Cy 2006- PQPM-Visayas 9th Regional Congress (Oct. 19-20)

The Philippines Quality and Productivity Movement of the Visayas (PQPM-Visayas) will hold the 9th Regional Congress in support of the theme “Competitiveness in Central Philippines: Beyond Boundaries” on October 19-20 this year at the Parklane Hotel, Cebu City.

With the assistance of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the two-day Regional Congress will bring together distinguished guests and speakers from the different sectors of the industry, the government and academe in Central Philippines.

The congress will showcase cutting edge quality and productivity concepts and practices exemplified and shared by speakers who are trailblazers in their own field.

Activity sessions will consist of an impressive array of topics focusing on Competitiveness Ranking and Statistics of Central Philippines, development plans to promote the tourism industry in the islands of regions 5, 6, 7 and 8, Corporate Social Responsibility, as well as, the importance of Sustainable Water Management.

For inquiries and confirmation of attendance, interested parties are advised to contact Ted Segura at (032) 231-0995 or Noemi Igloria at (032) 253-1280 or email: rtwpb7@pldtdsl.net


Topics for Discussion

Plenary 1 12 Little things a Filipino can do for his country - Atty. Alexander Lacson, lawyer and author

Plenary 2 Developing Central Philippines - Daniel Lacson, entrepreneur

Plenary 3 Pinoys making a difference for the country - Patrick Joson, Yabang Pinoy advocate

Plenary 4 Promoting a tourism center - linking the islands - Ace Durano, secretary of tourism and Central Philippines Super Region chairman

Plenary 5 Harnessing the best of the Cebuano ingenuity, values and spirit - Kenneth Cobonpue, Cebuano designer/ entrepreneur

Plenary 6 State of the furniture industry - Michael Basubas, president of Cebu Furniture Industry Foundation

Plenary 7 Competitiveness in agri-business - Hernani Golez, head of the National Mango Research Development Center

Plenary 8 Alternative energy resources - plant oil stove - Roberto Guarte, dean of College of Engineering & agri-industries Leyte State University

Plenary 9 Sustainable water management - Gerry Parco, consultant of USAID

Plenary 10 Corporate responsibility - Gawad Kalinga - Danilo Lagahid, provincial coordinator of Gawad Kalinga

CY 2006- Buglasan Trade Fair and Launching of Garbo sa Oriental Negros Showroom (Oct.13-25)

Originally, the Buglasan showcases the best in the local festivals, trade and agricultural booths, the Festival Showdown, the Fireworks Competition, music, dance, beauty, talent, singing and various sports competitions.

For 2006, the Buglasan also includes new fun-filled events such as the Songwriting Contest, the Rondalla Senior Division, the International Night, where foreign students, visitors and the locals join a night specials and events; the Buglasan Rap, River Kayaking, Open Lawn Chess Tournament; Lutong Garbo sa Oriental Engross; Fun Flying Competition, Battle of the Bands, Community Talents Night and the Buglasan LGU Tourism and Fair Awards and Photo/Video Competitions.

Organizers of the festival are expecting a lot of people, like what happened last year, especially with the number of activities lined up for this year.

To respond to the growing influx of tourists, the Negros Oriental provincial government has created the Home Stay Program Task Force under the auspices of the Provincial Tourism Unit. It will serve as an alternative to hotel accommodations where foreigners will be exposed to the local folk culture and traditions.

Last year's successful holding of the festival apparently inspired local officials to continue working hard despite the lack of budget to replicate if not surpass the success of Buglasan in 2005.

In fact, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan in year 2003 passed an ordinance institutionalizing the festival to ensure its celebration every year.

Buglasan Festival in Negros Oriental is a fiesta, agro-tourism fair, and "festival of festivals" rolled into one, featuring cultural events like dances and songs and sports competitions particularly the rodeo. Rodeo enthusiasts from many provinces in the country never miss the event.

The festival is a 12-day celebration beginning every third Friday of October. This year, the festival reeled off on Friday, October 13. The celebration runs until Tuesday, October 25.

Buglasan is derived from the word Buglas, the original name of Negros Oriental, which means reed or marsh grass that used to abound in the province during the pre-Spanish era.

The festival showcases the province's rich cultural and traditional heritage and natural resources.

The Buglasan Festival, now on its seventh year celebration, is a brain child of Gov. George P. Arnaiz to promote the richness of the culture and the arts of the Oriental Negrense, celebrate its unique local festivals, presents it sports and agri-tourism potential and serves as a vehicle for socio-economic development.

The Buglasan Festival has attracted an estimated 200,000 local and foreign visitors yearly.


BUGLASAN FESTIVAL ACTIVITIES

Opening LGU Booths, NOHRRA & Corporate Booths (Oct. 13)

Launching of Garbo sa Oriental Negros (Oct. 13)

Launching of Forest Organic Coffee of Or. Neg.

Oriental Negros Performs/Launching Songwriting Contest (opening salvo)

4th National Buglasan Cross Country

Drum & Bugle Corps Showdown

Family Bicycle Exhibition (whole day)

Wall Climbing and Tyrolean Traverse (whole day)

4th SK Fed. Buglasan National Bikecross

Governor's Cup Bulilit Basketball Tournament
(Elimination round)(Oct. 14-15)

Buglasan Bangga sa Balinsasayao Kayaking & Canoe Competition

Drum & Bugle Corps/Commercial Floats Parade

2nd Buglsan X-treme Sports(skate boarding, BMX & In-line)(Oct. 14-15)
(Elimination Round)

Bulilit Minus-One Singing

Master & Miss Bulilit


Children's Choir


1st Oriental Negros Mixed Martial Arts


Buglasan Criterium Bike Race


Parade, Opening 5th Buglasan Rodeo & Horseshow (Oct. 15-17)


Opening:4th Buglasan Farm Family Congress/PINAKA contest


RBOs Sectoral Activities (Oct. 15-17)


Buglasan Motorada 2006


Rondalla Junior Division


Balak & Balitaw


Coronation of RIC Queen and FA King


Rondalla Senior Division


NORSU AFROTC Drill


Search for Mr & Ms 4H 2006


"Dalit Pasalamat Concert" sa Fil Products


Closing and Awarding Ceremonies of RBOs Sectoral Activities


Inter-Collegiate Pop Singing Competition


Buglasan Rap Competition


4th Buglasan Derby (Oct. 18-21)


Live Band Competition


Minus-One Singing Junior Division


Modern Dance Contest


Buglasan Festival of Festivals Showdown


Festival of Festivals Streetdance


Festival King & Queen Pageant


1st Buglasan National Archery Competition


2nd Buglasan Dog Show (Oct. 21-22)


(ORNEG - CCI 1st/2nd/3rd/4th All Breed Championship Dog Show)


3rd Buglasan Golf Tournament (Oct. 21-22)


Governor's Cup Bulilit Basketball Tournament


(Semi-finals & Championship Round) (Oct. 21-22)


Buglasan 4X4 Challenge (Oct.. 21 - 22)


Open Lawn Chess Tournament (Oct. 21-22)


Bulilit Football Tournament (Oct. 21-22)


Buglasan Cheerdance Competition


Folk Dance


2nd Governor's Cup Karate Championship


2nd Buglasan Nat'l Mountainbike Downhill Challenge (whole day)


Skim Boarding Competition


Tayada sa Buglasan


2nd Buglasan Dancesport


*Bulilit Division (7-12)


*Junior Division (13-20)


*Senior Division (21-)


Minus-One Singing Senior Division


Buglasan Duet / Quartet


2nd Buglasan 9-Ball Billiard Tournament (whole day)(Oct. 25-27)

Globe Telecom Games


Globe Telecom Cultural Show


LUTONG GARBO sa ORIENTAL NEGROS Cookfest (Oct. 26-27)





Fun Flying Competition


International Night


Battle of the Bands (Exhibition)


SPUD Founders Day Parade


Air Philippines Pakwela (giveaways)


Community Talents Night


SMB Reggae Nights (Sarap Mag-reggae sa Buglasan)


Feat. All Local Reggae Bands


ENCHI


2nd Buglasan Motorcycle Drag Race (whole day)


3rd Buglasan Distance Runs (5, 10, 15, 20 kms.)


Buglasan Age Group Lawn Tennis Tournament (Oct. 28 - 29)


4th Buglasan Dumaguete Shootfest (whole day)(Oct. 28-29)


Battle of Balanan (1st Buglasan Adventure Race)


ABS-CBN Cultural Show


3rd Buglasan Motocross (whole day)


Buglasan Thanksgiving Mass


Outstanding Oriental Negrenses Awards


OON Awardees Testimonial Dinner


Buglasan LGU Tourism & Fair Awards & Photo Competition Awards


Ballroom Dancing


Buglasan Fireworks Competition


SMB Pale Pilsen Night (feat. Koofellas)


Jet Pangan w/ The Dawn (Manila Band)
(source: Oriental Negros Provincial Government)

CY 2006 - Visayas OTOP Trade Fair (November 23-26)

Products from towns in the Visayas will be showcased for the first time during the Visayas OTOP (One-Town, One-Product) Trade Fair on Nov. 23 to 26 at the SM City Cebu Trade Hall.

Around sixteen provinces from regions 6, 7 and 8 will participate in the activity with each province showcasing about 20 products.

The OTOP is a priority project of President Arroyo’s administration to promote entrepreneurship and create jobs. The program’s implementation is led by local government units (LGUs) with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) as marketing arm.

Through OTOP, local chief executives of each city and municipality take the lead in identifying, developing and promoting a specific product or service in their respective areas, which has a competitive advantage.

The program offers a comprehensive assistance package through a convergence of services from LGUs, national government agencies and the private sector.

The package includes business counseling, skills and entrepreneurial training, product design and development, appropriate technologies and marketing.

Earlier, DTI urged towns and cities to identify products that can be promoted under the OTOP program.

CY 2006-National Economic Research and Business Assistance Center (NERBAC), (October)

The National Economic Research and Business Assistance Center (NERBAC) shall be launched in the last quarter of the year to facilitate business transactions in Cebu.

Cebu and Davao were chosen as pilot areas for the establishment of the NERBAC, an agency that will help fast track investment entry and business processes in the country.

In Cebu, NERBAC occupies the former Department of Tourism in Central Visayas office, near Plaza Independencia.

The NERBAC office will be a one-stop place for business registration. All regulatory requirements to start a business will be housed in the office. This is meant to streamline business licensing procedures in Cebu and Davao.

Representatives from government agencies involved in business licensing processes will be present at the NERBAC office. These agencies include the Securities and Exchange Commission, Bureau of Internal Revenue, Philhealth, Board of Investments and the DTI.

In line with Republic Act No. 7470, the NERBAC has been created to enhance economic growth by providing necessary and strategic economic and business information and research assistance thereby expediting the process of business formation and encouraging the growth of entrepreneurship of the country.

The business center provides prospective entrepreneurs/ investors basic information on various business options that are open to them in accordance with the government’s IPP (Investment Priorities Plan). It shall provide a one-stop action center which shall facilitate the processing and documentation of all paper requirements necessary for the establishment of a business enterprise in the country including credit services.

NERBAC FUNCTIONS
Provide information to prospective investors (local & foreign) on the different kinds of business opportunities that are in accord with the government’s IPP

Establish an updated bank of all industries and business enterprises in the country

Prepare feasibility studies of existing as well as possible industries in the country that can help entrepreneurs decide on what business to venture into

Organize and maintain a centralized one-stop shop services or assistance center that shall expedite the processing of all government requirements necessary in establishing a business

Monitor technological advances relevant to business and economy, and disseminate the same to Filipino entrepreneurs and the public in general

Formulate and coordinate the conduct of relevant research projects to attain the Center’s goals

Monitor and collate economic, technical, and industry research output of all government agencies that has reference to business enterprises, as well as to investors in the country

Collect and facilitate the gathering of information on the kind of technology/ machinery needed, their prices, specifications and where they can be purchased or leased, as well as to help rehabilitate and modernize existing machinery and equipment of essential industries

Facilitate gathering of information on how to harness indigenous resources and technology required for our development efforts

CY 2006 - Halad sa Siquijodnon Trade Fair (September)

The Halad Siquijodnon Fair and Exhibit on September 14-17 is bigger, presenting a wider and more diverse range of products and services.

In conjunction with this provincial celebration, the Small and Medium Enterprise Council (SMEDC) of Siquijor, the Provincial Government of Siquijor, and the six municipalities of the province will be organizing the annual Halad Siquijodnon Fair and Exhibits.

The event will be held on the grounds of the St. Francis of Assisi Church in Siquijor, Siquijor.

The booths of the LGU shall feature the identified One Town, One Product of the municipalities.

It is widely accepted that Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises or MSMEs play a very important and significant role in the economic and social development of a country.

As a sector, MSMEs account for 99 percent of total establishments in the country and employ 69 percent of the labor force.

The Philippine government saw the potential of MSMEs as a tool for poverty alleviation and as an engine for the nation’s growth.

It saw the importance of MSME development and promotion in sustaining the robust 6.4% first quarter growth in the country’s gross domestic product, the highest in 16 years.

For these reasons, the government is assisting the Philippine SMEs to be at par or better than the performance level of comparable Asian enterprises in terms of value added, employment, number of establishments, and production volume.

It is the policy of the government to hasten the country's economic development by encouraging the formation and growth of barangay micro business enterprises that effectively serve as seedbeds of Filipino entrepreneurial talents, and integrating those in the informal sector with the mainstream economy.

A priority program of President Arroyo, the OTOP promotes entrepreneurship and creates jobs. OTOP-Philippines encourages the country’s micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to produce and market distinct products or services using indigenous raw materials and manpower.

CY 2006 - DTI deployment of PCs under PCPS3 (August-September)

The PCs for Public Schools Project is handled by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in collaboration with the Department of Education, Department of Science and Technology, and private institutions for the technical aspect.

"Each recipient school received 10 computers complete with peripherals and LAN connections. We started the equipment deployment last month and have successfully finished just last Sep.4. This is really of great help to our young learners to be updated in this age of fast-paced Information Technology (IT)," said DTI Cebu Project Management division chief Elias Tecson.

In Central Visayas, around 97 public high schools in the four provinces were identified to be recipients of the Phase 3 project. Each school in the region will receive 10 computers complete with peripherals and LAN connections. These are Bohol - 27, Cebu - 43, Negros Oriental -22, Siquijor - 5.

Trainings for the teachers will be made available by the Department of Education while testing of software and units will be handled by the Department of Science and Technology.


PCPS 3 recipient schools Medellin National High School and Curva National High School.

Cebu Provincial Governor Gwendolyn Garcia and DTI Cebu- PMD chief Elias Tecson take the lead in the turnover ceremony, together with (back) Mayor Manresa Lim, Hon. Mondigo, Ms. Nenita Loreto, School principal of Medellin National High school and Joselyn Conta, DepEd Cebu ICT Coordinator.


PCPS3 Recipient School Colonia National High School in Tuburan



Tuburan Mayor Rosemarie Suezo (4th from left) and DTI Cebu-PMD Chief Elias Tecson take the lead in the turnover ceremony together with PCPS3 team member Marco Apiag and school principal Mrs Corazon Codinera.





PCPS 3 recipient school Alcantara National High School.

Alcantara Mayor Benjamin Lobitana (in stripe polo shirt) and DTI Cebu-PMD Chief Elias Tecson take the lead in the turnover ceremony together with DTI PCPS3 deployment team member Toto Gamil Jr. and school principal Mrs. Clara Yosores.


PCPS3 recipient school Talisay City National High School.


Talisay City mayor Socrates Fernandez (3rd from left) and DTI Cebu-PMD Chief Elias Tecson take the lead in the turnover ceremony together with PCPS3 deployment team member Marco Apiag, school superinetndent of Talisay City Dr. Carmelita Dulagon and schol principal Mrs. Panilagao.



PCPS3 recipient schools Bulak National High School and Dumanjug National High School.

Dumanjug mayor Cesar Baricuatro and DTI Cebu- PMD chief Elias Tecson take the lead in the turnover ceremony together with PCPS3 Deployment team member Marc Aristotle Cabagnot, school principal of Dumanjug National High School Romeo Mejia and DepEd Cebu ICT coordinator Rey Gonzales.




PCPS3 recipient school Boljoon National High School.


Boljoon mayor Deogenes Derama of Boljoon (3rd from left) and DTI Cebu-PMD chief Elias Tecson take the lead in the turnover ceremony together with DepEd Cebu ICT coordinator Rey Gonzales, School principal Alicia Beduya, DepEd Cebu ICT coordinator Jocelyn Conta and PCPS3 Deployment team member Marc Aristotle Cabagnot.


DTI Central Visayas regional director Asteria Caberte emphasized the need to be competitive in Information Technology to meet the demands of the global market. With DTI's PCPS 3 project, more schools will be upgraded with IT and more students and teachers will be empowered.

The PCPS 3 project is an off-shoot of PCPS project initiated by former DTI Secretary and now Senator Mar Roxas. Roxas secured an initial fund of P600 million from an Official Development Assistance (ODA) from the Government of Japan through the Non-Project Grant Assistance Facility. The project was a success that it was replicated under the stewardship of DTI Secretary Peter B. Favila.

With the computer laboratory and computer education course being implemented by the DepEd, 500,000 high school students were empowered and 24,389 school-based teachers were trained on computer use nationwide.

These lead to the Development of IT Competencies for both students and teachers. PCPS schools, teachers and students have actively participated and won awards in local and international IT-related contests such as DepEd's Students Technology and Entrepreneurs of the Philippines (Step), Microsoft's Innovative Teachers' Award, and International Cyber Awards.

The teachers and students have also demonstrated competencies in the use of computers for both academic and extra curricular activities such as lesson plans, research, school publications, administrative tasks, and records management.

The schools now serve as Community IT Learning and Resource Center wherein IT training and computing services are offered in the community. The computers in the schools are also used as a tool for Community Resource Mobilization.

The delivery of PC units under the PCPS phase 3 is set simultaneously with the installation and preparation of computer laboratories in July this year.

CY 2006 APEC Business Advisory Council (August 12-14)

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo gave the keynote during the 10th Anniversary Conference of the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) at the Mactan Shangri-La Hotel in August 12.

Before her speech, the President received the courtesy call of Conference keynote speaker Prof. Jagdish Bhagwati, university professor for economics and law, and UNCTAD Secretary General Dr. Supachai Panitchpakdi, among others.Earlier, the President convened a strategic planning session of her International Board of Advisors, senior executives in the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) sector, many of them representing companies with significant investments in the country.

The planning session focused on the development of the BPO sector which now employs 200,000 people in the Philippines and continues to grow amid fierce international competition.






The meeting was aimed at creating more BPO sector jobs by positioning the Philippines as a competitive location for higher value-added outsourcing activities.

These include such areas as third party logistics, knowledge management, and supply chain management.

Theme of the ABAC’s 10th Anniversary Conference was "Revisiting APEC Means Business."The ABAC conference discussed the future of the global trading system in the light of the challenges to the primacy of the World Trade Organization as well as APEC’s continued relevance to business in the Asia- Pacific region.

While in Cebu, the President discussed her plans as chairwoman of the 12th ASEAN Summit and the East Asian Summit (EAS) to be held in December.

The ABAC Meeting in Cebu marked the tenth anniversary of the business forum and included the participation of the President of the Philippines, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and several leading business, academic and government figures from around the region.



"This 10th anniversary meeting of ABAC placed a great deal of emphasis on the importance of resolving to deliver the greatest benefits to the widest cross section of their communities".

ABAC is part of Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) which comprises 21 of the world's largest economies including the United States, Japan and China, and accounts for around 56 per cent of world GDP and nearly half of world trade.

The next ABAC Meeting will take place on November 14-16 in Ha Noi, Viet Nam, just prior to the APEC Leaders Meeting when ABAC will present Leaders with its annual report and recommendation. (gov.ph)

CY 2006 - DTI Certified Establishment (DTI-CE) Program launch in Cebu, August 22

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) launched the DTI-Certified Establishment (DTI-CE) Program in Cebu in recognition of consumer friendly stores on August 22, 10:00 in the morning, at the Cebu City Marriott Hotel.

According to DTI 7 regional director Asteria Caberte, the DTI-CE program aims to engage businesses to adopt a self-policing mechanism designed to promote and foster the highest level of business ethics and uphold a fair and honest marketplace.

Caberte said this is in line with DTI's commitment to protect the consuming public from illegal trade practices by ensuring compliance of industries to Fair Trade Laws (FTLs) and other related policies, including the Consumer Act.

Trade Secretary Peter Favila mentioned, during a recent DTI-CE program kick-off in Makati City, that with this program, the DTI envisions a healthy market environment where the interest of both businesses and consumers are met and protected.

In his speech, Secretary Favila said "a legitimate businessman's true goal is to elevate the overall consumer experience in his society, by providing excellent products and services to meet a consumer need.

A healthy competition among his peers will drive him to excellence. And excellence brings consumer satisfaction."Jointly undertaken by the Consumer Welfare and Trade Regulation and the Regional Operations Groups of DTI, the program will be implemented with the support of eight non-government organizations --- the Phil. Retailers association, Phil. Amalgamated Supermarkets Association, Phil. Association of Supermarkets, Inc., Phil. Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Federation of Philippine Industries, Philippine Product Quality and Safety Foundation, Inc. and National Association of Consumers Inc. and the special participation of the LOcal Government Units.

All retail establishments, supermarkets, department stores, appliance centers, hardware stores and DTI-accredited service and repair shops may apply for certification under the DTI-CE Program.

Caberte explained that deserving establishments will be awarded based on a graduated level of excellence: Bronze, for complying to Fair Trade Laws and Maintaining good customer relations through a Consumer Welfare Desk; Silver, for attaining Bronze requirements plus ensuring effective store management/ operations and adhering to social responsibility; and Gold, for attaining Silver requirements plus implementing some elements aligned to quality and environmental management systems in their operations.

They will be granted the "DTI-CE Seal" which should be displayed at the entrance of or in any conspicuous place within their store premises.

The said Seal represents value for money from products sold by these certified establishments.DTI undersecretary for Consumer Welfare Zenaida Maglaya said businesses and consumers can reap multiple benefits from the DTI-CE Program.

"A certified establishment will be recognized by the public as one that adheres to best business practices and aims for full satisfaction from its clients. This makes for a good marketing tool which can result to greater customer turn-out, thus, more profit," Maglaya said."

Consumers, on the other hand, will be able to identify stores that offer quality goods at reasonable prices and provide pleasing service, enabling them to make wise buying choices and get value for their money," she said.

Bureau of Trade Regulatory & Consumer Protection agency director Victorio Dimagiba also commented, "As certified stores strive to maintain their status, and their competitors similarly aim for certification, consumers would get more protection against unscrupulous retailers and perceive greater confidence in a market that upholds responsible business."

Dimagiba added that since certified stores are already deemed self-regulating, the DTI can put greater focus on monitoring erring establishments. " At the same time, we gain more allies from the business sector in promoting consumer welfare," he said.

Applications may be submitted to the DTI Provincial Office where the concerned establishment is located. These will be processed and assessed by the Provincial Evaluation, Regional Certification and National Certification Committees, in that order, using a set of guidelines before a store is deemed certified and awarded the DTI-CE Seal.

The Seal may be revoked or withdrawn from the establishment when it is found selling uncertified and pirated goods and violating any applicable Fair Trade Law. This can only be restored after the store has undertaken corrective measures for at least one year or after the next awarding season.

CY 2006- Pasigarbo sa Sugbo Trade Fair, July 29-30

A total of P506,430.00 cash and booked sales was generated by the 42 exhibitors who displayed their products during a Cebu City trade fair held at SM Cebu City Trade Hall from July 29-30.

Trade and Industry Cebu division chief Elias Tecson said the two-day local trade fair, bannered as “ Pasigarbo sa Sugbo”, had Ceramikhaus of Cebu, a ceramics producer, as top seller with P 119,130.00 sales.

Top selling products included ceramics, wood furniture, fashion accessories, packaging boxes, native bags, gifts, toys & housewares, footwear, jewelry boxes & frames, shellcrafts and stone furnishings.

The exhibit sales was realized through the purchase and bookings made by exporters, traders, institutional buyers and direct users and walk-in buyers from the area.

Carrying the theme “Sulong Negosyo: Asenso Sugbo ! ”, SME products that were showcased range from fashion accessories, gifts, toys and housewares to furniture and food.

According to Tecson, the objectives of the trade fair was to uphold the progress and sustainability of SMEs and to showcase the ingenuity and quality of products made by Cebuano hands.


Business enterprises which participated in the activity included Annabelle’s Arts & Craft, Balaonung Nagkahiusang Igsoon Alang sa Kalamboan (BANIKA), Capiz Shell Phils. Inc., Carbeb’s Handicarft, Carkits Woodcraft, Carcar United Footwear Manufacturers Ass’n, Celbar Cococraft, Cebu Gifts & Fine Arts, Cebu Grace Food Products, Ceramikhaus of Cebu, Chilen Chicharon, Consolacion Pina, Custom Guitar, Domel Artcrafts, E E Fashion Accessories & Novelties, Elda Shells Trading, Ferns Frunishing Indsutries, FS Handcrafted Products.

Also included in the trade fair were: Gabay sa Bag-ong Pag-asa ng Napo, Inc., Gloanse Enterprises, Gorgonio’s Carcass Furniture & Accessories, Hannah Handicarft, Ike’s Creation and Articrafts, Ivy Make It Home Furniture, Jady Fashion International, Jasmine Ethnic Crafts, Jam-V Rattan Furniture, J.E.R. Shellcraft Creation International, Lihok Pilipina Foundation, Inc., Lihuk Panaghiusa/ alayon Papel, Luis P. Maglinte, Marlag Shellcraft, Masterline Bakeshop, Michael Concept International, R.G. Dried Fish, RKOC Shell export, SH Stone Arts & Crafts, Sunshine Fresh Food International, Titay’s Lilo-an Rosquillos and Delicacies Inc., VSA Silhouette Int’l Import Export.The exhibit also offered a wide array of business-centric activities and services to enhance the business landscape and facilitate the growth and development of SMEs in Cebu, Tecson said.

The Cebu City Local SMED Council subsidized the rental of the venue and other expenses for SME exhibitors.In addition to the exhibit, the Cebu City SMED Council website was also launched.


The event was made possible with the support of other line agencies such as the Dept. of Science and Technology, Dept. of Labor and Employment, Technical Education & Skills Development Authority, Dept. of Agriculture, Dept. of Agrarian Reform, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Phil. National Bank, Development Bank of the Philippines and Land Bank of the Philippines.

These days, more than at any other time, trade fairs are seen to perform a vital role in small and medium enterprise development as it provides a final showcase to the output of the SMEs for the local, and eventually, the foreign markets.

Trade fairs today are better appreciated as an outstanding marketing instrument for development of new markets.

It provides a chance for exhibitors to introduce new products, make business contacts, sound out the market and conclude initial contacts. SMEs are considered by government to play a vital role not only in wealth creation but also in dispersing new industries to the countryside, improve productivity and stimulate gainful employment.


Around 60 per cent of producers / manufacturers in the Philippines comprise the SME sector that in turn employs 70 per cent of the labor force and contributes one-third of the value-added output to the economy.

CY 2006 - Sandugo Regional Product Showcase, July 20-23

Carrying the theme "Pride of the Islands...Beyond Boundaries", top of the line handcrafted products made by Visayan artisans will be on display at the Sandugo Regional Product Showcase, Ground Level, Island City Mall, Dao District, Tagbilaran City on July 20-23, 2006.

Organized by the Department of Trade and Industry, this year’s trade fair will showcase the finest handcrafted products of countryside entrepreneurs as well as raw materials abundant in the Visayas.

Highlighted in the event are the OTOP (One Town, One Product) handicrafts of municipalities in Regions 6, 7 and 8.









The products to be displayed during the fair are results of an extensive product development conducted by the Product Development and Design Center of the Philippines and the Department of Trade and Industry. Featured products include gifts, toys and housewares, furniture, decorative baskets, ceramics, furniture, raffia placements and rolls, processed food, fashion accessories.

A total of 82 manufacturers from the islands of the Visayas will be exhibiting during the fair.







The market encounter is scheduled in time for two major events, the Sandugo and the “Tigum Bol-anon Tibook Kalibutan” (TBTK), which are expected to attract several exporters, tourists and balikbayans to Bohol.

Sandugo-TBTK is awaited as one of the Philippines' tourism super-event for the year. TBTK, the global homecoming of Boholanos from across the globe to their home province, is observed every three years.





The Sandugo is Bohol's yearly festival replete with grand street parades and sport tournaments.

The combined Sandugo-TBTK festivities will be more celebratory as hundreds and thousands of people from around the Philippines are joined by balikbayan Boholanos on their triennial homecoming tour to their birth province.

This is a rare opportunity to market the products of countryside entrepreneurs.

For more information on the trade fair, interested parties are advised to call Laura Rollan or Minerva Yap of DTI7 at tel. no. 255-0036 or visit the DTI-7 office.