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

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)

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

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)

“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)

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)

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:

1. Organize regular meetings of created task Forces/committees to provide updates on activities undertaken;
2. 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,
3. 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)

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)

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.