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PhilMech studying ways to reduce sweet potato harvest losses

THE PHILIPPINE Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech) said it is studying how to reduce losses in the sweet potato harvest to reduce damage to the produce, which depresses the prices farmers can obtain.

According to a study by the agency, postharvest losses for sweet potato range from 31.21% to about 33% due to “inefficiency of existing manual and labor-intensive harvesting methods.”

“The harvesting operation of sweet potato can be mechanized using an efficient mechanical root crop harvester that can eventually reduce labor requirements and losses on uncollected roots,” PhilMech added.

PhilMech said sweet potato is the seventh most important crop in the world, and the third most important in the Philippines after rice and corn. It is usually planted to tropical and sub-tropical countries, specifically in areas with less productive soil.

A typical harvest requires 30 to 50 workers per day over two days, leading to significant crop damage, lowering the viability of the future crop.

“Harvest losses due to uncollected and mechanically-damaged roots ranged from 15.96 %to 17.94 % of the marketable harvest,” the agency said, adding that other losses are due to the transportation of the harvest from farm to market.

At the farmer level, the average postharvest loss is 16.95% and 0.82% in losses of unharvested crops. At the wholesale level, 3.93% of postharvest losses are due to cleaning and rebagging, which largely eliminates the weight of the peel. At retail, 10.39% of postharvest losses are reported due to spoilage.

PhilMech is evaluating a tractor-drawn device developed by the Philippine Root Crop Research and Training Center at Visayas State University in Leyte and has recommended its commercialization.

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority sweet potato output increased 1.4% to 134,060 metric tons (MT) in the third quarter, with Eastern Visayas accounting for the bulk of production at 35.2% or 47,220 MT. This was followed by Bicol Region (11.3%) and Caraga Region (9.1%). — Vincent Mariel P. Galang

Gender fluid retail: Someday there might not be a menswear department

WHILE gender-free clothing has been on runways and in fashion magazines for years, building a retail space around the concept was until recently seen as financially risky. Now, some companies are out to prove that the cultural fulcrum has shifted enough to give it a try.

According to Pew research, 35% of Generation Z knows someone who identifies as non-binary and prefers gender neutral pronouns — and millennials and even Generation X aren’t far behind. Retailers, and in particular clothes sellers, have taken notice.

“I do believe gender-neutral fashion is the future,” Fashion Institute of Technology Professor Dawnn Karen said. “I feel like we’re moving towards that.”

Holding itself out as the first gender-free store in New York, The Phluid Project in Manhattan’s Soho neighborhood is part of this nascent segment. The space is a combination store, café, and event space geared toward the LGBTQ community.

Phluid Project founder Rob Smith, 54, spent 30 years as a retail executive before opening the store. While Phluid has been up and running a few years now, only recently has the concept of making a commercial go of gender-free clothing spread to bigger corporate retail.

The ascent of Generation Z, Smith explained, is the moving force.

“There is a paradigm shift that is currently happening in our society. An unlearning and a relearning,” Smith said. “By next year, Gen-Z [will account] for one-third of the national population, which accounts for 40% of US spending power. It’s time to change with the times and generations, because their voice and power is undeniable.”

“It became clear to me,” Smith said, “that there was a need to shatter the historic infrastructure of companies we’re operating under.”

On a visit to the Phluid Project earlier this year, there were none of the traditional signs to send you to specific clothing departments. Non-gendered mannequins stood atop tables, sporting dresses, pants, shirts, and graphic tees that say, “They Power,” a reference to the pronoun preference of many non-binary individuals.

The company said that, after spending its first year establishing the brand and a unique open sales floor experience, it’s now looking to better develop social media and e-commerce platforms, as well as strategic partnerships.

This summer, Phluid partnered with HBO and its series Euphoria, a drama about growing up in Gen Z America, and set up several pop-ups across the country, offering shoppers a capsule collection and panel discussions. Phluid also has a partnership with French clothing label Equipment on a gender fluid collection.

Big clothing retailers like H&M are starting to incorporate gender fluidity into a larger retail strategy, launching collections such as Denim United and last year’s collaboration with Eytys. Still, H&M doesn’t plan to completely eliminate gendered clothing or gendered clothing sections. LVMH-owned Sephora also started a campaign this summer aimed at an image of broader inclusiveness.

Fifty-six percent of Gen Z consumers already shop outside of their gender, ignoring clothing that’s labeled and categorized into gendered sections, according to a study by advertising agency J. Walter Thompson. Smith is very much acquainted with how those decisions are made. Before the Phluid Project, he worked for Nike, and eventually moved on to become an executive vice-president at Macy’s, and then Victoria’s Secret. He also served on the board of shoe-seller Steve Madden.

“I started to share the idea with friends and business partners and got a cold reaction,” Smith said of the Phluid Project’s beginnings. “It is difficult, and understandable, to go to investors with an unproven concept.”

“Other brands have to worry about losing customers because their concepts and missions are often antiquated,” Smith said. “We are a blank canvas.”

His store not only sells gender neutral clothing: it seeks to guarantee that its clothing comes from designers who support the gender-free clothing mission. The store’s original clothing only makes up 50% of its inventory. The rest is made by designers aligned with the company’s mission and concept. The store doesn’t shop vintage or buy from wholesale.

The Phluid Project isn’t the lone retailer in this space. Labels such as Radimo and Official Rebrand — which emphasizes sustainability — are on the same path.

According to Business of Fashion’s 2018 State of Fashion research, 66% of millennials worldwide are willing to spend more on brands that are sustainable. In response to this data, Official Rebrand is “turning unsold goods into new, one-of-a-kind collections,” said MI Leggett, its founder. Official Rebrand modifies donations with design and alterations, including by painting clothing with phrases and figures.

“The first pieces came from my own closet,” Leggett said. “Now I take clothing donations from friends, family, and clients commissioning custom work.” — Bloomberg

Cavite-Manila ferry service launched; free rides until Jan. 9

THE government on Sunday launched a ferry service between Cavite and Metro Manila, offering free rides until Jan. 9.

The Department of Transportation (DoTr) said in a statement the ferry service will operate to and from the Metrostar Ferry Terminal in Cavite City to Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Port in Pasay City. Another route will be operated from the Metrostar Ferry Terminal to Lawton (Liwasang Bonifacio) in Manila and vice versa.

The routes will be operated by Shogun Ships Co., Inc. and Seaborne Ferries, Inc. Both shipping companies agreed to offer free rides during the first month of their operations starting Dec. 9 until Jan. 9 next year.

The DoTr said the “water jeepneys” will cut the usual three- to four-hour travel time from Manila to Cavite to just 15-20 minutes.

After Jan. 9, the regular fare for adults for the Cavite-CCP route, which will be operated by Seaborne Ferries, is P200. Fares for students, senior citizens, and children will be P160, P143, and P125, respectively.

As for the Cavite City-Lawton route, which will be operated by Shogun Ships, fares will be P160 for adults, P128 for students, P114 for senior citizens, and P80 for children (4-11 years old).

There will be eight trips daily between Cavite City and CCP from 6:00 a.m. until 6:30 p.m. The Cavite City-Lawton route will have six trips daily from 5:15 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. — Arjay L. Balinbin

Record-high reserves to boost peso, liquidity

THE RECORD-HIGH level of dollar reserves held by the central bank will bode well for the local unit’s strength versus the dollar and for liquidity, according to economists.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) on Friday released preliminary data which showed that gross international reserves (GIR) amounted to $86.393 billion as of end-November, up by 0.65% from the $85.834-billion level in end-October and also an increase by 14.15% from the $75.682 billion seen a year ago.

This marked the third straight month of continued increase in the GIR level.

“Sustained recovery in BSP’s foreign reserves probably resulted from intervention by the monetary authorities in the spot market to avoid an overshoot of the P50 level. This helped bolster overall liquidity further while avoiding the side effects of rapid peso strengthening,” Bank of the Philippines Islands Lead Economist Emilio S. Neri said in a text message to BusinessWorld.

This was echoed by Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. Chief Economist Michael L. Ricafort.

“Record-high GIR fundamentally provides greater buffer/support for the peso exchange rate versus the US dollar,” he said in a text message.

“Higher GIR recently brought about by continued growth in OFW (Overseas Filipino remittances), BPO (business process outsourcing) revenues, foreign tourism receipts, POGO (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator) revenues, as well as continued inflows of foreign investments into the country.

Latest data from the BSP also showed that gold reserves in the central bank, which are also included in the country’s foreign exchange buffer, was seen at $8.015 billion, unchanged for the sixth consecutive month since May. However, it stretched by 3.08% from its end-November 2018 level of $7.776 billion.

BSP data showed gains from the central bank’s investments abroad, which make up the bulk of the reserves, dipped to P73.466 billion from end-October’s $73.689 billion but still bigger compared to the $61.317 billion a year ago.

Meanwhile, foreign currency deposits grew to $3.169 billion from $2.385 billion in the succeeding month. It was also lower than the $4.932-billion level traced in end-November 2018.

Net international reserves, which refer to the difference between the BSP’s GIR and total short-term liabilities, rose by $560 million to $86.38 billion as of end-November from the end-October level of $85.82 billion.

Remittances are expected to rise in the holiday season. Latest BSP data showed that cash remittances jumped to $2.379 billion in September, an increase of 6.24% from the $2.237 billion in the same month a year ago.

Meanwhile, data from the Bureau of Internal Revenue showed the government collected $1.6 billion worth of withholding taxes from workers of POGOs and service providers from January to August. — L.W.T. Noble

2019’s notable rides

THERE WAS A PRETTY GOOD mix of vehicles introduced in the country this year. There are some that exude sophisticated styling with superb exterior, spectacular cabin quality, and excellent ride comfort. There are also newly arrived autos that are more likely performance-oriented, delivering strong performance numbers, great turbocharged engines, and sharp handling, among others. Some of the vehicles, otherwise, are a combination of these impressive qualities.

Despite some uncertainties in the local automotive market this year, one thing is for sure, there is a handful of worthwhile automotive arrivals in the country to choose from. Here, in alphabetical order, are some of them:

FORD EVEREST
Last August, Ford Philippines launched a new and refreshed version of its popular mid-sized sport utility vehicle (SUV) Everest, coming up with improved capability, safety, and efficiency, as well as notable enhancements to its engine, transmission, and driver-assist technologies.

This Ford Everest is powered by the new-generation 2.0L Bi-Turbo diesel engine that delivers 213PS and 500 Nm of torque, and 2.0L Turbo diesel engine that delivers 180PS and 420 Nm of torque. It offers better fuel efficiency and acceleration with the advanced 10-speed automatic transmission.

Engineered with the driver and passengers in mind, the new Everest offers smarter and safer features. Among others, it has a smart keyless entry and push-start button that gives users quicker engine starts, improved convenience and ease of entry and exit from the vehicle; a hands-free liftgate feature that automatically opens and closes the liftgate; and an Active Park Assist feature that helps drivers find parallel parking spaces and steers the vehicle to a parking slot, with the driver’s hands off the steering wheel.

HONDA ACCORD
The all-new 10th Generation Honda Accord was also unveiled in the local market this year. This Honda’s luxury sedan offers a premium and bolder design, a more powerful engine, and the advanced Honda SENSING safety technology.

Powering the Honda Accord is a new 1.5L VTEC Turbo engine developed under Earth Dreams Technology. This new engine puts out a maximum power output of 190PS at 5,500 rpm and 243 Nm of torque from 1,500 — 5,500 rpm. Its power is transmitted through a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) developed based on Honda’s Earth Dreams Technology. Combining these features under the hood of Honda Accord results in responsive performance, acceleration and efficient fuel economy.

The new Honda Accord now also sports a new eight-inch display audio system, which is one of the most advanced systems offered by Honda to date. Aside from a simplified menu structure and customizable shortcuts for commonly used features and applications, this intuitive and easy-to-use system also comes with navigation and supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for a more intuitive smartphone connectivity.

HYUNDAI PALISADE
Competing with the likes of the Ford Explorer, Mazda CX-9, and GAC GS8, Hyundai Palisade is a strikingly styled premium SUV recognized for its refined visual design breakthroughs, state-of-the-art technology and safety features.

A quiet ride, powerful driving performance, and excellent fuel efficiency are guaranteed with Palisade’s R2.2 diesel engine and Atkinson-cycle 3.8L gasoline engine. The eight-speed automatic transmission also delivers a smooth and seamless driving experience, according to its website.

The Hyundai Palisade is engineered with a nine airbag system and active safety system equipped with intelligent driving safety technology. It also comes with advanced features from the backseat conversation and sleep functions to the rearview monitor and active noise-cancelling function. Moreover, it is equipped with blind view monitor, USB ports for second- and third-row passengers, and three-zone independent-control fully automatic air conditioning.

KIA STINGER
Kia Philippines also debuted this year one of its most powerful offerings — the all-new Stinger. This visionary product of the Kia GT Concept showcases a perfect balance of ride, handling, comfort, and impressive powertrain.

The all-new Stinger is powered by a 3.3L V6 Twin Turbocharged Gasoline Engine Direct Injection Dual CVVT. Its maximum power output is 370PS at 6,000 rpm, while its maximum torque is 510 Nm at 1,300-4,500 rpm. Acceleration from 0-100 kilometers per hour (kph) is at 4.9 seconds with a top speed of 270 kph. It is available in RWD drivetrain and mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The Kia Stinger doesn’t fall short on advanced technology features. It has electronically controlled Dynamic Suspension integrated with Drive Mode Select, which adjusts steering boost, shift points, throttle and suspension mapping. Braking is powered by 4-Piston Brembo Caliper Discs on the Front and Rear. Moreover, Dynamic Torque Vectoring system comes standard.

MITSUBISHI STRADA
As early as January, Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. (MMPC) introduced in the country the heavily revised version of the Strada, which is considered as a key model of Mitsubishi Motors in the competitive pickup truck market. It is designed not only to be more durable, reliable and capable, but also to deliver a more comfortable ride.

The new Strada is refined to deliver an unmatched performance with its 2.4L 4 In-line 16 Valve DOHC Clean Diesel with Variable Geometry Turbo and MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control System) 4N15 that gives a maximum output of 181PS at 3,500 rpm and a maximum torque of 430 Nm at 2,500 rpm.

As far as safety is concern, the new Strada hosts an array of passive and advanced active safety features. It carries the proprietary Mitsubishi Motors’ RISE body (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) that absorbs the impact of collision, and retains the current model high durability, high reliability ladder-type frame, and high-impact safety cabin structure. The Active Stability Traction Control (ASTC), Hill Start Assist (HSA) and Trailer Stability Assist (TSA) are now standard in all variants.

TOYOTA GR SUPRA
Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) Corp. also marked another history in the local automotive scene as it brought the all-new Toyota GR Supra in the Philippine shores. This first-ever Toyota Supra to be retailed in the country is the modern evolution of its predecessors. It inherits key styling features from both the Supra A80 and the Toyota 2000 GT.

The local variant of the Toyota GR Supra is powered by a twin-scroll turbocharged, in-line six-cylinder engine that produces a maximum output of 335 hp and 500 Nm of torque. It comes exclusively in 3.0L displacement and eight-speed automatic transmission.

The chassis and body frame of the all-new Toyota GR Supra are masterfully crafted to enjoy a 50:50 front-rear weight distribution, which is crucial in achieving optimum cornering performance. Its front wheels are equipped with double-joint type MacPherson Strut, while its rear wheels come with Multi-Link suspension. It also features a limited slip differential and ventilated disc brakes. — Mark Louis F. Ferrolino

China aims for southeast to be 70% self-sufficient in pork

BEIJING (Reuters) — China’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs issued a three-year plan to speed recovery of pig production after the world’s largest hog herd was ravaged by disease, targeting 70% self-sufficiency in pork for the nation’s southeast.

Beijing said its hog herd was down 41% in October from a year earlier, after an epidemic of African swine fever killed millions and stopped many farmers from replenishing herds.

Analysts and industry insiders believe the damage may be worse, with some estimating the herd has dropped by 60% or more.

With consumer inflation close to an eight-year high and the country’s peak consumption period during the Lunar New Year holiday in late January just weeks away, Beijing has repeatedly said its pig stocks will soon recover.

The plan, dated Dec. 4, reiterated a target for pig stocks to stop falling and start picking up by the end of this year, and for production to recover to close to normal levels by the end of 2020.

China issued a series of policies in September aimed at supporting the recovery of hog production, and the plan includes many of those.

It also said the previously announced subsidies for large-scale farms must be issued on time and land permits simplified.

Stronger financial support and insurance must be given to pig breeders, and help for small and medium-sized farmers to resume production, the plan said.

The plan outlines as well a goal to improve the prevention and control of African swine fever and to regulate reporting of outbreaks.

“Once suspected outbreaks are found in various places, they must be standardized and reported as soon as possible,” it said.

The plan also clarifies a regional layout, with the northeast, northern and central south regions, including Hunan, Hubei and Guangxi provinces, to remain major pig production areas that will supply other parts of the country.

The populous southeast coastal provinces of Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Guangdong and Fujian as well as the cities of Tianjin, Beijing and Shanghai must also achieve a self-sufficiency rate of around 70% for pork.

Southwest and northwest regions including Sichuan should achieve basic self-sufficiency. — Reuters

Fed, BSP meetings seen affecting trade this week

By Denise A. Valdez
Reporter

PHILIPPINE STOCKS are seen to move this week in accordance with market sentiment on the central bank’s policy meeting and any tariff adjustments by the United States on Chinese products — two events scheduled in the coming week.

The 30-member Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) climbed 10.81 points or 0.13% on Friday to close this month’s first week of trading at 7,801.72.

On a weekly basis, the main index was up 0.81% to record its first week of gain after three weeks of decline.

Value turnover last week averaged P5.932 billion to trim 34% from a week ago. Activity from foreign investors saw a turnaround with net buying at P89 million from a net selling of P1.6 billion in the prior week.

Online brokerage 2TradeAsia.com said much of the local bourse’s performance last week was driven by volatile mood that swept most markets across the region.

Heading into a new week, it said the Sino-US trade talks, monetary policy and water concessionaires’ battle with government will be the main drivers of the stock market.

“Emotions are bound for a rough patch in the coming days, as 15 December’s US tariff implementation deadline on Chinese imports loom,” 2TradeAsia.com said in a market note sent Friday.

It noted there are polarizing opinions from investors on whether the trade talks would be enough to trigger tariff rollbacks or if the political climate will cloud expectations of a tariff resolution.

“For now, remarks that would be given along these lines would cause share prices to fluctuate, unless both major parties come to amicable terms,” it said.

2TradeAsia.com likewise said the meeting of the US Federal Open Market Committee on Dec. 10-11 will impact global equities, on top of the policy review of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas on Dec. 12.

Also to be watched is market sentiment on infrastructure projects that are of similar nature as that of water concessionaires, which drew the ire of President Rodrigo R. Duterte last week.

“Sequels to water concessionaires’ concerns may cast some cloud on the fate of other similar infra projects, especially within capital-intensive utilities… Learn to look at temporary set backs as opportunity to move into stocks with fundamentals that have run the test of time,” 2TradeAsia.com said.

Aside from upcoming events, Regina Capital Development Corp. Head of Sales Luis A. Limlingan said the local bourse may start this week’s trading with a gain on the back of positive sentiment spilling over from the US jobs report that came out Friday saying jobs increased 266,000 in November.

Mr. Limlingan is putting the PSEi’s support level at 7,760 and resistance at 7,920.

For 2TradeAsia.com, the PSEi’s immediate support is seen between 7,500-7,700, while resistance is between 7,850-7,950.

Style (12/09/19)

BPI Sinag ng Pasko Christmas Bazaar

TIME to go Christmas gift shopping at the BPI Sinag ng Pasko bazaar on Dec. 11 at the Palm Drive Activity Center, Glorietta 2. Featuring 40 Filipino social enterprise merchants, the one-day Christmas sale curates local pieces that are uniquely handcrafted by native communities around the Philippines. Held the day before the year’s last online sales events, BPI Sinag ng Pasko features a combination of innovative and indigenous products, upcycled and sustainably sourced creations, and comforting and surprising items. Each item offers an opportunity to not just spread Christmas cheer to those close to you, but also spark joy to Filipino communities. Buying a Yakan weave can help secure the preservation of indigenous culture. Paying for local delicacies can mean paying for a farmer and his family’s food. Purchasing a notebook can mean a boost of confidence for a single mom lifting her family out of poverty. There are arts and crafts items, clothing, jewelry, food, home items, novelty items, things for children, and a whole lot more. Learn more about the programs of the BPI Foundation by following its Facebook page (www.facebook.com/BPIFoundation) or visit the official website (www.bpifoundation.org/).

Watches at The Big Red Sale at Secondo

Why pay full price for a luxury watch when you can buy one pre-loved and save money? Here are six items that may be of interest at Secondo’s ongoing Big Red Sale. First is the Rolex’s biggest classic, the Submariner (116619) also known as the Smurf. Introduced in 2008, it was one of three all-gold Submariner models to debut that year. This original Rolex divers watch is the most coveted collector’s item among professional divers and collectors alike. Second is Patek Philippe’s (5960) Flyback Chronograph with Annual Calendar. A rare classic, it combines a self-winding flyback chronograph with an annual calendar in a 40.5 mm steel case. Third is Seiko’s Superior Limited edition (SSA113K1). This timepiece only needs to be set at the right time and shaken to charge. It will give the most accurate time with a power reserve of up to 55 hours. Fourth is Omega’s Speedmaster Michael Schumacher Limited Edition (3519.50.00). Omega has honored the Formula 1 world champion with limited edition pieces, starting in 1996. This timepiece is powered by the calibre OMEGA 1152 which is a self‑winding chronograph with a rhodium‑plated finish that offers a power reserve of 44 hours. Fifth is an IWC’s Portugieser Yacht Club Chronograph (390503) has a silver-plated dial, black rubber strap, and stainless steel case and folding clasp. and last is the A. Lange & Söhne Richard Lange Boutique Edition (232.026). This particular edition has stunning movement with no complications and a second running hand that’s central. The inner workings and quality of all timepieces have been evaluated, certified and checked by the respective Official Service Centers and/or Authorized Dealers. The authenticity and provenance have likewise been verified. The Big Red Sale at Secondo runs until Dec. 20 at the 3/F Glorietta 4, Ayala Center Mall, Makati. For details call 0915-490-8204 or 8851-6583.

UNIQLO Christmas specials

UNIQLO treats its shoppers with weekly limited offers this holiday season. All the way until Dec. 22, customers can enjoy special promotions on LifeWear pieces. The collection offers a wide range of items, from essentials to collaborations with pop culture phenomena and luxury fashion labels to express one’s individuality. To celebrate the season of gift giving, shoppers can take advantage of seasonal and limited offers each week, with deals on items such as tops, bottoms, outerwear for men, women, and children. Shoppers can also purchase gift cards from any UNIQLO store. They are available in P500, P1000, and P2000 denominations, and come in a sleeve, message card, and special paper bag. For more updates, customers may download the UNIQLO mobile app, visit UNIQLO Philippines’ website at www.uniqlo.com/ph and follow social media account, Facebook (facebook.com/uniqlo.ph), Twitter (twitter.com/uniqloph) and Instagram (Instagram.com/uniqlophofficial).

How PSEi member stocks performed — December 6, 2019

Here’s a quick glance at how PSEi stocks fared on Friday, December 6, 2019.

 

BoC asserts right to acquire cargo undervalued by 30% or more

THE Bureau of Customs (BoC) has issued an order asserting its authority to acquire imported goods whose value is underdeclared by at least 30%.

According to Customs Administrative Order (CAO) No. 16-2019, the Commissioner will have the “sole authority” to resort to compulsory acquisition if the shippers declare an “unconscionably low” value for Customs purposes.

“A commodity is valued unconscionably low when the Bureau, after applying all the methods of valuation, still finds a discrepancy of at least 30% in the value declared as against other references,” according to the order.

Under current law, the state has the right of compulsory acquisition through the Customs Commissioner to “acquire imported goods under question for a price equal to their declared customs value plus any duties… on the goods.”

The measure is meant to protect government revenue against undervaluation of goods, it said.

A notice of compulsory acquisition (NCA) which serves as the preliminary order, will be issued upon identifying that the goods are undervalued to the specified extent.

This will be followed by a warrant of compulsory acquisition (WCA), informing the importer that the commissioner is set to acquire the goods in cash for the declared customs value plus paid duties, within 10 days of the WCA issuance.

The acquired goods may be disposed of through a public auction, negotiated sale or other methods allowed by law.

The importer has a 20-day period to appeal the decision to the Secretary of Finance and will be given another 30 days to appeal to the Court of Tax Appeals.

The CAO, dated Nov. 5, was published on the bureau’s website over the weekend and will take effect 30 days upon its publication in a national newspaper.

The CAO serves as the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of section 709 of Republic Act No. 10863 or the Customs Modernization Tariff Act (CMTA), which was signed in May 2016. — Beatrice M. Laforga

Nickel ore output seen at 40-50 million MT in 2020

THE Philippine nickel industry expects expanded production next year to fill the gap left by Indonesia’s nickel ore export ban to between 40 and 50 million wet metric tons (WMT) of ore, possibly accompanied by higher prices due to supply concerns.

“It’s more than 40 million tons, but let’s say, whether it exceeds 50 million tons, I doubt,” Philippine Nickel Industry Association (PNIA) President Dante R. Bravo told reporters on the sidelines of the group’s year-end report news conference in Quezon City.

“That would depend basically on the prices, particularly for the lower grades because that is where the added volume would be coming from. I think, for medium and higher grades we have limited volume on these,” he added.

According to the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), production of nickel ore in the first half was 11.306 million dry metric tons (DMT) or about 17.395 million wet metric tons (WMT), valued at P12.24 billion.

For 2019, Mr. Bravo said that production could hit about 39 million WMT, equivalent to 25 million to 26 million DMT.

Indonesia has banned the export of nickel starting 2020, in a bid to develop a domestic processing industry that would capture more value-added from the nickel trade. The ban was announced on Sept. 2, bringing forward an earlier announced ban that was scheduled for 2022.

“Because of the Indonesian export ban, we expect that there will be ramp-up of production for ore exports,” Mr. Bravo said.

“Likely, there is going to be an increase in the price of ore because there is a shortage of ore,” Mr. Bravo said.

“When the price is a bit high… if you can make money, you can go a longer way to mine and that could increase the volume,” he said.

Mr. Bravo noted that the US-China trade war may still pose a great challenge for the industry.

“It makes everybody uncertain in terms of foreign exchange, in terms of economic growth, in terms of foreign direct investment,” he said. — Vincent Mariel P. Galang

PPA completes upgrade of Davao del Sur seaport

DAVAO CITY — The P550-million Malalag Port Development Project in Davao del Sur has been completed, upgrading the cargo facility for the south of the Davao Region, the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) said over the weekend.

In a statement, PPA said among the goods that are expected to pass through the seaport are “molasses, sugar, steel products, vehicles and heavy equipment.”

Davao del Sur is considered the center of sugar production in the region, and also produces coconut, rice, mango, and banana, among other agricultural commodities.

The port is located about 25 kilometers from Digos City, the capital of Davao del Sur, and 88 kilometers from Davao City.

Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. President Arturo M. Milan said the modernized facility will help develop not just the region but also neighboring provinces.

“It will be easier for them (local producers and traders) to move their goods,” Mr. Milan told BusinessWorld.

In June 2017, the Malalag municipal government returned the operations of the port to the PPA.

The facility was handed over to Malalag following the passage of the Local Government Code in 2001, which specified the devolution of some national functions.

The upgrades include the construction of a new wharf, access trestle, back-up area, improvement of the old back-up area, and the installation of a lighting system.

Aside from Malalag, the PPA operates three other ports in the region: Sasa and Sta. Ana in Davao City, and one in Mati City, Davao Oriental. — Carmelito Q. Francisco

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