Category Archives: Latest News

It pays to know right – MSME financing directory now available

Financing Latest News No Comments

The EDC Networking Committee on Financing came up with a Financing Directory aimed to assist the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) have the option to choose the right financing program suited for their needs. The said directory is a compilation of different loan programs describing their eligibility criteria, requirements and other loan mechanics and processes from commercial banks, government financing institutions, other financing alternatives, venture capital (for start-up businesses), etc. Please note that the directory is based on currently available information and maybe subject to change by the concerned financing institutions/entities.

The said directory can be downloaded from the EDC website: www.edc.net.ph/ncf-updates. GTM 

SBCorp to fund the medium enterprises in the country  

Financing Latest News No Comments

fundingAccess to finance has been a perennial problem of the country’s MSMEs. Many financing programs were developed by government financing institutions to assist them in growing their businesses, ship their products, develop new products, attend trade shows, etc.  The latest of these many programs is SB Corporations’ (SBCorp) COVID-19 Assistance to Restart Enterprises (CAREs) program to micro and small enterprises for them to recover from losses that their businesses incurred during the pandemic.  All loans from the CAREs program are interest-free and payment starts after six (6) months upon release of the loan and is payable within 18 to 30 months.

Meanwhile, the medium enterprises whose businesses were also affected by the lockdown clamors to be included in the special loan facilities of government financing institutions in the country.  Ms. Mila Lacson, representing and championing the cause of her sector – the Holiday Décor & Giftwares, specifically called the attention of SBCorp as their applications for financial assistance under the CAREs program were denied for the reason that their companies are medium enterprises. Hence, the sector appealed that they should also be given financial assistance by the government, citing that they are more capable to pay dues, pay higher taxes and generate more jobs than their micro and small enterprise counterpart. Continue reading → SBCorp to fund the medium enterprises in the country  

Skills development and the future of work amidst the Coronavirus pandemic

Human Resource Latest News No Comments

The Corona Virus pandemic never ceases to amaze us- aside from disrupting the economies of the world and changing people’s lives forever, it also made significant positive impact to some aspects of society including the skills we need, how businesses operate as well as the future of work.

To cope up with these trying times, the Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) came up with a three-month webinar series with an aptly titled theme: “21st Century Employers: Digital, Agile and Resilient”. Topics like automation, digital technology and their roles in the transformation of work brought about by the Fourth Industrial Revolution were discussed. Just as important are the new skills and talent needed to cope up with the new workplace environment were also discussed. Continue reading → Skills development and the future of work amidst the Coronavirus pandemic

PEDP 2018-2022 Virtual Regional Consultations in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao

Latest News PEDP No Comments

The Export Development Council (EDC), in collaboration with the Department of Trade and Industry- Export Marketing Bureau (DTI-EMB) and Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. will conduct a series of virtual regional consultations via zoom in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao comprising the top 10 exporting regions. 

The said event/s aims to present the updates on the implementation of the Philippine Export Development Plan (PEDP) 2018-2022 and solicit commitments among stakeholders in regions to implement the Plan. Participants of the event are stakeholders such as direct and indirect exporters, logistics providers and the concerned government agencies (MC 27 agencies).

Recently, the EDC and EMB convened the PEDP Focused Group Discussion (FGD) virtually which was participated by the PEDP focal representatives from the 18 concerned government agencies directed under Memorandum Circular (MC) no. 27 to strengthen the implementation of the Plan. The FGD gathered updates from each agency on their Programs, Action Plans and Policies which has been affected by the pandemic.

The PEDP Virtual Regional consultations is scheduled every Wednesday (2:00pm-4:30pm):

LUZON (12 August 2020) : NCR, Region III-Pampanga and Region IV-A-CALABARZON

VISAYAS (19 August 2020): Region VI- Iloilo, Region VII- Cebu, and Region VIII- Tacloban

MINDANAO (26 August 2020): Region X- Cagayan de Oro, Region XI- Davao, Region XII- SOCCSKSARGEN and CARAGA

PRRD Signed Instrument of Accession (ATA Carnet) to boost Export Promotions 

Latest News Trade Policy & Procedures Simplification No Comments

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte (PRRD) signed the “Instrument of Accession” for the Convention of Temporary Admission of Goods (ATA Carnet), also called the Istanbul Convention last 23 June 2020. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) already transmitted the signed Instrument to the House of Senate for concurrence by two-thirds (2/3) votes of its members.

This will boost export promotions by allowing more exporters to send commercial samples, professional equipment and articles to their foreign buyers; and participate in trade fairs, shows, and exhibits without Customs formalities hence reducing cost and time spent in complying with the procedures.

“The system will facilitate Customs controls, therefore reducing the time spent for crossing borders of the goods within over 80 ATA Carnet member countries and territories which is a common practice in the supply chain.  This will also contribute to the promotion of trade and open up new and bigger market opportunities overseas once we are ready to host and attend trade fairs again,” EDC Chairman, DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez said in a statement.

Being part of the Carnet System is a great opportunity for the country’s economy (i.e. M.I.C.E. Tourism) to restore and flourish international film making, exhibits, and conventions after this COVID-19 pandemic. DTI said that it will assist Filipino exporters “to access key target markets such as China, USA, EU, Japan, and UAE – all of which are signatories to the ATA Carnet.”

“We are thankful that finally, the Instrument of Accession has been signed, giving a positive signal to the world that we are serious in expanding our trade, particularly our exports.” PHILEXPORT President and EDC Vice Chairman Sergio Ortiz-Luis, Jr. said.

Also, the EDC endorses the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) as accredited by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) to be the National Issuing and Guaranteeing Association (NIGA) for the ATA Carnet and further requested the Bureau of Customs (BOC) to be ready for the Issuance of the CMO in time the Senate has concurred the Instrument of Accession (ATA Carnet). MRJ

Online release of Travel Tax Exemption Certificate implemented by TIEZA

Latest News Other Export Updates No Comments

Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) implements the online release of the Travel Tax Exemption Certificate (TEC) in response to the new normal brought by the pandemic.  Exporters are encouraged to apply online to access the online release of TEC for their future international activities.  TIEZA assures 3 days maximum turn around time of their intranet system to process the release of TEC.  With this development, exporters can now print their TEC at the safety of their home instead of going to the TIEZA office to claim the said certificate.

But prior to the online application for the TEC release, TTE endorsement (Signed TTE application form) from the Export Development Council (EDC) is required for validation and verification purposes of TIEZA.  Exporters will undergo the usual process except for the submission of TTE application form that can now be submitted thru email along with the requirements (copy of the passport and proof or confirmation of participation to an international event) to any of the recommending agencies (CITEM/ DTI-EMB/ BITR/ PHILEXPORT) authorized under EO 589 for endorsement to EDC.

This was announced by Mr. Cristeto Ocampo, Officer-in-Charge for Travel Tax Department of TIEZA, during the Technical Working Group on Travel Tax Exemption virtual meeting held last 28 July 2020.

For further inquiries on the online issuance of the TTE certificate,  exporters may call TIEZA at 02 249-5900 to 79 Local 641, 643, 646  or email at traveltax@tieza.gov.ph. Exporters may also click on this link for the online application of said certificate. MGL

SCMAP advocates to abort NORTHPORT’s New Berthing Procedure due to doubling costs

Latest News Transport and Logistics No Comments

The Supply Chain Management Association of the Philippines (SCMAP) advocates to abort NORTHPORT’s new berthing procedure as it doubles the costs of doing business making the prices of goods more expensive for the consumers.

Accordingly, this new berthing procedure compels all container vessels to berth at the Terminal 1 of the NORTHPORT, and imposes the use of their quay cranes regardless if the ship has its own crane. The cranage fee summates up to Php 1,587 (VAT inclusive) for 10 and 20 footer containers, hence adding 88% more to the current cargo handling rate of Php 1,800. This added cost and procedure is contrary to the ease of doing business.

The group appealed that the fees imposed must be justified for the modernization effort. However, the cost must be affordable and should not result in the added process and cost. SCMAP Executive Director Ms. Corazon Curay revealed the group’s sentiment on this advocacy during the EDC Networking Committee on Transport and Logistics meeting last 28 July 2020. KJDA

Transport of Potassium Nitrate in solid form authorized by PNP

Latest News Trade Policy & Procedures Simplification No Comments

The Philippine National Police of Civil Security Group (PNP-CSG) clarified in a memorandum authorizing the transport of Potassium Nitrate (KNO3) in its original solid form. This order will not require potassium nitrate to be diluted in liquid form prior to transport and passing through the PNP checkpoints. Said chemical in liquid or solid form shall be transported without delay provided that the company has complied valid permits (Permit to Unload, Permit to Purchase and Move, and Permit to Transfer) bearing the appropriate information necessary for its movement (i.e.PPME#, license#, company name, date of issuance and validity, specific purpose, quantity of chemical, port of origin, and destination). This mandate was clarified in a memorandum signed by PMGEN Roberto Fajardo (PNP-CSG) dated16 July 2020.

This concern was raised by the Export Development Council (EDC) Executive Member, Mr. Roberto Amores representing agri/food sector during the EDC Executive Committee Meeting via zoom last 30 June 2020.

Certain exporters from the agricultural groups have resorted to using this chemical due to climate change. Potassium Nitrate is being used for agriculture to ascertain the heat content required to induce flowering. Said chemical was flagged down at specific checkpoints due to its high explosive rate, with this risk it has to be diluted in liquid form prior to transporting.

PNP-Firearms and Explosives Office Chief, BGen. Rommil Mitra assured that the content of the aforesaid memorandum specifically authorizing the transport of potassium nitrate in solid form will be coordinated and disseminated accordingly among their personnel on the grounds/checkpoints to enhance trade facilitation without compromising public health and safety. MRJ

DOTr creates an office against unreasonable shipping charges

Latest News Transport and Logistics No Comments

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) creates an office against unreasonable charges to be known as the Shippers’ Protection Office (SPO).

Under DOTr Department Order (DO) 2020-008, the established SPO will serve as a body that will protect and assist shippers, both international and domestic, against unreasonable fees and charges imposed by international and domestic shipping lines. This applies to all complaints and issues related to the rates, charges, practices and operations of international and domestic shipping lines in the country.

Moreover, this body will (a) assist the public with matters concerning the operations of, as well as the fees and charges collected by international and domestic shipping lines, and (b) require international and domestic shipping lines to submit comments or position on complaints/issues raised against them, and to appear before the SPO. It will consist of DOTr Maritime, DOTr Legal, Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), Philippine Coastguard (PCG), and Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA).

It is notable that the problem on which agency to regulate the exorbitant rates being imposed by the shipping lines has been long-enduring. This new directive will expectedly contribute to the reduced international and domestic shipping cost that will benefit the importers, exporters, and most especially the consumers. –KJDA 

BOC implements Electronic Tracking device for Containerized Cargo (ETRACC)

Latest News Transport and Logistics No Comments

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) implements the Electronic Tracking of Containerized Cargo System (E-TRACC), a  real-time monitoring system of containerized cargoes using GPS-enabled electronic locks (e-lock), provided by Ascent Solutions Philippines, Inc. The said system is designed to ensure the safe transport of containerized cargoes onto its designated destination. For this, importers/exporters are mandated to pay for every container (thru online facilities) P500.00, within 10km. radius from port of discharge and P700.00 if beyond 10km. radius from the port.

BOC assured there will be no delays as they are ready with the manpower to put and remove the sealed e-lock 24/7 without any additional costs to the importers/exporters. Additionally, this new system will reduce the costs of doing business as Underguarding and Overtime for Customs personnel will be eliminated.

The E-TRACC will be rolled-out initially at the Manila International Container Port (MICP), Port of Manila (POM), and Port of Batangas (POB)  by middle of July this year.

BOC is said to coordinate with the agencies that have an overlapping system, i.e., the Philippine Economic Zone Authority’s (PEZA) seal, to formally release a guideline on what the importers/exporters will do and/or use to avoid redundant compliance of regulation/s.

For the guidance of the general public on this new system, The Bureau is requested to post Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) at their website www.customs.gov.ph and other official social media accounts any time soon.

The implementing rules and regulations (CAO 15-2019), of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act of 2016 is manifested under the guidelines stipulated under the CMO 04-2020 that implements the E-TRACC System. –MRJ