Category Archives: PEDP

EDC sets new export targets amidst pandemic

The Export Development Council (EDC) in its Joint Council and Executive Committee Meeting on 20 January 2021, adjusted the export targets in the Philippine Export Development Plan (PEDP) 2018-2022.  The new targets are US$91.7B in 2021 and US$105.3B in 2022.

The adjustments were recommended by the Export Marketing Bureau after a thorough review and simulation considering the world economic situation due to the COVID 19 pandemic, the assumptions of the Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC)  and the data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).  Continue reading EDC sets new export targets amidst pandemic

DICT responds to the need for an abrupt shift for Digitalization

DICT responds to the need for an abrupt shift for Digitalization pushed by the global health crisis brought by the COVID-19 Pandemic. The majority of businesses are currently leveraging the use of online platforms to continue their market. As part of the new normal adaptation, online platforms are an excellent measure to sustain their market demand.

As part of its commitment to EDC in the implementation of PEDP being one of the agencies under MC 27, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) hastened to implement and improve the National Broadband Program (NBP) on internet connectivity throughout the country. It aims to improve Internet speed by accelerating fiber optic cables and wireless technologies to enhance the country’s Internet speed and ensure that all Filipinos have access to broadband capability.
Continue reading DICT responds to the need for an abrupt shift for Digitalization

BSP to standardize MSMEs loan application process

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is working with banks on the standardization of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) loan application process. BSP is also developing the concept note and draft standard loan application form. This initiative aims to streamline/ lessen the requirements of financial institutions and provide more access to MSMEs.

In a press release by the BSP, it has allowed loans to large enterprises and MSMEs to be considered banks’ alternative reserve compliance until end-2022 to help companies affected by the pandemic. Consequently, loans that are guaranteed by the Philippine Guarantee Corporation, the Agricultural Guarantee Fund Pool (AGFP), and the Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC) were assigned a zero percent credit risk weight. This move is meant to encourage banks to lend to small farmers and fisherfolk.

Continue reading BSP to standardize MSMEs loan application process

Government supports exporters on COVID-19 challenges faced

AnchorThe export industry remains resilient and optimistic to face the global health and economic crisis brought by the covid19 pandemic.

They are now producing in-demand products such as face masks, personal protective equipment (PPE), face shields, and other relevant medical supply needed in this time of pandemic. They have also opened the window to market their products through online platforms. Indeed, these products are potential to the export sector – to cater the world demand in the global market.

On the other hand, the government takes into account the challenges faced by the businesses; initiating programs to help address such concerns. Issues and concerns of exporters nationwide as well as updates on the regional Programs, Actions Plans and Policies (PAPs) are gathered from the recently concluded PEDP 2018-2022 Virtual Regional Consultations held this August 12, 19 and 26, 2020 for Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. The topmost concern raised is financial assistance specifically for medium-sized enterprises, with the approval of Bayanihan Act, the government thru the Department of Trade and Industry’s non-bank, lending arm – the Small Business Corporation (SB Corp) contributed to ease out the burden of these companies in need. They rolled out the SBCares program to help those micro and small business enterprises that have closed their businesses during the pandemic.

Now upon the approval of Bayanihan Act 2, SB Corp. assured support to Medium Enterprises, using their own corporate funds. SB Cares2 is now ready to roll out this program after the issuance of the implementing guidelines regarding requirements, terms and conditions for borrowers. Medium Enterprises upon compliance of requirements can borrow from Php500,000 to Php5 Million with zero interest.

On the logistics and supply chain unceasing issues, the Export Development Council (EDC) through its Networking Committee on Transport and Logistics (NCTL) successfully advocated for the online processing and payment of port charges, etc. through the issuance of BOC-DTI-PPA-ARTA Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) no. 01 s. 2020. The JMC makes online filing, processing and payment of port charges, cargo handling charges, other cargo handling related charges, permits, and ancillary fees, and customs taxes and duties mandatory.

To help sustain the economy through supply chains, the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) created the Technical Working Group for Anticipatory and Forward Planning (TWG-AFP) chaired by the National Economic And Development Authority (NEDA) to develop detailed recommendations in the rebuilding of consumer and business confidence, the resumption of economic activities under the new normal, including strategic stockpiling. It is a joint initiative of various government agencies and private stakeholders.

Recently, the EDC approved two (2) project proposals worth Php3 Million of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) – Center for International Trade Expositions And Missions (CITEM) in lieu of the annual physical event as that of MANILA FAME Show; these are the (1) China International Import Expo (CIIE) 05 to 10 November 2020 and (2) China- Asean Expo (CAEXPO) which will be held on 27 to 30 November 2020. The said projects will benefit some 20 Philippine exhibitors in terms of subsidy for their participation fee and freight cost.
For further details of the above-mentioned project, you may visit the CITEM website at www.citem.gov.ph. – PKC

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

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

DOLE’s CAMP initiative to address gaps for affected workers during the pandemic

As the COVID-19 pandemic become a hindrance to workers to sustain their everyday living, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) highlighted the implementation of its COVID-19 Adjustment Measures Program (CAMP) to address gaps for the affected workers. CAMP serves as a safety net program of financial support to affected workers in private establishments that have adopted flexible work arrangements or temporary closure. The program was intended to mitigate the economic impact of reduced income due to the pandemic.

DOLE analyzed their strong and weak points in implementing the said program. It was identified that the majority of the CAMP applications were Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) acquiring a total of over 1.6M applications and over 550,000 workers have already received the aid as of May 2020.

However, due to budget limitations, the agency has only accommodated 650,000 workers and still seeking ways to accommodate the unserved applications. These updates were given by DOLE Assistant Secretary Dominique Rubia-Tutay during the eFora on “Preserving Jobs: Reshaping the Future of Work and the Talent Pool”- Episode 6 of the #ResilienceandRecoveryPH: An eForum Series organized by the Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. (PHILEXPORT), Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP), Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), and the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF).

For further details and information on the eForum series, email at communications@philexport.phPKC

TESDA gears up to adapt the “New Normal”

The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) gears up to adapt the “new normal” after the COVID-19 pandemic through its “OPLAN TESDA ABOT LAHAT – TVET towards the New Normal” Operational Plan. In continuous support to the Philippine Export Development Plan 2018-2022, as directed by Memorandum Circular No. 27, TESDA continue to oversee policies on the prioritization and implementation of technical vocational education and training (TVET) amidst the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Operational Plan aims to come up with relevant policies and programs to help society adjust to the new normal by introducing flexible & technology-based TVET arrangements, prioritizing agribusiness courses, and reassessing & adjusting TESDA’s systems responsive to future crises.

Priority sectors were also identified by TESDA in the Plan, namely: Agriculture, Health, ICT and Construction.

Moreover, the said Plan contains the following three (3) phases:
Phase I: Survival- involves the immediate response of TESDA during the crisis, focusing on reducing possible transmission of the disease, ensuring safety and security;

Phase II: Transitional or the transition period which provides for the TESDA’s action plans, programs and activities during the modified community quarantine as the country transitions to the “new normal.” and;

Phase III: Structural that involves the regular implementation of all programs under the “new normal” condition. PKC

DOST’s support to MSMEs amid the global health crisis

Amid the global health crisis brought by the COVID-19, the Philippine Government agencies continue to support the export industry as they continue to implement their existing programs in assistance for the Micro, Small, Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

As the current situation urged the need to double the production of medical goods such as masks, Personal Protective Equipments (PPEs) and food and beverages for the frontliners,  the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Small Enterprises Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) is continuing its implementation and support to the industries through its Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD).

DOST continues to support the Philippine Export Development Plan (PEDP) 2018-2022 Strategy 1: Improve the overall climate for export development, continue to support the export industry by upgrading to SETUP 2.0 that aims to fully harness science and technology and innovation for enhanced competitiveness of MSMEs in both local and global markets.

Additionally, the Science 4 Change Program (S4CP) of the agency implements various programs for capacity building of Research and Development Institutions and Industrial Competitiveness. To create a synergistic academe-industry relationship to invigorate Philippine R&D DOST is implementing its Collaborative Research and Development to Leverage Philippines Economy CRADLE) Program. DOST also has its Business Innovation through S&T (BIST) for Industry Program to facilitate the acquisition of strategic and relevant technologies by Filipino Companies to support R&D activities.

Moreover, Niche Centers in the Regions (NICER) for R&D serves to establish R&D Centers in the regions to promote regional development; and to Engage R&D experts to lead in strengthening the research capabilities of the Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and Research Development Institutions (RDIs), DOST has its R&D Leadership (RDLEad) Program.  For more details on the initiatives, you may visit the DOST-PCIEERD website at http://pcieerd.dost.gov.ph. 

Such programs were highlighted by the DOST during the eFora on “Technology and Innovation: Crisis-proofing Businesses”, as part of the #ResilienceandRecoveryPH: An eForum Series organized by the Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. (PHILEXPORT), Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP), Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) and the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF).

For further details and information on the eForum series, email at communications@philexport.ph. PKC

Electronics and Services exports forecast bullish performance in 2020

 

“The services export is continuously growing, thus, total exports are projected to increase in single digit percentage.” Export Development Council (EDC) Executive Director Senen M. Perlada reported during the EDC Meeting last 06 February 2020.

The Semiconductor and Electronics Industries of the Philippines Inc. (SEIPI) reported that Electronics exports reached US$ 43.32 billion in 2019 accounting for 61.60% of the country’s total commodity exports of the year, or a 4.06%, exceeding the industry’s full-year growth target of 0-3% and reaching a new record. Also, the Electronics industry forecasts to grow by 5% this CY 2020.

Electronic products remained leading among the identified key exports of the Philippines under the Philippine Export Development Plan (PEDP) 2018-2022 along with Processed Food and Beverage, Tourism, and information services such as the Information Technology and Business Process Management (IT-BPM)- PKC

DTI and DA forges strong partnership to increase export of agribased products

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Department of Agriculture (DA) show strong support to boost export of agribased products with high global demand. Secretary William Dar of the DA during the Export Development Council (EDC) meeting acknowledged that partnership between DA and DTI is significant in order to supply the demand of export market and to develop other potential crops for export.

EDC Executive Driector Senen Perlada reported that DTI- Export Marketing Bureau (EMB) has identified four (4) agribased products that have high global demand namely calamansi, ube, pili and mango. He suggested to Secretary Dar that the propagation of these products be included in the DA’s programs. Mr. Ferdie Marañon, EDC representative from Mindanao also raised during the said meeting that there is a recurring problem with the production of cardava (saba) in their region citing that small farmers of cavendish have limited knowledge in growing this variety of banana.

In response, Secretary Dar emphasized that the DA is assisting small farmers by their provision of seedlings and conduct of trainings in growing and production of “saba”. He added that Php50Million was earmarked for the seedlings. Moreover, Agricultural Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (ACEF) is available to finance projects and activities that will help enhance the competitiveness of the agriculture sector. This fund is specifically designed for MSMEs for their capital outlay expenditure and other similar expenses. – PKC