Trade and Industry Updates: Bohol

2011-06-27T17:39:00.001+08:00

Click on this link for updates:

Department of Trade and Industry - Bohol

2011-06-27T16:53:00.002+08:00

New Link for Update

Please see new DTI facebook link at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Department-of-Trade-and-Industry-Bohol/235057746514073 for updates. Thank you.

2008-10-20T15:43:00.000+08:00

Abatan River Cluster LGUs conglomerate for economic development

Text by BEGT Zabala/PGMA

The Province of Bohol is renowned as a prime tourist destination with a special brand of tourism which melds culture (to include its people), environment and agriculture. That, being an agriculture economy, and tourism as its main economic drivers. But somehow, much of the province’s areas have yet to directly benefit or even enjoy from the blessings that tourism has endowed to a few municipalities.

Talking about environmental assets in the province that has high tourism potential the Abatan River comes to mind. With it’s richness of resources coming from the top up down to the shorelines. Looking at the town of Loboc which has ridden the tourism bandwagon way ahead of all other towns, Abatan River indeed can possibly compliment, compete if not exceed what Loboc River has attained.

The visionary leaders of the towns (Antequera, Balilihan, Catigbian, Cortes and Maribojoc alphabetically) where the Abatan River traverses has seen this potential a good three or for years back which was spurred by an NGO, unregistered one even at that, to see the “diamond in the rough” and it is only now that the members of this cluster were given the opportunity to have a tool that they can learn to maximize their efforts, initiatives and resources in improving the economic development of not only the respective towns but to the whole cluster. This, primarily redounds, to poverty alleviation or its eradication among of its contituents.

The tool is the participatory approach called Local and Regional Economic Development or LRED wherein which last Friday and Saturday October 17 and 18 had it’s Consolidation Workshop at the Grand Ballroom of the Metro Centre Hotel and Convention Center. Consolidation since there has already been LRED workshops in the respective LGUs in the past few months. The activity was participated in by mot only the LCEs and its policy-making body but also by other respective stakeholders including the private sector.

LRED purposedly intends to build up economic capacity of a local/regional area to improve its economic and the quality of life for all. It is a process by which public and private sector partners work collectively to create better conditions for economic growth and generation of employment.

LRED is an approach crafted through the assistance of the Private Sector Promotion Program SMEDSEP(Small and Medium Enterprises Development for Sustainable Employment Program) or PSP-SMEDCEP, a project of Technical Cooperation, GTZ, between the Republic of the Philippines and the Federal Republic of Germany and the Department of Trade and Industry.

Key participants to the activity were Mayors Cecelia Rebosura of Antequera, Victoria M. Chatto of Balilihan, Capt. Bert Salinas Catigbian, Jas Balistoy of Cortes and Leoncio Evasco of Maribojoc. Other important quests who delivered messages were DTI-7 Regional Director Asteria Caberte, Ma. Elena Arbon of the Provincial DTI, Anja Gorm, Program Manager for PSP-SMEDSEP, Merriam Bacalso, GTZ-SMEDSEP Region-7 Coordinator, Congressman Edgar Chatto, Atty. Tomas Abapo, Jr. in behalf of the Governor. Other observers include GTZ-SMEDSEP Coordinators Rea Ledesma of Region-6 and Racquel Carpio of Region-8. The workshop was facilitated by Linda Paredes and Emilia Roslinda of PROCESS-Bohol and last but definitely not the least Mr. Blair Panong of DTI as moderator and Master of Ceremonies.

2008-10-20T15:39:00.000+08:00

LRED Planning Workshops in Bohol: Laying the foundation for competitive local economies

The Department of Trade and Industry – Bohol Provincial Office and the Small and Medium Enterprise Development – Sustainable Employment Program of the German Technical Cooperation (GTZ) applied the LRED model to support the economic development of the LGUs involve in the Abatan River Development Project. LRED is a process to mobilise stakeholders from the public and private sectors as well as from the civil society, to become partners in a joint effort to improve the economy of a defined territory and thus increase its competitiveness. The approach is being implemented in the Abatan River Development Program, involving towns covered by the Abatan River Tour, namely: Maribojoc, Cortes, Balilihan, Antequera and Catigbian, The five municipalities are planning collectively for the economic growth of their cluster.

The implementation of LRED in Bohol started with the LRED training of facilitators (TOF) conducted last September 2 to 5, 2008 at the Metro Centre Hotel graduating thirty (30) facilitators coming from the Department of Trade and Industry, Provincial Planning and Development Office and the local government units of Maribojoc, Cortes, Balilihan, Antequera and Catigbian.

Following the training of facilitators (TOF), Local and Regional Economic Development (LRED) Planning Workshops in the municipalities of Catigbian (Sept. 9-11), Cortes (Sept. 16-18), Maribojoc (Sept. 23-25), Antequera (Sept. 30-Oct. 2) and Balilihan (Oct. 8-10) were conducted.

On October 17-18, 2008, 8:30AM to 5:00PM at the Metro Centre Hotel, Tagbilaran City, the final activity, Abatan River Cluster LRED Workshop was conducted. The activity presented an economic picture of the cluster using the outputs of the municipality workshops as discussion inputs on how the area can leverage its strengths and opportunities as it moves towards greater economic development. ***

2008-08-14T13:23:00.000+08:00

A GLIMPSE OF SUCCESS

(A Romance Inspired Business Endeavor)

Loomweaving in the province of Bohol is a century old industry utilizing raffia fibers derived from young buri leaves. Handloomweaving has been handed down from generation to generation by skilled artisans and craftsmen in nine (9) municipalities of Bohol.

This industry has gained considerable acceptance in the world market brought about by the emerging global demand for environment-friendly products. The inherent dexterity and diligence of approximately Five Thousand Sixty Two (5,062) active Boholano loomweaving individuals enabled them to explore new possibilities in designs and colors, which have positioned loomwovens as a seller’s market.

The Taming Loomweavers Multi-Purpose Cooperative is located in Barangay Taming, Danao, Bohol a mountainous barangay some 89 kilometers away from the capital city of Tagbilaran and 3 kilometers from the Poblacion. It is an agricultural barangay with rice, vegetables, peanuts, and coconut as major crops.

Just like any other typical agricultural communities, the primary source of income then came from the harvest of these agricultural crops. Although additional income has been derived from swine, poultry and livestock raising. These activities at least helped the residents in their economic difficulties.

Things started to look bright for the residents when the barangay was identified by the Department of Agrarian Reform as an Agrarian Reform Community (ARC). A variety of interventions came their way one of which is the skills training on loomweaving conducted by the Department of Trade and Industry – Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (DTI-CARP). The activity was conducted at the Taming multi-purpose hall with only 15 participants and 4 handlooms provided by the Philippine-Australia Technical Support for Agrarian Reform for Rural Development (PATSARRD). The trainer then was the former manager of the Pinayagan Sur MPC a cooperative also engaged in the loomweaving business. During our seminar a romantic engagement took place between the trainer and one of our participants and after a month of courtship marriage took place. This is a good sign for the project because the group found a leader with technical expertise to guide them in this business endeavor.

With the assistance of the Jose L. Gonzaga Memorial Foundation and the strong support of the Local Governement Unit of Danao they organized the Taming Loomweavers Association. They started to venture in the loomweaving business and with the marketing assistance of Ms. Natty Gonzaga they started serving small time buyers from Manila most friends of the Gonzaga’s.

During the 2007 Sandugo Regional Product Showcase the Taming Loomweavers Association participated in the fair but their products were hardly noticed by visiting exporters and buyers maybe because their products still need improvements and they had a low production capacity. After the fair they took it as a challenge to improve their products with the dream that someday they will be one of the premier loomwoven producers in the province.

With the continued assistance of the Jose L. Gonzaga Memorial Foundation, the DTI-CARP and the perseverance and sacrifices of the members of the group aimed in improving their skills as well as to train more members they were able to increase the number of their weavers from 10 to 25 capacitated weavers. Through the marketing assistance provided by the Jose L. Gonzaga Memorial Foundation they started serving orders from Manila though these are minimal orders but this serve as an inspiration to the weavers to work and improved their skills because they believe that this will be the stepping stone for more orders from Manila-based buyers.

The weavers did not expect that the skills they learn would become their main livelihood. The skill has since helped their respective husbands bring food to the family table and send their children to school.

In May 2008, the Department of Trade and Industry- Bohol Provincial Office conducted a product development clinic funded by the OTOP funds. Soliven Designs and Consultancy Services, a Manila-based company was tapped to do the product clinic with Mr. Rey Soliven as the design consultant. Two design collections were introduced - the African Collection and the Elm Collection with 14 designs in the collections. Prototypes were made out of the designs given in different color combinations.

During the 2008 Regional Product and Raw Material Showcase their product caught the eye of visiting exporters like 33point3 Exports, Island Accents International and Manila Economic & Cultural Office and most of local buyers and tourist. They have generated a total cash sales of Php 25,000.00 and Booked order of Php 504,000.00 and a number of sampling orders for development from big time exporters and resort owners.

Such exposures encouraged the cooperative and its members to go beyond production level so as to hone their rural entrepreneurial capabilities, build up the confidence of the cooperative in promoting its products, and provide a venue for the cooperative to go into marketing and networking.

Marilou Cosare, the manager of the cooperative, admits that never in her wildest dreams had she imagined that the project would go this far. She vows that such exposures to these exhibits and fairs have transformed their perspectives from passive to more progressive outlook, which she hopes to be emulated by other organizations. Moreover, she claimed that they have now acquired a higher level of confidence to manage their economic activities.

With one foot now inside the international market, there’s no stopping the Taming MPC to continue weaving its way to a brighter tomorrow. ***

2008-08-14T13:10:00.000+08:00

Sandugo 2008 emphasized the role of SMEs in the economy

Laying the foundation for globally-competitive SMEs

The Sandugo Regional Product and Raw Material Showcase devoted a day celebrating the role of micro, small and medium enterprises in nation-building and economic development. July 24, 2008 marked the SME DAY for the province of Bohol starting off with a motorcade from DTI Bohol office to ICM – Activity Center. The day highlighted the initiatives of the Bohol SMED Council, launching of DTI-SMEDSEP Programs along with the launching of SPIN Program and the ICT Council which are all geared to support the SME community.

Partners from the private sector, national government agencies, German Technical Cooperation (GTZ) came to support the activities. Focusing on SMEDSEP, DTI 7 RD Asteria Caberte presented about SMEDSEP, Mr. Volker Steigerwald, GTZ gave a message on Partnerships, Dr. Elpidio Magante, President, CVSCAFT talked about the SMEDSEP-CVSCAFT Project, Engr. Ramir Bonghanoy, President, Cebu GTH Foundation presented about the SMEDSEP-CVSCAFT-Cebu GTH Foundation Partnership, and Ms. Emilia Roslinda, PROCESS-Bohol presented the SMEDSEP-LRED Project. Signing of Memorandum of Agreements of the following SMEDSEP-CVSCAFT –DTI, SMEDSEP-CVSCAFT-GTH-DTI, SMEDSEP-Abatan River Council-Cong. Chatto –DTI and SMEDSEP-Abatan River LGUs-DTI ensued.

Looking at the Philippine scenario, over 99 percent of business establishments, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) play an important role in the Philippine economy. SME potential for creating jobs is large, yet its growth is hampered by a weak business and investment climate --- low product quality, low productivity and low production technology.

With an improved business and investment climate, SMEs can help in the country’s economic growth by: generating jobs, increasing income and reducing poverty while maintaining an ecologically sound development in all levels.

The Small and Medium Enterprise Development for Sustainable Employment Program (SMEDSEP) is conceived to help improve the business and investment climate for SMEs. This is a project of Technical Cooperation between the Republic of the Philippines & the Federal Republic of Germany implemented by the Department of Trade & Industry & the German Technical Cooperation. The program aims to support an SME sector that is globally- competitive by raising the efficiency and product quality of domestic industries. The SMEDSEP has the vision to make Visayas as the location of choice for competitive SMEs

Although focusing on the Visayas, SMEDSEP ensures that experiences are communicated to the national level, so that these models for improving the business and investment climate may be promoted and replicated in other regions. Among others, the SMEDSEP program focuses on the harmonization of the National SME Development (SMED) Plan and the Promotion and Replication of Good Practices for Improving the Local Business and Investment.

Towards improving the business climate for SMEs, SMEDSEP promotes: 1. Simplifying Business Registration of LGUs, 2. Local and Regional Economic Development (LRED), 3. Business Development Services(BDS), and 4. SME Access to Credit.

The SMEDSEP in Bohol. DTI-Bohol works in partnership with SMEDSEP in the harmonization of the National SME Development Plan. The following is being initiated to improve the business and investment climate in the province:

1. The use of the value chain approach in developing Bohol’s priority sectors.

The value chain approach is a key instrument to foster the competitiveness of SMEs.

DTI – BOHOL, in partnership with the German Technical Cooperation (GTZ) conducted value chain workshops to help producers assess the value chain links in their business and concerned industries.

The priority sectors are: food, craft, and eco-tourism

2. The use of the LRED model to support the LGUs involve in the Abatan River Development Project

Economic Growth Through LRED for the Abatan River Cluster

LRED stands for Local and Regional Economic Development. It is a process for economic growth and employment generation in which the government, non-governmental sector, private, and business partners work collectively to create better conditions and improve the quality of life for all.

The approach is being implemented in the Abatan River Development Program, involving the towns covered by the Abatan River Tour, namely: Maribojoc, Cortes, Balilihan, Antequera and Catigbian, The five municipalities are now planning collectively for the economic growth of their cluster.

3. The use of BDS model in the Central Visayas State College of Agriculture, Forestry and Trade (CVSCAFT), and

• BDS stands for Business Development Services. A demand-driven approach, it involves identifying and developing business services that meet the needs of the market. SMEs, for example, face common difficulties of finding adequately-trained skilled workers from the local labor market.

• In the region, there is a growing need for product designers, especially in the GTH or Gifts, Toys and Houseware sector.

• DTI-Bohol seeks to strengthen the local creative industries and taps the ingenuity of Boholanos, having seen the potentials of CVSCAFT graduates in the design industry.

This school year, CVSCAFT Tagbilaran City campus offers a maiden run of its B.S. Industrial Design, A 4-course that aims to produce good designers who have the passion to concretize new ideas into marketable products. It has an on-the-job component that will expose students to actual design work in the industry as DTI-BOHOL has linked the CVSCAFT to the Cebu GTH Foundation.

CVSCAFT & DTI Bohol officials validated the curriculum of the new course offering at the School of Design and Arts of De la Salle-College of St. Benilde.

4. Support in the upcoming streamlining of Business Permits and Licensing system in LGUs

Streamlining of Business Permits and licensing system of local government units

Investors interested to put up their business establishments in Bohol may look forward to a reduced processing time with more business-friendly procedures and processes as SMEDSEP supports the upcoming streamlining of Business Permits and licensing system of local government units.

In a nutshell, that’s how DTI with SMEDSEP helps lay the foundation for a globally-competitive Philippines.

*****

2008-06-12T16:16:00.000+08:00

2008-05-19T14:29:00.000+08:00

GMA arriving Tues. to kick of airport

ALL SET. The time capsule laying ceremony for the proposed P4.2 billion Panglao Bohol International Airport will be on this site in Tawala, Panglao where Pres. Arroyo (inset) will be the guest of honor on Tuesday, 10 a.m.

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo will lead the capsule-laying rites Tuesday to break ground for the P4.2-billion Panglao Bohol International Airport Development Project (PBIADP).

The President Management Staff (PMS) confirmed the President’s attendance in the activity after she decline the May 8 schedule set earlier because of other equally pressing commitments.

Ms. Arroyo was supposed to be the guest of honor and speaker during the Bohol-Jiangxi Friendship Day celebration. The day commemorates the singing of a friendly province relations agreement on May 8, 2006 in Nanchang, the capital city of Jiangxi. Aumentado and then Gov. Huang Zhiquan signed the document.

This agreement “sealed” the memorandum of friendly exchange and cooperation between the two provinces that Aumentado and Meng Jian Zhu, then chair of the Standing Committee of the Jiangxi Provincial People’s Congress on September 6, 2005 at Metro Center Hotel in Tagbilaran City. Meng is now the PROC minister of public security.

Aumentado and a delegation returned to Nanchang City where, on October 28, 2006, he and Huang signed the framework agreement on further enhancing friendly exchange and cooperation between the two provinces, this time witnessed by President Arroyo and Meng.

He said the framework defines in clear terms the areas of cooperation in tourism including the establishment of a sister-mountain relationship between Bohol’s Chocolate Hills and Jiangxi’s Mt. Lushan, agriculture, mining, education, culture and sports.

At the capsule-laying ceremony, Ms. Arroyo will be assisted by Transportation and Communications Secretary Leonardo Mendoza, Aumentado, General Manager Alfonso Cusi of the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) and Panglao Mayor Benedicto Alcala.

Cusi has committed that the P3 billion payables of the Philippine Airlines (PAL) to MIAA will form part of its corporate funds to be spent for the Panglao Airport. During the last meeting of the Panglao Island Tourism Estate Inter-Agency Task Force at the Panglao Island Nature Resort (PINR) in Bingag, Dauis, Bohol, DOTC committed to shoulder the balance of P1.2 billion.

As the major funder, MIAA sought to be the lead agency in the implementation of the project and subsequent operation – a request that the President approved – thereby ironing out what was perceived to be a kink before.

Most Rev. Leonardo Medroso, bishop of Tagbilaran has been invited to deliver the invocation while Alcala will give the welcome remarks.

MIAA Assistant General Manager for Airport Development and Corporate Affairs Tirso Serrano will give the project brief while General Manager Alfonso Cusi and Aumentado will deliver messages.

Mendoza will introduce the President who will deliver her keynote speech. A joint press conference will follow.

Cabinet meeting not only Mendoza is expected on Tuesday. As in her April 29 visit, Ms. Arroyo will also hold a Cabinet meeting.

But contrary to last month’s venue, which was the ferry that brought the President party to Camiguin, the PMS is now finalizing the meeting place, which is gravitating towards the PINR.

Preparations indicate that the Cabinet meeting will be in the afternoon, capped with a luau in the evening.

Barring changes, the President will rest overnight (RON) in Bohol, and participate in a private diving activity at the Balicasag Island Dive Resort – one of the Top 3 dive sites in the world, Aumentado quoted her as saying.

She is slated to leave for Mindanao at lunchtime or in the afternoon.

2008-05-19T14:27:00.000+08:00

DTI BOHOL PURSUES VALUE CHAIN APPROACH IN DEVELOPING PRIORITY SECTORS: PROCESSED FOOD (PASALUBONG), RAFFIA-BASED PRODUCTS AND FASHION ACCESSORIES

The Department of Trade and Industry – Bohol in partnership with the German Technical Cooperation (GTZ) and local stakeholders/partners organized and conducted a value chain workshop (second level) to three priority sectors in the province namely processed food (pasalubong), raffia-based products and fashion accessories sectors last May 5 and 6, 2008 at the Soledad Suites Function Room, 4^th Floor of the Soledad Suites Building.

The main purpose of the value chain workshops is to help partner public and private agencies and concerned producers in the sectors assess the value chain links of their respective businesses and sectors that will be the basis in formulating the development plans of the sectors. The value chain maps that were developed during the first workshop conducted last February 2008 at the Metro Centre Hotel were given deeper analyses and treatment as to value adding, and cost and revenue efficiency along the value chain links of the industries. Findings of which will be the basis of the program interventions for the sectors.

Twenty (20) micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMES) attended the workshop with lead facilitators from the German Technical Cooperation (GTZ), Ms. Rita Pilarca, Senior Adviser GTZ and Ms. Miriam Bacalso, Regional Coordinator GTZ. The GTZ facilitators were assisted by sector facilitators from DTI Bohol, Blair Panong, Jerome Gabin, Jess Bernasor, Sungsoo Jin and Lucille Autentico.

DTI Bohol Provincial Director Nannette Arbon emphasized the importance of employing the value chain approach in the development of the three priority sectors.

Next steps will be the focused sectoral workshops for the three sectors. ***

2008-05-19T14:25:00.000+08:00

DTI assures price watch to boost money power

Will the reported pay hikes be enough to boost the purchasing power of consumers in an economic crunch?

If not, then the local Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said no unreasonable price increases of basic goods should happen, to allow consumers to mount the rising tide of prices in basic commodities.

Concordia Erano of the local DTI price monitoring team claimed that assuring people of fair prices [in basic goods] is the best thing they can do, so a tight price watch is in order.

DTI is now warning unscrupulous businessmen who overprice basic commodities.

An overprice which is essentially profiteering is pricing goods more than 10% of its average price in the preceding month, states Republic Act 7581.

Consumers have been wary about price increases following weekly price adjustments in fuel and petroleum products.

“This should not be enough reason for entrepreneurs to get opportunistic,” DTI said. To keep the tags in these things, Erano reported that the DTI is poised for another round of price monitoring activities, in an effort to implement the law so that prices will remain stable and good available to the consuming public.

Opportunists could get between a month to 5 months in jail or a penalty of P1T to a million when caught profiteering. The law also provides tougher penalties for overpricing basic goods.

The country has noted weekly adjustments of 50 centavos on petroleum prices recently. The DTI monitoring activities will put price coordinating council members in markets to make sure that any movement [in price] is justified.

This, following reports that daily wage earners are expected to get pay hikes starting June 1. State workers on the other hand are reported to get 10% salary increases by the following month.

On this, Labor Secretary Marianito Roque assured the June wage hike for daily wage earners, as regional wage boards are expected to decide how much, by mid-May.

Roque also cited the mandatory 15-day publication of rates before the wage hike is implemented.

Every last week, Pres. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (PGMA) instructed Rgional Wage Boards to work overtime to finally set the rates of increase in the respective regions.

By law, the government set up the tripartite wage boards to determine the cost of living in areas so as not to kill investors who choose to put up country side businesses for cheaper costs. This also happens just as the President urged companies to package non-wage benefits for workers while the government was yet to decide on the raise by May 1, Labor Day.

“Non-wage benefits are non-taxable, so workers tend to enjoy it to the hilt,” Malacanang was once quoted as saying

For state workers, PGMA has recently okayed the 10% basic raise when she signed an executive order to that effect lately.

The fund has been incorporated in the 2008 national budget, which legislators passed. The allocation also included P41B share for state workers’ miscellaneous benefits.

As to the executive order, Budget Secretary Rolando Andaya Jr. said it would be similar to last year’s issuance which granted civilian employees of the national government a 10% increase in their basic salary.

Last year’s EO granted a P1,200 increase in the monthly subsistence and other allowances of policemen, soldiers and other uniformed personnel.

As to the June raise in daily wage earners’ pay, the National wage Productivity Board believes it should not cause layoffs or businesses to close.

“The basic pay hike is expected to have minimal effects on inflation rate and business since there are only 2.7 million minimum wage earners,” it said.

Much earlier still, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), in a study bared that a big across-the-board wage increase would have a devastating effect on businesses.

The same study revealed that some 800, 000 to 900,000 workers might be laid of if a significant across-the-board wage increase is implemented.

2008-05-19T14:22:00.000+08:00

Realtors tighten anti-colorum drive

The days of people brokering and selling real estate without a license are maybe over.

The Philippine Association of Realtors Boards (PAREB), Inc., the country’s oldest and largest realty service group, is strengthening its national campaign against colorum realty practitioners.

During the 12^th Visayas-Mindano Regional Conference held at the Betel House in Dumaguete City last month, PAREB re-affirmed its trust to go after persons engage in real estate brokering without even passing the real estate brokerage exam or acting as realty brokers and salesmen without a license from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) through the Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board (HLURB).

The drive is spearheaded by PAREB national president, Daisy J. Kokseng, and chairman of the board, Pilar Torres-Banaag.

In the different PAREB boards or chapters around the country, cases have been filed against violators which resulted to conviction and subsequent imposition of the penalties.

Presidential Decree No. 957, which complements R.A. No. 2728, 3715 and 3969, penalizes any person who engages in real estate transactions without securing the proper license.

The DTI through Administrative Order No. 6 has recently increased the files on unlicensed dealer, broker and salesman. The minimum penalty pegged at P40,000, medium at P80,000 and maximum at P120,000.

In addition to paying the fine, anybody caught selling or leasing real estate without the proper license may, upon convection, be punished by imprisonment of not more than ten (10) years, according to PD No. 957.

A person can only secure a license as a real estate broker if he has passed a rigid real estate brokerage licensure examinations conducted twice a year by the DTI.

Meanwhile, a person may also get a license as a real estate agent or salesman if he works directly under the supervision of a licensed real estate broker.

2008-05-19T14:18:00.000+08:00

BOHOLANO DELICACIES FOR IFEX

by: Jess Bernasor

The Province of Bohol will be carving its name as a new source of ethnic food delicacies in the upcoming International Food Exhibition (IFEX) on May 16-18, 2008 to be held at the new SMEX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City, Philippines. This was made possible thru the Partner Region Program (PRP) which was developed by the Center for International Trade, Expositions and Missions (CITEM), an attached agency of the Department of Trade and Industry, to assist promising food enterprises gain wider access to domestic and international markets. Aside from the IFEX participation, the Boholano community in Manila and other parts of Luzon will now have the chance to savor the best of Boholano food products as these will soon be made available in some leading department stores and supermarkets. The establishment of potential market outlets will be spearheaded by the Boholano Processed Foods Business Association, Inc. or BOHOL ProFoods.

Under the program, select food companies from the identified region were given assistance in food packaging development/enhancement in order to make their product more competitive in both domestic and international markets. Trainings and seminars were likewise given to company owners in Good Manufacturing Practices, Brand Management, Process Cost Management, Package Design and Labeling, Marketing, Visual Merchandising and Negotiation Techniques to help them improve their production to meet quality standards and equip them with knowledge in negotiating better with both local and foreign buyers. The products, in their enhanced packaging and labels, will be showcased in a special setting during the exhibition.

For this year’s edition, the Central Visayas Region (covering Cebu, Bohol, Negros Oriental and Siquijor) had been identified as the Partner Region for IFEX 2008. The PRP program consisted of nine (9) months of preparation which started last September 2007 to May of 2008. One-on-One Consultancies and In-Plant Assessments were likewise provided by the PRP experts to these firms.

The PRP Team is composed of experts from the Center for International Trade, Expositions and Missions (CITEM), Department of Science and Technology-Packaging Research and Development Center (DOST-PRDC), Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC) and San Miguel Packaging Products. Of the 48 prospective firms, only 3 from Cebu, 8 from Bohol, 4 from Negros and 3 from Siquijor were selected to participate under the program.

For the Province of Bohol, the following food enterprises were selected to join the IFEX 2008 with their identified best food product namely: BUCAREZ Food Processing Corp. (Peanut Kisses), BQ Breadbasket (Calamay and Ube Jam-retort pack), Jojie’s Bakeshop (Caycay), Bohol Quality Pastries (Tajada), Bohol Bee Farm (Mango Spread, Pesto, Tea ), Candabong RIC Multipurpose Cooperative (Ginger Powder), Tienda Boholana (Oatmeal Cookie w/ Mango Tidbits) and Tessie’s Sweets and Pastries (Broas).

Bohol DTI Provincial Director Maria Elena C. Arbon is confident that the Boholano food products would make it very well in the exhibition as all participating firms are well prepared and gearing up for the activity not to mention the support and patronage of the Boholanos who are now residing in that part of the archipelago. (ends)

2008-04-14T13:34:00.000+08:00

APEC confab starts on Tuesday

The four-day 30th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Human REsources Development working group (HRDWG) meeting takes off on Tuesday at the Bohol Beach Club. (Bohol Chronicle, 4/13/08)

2008-04-14T13:24:00.000+08:00

PANGLAO AIRPORT STARTS WORK JULY 2008

The proposed P4.2-billion Panglao Bohol International Airport will finally commence its civil works between July and December this year, according to General Manager Alfonso Cusi, Jr. of the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA).

The MIAA chief executive briefed Gov. Erico Aumentado yesterday on the latest directive issued by Malacañang regarding the move to fast track the airport.

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo signed last week Memo Order No. 282 which mandates that MIAA, being the principal fund source of the airport should assume full control in the construction, operation and maintenance of the proposed airport. (Bohol Chronicle, 4/13/08)

2008-04-14T13:11:00.000+08:00

DTI BOHOL GEARS FOR INTERNATIONAL FOOD EXHIBITION PHILIPPINES (IFEX)

The Partner Region Program, a component of the Asian Ethnic Food Fest (AEFF) which is now called the International Food Exhibition Philippines (IFEX Philippines) integrates food packaging systems development with CITEM’s promotion efforts, focusing on regional food products that have potential in both domestic and international markets. It harnesses the expertise and resources of various other agencies with CITEM handling the over-all management of the project.

Under the program, select food companies from the identified regions are given assistance in food packaging development/enhancement in order to make their product competitive in both domestic and international markets. Trainings and seminars are given to company owners in production and marketing-related topics to help them improve their production towards safe and quality products and equip them with knowledge in negotiating better with both local and foreign buyers. The products, in their enhanced packaging and labels, are showcased in a special setting during the International Food Exhibition or IFEX.

For this year’s edition, the Central Visayas Region (covering Cebu, Bohol, Negros Oriental and Siquijor) had been identified as the Partner Region for IFEX 2008 which will be held this coming May 16-18 at the SMEX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City. The PRP program will cover nine (9) months preparation to start on September 2007 up to May of 2008. During these periods the selected food companies will have to undergo trainings and seminars on Food Packaging and Labeling, Current Good Manufacturing Practices, Brand Management, Food Process Cost Management, Marketing Management, Visual Merchandising and Negotiation Techniques. One-on-One consultancy and In-plant assessments are likewise provided by the PRP experts to these firms.

Regional Director Asteria Caberte and Provincial Director Maria Elena Arbon were instrumental in choosing Central Visayas as the partner region for this year’s edition of IFEX.

A soft launching was done for the program last September 2007 at the Bohol Tropics Resort, Tagbilaran City, Bohol. A total of 48 food companies from the Central Visayas provinces were subjected to initial screening by the PRP Team compose of experts from Center for International Trade Exposition and Mission (CITEM), Department of Science and Technology-Packaging Research and Development Center (DOST-PRDC), Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC) and San Miguel Packaging Products. Of the 48 prospective firms, only 4 from Cebu, 8 for Bohol, 4 from Negros and 2 from Siquijor were selected to participate under the program.

For the Province of Bohol, the following selected food companies and their identified food product are gearing for the first time to participate in the upcoming International Food Exhibition 2008, namely: BUCAREZ Food Processing (Peanut Kisses), BQ Breadbasket (Calamay), Jojie’s Bakeshop (Caycay), Bohol Quality Pastries (Tajada), Bohol Bee Farm (Mango Spread), Candabong RIC Multipurpose Cooperative (Ginger Tea), Tienda Boholana (Mango cookie) and Tessie’s Sweets and Pastries (Broa).

Next week, the Bohol participating food firms will attend another seminar in Dumaguete which is scheduled on April 1-3 in preparation for the May IFEX activity.(ends)

2008-04-14T11:52:00.000+08:00

DTI BOHOL PUSHING CVSCAFT-TCC AS BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT SERVICE (BDS) PROVIDER

A major concern of the Gifts, Toys, and Houseware sector is the growing shortage of product designers due to the exodus of local designers to foreign countries. Considering this growing concern, DTI Bohol is looking into the possibility of developing a business development service (BDS) provider that will develop designers to minimize the shortage.

The Central Visayas State College of Agriculture, Forestry and Technology Tagbilaran City Campus (CVSCAFT-TCC), one of the extension campuses of CVSCAFT, has been providing a steady supply of skilled workers to industries since 1907. The Department of Trade and Industry sees the potential of the institution as BDS provider. Recently, the Department of Trade and Industry linked the college to the Cebu gifts, toys and houseware sector through the GTH Foundation CVSCAFT-TCC and GTH Foundation. They will work together to design an academic program that will produce good designers who have the passion to concretize new ideas into marketable objects using existing/available materials and skills of workers.

The proposed BS Industrial Design will be a four year program with an on-the-job components that will expose students to actual design work in the industry. It will be offered starting school year 2008-2009 under the Department of Industrial Technology in coordination with the Department of Architecture.

CVSCAFT-TCC foresees that this new industrial design program will become one of its most in demand courses because of the excellent opportunities available to its graduates. Potential markets for new designers are export-oriented industries in the region, such as GTH, furniture and fashion accessories. The 200 manufacturer-exporter firms of the GTH sector in the region will be the initial market for the graduates of the new program. In particular, Cebu GTH Foundation, with a current membership of 90 firms, has committed to hire all qualified graduates of the program.

In coordination with DTI-Bohol and DTI-Region 7, CVSCAFT-TCC and GTHF will conduct a series of meetings for the drafting and signing of the memorandum of agreement to formalize their partnership in the development and implementation of proposed BS Industrial Design Program. The MOA shall incorporate the support of GTHF, which would include the securing commitment of its members to hire all qualified graduates of the program, arranging OJT of students with member firms, facilitating plant visits of students and faculty to GTH workshops and display centers, and providing lecturers on GTH product design and development upon request.

CVSCAFT-TCC will request GTZ to provide financial support and the services of an education specialist (curriculum consultant) for its curriculum development activity. It shall also request GTZ to provide an industrial design or product design expert who will serve as consultant during the initial year of implementation and as trainer of faculty members of the new program and funding support for faculty/staff development.

This week, the CVSCAFT-TCC presented the curriculum in a meeting at the DTI Bohol Conference Room. This will be further referred to experts in Manila as the team will go on a benchmarking activity next month. (ends)

2008-04-14T11:44:00.000+08:00

OTOP FAMILIARIZATION W/ TOUR OPERATORS, GUIDES

As a way of promoting the One-Town-Product Program (OTOP) of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, the Department of Trade and Industry REgion 7 in coordination with the Department of Tourism also fo Region 7 organized an OTOP Familiarization Tour to DOT accredited tour operators and guides of Bohol last February 19.

The familiarization tour was done after the group was given an OTOP orientation in January at the Bohol Divers' Resort in Panglao.

DTI has seen the potential of our local guides in helping promote OTOP to their guests by including it in their tour shops, in the storylines that they relate to their guests and by being OTOP mobile billboards during their tours.
(Bohol Chronicle, 2/24/2008)

2008-04-14T11:38:00.000+08:00

GOVERNOR WANTS CALL CENTERS HERE

Aspiring to compete with provinces in the Visayas that have taken advantage for the multi-million call center industry, Gov. Erico Aumentado has asked the Philippine Long Distance Telephone (PLDT) Company to upgrade its existing lines into fiber optics.

Outsourcing firms have lately favored establishing their businesses in the provinces as they could save from labor costs.

(Bohol Chronicle, 2/24/08)

2008-04-14T11:11:00.000+08:00

MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTIONIST TRAINING FOR BOHOLANOS

The lack of skilled Medical Transcriptionists (MTs) in the Philippines prompted a group of Boholano entrepreneurs to establish a training school for MTs with program fees that fit the budget of the mainstream market.

Bohol Powerhouse Scholastics, Inc. (BPSI), located in downtown Tagbilaran City, recently opened to provide MT courses even to high school graduates or those who want to pursue an MT profession even those who have not earned credits in higher education. The BPSI Medical Transcription training program was recently launched at atheir Ramvil Building, CPG Avenue.

In a statement, Bohol Powerhouse Scholastics, Inc. Director Danny Nazareno, MA said that the Province of Bohol has to be provided with a good training center for MTs, especially that MT companies are now looking at Central Visayas, as one of their preferred sites for operations.
(Bohol Chronicle,2/10/2008)

2007-09-28T13:29:00.000+08:00

CONSUMER WEEK CELEBRATION

The Department of Trade and Industry in cooperation with the Department of Education, Bureau of Food and Drugs of the Department of Health, Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, City Government of Tagbilaran and the Provincial Government of Bohol celebrates once again the Consumer Welfare Month this October, pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 1098 declaring October of each year as Consumer Welfare Month.

This year’s commemoration carries the theme “CONSUMER EDUCATION AND INFORMATION, KEY TO CONSUMER EMPOWERMENT” with the Department of Education (DepEd) as chair of the celebration. It highlights DepEd’s role in the implementation of R.A. 7394 otherwise known as the Consumer Act of the Philippines and other consumer-related laws which have great impact on consumers.

Activities to be undertaken to drum-up the occasion include the following: hanging of streamers by major business establishments, lecture/fora on Consumer Education, talk-show, Consumer Quiz Bowl and a Debate.

The series of lectures/fora, which will emphasize on consumer rights and responsibilities, consumer complaints handling and the appropriate remedies available, shall be conducted to students of all private and government recognized high-schools in the City of Tagbilaran. The activity is designed to reach out students and create in them the awareness to become responsible consumers that will help propel our economy and to determine the impact of consumer education among students in value formation and social consciousness.

As a culminating endeavor of the series of lectures/fora a Consumer Quiz Bowl shall be pursued to determine the level of awareness and understanding of the students on the different Fair Trade Laws imparted to them. A total of twenty high-school students from the ten high-schools will prove their mental prowess in the above-cited quiz which will be held on October 17, 2007.

To provide our students an avenue to develop their analytical minds and reasoning power and the ability to publicly speak out their opinion on issues that affect their day to day lives, a debate will be conducted. College students from the two leading universities in the province namely, University of Bohol and Holy Name University will act on stage as debaters on the proposition “Resolved that Consumers shall not patronize products that violate Intellectual Property Rights”.

Heads of Offices of the different implementing agency, which will act as panelists for a Talk Show, will share their insights and opinions as they discuss themselves relevant issues and concerns that evolves on the above-mentioned theme that have direct impact on consumers.

On the other-hand, the 2007 Consumer’s Fair will once again be organized and mounted to give consumers an opportunity to purchase consumer products at company prices or discounted price. Consumers can likewise avail of cheaper rice from by the National Food Authority at a minimum availment of 5 kls/person. The fair proper is scheduled on October 16 – 19, 2007.

All of the above activities will be conducted at the activity center and at the Sky High, Island City Mall, Dampas District, Tagbilaran City.

2007-07-25T10:43:00.000+08:00

Sandugo to feature Boholano cookfest
by Rey Anthony Chiu

Tagbilaran City (6 July) -- "HINALANG nga manok" or "nilubihang kagang" would soon find its equal in the distinct palate of the Boholano.

Sandugo 2007 makes a bold attempt to scour the discriminating taste of the Boholano with the search for the newest food preparation that could go through the pages of cookbooks.

Sandugo Festival through the years has been celebrated via a plethora of activities that showcases the past, present and even aspirations (future) of Boholanos through song and dance, crafts and food shows, cultural presentations, agricultural fairs. It also has shown entrepreneurial endeavors of its people.

A follow through activity of the highly successful Painitang Bol-anon (Boholano Snack Fair) in 1997 and Pagkaong Kinaham, (Favorite Food) a year later, the cooking festival this year hopes to elevate the level of appreciation, preparation and presentation of the Bol-anon food and cuisine.

Earlier, Hinalang or haling-halang nga manok bisaya (Chicken Curry-Boholano style) and Nilubihang Kagang (landcrab cooked with young coconut) shared the distinction as a local favorite after winning hands down in previous culinary competitions.

Organized this time by the Bohol Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), Department of Trade and Industry - Bohol (DTI) and and the Bohol Association of Hotels, Resorts and Restaurants (BAHRR), the festival of local delicacies and newer recipes also hope to mainstream local recipes with international touch, a concept paper form the DTI said.

The cookfest, proposed to be held at the The Island City Mall will feature Boholano cooks inventing, reinventing, enhancing and garnishing local food to on the Gourmet Category. This will be an exhibition by creative chefs of both foreign and local origin who have made Bohol their home and who are willing to experiment on indigenous food and convert it into one which may be identified truly Boholano, the paper states. "The idea is to generate recipes for a main course, salad, dessert and maybe a Boholano breakfast which can be carried in the menus of local restaurants and hotels." (PIA) [top]

2007-07-25T10:40:00.001+08:00

ANTEQUERA, BOHOL’S BASKET CAPITAL, JOINS SANDUGO 2007

One of the must-buys when you are in Bohol is basket ware. To get a good deal, especially if you are buying in bulk, go to Antequera. Hailed the Basket Capital of Bohol, Antequera is a small municipality which lies 18.5 kilometers to the west of Tagbilaran City . The roughly thirty minute ride to Antequera may seem to be so out of the way, but Bohol 's stunning country side dotted with picturesque ancestral homes makes the time pass by unnoticed. Basket weaving has been the municipality's main industry for years. Baskets ranging from the smallest to the biggest can be found and woven freely by locals who have been into the industry for years. These woven crafts are made out of wicker, rattan, bamboo, buri, nito and sig-id and other native materials. The basket weaving industry, mostly home based enterprises, has been the main source of income for residents of the municipality since early 1900s with the skills of the craft having been handed down from generation to generation.To date, there are approximately 10,000 weavers from Antequera who support three established firms in the industry.As the basket capital of Bohol , the municipality is better known in the province as a craft village where children as young as five years old learn the intricacies of the craft from their parents and from adults. Over the years, the residents of Antequera have learned to weave even during their pastime --- while watching television or listening to radio. There is no common production center where they work, rather weaving is done in their homes.Despite stiff foreign competition, Antequera baskets still find their way to the export market because of its good quality and design. Buyers have specific product requirements --- and SMEs in Bohol focus on a specific product line to cater to this demand.These unique Antequera baskets will be featured in the coming Sandugo 2007, a festival of activities that will focus on the Boholano culture and lifestyle and highlight the One Town One Product (OTOP) of municipalities and cities.The OTOP is a government program that seeks to promote entrepreneurship and create jobs through identification by local chief executives of specific products and services that have competitive edge.The Sandugo 2007 events include the Sandugo Product and Lifestle Fair, Creativity agora, Creative Industry Forum, Bohol MagNegosyo Talk Show, Boholano Cookfests, Agricultural Entrepreneurship For a, Social Development Forum and Cultural Performances.According to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) – Bohol , the added attraction of the cultural presentations will ensure that this year’s Sandugo will be a kaleidoscope of culture, crafts, food, agriculture, lifestyle, ideas, creativity and ingenuity.

The Sandugo Product and Lifestyle Fair showcases the best of Boholano craftsmanship and ingenuity with indigenous materials such as raffia and bamboo.

Aside from Bohol producers, producers of fashion accessories, processed food and home furnishings from other provinces within Central Visayas will participate in the trade fair this year, DTI-Bohol said.

The Creative Industry Agora will be a multi-media showcase featuring the crafts, agri-products, tourism destinations and programs of Bohol’s special six emerging productivity circuits: Northwestern Bohol, Anda Peninsula and Eastern Bohol, Interior Bohol, Panglao Island , Abatan River Towns and Tagbilaran City .

In the First Bohol Creative Economy Forum, speakers from the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), Center for International Exhibitions and Missions (CITEM), National Commission for Culture and Arts (NCCA), DTI, Asian Institute of Management (AIM) and the British Council will shed light on the nature, scope, implications of the creative industries on the local economy.

The Bohol MagNegosyo Talk Show will focus on the importance of entrepreneurship towards achieving economic growth and poverty alleviation and highlight success stories to serve as inspiration for the Boholanos.

The Agricultural Entrepreneurship Fair is a major marketing and promotional activity that highlights the display of fresh, organic, agricultural and processed products and tests the marketability of products and farm produce. (PIA-Cebu)For more information on the Sandugo 2007 events, interested parties may call DTI-Bohol at telephone numbers (038) 5018260, 5018828, 4113302 or Email: http://us.f305.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=dtibohol@yahoo.com. (ends)

2007-06-05T15:47:00.000+08:00

BOHOL joined the 2nd Visayas OTOP Fair in Boracay
La Carmela Resort, Boracay, Aklan

Producers from Bohol joined 99 other OTOP Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) from Region 6 (39 SMEs), Region 7 (35 SMEs), and Region 8 (25 SMEs) in the recently concluded 2nd Visayas One Town One Product (OTOP) Fair in Boracay. The fair ran five days from 23 - 27 May 2007 at the La Carmela de Boracay Resort. Two selling areas were provided for the buyers mainly composed of local and foreign tourists. Products on sale were souvenir items, beachwear, novelty items, furnishings, natural fiber, and fashion accessories such as bags, shawls, headgears and footwear, including food items and horticulture inputs.

The Bohol team of producers composed of the Inabanga OTOP Center displayed loomwovens made of raffia like bags, placemats, rolls, sandals, fashion accessories; FOCAS 1-Assisted Groups displayed bags made of pandan, mats made of romblon, placemats made of coco shells and VCO; 3 SHA Handicrafts of Inabanga displayed bags made of raffia; Bohol Countryside Souvenir Enterprises of Tubigon displayed bags made of seashells and raffia; Antequera OTOP displayed baskets and the Bohol PROFOOD displayed the famous “food pasalubong” from Bohol like peanut kisses, star peanuts, cookies, and tablea.

Two live mannequins presented the Visayas OTOP products under the direction and choreography of International Lifestyle Designer PJ Aranador.

The 2nd OTOP fair focused on selling products produced by the SMEs of the three regions under the DTI OTOP Philippines program. OTOP is one of the priority programs of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to promote entrepreneurship and create jobs in the countryside.

DTI 7 Regional Director Aster Caberte headed the delegation from the Central Visayas Region. The newly elected mayor of Antequera, Mayor Jaime Quibel, also known as the father of the basket industry in the province graced the fair.

The DTI Bohol Team composed of Marisol Balistoy, Blair Panong, Jerome Gabin, Rey Regis, Mercy Matalines, Nita Balaba and headed by Provincial Director Nannette Arbon facilitated the participation of the exhibitors from Bohol. ***

2007-06-05T14:00:00.000+08:00

2007 ELECTION RESULT!

PROVINCIAL OFFICIALS

Governor ERICO B. AUMENTADO
Vice-Governor JULIUS CAESAR HERRERA
Board Members:

First District
CESAR TOMAS M. LOPEZ
ALFONSO DAMALERIO II
JOSE E. VELOSO

Second District
MA. FE CAMACHO-LEJOS
JOSEPHINE SOCORRO JUMAMOY
MA. FE CAMACHO-LEJOS

Third District
DR. BIENVENIDO MOLINA
ESTHER CORAZON GALBREATH
ASTER PIOLLIO-APALISOK
JOSIL TRABAJO

Congressional Representatives

First District: EDGARDO M. CHATTO
Second District: ROBERTO CAJES
Third District: ADAM JALA

MAYORS
VICE MAYORS

First District

Alburquerque
JOSE UGDORACION JR.
CIRILO JALAD

Antequera
JAIME QUIBEL
CECILIA REBUSURA

Baclayon
ALVIN UY
BOBSIE UY

Balilihan
VICTORIA CHATTO
DOMIE CHATTO

Calape
SIMPLICIO YU
RUBEN CO

Catigbian
ROBERTO SALINAS
NECITA DIGAUM

Corella
VITO RAPAL
EPIFANIO BOLANDO

Cortes
JASMIN BALISTOY
RUDY UY

Dauis
LULU BONGALOS
JAIME JIMENEZ

Loon
LLOYD LOPEZ
EDWIN LADEZA

Maribojoc
LEONCIO EVASCO JR.
GABINO REDULLA

Panglao
BENEDICTO ALCALA
PEDRO FUERTES

Sikatuna
IRENEO CALIMPUSAN
TRANQUILINA MANIWANG

Tubigon
LUN PEIZAS
ALFREDO BATAUSA

Tagbilaran
DAN LIM
JOSE VELOSO

Second District

Bien Unido
REY NINO BONIEL
PETRONILO JUSTINIANI

Buenavista
ELSA TIROL
RONALD LOWELL TIROL

Clarin
HERMOGENES DIEZON
ALLEN RAY PIEZAS

Dagohoy
HERMINIO RELAMPAGOS
ANTONIO PUERTOS

Danao
LOUIS THOMAS GONZAGA
JOSE CEPEDOZA

Inabanga
JOSE JONO JUMAMOY
WENCESLAO LAO

Getafe
TERESA CAMACHO
CESAR FUENTES

Pres. Garcia
TESALONICA BOYBOY
NESTOR ABAD

Sagbayan
JIMMY TORREFRANCA
CHARUTI LAO

San Isidro
APOLINAR GUMANID JR.
EUSTAQUIO FLOR

San Miguel
CLAUDIO BONIOR
JONATHAN REYES

Talibon
JUANARIO ITEM
RESTITUTO AUXTERO

Trinidad
JUDITH BABY CAJES
FRANK GONZALES

Ubay
EUTIQUIO BERNALES
GALICANO ATUP

Third District

Alicia
PEDRO MIASCO
BASILIO BALAHAY JR.

Anda
PAULINO AMPER
DOMENICIANO DELIGERO

Batuan
GREGORIA PEPITO
ROLANDO LEYSON JR.

Bilar
MANUEL CADELINA
NORMAN PALACIO

Candijay
SERGIO AMORA
ANN P. DY

Carmen
BOY MOLINA
MONCHING TORREFRANCA

Dimiao
SYLVIA ADAME
DANILO GUIVENCAN

Duero
MANUEL TAN
PATTON OLANO

Garcia Hernandez
MYRNA SCHEURS
MIGUELITO GALENDES

Guindulman
MA. FE PIEZAT
MARIVIC GOLOSINO

Jagna
EXUPERIO LLOREN
TEOFISTO PAGAR SR.

Lila
TELESFORO BALAGOSA
FREDIRICK RAUT

Loay
MAY IMBOY
FLORENCIO TEJANO

Loboc
LEON CALIPUSAN
LUISITO DIGAL

Mabini
STEPHEN RANCES
ESTER TABIGUE

Pilar
WILSON PAJO
ADOLFO ESPUELAS

Sevilla
CEFERINO DIGAL
CARLITO FERNANDEZ

Sierra Bullones
SIMPLICIO MAESTRADO JR.
ALFREDO GAMALO

Valencia
HENRIETTA LIM GAN
JEORGE BUSLON

2007-04-20T09:17:00.000+08:00

INVITATION to the -
1st Cebu Regional Retail and Franchise Conference to Redefine Businesses

For the first time in Cebu, the Philippine Retailers Association (PRA) and the Philippine Franchise Association (PFA), in cooperation with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), will stage the 1st Cebu Regional Retail Conference on 24 April and 1st Cebu Regional Franchise Conference on 25 April, at the Parklane Hotel.

Industry experts in the retail and franchise industries from Manila and Cebu will be led by PRA & PFA Chairman Emeritus and Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) president Samie Lim, PFA Co Founder Bing Limjoco, Franchising Expert Manuel Siggaoat, and Krispy Crème and Max’s President Robert Trotta.

Equally notable speakers from Cebu will be Steve Benitiz of Bo’s Coffee Club, Melanie Ng of Premium Concepts, James Co of Cebu Home Builders Virgilio Espeleta of Julie’s Franchise Corp., Glenn Soco of Coffee Dream, and Johnie Lim of Body & Sole.

According to PRA/PFA Cebu Chapter President Jay Aldeguer of Island Souvenirs, “Some of today’s best brands come fromCebu and the main objective of the Retail and Franchise Conference is not only help them become national brands, but to bring them to world-class standards, as well.”

Supporting the back-to-back conference are Globe Telecoms, Globe Solutions/GlobeQuest, PLDT Business Solutions, Philips Lighting, The Parklane Hotel, Sun Microsystems, and Parkmall; with GoLarge, Sun Star Daily, Cebu Daily News, The Freeman, Y101, WRock, and Cebu TV as media partners.

Day 1

The Retail Conference on April 24 will feature topics on visual merchandising, retail branding, customer service, successful retailing in malls, and starting a retail venture and will be presented by renowned entrepreneurs and speakers from Cebu and Manila. To showcase the new retailers shaping Cebu’s shopping scene, a panel composed of Cebu’s fastest growing retail concepts led by Toys@Work, Paseo, What a Girl Wants, Lava, and Dupe will share their experiences and success stories.

Day 2

For the Franchise Conference on April 25, topics like opportunities in franchising, how to plan for growth and expansion, building a franchise network, technology solutions and trends for franchising, how to buy a franchise, implementing successful marketing strategies, will be presented by prominent entrepreneurs and discussed by a panel of franchisors.

Registration

Early registrants can avail of an Early Bird Rate of P1,500 per day, inclusive of AM/PM snacks and lunch, certificate of attendance, and handouts or P2,500 for both conferences until April 20 only, after April 20, registration will be 10% higher.

Limited seats available; first come, first serve. For more information, contact Moonstruck Marketing Services, Inc., headed by Cherry C. Thelmo-Fernandez at tel. 346-5322 or email pracebu@moonstruckmarketing.ph OR PRA-MANILA at 6874180/4181 email:pra@nwave.net.

2007-04-20T09:14:00.000+08:00

NO NOON BREAK FOR BUSINESS NAME REGISTRATION at DTI-Bohol

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Bohol Provincial Office is implementing a “NO NOON BREAK POLICY” for Business Name Registration. Applicants may now file their application for business name from 8:00AM to 5:00PM at the local DTI Office located at 2/F FCB Main Branch Bldg., C.P.G. North Ave., Cogon District, Tagbilaran City.

The requirements for registration are as follows:

I. ORIGINAL

a) Single Proprietorship

Registration Fee – P300.00
A Filipino citizen, 18 years old and above
If family name is suggestive of alien nationality: Submit proof of Citizenship,
Ex. PRC ID, Birth Certificate or Voter’s ID
Latest Franchise Agreement for Franchise Holders
Prepare: 1 Preferred Business Name
3 Alternative Business Names

b) Partnership/Corporation

Registration Fee – P500.00
SEC Registration Certificate, Articles & By-Laws of the Corporation – 2 sets
Board Resolution or Secretary’s Certificate designating authorized representative to sign in behalf of corporation – 1 copy
Prepare: 1 Preferred Business Name
3 Alternative Business Names

II. RENEWAL

Fee: P300.00 Single Proprietorship, P500.00 Corporation/Partnership/Cooperative
Surcharge of P100.00 after 90 days from expiry
Surrender original BN certificate (or Affidavit of Loss)
Amended Articles of Incorporation/By-Laws (if applicable)

For more details please call at telephone nos. 411-3302, 501-8828 and 501-8260 or please visit the local DTI Office located at 2/F FCB Main Branch Bldg., C.P.Garcia North Ave., Cogon District, Tagbilaran City.

2007-04-20T09:10:00.000+08:00

REAL ESTATE BROKERS EXAMINATION SCHEDULED

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) through the Bureau of Trade Regulation and Consumer Protection (BTRCP) announces the schedule of Real Estate Brokers Examination which will be on May 27, 2007, Sunday, 7:30 am – 12 noon to be held at 3/F Allied Sciences Building, Cebu Normal University, Cebu City

Interested applicants may now file their application with forms available at the DTI Bohol Provincial Office. The requirements for examination are as follows: 3 pcs. 1x1 ID picture, proof of educational attainment (please bring the original copy for confirmation purposes), self-addressed with stamp envelope and P250.00 examination fee. Deadline for submission of application shall be on Thursday, May 17, 2007.

Meanwhile, a review shall be conducted by the private sector specifically the Philippine Realtors Board and the Cebu Realtors Board (CEREB) that are both based in Cebu City for four (4) Saturdays, starting May 5, 2007. You may contact them directly at the following: Phil. Realtors Board – 253-2522/253-5922; CEREB – 232-3940/232-3959 or email at info@ceburealtors.org.

For more details please call at telephone nos. 411-3302, 501-8828 and 501-8260 or please visit the local DTI Office located at 2/F FCB Main Branch Bldg., C.P.Garcia North Ave., Cogon District, Tagbilaran City.

2007-03-26T15:41:00.000+08:00

P60M Agora Rehab OK'd

For the first time in three years, the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) was sharply divided over an issue but voted decisively to favor the P60-million rehabilitation plan of the unfinished Agora building.
The unfinished structure will be developed into a modern three-storey business center which will cater to businesses that will not compete with the shopping centers in the area.
The new business hub will be equipped with escalators, service elevator, parking area for approximately 68 vehicles, 24-hour security and a multi-purpose roof deck which will host functions and public gatherings.
A consultant of J.L. Apostol revealed that the modern complex will generate a guaranteed income of more than P5-million yearly based on conservative computations.
Based on the contract, the consortium will shoulder all rehabilitation expenses and operate the complex for a period of 25 years, afterwhich, the building will be reverted back to the city.
While the city is assured of no less than P5-million yearly income, the contract stipulates that the city may get 20% of the yearly gross receipts (from tenant's rentals) if it is higher than P5-million.
The consultant's revenue projections showed that in their first year of operations alone, they are expected to realize a gross revenue of 30.6-million.
The consultant said that it is more likely that the city government will get more than the guaranted amount, which, if based on projections for the first year, the city may get over P6-million.
The revenue from rentals, however, excludes the yearly revenues it will bring to the city in terms of taxes, permits and licenses.
By the end of the 25-year ROT, the business center is expected to earn over P65-million from its tenants. The computations, according to the consultant, was based on 80% occupancy.(source: Bohol Chronicle, 3/25/2007)

2007-02-22T13:59:00.000+08:00

Multi-million Packaging Facility On-Site Inspection

Consultants for the proposed common packaging facility project will visit the province soon for the technical meeting and onsite assessment of the project site.

The common packaging facility project will build a food safety and packaging center at the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) Compound in Dao District, Tagbilaran City.

The Provincial Government will implement the project through the Bohol Poverty Reduction and Management Office and Bohol Investment Promotion Center, with the active "legworking" of the Department of Trade and Industry-Bohol Provincial Office.

The project costs Fifteen Million One Hundred Sixty-Six Thousand Pesos in the three-year period.

For this, the Provincial Government will chip in 33 percent equivalent to Four Million Nine Hundred Forty-One Pesos as counterpart while the Philippine Australian Community Assistance Program or PACAP approved Five Million Pesos for the project for the 33 percent. The City Government will give 1.5 million pesos or ten percent of the cost and CIDA, Two Million pesos or 13 percent of the project cost.

The Bohol Chamber of Commerce, Inc. , which is the project proponant, will give the 11 percent equity equivalent to one million seven hundred twenty-five pesos.

The food safety and packaging center will cater to local companies in an effort to come up with better packaging and better processing of lcoal food products to compete in global market.

One Million pesos of the project budget will be allocated for capability building whierein one thousand local food handlers in the province will be trained on food hygiene and food manudacturing practices.

Meanwhile, 2.5 million pesos will be for the working capital to purchase packaging materials. 5.1 million pesos will be set aside for the purchase of machinery and equipment and 1.1 million pesos for the commissary equipment. The rest of the budget will be for the operating expenses.

(thanks to Bohol Chronicle 2/18/07)

2007-02-22T13:42:00.000+08:00

A BOOST TO MARIBOJOC’S BAG MAKING INDUSTRY

Recently, the Department of Trade and Industry-Bohol Provincial Office in coordination with the Local Government Unit of Maribojoc, PROCESS Bohol, Inc. and the Bohol Product Showroom conducted a training to 35 weavers/ members of the Maribojoc Handicraft Weavers Association (MAHAWAS) and Pagnitoan-San Isidro-Candavid Weavers Association (PAGSACA) to upgrade their skills on bag-making. The training was funded by the Cottage Industry Technology Center (CITC) as a component of the bigger bag-making industry development program of the province.

The training was conducted 12-16 February 2007 by trainers Ms. Lucila Sacil and Ms. Julieta Largoso from the Balaunong Nagkahiusang Igsoon sa Kalamboan (BANIKA) of Barili, Cebu at the Farmers Information and Technology Services (FITS) Center in Maribojoc.

Among the products weaved are handbags, tote bags, throw pillows and placemats made of baliw or pandanus copelandii, a kind of fiber that grows abundantly in the area.

The “Banig Baliw Weaving” is the One-Town-One-Product (OTOP) of Maribojoc.

With this, Mayor Gabino Redulla hopes to save diminishing centuries old tradition of “banig” baliw weaving and generate more jobs in the locality. (ends)

2007-02-14T10:56:00.000+08:00

RESULT! REAL ESTATE BROKER LICENSURE EXAMINATION

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) through the Bureau of Trade Regulation and Consumer Protection (BTRCP) recently released the results of the Real Estate Broker Licensure Examination conducted in Cebu City on November 26, 2006.

One Hundred Thirty Eight (138) examinees successfully passed out of 190 who took the exams, representing 73% thereof. Among those who passed were five (5) Boholanos, namely: BELDEROL, Ma. Asuncion Jessamyn B.; BLASQUEZ, Albee Marie C.; ESTRERA, Ferdinand Ponciano E.; LAMBOJON, Jose Lito F.; and TEJIDO, Restituta R. The new Real Estate Brokers may now proceed with their application for a Real Estate Broker’s License with the local DTI office so that they can officially practice their profession.

The requirements for new application are as follows: a) 3 pcs. 1”x1” ID picture; b) License Fee of P1,050.00 (for 3 years coverage); c) Registration Fee with the Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board of P510.00 per year (thru a postal money order payable to HLURB); d) Clearance either from NBI, RTC or City Municipal Clerk of Court where applicant resided or held office within one year prior to date of application; e) Proof of educational attainment, at least 144 units college education or 72 units provided applicant is a licensed Real Estate Salesman for 4 years; f) Report of Rating – REB Examination; g) Surety Bond of P5,000.00 payable to the Republic of the Philippines; and h) a CEP Attendance Certificate equivalent to 20 credit hours (if applicant applied for a license after 2 years from the date of passing the qualifying examination.

Meanwhile, REB Licensees whose licenses expired as of December 31, 2006 and have not renewed yet are required to renew immediately their licenses to avoid any legal problems which they may encounter in their business transactions. The requirements for renewal applications include the following: a) One (1) 1”x1” ID picture; b) License fee of P1,050.00 (for 3 years) plus a surcharge of 50% if renewed after the 90-day grace period; c) Registration Fee with the Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board of P510.00 per year; d) Renewed Surety Bond

For further details, please call DTI Provincial Office at telephone nos. 411-3302, 411-3533, 501-8828 or 501-8260.

2007-01-18T11:41:00.000+08:00

A BOOST TO BOHOL’S BAG MAKING INDUSTRY

Recently, the Department of Trade and Industry inked a Memorandum of Agreement with the Cottage Industry Technology Center (CITC) to develop the bag making industry in Bohol. The Project with a funding of P250,000 will be a great help to local bag makers.

Objectives:

To establish an anchor firm who can assist the small players in the industry in order to capacitate them in terms of production, technology and labor for them to be globally competitive;

To sustain the growth of the bag making industry in Bohol through the provision of an assistance package that will enable the community-based enterprises and the neighboring communities to become self-sustaining units capable of providing income and employment opportunities;

To forge public-private sector partnerships in order to identify the most effective strategies for building more diverse product lines, production techniques and technical workforce and to bring best practices to communities in the province;

Project Beneficiaries:

This proposed development program intends to assist the small bag making communities in Bohol through the provision of a package of interventions that would render them capable of expanding production and improving product quality in order to graduate to a higher level of business. These communities include: Maribojoc Handicraft Weavers Association, Panglao Weavers Association, Lobgob Women’s Association, Loboc Arts and Crafts (Tigbao and Calunasan), and the Alburquerque Federated Rural Improvement Club.

The development concept however is to focus on an anchor firm which will be enabled to provide the linkages necessary for the industry to prosper. The idea is to focus the use of limited resources to achieve a higher success rate.

The anchor firm will be the major link between the market and the bag making communities. Focused and precise interventions for the bag making industry shall be done through the anchor firm. The objective is to form an industry cluster where forward and backward linkages are strengthened through technology, product development and innovation, capability building, common service facilities, and market development among others. The proposed anchor firm will be the Bohol Products Showroom and Display Center.

The components of the project are the following:

1.Product Development
2.Common Service Facilities cum Production Centers
3.Equipment and Facilities (Hi-Speed Sewing Machine & Simple Tools and Equipment)
4.Technology Trainings/Transfer

These trainings include:

Ø Skills trainings (to strengthen the domestic production base)

Ø Bleaching and Dyeing of Raw Materials
Ø Technology Upgrades on Bag Making (skills upgrading)
Ø Basic Bag Making Skills
Ø Skills Training on Specific Crafts, i.e., lining, beading, etc.

5. Market Linkage Assistance
6. Entrepreneurial/Capability Building

***

2006-11-20T15:13:00.000+08:00

TRADE AND INDUSTRY BENCHMARKING MISSION-Manila
Department of Trade and Industry-Bohol
November 8- 10, 2006

Date: November 8, AM
Company: DOST Packaging Research andDevelopment Center
Attending Party: Ms. Brenda Singco, PRDC Facilitator
Learnings/To Dos
A packaging center needs a laboratory for testing on nutritional facts of food products. Likewise, it is necessary that the center will house graphic artist who will do the packaging designs. The production area should at least be able to house the 4 basic types of packaging machines for solids, liquids, vacuum pack and continuous band sealer and provide ample room for stocking packaging materials and finished products. Considering that the product is food, it is also necessary that utmost sanitation and high quality standards of operation be maintained in the workplace. A center should be ideally located within proximity distance from the production area.

A letter addressed to Daisy Tañafranca, the Program Leader of the Packaging Center will be sent requesting technical assistance in the planning and implementation stage.

Ms. Brenda Singco will be invited to Bohol to help plan for the packaging center.

Date: November 8, PM
Company: Tour of Quezon City Hall
Attending Party: Dr. Victor B. Endriga
City Treasurer
City Treasurer’s Office
Grd. Flr., Annex Bldg., Quezon City Hall, Quezon City
Learnings/To Dos
Raising revenue collection is not much of a problem when the Local Government Unit has a database of all properties owned or managed by them with appropriate zoning of these properties to establish the corresponding market value or appraisal value. Likewise, Local government executives should have the political will to implement revenue generating measures.

For reference purposes and to be able to get a clearer picture of initial investments based on DTI BN registration, DTI should establish standards.

Date: November 9, AM
Company: BOI Briefing on Walking Tour Program
Attending Party: Mr. John C. Clemente
Manager, In-bound Mission & Special Events Division
Investments Group, Board of Investments
Conference Room A, BOI, 385 Sen. Gil J. Puyat Ave., Makati City
Learnings/To Dos
A meeting between PD Nannette Arbon and a college dean of the University of the East to discuss the HR development for the BPO industry in the province will be arranged by Ms. Evelyn of BOI. Meanwhile, local tertiary schools should be informed about this possible tie-up with the UE Dean.

Date: November 9, 2006

Company: e-Scribir, Inc.
Attending Party: Mr. Johnny Garcia
President

6797 Ayala Avenue, Makati City
894-1618/894-1617

Learning/To Dos
For a province like Bohol, it is a better option to go into Business Process Outsourcing than focus on Medical Transcription. Transactions involved in BPOs can be very well supported by the existing telecommunication infrastructure which is microwave. The province just have to start with individual clients.

In support to the industry, a database of professionals shall be developed and maintained.

Date: November 9, AM
Company: Convergys
Attending Party: Ms.Joanne,Convergys, Ayala Avenue, Makati

Learnings/To Dos
The company will do advocacy in the province in summer 2007. We just need to coordinate with the sponsoring company “Convergys” and some local IT stakeholders for ICT Advocacy Summer Program in the province.

Date: November 9, 2006
Company: TOEI Animation
Attending Party: Mr. Nestor Palabrica

General Manager

9/F Cyber One Bldg.

Eastwood City, Libis, Quezon City
Learnings/To Dos
There is a full animation course offered in La Salle and a university in Naga.

Date: November 10
Company: Canyon Woods Resort
Attending Party: Mr. Noli Elijay
Sales & Marketing Executive
Canyon Woods Residential Resort
Learnings/ To Dos
The concepts of time-share and exchange can be localized/customized according to the capability of existing resorts in the province.

There is also a need to look for possible local sites in the province that will be offered to potential investors of integrated resorts like canyon woods .

2006-10-25T09:34:00.000+08:00

Passers of the REB Licensure Examination

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) through the Bureau of Trade Regulation and Consumer Protection (BTRCP) recently released the results of the Real Estate Broker Licensure Examination conducted in Cebu City on May 28, 2006.

Twenty four (24) examinees, representing 22.85% of the total examinees, successfully passed the examination, namely: ALONTE, Kenneth C.; BAROLA, Ma. Teresa P.; BARONG Jared B.; CAHIG, Mario Luvert H.; DE LA TORRE, Napoleon Jr. B.; FERNANDEZ, Globert Y.; FTRITZSCHE, Antonina T.; GEPTE, Rosemary T.; JUGAO, Marlyn B.; KINTANAR, Sheldon Vincent B.; MANTICAJON, Corazon C.; MENDOZA, Sandra T.; NARCISO, Mae E.; PARADELA, Invictus M.; QUIOKELES, Dennis R.; QUIOKELES, Fleurdemae Y.; SALVADOR, Pearcy Joy T.; SASIL, Marcial, Jr. A.; SECRETARIA, Glory Mae B.; SEN, Neil Allen A.; SIAROT, Jen Elizabeth C.; TEMBLOR, Barbara May R.; TORDA, Carl Dennis D.; and TUMULAK, Mallah Z.

Meanwhile, this year’s examination is scheduled on November 26, 2006 from 7:30 am to 12:00 noon to be held at 3/F Allied Sciences Building, Cebu Normal University, Osmeña Blvd., Cebu City. The requirements for examination are as follows: 3 pcs. 1x1 ID picture, proof of educational attainment (please bring the original copy for confirmation purposes), self-addressed with stamp envelope and P250.00 examination fee.

A review shall be conducted by the PAREB – Cebu Realtors Board, Inc. (PAREB-CEREB), a private entity based in Cebu City, on November 4, 11 and 12, 2006. Interested applicants may contact directly at PAREB-CEREB with telefax no. 232-3940 or email at info@ceburealtors.org. You may also contact the Central Cebu Board of Realtors at tel nos. 254-5780 and 253-5992.

Application forms are available at the DTI Bohol Provincial Office while the deadline for submission of application is on Wednesday, November 15, 2006. For more details please call at telephone nos. 411-3302, 501-8828 and 501-8260 or please visit the local DTI Office located at 2/F FCB Main Branch Bldg., C.P.Garcia North Ave., Cogon District, Tagbilaran City.

2006-10-23T15:52:00.000+08:00

DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENT FOR BMBE REGISTRATION FURTHER SIMPLIFIED

In November 2002, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo signed into law Republic Act 9178: “An act to Promote the Establishment of Barangay Micro Business Enterprises (BMBEs), Providing Incentives and Benefits Therefor, and for Other Purposes, otherwise known as the BMBEs Act of 2002.

As mandated under the Act, the DTI issued the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) as DTI DAO No. 01, series of 2003. The Department of Finance consequently issued its own IRR as DOF DO No. 17-04 dealing with specific portions of the Law. Under Section 3 of said DOF DO, BMBE registrants were required to submit nine (9) documents: registration as business entity, TIN, BIR Certificate, municipal business permit, sworn affidavit that the barangay enterprise is barangay-based and micro-business in nature, sworn statement of assets and liabilities, pistures of the place of business, copy of loan contracts and ITR.

The stringent requirements made it difficult for most registrants to register or obtain a Certificate of Authority in their localities. Thus, in September 2004 the SMED Council requested the Department of Finance (DOF) to ease the requirements for BMBE registrations.

The DOF has granted the request. Stipulated in DOF’s Department Order No. 31-05 “Simplifying the Documentation Requirement for the registration of BMBEs with Assets of P300,000.00 or less”, BMBE registrants with asset size of P300,000.00 and below are required to submit only two (2) requirements: a) registration as a business entity and b) municipal permit. (ends)

2006-10-17T09:36:00.000+08:00

DTI Provincial Office to Process Application for BOI Registration

We would like to inform the public that starting January 2007 the functions of the Board of Investments (BOI) shall be devolved to the DTI-Regional Operations Group through the DTI Provincial Offices except for the following areas: National Capital Region(NCR), Cebu, Metro Davao, Cagayan de Oro and Region IV-A.

There is a need to bring down to the provincial level the processing of Executive Order No. 226 applications for registration in order to make available to micro and small enterprises based in the provinces the incentives granted to BOI-registered enterprises.

In line with the preparations for the implementation of the devolution of functions of BOI to DTI-ROG, the program shall be pilot tested for a period of three (3) months commencing in October up to December of 2006. Bohol is one of the seven (7) provinces in the country identified for pilot testing.

When the devolution will be fully implemented, the DTI Provincial Offices shall handle the registration and evaluation of projects for BOI application and also the supervision and monitoring of BOI-registered projects.

Among the incentives available to BOI-registered firms are the following: income tax holiday, duty-free or duty-reduced importation of capital equipment, unrestricted use of consigned equipment, tax and duty-free importation of spare parts and supplies, tax and duty-free importation of breeding stocks and genetic materials, tax credit on raw materials and supplies, exemption from wharfage dues and employment of foreign nationals. ***

2006-10-06T13:07:00.000+08:00

Congratulations !
to the
winners of the

Pambansang Pamilihan Search 2006
(Provincial Level)

FIRST - Municipality of Ubay
SECOND - Municipality of Catigbian
THIRD - Municipality of Valencia

A project of the Department of Trade and Industry – Bohol Provincial Office
In collaboration with the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) , Provincial Agriculture Office (PAO) , Philippine Information Agency (PIA) and Tagbilaran Association of Concerned Consumers, Inc. (TACCO)

2006-10-06T11:17:00.000+08:00

WINNERS: SEARCH FOR PAMBANSANG PAMILIHAN 2006

Three (3) municipalities were declared winners in the recently concluded Search for Pambansang Pamilihan 2006, Provincial Level, implemented by the Department of Trade and Industry. A component of the Bantay Bilihin Program, the Pambansang Pamilihan is a nationwide search of public/private market places complying with fair trade laws, such as price tags and other regulations on weights & measures, safety and quality standards.

A province-wide screening of public markets was conducted starting August by gathering the profiles of the individual public markets. With the collaboration of the members of the Provincial Selection Team, an ocular inspection and evaluation was conducted to fourteen (14) public markets in order to come up with top three winners to vie for the regional competition.

The project aims to motivate the public/private market masters and vendors to actively take part in ensuring and upholding consumer rights. Likewise, it also aims to establish standards to be followed by public/private market places to ensure consumers’ health and safety and ensure that consumers are protected from inaccurate weighing scales. It is also hoped to encourage market operators to run market places that follow these prescribed standards.

Ubay Public Market, which has a total land area of 2 hectares got the FIRST (1st) place with an average score of 91.6; Catigbian Public Market which adopted a color coding system of their market sectioning got SECOND (2nd) place with an average score of 91 while the Valencia Public Market was adjudged THIRD (3rd) place with an average score of 88. These three public markets will automatically be included in the regional screening and evaluation by the Regional Selection Team which will start during the 2nd week of October.

Awarding for the provincial winners shall be conducted during one of the main activities of the Consumer Welfare Month celebration this year.

Meanwhile, the Department of Trade and Industry spearheads anew the celebration of Consumer Welfare Month during the whole month of October. This year’s observance carries the theme “ENFORCING CONSUMER RIGHTS TOWARDS A PROGRESSIVE PHILIPPINES” with the support of other line agencies.

A major highlight is of event is the holding of a CONSUMERS’ FAIR where basic necessities and prime commodities are sold at very low prices. It will be held at the premises of the Bohol Cultural Center during the last week of October, 2006.

Members of the Provincial Selection Team Members are the following: Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), provincial Agriculture Office (PAO), Philippine Information Agency (PIA) and Tagbilaran Association of Concerned Consumers, Inc. (TACCO) and the Department of Trade and Industry. ***

2006-09-22T08:57:00.000+08:00

DTI BOHOL WILL CELEBRATE CONSUMER WELFARE MONTH IN OCTOBER 06

Pambansang Pamilihan Awards will be given to outstanding public markets under the Bantay Bilihin Program
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is one of the National Government Agencies tasked to oversee the implementation of Republic Act 7394 otherwise known as the Consumer Act of the Philippines. The passage of this law has been seen by many Filipinos as the panacea to the continued violation of consumer rights committed by unscrupulous businessmen. Filipino consumers are now protected and assured of redress mechanisms that could help facilitate the early and inexpensive resolution of their grievances.

One of the Programs, which the law has afforded legal basis, is the Bantay Bilihin Program of the DTI. This is in conjunction with the basic policy of the State to protect the interest of the consumer, promote the general welfare and establish standards of conduct for business and industry. Specifically, the State shall protect consumers against deceptive, unfair and unconscionable sales acts and practices, provide information and education to facilitate sound choice and the proper exercise of rights by the consumers and provide adequate rights and means of redress, involve consumer representation in the formulation of social and economic policies.

The depreciation of the peso due to dollar fluctuations created immense uncertainties and apprehensions on the Filipino consumers who are the immediate victims of any downturn in the economy. This scenario necessitates wise spending of the peso vis-à-vis the product and services it may acquire in the marketplace. The peso may have its true worth should consumers exercise sound choice on the price and quality of the product. It is a fact that poor consumers are most often left at the mercy of some profit-oriented unscrupulous businessmen as a result of inadequate information on the implementation of consumer-related laws. In addition, many are not aware of the basic rights and responsibilities of consumers and the presence of different implementing agencies and appropriate bodies where they can present their grievances and seek redress.

The Bantay Bilihin program is a multi-sectoral program designed to provide a more visible, pro-active and accessible Department of Trade and Industry in disseminating information to ensure appropriate consumer welfare and protection.

The program has a built in component, the Pambansang Pamilihan Awards project wherein consumers and businessmen alike are given due recognition and importance of their interplay in the market. In this project, private and public market places are checked on their compliance of the fair trade and other consumer related laws thereby affording consumers with a venue in the promotion of consumer rights and responsibilities.

Generally, the program will involve the following: 1) Strengthening of the National Price Coordinating Council (LPCC). DTI, as LPCC Secretariat, shall establish close coordination with government and private agencies thru meetings and special sessions when the need arises in order to plan, conceptualize, implement and coordinate programs and measures to address the concerns of consumers, most specifically the stability of the price and supply of basic and prime commodities. 2) Provision of Consumer Information and Redress Mechanisms thru the Consumer Welfare Desks at the store premises and the public/private market areas; 3) Consumer Education, Redress and Advocacy; and other Self-Policing Projects to encourage compliance of market places to safety, reasonable price of goods at all times and fair trade laws such as price tags, labeling laws, and 4) Re-activation of the ConsumerNet to handle the resolution of consumer complaints.

GENERAL OBJECTIVE
To promote and strengthen consumer welfare and protection among the people of Tagbilaran City and entire province of Bohol.

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES
To motivate the public/private market masters and vendors to actively take part in ensuring and upholding the rights of consumers.

To establish standards to be followed by public/private market places in order to ensure consumer’s health and safety.

To encourage market operators (city/municipal government and private organizations) to run market places that follow these prescribed standards.

To ensure that consumers are protected from inaccurate weighing scales

To speed-up handling and resolution of consumer complaints.

TARGET PARTICIPANTS
Targeted participants of the program include the Tagbilaran City Central Public Market and the respective Public Markets of the forty seven (47) municipalities of Bohol which will qualify with the criteria set. The pre-qualifying criteria are as follows: a) class of the municipality; b) the number of business establishments actually doing business in the market; c) Nature and area of the market and the infra support of thereof. ***

2006-09-22T08:45:00.000+08:00

SYKES JOB FAIR

· The job fair conducted by Sykes last September 14 and 15, 2006 at the Governor’s Mansion Ground generated more than two hundred applicants, boosting claim that Bohol is a good source of human resource for call center operation.

· Sykes company, a call center based in Cebu, in close coordination with the provincial government thru the Bohol Employment and Placement Office (BEPO) and Bohol Investment Promotion Center (BIPC), Bohol Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) facilitated the job fair.

· The applicants were graduates from different schools in Tagbilaran City and neighboring municipalities and provinces.
Schools: HNU, UB, BIT, CVSCAFT, STI
Other schools: ACLC, Trinidad Colleges, Batuan Colleges, Silliman, CIT, Ateneo de Zamboanga, CNU, UP Cebu, Mater Dei

· Hoping for a 5% hit rate as we are still awaiting the final result of the US Phone Patch, the last step of the interview process. (national average hit rate is 5%)

· About 7% of the total applicants are considered near-hires. These near-hires will be endorsed to take a ”polishing” course at TESDA through Informatics to enhance their English Communication Skills. The near-hires may avail of the scholarship program (PGMA Training for Work Scholarships Program / PGMA-TWSP) of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo which will also be implemented by TESDA.

· The PGMA-TWSP will award to qualified applicants either full or partial scholarships, in the business process outsourcing (BPO) industry; call center, medical and legal transcription, animation, software development, and other industries with critical skills requirements.

· To further enhance outcome of future job fairs, a series of IT roadshows will run in five (5) growth centers of the province such as Tubigon, Talibon, Ubay, Jagna and Carmen. The roadshow will then expand to other towns with tertiary schools.

· The purpose of the IT Roadshow is to disseminate information and increase awareness among students on the challenges and opportunities of the Business Process Outsourcing and the ICT – enabled Industry in general.

2006-08-14T13:08:00.000+08:00

Bohol holds forum to boost economy

Local and foreign entrepreneurs recently converged at the Metro Centre Hotel in Tagbilaran City for the Bohol Investment Forum 2006.

The forum was aimed at discussing investment opportunities in Bohol, such as agriculture, tourism, information communication technology and IT enabled services sector.

It was organized by the Bohol Investment Promotion Center, in collaboration with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Bohol Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
During the forum, Trade and Industry Secretary Peter Favila encouraged businessmen to look for investment areas outside of Metro Manila, particularly Bohol, to accelerate economic development in the country.

Favila disclosed that the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has delegated the Board of Investments registration processes to the DTI regional and provincial offices so that businessmen who wish to invest in Bohol or in any place in the country outside Manila no longer need to go to the head office to process their investment requirements, thereby reducing their effort and the cost of transportation.

Another DTI initiative that Favila said businessmen should look into is the “One Town, One Product (OTOP),” a program of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, which aims to promote entrepreneurship and create jobs by promoting in a particular town a certain product or service that has a competitive advantage in local and global markets.

Bohol Governor Erico Aumentado, for his part, said he already formed a provincial OTOP committee last February to promote the program.

DTI Bohol provincial director Nanette Arbon also presented her business proposals during the forum, which could help boost the program.

These are the business-leisure park with commercial spaces, entertainment-dining strip, tourism vantage points with tourist services, craft village (as a tourist stop), Boholano specialty shop (to be established in the US), health and wellness, and e-services like the medical transcription.

Bohol has been successful in pursuing a tourism-based economic development. Tourism in the province has generated jobs for the Boholanos. (thanks to CDN)

2006-05-31T09:47:00.000+08:00

DTI Bohol Prepares for the 2006 Sandugo Regional Product Showcase

The opening ceremonies will start at 5:00 in the afternoon of July 20, 2006.

The product clinics conducted by no less than the designers of the Product Development and Design Center of the Philippines (PDDCP) promise a rich display of creative handcrafted products.

For queries, please feel free to call the secretariat at (038) 411-3302, 411-3533, 501-8260 or email us at dtibohol@yahoo.com.

Join us and be part of the 2006 Sandugo Regional Product Showcase!

2006-05-25T10:14:00.000+08:00

IT Road Show Rolls On

Not just any other typical job fair.

The Bohol Provincial Government thru the Bohol Investment Promotion Center together with the Department of Trade and Industry tied up with Sykes Asia, one of the leading call centers in the country to conduct a series of IT road shows in some of the collegiate schools in the province. The road show is aimed at fast tracking the IT readiness of the Boholanos in general.

Participating schools were Batuan Colleges, Bohol Institute of Technology, STI, Holy Name University, and CVSCAFT-Clarin Campus. Seven hundred graduating students attended the road show.

The IT industry, young but growing is targeted to generate revenues of US$10B and 1M jobs in 2010. The demand for quality labor is urgent. Thus the information campaign on IT.

The event was also consistent with the thrust of the provincial government in making Bohol the next IT hub outside Metro Manila and Metro Cebu areas.

2006-02-21T11:39:00.000+08:00

eServices
6th Outsourcing Conference and Exhibition

The Provincial Government of Bohol through the Bohol Investment Promotion Center in coordination with the Department of Trade and Industry-Bohol Provincial Office participated in the recently concluded 6th Oursourcing Conference and Exhibition, 16-17 February 2006, EDSA Shangri-La Hotel.

e-Services Philippines, the country's first and only annual IT/BPO conference and exhibition promotes to both local and global markets the country's world-class capabilities in IT and IT-enabled services, partic ularly in the following areas:Business Process Outsourcing, Wireless Application, Data Transcription, Animation, and Software.

For Bohol's part, Provincial Director Maria Elena C. Arbon of the DTI Bohol Office presented Bohol as an emerging ICT location of the Philippines to not less than 100 prospective ITES locators and investors who are attending the e-Services Exbihition.

The participation generated first-hand learning from industry experts and productive negotiations with possible partners especially in HR development.

Members of the team are the following: DTI --- RD Asteria C. Caberte, PD Maria Elena C. Arbon, STIDS Lucille C. Autentico BIPC ---- Ms. Ma. Fe Dominise, Mr. Melchisidic Dolotina, Mr. Brendan Torralba SP --- Board Member Corazon Galbreath.

See Pictures Below

2006-02-02T14:45:00.000+08:00

ICT TOUR IN CEBU

Last January 26-27, 2006, representatives from DTI Bohol, Bohol Investment Promotion Center (BIPC) and the Academe visited call centers, business process outsourcing and medical transcription companies in Cebu City. The visit to the International School for Medical transcription (ISMT), People’s Support, E-Telecare, Bigfoot Global Solutions, International Academy of Film and Television, and Sykes generated productive discussions on possible collaboration between schools and ICT companies for human resource development.

Some of the major discussions and commitments reached during the activity are the following:

· ISMT will offer franchise arrangement of their course module to qualified partners;
· People’s Support will support in HR development e.g. training with select groups in private schools;
· e-Telecare will support in HR development e.g. language training for public school teachers, and also advocacy by making available video presentation materials and speakers during school campaign sorties;
· Bigfoot Global Solution will support in advocacy e.g. availability of presentation materials and speakers during campaign sorties in schools
· Sykes will support in HR development and advocacy; the DTI, BIPC and Sykes are planning to conduct a roadshow in Bohol tentatively set last week of February or first week of March 2006.

The response of the companies is so inspiring. We planned to get everyone excited, and hopefully increase the awareness of the students about this new career alternative.

2006-01-09T11:22:00.000+08:00

HIGHLIGHTS OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS 2005

A. TRADE/MARKET EXPANSION/MARKET ACCESS

a1. Domestic Sales Generated

From January to December, DTI-Bohol was able to generate domestic sales of P56.593M. Of this figure, trade fair sales accounted for P42.36M, selling missions P.292M while market matching was P13.932M. The bulk of the sales figure came from raffia loomwovens, the model OTOP for Region VII.

The Bohol Product Showcase, an annual trade event which the province celebrates in July of each year, generated sales of P40.26 M, the bulk of which, came from bags made of woven raffia combined with beads made of wood, coco shells and seashells.

In October, DTI facilitated the participation of CBC Fashion, a Bohol-based exporter of fashion accessories, to Wilkinsons Store Show in Manila, which generated P1.0M in booked sales.

a2. Frontline Services

a2.1 Product Development

At least three (3) product development activities were conducted simultaneously during the year. All activities were conducted by the Product Development and Design Center of the Philippines and funded by the following agencies;

1. Gearing Up for Domestic Competitiveness Funds of DTI
2. Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP-Port Fair)
3. Philippines-Australia Technical Assistance for Agrarian Reform and Rural Development (PATSARRD)

All three activities were in preparation for the 2005 Bohol Product Showcase in July. Twenty two (22) firms participated in the activities and a total of 205 designs were provided. Monitoring of the designs were conducted regularly in preparation for the Bohol Product Showcase, an annual DTI marketing event held every July. One hundred thirty three (133) designs were adapted and were market-tested during the said fair.

a2.2 Trainings

During the year, a total of 14 trainings were conducted to some 332 participants all over the province. These trainings were funded under the Gearing Up and CARP funds.

a2.3 Consultancy Services

Consultancy services rendered were in the areas of enterprise development and small business advisories. A total of 10 firms availed of business advisory services from DTIs SME counselors.

a2.4 Market Matching

A total of 102 market linkages were facilitated between buyers and Bohol producers from January to November. These activities were mostly directed to producers of raffia loomwovens, which accounted for about 90% of market matching sales.

Three (3) trade promo materials have been prepared and disseminated during the year. This included flyers, posters and directories of Bohol producers.

a2.6 Business Info Materials

The Cost of Doing Business was updated quarterly and was likewise disseminated to prospective investors. Six (6) business info materials were updated and distributed/disseminated to at least eighteen (18) firms.

B. INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT/SME DEVELOPMENT FACILITATION AND PROMOTION PROGRAM

b1. Investment Generation

For the year, investments generated from new businesses totaled P 721.49M. Likewise, new jobs created as a result of new businesses reach to 2,446.

During the second half of the year, DTI prepared the Bohol ICT Scorecard in cooperation with stakeholders in the industry. The Bohol ICT Forum was held last November 14, which highlighted Bohol as a potential location for investments in IT and IT-Enabled Services. DTI also facilitated the visit of a potential call center locator last November 10.

The BOI Investment Roadshow was likewise conducted on November 18. The activity highlighted BOI incentives for tourism-related business because the Provincial Government is promoting Bohol as a tourist destination. Total number of participants to the roadshow reached to 36.

b2. Frontline Services

b2.1 Consultancy Services

For the year, consultancy services related to SME development were provided to 27 firms. These were in the areas of production, marketing, financial and organizational management. The same were conducted to SMEs within DTIs priority sectors.

b2.2 Business Information

Business information materials updated included the following: Guide to DTI-SME Services flyer and the How to Start your Own Business brochure. These materials were disseminated and distributed to 40 firms and prospective entrepreneurs in the province.

b3. SMEs Developed/Strengthened

A total of 40 new SMEs have been assisted this year. Assistance were in the form of trainings, consultancies, marketing, product development and endorsement to financial institutions. On the other hand, 14 previously assisted SMEs have been monitored to have increased their asset sizes by at least 10%. Of these, majority belongs to the loomweaving and processed foods sector, the model OTOP for Region VII.

The validation/revalidation of the 140 SMEs was implemented in cooperation with the Holy Name University Research Center. Processing of survey results was done in December.

b4. Productivity and Quality

In coordination with DTI-CIC and the Philippine Quality and Productivity Movement-Visayas, the provincial office conducted a forum on Philippine Quality Award to some 75 interested participants from the tourism, government, manufacturing and service sectors.

C. CONSUMER WELFARE PROGRAM

c1. Fair Trade Laws

During the first quarter of the year, DTI conducted formal investigation and mediation conferences to five (5) business establishments who were served with Formal Charges in December, 2004 for violation of R.A. 4109 and DAO 2, specifically on the standards for Christmas lights. As a result, these business establishments executed an undertaking to comply with the provisions of the abovementioned trade and industry laws and to refrain from committing said violation again.

In the second quarter, the provincial office facilitated the conduct of a Consumer Empowerment Seminar spearheaded by the National Consumer Affairs Council in Tagbilaran City.on June 2, 2005. A total of 120 participants from the various sectors of the community attended the seminar. Seven (7) resource speakers from Manila provided inputs concerning medicines, food fortification, energy and environmental matters and the means of redress and grievances of consumers.

In addition, DTI conducted massive monitoring of business establishments including hardware and construction supply dealers for compliance of Fair Trade Laws specifically Business Name Law and Mandatory Standards Laws. Areas monitored include the municipalities of Tubigon, Talibon and Tagbilaran City. Likewise, regular conduct of consumerism and fair trade laws seminars are being conducted to business name registrants every Friday at the DTI office. A total of 32 seminars have been conducted and 294 new business registrants attended the same.

DTI also reactivated the Local Price Coordinating Councils (LPCCs) in the growth center municipalities of Tubigon and Talibon. As of date, the office coordinates with the respective point persons at the municipal level regarding the progress of this program.
A major highlight of DTIs monitoring of fair trade laws was the constructive confiscation of substandard items from various establishments selling mandatory products. The move, which drew special attention on

c2. Business Name Registration

During the year, a total of 1,157 new businesses have been registered with the local office while 312 businesses renewed their registrations. As early as the third quarter, accomplishments in business name registration exceeded the targets because of the intensification of DTIs campaign on the BN registration which led the provincial office to conduct mobile BN registrations in the growth center municipalities of Ubay, Talibon, Tubigon and Jagna.

c3. Permits and Licenses

For the year, business licenses issued totaled to 22 broken down as follows: real estate broker 17; fire extinguisher, 5 and ship broker, 2.

On the other hand, permits issued to sales promo reached to 145.

c4. Private Emission Testing Center

For the first quarter, DTI attended to the request of the Bohol Association of Private Emission Testing Centers in checking with the Office Land Transportation Office LTO), Tagbilaran City Office, on the compliance of Emission Tests by prospective applicants for Vehicle registration with LTO. This was purposely made to deter non-compliance of emission tests by some registrants which have successfully secured their vehicle registration papers without passing anymore the required emission tests by accredited emission testing centers.

During the second quarter, the provincial office assisted the PETC Regional Task Force in monitoring Private Emission Testing Centers (PETC) in Bohol to check on their compliance to license, reporting and other mandatory requirements. Likewise, inspection was conducted to check on the status and accuracy of their equipment.

E. SPECIAL PROGRAMS

e1. One Town, One Product

For this year, DTI highlights the inauguration of the Inabanga OTOP Center, which houses a marketing and display center, production center and dyeing facility, a raw material preparation and waste water treatment facility for raffia. The Inabanga OTOP center showcases the raffia loomwovens from Bohol, the model OTOP for Region VII. The center was funded under the President’s “Isang Bayan, Isang Produkto, Isang Milyong Piso” program, which was coursed through the Office of the Governor. A counterpart funding from the municipality of Inabanga in the amount of P1.0 formed part of the cost of constructing the center.

The implementation of the OTOP program led us to give priority to 12 municipalities, whose products can be easily identified as distinctly from the area. This includes: Tagbilaran City for processed food, Inabanga, Tubigon, Calape and Panglao for raffia loomwovens, Maribojoc for pandan-based products, Catigbian for bamboo-based products, Guindulman for bamboo furniture, Loboc and Sevilla for handicrafts, Cortes for handmade paper and Jagna for calamay. The municipality of Danao, which prioritizes on agricultural products, has been considered as a support to the loomweaving anchor municipality of Inabanga because of its loomweaving industry.

e2. Gearing Up for Domestic Competitiveness

A total of 7 trainings have been conducted under the program. These trainings were in support to One Town, One Product (OTOP).

Other activities that were conducted under the program include: Bohol Product Showcase, Product Development Program, Bohol Business Development and Regulation Program, Institutionalization of LPCCs.

e3. Bohol Convergence Support Initiative

DTI commitments to the Bohol Convergence Support Initiative (BoCSI) were partially delivered especially for trainings when Gearing Up funds were released to the provincial office. It is also worthwhile to note that four (4) out of the six (6) convergence municipalities are priority OTOP municipalities.

At least 4 skills trainings have been conducted in the municipalities of Maribojoc, Catigbian, Loboc and Sevilla. These trainings are part of DTIs commitment to support the identified flagpole projects in these areas.

2006-01-09T11:08:00.000+08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2006!!!

2005-11-15T08:37:00.000+08:00

BOHOL ICT FORUM

The emerging ICT industry in the province is gaining support and cooperation from the local government units headed by Provincial Governor Erico Aumentado thru the Bohol Investment Promotion Center, national government agencies headed by the Department of Trade and Industry, the telecommunication companies, academe and the business sector through the Bohol Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Commissioner Damian Domingo "Dondi" Mapa of the Commission of Information & Communication Technology attended the first Bohol ICT Forum held at the Bohol Tropics. The forum generated positive response from the participants and sparked interests among local investors. According to Commissioner Mapa, Bohol was among the firsts to complete the ICT scorecard, a primary tool in evaluating the readiness of a province to host ICT enabled services.

Bohol has taken the first step and is poised to take in investors!

2005-10-21T09:43:00.000+08:00

BOHOL TO HOLD 1ST SEAWEEDS MEET

With the emerging trend of high marketability and price of carageenan, Bohol thru the Provincial Agriculture Office, Department of Trade and Industry and the Provincial Seaweed Development Council musters its efforts to unite seaweeds stakeholders into coming up with plans for Bohol to go on with this endeavor.

Bohol will hold the Seaweeds Congress on November 9-11, 2005 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in Talibon town.

Congress also includes an exhibit, demonstration and the congress proper.

Other activities include trade fair and exhibits, picture exhibits, documentary and video showing.

Adopting "Quality Seaweeds Towards Global Competitiveness" the gab will weld seaweeds industry players to come up with plan of actions for improved production techniques, marketing and likaging startegies as well as access to credit facilities for a quality seaweeds ready for export.

About 170 participants are expected to attend.

2005-10-21T09:19:00.000+08:00

OTOP CENTER INAUGURATED

Gov. Erico Aumentado led officials in inaugurating the One-Town-One Product (OTOP) Center of Inabanga town on October 14, 2005.

" I was not wrong in choosing Inabanga to be the beneficiary of the P1 million from the Office of the President under the Isang Milyong Piso, Isang Produkto program," Aumentado remarked after touring the display area, weaving section, dyeing and bleaching and raw material preparation area of the center.

Noting the fine finished products like placemats, raffia rolls, bags, throw pillow cases and others, a visibly impressed Aumentado said he realized that the wall decor in his hotel room in Tokyo, Japan and in New York City could be Inabanga products.

The inauguration was graced by government officials from DTI 7 headed by RD Asteria C. Caberte and PD Ma. Elena C. Arbon, representatives from cooperating line agencies, Congressman Roberto Cajes, mayors headed by the host Mayor Josephine Socorro Jumamoy of Inabanga, representatives of cooperating NGOs, and most especially the weavers representing the loomweaving groups in the municipalities of Tubigon, Danao and Inabanga.

The industry directly benefits 2,000 workers and over 5,000 support workers.

2005-09-15T14:12:00.000+08:00

The Inabanga OTOP Center, model OTOP in Region VII will be inaugurated on September 30, 2005 with Usec Zenaida C. Maglaya as guest of honor. The facility is funded through the 1M1 Program of the Office of the President.

In photo are designers from the PDDCP and staff from DTI Bohol.

2005-09-15T05:46:00.000+08:00

PhilExport Calabarzon visits OTOP Inabanga

Members of the Philippine Exporters Foundation (PhilExport) of the Calabarzon (Calamba, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon) led by their prsident Clemente Manrique, owner of CSM International based in Biñan, Laguna wednesday visited the One Town One Product (OTOP) Center here on a raw material sourcing mission.

The group was looking for raffia products, raffia components and other raw materials for accessories for their gifts, toys and housewares (GTH) items.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) had recommended this town's OTOP program and the OTOP center as the potential source. the visitors bought P10,000 worth of samples of the finsihed products and components. The groups also told the supplirs to expect ample orders in a month.

The visiting team included Josefina Nuñez, GM of JOAMI International; Romeo Valderama Jr., CEO of SarilinLikha Novelties; Tony Ganal of Marianka Crafts; and Budji Salceda-Tresvalles of Next Design Inc., guided by Blair Panong and Vierna Teresa Ligan of DTI Bohol.

2005-09-12T14:49:00.000+08:00

2005 BOHOL SANDUGO PRODUCT SHOWCASE

LIST OF SANDUGO BOHOL PRODUCT SHOWCASE 2005 EXHIBITORS
(COMPANY NAME, CONTACT PERSON/POSITION, ADDRESS, TELEPHONE NUMBER, PRODUCT LINES)

Antequera Producers Cooperative
Ms. Desideria Coquilla
Manager
Poblacion, Antequera, Bohol
PCO-Antequera
Baskets, trays, hampers, nito/buri bags, miniature baskets and components of fashion accessories

Bantolinao Farmers MPC
Mr. Cesario Lawag
Chairman
Bantolinao, Antequera, Bohol
Baskets, trays, hampers, etc.

Binugawan Ceramics MPC
Mr. Eliseo Gujol
Binugawan, Calape
09278919554
Ceramics

Bohol Countryside Souvenir Enterprises
Mr. Ernesto Polan
Owner
Panaytayon, Tubigon, Bohol
0919-260-5719
Souvenir items, bags, fashion accessories, decors, etc.

Bohol Kalidad Handicrafts
Ms. Corsing Renoblas
Manager
Poblacion, Antequera, Bohol
(038) 506-5008
Baskets, decors, mats, bags, trays, hampers, etc.

Bohol Product Showroom
Ms. Helen Cambangay
Manager
VP Inting St., Mansasa, Tagbilaran City
(038) 411-3883
Bags, baskets, trays, souvenir items, decors, etc.

Bohol Quality Pastries
Mr. Modesto Pernia
Owner
26 Gallares St., Tagbilaran City
(038) 411-2040
Broas, cookies, cakes and pastries

BUCAREZ Food Processing Corporation
Mr. Marlito Uy
General Manager
Calceta Street,Tagbilaran City
(038) 411-4222, 411-4221
Peanut kisses, broas

Calotes Home Cottage Products
Mr. Alfonso Calotes
Owner/Manager
Cahayag, Tubigon, Bohol
(038) 508-9048
Raffia Placemats, Rolls,Table runners, etc.

Cansungay Hatweavers Association
Mrs. Crispula Quisto
President
Cansungay, Pilar, Bohol
Tikog Hats, bag materials, placemats

CBC –Fashion Accessories
Cristina S. Bryant
Owner
Sitio Balili, Danao, Panglao, Bohol
(038) 502-8198
Fashion accessories, bags

Co-Nature Handicraft
Ms. Maria Abetce E. Alterado
Owner
#798 De La Paz, Cortez, Bohol
(038) 503-9023
Candle Holders, coco placemats, decorative & novelty items

Ely Monte Cottage Industry
Mr. Elegido O. Monte
Owner
Jao Island, Talibon, Bohol
0920-4180-458
Hats, bags, mats, bag materials

GB Native Arts & Trade
Mr. Anito Gomez
Owner
52 Espuelas Street, Tagbilaran City
(038) 501-7276
Decorative mini sailboats, airplanes, souvenir items,candle holders

GIJ Foods
Mr. John Balon
Manager
Lindaville Phase 1, Tagbilaran City
(038) 411-5527
Peanut cookies, butter cookies, pastries

Guio-ang Farmers MPC
Olimpio Nieves
Production Manager
Guio-ang, Guindulman, Bohol
0919-802-5398
Bamboo furniture

Inabanga Loomweavers Association
Mr. Ruding Jumamoy
Poblacion, Inabanga, Bohol
c/o DTI Office (038) 411-3302
Raffia placemats, rolls, table runners, etc.

Jojie’s Bakeshop
Mr. Arnold Labunog
Manager
V.P. Inting Street, Tagbilaran City
(038) 411-4322
Caycay, otap, masi, peanut crunch, cakes and pastries

Kiddie’s Bakeshop
Ms. Rechelle Sombrio
Owner/Manager
25 CPG Avenue, Tagbilaran City
(038) 235-4562 / (032) 411-2456
Ube, Calamay, Bakery products

Loboc Arts & Crafts
Mr. Florencio Acuña
Coordinator
C/o LGU Loboc, Bohol
(038) 537-9488
Baskets, trays, hampers, nito/buri bags, miniature baskets and components of fashion accessories

L.P. Workers Association
Ms. Andresa Loresca Reserva - President
Pandan, Tubigon, Bohol
0918-389-1939
Handicraft, native bags, placemats, handmade paper

9 – 10 Handicraft
Ms. Josefina Cenabre
Owner/Manager
Nabuad, Inabanga, Bohol
0919-362-4913 / (038) 512-9045
Natural raffia rolls, colored placemats, table runners, lampakanay

Magtangtang Loomweavers Association
Mr. Sulpicio Tagsip
President
Magtangtang, Danao, Bohol
0921-607-2064/0920-400-9588
Raffia placemats, rolls, table runners, etc.

Mandaug Multi-Purpose Cooperative
Mr. Jun Mahumot
Mandaug, Calape, Bohol
C/o 411-3496 / 411-3045
Raffia placemats, rolls, table runners, etc.

Medidas Native Product
Nilo Medidas
Tubigon, Bohol
0919-5168-602
Raffia rolls, placemats, table runners, bags, etc.

3 SH-A Handicraft
Ms. Salome Añasco
Owner/Manager
Lapacan Sur, Inabanga, Bohol
0920-5527-122 / 0919-6744-934
Raffia rolls, placemats, table runners, bags. etc.

Panaderia Talina
Mr. Efren Lumactud
Dao District, Tagbilaran City
(038) 411-4013
Bakery Products

Pinayagan Sur Loomweavers MPC
Mr. Ernesto Abjelina
Chairperson
Pinayagan Sur,Tubigon, Bohol
0916-2782-938
Raffia placemats, rolls, table runners, etc.

RJ Amor Handicrafts
Mr. Amormeo De La Torre
Inabanga, Bohol
0917-304-1767
Raffia placemats, rolls, table runners, etc.

Rodolfo Daño
Owner/Manager
Poblacion, Sagbayam Bohol
(038) 511-5540 / 0928-737-1417
Beads, bags, belts, etc.

Lito Buaya
Owner/Manager
Poblacion, Sagbayan, Bohol
0920-211-7074
Beads, bags, belts, etc.

Tessie’s Sweets & Pastries
Ms. Teresita Pagdato
Manager
228 E. Jacinto St.
Baclayon, Bohol
(038) 540-9033
Cookies, polvoron, pastries

Total Woodkraft
Ms. Grace Alcala
Owner/Manager
116 CPG North Avenue, Tagbilaran City
(038) 235-4373 / 0917-484-6509
Furniture

Tubigon Loomweavers MPC
Mrs. Lilia Adeser
Chairman
Pinayagan Norte, Tubigon, Bohol
(038) 508-9081
Raffia rolls, placemats, table runners, throw pillows etc.

Vianny’s Gifts and Decors
Ms. Vivian Fortuna
Manager
48 A. J. Borja Street
Tagbilaran City
(038) 235-3846
Stuffed toys (tarsier), bags, souvenir items, decors

2005-09-10T13:33:00.000+08:00

6 producers passed the national screening for NTF 2006

3 SHA Handicraft, Bohol Countryside Souvenir, Bohol Products Showroom, CBC Fashion, Medidas Native Products and the Tubigon Looomweavers Association passed the national screening for the National Trade Fair (NTF) 2006.

The six firms are now preparing to attend the NTF 2006 Training/Advisory Course on September 20-23, 2005 in Cebu.

2005-09-10T05:50:00.000+08:00

Bohol products generate interest of out-of-town exporters, buyers

Bohol products captured the interest of several buyers and exporters from Manila and Cebu.

Featured during the recent Bohol Product Showcase, the products registered total sales of P40.075 million in cash and booked orders.

Top selling items in the trade fair include bags utilizing sea shell accessories, woven raffia, beads/buttons which serve as fashion jewelry and table top components, bag baskets, miniature decorative items utilizing indigenous materials and table accessories utilizing wood, coco shell, bamboo, agsam, nito and sig-id.

A total of 34 producers/exhibitors generated cash sales of P215,000, booked orders of P20,646,000 and orders under negotiations of P19,396,000.

Bannering the the theme, "Our Town, Our Product, Our Pride", the trade fair was made possible with the cooperation of the Philippine-Australia Technical Support for Agrarian Reform and Rural Development, DTI-CARP National Program Office, the Bohol Foundation and the Bohol Provincial SMED Council.

The showcase of beautifully handcrafted items made from indigenous raw materials was a result of a series of product clinics activities conducted by designers from the Product Development and Design Center of the Philippines, an attached agency of the Department of Trade and Industry based in Manila.

2005-09-10T05:36:00.000+08:00

HELLO! Welcome to Bohol Updates!