PHL, Israel establish joint economic commission

June 9, 2022 | 8:30 pm

THE Philippines and Israel said they formed a Joint Economic Commission (JEC) that will explore pathways to improving trade.

In a statement on Thursday, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said Trade Secretary Ramon M. Lopez signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Israel Economy and Industry Minister Orna Barbivai in Jerusalem on June 7 that created the JEC.

“The MoU seeks the establishment of a bilateral consultative mechanism that will develop and strengthen trade, enhance investments, and advance economic ties between the Philippines and Israel,” the DTI said.

“In establishing a JEC, the two countries agree to exchange information on economic issues, identify and implement cooperative projects, organize consultations, missions, and official visits and enhance cooperation and linkages with their respective private sector,” it added.

The DTI said the MoU will seek to explore industries where the two countries can collaborate with a view towards diversifying trade and investments.

He added that priority sectors for promotion include agribusiness/agriculture production, energy efficiency technologies and renewable energy, infrastructure and public-private partnership (PPP) projects in infrastructure, real estate development, logistics, artificial intelligence, information technology and business process management (IT-BPM) including shared services, electronics manufacturing, and digital infrastructure.

Mr. Lopez told reporters via Viber that the initial investments from the investment promotion and protection agreement (IPPA) between the Philippines and Israel could bring around $150 million in investment in 2022.

“Early harvest could be around $150 million this year,” Mr. Lopez said.

Also signed on June 7, the IPPA provides the framework for a closer investment relationship between Israel and Philippines. It also specifies investment protection elements such as national treatment, most favored nation treatment, free transfers, rules-based expropriation and compensation, and investor-state dispute settlement.

The DTI also recently signed an MoU seeking to strengthen cooperation with the Israel Innovation Authority.

Mr. Lopez also disclosed that the DTI has received letters of intent from Israeli investors engaged in agribusiness, software development, and IT-BPM, while receiving inquiries on food and beverage production, satellite imaging, and water desalination and treatment. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave

PHL startups being matched with Israeli counterparts

June 9, 2022 | 8:30 pm

ISRAEL has organized a networking event to match Philippine startups with potential Israeli partners, in a bid to develop solutions suitable for addressing problems particular to the Philippines, the Israeli embassy said.

During the networking event at QBO Innovation Hub late Tuesday, Israeli Ambassador Ilan Fluss said he hopes the partnerships will help the Philippines develop its own solutions via innovation.

“Many companies will develop something and then sell the technology here, but if you develop the technology from the beginning, Israel and the Philippines together, you (can) address local challenges,” he said.

“The solution will probably be much better and more relevant for the challenges here. This is something we would like to see,” he added.

Israel has over 6,000 active startups, built up through a support network involving the government, private sector, academic institutions, local governments, incubators, and venture capital firms.

Ideaspace Foundation, Inc. President Rene S. Meily expressed hope for further meetings among startups, investors, and government officials to learn from each other.

“If we can build those ties together, I think both economies will gain and grow,” he said. “Our hope is that what we start today… will flourish like a strong, solid tree that will outlast what we start here.”

Mr. Fluss also announced the signing of three agreements between the Israeli government and the Philippines’ Trade department.

“One of which is an agreement to cooperate in technological innovation, research and development with the Israeli Innovation Authority, our government agency in charge of fostering industrial research and development,” he said, adding that the other two were signed on Tuesday.

“With this, we are opening more bridges to partner with you and build a stronger startup industry,” he added.

The event was the first physical engagement between the Israel Embassy and Philippine startups. Around 50 Filipino founders of startup companies and investors participated in the networking night. — Alyssa Nicole O. Tan

PHL makes pitch for continued international aid to low, middle-income countries

June 9, 2022 | 8:15 pm

THE Department of Finance (DoF) said the international community must continue to aid low- and middle-income countries, noting the need for further support coming out of the pandemic.

In a statement on Thursday, Finance Undersecretary Antonnette C. Tionko said the department sees the need to mitigate financial stability risks in such countries to help them achieve sustainable growth after the pandemic, and while they deal with other economic shocks.

“Rebuilding a stronger global economy amidst present and future external shocks will be arduous,” Ms. Tionko was quoted as saying at a UN forum held in April. “It is imperative to strengthen international cooperation and endeavor to build a healthier and more sustainable world for future generations.”

“The pandemic highlighted the importance of international cooperation in ensuring that we leave no one behind. The Philippines is grateful for the technical and financial assistance from our development partners in providing budgetary support and vaccine mobilization for our COVID-19 response.”

The Philippines took on debt to fund its pandemic response, borrowing P1.31 trillion and receiving grants worth P2.7 billion, including coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines. The DoF has said it would take 40 years to pay off these pandemic-related loans and grants. In total, the country received P4.05 trillion in budgetary support.

The Asian Development Bank was the country’s biggest benefactor, providing P303.37 billion in loans. Other sources of financing were the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (P66.01 billion), the Japan International Cooperation Agency (P47.56 billion), and the Agence Française de Développement (P28.96 billion), among others.

Finance Assistant Secretary Neil Adrian S. Cabiles, at a forum on Sustainable and Just Transition, also encouraged developed countries to lead in climate change adaption and mitigation, knowledge and technology transfer, technical assistance, and other means to help efforts in averting the negative effects of climate change.

“As a shared responsibility, we call on countries, multilateral development banks and bilateral partners, and all stakeholders, to forge strong alliances and partnerships to innovate ways to reduce carbon emissions and integrate sustainable practices in all forms,” he added.

Mr. Cabiles said that the government would continue to pursue tax reforms and improve tax administration, continue with its infrastructure development program, with an emphasis on sustainable designs to revitalize the economy.

“Lastly, we will strengthen fiscal risk mitigation mechanisms to continue protecting economic and development gains,” Mr. Cabiles said.

“With the continued support of our developing partners and the international community as a whole, the Philippines will continue to ensure judicious financial management and sound fiscal policies that will provide an enabling environment for the attainment of an inclusive and sustainable recovery despite the difficulties we face from black swan events,” he added. — Tobias Jared Tomas

BoI compiling database on cold chain facilities

June 9, 2022 | 8:14 pm

cold-storage-philstar — PHILSTAR FILE PHOTO

THE Board of Investments (BoI) said it is surveying the cold chain industry as it compiles an integrated supply chain database.

The BoI said the project is designed to make policy and investment decisions more “evidence-based,” and will aid in selecting suitable locations for facilities and determining how industry participants can best be assisted.

The project “will map out existing cold chain service providers and estimate and forecast supply and demand for cold chain services,” the BoI said in a statement on Thursday.

“Once completed, the project will provide a data-driven, location-specific and timely reference for policy formulation and investment promotion.”

The Philippine Cold Chain Industry Roadmap estimated demand for an additional 50,000 pallet positions in cold storage facilities each year.

In February, the BoI signed a memorandum of understanding with the Environment department’s Environmental Management Bureau and InsightSCS Corp. for the development of a cold chain integrated supply chain solution. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave

Mindanao land transport, security sectors beef up coordination

June 9, 2022 | 7:53 pm

DavaoCity-Transportterminal-DCOTT-FACEBOOK-PAGE — DCOTT FACEBOOK PAGE

LAND TRANSPORT and security sector representatives in Mindanao will forge stronger coordination to prevent safety threats to commuters, starting with ensuring compliance to the required security plan for all service operators.

“The policies are in place, we just need to reinforce implementation,” Transport Undersecretary Raul L. Del Rosario, head of the Office for Transportation Security (OTS), said during the 1^st Mindanao Land Transport Security Summit held on Thursday.

The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) issued a memorandum circular in September last year requiring all bus operators and transport terminals, whether public or private, to have a security plan approved by the OTS.

In Mindanao, the southern Philippine mainland, only 12 of 40 bus operators and five out of 135 terminal operators so far have approved security plans, based on OTS data.

Winston Antero P. Barquez, head of the OTS Risk Assessment Division, said the “absence of effective security screening prior to entry into the bus or terminal” was the main “security gap” identified in the four bombing incidents in Mindanao this year.

These bombings “highlighted the need to fully operationalize and effectively enforce existing policies that govern security measures,” said Assistant Secretary Romeo M. Montenegro, deputy executive director of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), which organized the summit and will be helping coordinate action plans.

The meeting participants — which included representatives from national and local governments, police, military, transport operators, and the private sector — committed to form local-level groups to firm up security plans and integrate these initiatives into a Mindanao-wide strategy.

Davao City’s transport security framework will be tapped as one of the blueprints for the local programs. It includes multi-sector participation in security enforcement and supported by ordinances that provide legal basis for implementation.

In February this year, bus services between Davao and Marawi — passing through two other urban centers, the cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan — and several other new routes intended to boost economic and cultural activities within Mindanao were launched.

Among these main bus lines is between the cities of General Santos and Dipolog via Cotabato.

Other shorter routes such as between Pagadian City in Zamboanga del Sur and Marawi, and Iligan-Marawi will be served by jeepneys.

“It’s time for Mindanao to have all these,” MinDA Chair Maria Belen S. Acosta said at the launching ceremony held in Marawi City.

Bangsamoro Minister of Transportation and Communication Dickson P. Hermoso, for his part, said the opening of these new services will be followed by other initiatives to improve people and cargo movement.

On June 8, MinDA and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao’s Ministry and Transportation and Communication signed an agreement to set up mechanisms that will enhance collaboration on project development and investment promotion. — MSJ

Want a farm tour? Calabarzon has more than 20 places to choose from

June 9, 2022 | 7:53 pm

GOING on a farm tour does not need to be a trip too far from Metro Manila as there are more than 20 sites to choose from within the five provinces of neighboring region Calabarzon.

The Department of Tourism recently launched its culinary circuits caravan in the region showcasing accredited destinations that offer farm-to-table dining alongside a taste of agricultural life.

Tourism Regional Director Marites T. Castro, in a statement on Wednesday, said there are 26 accredited farm tourism sites in Calabarzon, composed of the provinces of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon.

“Many of these are also recognized by the Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Training Institute as community farm schools,” she said.

Some of the places offer accommodations and other recreational activities.

“Farms are safe alternatives to the crowded tourist spots because of their vast open spaces, fresh air, physical distancing, and freshly-cooked dishes,” she said.

Among the places in the list are:

Cavite — Terra Verde Ecofarm, Bounty Harvest Farm, EMV Flower Farm Indang, Luntiang Republika Ecofarms, and The Weekend Farmer;

Laguna — Graco Farms & Leisure, Silent Integrated Farm, Farmshare Prime, Jasif Integrated Farms, and Casa San Pablo;

Batangas — Don Leon Nature Farm, Mileah Bee Farm, and Lica Farms in Lipa City;

Rizal — Flor’s Garden and Nature Haven, FDRJ Camping Sites Rental, and Pili Paninap Farms; and

Quezon — Francesca de Banahaw, Bukid Amara, and Linang ni LK Restaurant. — MSJ

France confers agriculture award to Romulo-Puyat

June 9, 2022 | 7:52 pm

OUTGOING Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat’s more than two-decade career in government service was spent longest in the agriculture sector.

As undersecretary of the Department of Agriculture from 2007 to April 2018, her job brought her to farm and fishing communities across the country.

“Seeing firsthand the issues and concerns that our farmers and fisherfolk encountered on a daily basis, from getting their produce or seafood to the market, gaining ready access to credit, or needing to increase yields or efficiency, my colleagues and I went to such great lengths to bring greater attention to the country’s agricultural products,” Ms. Romulo-Puyat said in her speech when she recently received the Order of Agricultural Merit conferred by the French government.

As tourism chief since May 2018, she continued to champion the agricultural sector by including farm tourism and local cuisine among the highlights in marketing campaigns for both domestic and international travelers.

French Ambassador Michèle Boccoz said the award is in recognition of her steadfast commitment to supporting the agricultural sector and promoting food culture in the Philippines.

“On behalf of the French government, it is my honor to confer this prestigious award to Bernadette Romulo-Puyat who has shown great commitment, perseverance, and openness to collaborate throughout her career in service of the Filipino people and of the agricultural sector in the Philippines,” Mr. Boccoz said during the awarding ceremony held at the French Residence in Makati City on Tuesday.

The ambassador cited Ms. Romulo-Puyat’s contribution to the development of agricultural products, while supporting gender-inclusive agriculture, expanding links between stakeholders, and encouraging the adoption of modern techniques in the sector.

“I share this award with the people of the Philippines, most especially our farmers and fisherfolk, without whom we would not be standing here today,” she said.

In 2017, a bilateral cooperation agreement was signed to consolidate institutional relations between France’s Ministry of Agriculture and Food and the Philippines’ Department of Agriculture. This has strengthened the agricultural and technical cooperation in sectors and areas of common interest.

In the same year, the DA and the French Embassy in Manila jointly organized “Philippine Harvest Meets Bon Appetit,” a food fair showcasing organic and unique Filipino and French cuisines.

Ms. Romulo-Puyat, who holds a Masters degree in Economics, is headed next to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas as a deputy governor. — Alyssa Nicole O. Tan

More gov’t action needed vs text scams — Poe

June 9, 2022 | 7:52 pm

THE DEPARTMENT of Information and Communications Technology and the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) should step up efforts against the rampant text scams in the country, a senator said on Thursday.

“The unabated surge of text scams has brought further hardship and distress on our people who are already mired in debts,” Senator Mary Grace S. Poe-Llamanzares, who chairs the Senate Public Services Committee, said in a statement.

“This must stop.”

She said that despite the NTC’s directive for major telecommunication companies to send warnings against fake job offers sent via SMS or short message service, these have continued to proliferate and deceive mobile phone users.

“We must not allow the fraudsters and syndicates behind these text messages to continue to feast on our countrymen who are still plagued by the pandemic, and rising oil and commodity prices,” the senator said.

Ms. Poe called on the members of the incoming 19^th Congress to prioritize the deliberation and passage of the SIM Card Registration bill to institutionalize protection for millions of mobile users in the country.

As of end-March, Globe Telecom, Inc. had 87.4 million subscribers, while Smart Broadband, Inc. with 70.3 million. DITO Telecommunity Corp. had five million subscribers by the end of 2021.

The proposed measure mandating the registration of SIM cards was passed by the 18^th Congress, but President Rodrigo R. Duterte vetoed it, saying the matter needs more thorough study.

He did not agree with the measure’s provision that will require social media networks to secure the real names and phone numbers of account users. Various sectors also opposed this provision, citing threats to privacy and free speech.

The bill was intended to help fight telecommunication fraud as well as terrorism and other criminal activities.

“The whole of government must ensconce a safer and more secure digital and mobile phone use in the country to protect our people from falling deeper into poverty and helplessness,” said Ms. Poe.

“To most, the mobile phone is their only means to survive, and it shouldn’t at all be compromised,” she added. — Alyssa Nicole O. Tan

TRB inspects CAVITEX C5 link flyover extension

June 9, 2022 | 7:52 pm

THE TOLL Regulatory Board (TRB) has inspected the 1.6-kilometer Cavitex C5 Link Flyover extension as it nears completion, according to Cavitex Infrastructure Corp. (CIC)

In a statement on Thursday, CIC said the government regulators had a site visit early this week, where traffic management plans were also discussed.

“This entails transferring of the Merville entry and exit ramp to in front of Shell C5 Southlink for better traffic flow. Traffic signalization and signages will be installed in coordination with the local authorities to help manage traffic for motorists bound to the expressway, and those that will use the service road,” the company said.

The flyover extension will link to the operational 2.2-km Cavitex C5 Link flyover, providing convenient access for motorists heading to South Luzon Expressway (SLEX)/C5 from Merville and vice-versa.

The flyover extension dubbed, Segment 3A2: Merville to E. Rodriguez Avenue, is already 95% complete, according to the CIC.

“We are pleased to see the progress of the Cavitex C5 Link. We look forward to it serving an estimated 15,000 motorists, helping lessen their travel time from SLEX to Pasay, Taguig and Parañaque, thereby helping decongest some of our local roads,” TRB Executive Director Alvin A. Carullo said.

Meanwhile, CIC said the construction of Segment 2, called Cavitex R1 Expressway to Sucat Interchange, has reached over 30% completion.

The travel time of motorists between the two areas will be cut by as much as thirty minutes, bypassing traffic from Sucat Road and Quirino Avenue, once the segment links Cavitex to its Sucat Interchange.

CIC is controlled by Metro Pacific Tollways Corp., a unit of Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC).

MPIC is one of three Philippine units of Hong Kong’s First Pacific Co. Ltd., the others being Philex Mining Corp. and PLDT, Inc. Hastings Holdings, Inc., a unit of PLDT Beneficial Trust Fund subsidiary MediaQuest Holdings, Inc., has a majority stake in BusinessWorld through the Philippine Star Group, which it controls. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave

Boston Celtics pull away from Warriors for 2-1 edge in Finals

June 9, 2022 | 7:21 pm

Jason-Tatum — BOSTON CELTICS forward Jayson Tatum (0) attempts a layup against Golden State Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins (22) in the first half during Game 3 of the 2022 NBA Finals at TD Garden. — REUTERS

JAYLEN Brown scored 17 of his 27 points in the first quarter and Jayson Tatum finished with 26 points to lift the host Celtics to a 116-100 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday in Game 3 of the National Basketball Association (NBA) Finals.

The Celtics grabbed a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series with Game 4 set for Friday in Boston.

“My message to the team was, ‘We’ve done this after losses. It’s time to do it after wins,’” Celtics coach Ime Udoka said after his team improved to 7-0 after a loss in the playoffs.

Tatum had nine assists and Brown added five to go along with nine rebounds. Boston’s Marcus Smart finished with 24 points on Wednesday after mustering just two in the Celtics’ 107-88 loss in Game 2 on Sunday.

“That left a bad taste in our mouth, coming out of Game 2 hearing and knowing that we got beat up,” Smart said on the NBA TV. “For us, it’s like anybody else. If you’re in a fight with a bully, you gotta keep going and you gotta stand up.

“…We got the Golden State Warriors who have done this before multiple times who understand what it takes to be here. They want to see what you got. They punched us in our mouths in Game 2, and we responded.”

Al Horford collected 11 points, eight rebounds and six assists for Boston, which held a 47-31 advantage in total rebounds — including 15-6 on the offensive glass.

Golden State star Stephen Curry overcame early foul trouble to make six 3-pointers and finish with 31 points. Curry remained in the game with 4:07 to play in the fourth quarter despite appearing to injure his left leg while vying for a loose ball.

Warriors coach Steve Kerr said Curry was removed from the game given his team’s 14-point deficit with 2:19 to play.

“We weren’t going to catch up,” Kerr said. “We’ll know more (on his status) tomorrow.”

Klay Thompson had 25 points and Andrew Wiggins added 18 for the Warriors, who benefited from their third straight strong third quarter in the series to trim their deficit to four points entering the fourth.

Draymond Green, who was roundly jeered by the crowd, finished with just two points and four rebounds.

Green used an expletive to describe his own performance before adding, “I was soft. That’s what was most disappointing to me, for us.”

Tatum made two foul shots, a long jumper and two driving layups to start the fourth quarter and stake Boston to a 107-96 lead with 5:53 to play. Smart sank a corner 3-pointer and made a bank shot to give the Celtics a 114-100 lead with 2:19 remaining.

Golden State, which outscored Boston by a combined 73-38 margin in the third quarters of Games 1 and 2, hoped for similar domination on Wednesday after entering the period with a 12-point deficit. Curry drained back-to-back 3-pointers and made two more to give the Warriors an 83-82 lead before Smart answered from beyond the arc on the next possession.

Brown responded from a sluggish 5-for-17 shooting performance on Sunday with an aggressive start on Wednesday. He made six of nine shots — including three of four from 3-point range — in the first quarter. — Reuters

Broncos have ownership bid in place for record $4.65B

June 9, 2022 | 7:18 pm

THE Denver Broncos appear set to be sold for a sports-franchise record $4.65 billion, according to multiple media reports.

As expected, the Walton-Penner family — led by Walmart heir Rob Walton — has made the winning bid. The Walton-Penner family and the Pat Bowlen Trust have entered into a purchase and sale agreement, it was jointly announced on Tuesday.

The specific amount of the record-setting transaction was reported on Tuesday by various media outlets.

This would be the highest price paid for an American sports franchise, topping the $3.2 billion paid for the NBA’s Brooklyn Nets in 2019. It would also be more than double the most recent sale price of an NFL team as the Carolina Panthers were sold for $2.275 billion in 2018.

Forbes valued the Broncos at $3.75 billion in 2021, estimating it at No. 10 on the list of National Football League (NFL) franchise valuation.

Earlier this month, Forbes identified other bidders as Josh Harris, who is part of the ownership group of the Philadelphia 76ers and New Jersey Devils; Jose E. Feliciano, one of the founders of Clearlake Capital; and mortgage lender Mat Ishbia.

Walton, 77, has a net worth of $65 billion and is the 19^th-richest person in the world, per Forbes. The Walmart fortune is so vast that his siblings, Alice and Jim, also are among the world’s 20 richest people on Forbes’ list of billionaires.

If the Walton sale goes through, Rob Walton would become the second NFL owner from the extended Walton family. Ann Walton Kroenke, who is Walton’s cousin, is married to Stan Kroenke, owner of the Los Angeles Rams.

“We are thrilled to be selected to move forward with the purchase of the Denver Broncos!” Rob Walton said on behalf of the ownership group. “Carrie (Walton-Penner), Greg (Penner) and I are inspired by the opportunity to steward this great organization in a vibrant community full of opportunity and passionate fans.” — Reuters

Red Bull Dance Your Style is now in the Philippines

June 9, 2022 | 7:18 pm

FOR the first time ever, Red Bull Dance Your Style, the brand’s take on a global 1-on-1 street dance competition with a unique battle format featuring the latest hits and timeless classics that challenge a dancer’s freestyle and improvisation skills, is coming to the Philippines.

Unlike other major dance competitions with professional judges, the crowd will play a crucial role in determining the winner of each battle. The crowd participation means the dancers will really need to express their personality and passion through their dancing. They’ll need to win the crowd to move past their opponents.

The first major Red Bull Dance Your Style Philippines event will kick off at the BGC Amphitheatre with the National Finals on July 23, featuring the top 16 dancers who qualified and pre-selected by nationally-established dance consultant and a member of the Philippine All-Stars Vince Mendoza. “The selection process was not easy and hard as well. Can you imagine gathering talented people and sizing up their skill-set? It’s like a dream and also having that excitement during the selection process,” shares Mendoza when asked about the decision making that went into choosing the country’s representatives.

All the participants will be gathering together in one place for an intense yet fun dance battle to test the diversity of their move-set while proving that they are the best dancer in the world.

Each round of every battle will consist of two thrilling rounds with the DJ spinning mixes of different genres ranging from modern pop and rap music to old-school classics. The competitors will need to prove that they have rhythm, movement, creativity, and charisma since capturing the crowd’s attention and acquiring their approval is the only way to secure a spot in the next round of the competition.

The winner of the National Finals will then move on to the World Finals and represent the Philippines, competing against over 60 dancers from 30 countries. The World Finals is set to take place in Johannesburg, South Africa, in December 2022.

Interested viewers may secure their spot to watch Red Bull Dance Your Style live via this link: www.redbull.com/danceyourstyleph. Registration officially opens on June 2022.