Business Activities in Central Visayas

Sandugo Trade Expo 2010, July 21-25

2010-07-07T14:37:00.002+08:00

One of the country’s longest running annual provincial trade fairs will unroll the first output of the Materials Research and Development Project on July 21-25 at the Island City Mall.

Sandugo Trade Expo 2010 not just highlights the region’s unique products and services but also makes use of local ingenuity. Spotlight will be shown on locally made crafts using mixed media and new design patterns, a result of the Materials R&D Project which assists raffia weavers in Bohol.

By mixed media applications, the weavers have experimented with recycled materials, buri, abaca, old plastic twine mixed together with raffia and other indigenous materials.

From these hand-wovens, select exporter companies convert them into actual products.

More than 80 exhibitors coming from the tourism, food, fashion accessories, crafts, Gifts, Toys and Housewares in Central Visayas will participate in the Sandugo Trade Expo.

Craft producers in Central Visayas will be presenting prototypes of their work after a series of trainings and one-one–one consultations with expert designers.

The fair will also feature a raw materials gallery to afford buyers and product designers with a plethora of materials to use, and this will be complemented with craft demonstrations for the interested public.

Emerging tourist destinations in the region will likewise be showcased with packaged tours to be made readily available at the booths.

National and international buyers are expected to be present during the fair, including exporters, buying agents, wholesalers, retailers, manufacturers and subcontractors.

Booths will also be set up at the Island City Mall to display the wealth of natural wonders and the related adventure and fun activities that are available for tourists and visitors who wish to explore the following destinations on the rise.

Several government initiated or assisted programs geared towards highlighting our culture and heritage and making our local products and services globally competitive will be showcased during the trade fair.

As in the past, there will be guest exhibitors from other regions during the Sandugo trade fair.

The Sandugo Trade Expo is a culmination of a series of product development initiatives geared towards improving the quality and design of the export oriented crafts and ethnic food in the region.

Bohol’s annual Sandugo trade expo has been running every July for the last twenty one years. This fair is one of the longest running annual provincial trade fair in the country and it has already established name recall and recognition among local and international buyers,

DTI Secretary supports local manufacturers

2010-03-23T10:16:00.002+08:00

Local manufacturers, who have been crying foul over the flooding of cheap imports in the domestic market, have found an ally in the newly-appointed Secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

Secretary Jesli Lapus, in a speech before members of the newly-organized Filipino Cebuano Business Club Inc. at the Sacred Heart Center on Saturday, specifically cited the plight of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the country, whose survival is at risk with the tariff-free entry of imported products to the country.

Lapus said that there must be safeguard measures put in place against the dumping of cheap imported goods to the market to protect our local industries, especially the MSMEs, from dying as well as protect the consumers from an inevitable increase in consumer goods.

“These imported goods are cheap now. But once our local industries die and there are no local products to compete with them anymore, then (importers of these products) can now sell them at a higher price,” he said

Some of our local manufacturers in Cebu such as garments and shoes manufacturers have closed shop, as they are unable to compete price-wise, with imported products.

Garment manufacturer Victor Tan earlier said in a report that the lack of regulation of imported garments, aside from the proliferation of “ukay-ukay,” which are also imported, have affected the local garment manufacturers.

Filipino Galvanizers Institute president Salvio Perez also said in a national report that China’s exports of subsidized pre-painted and galvanized steel sheets to the Philippines are hurting the local industry.

Meanwhile, Lapus said the DTI is now working on the MSME Development Plan for 2010-2016, the successor plan of the MSME Development Plan for 2004-2010. Lapus said he will ensure that provisions for more business development services to strengthen the MSMEs in the country will be put in place.

Lapus, former secretary of the Department of Education, is a professional manager in the manufacturing and financial sectors. He has post-graduate studies in the fields of Investment Appraisals and Management and Management of Transfer Technology, among others.

He served as undersecretary of the Department of Agrarian Reform under the administration of the late President Corazon Aquino and as chief executive officer and vice chairman of the board of directors of the Land Bank of the Philippines under the administration of President Fidel V. Ramos. (TF)

DTI & PCE CONDUCT NEGOSYO SEMINAR FOR MSMES, APRIL 15

2010-03-23T10:11:00.000+08:00

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) announced that there will be a free seminar for budding and potential micro, small and medium entrepreneurs which will be held at the Cebu Grand Majestic Convention Center from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., on April 15, Thursday, this year.

In coordination with the Philippine Center for Enterprises (PCE), the seminar will cover topics such as How to Start a Business, Finding Business Opportunities and Choosing the Market for Your Business, The Best Methods for Sustaining Growth, Developing and Innovating Actual Products and Services, Marketing Your Business, Funding Your Business and Managing Your Finance.

According to the DTI, the seminar is anchored under the spirit of private-public sector partnership and on a mandate to create more entrepreneurs thereby increasing livelihood and employment opportunities for the marginalized sector.

Seminar speakers and lecturers are chosen from the business sector by the Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship –Go Negosyo.

Participation to the seminar is on a first come, first serve basis. For reservation and more information, interested parties may call on the DTI Provincial Offices: DTI-Cebu tel nos. (032) 412-1863 or 253-2631; DTI-Bohol tel nos. (038) 411-3302 or 501-8260; DTI-Negros Oriental at tel. nos. (035) 225-4781; 422-1764; DTI-Siquijor at tel nos. (035) 344-2238 or 480-9065.

In today’s global economy, our entrepreneurs need the skills and capability to manage resources in a highly competitive and fast changing environment.

OTOP Visayas Holds 4th Trade Fair in Cebu

2009-11-03T14:30:00.001+08:00

Expect five days of pure local goodness as the Visayan leg of the ONE TOWN ONE PRODUCT (OTOP) holds its fourth annual fair at SM City Cebu this November 18 to 22. Entrepreneurs hailing from different corners of Visayas will be putting their local goods up for sale.

Products for sale are souvenir items, novelty items, gift items, home decors, natural fiber, processed food, footwear, wearables to include fashion accessories, bags, shawls, headgears and many others.

The marketing event is focused on the OTOP products of various municipalities in the Visayas highlighting the tourism and market potentials of Central Philippines which attracts more than half of foreign tourists in the country.

An intra-regional exhibit like the OTOP Visayas Island Fair is a good opportunity to showcase the best of the Visayan Islands

OTOP is one of the priority programs of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to promote entrepreneurship and create jobs in the countryside.

OTOP encourages the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to produce and market distinct products or services using indigenous raw materials and local skills of every municipality or city.

While DTI is the project’s marketing arm, OTOP is a “collaborative” effort of all sectors in the society, with local government units (LGUs) as the lead.

Executives of the Local Government Units (LGUs) take the lead in identifying, developing, and promoting a specific product or service which has a competitive advantage.

The DTI through its Provincial Offices assist the LGUs in identifying the specific product and coordinated other forms of assistance from other government agencies such as the Departments of Agriculture (DA), Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Interior and Local Government (DILG), Science and Technology (DOST), Tourism (DOT) and the Technical Education Skills Development Authority (TESDA), among others.

OTOP package of assistance includes business counseling, skills and entrepreneurial training, marketing, and introduction of appropriate technologies.

CY 2008 - DTI Gears Up for 3rd Visayas-wide OTOP Fair in Cebu, No.v 12-16

2008-10-28T10:14:00.002+08:00

It’s three times the charm as the Visayan leg of the One Town, One Product (OTOP) Philippines holds its 3rd annual fair at SM City Cebu Atrium this November 12 to 16, 2008.

This five-day trade fair will display a wide array of exciting homegrown products from Central Philippines dubbed "Distinctly Visayas", according to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the marketing arm of the OTOP.

From souvenir items, novelty items, gift items, home decors, natural fiber, processed food, footwear to wearables, the OTOP fair aims to promote native goods from the Visayan islands.

The Visayas Region composed of Regions 6, 7 and 8 have joined hands to come-up with this fair to provide opportunities for budding entrepreneurs and develop a new culture of local pride.

It is the third time the three regions of the Visayas have come together to form a united front, a Supra-region, complementing each other through the sheer diversity of each region's products and tourist destinations that have captured more than half of the country's foreign visitors in the country.

The OTOP Visayas Island Fair is an activity that aims to highlight the OTOP program, a flagship project of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo with the Local Government Units (LGUs) as the implementing arm.

The OTOP Philippines project is a government program to strengthen countryside development by promoting entrepreneurship and creating jobs.

This marketing event also aims to generate significant sales; train producers in dealing and negotiating with local and foreign buyers and exporters and develop new exporters from among the participants.

Under the OTOP, LGUs take the lead in identifying, developing and promoting a specific product or service, of which their areas have specific advantage.

The chief executives of each city and municipality have the task of consolidating services needed by industries to develop as a trademark for their respective localities, the DTI explained.

OTOP-Philippines provides a comprehensive assistance package through a convergence of services from LGUs, national government agencies and the private sector. This includes business counseling, skills and entrepreneurial training, product design and development, appropriate technologies and marketing.

The DTI said the OTOP-Philippines is designed to support micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME's) in the manufacturing and marketing of distinctive products and services to a much better level and achieve measurable results.

CY 2008 - Food Producers in Central Visayas take centerstage at international fair, May 15-18

2008-04-22T14:35:00.009+08:00

Around 17 food producers in Central Visayas will showcase their products at the International Food Exhibition (IFEX) Philippines 2008 at the Mall of Asia on May 15-18, 2008.

IFEX, organized by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), is a culminating activity for SME participants of region 7 to the Partner Region Program (PRP) this year.

The PRP-IFEX 2008 participants are Eco Nuestra (bottled sardines, amahon), Andre Choco (chocolate products), Lola Pureza (broas), Bohol Bee Farm (honey spread, honey products, Jojies’s Bakeshop (bakery products), Tienda Boholana (oatmeal cookies), BQ Bread Basket (bakery products), Bohol Quality Pastries (peanut kisses), Candabong Ric Multipurpose Cooperative (ginger tea)

Also participating are Tessie’s Sweets and Pastries (bakery products), Chantilly (bobod kabug), Sans Rival (jam squares, sylvannas), Orient Food Industries (dried tropical fruits, Ivons Baybaye (bayebaye), Ever (peanut broas), Duran’s (banana fries) and Jainin’s Pastries (tortalita).

The PRP-IFEX is made possible with the cooperation of the Philippine Trade Training Center, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Department of Science and Technology.

According to DTI, appropriate assistance have been given to SMEs under the PRP in the form of trainings, seminars and updates on food quality and safety, food packaging, marketing and branding.

Business matching and one-on-one buyer meetings are also conducted and arranged for the PRP proponents.

After application of relevant technical and marketing related interventions, these products are showcased in a special setting at the IFEX Philippines for market testing, DTI said.

The PRP gives focus on regional food products that have potentials in both domestic and international markets.

IFEX also features food products of other regions in the Philippines. (ends)

NERBAC-Cebu One-Stop Business Registering and Licensing

2008-03-14T09:53:00.001+08:00

Link

We're aggressively promoting the services of NERBAC-Cebu. Cebu NERBAC is being made as a pilot project by the government for fast business registering and licensing.

Created through the Republic Act 7470, NERBAC is an all-in-one center that houses all concerned agencies in the government. It processes all regulatory requirements in starting a business, provides investments information, and data on investment promotion in Central Visayas.

I hope businessmen will support this government move and have their businesses registered at the NERBAC-Cebu to reduce graft and corruption.

CY 2007-THE FIRST BOHOLANO CREATIVE INDUSTRY FESTIVAL, July 18-22

2007-07-12T14:58:00.000+08:00

Theme: Pakigsandurot sa Kinaiyang Bol-anon

Focus: One Town -One Product

DATE & VENUE OF ACTIVITIES

SANDUGO PRODUCT AND LIFESTYLE FAIR, July 18-22, 2007,ICM

CREATIVE INDUSTRY AGORA (Agriculture, Tourism, Crafts, Culture), July 18-22, 2007, ICM

CULTURAL PERFORMANCES July 18-20, 2007, ICM

CREATIVE INDUSTRY FORUM July 21, 2007, Metro Ctr

GO NEGOSYO TALK SHOW July 19, 2007, ICM

BOHOLANO COOKFESTS July 20, 2007 ICM & July 21, 2007, BQ

AGRICULTURAL ENTRPRENEURSHIP FAIR July 18-22, 2007, ICM

SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT FORUM July 18 & 20, 2007, APC

PROJECT PROPONENT : Department of Trade and Industry

Bohol Provincial Office, 2.F FCB Main Building, CPG Avenue, Tagbilaran City

Tel. No. (038)411-3302

Fax No. (038)411-3533

Email: dtibohol@yahoo.com

CONTACT PERSON : Ma. Elena C. Arbon, DTI-Bohol Provincial Director

COOPERATING AGENCIES :

Peace and Equity Foundation, Inc.

PROCESS – Bohol

Bohol Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc.

Bohol Provincial Government

Bohol Investment Promotions Center

Bohol Provincial Agriculture Office

Bohol Poverty Reduction Management Office

Provincial Veterinary Office

Bohol Tourism Office

Bohol Tourism Council

Bohol Arts and Cultural Heritage Council

CY 2007 - CIC Smposium on Programs for Competitiveness (March 29)

2007-03-28T13:54:00.000+08:00

The Department of Trade and Industry -Center for Competitiveness (DTI-CIC) will hold a symposium on the pro-active programs for competitiveness / PQA roadshow on March 29 at the Crown Regency Suites, Lapu-lapu City.

The activity is aimed at promoting the training programs of DTI-CIC as well as promote the PQA program to the local industries in the area. Target participants for the activity are locators of the Mactan Economic Zone and Mactan and Lapu-lapu based organizations.

The sympsoium will include the following topics: Overview of the DTI-CIC programs, Best Practices, Quality and Productivity Cornerstones for Motivating People, and Overview of the PQA Program

CY 2007 - PSE holds Cebu Stock Market Roadshow (March 5)

2007-03-05T11:35:00.000+08:00

The Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) will hold a briefing on investing and capital raising through the equities market for some 200-Cebu-based business entrepreneurs.

This briefing will be held at the Grand Ballroom of Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino on Saturday, March 10, 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.

Topics for discussion include: Overview of the Philippine Stock Exchange and the Philippine Equities market, Investing in Equity Mutual Funds, Online Stock Trading, Choosing Stocks Wisely and Listing in the Philippine Stock Exchange..

Trading participants are invited to put up marketing booths in the event. Due to a limited space, the PSE can accommodate only fifteen (15) brokers on a first-come,first-serve basis.

Note that an exhibitor’s fee of P2,000.00 will be charged to the participating broker. Transportation, accommodations and other incidental expenses will be for the account of those who wish to join.(ends)

CY 2007 - IRO Conducts Year-end Economic Briefing (March 5)

2007-03-05T11:30:00.000+08:00

The Investor Relations Office (IRO) of the Philippine Government will conduct a series of yearend economic briefings in March as follows:Iloilo (March 5), Cebu (March 7), Baguio (March 14), and Pampanga (March 16). The briefings will be open to the business sector , diplomatic corps, international financial / donor institutions and the media.

In Cebu, the briefing will be held at the Cebu Grand Ballroom of the Marco Polo Plaza, Cebu Veterans Drive Nivel Hills, Apas Cebu City.

The IRO will bring from Manila five senior members of the economic team who will discuss the national income accounts, and fiscal, monetary, trade, investment and agricultural performance at the national level.

A presentation on regional performance to broaden information dissemination and awareness of economic issues at the local level.will be included in the presentation.

For more information, interested parties may check the IRO website at www.iro.ph

CY 2007 - LGUs and NERBAC Conference-Workshop on Feb. 23

2007-02-21T17:04:00.000+08:00

Local Government Units (LGUs) in Cebu will have a workshop and conference with the staff of the National Economic Research and Business Assistance Center (NERBAC) bannered as “Towards One BPLS for CEBU” on February 23, 2007, 9:00 a.m., at the Parklane Hotel Ballroom, Cebu City.

The conference-workshop is made possible by the joint efforts of the Department of Trade and Industry Central Visayas Office and the German Technical Cooperation known as Deutsche Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ),

The NERBAC conference and workshop aims to streamline and harmonize the Business Permit and Licensing System (BPLS) in Cebu.

Another purpose for this activity is to find ways for NERBAC to work in tandem with LGU leaders to invigorate further the investment climate in the province. The end-goal is to ease the way for more entrepreneurs to invest and do business in Cebu.

The NERBAC was created In line with Republic Act No. 7470 to facilitate business transactions in Cebu and fast track investment entry in the region. It houses representatives from different government agencies that are tasked to process business permit and licenses.

The NERBAC is a one-stop action center that facilitates the processing and documentation of all paper requirements necessary for the establishment of a business enterprise in the country including credit services. It 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).

CY 2007 - Cebu holds "pulong-pulong" between gov't and biz sectors (Feb. 23)

2007-02-19T17:04:00.000+08:00

“Pulong-Pulong Alang sa Kauswagan” (A Consultation for Development), a government and private undertaking that aims to discuss and tackle issues to rid obstacles that block the road for Cebu’s progress will be launched this coming Friday, February 23.

The planned regular consultation is a public-private partnership project between the Association of Regional Executives of National Agencies (ARENA) in the region, the Office of the President – Central Visayas (OP-CV) and the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI).

CCCI vice-president for external affairs Teodoro Locson Jr. will make a project presentation before the Memorandum of Agreement will be signed by CCCI president Francis Monera and ARENA-7 president Eduardo Lecciones Jr. who is also the regional director of the Dept. of Agriculture in the region. The signing of the agreement will be witnessed by OP-CV Presidential Assistant Felix Guanzon, Philippine Chamber of Commerce vice president for the Visayas Jose Ng and other CCCI officials.

Under the project, a regular meeting/consultation is conducted among concerned government agencies and the business sector where issues will be raised and discussed for immediate plan of action. The main purpose for such regular consultation is to streamline, complement and coordinate activities, program and projects by both government and the private sector that are geared towards the development of Cebu’s economy.

During the launching, the CCCI will also conduct its general membership meeting and election of its 2007-2009 trustees while members will be updated on the planned activities of the Cebu Business Month (CBM) ’07 by CBM chairman Consul Samuel Chioson. Developments on other ongoing CCCI projects will also be presented by various chairpersons.

The venue of the launching activity and elections of the CCCI trustees is at the Ching Palace in Lahug, this city at 11:00 a.m. where the site will be dressed up with a Chinese New Year theme to usher the Year of the Fire Boar. (PIA)

CY 2007 - DTI BOI Hold Public Consultation Re Income Tax Holiday Incentives for Enterprises (Feb. 8)

2007-02-02T15:47:00.000+08:00

The Department of Trade and Industry will hold a public consultation this coming Thursday in relation to the proposed Memorandum of Agreement between the Board of Investments (BOI) and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) instituting the mechanism for the claim of income tax holiday (ITH) incentives for enterprises.

The public consultation will be conducted on February 8, 1:30 in the afternoon at the Social Hall, Sacred Heart Center, Jakosalem Street, Cebu City.

All BOI-registered enterprises entitled to ITH, especially for calendar year 2006 and fiscal year 2007 onwards, are required to attend.

A copy of the proposed BIR-BOI MOA can be found in the BOI website at www.boi.gov.ph

Based on the proposed MOA, BOI and BIR shall coordinate and work closely to ensure effective monitoring of tax incentive availments by BOI-registered enterprises, and provide documents, records and such other valuable information relevant to the ITH claims.

BOI and BIR shall also assist one another in the implementation of strategies to enhance tax enforcement and collection efforts towards an efficient tax incentives system. (ends)

CY 2007 - DTI facilitates the holding of the 12th ASEAN Economic Ministers Meeting (Jan. 10-14)

2007-01-22T15:40:00.000+08:00

The Department of Trade and Industry was designated as lead agency to organize and carry out the scheduled activities during the 12^TH ASSOCIATION OF SOUTHEAST ASIAN NATIONS (ASEAN) ECONOMIC MINISTERS' MEETINGS in Cebu.

The DTI coordinated with various public and private agencies to obtain technical, financial and administrative support.

The DTI peformed the following tasks and functions:

Organize regular meetings of created task Forces/committees to provide updates on activities undertaken;

Call upon any official, agent, employee, agency or instrumentality of the national or local government for any assistance that may be necessary to ensure the success of the Philippine hosting; and,

Subject to existing laws, rules and regulation, enter into agreements and contracts necessary for the attainment of the objectives, including contracts for services.

All departments, bureaus, offices and local government units were enjoined to give full support, assistance and cooperation to the DTI Secretary in the exercise of his responsibilities and for the success of the economic ASEAN ministerial meetings.

CY 2006 - DTI Awards Public Markets in Cebu (December)

2007-01-09T13:15:00.000+08:00

In line with the government’s call to traders to prioritize the welfare of consumers, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Cebu Provincial Office brings the advocacy further as it awarded the top three winners of the 2006 Pamilihan ng Lalawigan Search last December 2006.

The awardees were Dalaguete Commercial Center (1^st), Pardo Public Market (2^nd), and the public markets of Tabunok and Consolacion shared in the third spot.

The search which does not only look at the cleanliness of the public market puts emphasis on the quality of enforcement of the fair trade and consumer protection laws, as well as the presence of proper market sectioning, vendor association, timbangan ng bayan, consumer welfare desk, market manager, and other related concerns that are beneficial to the buyer.

Each of the winners received a plaque of recognition, a token, and a banner that bears the information of their winning this year’s search.

DTI Cebu official Inez Cajegas who was with the Provincial Selection Team in the ocular survey said that in her observation each of the short-listed public market has its own good practices and potential for becoming the next Pamilihan ng Lalawigan.

The members of the selection team were representatives from DILG, DTI, PIA, DA, and a consumer group.

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

2006-10-17T16:14:00.000+08:00

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)

2006-10-15T15:11:00.000+08:00

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)

2006-10-04T14:32:00.000+08:00

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)

2006-09-22T13:26:00.000+08:00

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)

2006-09-14T11:09:00.000+08:00

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)

2006-09-09T12:11:00.000+08:00

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)

2006-09-08T16:09:00.000+08:00

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

2006-09-07T09:33:00.000+08:00

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

2006-09-06T14:52:00.000+08:00

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

2006-09-06T14:29:00.000+08:00

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.