Exporters push reforms in tourism, hospitality sectors

 Economy
Sep 182016
 
Exporters push reforms in tourism, hospitality sectors

Philexport president Sergio Ortiz-Luis Jr. said most of the group’s members are linked within the tourism supply chain such as in food, furniture, logistics and giftwares, thus reforms in the tourism and hospitality sectors are also critical for local exporters. MANILA, Philippines – Local exporters are pushing for policy and economic reforms to boost the country’s tourism and hospitality sectors which they claim remain lagging behind in the region. Among the reforms being proposed by the Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc. (Philexport) include market access and connectivity improvement through upgrading of the international and domestic airports and seaports, as well as reduction of foreign carrier operations cost and elimination of the common carriers and tax on gross Philippine billings. Other reforms seen by the group as imperative for bolstering industry growth include improving sea and road transportation services on safety and reliability, as  well as development of competitive destinations, products and services. Philexport president Sergio Ortiz-Luis Jr. said most of the group’s members are linked within the tourism supply chain such as in food, furniture, logistics and giftwares, thus reforms in the tourism and hospitality sectors are also critical for local exporters. Ortiz-Luis stressed the vital contribution of the tourism sector to the country, with 34.8 percent of total employment or about five million Filipinos engaged in the food, beverage and accommodation sectors. He said the number is still outside the passenger transport sector which has recorded an even bigger employment share of 36 percent. Business ( Article MRec ), pagematch: Read More …

Soft remittances to persist – BSP

 Economy
Sep 182016
 
Soft remittances to persist – BSP

BSP Deputy Governor Diwa Guinigundo said de-risking activities coupled with the soft oil prices would likely continue to affect the normal flow of remittances.   Due to de-risking, low oil prices MANILA, Philippines – The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said soft remittance flows from overseas Filipinos could persist this year amid various de-risking activities by foreign banks and weak oil prices. BSP Deputy Governor Diwa Guinigundo said de-risking activities coupled with the soft oil prices would likely continue to affect the normal flow of remittances. “We are seeing the continuing narrative of de-risking, upsetting the otherwise normal flow of remittances. What exacerbates this is the continued weak oil prices dampening the propensity of Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and other oil producing markets to provide jobs to our overseas workers,” he said. Guinigundo said the Arab Monetary Fund, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and The World Bank have documented various cases of de-risking in the Middle East jurisdictions. “De-risking” refers to financial institutions exiting relationships with and closing the accounts of clients considered high risk. There is an observed trend toward de-risking of money service businesses and correspondent banks resulting in account closures in the US, the United Kingdom and Australia due to rising anti-money laundering and combatting the financing of terrorism scrutiny. As early as 2014, the BSP has raised concerns on the adverse impact of de-risking with relevant international institutions including the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), Alliance for Financial Inclusion, the Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion of Read More …

Corn industry seeks DA ok for Bt corn permits

 Economy
Sep 182016
 
Corn industry seeks DA ok for Bt corn permits

MANILA, Philippines – The local corn industry has called on the Department of Agriculture (DA) to approve the permits for corn traits that are still awaiting renewal or face further plummeting of the country’s corn production next year. The Philippine Maize Federation Inc. (Philmaize) said farmers fear the country might experience more difficulty in corn production with some Bt corn hybrids still not available for planting this season. “Corn farmers expressed worries that corn yield will plummet come harvest season on the first quarter of 2017 as some hybrid seeds are not yet available,” Philmaize president Roger Navarro said. The group is urging the DA to immediately approve permits for farmers to avail of several corn varieties this planting season that are resistant to corn borers, cutworm and ear worm which are prevalent during the dry season. “We can achieve a more successful agriculture sector if farmers are given more room to decide on critical farming processes,” Navarro said. He added the best strategy to address the challenge in corn production is to provide farmers more corn seed types to choose from. Business ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1 “Farmers can assess for themselves which seeds will grow best in their farms. Thus, farmers should always be given the freedom to choose what they feel is best for them as certain corn traits are needed to ensure we have increased yields and increased income in the coming harvest year,” he added. Corn is a major component in animal Read More …

Duterte commitment crucial in release of Sekkingstad – envoy

 News
Sep 182016
 
Duterte commitment crucial in release of Sekkingstad – envoy

Released Norwegian hostage Kjartan Sekkingstad carries a backpack as he boards a plane to take him to Davao city for an audience with Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016 on Jolo island, Sulu province in southern Philippines. (AP Photo/Nickee Butlangan) MANILA — Norwegian Kjartan Sekkingstad and Norway’s ambassador to the Philippines Erik Forner thanked President Duterte for Sekkingstad’s safe release from the Abu Sayyaf, with Forner acknowledging Duterte’s commitment as crucial to the resort manager’s release. Norwegian Ambassador to the Philippines Erik Forner  said, “The President’s personal commitment even before he took office has been crucial in solving this issue.” Forner also thanked Presidential Peace Adviser Jesus Dureza for his “tireless efforts.” “I would like to express my heartfelt thank you to the President, Secretary Dureza, (Moro National Liberation Front) chairman (Nur) Misuari and his finest men who released me yesterday afternoon, got me out of captivity,” Sekkingstad said on Sunday (Sept. 18). “Also the Norwegian Embassy, the Norwegian team. My Filipino family and my family in Norway. Everybody who has helped make this release possible.” “I am very happy to be alive and free. It’s a beautiful feeling.”  SFM Latest De Lima firm on snubbing House probe into NBP drug trade Ex-TV cameraman caught with shabu at QC checkpoint Racela: Jose capable of producing big numbers every game DQ foul ‘turning point’ in UE loss to FEU, says Pumaren Recommended Disclaimer: Comments do not represent the views of INQUIRER.net. We reserve the right to exclude comments which Read More …

Norwegian says his kidnapping was ‘devastating’

 News
Sep 182016
 
Norwegian says his kidnapping was ‘devastating’

INDANAN, Philippines — A Norwegian man freed by militants after a year of jungle captivity in the southern Philippines described the ordeal Sunday as “devastating,” carrying a backpack with a bullet hole as a reminder of a near-death experience that included the beheadings of the two Canadians kidnapped with him. Kjartan Sekkingstad was released Saturday to rebels from the larger Moro National Liberation Front, which has signed a peace deal with the government and helped negotiate his release. On Sunday, he was handed over to Philippine authorities, along with three Indonesian fishermen freed separately by the Abu Sayyaf militants. Aside from the horror of constantly being warned he would be the next to be beheaded by the brutal extremists, Sekkingstad said he survived more than a dozen clashes between Philippine forces and his captors in the lush jungles of Sulu province. In one intense battle, in which Philippine forces opened fire from assault helicopters and from the ground, he said he felt a thud in his back and thought he was hit by gunfire. After the fighting eased, he discovered that he wasn’t hit, and that his green, army-style backpack had been pierced by the gunfire instead. The heavily bearded Sekkingstad was carrying the damaged backback when he walked to freedom Saturday somewhere in the thick jungle off Sulu’s mountainous Patikul town. “Devastating, devastating,” Sekkingstad, clad in a rebel camouflage uniform and muddy combat boots, said when asked how he would describe the horrific experience. Philippine presidential adviser Jesus Dureza, Read More …

Marian’s mommy adventures

 Entertainment
Sep 182016
 
Marian’s mommy adventures

Marian Rivera (MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) — Marian Rivera-Dantes enjoys being a hands-on mom to nine-month-old Baby Zia, her firstborn with husband Dingdong Dantes. “Kikay siya parang ako. Mana sa akin. Tapos alam na niya ’yung sound of the cow. Sasabihin niya ‘Moo,’” she said. Already enrolled in play school, Marian believes Baby Zia could receive an award for being friendly. “Kasi ma-touch siya tapos mahilig din siya makipaglaro sa mga bata,” the proud mom shared. The actress admitted having a tough time detaching even slightly from mommy duties when she resumed her showbiz career. She has since worked her schedule around her baby. “Hindi ko talaga ipagpapalit ang makasama ko sa araw-araw ang anak ko. Gusto ko kasi nakikita ko lahat ng nangyayari sa kanya,” she said. Marian also asked Dingdong to do the same. “Basta hindi pwedeng sabay kami na mag-trabaho. Katulad ngayon, siya muna mag-teleserye pagkatapos niya ako naman,” explained she, who is also a mainstay on the year-old “Sunday PinaSaya.” Asked if she would like her daughter to eventually join showbiz, she said, “Kailangan matapos siya sa pagaaral bago niya gawin ang mga gusto niya sa buhay. Iba kasi kapag may pinag-aralan ka. Ayoko na bata pa lang eh, sinabak mo na.” Although enjoying motherhood, Marian is reticent on having baby number two so soon. “Gusto ko kasi i-breastfeed si Zia ng one year. Pero kung ipagkakaloob naman ng Panginoon…” she trailed off. (MNS)

Iza ‘snatches’ Ian from Jodi

 Entertainment
Sep 182016
 
Iza ‘snatches’ Ian from Jodi

Iza Calzado (MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) — IZA Calzado is now simultaneously shooting two new movies and taping one teleserye with the same partner, Ian Veneracion. The first movie is for writer-director Jerrold Tarog, who made the acclaimed hit, “Heneral Luna”. It’s a horror suspense-thriller also starring TJ Trinidad and Shamaine Buencamino. As of now, it does not have any definite title yet. The second movie is “Ilawod”, a horror flick directed by Dan Villegas and produced by Atty. Joji Alonso of Quantum Films, the same team that made previous award-winning Metro Manila Filmfest hits like “English Only, Please” and “Walang Forever”. The screenplay is written by Palanca awardee Yvette Tan and also in the cast are child stars Xyriel Manabat, Harvey Bautista and Teri Malvar, supported by Epi Quizon, Joel Saracho and Anna Luna. The teleserye Iza is doing with Ian is ABS-CBN’s “The Second Wife”, where they share top billing with Bea Alonzo. “Kami na ngayon ni Ian ang bagong loveteam,” Iza quips. Wonder where that will leave Jodi Sta. Maria who’s tandem with Ian in “Pangako Sa’Yo” was also a big hit. (MNS)

Duterte says no more joint patrols for PHL in disputed waters

 Entertainment
Sep 182016
 
Duterte says no more joint patrols for PHL in disputed waters

By Cielito M. Reganit President Rodrigo Duterte arrives at the Villamor Airbase in Pasay City to attend the 48th anniversary of the 250th Presidential Airlift Wing on September 13. (MNS photo) MANILA  (PNA) – President Rodrigo Duterte said Tuesday the Philippines would no longer join any patrol expeditions in the West Philippine Sea even as he asserted the country’s entitlements to portions of the disputed waters that are part of its exclusive economic zone. In his speech during the 48th anniversary celebrations of the 250th Presidential Airlift Wing, the President said he would not involve the Philippines in hostile acts beyond its territorial waters. “We will not join any expedition of patrolling the sea. I will not allow it because I don’t want my country to be involved in a hostile act,” he said. President Rodrigo Duterte, flanked by Philippine Air Force Commander Lt. Gen. Edgar Fallorina and Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, sings the national anthem during the opening rite of the 48th anniversary of the 250th Presidential Airlift Wing at the Villamor Airbase in Pasay City on September 13. (MNS photo) “When you patrol — not on the high seas but some other else’s territory — whether it is really owned by us, which the law says, the judgment says, ‘Atin yan entitlements’ (‘Those are our entitlements’) at sabihin naman ng isa, (and the other would say) – China – ‘That’s beside the point’. The point is I do not want to ride gung-ho style there with China or Read More …

CBCP chief supports additional PHP125 workers’ salary

 Entertainment
Sep 182016
 
CBCP chief supports additional PHP125 workers’ salary

Bishop Broderick Pabillo, MANILA  (PNA) — The head of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines-Commission on the Laity (CBCP-CL) expressed support on the plan for an additional PHP125 in the salary of minimum wage earners in the country. Bishop Broderick Pabillo, chairman of the CBCP-CL, said that although the proposal is not that sufficient, he welcomes it. “Parang kulang pero okay na din ‘yan kesa wala. At least PHP125 a day, malaki-laki na din ‘yan para sa mga tao,” he said. The Manila Auxiliary bishop noted that an increase in the salary of workers has always been the clamor, especially when prices of basic commodities continue to increase. “Palagi naman na ang ating panawagan e itaas ang wage ng workers, kasi hindi ito tumataas kahit tumataas ang mga bilihin,” he added. With this, Pabillo is hoping that the increase in the income of laborers will be given in time for the coming Christmas. “Oo, bilisan ang pagpasa, matagal nang hindi tumataas ang sweldo ng mga manggagawa,” he said. Last May, the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB)–National Capital Region (NCR) granted a PHP10 cost-of-living allowance (Cola), thus, making the new minimum wage rate at PHP491. Earlier, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has ordered the RTWPBs to review the PHP125 across-the-board wage hike proposal. They are expected to submit their consolidated findings this week.

Tugade: Traffic problem is not a state of mind, it is a state of chaos

 Entertainment
Sep 182016
 
Tugade: Traffic problem is not a state of mind, it is a state of chaos

Traffic on EDSA near the Kamuning Avenue flyover is heavy again on Tuesday after the long, 5-day holiday amid the visit of Pope Francis. Despite some roads being closed for motorcades during the papal visit, the holidays kept traffic light in the metropolis. (MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) — Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade on Thursday said the traffic crisis currently plaguing Metro Manila is not a “state of mind” but rather a “state of chaos.” Tugade made the clarification after he was supposedly misquoted in a newspaper report as saying the traffic gridlock was only the commuters’ state of mind. “Ang tranportation at traffic issue ay totoo at hindi state of the mind. Kung estado lang… it is a state of chaos we have to address,” Tugade said a House hearing on giving emergency powers to President Rodrigo Duterte to solve traffic woes. “We can journey together and address this crisis and stop it once and for all,” Tugade said. He assured the public that there is nothing to worry about in giving the President such emergency traffic powers, saying it would only given to Duterte for a limited period of time. “Basta nakarining ka ng emergency, ang unang sisipsip sa sistema natin ay takot,” Tugade said. In response to the newspaper report, the Presidential Communications Office insisted the Secretary was misquoted and said this was his exact quote: “A state of mind adds to the problem of traffic. Let’s stop blaming traffic. If you’re late, that’s that.” According to the Read More …

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