I'm currently in the midst of producing OTOP brochures for the four provinces in Central Visayas. I'm under extreme time pressure (again!) . I have to finish the project this month. I was given the go signal only a week ago with the issuance of work order for the printing press.
So, what else is new? .... aaaaarrrrgggghhh !
Finally, the First National One Town - One Product (OTOP) Convention has ended.
It was really stressful doing the OTOP Visayas video production for this convention in three days. Can you imagine doing the conceptualization, writing and plotting of schedules for video shoots and sorting of video clips in less than a week?! This is not to mention dealing with the usual government bureaucracy on canvassing and on the financial aspects of video production.
I had to adjust to the different time schedules of the interviewees Joyce Yang and Jenifer Cruz, plus assist the scriptwriter in writing the audio content. Good thing that MediaOne / RCTV had a good video editor, copy editor, voice talent and a very patient administrative assistant.
Although the video was on OTOP Visayas, most of the information in the video is on Central Visayas. That is not surprising because we produced the video and we were working under extreme time pressure.
Still, I have to say that video shots on Yang's shop in Ayala was simply gorgeous.
Fashion accessories exporter Joyce Natalie Yang has converted part of her shop at a mall here into a permanent display center for OTOP products from Central, Eastern and Western Visayas.
Ms. Yang pointed out that the OTOP products are ready. What they really need is a strong market presence. They didn't have access to the malls.
"We should put OTOP products in the malls so people, especially the tourists, will know what these products are," she said.
Gifts, toys and houseware exporter Jenifer Cruz said he and Trade officials from Central Visayas have been going around the Visayas regions in search of new suppliers and handicraft weavers among the OTOP participants.
"What we do is look for partners in rural areas through DTI. Then, we enhance their products for export. Now, we have more than 5,000 weavers from Antequera and neighboring towns in Bohol. Over the last 10 years, we have generated about 10,000 employment opportunities," Jenifer Cruz said.
Asteria C. Caberte, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) regional director has described Mr. Cruz as a "consolidator" of OTOP products. She encouraged other exporters to do the same and help micro and small producers throughout the Visayas penetrate the domestic and export market.
Export-quality baskets that were enhanced by Mr. Cruz's company, the 33 Point 3 Exports, are among those found at Ms. Yang's shop. Initially, 13 OTOP producers have displayed their items in the shop. Among the OTOP products that are on display are coco-based gift and houseware items from Lolo Bobby's Handicrafts, an OTOP participant from Bato, Leyte; as well as sinamay and raffia items from 3SHA Handicrafts, an outfit based in Inabanga, Bohol. Others are pina handwoven items, capiz and abaca items, ceramics and terra-cotta products.
Renilda T. Kuizon, first lady of Bato and proprietor of Lolo Bobby, said the establishment of the permanent display center has helped her and other OTOP producers gain access to new markets. "We're not only after a bigger income, but we also want market exposure," she said.
Ms. Yang said Lolo Bobby products were among the best-selling items in her shop.
Ms. Caberte said the establishment of the permanent display center for OTOP products at a mall here was a breakthrough in bringing OTOP products closer to the market. "This is a Visayas-wide thing. We're helping even those producers from other regions in the Visayas," she said.
OTOP, which is patterned after the "one village-one product" program of Oita prefecture in Japan and the one tambon-one product program of Thailand, aims to assist micro, small and medium enterprises in producing and marketing distinct products made of indigenous raw materials.
Under the program, town and city mayors identify, develop and promote a product or service that represents his town or city and enjoys competitive advantage.
A permanent showcase for the One Town, One Product (OTOP) Visayas was formally opened on Saturday, October 13, 2007 at the Natalie Accessories Shop in Ayala Center Cebu.
Here are some pictures of our office teambuilding workshop last month at the Hidden Paradise Mountain Resort in San Fernando, Cebu.
Nestled at the peak of scenic mountain range south of Cebu City, the property of Hidden Paradise Mountain Resort, is blessed with the best nature can possibly endow.
The flora and fauna are undoubtedly full of life and breathtaking freshness to the weary spirit.
The property already frequented by leisure seekers from nearby communities, currently boasts of existing facilities providing the basic services to the leisure market.
After so many hurdles, DTI-7, the Cebu City Government and the four (4) mandatory agencies (BIR, SSS, PhilHealth & Pag-IBIG) involved in business registration, permitting and licensing have finally made a “breakthough”.
DTI-NERBAC 7 is located at the ground floor of LDM Bldg.,
BPLS applicants will now be spared from going office-to-office in order to have their businesses acquire legal entities, saving them much needed time and resources, she said.
After so many hurdles, DTI-7, the Cebu City Government and the four (4) mandatory agencies (BIR, SSS, PhilHealth & Pag-IBIG) involved in business registration, permitting and licensing have finally made a “breakthough”. After so many hurdles, DTI-7, the Cebu City Government and the four (4) mandatory agencies (BIR, SSS, PhilHealth & Pag-IBIG) involved in business registration, permitting and licensing have finally made a “breakthough”.
Yap has high hopes that with the successful implementation in the chosen pilot areas, replicating the same in the rest of the Local Government Units (LGU’s) in Cebu and the whole of 
I'm currently in the midst of preparations for the formal opening of the OTOP permanent display center at Ayala next Saturday. Ah yes, this reminds me to invite all my media friends.
Hey, if you're from media, you're invited to attend our press conference at the Oh George Cafe Ayala branch on Oct. 13 at 9:00 in the morning. Please bring along your media colleagues. We have also invited DTI regional directors and some MSMEs in the Visayas.
So what is OTOP ?
Every place offers something unique.
In Central Visayas, there are a lot to set it apart from the rest of the
In Bohol, there are the raffia pillows and bags; in Siquijor, we have the herbal medicines and virgin coco oil; In Negros Oriental, we have outstanding universities; in 
For years, towns in the region have been able to capitalize on their locality's unique products bringing not only recognition for the locality, but more importantly, a sustainable source of livelihood for residents. Micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the localities produce and market distinct products or services using indigenous raw materials and manpower.
This, in essence, is the principle behind the government's
A priority program of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to promote entrepreneurship and create 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.
Patterned after the one village, one product of the
Through OTOP-Philippines, local chief executives of every city and municipality take the lead in identifying, developing, and promoting a specific product or service which has a competitive advantage.
LGUs are also encouraged to create and provide a conducive business environment and prioritize OTOP-Philippines programs and activities in their area.
The DTI, through its Regional Operations Group and SME Development Group, assists the LGUs in identifying the specific product or service and coordinates all forms of assistance from various agencies including 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
Under the program, the inter-agencies will provide MSMEs a comprehensive package of assistance including business counseling; skills and entrepreneurial training; product design and development; marketing; and introduction of appropriate technologies.
The impact of the entrepreneur - local government collaboration that is OTOP is very impressive. Several new micro, small and medium enterprises have sprouted and new jobs generated.
As the tripartite collaboration of the national and local governments and entrepreneurs in OTOP continues in its quest to enable towns to fully reap the benefits of their unique offerings, I am sure that our reach into the global markets will improve dramatically. With OTOP, it is not faroff for towns presently receiving overseas remittances becoming exporters to non-traditional markets where their relatives work.
With the regular training in ICT for SMEs done at the DTI-Cebu Office, I’m sure our local manufacturers can truly do global trades.
Department of Trade and Industry Central Visayas Regional Director Asteria Caberte recently handed over the Board of Investments (BOI) certificate of registration to representatives of the Philippine BXT Corporation, granting the company full fiscal perks.
Philippine BXT Corp., a foreign owned company, will construct a high-end tourist resort named the
The foreign-owned corporation said in a statement that the resort will be commercially operational in January 2009, and will generate at least 1, 209 job opportunities with annual payroll of P140.87 Million.
The resort developer said that it will operate an “AAA” resort complete with amenities such as sports and recreational facilities, food and beverage, health and fitness facilities and other support facilities.
The firm will construct six medium-rise buildings, three 3-story townhouses and 20 two-story pool villas. It will have a total of 616 rooms.
The class “AAA” resort, currently under construction, with its world class guest rooms and facilities, is expected to provide a partial but substantial solution to the current room shortage problem of hotels and resorts in
“
The Department of Tourism (DOT) endorsed this project to the BOI so it may be given a pioneer status, allowing the company to enjoy the full range of tax and other perks.
Recently, DOT Regional Director Patria Aurora Roa said the apparent room shortage problem in
Tourism oriented projects, specifically tourist accommodation facilities are included in the list of priority areas duly supported by government
Tourism oriented projects are in line with the government’s Medium Term development Plan for tourism and are included in this year’s Investments Priorities Plan.
The project falls under the government’s vision for
The tourism industry and tourism-related projects such as hotels continues to be a top foreign exchange generator contributing to the growth of the
The Cebu ICT 2007 has been another landmark event in the island. For the second time,
The conference featured top executives from the world's leading ICT and BPO firms, suppliers, and associations as speakers and panelists in plenary sessions. It provided a unique opportunity to interface with a cross section of international speakers from business, government, education, and media to discuss the ICT/BPO vision of each of the participating Asian countries; their experiences in the past decade of ICT promotion and development; and, the innovation model from which they base the advancement of their ICT industry.
The sharing of information and consequent understanding of where each participating country is "coming from and going to" - as well as the industries they host enabled the delegates to better appreciate and craft agreements based on common areas of concern. Participating Asian countries were able to examine how to strategically harness individual strengths for improved global competitiveness within the context of a knowledge-based Asian economy.
I learned from the gathering that there is a website on business and economics that has good downloadable books: www.mises.org And that the book “The Mystery of Capital” by Hernando de Sotto should be an interesting read.
As expected, the two-day Tech Jobs Expo was there. The career expo was held on June 26 and 27 at the
The growing demand for professionals in the IT and IT-enabled services sectors continues to open up opportunities both for new graduates and working professionals. The career expo was meant to highlight these opportunities and facilitate the screening and selection of applicants for Cebu-based companies and other companies outside
There are, of course, the ubiquitous exhibits of various IT and BPO companies at the
Each year, I’m always on the watch for the latest foreign film festivals.
There’s something about watching foreign films --- it broadens your world perspective and gives you a feel of other cultures. Eventually, you realize that there is more out there than your own small, shallow, petty “universe”.
I’m fascinated by the wide selection of foreign film festivals we have here (considering that Cebu is a tiny island), such as French Film Festival, British Film Festival, Australian Film Festival and European Film Festival, just to name but a few.
So if you ran out of inspiration on what product to sell to the international market, buy popcorn and swing by the Cebu foreign film festivals. These are usually held either at the SM or Ayala Malls.
Held mid-year, this is one event film lovers must not miss! Makes you think
Here's another speech I made for my boss:
In April and May this year, PHILEXPORT-Cebu and DTI had a series of consultations with key industry representatives of the export sector.
Industries represented during the consultations included GTH, electronics and industrial goods, food ICT services and medical tourism.
These consultations were meant to inform stakeholders of the status of the national and regional economies, as well as new developments in trade and investments, It also identified challenges for 2008-2010 based on gaps in the six pillars of competitiveness, and discussed possible solutions to gaps for consideration in the Regional Export Development Plan.
A Validation Workshop was held on May 7 to validate outputs from previous FGD’s and workshops. Discussions focused on issues related to the 6 drivers of competitiveness which are: human resource, management, infrastructure, logistics, energy and financing.
The group’s proposed Vision Statement is “We are the Primary export hub of Central and 
The group recognizes that future export success will rely on the continued mobilization of the private sector to pursue global competitiveness, the strengthening of the institutional structures which support export development and grant incentives, the introduction of innovative financing schemes for the small to medium-scale enterprise sector.
Export success will also rely on the reduction of transaction costs through further rationalization and simplification of export and international business procedures, the acceleration of foreign direct investment and, of course, more effective implementation of specific initiatives.
In coming up with a goal, our approach was to develop one that was in parallel with the country’s overall economic development plan and to ensure that the regional export strategy becomes an essential component of the national plan.
Our proposed goal is “By 2010, Central Visayas will be the center of all export activities for Central and
Our proposed Export Target:
Year 2007 - $2.5 billion
Year 2008 - $2.8 billion
Year 2009 - $3.1 billion
Year 2010 - $3.5 billion
Regional exports registered $ 2.2 B last year. However, we expect that this will grow by leaps and bounds in the succeeding years..
The group has taken into consideration that high growth areas in the coming years will come from the so-called 10 Revenue Streams, export products identified to have high growth potentials. Some of these revenue streams are areas where
These revenue streams are projected to post double-digit growth rates in the next three years, led by information technology. Other product groups expected to perform well are marine products, organic and natural products, home furnishings, wearables, motor vehicle parts and components, electronics, construction materials, giftware, holiday décor and food.
Here are the results of the GAP analysis on the 6 drivers of competitiveness as can been seen on the slides. Issues and proposed interventions or strategies to address setbacks in the export industry were thoroughly discussed by representatives from the export sector.
As expected, issues focused on human resource, management, infrastructure, logistics, energy and financing. Considering that copies of results of the workshop have already been given to each of you, I feel no need to reiterate what had been discussed.
The group’s comprehensive approach to strategy conceptualization reinforces the essential linkages between export strategy and the country’s other economic and social initiatives.
As importantly, developing export strategy directly in conjunction with national economic planning ensures that export development is reflected as a priority in all economic portfolios and that export development and promotion are seen as a continuing national priority.
Considering that the government gives utmost importance to public-private sector dialogue, it continues to seek a concerted effort to build consensus within the private sector on export development issues and policy advocacy,
In closing, I would like to acknowledge the cooperation and active participation of our export leaders and, of course, PHILEXPORT-Cebu, who had been identified as lead of the consultations, to the success of the discussions..
I'm currently writing the speech for a local diplomat who will soon be talking to a group of prospective foreign investors.
I'm sharing with you a rough draft of her speech so you will have an idea on why investing in Cebu is a wise decision for any astute investor.
Honorable guests, ladies and gentlemen, good morning.
I was agonizing the past few days on how best to present the Philippines, especially Cebu, to a group of businessmen and diplomats who do not speak my native language and who may have a certain preconceived opinion of my country based on reports from the international media.
But then I realized that there is so much more in common between us. And whatever differences there are, these will eventually be prevailed upon by our intense desire to connect with our markets and succeed in the international business arena.
Not many know that former Philippine President Ferdinand Edralin Marcos and
According to Prof. Vladimir Makarenko of the
From these hazy beginnings the
Magellan’s voyage spurred wide interest among European leaders who saw enormous trade potentials in the new route. De Moluccis insulis eventually found its way to
Thus,
It would take more than another 150 years before
It is remarkable how the recently concluded 12th ASEAN Summit has thrust the
We knew the amount of media mileage such an event would generate. Still, it came as a pleasant surprise when several foreign diplomats and businessmen, particularly those in Europe and Asia were expressing interest in opening or strengthening trade relations with
The ASEAN Summit publicity came at a most opportune time when the Philippine national government had a new development planning strategy in strong partnership with the Local Government Units (LGUs) in a bid to spur economic growth in the countryside and eventually lead the
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has said that her vision for the country would come from the perspective of the Regional Development Councils (RDCs), thus paving the way to a greater participation of the LGUs in development planning, much to the delight of the local executives.
The President eschewed the usual central/national point of view and opt to create a development program from the perspective of the regions to bolster education, invest in infrastructure and encourage greater investments all over the country.
In the process, the regional leaders and sectors have intensively participated in the planning, monitoring and fine-tuning development programs and projects in their regions. They also have pinpointed the strengths of their regions and the corresponding priority projects and programs essential to the development of their mega-region’s "own natural advantage" from which the government could build on.
The enlarged grouping of the regions will boost economic and market potentials beyond what each region can generate, with economies of scale, synergies and complementation that will be more attractive to investors.
In addition, a large resource base of each mega-region will be available for the provision of social services and pump-priming infrastructure, particularly for the poorer provinces.
Our president viewed the mega -regions as the "harbinger of
The recent planning tact had put together a series of development packages, identified the areas for investments as the government embarks on "an enlarged economies of scale."
North Luzon would be developed as the agri-business center in the North, Metro Luzon would be the urban beltway, Central Philippines as RP’s tourism hub, and
This economic development template for the
Thus, it is worth every effort to look more closely at products of
interest to both sides.
In the
The Russian group that recently visited Cebu was interested in the province’s custom designed furniture that are made of indigenous materials found only in the
Economic growth in
Although electronics consistently ranked number one in
Cebu’s ten export markets last year include:
This economic success of
This success will continue, and to facilitate this growth, our provincial government has implemented several projects.
The connection of
The construction of dams at strategic sites will maintain adequate water supplies.
New road construction projects will improve access and continuing program of road widening and bridge construction will keep traffic moving.
Ongoing investment in world class accommodation will ensure that
Most importantly, the development of more special economic zones with incentives for investors ensures industry will continue to profit by being based in Cebu, the
Whenever I meet foreign businessmen and invite them to invest in
There are several good reasons why we are number one.
There is a reason why this small island leads the entire country in exports of furniture, fashion accessories, carageenan, gifts, toys, and houseware.
There is a reason why Cebu consistently gets the biggest chunk of tourist arrivals yearly, and has become the tourist gateway to Central and
Here’s an interesting trivia you may want to know:
There is a reason why
Why
Perhaps because the island is naturally situated to become the center of all this action.
It is a natural port. More than 80% of inter-island shipping capacity is based here, on this small island. It is the most accessible place to and from all points in the country, with more domestic air and sea linkages than even
It is naturally safe. It does not lie within any earthquake zone or typhoon belt. There are no volcanoes on the island.
It has the necessary, well-balanced infrastructure to remain competitive, and to sustain development. And yet, within minutes from its cosmopolitan quarters, you are immediately transported to resort settings and natural wonders.
Why
Most of all, because of its PEOPLE. An independent, self-reliant, entrepreneurial culture pervades the island, which makes its people eminently positioned to seize the opportunities that nature presented it.
We have a highly educated workforce geared towards non-agricultural lines, the reason why
We are naturally peaceful. We have among the lowest crime rates, and the best peace and order records of all cities and provinces in the
Why
When
We had been a bustling trading post in Asia, long before the first of his ships landed, positioned right in the middle of what was to become the Philippine Archipelago.
The island, with its natural port, was a logical destination, and its people, so steeped in the ways of trade and commerce, were its greatest natural resources.
Fast-forward 436 years, and
Why
Why not
(diplomat briefly states her plans for the enhancement of the Russia-Philippine Trade)
The fact that you have given me this chance to make a presentation on Cebu and the
We have a lot to benefit from this trade relationship. If we carefully nurture it, we could get more than what we expected.
Thank you and good day.
Around 110 delegates of the China Changchun Investment and Trade Mission are currently in Cebu. They will be here until next week to showcase their products and to check inevstment opportunities in Central Visayas.
The delegates chose Cebu because of the good impression the island created during the 12th ASEAN summit. Changchun and Cebu have also similarities in their passion for business and entrepreneurial skill.
Let me share with you the welcome message during the press conference which I wrote for my boss:
Honorable guests, ladies and gentlemen, good morning.
First of all, I'm very thankful to the Consulate of the People’s Republic of
It is an honor and a privilege to welcome all the delegates of the China Changchun Investment & Trade Mission.
No doubt
Over the last two decades,
So, this makes today’s meeting significant.
Since the
Trade relations between our countries have been further enhanced with the opening of the second consulate of
Delegates from
Cebu is among the most dynamic and most developed areas in the
In other words, there are many business areas for serious discussion between
Bohol, the closest province from
Negros Oriental, on the other hand, boasts not only of natural tourist attractions but also its emerging IT industry. It has recently attracted several Business Process Outsourcing companies.
In closing, let me assure you of one thing: there is no reason why
With that, I hope our delegates’ stay in
Welcome to our beautiful island. Mabuhay!
As a testament to its commitment to advocate financial literacy throughout the country, the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE), together with First Metro Investment Corp and Philam Asset Management Inc., staged for free a Stock Market Briefing in
Other than PSE, representatives of various stock brokerage firms were resource speakers. Topics discussed included Investing in the Stock Market, Mutual Funds and Online Stock Trading.
It was one enjoyable afternoon of learning! I am glad I accepted the invitation.
From the way they described stock trading, it so simple and easy to understand that even jeepney drivers or fish market vendors can understand. As my seatmate at the briefing said, it’s just like trading goods; the difference is that you’re handling intangible products.
Risky? Stock trading may be risky but so is any other investment --- even a “sari-sari” store or your “ukay-ukay” business.
Stock trading is definitely better than joining a pyramiding scheme or gambling your money in the lottery where you are at the mercy of fate. What’s more, investing in the stock market gives you a chance to help our SMEs and build our local economy.
I’m happy to report that a significant number of business executives, professionals, entrepreneurs and students attended the PSE Stock Market Roadshow in
"Minimizing bureaucracy in acquiring licenses and permits will not only improve the country’s business climate but will also reduce corruption."
This was what Trade and Industry Undersecretary Zenaida Maglaya stressed during the One Business Permit and Licensing System Seminar at the Parklane Hotel in 
Streamlining business registration procedures is one of the major programs of the newly established National Economic Research and Business Assistance Center (NERBAC).
NERBAC aims to improve the business and investment climate in
Maglaya said since NERBAC will serve as a “one-stop” processing and documentation center for all documentary requirements in running a business, any form of corruption will be eliminated.
Last week, LGus in Cebu had a workshop and conference with the NERBAC dubbed “Towards One BPLS for CEBU” at the Parklane Hotel Ballroom,
The conference-workshop was a joint effort of the Department of Trade and Industry Central Visayas Office and the German Technical Cooperation known as Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ).
The NERBAC conference and workshop aimed at streamlining and harmonizing the Business Permit and Licensing System (BPLS) in 
Another purpose of the activity was 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 
A month has almost passed since Cebu took the responsibility of hosting the 12th Summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN) yet many Filipinos are still talking about it to this day.
Not a few have said that the holding of the Summit in our country proves that as long as we all put our hearts together, Filipinos can achieve success beyond expactations.
As emphasized by Manny Osmeña, owner of Hilton Cebu Resort and Spa, the recently concluded ASEAN Summit held in Cebu tells us three things: one, it proves that as long as we all put our hearts together, we can do it.
Two, it gave us the opportunity to show the world what the Philippines can do as well as it also gave us the chance to showcase to the world our country and our people. Three, with the success of the peaceful Summit, the amount of interest in investments and interest to visit the Philippines is unquantifiable. Businessmen and tourists, who would not normally consider Cebu or the Philippines as a destination, will now have us in their minds as a choice.
My agency is again busy preparing for another big event: The NERBAC Kick-off Conference and Workshop, bannered "Towards One BPLS for CEBU”.
The NERBAC conference and workshop aims to streamline and harmonize the Business Permit and Licensing System (BPLS) of all Local Government Units (LGUs) and National Government Agencies (NGAs) in
Knowing the different cultures and priorities of LGUs and NGAs here, this is one gargantuan task. If we can pull this off than it would be one for the Guinness Book of World Records.
Another purpose for our activity is to find ways for NERBAC to work in tandem with LGU leaders to invigorate further the investment climate in the province. Our end-goal is to ease the way for more entrepreneurs to invest and do business in
At this point, invitations are still being drafted. What makes everything a bit more complicated today is that we are moving some of our staff to the new NERBAC and rearranging our furniture and equipment at the regional office to fill a vacated space.
For those not in the know, the National Economic Research and Business Assistance Center (NERBAC) was created In line with Republic Act No. 7470 to facilitate business transactions in
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).
