President Aquino administers oaths of office to 49 government officials

President Benigno S. Aquino III administered the oaths of office to 49 newly appointed government agency officials in ceremonies held in Malacanang on Monday.

Leading the list of new government agency officials were: Alexander Pama – Undersecretary, Office of the Executive Secretary, Office of the President; Jose Justiniano – Undersecretary, Department of Justice; Dina Joana Cristobal – Undersecretary, Department of Education; Ciriaco Lagunzad III – Undersecretary, Department of Labor and Employment; Janette Garin and Madeleine De Rosas Valera – Undersecretaries, Department of Health; Ponciano Manalo, Jr. – Undersecretary, Department of Trade and Industry; and Julianito Bucayan, Jr. – Undersecretary, Department of Transportation and Communication.

The other officials who were sworn in by the President were: Tonsito Umali – Assistant Secretary, DepEd; Maria Gloria Abragantango – Asec., DOLE; Ceferino Rodolfo, and Blesila Lantayona – Assistant Secretaries, DTI; Camille Alcaraz Campos – Asec., DOTC; Raymundo Liboro – Asec., Department of Science and Technology; Celso Santiago, Jr. – Asec. for Special Concerns, Presidential Communications Operations Office;

Winston Ginez – Chairman, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board; Rowena Guanzon – Commissioner, Comission on Audit; Nieves Osorio – Commissioner, Civil Service Commission; Lorna Flores and Jerry Gracio – Commissioner Representing the Languages of the Southern Cultural Communities, Commission on Filipino Language; Conrado Sillada – Commissioner, Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor; Maximo Mejia, Jr. – Administrator, Maritime Industry Authority; Roland Manalaysay – Executive Director, Agrarian Reform Adjudication Board; and Teresita Hatta – Executive Director, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas;

Franklin Jesus Bucayu – Director, Bureau of Corrections; Roberto Cabrera III – Executive Director, LTFRB; Richard Ritual – Rear Admiral, Philippine Merchant Marine Academy; Joselito Dela Cruz, Danilo Ubaldo, George Ursabia, Ferdinand Velasco, Leopoldo Laroya and Rolando Legaspi – Commodores, Philippine Coast Guard; Nelson Laluces – Deputy Director General, Intellectual Property Office; Ray Roderos – Assistant Director General, National Security Council;

Rolando Gosengfiao – Member, Board of Directors, Bases Conversion and Development Authority; Milagros Isabel Cristobal – Member, Representing the Women Sector, Philippine Overseas Employment Administration; Elmoise Afurong – Member, Representing Luzon Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Council; Jonathan Aldeguer – Member, Representing Visayas SMEDC; Mary Ann Montemayor – Member, Representing Mindanao SMEDC;

Honorito Chaneco – Member, Board of Directors, Light Rail Transit Authority; Ralph Pastor Salazar – Member, Board of Directors, PNOC Renewables Corporation; Lucita Reyes – Member, Board of Governors, Board of Investments; Ernesto Albano and Reagan De Guzman – Members, Board of Directors, North Luzon Railways Corporation; Alexander Padilla – Member, Board of Directors, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation; Leah Navarro – Member, Movie and Television Review and Classification Board; Nievelena Rosete and Francis Gealogo – Members of the Board, Martial Law Historical Advisory Committee; and Orlan Calayag of the Department of Agriculture.

Joining the President for the occasion were Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya and Health Secretary Enrique Ona.

President Aquino orders Roxas to lead resettlement of informal settlers

President Benigno S. Aquino III has directed Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas to immediately spearhead the transfer of informal settler families living in danger and high-risk areas to decent housing sites, a Palace official said on Monday.

The Chief Executive issued the directive by virtue of Memorandum Order No. 57 signed by Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. on August 2, Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda announced during the regular press briefing in Malacanang on Monday.

Under Republic Act No. 7279 or the Urban Development Housing Act of 1992 (UDHA), the local government units (LGUs), in coordination with the National Housing Authority (NHA), shall implement the relocation and resettlement of persons living in danger areas such as esteros, railroad tracks, garbage dumps, riverbanks, shorelines, waterways, and in other public places.

The President, in his State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 22, reiterated his administration's thrust "to provide refuge to our countrymen living in the danger or high-risk areas by providing them better housing, with access to public transport."

"The Administration's thrust is to prioritize their safety (informal settler families) in properly reassigning their residential locations after clearing the clogged waterways of our cities; and guarantee their protection and well-being in this exercise by ensuring proper coordination among government agencies concerned," the memorandum order said.

“Now, therefore, the Secretary of the Interior and Local Government is hereby directed to immediately spearhead the transfer of informal settler families living in danger and high-risk areas to decent housing sites, as may be applicable, and pave the way for the clearing of clogged waterways, pursuant to the DILG’s mandate under Republic Act No. 6975 and EO 262 and the provisions of the UDHA," the order said.

In order to pursue this directive, the DILG shall coordinate with LGUs, the Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor, NHA, and other relevant agencies of the government.

The memorandum order shall take effect immediately.

President Aquino confers Order of Sikatuna on outgoing Canadian Ambassador Christopher Thornley in Malacañang

President Benigno S. Aquino III conferred the Order of Sikatuna with the rank of Datu Katangiang Ginto (Grand Cross, Gold Distinction) on outgoing Canadian Ambassador to the Philippines Christopher Thornley, in recognition of his invaluable contributions to the bilateral partnership between the Philippines and Canada, during a simple ceremony in Malacanang on Monday.

The Chief Executive awarded the Order of Sikatuna on Thornley during a simple ceremony at the Music Room of the Malacanang Palace on Monday.

The award was given to the outgoing ambassador for promoting deeper and vibrant relations between the Philippines and Canada through close people-to-people ties, security cooperation and trade and investments.

He was cited for his role in making the economic relations vibrant and more robust as manifested in the sustained increase in bilateral trade and Canadian investments in the Philippines, notably in the business process outsourcing sector and manufacturing.

Thornley was recognized for his involvement in establishing the Philippines-Canada Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation and the conduct of the Inaugural JCBC meeting on February 5, 2013.

"Thornley was recognized for securing Canada's generous contribution to our counter-terrorism efforts, consisting of in-kind contributions of equipment, training and services to help strengthen our counter-terrorism and anti-crime capacity," the citation read.

He was also cited for facilitating Canada's immediate relief assistance for the flood victims of typhoons Sendong and Pablo and for his humanitarian commitment as manifested by the Gawad Kalinga Villages donated by Canadian firms in the Philippines.

"He was cited for his role in organizing the visit to the Philippines of Prime Minister Stephen Harper of Canada in November, 2012, the highest level visit of a Canadian official in the last 15 years and the visit of Canada's Minister for Foreign Affairs John Baird in July, 2012," the citation read.

Thornley was likewise recognized "for facilitating the signing of the DND-Canadian Commercial Corporation Memorandum of Understanding on Government-to-Government Transactions in Defense and Military Related Equipment Materials, Systems and/or Services on Nov. 10, 2012."

He was also cited for pursuing activities that nurtured friendship, mutual appreciation and understanding between Filipinos and Canadians.

Thornley was accompanied by Senior Trade Commissioner Karra Lee Gerrits. Witnessing the conferment and farewell ceremonies were Acting Foreign Affairs Secretary Jose Brillantes and Assistant Secretary Carlos Sorreta of the Department of Foreign Affairs - Office of American Affairs.

The Order of Sikatuna was established in 1953 and is conferred by the President of the Philippines to give recognition to individuals who have rendered exceptional and meritorious services to the Philippines, and to diplomats, officials and nationals of foreign states who have rendered conspicuous services in fostering, developing, and strengthening relations between their country and the Philippines as well as personnel of the Department of Foreign Affairs both in the Home Office and in the Foreign Service

Government intensifying 'intelligence gathering, hardening of targets' amid reports of terror attacks

Malacanang said on Sunday that the government is intensifying its intelligence gathering efforts in order to address reported plans of international terrorist group al-Qaida to attack targets this month.

The United States has issued alerts to its diplomatic posts around the world warning of an al-Qaida attack on Western interests any time soon. The alert expires on August 31.

In a press briefing aired over government-run radio station dzRB Radyo ng Bayan, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said efforts have also been centered at fortifying alleged targets of the terrorist group.

“We consulted the National Security Adviser and the NSA had advised us that we are already intensifying intelligence gathering, and we continue the hardening of targets which are the focus of these alerts such as the US Embassy,” Valte said.

She said the government was concerned about the terror alert and has remained in constant communication with the NSA for further updates.

“Of course, we take into consideration the alert that has been issued and then, according to the National Security Adviser, we are intensifying our intelligence gathering to address the issues that were raised in the alert,” Valte said.

4th Mech KALASAG conducts IED awareness campaign

By Lorry V. Gabule

ILIGAN CITY, Lanao del Norte, August 5 (PIA) -- A joint team of Improvised Explosive Device (IED) experts headed by the fourth Mechanized Infantry (Kalasag) Battalion, Philippine Army, conducted an (IED) Awareness in the Gaisano Supermall parking lot, on August 2 this city.

Around 140 participants composed of security heads and personnel, as well as the establishment’s sales supervisors were among those who heard the lectures shared by the 35th Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Team and the EOD unit from the PNP- Iligan City Police Office (ICPO) led by P/SInsp. Oliver Pableo.

The discussion focused on the IED familiarization, it’s devastating effects and the bomb threat management.

Lt. Col Danilo G, Ibon, commanding officer, based in Camp Climaco Pintoy, Barangay Suarez, Iligan City, said with the recent bombing incident in Cagayan de Oro City, it is important for us to be attentive of our surroundings to protect ourselves and our loved ones.

“It is only through our joint efforts, both the civilian and the military, that we may be able to counter the harmful plans of the heartless terrorists, thus, let us be vigilant in doing our part as concerned Iliganons,” LtCol Ibon said. (LVG/PIA-10 LDN/1Lt George A. Bearneza Jr/4th Mech)

100 kids in MisOr receive school supplies, rain gears from DOLE

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Aug. 5 (PIA) -- Some 100 indigent children coming from a number of barangays in Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental province received school supplies and rain gears from the Department of Labor and Employment-Eastern Misamis Oriental (DOLE-EMO) Provincial Field Office.

These kids, who are in kindergarten, elementary and high school, are beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

The school supplies, uniforms, and rain gears were funded from the proceeds of the “Lakaw ta Para sa Bata, Tibuok Amihanang Mindanao,” a region-wide walk for cause headed by the DOLE during the Labor Day celebration last May 1.

The distribution ceremony held recently in Tagoloan Covered Court also highlighted the launching of DOLE’s Angel Tree Project in the municipality in support to the Child Labor Free Municipality Program.

Project Angel Tree gathers and grants the wishes of child laborers through the building up of a network of patrons and supporters to the national efforts against child labor.

Meanwhile, interested benefactors may contact the DOLE-EMO Provincial Field Office at the Corner Motoomull and Dugenio Streets in Gingoog City with telefax number (8842) 7051. They may also visit the DOLE-EMO satellite office at Villa Manga, Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental. (Monadette N. Balanay/DOLE-EMO/APB/PIA-10)

ERC approves less energy costs

ILIGAN CITY, Lanao del Norte, Aug.5 (PIA) --The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) may lessen the cost of ancillary services (AS) charges by 30 to 40 percent than the current structure for the same amount of reserves.

This is after the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) recently granted provisional authority to NGCP to implement its Ancillary Service Procurement Agreement (ASPA) with three Aboitiz-owned power firms – SN Aboitiz Power-Magat, Inc., SN Aboitiz Power – Benguet, Inc. and Therma Luzon, Inc.

NGCP President Henry Sy Jr. has long been pushing to lower AS rates for NGCP grid customers. “We are constantly looking for ways to lessen AS cost by engaging power generators which are technically capable and willing to provide AS at a rate acceptable to grid-users,” Sy said.

The Commission issued the order in response to the petition of NGCP to procure Ancillary Service (AS) from the three power plants to augment the existing reserves for the Luzon Grid wherein the demand is increasing. According to NGCP, the available reserves are not sufficient to comply with the required levels of contingency and dispatchable reserves prescribed in the Philippine Grid Code (PGC).

The agreement will also address the possible AS supply deficiency during the dry season when Kalayaan Hydroelectric Plant has low water reserve.

NGCP Spokesperson Atty. Cynthia D. Perez-Alabanza explained, “By entering into an agreement with the AS suppliers, NGCP is ensured of the reliability of the supply of reserves necessary to maintain the quality and frequency of electricity transmitted to distribution utilities and other grid-users.”

The ASPA, which will be effective for a period three years, is a result of negotiations between NGCP and the three power firms to arrive at an AS rate that is beneficial for both the generators as supplier and NGCP’s power customers as consumer. In turn, the ERC-approved AS rate indicates that AS charges may be 30 to 40 percent less than the current structure for the same amount of reserves.

Sy added, “We continue to push for less expensive ancillary services to make sure that we only get the more efficient and affordable ancillary services providers. We want to serve our grid customers better. We will secure the reliability and stability of the grid, but we will not burden the end-consumers.”

Ancillary Services, as defined in Section 4 (b) of the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA), are “those services that are necessary to support the transmission of capacity and energy from resources to loads while maintaining reliable operation of the transmission system in accordance with good utility practice and the Grid Code.”

AS are needed to regulate the frequency of transmitted electricity to avoid fluctuations and to help the system adapt to sudden loss of power supply to prevent the occurrence of massive blackouts. AS also provides assistance to back-up generating plants to recover from a shutdown to temporarily augment lack of supply in the system, thereby, normalizing the system during a power loss. (NGCP/PIA 10-LDN)

Ozamiz wins 3 awards

By Rutchie C. Aguhob

OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental, July 31 (PIA) – The Ozamiz City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (DRRMC) has been declared the 2012 “Best DRRMC, Component City Category,” of Region 10.

The Ozamiz CDRRMC was recognized for its outstanding performance in promoting and implementing significant DRR and Climate Change Adaptation (CAA) Programs by the Northern Mindanao Regional Committee for Gawad Kalasag (Kalamidad at Sakuna Labanan, Sariling Galing ang Kaligtasan) Search for Excellence in Disaster Management.

It was also recognized for its Innovations in Human Assistance in the City in the aspect of disaster prevention, mitigation and risk assessment for Calendar Year 2012, just like in 2011, during the stint of then mayor, now vice mayor, Princess E. Parojinog, who was the chairperson of the CDRRMC, from July 2010 to June 2013.

Meanwhile, Barangay Bañadero, one of the city’s 51 barangays with a population of almost 8,000 and around 1,700 households, has been declared the region’s "2012 Best Barangay DRRM Committee, Urban Barangay Category.”

Baňadero frequently goes under water even during the lightest rain.

“Thus, we have to devise ways to mitigate the problem by organizing a structure of preparedness, such as planting of trees along the creek and managing our solid wastes, so that water in the canals will just have to flow and not be obstructed, Ludie Montemor, Baňadero Punong Barangay said.

Montemor said that they also hold regular flood drills and encourage all the residents to participate, so that they will know what to do to reduce the risk and prevent the loss of lives.

Likewise, the Mayor Hilarion A. Ramiro Sr. Regional Training and Teaching Hospital (MHARSTTH), located in Barangay Maningcol, Ozamiz City has been declared the region's “2012 Best Hospital, Regional Training and Teaching Hospital Category.”

The hospital serves not only the residents of Ozamiz but the entire Misamis Occidental and the neighboring provinces of Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Zamboanga del Norte and Zamboanga del Sur, Dr. Jesus Martin Sanciangco III, Chief of Hospital, MHARS-TTH, said.

Sanciangco said the upgrading and expansion of their services and facilities make MHARS-TTH a suitable institution for learning and training ground for doctors, nurses, and for others taking up courses closely related to the medical profession. (RCA/PIA10, Misamis Occidental)

Blood donation drive in Ozamiz continues

By Rutchie C. Aguhob

OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental, Aug. 5 (PIA) -- The blood donation drive of the Ozamiz Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (DRRMC) does not end with the celebration of the National Disaster Consciousness Month (NDCM), continues through the year.

This was clarified by Mark Vincent E. Israel, CDRRM officer, who said that almost 50 bags of blood had been collected by the CDRRMC during the bloodletting drive held at the city public mall, July 31.

The activity was conducted by the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) in coordination with the City Health Office (CHO) and the Mayor Hilarion A. Ramiro Sr. Regional Training and Teaching Hospital (MHARS-RTTH).

Meanwhile, Israel said the CDRRMC will continuously conduct the information, education and communication (IEC) campaign on how to go about with the disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation (DRR/CCA) in all elementary and secondary schools of the city.

The campaign will include lectures and orientation on preparedness and mitigation of disasters, like tree planting and the conduct of regular community flood drills in flood-prone barangays , particularly Gango, Doňa Consuelo, Maningcol and San Miguel and earthquake drills in the other areas of the city.

Israel said other technologies will also be introduced like vertical farming that involves the use of discarded plastic water containers, opened on the sides to be stacked with soil and arranged on top of the other and planted with vegetables, for daily use, on the sides.

The technology is very appropriate in urban areas where garden spaces are scarce -- you can just hang the plants or use these to decorate fences Israel added. (RCA/PIA10, Misamis Occidental)

Ozamiz City, NGO to ink MOA on Adopt an Evacuation Center Program

By Rutchie C. Aguhob

OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental, Aug. 5 (PIA) -- Ozamiz City and the civil service/non-government organizations (CSO/NGOs) will be entering into a memorandum of agreement (MOA) on the Adopt-an-Evacuation Center Program in the city.

The program aims to enlist the CSO/NGOs as force multipliers of disaster assistance providers in case of natural calamities, Mark Vincent E. Israel, City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (CDRRM ) officer, said.

During calamities, the LGU is tasked to ensure the evacuation of affected residents and strengthen or establish the early warning system in the barangay level.

The CSO/NGOs, on the other hand, will act as a support and additional force to provide logistic support to the host evacuation center in any form, but not limited to provisions of food potable water, dry clothing, blankets, medicines and emergency lights, among others.

Meanwhile, the other tasks of the LGU includes the following: to create an orderly and systematic placement of evacuees and take charge of food provisions for the second meal of the evacuation with 50-50 percent cost sharing with affected barangays.

It will also take charge of the food provisions of the evacuees on the third meal of the evacuation, provide standby medical assistance, and improve the basic facilities of the evacuation center, in accordance with universal sanitation standards.

The LGU must secure the premises of the evacuation and grant training workshops to members or personnel of the CSO/NGO.

The CSO/NGO will assist in the transport of evacuees to the evacuation center, help improve its physical structure and provide for materials and/or labor for the same.

It will assist in camp management and maintain the order of the evacuees, provide or expand the communication facilities, help maintain the sanitation and provide portable toilets for the evacuation center.

The CSO/NGO must assist the City Social Welfare and Development (CSWD) Office in the psychosocial process of the evacuees, the Barangay DRRM Committee in the preparation of meals for the evacuees, and the City Health Office (CHO) in attending to the sick and injured persons. (RCA/PIA10, Misamis Occidental)

Ozamiz police call on residents for vigilance amidst bomb threats

By Rutchie C. Aguhob

OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental, Aug. 5 (PIA) -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) in Ozamiz City has called on residents to be more vigilant in the wake of bomb threats circulated through text messages.

The call came from P/Supt. Jonas T. Amparo, chief of the Ozamiz City Police Station (CPS) during the recent Bomb Threat Awareness Forum held here, attended in by 85 individuals/stakeholders.

Among them were business establishment owners, heads of security agencies and chief of security guards of various banks, learning institutions and personnel of the Department of Education (DepEd).

Topics on bomb threat management, bomb identification, what to do after explosions, as well as, what precautionary measures to institute to safeguard their establishments against terrorist attacks were discussed by personnel from the Explosive and Ordinance Division (EOD) of the Ozamiz CPS, namely, SPO1 Ricarlito Y. Gooc Jr. and SPO1 Danilo S. Laudijo.

Meanwhile, Amparo said the information, education and communication (IEC) drive on bomb threat management is very important to reduce the risk, not only on damage to property, but most especially, to prevent the loss of lives.

Thus, Amparo has reminded the participants not to lower their guard against the terrorists to avoid another explosion like what happened in Cagayan de Oro last July 26 that killed eight and injured more than 40.

He also reminded PNP personnel assigned at the checkpoints/chokepoints to be more vigilant in the conduct of their inspection to thwart any enemy plans from happening.

Two groups are now manning the Advance Security Control Points (ASCP) established in barangays Bongbong and Gango, both of Ozamiz City.

Also intensified by the Ozamiz CPS is its coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines for use of the latter’s K9 units, particularly of bomb-sniffing dogs, at the air and sea ports during ocular inspection on passengers’ bags and cargoes, Amparo added. (RCA/PIA10, Misamis Occidental)

Out-of-school youth to benefit Lanao del Norte’s scholarship program

TUBOD, Lanao del Norte, Aug. 5 (PIA) –-- Out-of-school-youth (OSY) who want to learn some skills can enroll in vocational courses through scholarship grants of Lanao del Norte.

Courses offered include shield metal and welding, driving, caregiving, commercial cooking, food and beverages services, massage therapy, pharmacy aid, housekeeping, health care services, and household.

The scholarship grant entitles around 100 students, this province, to free tuition fees, assessment fee, t-shirt, dental examination fee, physical exam fee, library fee, guidance counseling fee and other miscellaneous fees. All school-related fees will be shouldered by the provincial government.

Qualified OSYs will be trained at the Lanao School of Science and Technology Incorporated.

Classes start on August 1 until October 30 this year.

This scholarship grant is under the flagship program of Governor Khalid Dimaporo dubbed "Kabataan Sigurado." (Lovely A. Rosario/lvg/LAR/PIO-LDN/PIA-10 LDN)

Coconut wine, ready for export

MANILA, Aug 5 (PIA) -- A native coconut wine, or tuba, is making inroads into the export markets.

Carrying the label Vacal Vino de Coco, founded by Filipino-American George Vacal Paraliza and his wife Tila Paraliza, the premium wine made from fresh saps of selected coconut tree blossoms will soon hit store shelves across China.

Paraliza recently signed an agreement with Fly Dragon International Marketing that will bring his wine products to the huge Chinese market.

"I have also some negotiations with importers in the United States and Canada. I can supply them just a matter of time," he said.

Apart from the overseas markets, Paraliza said his company also aims to supply big malls and hotels especially the high-end ones in the country.

To meet the growing demand here and abroad for the coconut wine, Paraliza said they are targeting a full production of around 7,600 cases per month by the first or second quarter of next year.

"Right now, we are making (only) 1,875 cases per month. If we could quadruple our production right now, I could easily sell that. But I don't have the equipment and the facilities to do that. It will be probably until mid-2014 before I can accomplish that," he shared.

Paraliza said he is talks with some financial institutions over funding.

"I need around P50 million to build wineries and achieve full production. Our ultimate goal is (to produce) one container which is 1,120 cases per day," he noted.

Paraliza said the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is assisting them in procuring wine bottling machines. The coconut winery is located at Tacloban City, Leyte.

"The raw material, the coconut sap, is very endemic in the Philippines. It is around us, we are the number two producer of coconut after Indonesia. In fact, my suppliers are the ones asking if I need more," he pointed out.

Paraliza's coconut wine is packaged in three classy varieties: Dry Red, Sweet White, and Sweet Red. It is sold at P338 in the local market; while it will cost $15 to $20 abroad.

The growth of agro-based and forest export products like coconut-based goods have been offsetting the decline in receipts from Philippine manufactured exports. (Danielle Venz, PhilExport/JMOR/PIA)

SME grows linked to trade policy, value chain

MANILA, Aug 5 (PIA) -- As the role of global value chains in international trade grows, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) now have the opportunity to increase exports through trade policies that connect them to international markets, a panel of trade experts said.

SMEs in developing countries face major obstacles that lessen their competitiveness and weaken their link to the world marketplace, the experts said during a recent forum organized by the International Trade Center (ITC) in Geneva, Switzerland.

These hurdles include lack of information about requirements of clients, expensive road transport, and the absence of international certification.

"Without assistance, players in these countries are bypassed by global value chains, which increasingly dominate international trade," said Jean-Marie Paugam, ITC's acting executive director.

Policymakers, trade promotion organizations, private sector trade associations, and logistics companies can help in the SMEs' integration process, the international panel pointed out.

They can create the right policy environment, strengthen exporters' institutional support network, and devise the right set of economic incentives to facilitate SME exports, said Anabel González, Costa Rica's Minister of Foreign Trade.

SMEs should be equipped with market knowledge and understanding of value chains to allow them to identify new markets and forge close ties with global buyers.

There should be more transparency into how value is distributed within supply chains, said Debapriya Bhattacharya of the Centre for Policy Dialogue in Dhaka, Bangladesh, and former Ambassador of Bangladesh to the WTO.

Once a market need is identified, these enterprises must get their products to those markets. Policymakers must remove obstacles like high transportation costs and slow customs procedures to reduce delays and waiting time.

The panelists likewise highlighted the need to support companies in obtaining international certification, often a prerequisite to becoming suppliers to multinationals.

González said, "It is not only a matter of putting SMEs and MNEs together but developing SMEs so they can supply MNEs."

Additionally, trade policy has to be put in place to be effective. Countries will have to decide which sectors and which size of companies to target for SME support, said Bhattacharya.

At the same time, retaining value addition should be the collective focus. "The success story lies not in entering the value chain but in climbing up the value chain. Entry is not good enough if diversifying and scaling up are not there," Bhattacharya said.

SMEs need to be assisted in carving out niche markets in areas of higher value, rather than focusing on competing solely on costs. "If you compete on price there will always be a country that can do it more cheaply," said González. (Romelda Ascutia/PhilExport/JMOR/PIA10)

Cagayan de Oro offers P2M reward for bombing information

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Aug. 5 -- City Mayor Oscar S. Moreno on August 2 announced the city government is offering P2-million reward to any individual or groups who can provide vital information leading to the arrest of perpetrator/s of the bombing incident on July 26 at Rosario Arcade in Limketkai Center here.

Mayor Moreno clarified that the reward money will come from the discretionary funds of the city mayor’s office or from the "intelligence funds."

“We are more than willing to give P2 million to any informant who can help us solve this crime by giving important information on the suspect or suspects’ identities and lead to their arrest. The perpetrators must be put behind bars in order to bring justice to the victims and their families, and also to Cagayan de Oro and Northern Mindanao, and put an end or closure to this atrocious act,” the mayor said.

The city mayor, however, cautioned would-be informants to be extra careful in giving information so as not to jeopardize the investigation and put basic human rights freedom at risk.

Moreno is apparently referring to any "fall guy or guys" who will be innocently tagged by the informant as potential suspect.

“As much as we tried our best to solve this crime, we must also be cautious and sensitive enough on the person’s basic rights,” the mayor said.

The announcement came even as investigators of the Rosario Arcade inter-agency task force are now zeroing in on the identity of the suspect or group of the senseless crime that left eight innocent persons dead and injured over 40 people. (CIO/PIA10)