MPBs built for the municipalities of Samar

By ROMELLA LALAINE A. GUARDE
February 23, 2022

CALBAYOG CITY – Samar First District Engineering Office has constructed four (4) Multi-Purpose Buildings (MPBs) in the municipalities of Tarangnan and Pagsanghan, Samar.

These projects are funded under the General Appropriations Act (GAA) FY 2021 with a total contract amount of P10.97 million.

The multi-purpose buildings in Tarangnan, Samar consists of a health center and a covered court. The newly-constructed health center in Brgy. Tigdaranano will provide efficient and improved health services to the community, especially with the subsisting health pandemic. Further, the constructed multi-purpose building in Poblacion is a covered court in Tarangnan Elementary Central School which already has an existing stage. Said MPB will serve as a venue for recreational and social activities of the students and faculty of the said elementary school.

On the other hand, the multi-purpose building in Brgy. San Luis, Pagsanghan, Samar finished its second phase. It completed the construction of comfort rooms for male and female, located beside the covered court which is beneficial especially when conducting different events within the community. Additionally, the multi-purpose building in Brgy. Calanyugan, Pagsanghan, Samar comprises of the classrooms which will cater more students so as to provide accessible and quality education.

With the completion of these projects, the people and the whole community will become more involved with the various affairs of their respective barangays.

Over USD 23.6 million in export sales reported on first four days of PH participation in Gulfood 2022

By DTI-TPG-Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions
February 23, 2022

PASAY CITY – The Philippine participation in Gulfood 2022, facilitated a running total of USD 23,634,500.00 in export sales in the first four days of the expo. The Philippine delegation is still expecting to generate more sales as the event and the business-to-business (B2B) matching activities conclude. The country showcased its finest tropical food selections, top halal-certified food products, and unique local flavors at Gulfood 2022, held recently at the Sheikh Rashid Hall, Dubai World Trade Centre, United Arab Emirates (UAE) from February 13 to 17, 2022.

Led by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) through the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), this year’s delegation marks the 17th participation of the Philippines at Gulfood and is the biggest Philippine group that has joined in the global trade event. Featuring a hybrid setup, the Philippine Pavilion featured product displays with food tasting areas and meeting spaces, and interactive kiosks with QR codes providing more information about the exhibitors.

The 2022 cohort also benefited from CITEM’s updated content and lead generation platforms for the local food industry, IFEXConnect.com and FOODPhilippines.com, which provide a seamless sourcing experience for buyers and exhibitors all year-round. While all thirty-nine exhibitors got to showcase their products online, nine companies were able to exhibit onsite in Dubai.

“The Philippines is a great sourcing destination for food products because of its diverse agricultural landscapes and rich gastronomy. Especially with this pandemic, the demand for healthy and halal-certified food products is high, and the country is poised to be a leader in this category,” said CITEM Executive Director Pauline Suaco-Juan.

The Gulf Food Hotel and Equipment Exhibition Salon Culinaire, known popularly as Gulfood, is one of the world’s biggest food and hospitality industry expos. The trade and business platform provides buyers and exhibitors to strengthen their presence and foothold in the Middle East and African (MEA) region.

“Gulfood has always been a strategic platform for the Philippines and our companies to showcase our premium Halal exports to the world. This year’s participation in Gulfood is a testament to our commitment to export more halal-certified products to the world as our companies and institutions continue to develop more products and seek new ways to reach Halal consumers worldwide,” says DTI Undersecretary Abdulgani Macatoman.

Usec. Abdulgani Macatoman led the walkthrough of the Philippine Pavilion for the VIPs, which included Undersecretary Robert Eric A. Borje, Special Envoy of the President; Congressman Christopher De Venecia, Consul General Renato N. Dueñas, Department of Agriculture Secretary William Dar, Construction Industry Authority of the Philippines Assistant Secretary Noel Prudente, DTI Assistant Secretary Joan Riola, Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines Director General Roel Barba, and Board of Investments Governor Angelica Cayas. More officials attended the ceremonies in full support of Gulfood 2022 as it is also one of the business events that support the Philippine National Week in Expo Dubai.

They were also joined by the organizing team of the Philippine participation at Gulfood 2022, which included CITEM Executive Director Pauline Suaco-Juan, Export Marketing Bureau Director Christopher Lawrence Amuco, and Commercial Attache Charmaine Mignon Yalong.

Also in attendance at the ceremony is Chef JP Anglo, who recently opened Filipino restaurant Kooya in Dubai. The celebrated chef joins the movement for promoting and strengthening Filipino cuisine in the region.

The Philippine Pavilion at Gulfood 2022 showcased the products of Agrinurture, Inc., Brandexports Philippines Inc./8VX Corporation, Business Innovations Gateway, Inc., Century Pacific Food, Inc., CJ Uniworld Corp., Federation of People's Sustainable Development Corp., Fenor Foods Corporation, Fisher Farms Inc., Fruits of Life Inc., Gem Foods International Inc., Greenlife Coconut Products Philippines Inc., Innovative Packaging Industry Corp., Janicahh Food Products, JNRM Corporation, KLT Fruits, Inc., Krystle Exports Philippines Inc., Limketkai Manufacturing Corp., MagicMelt Food Inc., Marikina Food Corporation., Market Reach International Resources, Mega Global Corporation, Miguelitos International Corporation, Pasciolco Agriventures, Peter Paul Philippines, Philippine Grocers Food Exports, Inc., Q-Phil International Trading, Sabroso Chocolate Manufacturing, SandPiper Spices and Condiments Corp., SL Agritech Corporation, Unilab Inc. /Sekaya Global, Universal Canning Inc., Cocoturmeric Health Products, KF Nutri Foods International, Inc., AG Pacific Nutriceuticals Corporation, Nutrarich Nutraceutical Innovations, Ahya Coco Organic Food Manufacturing, Gacayan General Merchandise, PMTZ Care Marketing, and Malagos Agri-Ventures Corporation.

The Philippines’ participation in Gulfood builds on and strengthens the continuous demand for the country’s halal-certified food exports to the MEA region. Data from the Philippine Trade Investment Center (PTIC) in Dubai indicates that high-quality fruits such as mango, pineapple, coconut, and other fruits and plant-based products constantly enjoy high demand and meet Halal production standards.

“Our promotion of Philippine food to UAE and other countries does not end with our participation in Gulfood. We are continuously promoting our export products 24/7, anytime, anywhere through IFEXConnect.com, our B2B platform for food exporters, and FOODPhilippines.com, our leads generation and promotion platform for Filipino food. These websites allow us to widen our reach and strengthen our engagement across the globe. Buyers and food enthusiasts who want to know more about Philippine food are welcome to check out our platforms,” added Suaco-Juan.

The Philippines’ participation in Gulfood 2022 is made possible with CITEM’s partnerships with the Export Marketing Bureau (EMB), Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) in Dubai and Jeddah; the RAPID Growth Project; and the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA). The consolidated efforts of these offices are all in support of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and their recovery amid the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Following the events at Gulfood 2022, a face-to-face business-to-business (B2B) matching activity will be held on February 18, 2022, at the Jumeriah Beach Hotel, organized by the EMB in partnership with PTIC Dubai and Jeddah. There will also be an online networking event for Gulfood Digital participants from March 1 to 3, 2022 to connect Philippine exporters to prospective buyers. The initiative is organized by CITEM in partnership with the EMB and also with PTIC Dubai and Jeddah.

Eastern Visayas posts 92.4% employment rate in October 2021 (preliminary)

By PSA-8
February 21, 2022

TACLOBAN CITY – Eastern Visayas registered a Labor Force Participation Rate (LFPR) of 60.1 percent in October 2021. This placed the region’s labor force at 1.92 million persons who were either employed or unemployed out of the estimated 3.20 million population 15 years old and over in October 2021. The latest labor force was lower by 22 thousand persons compared with the 1.94 million persons reported in July 2021 at 60.7 percent LFPR. However, this was higher by 151 thousand persons compared with the 56.2 percent LFPR estimated on the same period in 2020. In 2021, LFPR was lowest in January at 59.8 percent and highest in April at 62.3 percent.

The region’s Employment Rate in October 2021 was estimated at 92.4 percent, which was equivalent to 1.77 million employed persons out of the 1.92 million persons in the labor force. This was lower by 1.5 percentage points than the 93.9 percent employment rate in July 2021. This was also lower by 2.3 percentage points compared with the 94.7 percent employment rate in October 2020. In 2021, the lowest employment rate of 92.4 percent occurred in January and October, while the highest employment rate was recorded in April at 95.0 percent.

Unemployment rate in Eastern Visayas stood at 7.6 percent in October 2021 or about 146 thousand unemployed persons out of the total labor force of the region. This figure was 1.5 percentage points higher than the 6.1 percent unemployment rate recorded in July 2021. This was also higher by 2.3 percentage points compared with the 5.3 percent unemployment rate in the same period in 2020. In 2021, the highest unemployment rate of 7.6 percent occurred in January and October, while the lowest was noted in April at 5.0 percent.

Employed persons who express the desire to have additional hours of work in their present job or to have additional job, or to have a new job with longer working hours are considered underemployed. The number of underemployed persons in Eastern Visayas was recorded at 316 thousand. In terms of proportion, this was 17.8 percent of the total number of employed persons in October 2021. The latest underemployment rate was lower than the 27.6 percent and 21.2 percent underemployment rate recorded in July 2021 and October 2020, respectively. In 2021, underemployment rate was lowest in April at 15.5 percent, and highest in July at 27.6 percent.

Chiz: Sorsogon to build ‘home for homeless gays’

Press Release
February 18, 2022

SORSOGON CITY – Homeless and abandoned members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community will soon have a place to stay in Sorsogon.

Sorsogon Gov. Chiz Escudero announced on Thursday that his dream project for the abandoned as well as elderly members of the LGBT community will soon materialize as the provincial government has already secured the land where the gays’ sanctuary will be built.

“We shall soon establish and construct a ‘Home for Homeless Gays’ in Sorsogon,” the veteran legislator posted on his Twitter account.

Zaldy Jebulan, a good Samaritan residing in Sorsogon City, has donated 1,500 square meters of land located at Barangay Roro to the provincial government in support of Escudero’s project for the gay community as part of his “Diversity and Inclusion” advocacy.

The veteran legislator expressed gratitude to Jebulan for his generosity and for supporting the provincial government’s desire in “promoting the welfare and well-rounded development of the people of Sorsogon.”

Jebulan agreed to give away his land as stipulated in the Deed of Donation so that the Sorsogon provincial government can proceed with the construction of the shelter with access road for homeless gays.

“Thank you, Mr. Zaldy Jebulan, for donating the land where our vision/plan can finally be realized,” the governor wrote on Twitter as he shared the photos of the signed Deed of Donation.

According to the Sorsogon Public Information Office (SPIO), the governor also envisions the shelter to have a livelihood training center for all LGBT members in the province.

Escudero, who is running for senator in the May elections, has been a longtime supporter of the LGBT community, pushing for equal opportunities for all regardless of sexual orientation, religious beliefs or political affiliation.

During his stint as senator in the 17th Congress (2016-2019), Escudero backed the passage of the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Expression (SOGIE) Equality Bill, also known as the Anti-Discrimination Bill.

In the 16th Congress (2013-2016), Escudero co-authored Senate Bill 2358, an older version of the Anti-Discrimination bill, along with Sen. Grace Poe, which makes any form of discrimination a “crime against humanity and human dignity.”

The bill prohibits discrimination on the basis of ethnicity, race, religion or belief, sex or gender or sexual orientation, language, disability, educational attainment and other forms of discrimination.

He also participated in the “I dare to care about equality” campaign spearheaded by the Bahaghari Center for SOGIE Research, Education and Advocacy, Inc. (Bahaghari Center) as one of its champions in fighting discrimination.

“All of us were equally born albeit not born equal. It is our duty to ensure the equality of each person in our own eyes and in the eyes of the law,” Escudero said when he joined the Bahaghari campaign.

A chance to give back

By CARD MRI
February 16, 2022

SAN PABLO CITY – Education is the ticket to success. This is perhaps the reason why parents break their backs to send their children to school. For students, the school may be a chore, but for KC Montañes, education can help her reciprocate her parents’ hard work.

As a Grade 6 student, KC loves to participate in different school activities which make her parents proud. All her hard work can be traced back to her dream of becoming a doctor. Besides her dream, she works hard to give thanks to the love and support that her parents gave her. Not only is she an active student, but she is also a responsible daughter. From helping around household chores, to manning their store when her mom is resting, she is always there for her family.

As a mother, Arlyn Romaldon couldn’t be prouder of KC. “At a young age, she is so responsible around the house and at school. Helping her achieve her dreams, in any way we can, is really our goal because we want her to have a bright future,” said Arlyn.

Seeking to improve her means of providing for her family, Arlyn, a sari-sari store owner, joined CARD, Inc. (A Microfinance NGO) in Parañaque City. CARD, Inc. provided her with the financial assistance she needs to get by. After being a client for three years, opportunities entered her door one by one.

First, she was able to use her loan as additional capital to her established store. Because of this, she increased her stocks and added a variety of essential goods, which her neighbors benefited from. Second, due to their financial management, Arlyn and her family acquired a property in Quezon City. This is now one of their sources of income as they turned this into a rentable property. Lastly, through the Microfinance NGO, she availed one of CARD’s products, the Zero Dropout Program.

Through the Zero Dropout Program, clients like Arlyn can now avail loans for their children’s education. This program is exclusive for biological and legally adopted children of clients and their relatives. For elementary students like KC, clients can avail up to PhP 3,000 loan to help them with their children’s fees at school.

Introduced to her by her Account Officer, the Zero Dropout Program became a way for Arlyn to afford school supplies to assist KC in her studies. With the issue of supplies out of the way, Arlyn has one less problem to think about. This also ultimately helps KC focus more on working harder for her dreams.

Through the Zero Dropout Program, Arlyn cleared one hurdle for KC in her journey to success, while for KC who reciprocates her parent’s love through perseverance, this is one hurdle cleared for her chance to give back.

KC is one of the 1,245,071 beneficiaries of the Zero Dropout Program in the Philippines as of December 2021. To know more about this loan program, leave a message at CARD, Inc.’s official Facebook page, @CARDIncOfficial.

NMP delivers free Basic Safety Training to Hernani

Press Release
February 14, 2022

TACLOBAN CITY – In a conscious effort to spread its advocacy to ensure safety of life at sea, the National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP) conducted the Free Basic Safety Training for Motorboat Handlers/Operators and Fishermen (BSTMHOF) with Typhoon Preparedness on 27-28 January 2022 in partnership with the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Hernani, Eastern Samar.

The two-day training, in collaboration with the Philippine Coast Guard Station thru the Coast Guard Substation (PCG-CGSS) Balangkayan, Eastern Samar and the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) Regional Office 8, was successfully carried out to 53 participants comprised of the fisherfolk and motorboat handlers/operators, and the members of the Emergency Response Team (ERT) of Hernani’s Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO).

The first day of the training started with an opening ceremony headed by LGU Hernani thru Mayor Amado L. Candido, with the presence of NMP’s Training Specialists and Instructors Capt. Lito C. Jain, OIC Navigational Watch Timothy Limpiado and PCG (Ret.) ENS Telesforo M. Sambalilo. Also in attendance were Seaman Second Class Raymond C. Borromeo and Jover Padojinog, representing the PCG-CGSS Balangkayan, and Mr. Santiago M. Acera of MARINA RO8. The activity was followed with the theoretical discussions of the topics. While the practical and assessment exercises was undertaken during the second day.

During the concluding ceremony, NMP Executive Director Joel B. Maglunsod cited the different emergency incidents at sea and other crises due to man-made or natural calamities, thereby, giving emphasis on the importance of equipping not only the local fishers and motorboat operators, but the community as well, with the basic safety skills. This is done by exposing them to the new techniques in personal survival, fire prevention and firefighting, first aid and knowledge on the rules of the road, marine environment and basic marine meteorology.

The Basic Safety Training for MHOF is aimed at improving the basic safety skills of local motorboat handlers/operators and fisherfolk and expose them to new techniques in Personal Survival, Fire Prevention and Firefighting, Elementary First Aid and Personal Safety and Social Responsibility. Additional topics covered the Rules of the Road, Typhoon Awareness and Marine Safety Requirements.

Former rebels in Northern Samar receive DOLE assistance

By JEROLD AMAGO, DOLE-NSFO
February 14, 2022

CATARMAN, Northern Samar – The Department of Labor and Employment Northern Samar Field Office (DOLE-NSFO) distributed livelihood kits amounting to P900,000 to the first batch of twenty-four (24) former members of the communist group, the New People’s Army (NPA), on February 8, 2022, this town.

Temporarily sheltered in the government-managed half-way house in Barangay Dalakit, the Darangpan Center, the former rebels had surrendered to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and have since been receiving comprehensive assistance from various government agencies, including the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), the Department of Education (DepEd), the Technical Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and many others.

DOLE-NSFO, in collaboration with the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) and the PSWDO, has enrolled the former rebels in the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP), which provides in-kind livelihood assistance amounting to a maximum of P30,000 to qualified and deserving beneficiaries. This initiative, a result of the consultative meeting between DOLE-NSFO and Northern Samar Provincial Governor Edwin Ongchuan, intends to change the lives of former rebels and their families by providing them with sustainable sources of income and help them reintegrate into mainstream society.

Joy, a former member of the NPA who collected extortion money – often called “revolutionary tax” – from residents of remote communities in Catarman to fund the communist group, said that he joined the NPA because he had little choice at the time, with subsistence farming barely making enough to feed and support his poor family. When life in the mountains became too risky and difficult, he decided to surrender, hoping to give his family a better life away from the insurgency.

During the formal turn-over ceremony held in the Darangpan Shelter attended by representatives of DOLE-NSFO, DepEd, PSWDO, and the AFP, Joy formally expressed his appreciation for the assistance he and the other former rebels have received from the government.

“Malugod ko pong tinatanggap ang tulong na ito mula sa DOLE. Meron na po kami pagkakakitaan at malaki po ang maitutulong nito sa aming mga pamilya ngayon hanggang sa paglipat namin doon sa permanent resettlement”, Joy explained. (“I welcome the assistance given us by DOLE for it will help my family earn a living while we adjust to our new life once we move on to our permanent resettlements houses, Joy explained.)

He likewise thanked DOLE-NSFO, led by Provincial Head, Virgilio A. Doroja, Jr., for the livelihood assistance, which will help him and his fellow rebel returnees ease back into their normal lives and into their new homes and communities.

The second round of distribution, consisting of livestock kits, is scheduled on February 23, 2022 in Catarman, Northern Samar.

PH food exporters to bring local flavors, top Halal products to Gulfood 2022 in Dubai

By DTI-TPG-Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions
February 13, 2022

PASAY CITY – The Philippines is set to showcase its finest tropical food selections, top halal-certified food products, and unique local flavors at the Gulf Food Hotel and Equipment Exhibition Salon Culinaire (Gulfood), one of the world’s biggest food and hospitality industry expos. The event will be held at the Dubai World Trade Centre in the United Arab Emirates from February 13 to 17, 2022.

Led by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) through the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), the Philippine delegation to Gulfood 2022 is the biggest yet, with 39 food export companies offering a variety of Philippine food products. The country seeks to strengthen its presence within the Middle East and African (MEA) region with Philippine halal-certified products, high-value coconut products, and other distinct and quality food products.

CITEM will spearhead the country’s hybrid participation in a 135-sqm space at Gulfood 2022 for both onsite and online exhibitor participants. The onsite pavilion will be located at Booths R140 and R160 of the Sheik Rashid Hall, while a virtual showcase of Philippine products will be available via standby terminals that will provide access to IFEXConnect.com and FOODPhilippines.com.

Visitors will also be able to browse the exhibitors’ products through an interactive LED display and connect with the exhibitors through digital on-site pods. Queuing pods will be also provided for prospective buyers who wish to schedule a meeting with a particular exhibitor or request on-site assistance.

Attendees will be given opportunities to conduct virtual business-to-business (B2B) meetings in collaboration with the Export Marketing Bureau, Philippine Coconut Authority, and the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) in Dubai.

“This will be the first CITEM overseas trade fair that will benefit from our updated content and lead generation platform for the local food industry, IFEXConnect.com and FOODPhilippines.com. Our recently-launched websites will provide the best 365-sourcing experience for both buyers and exhibitors,” says Paulina Suaco-Juan, Executive Director of CITEM.

IFEXConnect is a digital platform that allows users to source Philippine food products, connect with exhibitors, and access support services. On the other hand, FOODPhilippines is a digital platform that gathers chefs, industry experts, and food enthusiasts worldwide to share insights and news on Filipino food. The community platform features stories on Philippine ingredients, flavors, processes and techniques, recipes, heritage, culinary talents, and regional specialties.

“We are bringing a holistic-sourcing experience through a mix of digital and physical showcases in the pavilion that will act as the onsite storefront of IFEXConnect. It will showcase the exhibitors’ products in a curated retail store-like setting and these products can be viewed online through the QR codes that we set in place,” Suaco-Juan adds.

This year’s 39-strong delegation is composed of the following companies: Agrinurture, Inc., Brandexports Philippines Inc./8VX Corporation, Business Innovations Gateway, Inc., Century Pacific Food, Inc., CJ Uniworld Corp., Federation of People's Sustainable Development Corp., Fenor Foods Corporation, Fisher Farms Inc., Fruits of Life Inc., Gem Foods International Inc., Greenlife Coconut Products Philippines Inc., Innovative Packaging Industry Corp., Janicahh Food Products, JNRM Corporation, KLT Fruits, Inc., Krystle Exports Philippines Inc., Limketkai Manufacturing Corp., MagicMelt Food Inc., Marikina Food Corporation., Market Reach International Resources, Mega Global Corporation, Miguelitos International Corporation, Pasciolco Agriventures, Peter Paul Philippines, Philippine Grocers Food Exports, Inc., Q-Phil International Trading, Sabroso Chocolate Manufacturing, SandPiper Spices and Condiments Corp., SL Agritech Corporation, Unilab Inc. /Sekaya Global, Universal Canning Inc., Cocoturmeric Health Products, KF Nutri Foods International, Inc., AG Pacific Nutriceuticals Corporation, Nutrarich Nutraceutical Innovations, Ahya Coco Organic Food Manufacturing, Gacayan General Merchandise, PMTZ Care Marketing, and Malagos Agri-Ventures Corporation.

From this delegation, expect to see halal-certified food products such as high value coconut products, plant-based food products, processed marine, fruit and vegetable products, frozen native delicacies, noodles, coffee, cacao nibs, spices, condiments and more.

As one of the world’s biggest expos for the food and hospitality industries, Gulfood has historically attracted huge numbers and key players in Dubai. This year, more than 98,000 professional attendees from 120 countries are expected to discover different productions of over 5,000 exhibitors from a wide range of product sectors. Gulfood 2022 marks the 17th participation of the Philippines in the expo. It is also one of the business events that support the Philippine National Week in Expo Dubai.

Currently, there are over 148,929 Filipinos living in the UAE – the third largest expatriate community in the West Asian country, next to Pakistanis and Indians. There is also a rising number of Filipino restaurants and city centers in the UAE, as more franchises are catering to the growing demand for Philippine food products.

Data released by PTIC Dubai indicates food exports from the Philippines to the MEA region went steady in 2020 amid the pandemic. High-quality fruits such as mango, pineapple, coconut, and other fruits and plant-based products constantly enjoy high demand and meet Halal production standards. The country’s participation at Gulfood seeks to strengthen this demand further.

Halal food culture is also thriving in the Philippines due to its increasing Muslim population. As of 2021, around 7.9 million or 8% of the country’s total population are Muslims. Islamic belief has also been in the country since the 14th century, creating a deeply rooted appreciation of Islamic faith and culture among Filipino Muslims.

“This year’s participation in Gulfood is a testament to our commitment to export more halal-certified products to the world as our companies and institutions continue to develop more products and seek new ways to reach Halal consumers worldwide,” adds Undersecretary Abdulgani Macatoman of DTI.