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Tuesday, January 31, 2023
More reforms needed to lure foreign investors
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By Niña Myka Pauline Arceo and Jenica Faye Garcia
Private sector representatives urged the government to focus on making the country more attractive to investments as the Marcos administration formally launched its 2023-2028 Philippine Development Plan (PDP).
"I used to say it's not enough for us to be in the radar but we really have to provide the runway lights for them for... investments to land in our country," Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry President George Barcelon said in a forum organized by the National Economic and Development Authority.
Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry President George Barcelon. Screengrab from Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028 Live Forum
Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry President George Barcelon. Screengrab from Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028 Live Forum
These "fundamental issues" such as "power, production costs, logistic costs, connectivity, and human skills sets" will be addressed by the PDP, he noted, along with improving the ease of doing business where the Philippines had already made improvements in the last few years.
Barcelon, however, noted that the last Philippine Business Conference had stressed the need to reinvigorate the resource-based sector, particularly mineral mining, oil exploration, forestry, and salt harvesting.
"We have legislators looking into that and improving the ASIN law," he said, "We need to tweak it, so that we can grow our salt industries. Our shoreline worldwide is number five, but we import 93 percent of our salt."
As for oil exploration, he pointed out that Indonesia has seen 20 projects in the past two-three years compared to the Philippines' three in the past decade.
Also noting the country's vast mineral resources, Barcelon said "I think the government is cognizant of that and they will open it up".
The PCCI chief also pointed to the importance of the agricultural sector to economic development. He urged the provision of insurance support and called for a push to involve more of the youth in the sector.
"Aside from the usual talk about farm to market road, post harvest infrastructure, cold storage, and so forth, one of the areas... is that we really have to fortify our crop insurance, otherwise the banks would see that the farmers are not bankable. So, I hope that the government will look into that."
The youth also have to be induced into joining the agriculture sector via the establishment of more technical schools that provide training on the latest farming advancements.
The farm sector, he continued, should also be opened up to foreign investors and scaled up.
Local governments, meanwhile, should emulate the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), which Barcelon said is favored by investors given the clarity of its rules.
"I think our solution is for the local government to have the DNA of PEZA," he said.
"If you're talking about growth, inclusivity for the country, the growth should be throughout the Philippines and I think the local government plays a key role in making things easy for people to want to invest in the area of their jurisdiction."
Private Sector Advisory Council digital infrastructure lead Henry R. Aguda, meanwhile, said digital development was enjoying a "watershed moment" in the Philippines.
However, while adoption markedly accelerated over the last few years, private sector concerns with regard to digital initiatives remain high.
"It's highest next to energy sufficiency," Aguda noted, but added that "the nice thing about it ranking high is there's a lot of effort right now to actually improve it".
Barcelon raised the issue of connectivity costs, saying that local subscriptions rates remained high compared to other countries.
"It should not go beyond three percent of take-home pay," he said.
Höchstes Renten-Plus seit Jahren
Die Renten sind im vergangenen Jahr so stark gestiegen wie seit Jahren nicht mehr
Die Renten sind im vergangenen Jahr so stark gestiegen wie seit Jahren nicht mehr.
Im Schnitt gab es 63 Euro mehr netto für die Senioren!
► Die ausgezahlte Durchschnittsrente ist laut der ersten Statistik der Deutschen Rentenversicherung für das Jahr 2022 ab Juli von 1089 auf 1152 Euro gestiegen. Männer bekamen im Schnitt 1276 Euro und damit 68 Euro mehr, Frauen 1060 (+59) Euro.
Erfasst sind in diesen Zahlen sämtliche Rentenleistungen, also Altersrenten, Erwerbsunfähigkeits- und Witwenrenten.
Die durchschnittliche Netto-Witwenrente stieg von 512 auf 540 Euro (+28 Euro), die Witwerrente von 374 auf 396 Euro (+22 Euro).
► Damit gab es im vergangenen Jahr das höchste Netto-Plus für die Senioren seit vielen Jahren. 2013 lag die Durchschnittsrente noch bei 855 Euro. Die Altersgelder sind also seither im Schnitt um 34,7 Prozent gestiegen.
Hauptursachen für den starken Anstieg waren die starke Rentenerhöhung zum 1. Juli von 5,35 Prozent im Westen und 6,12 Prozent im Osten, Verbesserungen für Erwerbsunfähigkeitsrentner und die Einführung der Grundrente.
Auffallend: Die Zahl der Mehrfachrentner (bekommen neben der eigenen Rente noch eine Witwen-/Witwerrente) ist im vergangenen Jahr erstmals gesunken - um knapp 10.000 auf 4,117 Millionen Personen.
Mögliche Ursache: die vielen Todesfälle unter Senioren durch die Corona-Pandemie. Im Schnitt erhielten Männer, die zusätzlich eine Witwerrente erhalten, 1717 (+89) Euro netto. Frauen mit eigener Rente und Witwenrente bekamen monatlich 1573 (+84) Euro ausge
Iloilo likely to host international dance festival in 2024
Published January 31, 2023, 11:39 AM
ILOILO CITY – There is strong indication that an international dance festival will finally be hosted by this city and the province of Iloilo next year.
“We want to continue our commitment to Iloilo,” said Marichu Tellano, deputy executive director of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA).
Tellano was referring to the Philippine International Dance Festival which Iloilo was supposed to host in 2020 but it was cancelled due to lockdowns and travel restrictions that followed the declaration of Covid-19 pandemic in the same year.
Around 200 foreign participants from Asia, Europe and Oceania were supposed to fly to Iloilo in what was an attempt to assemble the world’s biggest unity dance and possibly earn a place in Guinness World Records.
It seemed people behind this idea are well determined to push through with the unity dance.
“We have unfinished business [in Iloilo],” Tellano told Manila Bulletin.
Tellano and NCCA’s Committee on Dance chairperson Dr. Shirley Halili-Cruz had just wrapped up the Dance Xchange: Live in Visayas.
In partnership with the Iloilo Dinagyang Foundation Inc. (IDFI), the NCCA gathered 15 dance groups from the Visayas to perform live in Leganes town, Iloilo province.
Tellano said the Leganes event served as a test for Iloilo in its bid to play host to the proposed hosting of foreign dance groups next year.
“I believe Iloilo is ready. We were ready in 2020. We are ready for next year,” said Maria Luisa ‘Marissa’ Segovia, IDFI treasurer.
Segovia, who’s also the chairperson of the Regional Culture, Heritage and the Arts Committee (RCHAC) of the Western Visayas Development Council, said hosting international arts and cultural events could be of great help for the local economy that is bouncing back from the pandemic.
Pinoys make it to ‘America’s Got Talent: All Stars’ finals
by Stephanie Bernardino, MB
Pinoy couple Jervin and Anjanette Minor, otherwise known as The Power Duo, has barged into the finals of “America’s Got Talent: All Stars.”
Apparently, they earned the votes of fans following a superb performance.
Show judges Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel, and Heidi Klum, as with show host Terry Crews, have nothing but good words for the real-life couple.
“I love you, two,” Simon told them after they flaunted their skills to the tune of Calum Scott’s “You Are The Reason.”
Howie for his part admitted to enjoying their moves.
Heidi, on the other hand, described their performance as “great.”
Terry echoed the same thing.
“It is so beautiful to watch two people that are in love and they do something beautiful together. It was beautiful to watch,” Heidi pointed out.
On Twitter, Power Duo shared their success to the judges of the local iteration of the show, namely Robin Padilla, Freddie “FMG” Garcia, Vice Ganda, and Angel Locsin.
It was in 2016 when Power Duo was declared winner of the show’s fifth season.
Industry leaders forge partnership: GMA Network, Viu Philippines ink deal to bring world-class content to more viewers
by Manila Bulletin Entertainment
Philippine broadcast giant GMA Network and Viu, PCCW’s leading pan-regional over-the-top (“OTT”) video streaming service, are set to bring world-class content to more Filipinos as the two enter a five year partnership deal.
The said deal, which marks the first-ever collaboration between GMA and Viu, will bring upcoming Kapuso shows available on Viu Philippines, beginning with “The Write One” and “Love Before Sunrise.” Both titles are set to premiere in 2023, and will be available on Viu-ers in the Philippines exclusively 48 hours before their respective TV broadcast on GMA Network.
“This 2023, GMA Network is all set to bring more world-class content to Filipino viewers across various platforms. We are honored and grateful that Viu Philippines is with us in our endeavor to produce original and top-notch programs that can be consumed in various platforms such as leading OTT service Viu,” said GMA Network Senior Vice President for Programming, Talent Management, Worldwide, and Support Group, and President of GMA Films Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes.
Mr. Vinchi Sy-Quia, Deputy General Manager of Viu Philippines, adds his excitement on this collaboration, “Viu is proud to embark on this milestone partnership with Philippine multimedia giant GMA. Aligned with Viu’s vision of offering Premium Asian Entertainment and Experiences, this collaboration with GMA showcases the best of world-class Filipino content from both the GMA Entertainment Group and the GMA Public Affairs Group that can be streamed anytime, anywhere on the Viu Philippines platform.”
The partnership was made official during a contract signing held on Jan. 12. Joining Atty. Gozon-Valdes for GMA Network were Senior Vice President for Entertainment Group Lilybeth G. Rasonable; First Vice President for Public Affairs Nessa Valdellon; and Consultant for Business Development and Strategic Content Partnerships Reena de Guzman Garingan.
Attending for Viu Philippines were Deputy General Manager Vinchi Sy-Quia; and Head of Content Partnerships Garlic Garcia alongside the Viu PH Content and Marketing team.
Produced by GMA Public Affairs, “The Write One” sees the much-awaited team-up of Sparkle artists Ruru Madrid and Bianca Umali. A romantic drama with a touch of fantasy, it tells the story of Liam (Ruru), a frustrated man who is given a chance to rewrite his love and life story with the help of a mysterious typewriter.
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With the love between Liam and Joyce (Bianca) dimmed by the years that have passed, both wonder what could have been had they not given up their individual dreams. Until one night, Liam stumbles upon an antique typewriter and finds himself writing – and magically making real – the revised story of his life.
Multi-awarded actress and box-office icon Bea Alonzo and Kapuso Drama King Dennis Trillo banner the original drama “Love Before Sunrise,” set to be produced by GMA Entertainment Group. An epic love story, “Love Before Sunrise” brings to life the story of Atom and Tala and their humble beginnings from when they first met under the stars to becoming friends, lovers, and eventually ex-lovers while pursuing their dreams. A dramatic exploration of romantic desires and aspirations, the series will also be Bea and Dennis’ first-ever drama series together.
The Viu app is available on App Store, Google Play and select Smart TVs, as well as on the web at www.viu.com.
Monday, January 30, 2023
Shear line to dampen Visayas, Mindanao
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By PNA
The shear line and the northeast monsoon will continue to dampen most parts of the country on Monday, the weather bureau said.
Scattered rain showers and thunderstorms caused by the shear line will prevail in Visayas, Northern Mindanao, Caraga and Davao Region.
Cagayan Valley, Cordillera Administrative Region and Bicol regions and the provinces of Aurora, Quezon, Marinduque and Romblon will also have rain showers caused by the northeast monsoon.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said these areas may possibly experience flash floods or landslides due to moderate to heavy rains.
Meanwhile, the northeast monsoon will also cause light rains in the rest of Luzon.
The rest of Mindanao, on the other hand, will have isolated rain showers caused by localized thunderstorms.
Moderate to strong winds and moderate to rough seas will prevail in Luzon, the Visayas, and the eastern section of Mindanao.
Rough to very rough seas are forecast over the northern, eastern, western and southern seaboards of Luzon, the eastern and western seaboards of the Visayas, and the eastern seaboard of Mindanao.
PAGASA advised fishing boats and other small sea vessels not to venture into the sea, and larger sea vessels are also alerted against big waves.
PSAC bats for ‘e-Travel’ app for inbound travelers
by Argyll Cyrus Geducos, MB
Malacañang said that the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) was working on a mobile application called “e-Travel,” which would integrate all of the information on immigration, customs, health, and quarantine of travelers entering the Philippines.
Communications Secretary Cheloy Garafil said this after President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. met with the PSAC on Jan. 26, wherein they presented their “Quick Wins” recommendations to boost the country’s tourism industry.
In a statement, Garafil said the application aims to allow groups or families to input data easier. The database also includes tourist destinations, transport, hotel information, and traffic condition.
Tourists can complete the form through the app before boarding or while onboard the plane if they have an internet connection.
The “e-Travel” mobile application could be deployed by February.
Meanwhile, President Marcos highlighted the importance of digitalization, which, he said, could allow tourists to fill out forms quickly while traveling.
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He added that digitalization would enable authorities to ensure security at the borders.
The Quick Wins proposals aim to further boost the country’s tourism industry by improving airport infrastructure and operations, managing the national brand and image, and promoting tourism investments.
The recommendations include the following:
- The implementation of the Value-Added Tax (VAT) Refund Program for foreign tourists by 2024
- The rollout of e-visa by 2023, prioritizing China and India
- The removal of the One Health Pass, or requiring only one form for health, immigration, and customs
- The revocation of outdated advisories and loud-speaker announcements in the country’s airports
- The automatic inclusion of travel tax in all airline tickets
Data showed that 2.65 million visitors entered the Philippines from February to December 2022. This figure comprised 2.02 million foreign tourists and 628,445 Filipinos overseas.
The PSAC, led by Sabin Aboitiz, President/CEO at Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Inc., is composed of business leaders and industry experts providing technical advice to the President in achieving the government’s economic objectives in six key sectors — agriculture, digital infrastructure, healthcare, infrastructure, jobs generation, and tourism.
Marcos OKs VAT refund program for foreign tourists
by Argyll Cyrus Geducos, MB
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has approved the recommendation to implement the Value-Added Tax (VAT) Refund Program for foreign tourists by 2024 to boost tourist arrivals in the country.
Communications Secretary Cheloy Garafil said this after Marcos met with the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) Tourism Sector Group, which presented its “Quick Wins” recommendations to the Chief Executive on Jan. 26.
In a statement, Garafil said President Marcos would issue an executive order to implement the tax refund program, which is also being carried out in other countries.
The Quick Wins proposals aim to boost the country’s tourism industry by improving airport infrastructure and operations, managing the national brand and image, and promoting tourism investments.
Aside from the VAT Refund Program for foreign tourists, other PSAC Quick Wins recommendations approved by the President include the rollout of e-visa by 2023, prioritizing China and India; and the removal of One Health Pass (OHP) or requirement of one form only for health, immigration, and customs.
The PSAC comprises business leaders and industry experts providing technical advice to the President in achieving the government’s economic objectives in six key sectors — agriculture, digital infrastructure, healthcare, infrastructure, jobs generation, and tourism.
Sabin Aboitiz, President/CEO at Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Inc., serves as the PSAC lead convener.
The Philippines recorded 2.65 million visitors from February to December 2022, over 2 million of which were foreign tourists.
This figure is higher than the 2021 tourist arrivals of 163,879 but still significantly lower than the pre-pandemic level of 8.26 million.
This year, the Department of Tourism (DOT) targets to welcome 4.8 million visitors, which could generate P2.5
Alex Eala downs Belarusian foe, enters main draw of Thailand Open
By NIKOLE JAVIER
Alex Eala outlasted Kristine Dmitruk of Belarus, 6-2, 7-5, to barge into the main draw of the Thailand Open on Sunday, Jan. 29, at the True Arena in Hua Hin.
The reigning US Open Girls champion started on right footing, similar to her first-round win against Chinese foe Xinyu Han the day prior and gained an early 6-2 advantage to keep herself cushioned going into the next set.
However, the ninth-seeded Dmitruk got over her scrappy start and eased into the second set after surging into a 5-4 lead and even looked poised to force the decider.
But right before the Belarusian could completely blindside the 17-year-old Filipina, Eala tied the score at 5-all and broke Dmirtuk’s serve for the 6-5 lead and ultimately complete her victory after one hour and 19 minutes.
With the victory, Eala has arranged a first-round main draw meeting with sixth seed Tatjana Maria of Germany.
The 35-year-old Maria is currently ranked 71st in the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) and boasts of a semifinal finish at the 2022 Wimbledon Championships.
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