th Mar 2016
Mobile services operator Globe Telecom Inc. is embarking on the second tranche of its multimillion-dollar network modernization program—a feat that is seen boosting its capacity and helping plug the infrastructure gap in the Philippine telecommunications industry. Ernest L. Cu, president of the Ayala Corp.’s telco arm, said his company is ready to pour in billions of pesos to implement its program that will build up the listed firm’s data capacity and coverage.
Globe to spend capex on fiber optic network The Manila Times 29th Mar 2016
Telecommunications provider Globe Telecom (Globe) is spending the bulk of its $750-million capital expenditure (capex) for 2016 on installing fiber optic cables in 20,000 communities all over the Philippines in a bid to expand its network. Globe president and chief financial officer (CEO) Ernest Cu said the telco is looking to boost its capacity by 70 percent, and is planning to take away the stigma of having the slowest internet speed from the Philippines.
DoTC, Ateneo ink agreement on gov’t data Business World 29th Mar 2016
THE DEPARTMENT of Transportation and Communications (DoTC) yesterday inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU), in line with observing transparency in the release of government data. The agreement “formalizes this Open Data initiative which consolidates the continuously growing collection of public data sets from the DoTC and our attached agencies in one platform,” DoTC Secretary Joseph Emilio A. Abaya said in a speech delivered after the signing ceremony at the Ateneo campus in Quezon City. The Open Transport Web site, created by Ateneo students, provides information on local transport infrastructure such as airports, seaports
US aircraft with Philippines’s first microsatellite launched into space PhilStar 24th Mar 2016
The US commercial spacecraft Cygnus carrying the Philippines’ first microsatellite Diwata-1 was successfully launched into space yesterday morning in preparation for the satellite’s eventual deployment into orbit next month. Carlos Primo David, executive director of the Department of Science and Technology’s Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD), said that with the successful launch of Orbital ATK’s Cygnus spacecraft that carried Diwata-1 as one of its 7,500 pounds of payload, the next step was for the release into orbit of Diwata-1 in late April. Cygnus is expected to dock at the International Space Station (ISS) around six hours after its launch from the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida.
Education and the Internet for a sustainable PH Rappler 21st Mar 2016
By 2030, the United Nations has set an agenda to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all. At the helm of these sustainable development goals is better access to education. When an individual gains sufficient knowledge and skills, he can make life better, not just for himself, but for others. Education is the gateway to address all other development issues, including equality, environmental preservation, and modernization. Access to inclusive and quality education is global concern. According the UN, enrollment in primary education in developing countries has reached 91 percent, but 57 million children remain out of school. Worldwide, 103 million youth still lack basic literacy skills, and more than 60 percent of them are women.
Recto warns: Poor man’s ATM are also vulnerable to hacking Philippine Canadian Inquirer 20th Mar 2016
Cyber thieves in the Philippines may not have the sophistication of their international counterparts to stage billion-peso heists, but they now have the capability to steal millions of pesos from automated teller machines (ATM) stationed all over the country. What is alarming, according to Senate President Pro-Tempore Ralph Recto, is the fact that the Philippine National Police’s Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) has only 110 officers who serve as special investigators for all internet-related crimes. The growing menace of cybercrime, Recto said, should move Malacañang to immediately sign into law the Congress-approved bill creating the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).
Microsoft Philippines Announces Technology Manifesto Business News Asia 21st Mar 2016
Microsoft Philippines announced here the “ICT for Shared Prosperity: A Technology Manifesto for the Philippines, 2016 and Beyond”, which identifies national challenges and issues that need to be addressed, and key technology pillars that can help in championing and driving economic progress in the Philippines. The Manifesto identifies three economic growth drivers that rely heavily on technology for their operations: Business Process Outsourcing, now a US$20-billion industry in the country; Online Filipino Workers or freelancers, now estimated at over 1 million strong; and Small and Medium Businesses, which comprises of 99% of the total business landscape in the Philippines and contributes 35% to the national GDP.
Palace has yet to get copy of Congress-approved DICT bill Business World 21st Mar 2016
THE FATE of a bill creating a new department focused on information and communications technology remains uncertain after the Congress-approved measure has yet to be received by the Office of the President. The proposed measure creating a Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT) has not reached the president’s office, more than three months after it was passed by the Senate and the House of Representatives, Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office Undersecretary Manuel L. Quezon III said on Monday. “[A]s far as what we have been able to check with the Office of the Executive Secretary is that the enrolled bill has not yet been transmitted to [Office of the President],” Mr. Quezon said during a press briefing at the Malacañang Palace on Monday. Tagged as a priority measure of Congress, the proposed law was already passed in both Congressional chambers as of December 2015. House Bill No. 6198, the measure at the House of Representatives, was passed on third and final reading in October 2015.
PHL telcos urged to prepare for 5G, IoT, cloud system Manila Bulletin 18th Mar 2016
Local players in the telecommunications sector are urged to prepare for the transition of 4G to 5G, Internet of things (IoT), and cloud system as these will bring digital disruption in various industries. In a briefing on Friday, Ericsson Philippines and Pacific Islands President and Country Manager Sean Gowran, shared the highlights of the recent Mobile World Congress 2016 held in Barcelona, Spain which include 5G, IoT, and cloud. Gowran noted that 5G will push for faster Internet connections that can accommodate more devices and support more app activities.
Infrastructure
New MRT trains fail to meet March deadline for commercial run CNN Philippines 31st Mar 2016
Daily passengers of the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT 3) will have to wait some more for an easier commute as the promised additional trains of the mass transport system will not be making the targeted date for commercial run, which the transportation department set by the end of March — or before April. The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) said on Tuesday (March 29) that the first new train set of two light rail vehicles (LRVs) had not yet completed the required 5,000-kilometer run before it could be put into actual operation.
MRT3 rail replacement project announced The Manila Times 30th Mar 2016
The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) is inviting interested parties to participate in the bidding of a P1.2-billion rail replacement project of the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT3). In an invitation to bid the DOTC said that it is opening the bidding for rail replacement for the MRT3. The project is expected to be completed within 24 months.
National roadmap highlights 5 key industries Inquirer 30th Mar 2016
A comprehensive blueprint of the government’s industrial development strategy champions the development of five priority industries that are expected to generate more quality jobs and help sustain a high level and inclusive economic growth. In a forum yesterday, Trade Assistant Secretary Rafaelita M. Aldaba said the government’s Comprehensive National Industrial Strategy (CNIS) identified these industries as manufacturing, agribusiness, tourism, infrastructure and logistics and IT-business process management, which were all expected to play a key role in realizing an economic transformation.
Bidding for Laguna dike project fails Inquirer 29th Mar 2016
The bidding process for the P123-billion Laguna Lakeshore Expressway Dike project failed yesterday as bidders snubbed the public private partnership (PPP) deal, dimming prospects for its revival within the term of President Aquino. The project, which has a 37-year concession period, was an ambitious solution to heavy flooding in the area as well as parts of Metro Manila. It combines a 47-kilometer tollroad from Taguig in Metro Manila to Los Baños in Laguna running on top of a flood control dike, which would have been the longest in the world. Its main business sweetener is a 700-hectare land reclamation project on Laguna Lake that could be developed into mixed-use communities.
Creating sustainable transport systems: PH's progress so far Rappler 28th Mar 2016
It only takes a glance at Metro Manila’s major thoroughfare to know how bad traffic is in the Philippines’ national capital region. Rush hour or not, EDSA seems perpetually stuck in a state of congestion. Cars crawl along the 23.9-km highway and easily spend at least an hour in non-moving traffic. Commuters spill out onto the streets, fighting each other for standing-room space in crowded buses. Overhead, one of the metro’s train lines chug along dilapidated rails, carrying twice its maximum capacity. It’s considered a good day for commuters if the train doesn’t suffer yet another technical glitch.
The 75 choices on PPP menu Business Mirror 20th Mar 2016
Why public-private partnership (PPP) for a road project and not procurement using public funds? Why do most local government units and water districts opt for joint ventures and not a build-operate-transfer scheme? Why will government assume the right-of-way risk and not the operations risk? Why use the lowest tariff, not the highest concession fee, as financial parameter for bulk-water supply project? Why bundle a reclamation project with land development and expressway, and why unbundle a radiology department from a PPP of the whole hospital? Why contribute the usufruct of government property and not cash in a PPP arrangement? The answers to these questions can be found on the PPP menu.
Manufacturing
PHL seen as electronics production hub in region Business Mirror 31st Mar 2016
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has seen the Philippines to be a production hub for electronics companies in the region, as the country attracts more investments in the sector. DTI said on Thursday that the country is fast becoming a regional hub for the manufacture of electronic products and components, with the investments of multinational electronics firms, allowing the country to increase its share in the sector’s global value chain.
DTI eyes support strategies for 3 high-potential sectors Business Mirror 30th Mar 2016
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is framing its support strategies for three underperforming manufacturing sectors with high potentials to maximize growth. Assistant Secretary for Industry Development Rafaelita M. Aldaba said studies are being made to determine the type of support needed by the electronics, shipbuilding and chemicals sectors to reach their respective growth potentials.
PH seeks US help to entice big manufacturing companies Manila Bulletin 21st Mar 2016
The Philippines is seeking assistance from the US government to help drive hardcore American manufacturing investments into the country so its long-time ally can also become part of the global value chains. Trade and Industry Undersecretary Ceferino S. Rodolfo, who recently led a Philippine delegation in Washington D.C. for the annual review of Trade and Investment Framework Agreement and the Bilateral Strategic Dialogue, said the Philippines has pushed for a collaboration with the US government so that big American industrial manufacturers will go to the Philippines instead of elsewhere. According to Rodolfo, what the DTI would like to attract are hard core American industrial manufacturing firms, not just the garments sector.
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