President Aquino cites Brother Industries for expanding business in the Philippines

TANAUAN CITY, Batangas) President Benigno S. Aquino III cited the Brother Industries Ltd. for expanding its business in the Philippines that spurred the growth of the manufacturing sector and created quality employment opportunities for the Filipino people.

During the inauguration of the new factory of Brother Industries Philippines at the First Philippine Industrial Park in Barangay Ulango, Tanauan City, Batangas on Monday, the Chief Executive acknowledged the contribution of the Brother Industries Ltd. in helping the government in its efforts to improve the country's business climate.

The President, who was assisted by officials of Brother Industries Japan and Brother Industries Philippines, led the unveiling of the marker and corporate logo during the ceremony.

After the unveiling ceremony, the President toured the new manufacturing facility of the Brother Industries Philippines at the First Philippine Industrial Park.

Joining the President are Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo, Philippine Economic Zone Authority Director-General Dr. Lilia de Lima, Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Toshinao Urabe, Brother Industries, Ltd. President and Representative Director Toshikazu Koike, Brother Industries Ltd. Executive Officer Yuji Miwa, Brother Industries Philippines President Toshio Ito, among others.

The President thanked the Brother Group for its increased confidence in his administration and assured the Japanese investors that his administration will continue to institute reforms to improve the business climate.

"We sincerely believe in the strength and advantages that the Philippines and the Filipinos have, and we are very hopeful that we will be able to achieve our global vision together with other facilities of the Brother Group," Toshio Ito said in his welcome speech.

Founded in 1908, Brother Industries Ltd. is a Japanese multinational electronics and electrical equipment company headquartered in Japan. Its products include printers, multifunction printers, sewing machines, large machine tools, label printers, typewriters, fax machines, and other computer-related electronics.

The Brother Group delivers products and services to customers all over the world with 17 production sites and 51 sales offices operating in 44 countries and regions in the world.

Brother Industries Philippines, Inc. located at the First Philippine Industrial Park, in Tanauan City, Batangas was established in March 2012 to meet the increasing demands in the printing business which is the Brother Group's core business.

In April 2013, Factory 1 has started its commercial operation in the manufacture of ink cartridges of Brother's inkjet printer and All-in-Ones. Another product to be produced in the Philippines is the tape casette for label stationery. The commercial operations of the product is set to start in September, soon as the construction of the second factory of Brother Industries Philippines in Tanauan is expected to be completed. The factory will manufacture the inkjet printer main body and is projected to start commercial operation in February next year.

The projected total investment of Brother Industries Philippines Inc. amounts to $114 million, one of the highest investments of the Brother Group.

The Brother Industries Philippines Inc. currently employs 449 individuals as of July 2013. With the first and second factories in full operation, the total number of employees will rise to 3,500 by fiscal year 2015.

Through the establishment of Brother Industries Philippines Inc., Brother Group will enhance and optimize production capabilities in a bid to increase its global market share.

President Aquino assures investors government continues to institute reforms to fuel the Philippines as a suitable investment haven

(TANAUAN CITY, Batangas) President Benigno S. Aquino III assured investors that this administration continues to institute reforms to fuel the Philippines as a suitable investment haven and one of the fastest growing economies in Southeast Asia.

"Our reforms were planned to yield the maximum benefit for both the Filipino people and for those who wanted to partner with the Philippines," the Chief Executive said in his speech during the inauguration of the new factory of the Brother Industries Philippines at the First Philippine Industrial Park in Barangay Ulango here on Monday.

The President said his government, likewise, remains committed to meet key challenges such as building sustained economic growth, mitigating business risks, and fostering environmental sustainability, in a bid to improve the country's business climate.

"For example, weeding out corruption in government does not only assure a higher quality of public service; it removes unnecessary risks and threats to business for investors like you. Improving our national road network—including roads here in Batangas—and constructing and upgrading transport hubs facilitate ease of travel for all—from our countrymen, to travellers here in the Philippines for leisure or business," the President said.

The President said the move of the Brother Group to put up a new manufacturing facility in the country will boost the country's manufacturing sector.

"Today’s inauguration is especially significant, in light of our government’s desire to foster the complete revival of our manufacturing sector. There was a time when our neighboring countries were the favored destinations—when manufacturing in the country lagged, and the focus turned to service industries, such as Business Process Management," he said.

"The good news is we have actually noticed an upswing in Philippine manufacturing in the past few years. I have witnessed this personally, visiting facilities that manufacture components for Airbus and Boeing airplanes, luxury goods, and electronics, as well as shipbuilding yards, to name a few. Recent numbers also reflect this: for the first quarter of 2013, manufacturing grew by 9.7 percent, making it one of the biggest contributors to economic growth," the President added.

He thanked the Brother Group for expanding its business in the Philippines and assured the Japanese investor company that the government will always support its endeavours now and in the future.

"Your decision to set up shop here assures us that we are doing the right thing, that the country is on the right track—towards the resurgence of industry, the creation of more jobs, and a future of sustainable, broad-based growth," he said.

The President also congratulated Brother Industries Ltd. for its accomplishments in its business operations not only in Japan but in many parts of the world.

"Your achievements are not a product of chance; your success was borne of hard work, strategic decision-making, and a finely tuned sense for business. Your long history tells us that it was not luck that brought you here. No company would decide to invest 5.59 billion pesos, construct two different facilities, and eventually hire a 3,500-strong workforce on a whim. For Brother Industries, the Philippines was the strategic choice," he said.

President Aquino commends Gilas Pilipinas silver medal finish at FIBA Asia Cup

President Benigno S. Aquino III personally commended the inspiring run showed by the country’s men’s basketball team, Gilas Pilipinas, at the recently concluded 27th Federacion Internationale de Basketball (FIBA) Asia Cup held at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

At the conclusion of his speech at the inauguration rites of Brother Industries Philippines factory in Tanauan City, Batangas on Monday, President Aquino could not help but share his thoughts on last Sunday’s championship game between the Philippines and Iran.

The President extolled the gallant stand put up by the players of the Philippine national team despite their size disadvantage and being undermanned as they gave the towering Iranians a good fight until the dying seconds of the game.

“We won at least the silver position or the first runner up position. We are not yet blessed with the height necessary to become a dominant power in the world of basketball. We even lost our center due to an injury, and it was really encouraging, at least on my part, to view our countrymen not giving in to a sense of, perhaps, defeat by just accepting the fact that, ‘you know, these guys are above seven feet tall and they are really kind of difficult to beat,’” the President said.

President Aquino watched the game live at the Arena as Gilas Pilipinas fought tooth and nail to claim the top spot before eventually yielding the gold medal and championship crown to the dominant Iranian squad.

The national team played without naturalized center, Marcus Douthit, who injured his knee during the Philippines’ semifinal victory last Saturday against the Republic of Korea who eventually took the bronze medal after defeating Chinese Taipei.

“Up to the last few seconds, they never gave up. They showed the respect that was earned by their playing in previous games. They were not treated as an unworthy opponent by our opponents. So give the Filipino the right environment and you will be surprised at what he will deliver,” the President said further.

The Philippines only lost by 14 points (85-71) to the undefeated Islamic Republic of Iran, reportedly known to have beaten its previous opponents by at least 30 points in the tournament.

Regardless of the result, however, Gilas Pilipinas secured the country of a slot in the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup that will be held in Spain—a feat which was last accomplished by the national team 40 years ago.

Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda said in a statement that this victory is the culmination of years of hard work, belief, and perseverance from our players and their families, from our coaching staff, from the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas led by Chairman Manny V. Pangilinan, and, most of all, from the entire Filipino nation, who has always stood behind the national team through their struggles and triumphs.

“In unison, the nation urged our team forward, and with consummate puso, they laid everything on the line for flag and country. Gilas Pilipinas has shown the world that no one can outsize the heart of the Filipino. May their performance inspire every Filipino to relentlessly pursue excellence, no matter what field they find themselves in, so that, together, we may fulfill our shared aspiration of a Philippine nation greater than ever before,” Lacierda said.

President Aquino gives go signal for Philippines to start negotiations with United States on policy of increased rotational presence through framework agreement

President Benigno S. Aquino III has already given his go-signal for the Philippines to start this week the negotiations with the United States to institutionalize the policy of increased rotational presence through a framework agreement, a Palace official said on Monday.

"They have secured the permission from the President to start the negotiations, so obviously, they informed the President about these things," Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said during the regular press briefing in Malacanang on Monday.

Lacierda also announced the creation of a panel comprising of representatives from the Department of Justice, Department of National Defense and the Department of Foreign Affairs to handle the communications for increased rotational presence of American forces in the country.

"They have already formed a panel which is comprised of the DOJ, the DND and the DFA; and they will be handling the communications with respect to the negotiations," Lacierda said.

"We’re not going to be involved with respect to the negotiations. Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Carlos Sorreta has been designated as the spokesperson for the Philippine panel on the framework agreement for the increased rotational presence," Lacierda.

Lacierda noted the need to come out with a framework agreement with the US to ensure that the increased rotational presence of American troops is within the parameters of the Constitution and Philippine laws.

The negotiations will enable the Philippines and US to conduct activities such as bilateral exercises, including the prepositioning of equipment for disaster response and development of Philippine facilities, among others.

"The focus of the increased rotational presence also will involve not only our credible defense position – minimum credible defense position – but also a shift to humanitarian and disaster response," he said.

NGCP orients Misamis Occidental media on Power 102

By Rutchie C. Aguhob

OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental, Aug. 12 (PIA) -- Salient features of Power 102 or the Transmission Development Plan (TDP) were discussed during an orientation attended in by the media over the weekend, at Royal Garden Hotel, here.

Conducted by the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), the activity included a presentation of NGCP’s Mindanao Future Development Plan to put up more transmission facilities to meet the energy demands of the island.

It also highlighted NGCP’s plan to rehabilitate and upgrade old transmission lines and metering, as well as, its systems operations to provide telecom backbone of line protection of these transmission facilities.

Meanwhile, Atty. Cynthia Perez-Alabanza, Head of Corporate Communications and NGCP Spokesperson, clarified that power generation is still a function of the National Power Corporation (NPC).

She said NGCP only serves as the “super highway” where the power passes through on the way towards the distribution units, such as, the electric cooperatives.

Alabanza said NGCP is a privately-owned corporation in charge of operating, maintaining and developing the country’s power transmission but the transmission equipment still belongs to the government.

As such, Alabanza has appealed to the media to help in the anti-pilferage of transmission towers campaign to maintain the reliability, quality and frequency of electricity transmitted to distribution utilities and other grid-users. (RCAguhob/PIA10-Misamis Occidental)

Pag-IBIG Fund bares delay on loans, claims processing

By Recthie T. Paculba

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Aug 12 (PIA) -- In its advisory to the public, Pag-IBIG Fund announced it is enhancing their system for better services that will cause temporary delays in the processing of multi-purpose loans (MPLs) and Provident claims applications (PCAs).

Starting August 19, there will be a delay on Pag-IBIG Fund’s application processing of member-borrowers with existing calamity loans and those who still need to update loan repayments. These member-borrowers are then advised to accurately indicate their contact numbers in the application forms.

Pag-IBIG Fund will be informing the member-borrowers on the status of their application through the numbers provided as soon as they can. (RTP/PIA10)

NMFDC bags regional science and technology award

By Debbie de San Miguel

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Aug. 12 (PIA) -- The Northern Mindanao Federation of Dairy Cooperatives (NMFDC) Highland Fresh Dairy Products was awarded Best SETUP (Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program ) Adoptor by the Department of Science and Technology – X on July 16, during the Regional Celebration of the National Science and Technology Week (NSTW) held at Pearlmont Inn, Cagayan de Oro City.

SETUP is DOST’s flagship program to empower SME’s in the country by assisting and encouraging them to adopt to new technologies and gain competitive advantage using appropriate technology.

Last year, NMFDC was a recipient of a P600,000 grant from DOST for the Upgrading of the Milk Processing Plant Equipment. It was able to acquire display chillers, cream separator and mozzarella stretching machine. Part of the fund was also used in the improvement of the labels in the butter and cheese.

The NMFDC represented Region –X and competed with 16 other SETUP regional winners in Manila last week. An exhibit was held at the Mall of Asia from July 22- 27 to showcase the products of the winning entrepreneurs.

SET-UP national winner was awarded to Farmtech Foods Incorporated (FFI) of Silang Cavite, the company that produces dehydrated and powdered food products such as spices like chili, ginger, turmeric, tamarind; vegetables/ herbs like ampalaya, ube, malunggay, and banaba.

Highland Fresh Manager Bismela Lancin shared the joy of competing in the national level. The event, she said, has all the more challenged them that they can make it big with constant quest for excellence in the business.

“This has also opened wider market opportunities for dairy products as many food processors are looking for big supply of dairy products. It has also created a greater network of industry partners that can help NMFDC more efficiently produce and earn,” she added. (Debbie de San Miguel, NDA MIO/PIA)

'Doing Business in Free Trade Area' seminar slated in Iligan City

By Lorry V. Gabule

ILIGAN CITY, Lanao del Norte, Aug. 12(PIA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry’s Bureau of Export Trade Promotion (BETP) in partnership with DTI Region 10 including Lanao del Norte and Misamis Occidental will conduct a series of information sessions in Northern Mindanao about the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) through its “Doing Business in Free Trade Area” (DBFTA) program.

The DBFTA is a massive advocacy campaign for businesses, industry groups, the academe, and other stakeholders to increase their awareness as well as foster appreciation for the benefits of free trade agreements (FTAs), and how they could avail of these benefits.

The DBFTA information sessions will be held on August 13, at the N Hotel in Cagayan de Oro City, on August 14 in Iligan City, and on August 15 in Ozamiz City.

Partnering with DTI in the effective and sustainable delivery of DBFTA projects in Northern Mindanao are Philexport Region 10A and several academic institutions such as Xavier University, Capitol University, Mindanao State University-Iligan and La Salle Ozamiz.

Resource speakers include BETP Assistant Director Jason Lao, PhilExport Region 10A Executive Director Michael Joseph Ignacio and Vice-Dean of the College of Law of the De La Salle University-Manila Atty. Jocelyn Cruz.

As of year-end 2012, Region 10’s merchandise exports totalled US$1.17 billion. These exports include fresh and processed fruits, marine products, beverages, food products, coconut products, chemicals, construction materials, electrical parts, glass manufactures, machinery, medical supplies, minerals, oils, paper manufactures, rubber, furniture, house wares, fashion accessories, footwear and toys.

The DBFTA information sessions will discuss how businesses could increase trade with Philippine FTA partners. FTA benefits include preferential tariff rates, harmonization of standards and more liberal regimes in trade, services and investment.

The AEC hopes to further integrate the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) into the global economy. ASEAN has its own free trade agreement (AFTA) among its member countries as well as with China (ACFTA), India (AIFTA), Korea (AKFTA), Japan (AJCEPA), and Australia and New Zealand (AANZFTA).

ASEAN is also working on the ASEAN Regional Comprehensive Economic Cooperation (ARCEP) involving all six ASEAN partners. The Philippines is a signatory to all the six ASEAN FTAs plus one bilateral FTA with Japan, the Philippines Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (PJEPA).

For more information about the DBFTA information sessions in Region 10, contact Mila Lasquites, DTI Region 10, NACIDA Building, Corrales St. cor. A. Luna St. 9000 Cagayan de Oro City, Phone : (+638.822) 729.291 / 722.278, Telefax : (+638.822) 726.354, E-mail : dti.r10@gmail.com, r10@dti.gov.ph.

The BETP has been conducting DBFTA info sessions since 2010, reaching out to stakeholders in various regions in the country. (DTI-10/PIA10-LDN)

NorMin schools avail DOST Starbooks

By Jasper Marie Oblina-Rucat

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Aug. 12 (PIA) -- Since the Department of Science and Technology in Region 10 (DOST-10) launched the Starbooks during its National Science and Technology Week on July here, there have been a number of schools in Northern Mindanao that immediately availed of the technology.

These schools included Misamis Oriental State College of Agriculture and Technology (Moscat) in the town of Claveria in Misamis Oriental, Camiguin Polytechnic State College (CPSC) in the province of Camiguin, and Northwestern Mindanao State College and Technology in Tangub City, Misamis Occidental.

According to DOST Regional Director Alfonso Alamban, Starbooks or the Science and Technology Academic and Research-based Openly-Operated Kiosks is intended to serve as information access portals in key areas in the country.

Through this, he explained that anyone can have digital access to the scientific information physically available at the Science and Technology Institute, the DOST Science and Technology Information Network of the Philippines (SciNET), Philippine eLib project sources, from freely-available online resources and subscribed databases.

Moreover, it contains hundreds of thousands of digitalized science and technology resources in various formats (text and video/audio) placed in specifically design “pods” set in a user-friendly interface, added Alamban.

This technology is aimed to create interest in the field of science and technology; encourage great and curious minds to develop new ideas, inventions, and innovations; and to inspire one’s capacity for entrepreneurship and research for socio-economic development, he said.

Alamban also encouraged local government units (LGUs), non-government organizations (NGOs), and educational institutions to avail of Starbooks.

There are certain procedures and steps to avail of Starbooks; for more information you may visit www.stii.dost.gov.ph or email rosal624@yahoo.com or lyn_bacani@yahoo.com.

In Region 10, you may visit http://region10.dost.gov.ph or call (088) 858-3931 to 33. (JMOR/PIA10)

Massive animal vaccination to start anew

By Jorie C. Valcorza

MAMBAJAO, CAMIGUIN, August 12 (PIA) - The Camiguin provincial veterinary office (PVO) will start its regular door-to-door vaccination for pets and livestock animals tomorrow.

This is the second leg of the bi-annual vaccination drive to reduce and eliminate contaminable diseases among animals.

The teams, composed of qualified technicians, will start tomorrow in Barangay Tupsan Pequeño of Mahinog town and will move simultaneously towards the municipalities of Mambajao (west side) and Guinsiliban (east side) until they covered every barangays and meet somewhere in between.

They will be dispatched daily following the prepared schedule that is expected to be completed in October 16, 2013.

Dr. Louis S. Bollozos, PVO chief veterinarian explained that they will be administering rabies, hemorrhagic septicemia and hog cholera vaccines for free in every household.

As of July, this year, the PVO has vaccinated some 1,454 cattle, 413 carabao, 2,591 swine, 890 goats and 3,664 dogs/cats.

PVO report further bares that this have helped more than five thousand farming families in the province. (JCV/PIA)