Tourism stars, vloggers, influencers headline Go Negosyo's tourism summit 2023

BY ARGYLL CYRUS GEDUCOS

Apr 29, 2023 09:35 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Travel content creators such as Bogart the Explorer, Kyle "Kulas" Jennermann of "Becoming Filipino," Carl Chuidian of "The Chui Show," Angelica Gapit of "Angelica and Aileen Wanders," and Herbie Arabello" of "NSTV Travel Vlog" will join the summit.

• A Special Award for Travel Vloggers and Influencers will recognize inspiring travel content creators who have made significant contributions to the country's tourism landscape through social media.

• Twenty enterprises operating in the tourism industry will also be recognized via the "Inspiring Tourism Entrepreneurs Awards" for their role in promoting the country's tourism industry.

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Top travel vloggers and influencers who have significantly impacted the country's tourism industry will be recognized during the Go Negosyo Tourism Summit 2023 at SM Seaside City in Cebu City on May 6.

(Go Negosyo / Facebook)

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Go Negosyo founder Joey Concepcion said this as he emphasized how these social media travel and tourism influencers have played a key role in promoting the country's various tourist spots locally and internationally.

Through the internet, Concepcion said the domestic and local tourists could see more of what they can expect when they visit more places in the Philippines.

"Influencers and content creators are important. This is an area that will really help our MSMEs (micro, small, and medium enterprises)," he said.

"We hope to have more content creators to market the Philippines in terms of having the best beaches, the friendliest people, even the best food in Asia," he added.

Travel content creators such as Bogart the Explorer, Kyle "Kulas" Jennermann of "Becoming Filipino," Carl Chuidian of "The Chui Show," Angelica Gapit of "Angelica and Aileen Wanders," and Herbie Arabello" of "NSTV Travel Vlog" will join the summit.

A Special Award for Travel Vloggers and Influencers will recognize inspiring travel content creators who have made significant contributions to the country's tourism landscape through social media.

Aside from the influencers and vloggers, 20 enterprises operating in the tourism industry will also be recognized via the "Inspiring Tourism Entrepreneurs Awards" for their role in promoting the country's tourism industry.

The winners will come from MSMEs in accommodations, tour services, unique attractions, food tourism, retail and services, community-based cultural tourism, and sustainable tourism/ecotourism.

Concepcion said vloggers and influencers have contributed directly to the recovery of the country's tourism industry.

"Through their help, our tourism numbers are now returning to pre-pandemic levels while many income opportunities have opened for our MSMEs in various parts of the country," he said.

Co-presented by the Department of Tourism and the Tourism Promotions Board with venue partner SM Seaside City and with support from the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Tourism Summit will gather the who's who in the travel and tourism sectors, including industry experts, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and other stakeholders in a one-day event to tackle the future of Philippine tourism and the economic opportunities it presents, particularly for MSMEs.

To open the event, Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia and Tourism Sec. Christina Garcia-Frasco will deliver special messages of encouragement.

The event will also hold panel discussions led by key government officials and industry leaders. The panelists include ASEAN Tourism Association (ASEANTA) president Eddy Soemawilaga, Cebu City Mayor Michael Raa, General Luna Mayor Sol Matugas, Panglao Mayor Edgardo Arcay, PCCI Director for Tourism Samie Lim, AirAsia CEO Ricky Isla, Cebu Pacific president Alexander Lao, Henann president Alfonso Chusuey, internationally renowned designer Kenneth Cobonpue, and Philippine Hotel Owners Association Executive Director Benito Bengzon.

Palace declares April 21 a regular holiday for Eid'l Fitr

BY ARGYLL CYRUS GEDUCOS

Apr 14, 2023 7:59 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Eid'l Fitr is an important religious holiday celebrated by Muslims worldwide as it marks the end of Ramadhan.

• In the country, Eid'l Fitr has been recognized by the Philippine government as a regular holiday under Republic Act No. 9177.

• This is the second of the three long weekends Filipinos get to experience this month. The first was a five-day holiday during the Holy Week.

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Malacañang has declared April 21, 2023, a regular holiday across the country for the observation of Eid'l Fitr or the Feast of Ramadhan.

File photo

The Official Gazette announced this on its Facebook page on Friday evening, April 14, a week before the observation.

Based on Proclamation No. 201, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, it was necessary to declare the holiday to allow every Filipino to be one with the Muslim community in the celebration of Eid'l Fitr.

"In order to bring the religious significance of the Eid'l Fitr to the fore of national consciousness and to allow the entire Filipino nation to join their Muslim brothers and sisters in peace and harmony in the observance and celebration of Eid'l Fitr, it is necessary to declare Friday, 21 April 2023, a regular holiday throughout the country," the Proclamation read.

Proclamation No. 201, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin (Eid'l Fitr)

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This is the second of the three long weekends Filipinos get to experience this month. The first was a five-day holiday during the Holy Week.

The Muslim world celebrates Eid'l Fitr for three days after the end of the month of fasting. It is an important religious holiday celebrated by Muslims worldwide as it marks the end of Ramadhan, or the Islamic holy month of fasting.

In the country, Eid'l Fitr has been recognized by the Philippine government as a regular holiday under Republic Act No. 9177, also according to Presidential Proclamation No. 1083, signed into law on November 13, 2002.

Some Filipino Muslims celebrate and observe Eid'l Fitr at the Manila Golden Mosque in Quiapo, Manila, while Muslim communities in Mindanao stage large public celebrations.

Eid'l Fitr, also the first day of the Islamic month of Shawwal, signifies the Muslims' successful journey towards spiritual purification through month-long fasting.

PBBM calls for respect, understanding as Ramadan starts

BY ARGYLL CYRUS GEDUCOS

Mar 23, 2023 09:27 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Muslims worldwide observe Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, as a month of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community.

• Fasting is considered an act of worship and holds great spiritual significance. It likewise reminds them that God is the source of all sustenance.

• Featured photo: Muslims say their earlier prayer inside the Manila Golden Mosque on the first day of Ramadan, March 23, 2023. (Juan Carlo de Vela)

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President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has reminded Filipinos about the importance of respect, understanding, and love in a culturally diverse country such as the Philippines, as Filipino Muslims mark the start of the Holy Month of Ramadan on Thursday, March 23.

"In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful, I join the Filipino Muslim community here and around the world as they welcome and observe the Holy Month of Ramadan," his message read.

Muslims worldwide observe Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, as a month of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community.

Fasting is considered an act of worship and holds great spiritual significance. It likewise reminds them that God is the source of all sustenance.

According to the President, this season of fasting, prayer, and almsgiving is an opportune time to embody the values of discipline, reverence, and humility.

"The spiritual belief that the gate of Heaven is open during this sacred month calls upon our brothers and sisters to purify their souls against the perils of worldly pleasures as well as seek for forgiveness and peace," he said.

In between thanking the Almighty for answered prayers and asking for sustained graces, President Marcos urged Filipinos to also pray for those in deep distress caused by hunger, natural calamities, and unfavorable circumstances.

"The rituals and services during Ramadan remind us of our shared moral obligation-- regardless of faith-- to compassionately take care of each other, uphold our human dignity, and stand in solidarity," he said.

"As a nation enriched with cultural diversity, let us allow our hearts to embrace the profound truth that respect conquers divisions, understanding obliterates prejudice, and love prevails over all," he added.

The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) also wished for a peaceful observation of Ramadan.

"Hangad namin ang isang mapayapa at makabuluhang buwan para sa ating mga kapatid na Muslim bilang pagkakataon na mag-ayuno at magnilay-nilay bilang bahagi rin ng pagkakaisa natin para sa ating komunidad at bansa (We wish for a peaceful and meaningful month for Muslim brothers and sisters as this serves as an opportunity to fast and reflect as part of our unity for our community and country)," it said.

PH cyberattack defense now more robust --- PBBM

BY ARGYLL CYRUS GEDUCOS

Mar 13, 2023 11:15 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• President Marcos described the signing as "important" in the country's continuing efforts to protect itself against cyberattacks, noting that businesses, which he likened to wars, will now happen in cyberspace.

• Under the MOU, the NGCP will provide technical assistance to the NICA, especially on energy-related security issues, that will significantly contribute to the latter's endeavors in cybersecurity.

• Featured photo: President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. (Noel Pabalate)

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The Philippines now has better defenses against any attack on its cybersystems following the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that would assist its premiere intelligence agency, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. said.

Marcos said this as he witnessed the signing of the MOU between the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) and National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) in Malacañang on Monday, March 13.

Under the MOU, the NGCP will provide technical assistance to the NICA, especially on energy-related security issues, that will significantly contribute to the latter's endeavors in cybersecurity.

In his speech, the President described the signing as "important" in the country's continuing efforts to protect itself against cyberattacks, noting that businesses, which he likened to wars, will now happen in cyberspace.

"That is why we are continuing to shore up our defenses when it comes to cybersecurity," Marcos said.

"This is an important day because now we have made robust the defenses against any possible attack on our power systems, on any other of the elements in our everyday lives that require power, and, for that matter, that require the exchange of secure information amongst ourselves in society," he added.

President Marcos thanked the NGCP for taking on this initiative as it addressed concerns that the involvement of foreign entities in the Philippines' power transmission system would threaten the country's security.

"This is a very good step towards answering that challenge. It is but one step because we are continuing to do this-- not only with NGCP-- but we are developing our cyber systems," he said.

"We are developing our cyber systems so that we are secure and so that the data that we need to collect and to disseminate is available to us and we are able to do and handle that data in a secure fashion without the risk of it being used, somehow, against the Philippines," he added.

According to the President, the MOU between NICA and the NGCP will clarify the requirements of the Philippines' intelligence services to ensure that the country is safe and secure.

He said there would be more similar partnerships to help sectors that could be assessed at risk regarding cybersecurity. However, those that we will be done "quietly."

"But, nonetheless, it is something we must continue to develop, and it is a good development," Marcos said.

"It is a good signal to all of us who have concerns in this regard that we are doing many things to make sure that the Philippines remains secure, that the Philippines remains in accordance with international law, and that the Philippines and its people can rest assured that their territory, their data, their personal information will not be used against us and that they can feel secure," he added.

The MOU was signed by NGCP president and chief executive officer Antony Almeda and NICA chief Gen. Ricardo de Leon.

Based on its website, the NGCP is a privately owned corporation taking the lead in the operations, maintenance, and development of the country's state-owned power grid, which is an interconnected system that transmits gigawatts of power from where it is made to where it is needed.

On the other hand, the NICA, as the government agency mandated to direct, coordinate, and integrate all government activities involving national intelligence, commits itself to providing the NGCP with intelligence that will aid in protecting power transmission assets operated and maintained by the NGCP across the country. 

DOTr tells transport groups: Let’s talk first before you strike

by Argyll Cyrus Geducos

Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista asked transport groups to sit down and iron out the issues concerning the sector with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) before they stage a week-long transport strike.

photo: Ali Vicoy

Bautista said this in response to the planned transport strike starting on March 6.

In an interview with Communications Secretary Cheloy Garafil, Bautista said the government and the transport organizations should at least discuss each other’s positions regarding the Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) Modernization Program. 

“Dapat pag-isipan nating mabuti yung pag-stop ng operations. Dapat mag-usap-usap muna (We should think carefully about stopping operations. We should talk first),” he said on Monday, Feb. 27.

“Let’s understand what the issues are kasi baka hindi tayo nagkakaintindihan (because we just might be misunderstanding each other),” he added.

Bautista proposed a dialogue between the stakeholders, such as transport operators and representatives from the DOTr and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).

“Ang problema yata ay hindi nagkaroon ng representatives ang DOTr doon sa mga discussions para ma-clarify kung anuman ‘yung mga issues (I think the problem was there were no DOTr representatives in the discussions to clarify issues),” he said. 

“I have already instructed the Undersecretary for Road Sector to coordinate with the LTFRB and with the operators,” he added.

Meanwhile, Bautista clarified that they are giving ample time to transport groups to muster enough funds to buy new units for their operations in line with the government’s PUV modernization program.

The DOTr chief pointed out that there would be no phase-out of old PUV units in areas where groups could not acquire new units for their designated routes.

In places were the drivers find it very hard to acquire new equipment, Bautista said the DOTr would give the operators time to join cooperatives to help them get the necessary equipment.

He added that the DOTr has been working closely with the Development Bank of the Philippines and the Land Bank of the Philippines to help transport groups and cooperatives finance modernized transport units’ acquisition.

Palace: PBBM admin to upskill PH workers as foreign investors come to PH

by Argyll Cyrus Geducos, MB

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is preparing for the entry of more foreign investors in the country, particularly by ensuring that the Philippines has a pool of well-educated and highly-skilled workforce, Malacañang said.

(JANSEN ROMERO / MANILA BULELTIN)

In a statement, Communications Secretary Cheloy Garafil said that the DOLE is paying attention to resolving job mismatch issues by upskilling Filipino workers.

Citing Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma, Garafil added that the upskilling of workers must be industry-led and demand- and market-driven so they can find employment that suits their skills. 

In a press briefing, Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma said the government needed to boost its efforts to digitalize available jobs so workers would have the chance to choose where they want to work and the type of work they wanted to do.

He added that job mismatch issues could also be addressed by conducting jobs fair, with the DOLE focusing on knowing the requirements of every industry to manage them effectively.

Energy supply 

Meanwhile, Garafil said another focus of the Marcos administration is ensuring that the Philippines has a cheap and stable energy supply that could sustain manufacturing industries that create jobs with the expected influx of foreign investors.

Citing Energy Undersecretary Felix William Fuentebella, the Palace official said the DOE targets to have 35 percent of the country’s supply coming from renewable energy sources (RE) by 2030 and 50 percent by 2040.

In a press briefing, Fuentebella said the shift to RE was timely because of the high fuel prices that burden power-generating plants.

He added that part of the government’s initiative to lower electricity prices is the diversification of energy sourcing.

According to Fuentabella, another government strategy is educating the public on saving energy. He said it would address other issues like inflation, environmental degradation, high electricity prices, and the Philippines’ competitiveness with other countries.

Marcos boosts PH tourism revival amid Covid recovery

by Argyll Cyrus Geducos MB

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. assured that the government would promote the tourism sector as the country recovers from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. (File photo)

Marcos said this during the celebration of Tan-Ok Ni Ilocano: The Festival of Festivals in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte.

In his speech, the President said that boosting the country’s local tourism remains his administration’s top priority. 

“I assure you that the government’s commitment to strengthen the domestic tourism industry remains a top priority, and Ilocos Norte will play a very large part in that,” he said.

Marcos said it was now time to “reclaim lost opportunities” after the pandemic sidelined the celebration of festivals and other crowd-drawing events.

“The darkest hours of the pandemic we pray are over,” he said.

“Now, we are ready to reclaim the time and opportunities we have lost for the last few years as we now emerge stronger than ever,” he added.

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The President hoped the Tan-Ok Ni Ilocano festival would stimulate economic activity and support Ilocano families by driving tourism industries and sustaining local livelihoods.

He likewise urged the next generation of Ilocano artists “to be proud of your identity and integrate our rich customs and traditions into the art that you showcase.”

“Let us share with our fellow Filipinos and the rest of the world the story of our roots in the upland indigenous communities, the vibrant communities of Ilocos, many of which have been crucial in molding us into what we are as a people today,” Marcos said.

Palace moves EDSA holiday to Feb. 24 but wants its historical significance maintained

by Argyll Cyrus Geducos

Pursuant to the principle of holiday economics, Malacañang has declared Feb. 24, 2023, a special nonworking holiday in celebration of the EDSA People Power Revolution anniversary, which falls on a Saturday this year.

Proclamation No. 167 declares Feb. 24, 2023, a special nonworking holiday in celebration of the 37th EDSA People Power Revolution anniversary (File photos)

The Palace released Proclamation No. 167 on Thursday evening, a day before the new holiday date.

The Proclamation was signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin and confirmed by Communications Secretary Cheloy Garafil in a text message. 

Based on Proclamation No. 167, Malacañang moved the celebration of the EDSA holiday to “enable our countrymen to avail of the benefits of a longer weekend pursuant to the principle of holiday economics.”

However, the Palace said that the historical significance of the People Power Revolution should be maintained.

“The celebration of EDSA People Power Revolution Anniversary may be moved from 25 February 2023 (Saturday) to 24 February 2023 (Friday), provided that the historical significance of EDSA People Power Revolution Anniversary is maintained,” it read.

The country will mark the 37th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution on Feb. 25. The occasion commemorates the toppling of the first Marcos administration. 

In November last year, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., through Proclamation No. 90, said there was a need to follow the principle of holiday economics.

“There is a need to adjust these holidays pursuant to the principle of holiday economics wherein a longer weekend will help encourage domestic travel and increase tourism expenditures in the country,” the Proclamation read.

“Holiday economics” became a buzzword during the administration of former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. Under the principle, holidays falling on weekends may be moved to the nearest Monday or Friday. Even holidays falling in the middle of the week may be moved.