Business - Arkipelago News

Philippine SME Business Expo kicks off

The 14th Philippine Small and Medium Enterprises Business Expo (PHILSME), described as the biggest business-to-business (B2B) expo, conference, and networking platform in the country, has kicked off at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City. About 10,000 individuals registered to attend the two-day (May 10-11) event, highlighted as a one-stop-shop of business solutions to help SMEs, start-ups, and entrepreneurs boost their business growth, link with other businesses, and foster new relationships, according to event organizer, Mediacom Solutions. Up to 180 companies and businesses engaged in finance, banking, advertising, healthcare, franchising, tourism, logistics, telecommunications, and several other services are participating in the event. Also attending are entrepreneurs, top-level executives, business owners and investors who will be seeking products to grow and scale their businesses. The PHILSME was initiated by Mediacom Solutions founder David Abrenilla, who had said, “SMEs comprise the largest sector of businesses in the Philippines. Being the backbone of the Philippine economy, we should help them succeed. This is the very reason why PHILSME has been concepted, to give SMEs the platform to grow and develop. With our SME enablers growing each edition offering the newest business solutions and opportunities, PHILSME will continue its mission to strengthen entrepreneurship and business here in the country." David's widow, Trixie Esguerra-Abrenilla, now leads the company as its Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Managing Director. Esguerra-Abrenilla said, "Our commitment extends beyond the expo. We strive to continue supporting SMEs by helping them become aware of the latest business solutions, sharing exclusive offers they can take advantage of from various service providers, and providing them exclusive opportunities for the PHILSME Business Network." She shared that she intends to continue her husband’s legacy in supporting SMEs. 📷 PHILSME FB 4 days ago

OFWs in UAE eye investing in property and business, according to survey

Majority of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) that are based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) want to invest in property and business, according to a survey conducted by integrated marketing and communications firm New Perspective Media (NPM). NPM noted that of the 3,200 UAE-based OFW respondents in the survey, 62 percent said they want to invest their salaries in property or real estate. In the same survey, 58 percent of the respondents stated that they would like to invest in business, preferring entrepreneurial activities. About 30 percent of the respondents said they want to invest in life insurance, and 27 percent answered that they want to invest in the equity market. Dr. Karen Remo, chief executive officer and founder of NPM, underscored, “The growth in the Philippines’ real estate market is backed by strong economic fundamentals and the country’s anticipated leadership role in ASEAN’s (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) economic expansion.” She added, “The long-term outlook remains positive, particularly with ongoing asset appreciation and attractive rental income.” Dr. Remo said that this appetite from OFWs to invest in property provides an opportunity for the Philippine property sector amid the growing income of Filipino expats in the UAE. Seven out of 10 Filipinos in the UAE said they have experienced a significant increase in their salary, with seventy-five percent saying that they earn at least AED5,001 (UAE Dirhams), equivalent to PHP78,000, per month. The NPM is spearheading the Philippine Property and Investment Exhibition (PPIE), the country’s largest international property and investment show, on May 11 to 12 at The Bristol Hotel, Deira, Dubai. Dr. Remo is a Dubai-based Filipina herself who has chosen to engage in entrepreneurial activity.Apart from forming and heading the NPM, she publishes The Filipino Times—the biggest free newspaper in the UAE and the largest digital platform for Filipinos in the region. 📷 OWWA FB 6 days ago

PH to tap into billion-dollar global horticulture market

The Philippines is poised to play a role in the global horticulture industry and tap into its market worth billions of dollars, as the government through the Department of Agriculture (DA) gears to expansively help local growers beef up their production. At the launch of the May 3-5 “Pagsibol: Philippine Horticulture and Urban Agriculture Summit” organized by the DA and the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) in Makati City, DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, Jr. shared that he sees a promising future for the Philippines’ active participation in the said international industry. The Philippines can also supply plants for landscaping, the DA chief said, noting, “I was told that for landscaping, there is lack of supply versus demand so there’s still a good opportunity for us in that field.” He likewise cited as an advantage that many Filipinos have “green thumbs” or have the natural abilities to grow plants. Pagsibol, a three-day conference and exhibit, was organized to create a dynamic platform for knowledge exchange, innovation, and collective action among key stakeholders for the growth of the Philippine agriculture sector. Laurel highlighted the role of horticulture and urban agriculture in food security, economic growth and sustainability. “Horticulture, with its focus on cultivation of high-value crops and ornamentals, offers a pathway to diversity. Our agricultural landscape is limited as of the moment, and that with this, we will definitely diversify and meet the evolving demands of domestic and international markets," he said. “Urban agriculture, on the other hand, represents a modern adaptation of traditional practices. It presents a unique opportunity to reimagine the role of urban spaces in our agricultural system and harness the capacity of idle lands into centers of food and land production,” he added. Bureau of Plant and Industry Director Gerald Glenn Panganiban, for his part, disclosed that they are looking at ways on how to scale up production of high-value crops especially ornamental plants. “Globally, it's a billion-dollar industry. Based on experience, there's a huge potential because Filipinos love horticulture, we love taking care of plants,” Panganiban stated. He added, “We have a lot of high-value crops and ornamentals, and with the support of the government and with private sector collaboration, we can scale it up because we have the talent to do it and the technologies are here.” The government intends to invest in greenhouses and irrigation technologies for this initiative on horticulture, Panganiban said. 📷 BPI FB 1 week ago

Leandro Leviste acquired 8.5 percent interest in ABS-CBN Corp.

Businessman Leandro Leviste, the son of Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda and owner of the renewable energy company Solar Philippines, has acquired an 8.5 percent interest in ABS-CBN Corporation. ABS-CBN disclosed to the stock exchange that LL Holdings and its parent company Countryside Investments Holdings Corp. had purchased 76.5 million shares of the company. The transaction makes Leviste the second-largest shareholder of the company after the Lopezes. As of 1:50 pm on Thursday, ABS-CBN shares were up 9.9% to P4.95 a share. “ABS-CBN is a great company that helped countless people over the years. I hope there may now be a way for us to be of help, for the benefit of ABS-CBN’s shareholders and employees, and the media industry of the Philippines,” Leviste said in a statement. Senator Legarda, Leviste's mother, is a former ABS-CBN news anchor. She refrained from voting on the extension of ABS-CBN's franchise in 2020 as House deputy speaker, citing a "conflict of interest," for which she faced widespread criticism. However, in July 2021, Legarda expressed support for ABS-CBN and called for a refiling of the franchise renewal bill. Leviste has recently been actively pursuing acquisitions after the sale of P6 billion worth of SP New Energy Corp. (SPNEC) shares to MGen Renewable Energy Inc., a subsidiary of power utility behemoth Manila Electric Co. (Meralco). The founder of Solar Philippines still controls 20.6 billion SPNEC shares worth roughly P22 billion. 📷 Leandro Leviste FB 1 week ago

PH eyes over 1 million “big spender” US tourists in 2024

The Philippines targets to attract over one million tourists from the United States this year, or about 15 percent more than in 2023, noting that US tourists have been the biggest spenders among all inbound visitors to the country. Based on data from the Department of Tourism (DOT), a total of 5,450,557 international visitors entered the country from January 1 to December 31, 2023, of which 5,003,475 are foreigners while the remaining 447,082 are overseas Filipinos. South Korea continued to be the Philippines’ top source of international visitors with 1,439,336; followed by the United States with 903,299; then Japan with 305,580; Australia with 266,551; China with 263,836; and then followed by Canada, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, Singapore, and Malaysia. The international visitors from the US generated PHP35 billion in revenues in 2023 -- the highest among the country’s top tourist markets, according to Philippine Tourism Director-Attache in New York Francisco Hilario Lardizabal. He emphasized, “This is 215 percent higher than the tourism receipts from South Korea, so this is how important the American market is. While the arrivals are fewer, the contribution is bigger.” Records from the DOT showed that visitor receipts in 2023 reached PHP482.54 billion, with the US as the top spending market, followed by Australia with PHP17.74 billion, South Korea with PHP16.41 billion, Canada with PHP15.85 billion, China with PHP12.24 billion, and Japan with PHP10.02 billion. Lardizabal revealed that based on their monitoring, the American tourists tend to spend more and stay longer in a destination in the Philippines. He added that majority or 55 percent of inbound travelers from the US are former Filipinos, whose main travel motivation is to visit friends and relatives in the Philippines. “Filipinos from the US go around the Philippines and stay longer in the Philippines, and they also spend a lot. Apart from the money they spend on travel, they sometimes also give out money to their relatives,” he noted. He shared that former Filipinos who visit the Philippines as tourists are being motivated by the desire to meet up and personally interact again with their friends and relatives in the Philippines, as well as see what changes happened in the country while they were already living in the US. “They go around and visit friends and relatives in many places,” he said. Meanwhile, mainstream American visitors looked for a more immersive dining experience. “They want to know the story about Filipino foods, how these are prepared, and they would even cook these foods themselves,” he remarked. Lardizabal expressed confidence that the Philippines will achieve 15 percent more of the 2023 US tourist arrival figure, noting that the DOT is doing a multi-pronged approach to entice the market by forging partnerships, conducting more trainings for travel agents, joining B2B (business-to-business) travel trade events, and organizing curated familiarization tours. He likewise shared that prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, most US travelers to the Philippines were baby boomers or those in the age bracket of 60 to 78 and Generation X or those aged 44 to 59. But now, he said, majority of US travelers that are showing interest in the Philippines are millennials, or those born between 1981 and 1996. “That should be our focus, how do we address the needs and preferences of the millennials,” he highlighted. The tourism official likewise said that the emerging travel trends in this millennials market are geared toward immersion or experiential travel, wellness tourism, workcation, premium travel, solo travel, and adventure and sports, among others. He mentioned as an example the market observation in the US itself, where there was a recorded uptick in the sales of sports and equipment for activities such as hiking, horseback riding, cycling and scuba diving. Lardizabal added that among the top destinations for American visitors to the Philippines are Boracay, Palawan, and Siargao. 📷 Department of Tourism FB 2 weeks ago

The $140-million Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue (EDSA) Greenways Project is expected to enhance the experience for commuters in the National Capital Region (NCR), improve transportation, and transform cities into greener areas, the Department of Transportation (DoTr) underscored. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is funding this project, which is composed of elevated pedestrian walkways in Balintawak and Cubao in Quezon City, Guadalupe in Makati City, and along Taft Avenue in Pasay City. It will connect pedestrians and commuters to mass transit stations to help promote the use of public transport. DOTr Assistant Secretary for Road Transport and Infrastructure James Andres Melad stressed that the project would also boost economic growth through better transportation system. “This harmonization is crucial for shaping a more sustainable future and creating greener cities that are safe, commuter and pedestrian-friendly, as well as accessible for all,” Melad said. The department shared that the first phase of the EDSA Greenways project involves building five kilometers of the covered elevated pedestrian walkways around the four mass transit stations - Balintawak, Cubao, Guadalupe and Taft, along EDSA. The DOTr noted that at present, existing pedestrian facilities on EDSA are poorly designed, uncomfortable, and unsafe. The project thus aims to make EDSA, a major artery in Metro Manila, more walkable. The DOTr declared that the Greenways project will be completed by 2027. According to the ADB, “Pedestrians on EDSA can soon expect safe, wide, well-lit, and disaster-resilient elevated walkways. The Asian Development Bank has approved the EDSA Greenways Project, which will help the government construct 5 kilometers of covered walkways that will be linked to mass transit stations in Balintawak, Cubao, Guadalupe, and Taft. The 5-meter-wide structures, equipped with elevators and monitoring systems, will be easily accessible for pedestrians, including the elderly, pregnant women, young children, and people with disabilities.” 📷 Asian Development Bank FB Read more >> 2 weeks ago

Over 179-M pieces of coins worth P648.9-M deposited through BSP’s coin machines

3 weeks ago

The Philippines seeks to revitalize trade with New Zealand

3 weeks ago

Cebu Business Month to shape province’s development roadmap

The upcoming Cebu Business Month (CBM 2024) in June will contribute significantly in shaping the province’s development thrust, according to the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI). Cebu Business Month is CCCI’s flagship project held annually every June, bringing together local, national, and global business leaders to witness the accumulated progress in the province and explore its continuously expanding potentials. The group has been conducting roadshows especially in Manila to forge connections with stakeholders from both private and public sectors. “The roadshow aims to promote collaboration and synergy in driving progress for Cebu through value-driven initiatives,” CCCI underscored. These roadshows are led by CCCI President Jay Yuvallos and CBM 2024 Overall Chairman, CCCI Vice President Regan Rex King. The other key participants of the roadshows include: CCCI VP for Business Development, Benny Que; CBM 2024 Vice Chairman Anton Perdices; Branding, Marketing & Communications Chairperson Lilu Aliño; Networking, Partnership, and Resource Generation Chairman Rodrigo Tañeda; Digital Transformation Chairman Anthony Noel;Innovation & Creativity Chairman Bryan Yap; and CCCI Business Mobilization Manager for Cebu Maribel Melgar. The group said that among the entities that have partnered for CBM 2024 are: Cebu Air, Inc. (Cebu Pacific), Philippine Airlines, Inc., Lalamove Phils., Eastern Communications, Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA), Rakuten Viber, Aboitiz Group, Megaworld Corp., Jobstreet by SEEK, Dito CME, and PLDT Enterprise. CCCI also promoted partnerships with government agencies to ensure alignment of programs and projects among government and private sector players. “Leveraging with government endeavors, CCCI ensures to align its plans and programs and advocates inclusive growth. Bolstering MSMEs (Micro-Small and Medium-Scale Enterprises), CCCI aims to reinforce Cebu as the prime investment destination,” the group emphasized. The Department of Tourism (DOT) is a major partner of CCCI for CBM 2024. The DOT noted that CBM celebrates the entrepreneurial spirit of Cebu and showcases the diverse and dynamic business community in the region, as it also offers a range of programs and activities that cater to different audiences, including business owners, entrepreneurs, investors, and the general public in the areas of Tourism, ICT- BPM/Technology, Entrepreneurship, and Creative Entertainment. Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said, “The DOT welcomes CCCI’s proposals with optimism. CCCI can help develop Cebu by further promoting its English As A Second Language (ESL) and dive industries, and likewise develop the province as a wedding and MICE destination to target source markets.” CCCI stressed that they are open to assisting DOT to highlight the importance of creating a high-value business ecosystem that would benefit the local tourism industry. 📷 Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry FB Read more >> 3 weeks ago

Young Filipinos urged to be “youthpreneurs”

Young Filipinos should aspire to be economically productive early in their life by learning and training on the basics of entrepreneurship, according to Go Negosyo Founder Joey Concepcion who is spearheading the holding of the Youthpreneur Program all over the country in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd). The program involves free mentorship for the youth, especially senior high school students, in entrepreneurial skills including starting a business and how to manage, sustain and expand it, as well as financial literacy, marketing, etc., with help and guidance from veteran entrepreneurs and successful businessmen. Among the Youthpreneur mentors are Angkas app-based motorcycle taxi platform Founder and CEO George Royeca, social media content creator and influencer Yasmin Marie Asistido known as "Kween Yasmin," Hiraya Filipina Founder and CEO Cleo Loque, and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), the biggest organization of businesses in the country. Prior to the event, expected participants would be asked to select a specific sector they are interested in pursuing for business, and they would then be matched with veteran mentors. It was initiated in 2023 by Concepcion, who formerly served as Presidential Adviser for Entrepreneurship, and is now Malacanang's Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) Lead for Jobs and Medium, Small, and Micro Enterprises (MSMEs). The first Youthpreneur Program was held at SM City Fairview in Quezon City on November 25, 2023, and was attended by hundreds of students from the 17 participating schools in the National Capital Region (NCR). The fourth Youthpreneur Program was held last April 8 at the Rizal High School in Pasig City where more than 1,000 students attended and were mentored in direct selling, sales and marketing, and internet content creation. The next Youthpreneur Program is slated on April 13 at a high school and an SM mall in the province of Bataan where at least 60 business mentors agreed to teach and inspire the attendees. Concepcion remarked, “At our public entrepreneurship events, I notice that we are getting more young attendees who are keen on starting their own business." He noted that one field that opens big opportunity and potential to the youth today is social media. Concepcion said that the youth could use social media to their advantage to earn money, as he cited many internet personalities and influencers who earn big with the help of social media as their platform. He emphasized, “With this, you’re learning marketing, you’re learning how to position yourself. When you have a business and you are a social media content creator or influencer, malaking bagay, malaking savings na ‘yan. Ikaw mismo selling, ikaw mismo nagpro-promote." He said that in other countries, small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) are strong. “The Philippines needs to replicate this experience from other countries. The only way to lift our economy is to teach our young kids to be enterprising, whether what I’m calling entrepreneurial is working for a company but being business-minded, or becoming a negosyante yourself,” he said. Helping the Filipino youth become future-ready with an entrepreneur mindset is his modest contribution to drive the country's progress, he underscored, saying that in teaching the young to be entrepreneurs, it helps them and the country as well. Concepcion shared that the success of the Youthpreneur Program will help shape their future initiatives that are aimed at growing the next generation of Filipino entrepreneurs. As the Youthpreneur Program is being held regularly in different campuses across the country, Concepcion disclosed that they are now exploring ways to institutionalize this training as part of the curriculum in the country's schools. 📷 Go Negosyo FB Read more >> 1 month ago

Over 700 business franchise concepts from various countries joining biggest expo in PH

More than 700 business franchise concepts from various sectors and from different countries are participating in the Franchise Asia Philippines’ (FAPHL) International Franchise Expo 2024 slated this April 12-14 at the SMX Convention Center Manila. The Philippine Franchise Association (PFA), which is organizing the event, highlighted that the participating business franchises in the expo are a mix of local and foreign brands including some 80+ international brands. PFA Chairman Chris Lim disclosed, “This year, the expo will feature international exhibitors from Korea, Singapore, Thailand, US and more… and will introduce their well-established and successful franchises to the Philippine market, providing local entrepreneurs with access to a wide array of business models and strategies from across the globe.” He added, “There’s even a concept that offers the possibility of getting a US investor visa.” Lim discussed that in food categories, there are regional brands expanding nationally as well as various coffee and dessert players. In non-food, there are health, tourism and construction-related concepts that are also exhibiting at the expo. He said that in line with PFA’s goal of creating more global Filipino brands, the expo also has a “How to expand your franchise globally” discussion, with both local and international experts sharing their insights and tips. They are going to hold seminars on branding, growing your profits, how to franchise a business and how to invest in a franchise, Lim said. He added that the seminars and workshops at the expo are tailored to provide invaluable insights and practical knowledge for entrepreneurs and prospective franchisees. The seminars will cover various topics essential for building and managing successful franchise businesses, offering participants the chance to learn from industry experts and network with like-minded individuals. Lim stressed that Franchise Asia Philippines expo, now on its 31st year, continues to promote franchising as a tool to create businesses and jobs. He said that the expo has been averaging 50,000 visitors every year, serving as a testament to the Filipinos’ continued confidence in franchising as a way to start a business. “As Asia’s biggest franchise show, this premier event brings together a diverse range of homegrown and global franchise brands, offering a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs and aspiring franchisees to explore innovative business concepts and investment opportunities in food, retail and service,” Lim concluded. 📷 Philippine Franchise Association FB Read more >> 1 month ago

3,000 kilograms of fresh PH mangoes up for 2nd shipment to Australia

Three thousand kilograms of fresh mangoes, the Philippine national fruit, are set for shipment this month to Sydney and Perth, Australia, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) announced. This follows the initial shipment of 1,500 kilograms of the popular Carabao mangoes sourced from Zambales to the same destinations in early September last year. DTI Secretary Alfredo Pascual emphasized that this development further highlights the enhanced trade relations between the Philippines and Australia. He noted that in 2023 alone, the trade volume between the two countries surged to USD4.1 billion, representing a 20 percent increase from the previous year's USD3.4 billion. "The continued growth in our bilateral trade underscores the vast potential for our products in the Australian market. The successful export of our mangoes exemplifies the significant strides we're making in facilitating agricultural trade, which is pivotal for our economic agenda,” Pascual remarked. The Carabao Mango, also called Philippine Mango, Manila Mango and "Manggang Kalabaw," has become very popular globally owing to its sweetness, juiciness, texture, exotic taste and nutrition qualities. This mango variety was listed in the 1995 edition of the Guinness Book of World Records as the sweetest mango in the world. The Department of Agriculture's Bureau of Plant and Industry (BPI) has ensured that the Philippine mango shipments meet the protocols and requirements of the destination country including the Australia Biosecurity Act 2015. FastboxPH, the logistics firm shipping the mangoes, has noted a surge in demand for this product within the Australian market, attributing it to the unparalleled taste and quality of Philippine mangoes. It added that with Philippine mango exports to Australia adhering to stringent biosecurity regulations, documentation and inspection procedures, FastboxPH is poised to expand its presence across Australia. 📷: Department of Agriculture FB. Read more >> 1 month ago

“PH Eatsperience” project launched to boost country’s food tourism

Showcasing authentic Filipino cuisine and popular street food, the Department of Tourism (DOT) has launched the "Philippine Eatsperience" project to boost the country's food tourism program. The project’s concept is inspired by the famous Taipei’s tourist-drawing night markets, giving tourists a variety of affordable but good food offerings plus a nice, wide space for a rest-and-recreation stroll. Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco led the launch of the project, starting in two popular landmarks in the city of Manila —the Rizal Park and Intramuros. The newly launched "PH Eatsperience" Lifestyle and Food Hubs are now open to the public from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., Thursday to Sunday at Luneta's Noli Me Tangere Garden, and from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily at the historic Baluarte Plano de Isabel in the walled city of Intramuros. Joining Secretary Frasco during the launch were Malaysian Ambassador Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino, Thailand Ambassador Tull Traisorat, National Parks Development Committee (NPDC) Executive Director Cecille Lorenzana-Romero, Intramuros Administrator Joan Padilla, and National Commission for Culture and Arts Chairman Victorina Manalo, among others. The tourism chief emphasized, "Our goal is to give as much exposure to Filipino food as possible and this is but the beginning of many initiatives that will highlight the best of Filipino cuisine." She said that the project is part of DOT’s flagship initiative, the Philippine Experience Program (PEP), which recognizes the pivotal role of food and gastronomy in shaping the country's tourism landscape. "When you travel, food is part and parcel of your journey. So, food tourism touches upon every single aspect of the tourism sector, whether you're there for the day, whether you're there for several nights, whether you're in transport, or whether you're just visiting a restaurant. There is no Philippine experience that is complete without Filipino food,” she highlighted. For the initial launch in Luneta and Intramuros, more than 30 food and beverage businesses were tapped to participate. Culinary training and seminars on food safety were also provided to them through the Intramuros Administration and the NPDC. The DOT announced its invitation to other local government units to also partner with the department as it prepares for the nationwide rollout of the Philippine Eatsperience project. 📷: Department of Tourism FB Read more >> 1 month ago

Philippines-Thailand ‘two-countries, one-destination’ partnership eyed

The Philippines-Thailand ‘Two Countries, One Destination’ partnership is expected to be signed soon by the two governments to further boost bilateral tourism initiatives and other mutual interests. This was announced by Thailand Ambassador to the Philippines Tull Traisorat, who noted that the partnership document could be signed by June during the Philippine-Thailand Tourism Ministerial Meeting or “even before if there’s a high-level visit”. Under the concept of the partnership, the two governments will ramp up promotions and encourage foreign tourists visiting either of the two nations to have the Philippines or Thailand as their second stop in their travels. The Thai ambassador said that the two-countries, one-destination concept is reflected in the implementation part under the memorandum of understanding (MOU) on tourism cooperation between Thailand and the Philippines. “This one is the implementation agreement under that MOU. So, the two sides will work even more closely together,” he added. Traisorat also stressed the need to work on establishing direct flights between the two states’ popular destinations. He disclosed that stakeholders are currently in talks for a possible direct flight between Cebu and Phuket. “It’s in the making. I’ve talked with all relevant airlines already, including Thai Airways, PAL (Philippine Airlines), Cebu Pacific, Thai VietJet Air, and AirAsia as well to promote this. It’s a key to promote tourism between our two countries,” he stated. Traisorat said that once this direct flight is established, the Philippines could get a share of Thailand’s steadily growing number of foreign tourists. He shared that in 2023 alone, Thailand received about 28 million international travelers, and eight to 10 million of these visited Phuket via the more than 100 weekly direct flights from Europe, Japan, Hong Kong, South Korea, and China. “If there’s direct flight between Phuket and Cebu, if the Philippines could tap at least 10 percent, it’s near one million already. So, a direct flight is key in promoting tourism and attracting more tourists,” Traisorat said. “The key is attracting those from the outside— those who come to Thailand— to continue here in the Philippines, particularly those who love diving,” the ambassador added, citing the world-renowned diving destinations in the Philippines. Traisorat also highlighted the growing presence of Thai brands in Philippine hospitality such as the Dusit Thani. “They are planning to have one more in Iloilo and one more in Boracay,” he said. He likewise said that the Erawan Group, which operates the Hop Inn Hotels, is also expanding well in the Philippines. The Philippines’ Department of Tourism earlier pushed for sustained tourism cooperation between the two countries to cover travel facilitation, research and development, education and training, tourism initiatives, human capital development and employment generation. 📷: Department of Tourism website (Puerto Galera) Read more >> 1 month ago

DOTr eyes network of Social Tourism and Farm-to-Market seaports all over PH by 2028

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is eyeing to complete a network of Social Tourism seaports and Farm-to-Market seaports all over the country, giving priority to far-flung coastal areas, to boost local tourism, economic productivity and overall growth. Transportation Undersecretary Elmer Sarmiento highlighted that the agency wants to complete this network up to 2028. He noted that some 402 seaports were initiated in 2015 and around 250 of these ports have already been completed. They plan to establish 200 more ports up to 2028 to bridge the gap among the country's islands. The DOTr has already identified the sites for these additional seaports. Sarmiento emphasized that the project would improve inter-island connectivity and bolster economic opportunities in the remote coastal communities of the country. These seaports that the DOTr envisions, which the agency refers to as social tourism seaports and farm-to-market seaports, are mostly small ports that would be located in remote and isolated places, Sarmiento explained. He said that the ports, although limited in capacity, would play a crucial role in stimulating local economies. These ports will be used to accommodate people moving from island to island and provide a docking facility for fishing boats, and they can also be maximized in times of emergency, as it is difficult to reach some areas frequented by typhoons because they lack transport infrastructure, he elaborated. For instance, the DOTr plans to construct such seaport in the Turtle Islands, a municipality west of Tawi-Tawi, and in Lawak Island, which is one of the islands in the Spratlys, he added. DOTr has announced that it expects cargo and passenger volumes to go up by as much as 7.5 percent in 2024, as the world regains its pre-pandemic pace in terms of trade and travel. “Again, this is about connectivity. We would like to connect these remote places, these remote islands to bigger island economies for their economic growth,” Sarmiento stressed. He said that it needs at least P12.5 billion to build the 200 additional seaports, with each one requiring between P20 million to P80 million to build. The transport official said that the DOTr is hoping that funding for these ports would get approval from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) as well as lawmakers. He added that once they get the approval, construction of these ports would begin as early as 2025 and complete the planned network of seaports by 2028. 📷: DOTr Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) Read more >> 1 month ago