Philippines - The European Times

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© copyright | website
THE PHILIPPINES
THE EUROPEAN TIMES
THE
MASTER
PHILIPPINES
REGIO
Useful Investment Contacts
Philippine Trade and Investment Centre
European offices
Belgium – Brussels
Philippine Trade and Investment Center
Embassy of the Philippines
207 Avenue Louise, Box 5
Brussels 1050, Belgium
Tel.: +32 2 649 4400 / 649 8948
E-mail: [email protected]
[email protected]
The Philippine Board of Investments
Investment Assistance Center (IAC)
Ground Floor Industry and Investments Bldg
385 Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., Makati City
Tel.: +63 2 895 3640 / 3641 / 3657
E-mail : [email protected]
www.boi.gov.ph
The Philippine Economic Zone Authority
Roxas Boulevard corner San Luis Street
Pasay City
Tel.: +63 2 551 3454
www.peza.gov.ph
National Economic and Development Authority
12 St. J.Escriva Drive
Ortigas Center, Pasig City
Tel.: +63 631 0945 56
www.neda.gov.ph
Department of Trade and Industry
DTI Direct Call Center:
Tel.: +63 2 751 3330
+63 917 834 3330
Export Assistance:
Tel.: +63 2 465 3300
Investment Assistance:
Tel.: +63 2 895 8322
www.dti.gov.ph
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France – Paris
CNIT Center 2, Room 440 BP 427
2 Place De La Defense
Paris La Defense 92053, France
Tel.: +33 1 4692 2705
Germany – Berlin
Uhlandstrasse 97, 10715 Berlin, Germany
Tel.: +49 30 8800 7719
[email protected]
www.philippine-embassy.de
United Kingdom – London
1A Cumberland House, Kensington Court
London W8 5NX, England
Tel.: +44 20 7937 1898 / 7937 7998
E-mail : [email protected]
[email protected]
THE EUROPEAN TIMES
THE PHILIPPINES
INTRODUCTION
• Useful Investment Contacts
2
• President Benigno Aquino III: Symbol of Positive
Change
4
• Thriving Economy at Crossroads of East and West
6
• Ambassador Strengthening Ties between the EU
and the Philippines
8
• The Philippines’ Fact File
9
GOVERNMENT
• Independent Republic and Global Trade Partner
27
• Voice of the Construction Industry
28
• DDT Konstract Inc. & Data Land Inc.
30
EDUCATION
• Secretary Outlines Ambitious Education Reforms
32
• Education System Meeting International
Standards
34
• Philippine College of Physicians
36
• Helping Special Children Live Fuller Lives
37
• De La Salle University
37
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HEALTH
BUSINESS & INVESTMENT
OPPORTUNITIES
• Secretary of Trade Highlights Investment
Opportunities
• Monark Equipment
• Secretary of Health Highlights Recent
Progress in Healthcare
14
• Authority Overseeing Roadmap
to Inclusive Growth
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• International Investors Targeting the Philippines
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• A. Tung Chingco
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39
• MSD Philippines
41
• High-Quality Healthcare for All
42
• St. Luke’s Medical Center
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TOURISM
CONSTRUCTION
• Attracting Visitors and Bringing Benefits
of Tourism to Locals
46
• Construction Industry in a Boom Phase
24
• Cocoon Boutique Hotel
48
• Oneson Properties & Development Corporation
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• It’s More Fun in the Philippines
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Moing – Design: Martine Vandervoort, Johny Verstegen, Walter Vranken, Dirk Van Bun
PHILIPPINES
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THE EUROPEAN TIMES
THE PHILIPPINES
President Benigno Aquino III:
Symbol of Positive Change
Benigno Simeon Aquino III returned from exile in the US
in 1983 to lead the People Power Revolution, a non-violent
campaign by ordinary Filipinos that toppled the 21-year
Marcos dictatorship and restored democracy to the Philippines. His mother Corazon Aquino became President.
In 1998, the future president entered public service, serving
as representative of the second district of Tarlac. In May
2007, he joined the Philippine Senate and worked to support
legislative initiatives which would guarantee the protection of
human rights as well as honest and responsible governance.
Commitment to positive change
© Jay Morales / Malacañang Photo Bureau
Benigno Simeon Aquino III, the 15th President
of the Republic of the Philippines, symbolises
his countryʼs commitment to being a thriving
After the death of his mother in 2009, Benigno Simeon
Aquino III was urged by his supporters to run for president.
When he announced his campaign, he commented, “I
want to make democracy work not just for the rich and well
connected but for everybody.” Elected in June 2010, the
new President set out his goals for his administration in his
inaugural address. He said, “We are here to serve and not to
lord over you. The mandate given to me was one of change.
I accept your marching orders to transform our government
from one that is self-serving to one that works for the welfare
of the nation.”
his grandfather, Benigno Aquino, Sr., served
Under Benigno Simeon Aquino III’s leadership, the Philippines has enjoyed strong economic growth as well as
unprecedented benefits for Filipinos, including improved
government services, reforms in the education system and
conditional cash transfers for the poor. The Aquino administration has also fought corruption. The President says, “My
hope is that when I leave office, everyone can say that we
have travelled far on the right path, and that we are able to
bequeath a better future to the next generation.”
of the Philippines from 1943 to 1944; and
Strong economic performance in 2014
Aquino and Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino,
In a speech during his visit to Harvard University in September
2014, the President outlined the impressive progress the Philippines has made since the People Power Revolution of 1986.
The Philippines achieved 6.4% GDP growth in the second
modern economy based on justice, peace
and inclusive progress. The President is
a fourth-generation politician. His great-
grandfather, Servillano “Mianong” Aquino,
served as a delegate to the Malolos Congress;
as Speaker of the House of Representatives
his parents were former President Corazon
Jr., who was assassinated.
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THE EUROPEAN TIMES
Sector
Introduction
Metro Manila
quarter of 2014 – one of the highest growth rates in the
Asia-Pacific region – and this growth has benefited ordinary
Filipinos. Around 2.5 million people in the Philippines have
raised themselves above the poverty line since the 2012-2013
fiscal year, while 1.6 million new jobs were created in the
Philippines between July 2013 and July 2014. The President
commented, “If a nation’s greatest resource is its people, then
it is the state’s obligation to invest in its people.”
The President ended his speech at Harvard with some advice
for the political leaders in the audience. He said, “Our
challenge today is to make the gains even greater and to ensure
that transformation becomes an intuitive mainstream of
justice and inclusiveness.” He concluded, “It is my hope that
our experiences will motivate those like you from the other side
of the world to be influencers who in turn will inspire communities and institutions that will be willing to act.”
Forging new ties with the EU
After his visit to Harvard, the President travelled to Europe
for a 10-day trip that included visits to Spain, Belgium,
France and Germany. Speaking to European leaders,
President Aquino discussed the Philippines’ claims that
China is breaching the Convention on the Law of the Sea
by exploiting contested waters in the South China Sea. The
President also discussed the Philippines’ application to join
the EU Generalised Scheme of Preferences. On his last
stop in Germany, the president met with Chancellor Angela
Merkel to sign an agreement to establish the Philippine-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
During his trip, President Aquino met Van Rompuy, President
of the European Union Council of Ministers, who commented,
“Today, the Philippines can boast the fastest-growing economy
in Asia. It is an engine of growth in its region and will progressively raise millions of people from poverty.” President Aquino
later participated in a business forum where he presented to
European companies the Filipino government’s €16 billion
public-private-partnership programme.
When he returned to the Philippines on September 21, President
Aquino announced that his trip had been a success. He said,
“From our engagements in Europe alone, we are expecting
around €1.8 billion in investments in the sectors of manufacturing, energy, the IT-BPM (information technology-business
process management sector), infrastructure and transport.”
This business-friendly, forward-thinking President will continue
to forge strong ties with the EU and other global markets.
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THE EUROPEAN TIMES
THE
MASTER
PHILIPPINES
REGIO
Thriving Economy at Crossroads
of East and West
Cebu city is the Philippinesʼ second most significant metropolitan centre and main domestic shipping port
The Philippines has grown to become the third-largest
English-speaking country in the world and one of the
fastest-growing economies in Asia with 6.4% GDP growth
in the second quarter this year. As the Philippinesʼ Economic
Planning Secretary, Arsenio Balisacan, commented recently,
“The Philippines remains one of the bright spots in the region.”
The Philippines is a modern success story
as well as a true cultural melting pot whose
rich history combines Asian, European
and American influences. Before the Philippines was colonised by Spain in 1521,
the country had a sophisticated culture
and active trading ties with China and
Japan. In 1898, Filipinos achieved their
country’s independence from Spain but
then the Philippines became the first and
only colony of the US. The US brought
widespread education to the islands, and
Filipinos fought alongside Americans
during World War II. The Philippines
regained its independence in 1946. In
1986, the country emerged from the twodecades-long dictatorship of Ferdinand
Marcos to begin to forge democracy and
promote an open economy.
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Strategic location
connecting East and West
An archipelago of more than 7,000
islands stretching more than 1,840
km, the Philippines lies at the crossroads of East and West. Its three
main islands are Luzon, Visayas and
Mindanao. The South China Sea
forms the western border of the Philippines, while Taiwan, China and Hong
Kong are neighbours to the north.
To the west are Singapore, Malaysia
and Thailand. To the east and south,
the Philippines has coastlines on the
Pacific Ocean. Its unique location has
made the Philippines the commercial,
cultural and intellectual hub of Asia
for centuries.
Building on its advantages of a strategic
location, an English-speaking work force
and a business-friendly government, the
Philippines has survived regional and
global economic downturns better than
its neighbours. Minimal exposure to
troubled international securities, lower
dependence on exports, relatively resilient
domestic consumption, large remittances
from overseas Filipino workers, and a
rapidly expanding business-process-outsourcing industry have helped keep the
Filipino economy healthy.
Impressive GDP growth in
first half of 2014
Under the presidency of Benigno Aquino
III, who was elected in 2010 for a six-year
term, the Philippines has seen impressive
continued economic growth as well as
better quality of life for ordinary Filipinos.
Of the country’s 6.4% GDP growth
in the second quarter of 2014, Arsenio
Balisacan comments, “This higher
growth rate, coming from a high base a
year ago, shows that the economy is back
on the higher trajectory of growth.” The
THE EUROPEAN TIMES
Introduction
Sector
Asian Development Bank projects even
stronger economic growth for the Philippines through 2014 and in 2015, citing
post-typhoon reconstruction, government
fiscal disbursement, and increased exports
as growth stimulators.
Active international trade
The Philippines’ main exports are semiconductors and electronic products,
transport equipment, garments, copper
products, petroleum products, coconut
oil and fruits. Leading export markets,
in descending order, are Japan, the US,
China, Singapore, Hong Kong, South
Korea and Thailand. The Philippines’
main imports are electronic products,
mineral fuels, machinery and transport
equipment, iron and steel, textile
fabrics, grains, chemicals and plastics.
The main sources of imports are the
US and China followed by Japan, South
Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Saudi
Arabia, Indonesia and Malaysia.
The
Philippines’
current-account
balance has recorded consecutive
surpluses since 2003, international
reserves are now at record highs,
Regional GDP growth rates
9
Percent
In 2013, the services sector was the main
contributor to the Philippines’ GDP
with a 52.2% share, followed by industry
(31.6%) and agriculture (11.2%).
Leading industrial sectors are electronics assembly, garments, footwear, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, wood products,
food processing, petroleum refining and
fishing. The country’s top agricultural
products are sugarcane, coconuts, rice,
corn, bananas, cassava, pineapples,
mangoes, pork, eggs, beef and fish.
10
Philippine economic growth emerged
as one of the fastest in East Asia
■ 2011
8
■ 2012
7
■ 2013
6
5
4
3
2
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Source: CEIC
the banking system is stable, and the
Filipino stock market was Asia’s second
best-performer in 2012. The Philippines has received several credit-rating
upgrades on its sovereign debt.
Stronger ties to EU
To continue to spur on economic growth
and create jobs, the Aquino administration has launched an ambitious publicprivate-partnership programme which
offers outstanding opportunities for
investors. During President Aquino’s
recent visit to Europe, Guy Ledoux, EU
Ambassador to the Philippines, pointed
out, “The visit of the President of the
Philippines to European institutions
did more than all the efforts made in
the recent past to increase the recognition of the Philippines in Europe. It
sent a strong signal to European leaders
and businessmen that the Philippines is
back in business and interested to work
with the EU. There is a clear sense that
decades of relative mutual neglect have
come to an end as the EU and the Philippines have rediscovered their bonds.”
The EU is already the biggest source of
FDI in the Philippines and these investments have provided more than 400,000
jobs, while EU investors are increasingly
realising that the Philippines is an ideal
base for business in Asia. The Philippines is clearly set to continue its success
story for years to come.
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THE
THE EUROPEAN
EUROPEAN TIMES
TIMES
THE
MASTER
PHILIPPINES
REGIO
Ambassador Strengthening Ties
between the EU and the Philippines
Victoria Sisante Bataclan, Ambassador
of the Philippines to Belgium and
Luxembourg
and
Head
of
the
Philippines Mission to the EU since
2011, is playing a key role in enhancing
ties between the Philippines and its
partners in Europe. The Ambassador,
an attorney and career diplomat,
was born in Magallanes, Cavite, the Philippines, in 1951 and
obtained advanced degrees in law and political science from the
University of the Philippines.
The Ambassador has had a prestigious career in diplomatic service.
She was previously the Philippines’
Ambassador to Norway, Sweden,
Iceland, Denmark, Finland, Estonia,
Latvia and Lithuania, and was the
Consul-General of the Philippines in
Hong Kong from 2002 to 2003. She
also served as Minister-Counselor
and Consul-General of the Philippines in Austria (1992 to 1999) and
as Secretary and later Consul of the
Philippines’ Mission to the UN in
Geneva from 1982 to 1990.
In February this year, the Ambassador represented the Philippines at a
meeting in Brussels between the EU
Committee of Permanent Representatives (COREPER) and representatives
from the Association of Southeast
Asian Nations (ASEAN) as part of the
first EU-ASEAN Dialogue on Connec-
18
tivity. The meeting’s goal was to help
enhance EU-ASEAN relations as set
out in the Bandar Seri Begawan Plan of
Action to strengthen the EU-ASEAN
partnership from 2013 to 2017.
Raising the Philippines’
profile in international
initiatives
Victoria Sisante Bataclan is also
involved in preparing for the upcoming
Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Conference on Disaster-Risk Reduction, which
will be held in the Philippines in June
this year. The conference will involve
discussions between EU representatives
and their counterparts in the Philippines concerning preparing for natural
disasters, highlighting lessons learned
after the devastating 2013 Haiyan
typhoon. The conference is expected
to lead to the Tacloban Declaration, a
framework for post-2015 disaster-risk
reduction.
In March 2014, the Ambassador visited
the Walloon Parliament, where she was
welcomed by the Parliament’s president,
Patrick Dupriez. During the visit, the
Ambassador called for stronger cooperation between Wallonia and the Philippines and praised the creation of a
“welcome office” for ASEAN Countries
in Namur. She and the president also
discussed the ratification of the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement
between the EU and the Philippines,
which was signed in July 2012 and
ratified by the Walloon Parliament in
2013. The Philippines hopes that the
agreement will be ratified by the EU
in 2014, the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines
and Europe.
THE EUROPEAN TIMES
Introduction
General
The Philippines’ Fact File
Official Name: Republic of the Philippines
Location: Southeastern Asia, archipelago between the Philippine Sea
and the South China Sea, east of Vietnam
Capital: Manila
Climate: tropical marine; northeast monsoon (November to April);
southwest monsoon (May to October)
Population: 107,668,231 ( July 2014 est.)
Ethnic Groups: Tagalog 28.1%, Cebuano 13.1%, Ilocano 9%,
Bisaya/Binisaya 7.6%, Hiligaynon Ilonggo 7.5%, Bikol 6%, Waray
3.4%, other 25.3% (2000 census)
Religions: Christian (50%-75%), Muslim and Hindu
(24%-49%), Indigenous beliefs (1%)
Official Language: Filipino (official; based on Tagalog) and English
(official); eight major dialects: Tagalog, Cebuano, Ilocano, Hiligaynon or
Ilonggo, Bicol, Waray, Pampango, and Pangasinan
Currency: Philippine pesos (PHP)
Area:
Total: 300,000 sq km
Land: 298,170 sq km
Water: 1,830 sq km
Terrain: mostly mountains with narrow to extensive
coastal lowlands
Transportation: 247 airports, railway network: 995 km, road
network: 213,151 km, waterway network: 3,219 km
Politics
Government type: republic
Independence: 12 June 1898 (independence proclaimed from Spain);
4 July 1946 (from the US)
Legal system: mixed legal system of civil, common, Islamic,
and customary law
Chief of state: President Benigno AQUINO (since 30 June 2010);
Vice President Jejomar BINAY (since 30 June 2010); note - president is
both chief of state and head of government
Elections: president and vice president elected on separate tickets by
popular vote for a single six-year term; election last held on 10 May 2010
(next to be held in May 2016)
Judicial branch:
Highest court - Supreme Court (consists of a chief justice and 14
associate justices)
Judge selection and term of office are appointed by the president
on the recommendation of the Judicial and Bar Council, a constitutionally-created, 6-member body that recommends Supreme Court
nominees; justices serve until age 70
Subordinate courts: Court of Appeals; Sandiganbayan (special court
for corruption cases of government officials); Court of Tax Appeals;
regional, metropolitan, and municipal trial courts; sharia courts
Economy at a Glance
GDP (purchasing power parity): US$454.3 billion
GDP per capita: US$4,700
GDP real growth rate: 6.8%
GDP contributions by sector: Agriculture: 11.2%, Industry:
31.6%, Services: 57.2%
Total exports: US$47.45 billion
Export commodities: semiconductors and electronic products,
transport equipment, garments, copper products, petroleum products,
coconut oil, fruits
Major export partners: Japan 19%, US 14.2%, China 11.8%,
Singapore 9.3%, Hong Kong 9.2%, South Korea 5.5%, Thailand 4.7%
(2012)
Total imports: US$63.91 billion
Import commodities: electronic products, mineral fuels, machinery
and transport equipment, iron and steel, textile fabrics, grains, chemicals,
plastic
Major import partners:
US 11.5%, China 10.8%, Japan 10.4%, South Korea 7.3%, Singapore
7.1%, Thailand 5.6%, Saudi Arabia 5.6%, Indonesia 4.4%, Malaysia 4%
(2012)
Source: www.cia.org
19
THE EUROPEAN TIMES
THE PHILIPPINES
Government
10
THE EUROPEAN TIMES
Independent Republic and
Global Trade Partner
The Philippines is a republic which declared
its independence from Spain in 1898 and
its independence from the US in 1946. It
has a democratic government based on a
constitution ratified in 1987.
Government organisation
Executive Branch
The Chief of State and the Head of Government is the
President, currently Benigno S. Aquino III (since June 2010).
The President is seconded by a Vice President, currently
Jejomar Binay. The president appoints a Cabinet.
Legislative Branch
The legislative branch is made up of a bicameral Congress, or
Kongreso, which includes the Senate, or Senado, with 24 seats,
and the House of Representatives, or Kapulungan Ng Nga
Kinatawan, with 287 seats. In the House of Representatives, 230
first-tier members represent districts and 57 second-tier sectorial
party-list members represent special minorities elected on the
basis of one seat for every 2% of the total vote but with each
party limited to three seats. A party represented in one tier may
not hold seats in the other tier. In 2009, the Philippine Supreme
Court ruled that additional party members could sit in the House
of Representatives if they received the required number of votes.
Judicial Branch
The Philippines has a mixed legal system of civil, common,
Islamic and customary law; it accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations.
The highest court is the Supreme Court with a chief
justice and 14 associate justices. Justices are appointed by
the President on the recommendation of the Judicial and
Bar Council, a constitutionally-created, six-member body.
Justices serve until the age of 70.
Subordinate courts are the Court of Appeals; the Sandiganbayan (a special court for corruption cases of government officials); the Court of Tax Appeals; regional, metropolitan, and municipal trial courts; and sharia (Islamic)
courts.
Key leaders
President Benigno Simeon Aquino III, born in 1960, is
the 15th President of the Republic of the Philippines. The
only son of democracy icons Senator Benigno “Ninoy”
Aquino and President Corazon Aquino, the current
President has been supporting democracy in the Philippines since he returned from exile following the assassination of his father in 1983.
Benigno Aquino III entered public service in 1998 as Representative of the Second District of Tarlac, a position he
held until 2007 when he joined the Philippine Senate, where
he actively supported the protection of civil rights and
honest and responsible governance. Following the death
of his mother in 2009, Benigno Aquino III decided to run
for president in the 2010 elections based on strong popular
support for his candidacy.
Elected President of the Philippines in June 2010, he
announced in his inaugural address, “We are here to serve
and not to lord over you. The mandate given to me was one
of change. I accept your marching orders to transform our
11
THE EUROPEAN TIMES
THE PHILIPPINES
Sector
government from one that is self-serving to one that works for
the welfare of the nation.”
The presidency of Benigno Aquino III has been marked
by unprecedented economic growth, improved government
services, reforms in the education system, and conditional
cash transfers for the poor. The Aquino administration is also
known for its support for good governance and justice, prosecution of corrupt and abusive government officials, and the
creation of programmes to empower the Filipino population.
Of his presidency, Benigno Aquino III says, “My hope is that
when I leave office, everyone can say that we have travelled
far on the right path, and that we are able to bequeath a
better future to the next generation. Join me in continuing
this fight for change.”
Vice President Jejomar “Jojo” Cabauatan Binay, Sr., born in
1942, is an attorney who served as the Mayor of Makati,
Metro Manila, from 1986 to 1987, 1988 to 1998 and 2001 to
2010, when he was elected Vice President. He also holds the
posts of Chairman of the Housing and Urban Development
Coordinating Council, President of the Boy Scouts of the
Philippines, and head of Overseas Filipino Workers, which
helps workers mistreated by their employers abroad to return
to the Philippines.
Educated at the University of the Philippines, Jejomar
Binay Sr. passed the Philippine Bar in 1968. He provided
free legal assistance to political prisoners during the Marcos
administration, for which he was imprisoned himself, and
helped found the Movement of Attorneys for Brotherhood,
Integrity and Nationalism (MABINI). He joined pro-democracy forces in preventing the mutinies against the Corazon
Aquino administration and was nicknamed “Rambotito”
(or little Rambo) for his support for the constitution. He
also served as chairman of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA). The Vice President is widely
considered to be the front-runner in the next presidential
elections scheduled for 2016.
Representatives were held in May 2013 and the next will be
held in May 2016.
Cabinet Members
Secretary of Foreign Affairs: Albert F. del Rosario
Executive Secretary: Paquito N. Ochoa Jr.
Presidential Spokesperson: Edwin Lacierda
Secretary of Finance: Cesar V. Purisima
Secretary of Justice: Leila M. De Lima
Secretary of the Interior and Local Government:
Manuel A. Roxas II
Secretary of Health: Enrique T. Ona
Secretary of Agriculture: Proceso J. Alcala
Secretary of Public Works and Highways: Rogelio L. Singson
Secretary of Transportation and Communications:
Joseph Emilio A. Abaya
Secretary of Education: Armin A. Luistro
Secretary of Social Welfare and Development:
Corazon Juliano-Soliman
Secretary of Labour and Employment: Rosalinda D. Baldoz
Secretary of Budget and Management: Florencio B. Abad
Secretary of National Defence: Voltaire T. Gazmin
Secretary of Science and Technology: Mario G. Montejo
Elections
Secretary of Agrarian Reform: Virgilio R. De Los Reyes
The President and Vice President are elected on separate
tickets by popular vote for a single six-year term each. Presidential elections were last held in May 2010 and will be held
next in May 2016.
Secretary of Tourism: Ramon R. Jimenez Jr.
Legislative elections: One half of the members of the Senate
are elected every three years by popular vote to serve six-year
terms. Members of the House of Representatives are elected
by popular vote to serve three-year terms. The last elections
for members of the Senate and for members of the House of
12
Secretary of Trade and Industry: Gregory L. Domingo
Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources: Ramon J.P. Paje
Secretary of Energy: Carlos Jericho L. Petilla
Chairperson Commission on Higher Education:
Patricia B. Licuanan
THE EUROPEAN TIMES
•Secretary of Trade Highlights Investment Opportunities
•Authority Overseeing Roadmap to Inclusive Growth
•International Investors Targeting the Philippines
Business & Investment
Opportunities
“The Philippines has a relatively
highly educated population compared to
our peer countries.”
Gregory Domingo, Secretary of the Department of
Trade and Industry
13
THE EUROPEAN TIMES
THE PHILIPPINES
Secretary of Trade Highlights
Investment Opportunities
After obtaining a Master of Science in Operations Research
from Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania,
Gregory Domingo held management positions at SM Investments Corporation, BDO Private Bank, Belle Corporation,
Pico de Loro Beach & Country Club, Pampanga Sugar
Development Company, Carmelray JTCI and MERALCO.
He has also worked for leading financial institutions in the
US and the Philippines.
Filipino people a key advantage
Secretary Domingo cites the Filipino people and President
Benigno Aquino III as the driving forces behind the Philippines’ recent economic success story. He says, “Our strongest
suit is our people. When the Department of Trade and
Industry promotes investment, our tagline is, ‘Your business,
our people’, because that captures in essence what the Philippines is known for.” He adds, “The Philippines has a relatively highly educated population compared to our peer
countries and virtually everybody speaks English, which is a
very big advantage. A lot of firms decide on the Philippines
because we provide great value for their money.”
© Manila Bulletin
Gregory Domingo, Secretary of the Department
of Trade and Industry since July 2010, has
overseen the Philippinesʼ impressive growth in
industrial development and international trade
over the past four years. He has had a long
career in the public and private sectors and
brings in-depth understanding of the global
economy to his current post.
14
The secretary also praises President Aquino and his administration’s good-governance agenda. He explains, “It took six
to ten months for the business community, both domestic and
international, to believe in President Aquino, but when they
realised that he is the real deal, domestic business confidence
rose and international investor confidence followed.”
Public-private partnerships
Secretary Domingo points out that infrastructure development remains a top priority for the Philippines. He explains
that power plants, water systems, ICT networks and some
other types of key infrastructure have been privatised and
are expanding, while the government’s investment in infrastructure has been stepped up, including for the construction of classrooms, healthcare facilities and roads. Concerning public-private partnerships, the secretary says, “We
were somewhat slow in getting a lot of these projects off the
THE EUROPEAN TIMES
Sector
© Theurbanhistorian
ground, but several of them have been launched and around
50 PPP projects are in the pipeline, including for water
systems, railways and roads.”
The Philippines welcomes European investors in PPP
projects. Secretary Domingo accompanied President Aquino
on a recent visit to the EU, and at the “PPP Conference
on Infrastructure Development in the Philippines” held in
Brussels, the secretary said, “I am optimistic that this conference will bolster previous interest in PPP projects by
European businesses and draw more investments to these
projects. We are hopeful that we will be able to attract snowballing interest from potential participants in PPP projects as
well as provide an opportunity for European companies to
partner with local companies.”
Secretary Domingo notes that the Philippines is now the
home of several multinational enterprises with at least 30,000
employees each. Highlighting sectors with particularly strong
potential, he says, “We have some big winners: one is the ICTbusiness-process-outsourcing industry. In 2001, the Philippines
had 5,000 people working in this sector. By the end of 2014,
we will have more than one million people directly working in
this sector, which continues to grow at a 15% to 20% annual
rate. The Philippines is the number one call-centre operator in
the world now, ahead of India, and we are second to India and
growing steadily in terms of back-office processing.”
Manufacturing in the Philippines is also on the upswing and
grew by 9.7% in the first quarter of 2013 alone. Secretary
Domingo notes, “This strength in manufacturing has been
broad-based with growth in food processing, electronics,
medical devices, furniture, and prefab housing.”
Challenges for the Philippines, according to Secretary
Domingo, include the urgent need to boost the volume of
container shipments handled at the country’s ports by 10%
per year to keep pace with the Philippines’ rapid GDP growth
over the next five years. He says, “This means a 50% increase
in container loads, so we need to expand the Port of Manila
and probably build a new port, preferably on the opposite
side of the country, like Cavite, which we would back up with
proper infrastructure.”
One project in the works for the Department of Trade and
Industry is to create new incentives for auto manufacturers which produce at least 40,000 units of specific models
of vehicles per year and invest at least €47 million for facilities that can produce large car components in the Philippines, such as body-stamp panels, bumpers and dashboards.
Another incentive will lower the tax rate on companies’ net
income to 15% for 10 years, the lowest tax rate in the region.
Secretary Domingo explains, “The government is moving
to simplify its incentive regime to enhance the Philippines’
attractions for investors.”
15
THE EUROPEAN TIMES
THE PHILIPPINES
Authority Overseeing
Roadmap to Inclusive Growth
Metro Manila Bay
The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) is the
premier socioeconomic planning body in the Philippines. Known for
its transparency, efficiency and proactive approach, NEDA provides
high-level policy advice to the Filipino government, establishes
development policies and coordinates their implementation,
evaluates infrastructure projects, and performs short-term policy
reviews concerning development issues and policy alternatives.
New goals for Philippine Development
Plan to 2016
One of NEDA’s key tasks is to oversee the progress of
the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2011-2016,
which the Authority recently updated. In announcing the
update, Arsenio M. Balisacan, NEDA’s Director-General,
commented, “We hope that this updated plan will be instrumental in coordinating and complementing development
efforts across the country.” He called the PDP “the nation’s
roadmap to inclusive growth.”
16
The PDP, which has achieved impressive success so far,
aims to spur on sustainable economic development in
the Philippines while also ensuring that this economic
progress benefits Filipinos. The updated plan calls for
GDP growth of 7% to 8%, a decrease in the unemployment rate to 6.5% or 6.7% of the population, and a
decrease in poverty to 18% to 20% of the population
by 2016. In September this year, NEDA reported that
the unemployment rate had already dropped from 7.3%
of the population in July 2013 to 6.7% in July this year.
Arsenio M. Balisacan expects this trend to continue and
THE EUROPEAN TIMES
Business & Investment
Sector Opportunities
comments, “We are seeing massive investments in hotels
and other facilities, so we should see a great deal of
employment in the tourism industry.”
The PDP also aims to ensure access to healthcare,
education, water, sanitation, and secure shelter for
Filipinos throughout the country. Arsenio M. Balisacan
points out, “The first half of the PDP saw major strides
taken by the government to ensure that the goal of
inclusive development is achieved. So far, our economic
gains have been well within our Plan targets as we
remain one of Asia’s top performers. Despite many
challenges, including the natural disasters that recently
visited the country, we managed to progress as a result
of our strong macroeconomic fundamentals. Now, the
government has considerable fiscal space for making
investments to catalyse private ventures, provide public
goods and services, as well as fund social programmes
aimed at reducing poverty and creating opportunities for
everyone.”
Focus on inclusion and social services
NEDA strongly supports the Aquino government’s focus
on good governance and macroeconomic as well as
political stability. NEDA also calls for even more efforts to
achieve better quality of life for all Filipinos. Arsenio M.
Balisacan says, “We acknowledge that economic growth is
but an instrument, and that the real measure of progress
is improvement in the lives of our people. To ensure inclusivity, we need new approaches that are more responsive
to the needs of sectors and areas where many of the poor
are found so that they can contribute to, and benefit from,
growth.”
The PDP anticipates that the Philippines’ GDP growth to
2016 will be driven mainly by industry and services, which
NEDA estimates will grow by a combined 7% to 8% this year,
7.5% to 8.5% in 2015, and 8% to 9% in 2016. To achieve
this growth, according to NEDA, investments in industry and
services need to increase by an overall 36% between 2012
and 2016.
NEDA calls for the private sector to play a leading role in
the success of the PDP. As Arsenio M. Balisacan puts it,
“Inclusive growth requires concerted actions not only within
government but also among citizens, private businesses and
international development partners.”
Improved business climate to encourage
PPPs
NEDA is spearheading the government’s plan to step up
the pace of infrastructure development in the Philippines.
In a speech in September this year, Arsenio M. Balisacan
noted that the government will boost its spending on infrastructure projects from 2.2% of GDP in 2012 to at least
5% by 2016. NEDA has singled out 952 priority infrastructure programmes and projects for the 2013-2016
period; these represent a total investment of around €36.9
billion.
The government aims for public-sector spending on infrastructure to be supplemented by the private sector through
public-private partnerships (PPPs). Arsenio M. Balisacan
says, “To optimise public-private partnerships and enhance
the country’s attractiveness to private-sector investors, the
government has reviewed, amended, and approved policies
and legal framework involving private-sector participation.”
He adds that the Filipino government will continue to push
forward reforms to improve the business environment in the
Philippines in order to encourage private-sector investment
in infrastructure projects.
NEDA will remain committed to its goal of achieving the
success of the Philippine Development Plan. As Arsenio M.
Balisacan points out, “The PDP enables us to work systematically to give the Filipino people a better chance of finally
finding their way out of poverty, inequality, and the poor
state of human development.”
17
THE EUROPEAN TIMES
THE PHILIPPINES
Makati city, a modern financial and business district of Metro Manila
International Investors Targeting
the Philippines
Now is the time to invest in the Philippines.
With GDP growth of 7.2% in 2013 and around
6% in the first half of 2014, the Philippines
has one of the healthiest economies in the
world, and the growth is set to continue
next year. Already outpacing India as a top
location for call centres, the Philippines has
attracted major investment in a wide range
of sectors from leading multinationals like JP
Morgan Chase and Procter & Gamble.
18
In fact, net FDI in the Philippines surged nearly 80% in March
this year compared to March 2013, while equity capital and
investments by foreign enterprises in their operations in the Philippines increased seven-fold in the same period, according to the
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), the Philippines’ central bank.
The BSP reports that most of this FDI was from the US, Japan,
Singapore, Hong Kong and Taiwan, and that the investments
mainly targeted financial and insurance services, manufacturing,
real estate, mining and quarrying, and wholesale and retail trade.
The central bank expects net FDI of just over €2 billion for 2014.
Many factors are drawing big-ticket investments to the Philippines. One major draw is the country’s very business-friendly,
reform-oriented government. As Nicolas Jaquier, emerging
market economist at Standard Life Investments, points out,
“Overall, what sets [the Philippines] apart is an improved
political environment. President Benigno Aquino III’s reform
agenda has paid dividends in the last couple of years.”
THE EUROPEAN TIMES
Business & Investment Opportunities
According to the Filipino government’s investment-promotion agency Invest Philippines, the Filipino workforce is
another compelling advantage for investors. With a 94.6%
literacy rate and well-developed professional training thanks
to a traditional emphasis on education, the Philippines offers
a very high-quality, English-speaking labour force which
includes some 350,000 new graduates every year.
The Philippines also enjoys a very strategic location in the
heart of Asia within four hours by air from the region’s major
capitals. Set at the crossroads of East and West, the Philippines provides access to over 500 million people in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) market and is a
well-established shipping and air-transport hub.
Adding to its advantages for trade-oriented companies, the Philippines participates in a number of trade programmes. These include
Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status, the ASEAN-Australia-New
Zealand Free Trade Area (AANZFTA), the ASEAN-China
Free Trade Area (ACFTA), the ASEAN-India Free Trade Area
(AIFTA), the ASEAN-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (AJCEPA), the ASEAN-Korea Free Trade Area
(AKFTA), the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA), the
Philippines-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (PJEPA),
the Philippines and EFTA Joint Declaration on Cooperation,
and others. The Philippines Department of Trade and Industry
has announced that it aims to begin formal free-trade-agreement
negotiations with the EU and EFTA in 2015.
Exceptional quality of life is yet another reason international
companies and investors are targeting the Philippines. With
its tropical climate, beautiful beaches, welcoming population,
colourful culture, excellent schools, top-quality healthcare,
outstanding shopping and affordable housing, the Philippines is very popular among expats.
Attractive business environment
The Filipino government continues to make reforms to
enhance the local business climate, and business costs are
already low. Wages are typically less than a fifth of those
in the US, for example, while communications, electricity,
and housing costs are around half the US average. Foreign
companies now outsourcing programming and business
processes to the Philippines estimate they are benefiting from
savings of 30% to 40% in their business costs.
The Philippines is a very open, liberalised economy which allows
100% foreign ownership in almost all sectors and supports a
19
THE EUROPEAN TIMES
THE
MASTER
PHILIPPINES
REGIO
The Philippines is among the top ten producers of gold in the world
Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) investment scheme that other
Asian countries emulate. Government corporations are increasingly being privatised and the banking, insurance, shipping, telecommunications and energy sectors have all been deregulated.
Public-private partnerships offer vast potential as well.
Incentive packages for investors in the Philippines include a
reduced corporate income tax, now 32%, and a special 5%
overall tax rate for companies located in one of the many stateof-the-art Special Economic Zones around the country. Multinationals setting up their regional headquarters in the Philippines are entitled to additional incentives, such as tax exemptions
and tax- and duty-free importation of certain equipment and
materials. The government is also committed to streamlining
business processes and offers one-stop-shop services for investors.
Investment in infrastructure
The Philippines continues to invest in its infrastructure and
encourages public-private partnerships for infrastructure
projects. The country already has well-developed infrastructure linking the Philippines’ three major islands (Luzon,
Visayas, and Mindanao) and joining the Philippines to
regional and global markets by sea and air.
The Filipino government has announced that its infrastructure
investment will total 5% of the country’s GDP by 2016 and
that it will continue to create new opportunities for investors
320
in infrastructure and logistics. Arsenio M. Galisacan, head
of the Philippines’ National Economic and Development
Authority (NEDA), explains, “To improve competitiveness
and geographic connectivity, the Pocket Open Skies Policy was
launched in 2011 to allow foreign carriers to operate unilateral
and unlimited traffic rights to airports other than the Ninoy
Aquino International Airport. Meanwhile, the Common
Carriers Tax Act aims to enhance the country’s competitiveness in international travel by encouraging international air
carriers to include the Philippines in their primary routes.”
Major transport-infrastructure projects underway for NEDA
include the Transport Infrastructure Development Roadmap
for Metro Manila and its Surrounding Areas, designed to
speed up transport around the capital; the Logistics Infrastructure Roadmap for Mindanao, to improve logistics infrastructure for cost-effective linking of Mindanao’s agriculture
and fishery production centres to local, regional and global
markets; a project to provide road access to designated priority
tourism destinations under the National Tourism Development Plan; a flood-management plan for Metro Manila and
surrounding areas; and the E-Government Master Plan.
Vast opportunities in wide range of sectors
Many sectors offer outstanding investment potential in the Philippines. The country is the biggest copper producer in Southeast
Asia and among the top ten producers of gold in the world. It
THE EUROPEAN TIMES
MASTER REGIO
THE EUROPEAN TIMES
Business & Investment Opportunities
is also home to 2,145 fish species, four times more than those
found in the Bahamas. The 7,100 islands of the Philippines
boast beautiful beaches and breathtaking scenery just waiting to
be developed for tourism. And that is just the beginning.
NEDA encourages investment in targeted sectors which it
believes have particularly strong potential to generate jobs
as well as achieve rapid and sustainable growth. These are
agro-industry (especially the production of coconuts, coffee
and cacao as well as fisheries and forestry enterprises); manufacturing, especially food processing (including of halal
and organic food products), garments, wood furniture and
fixtures; tourism; ICT (including business-process management, or IT-BPM); construction; energy; logistics; projects
which build local R&D; and investments in green technologies, including renewable energy.
The government aims to expand its cluster programme to
encourage investors to locate their companies near related
enterprises and within access of technology and businessincubation centres, laboratories, agri-industrial hubs and
logistics centres. The Filipino government particularly
welcomes investment in agriculture and fisheries projects
since around one-third of the Filipino workforce is employed
in agricultural activities. The government aims to boost agricultural productivity by 19% from 2012 to 2016 through
investments in R&D and new technologies as well as through
land reforms.
Opportunities in the energy sector
In the energy sector, the government’s 2013-2017 Household
Electrification Development Plan is designed to achieve
access to electricity for 86.2% of the households in the Philippines by 2016 and 90% by 2017. The Department of Energy
has launched the National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Programme, while the National Renewable Energy
Program aims to develop renewable-energy technologies
which will triple the Philippines’ renewable-energy capacity
by 2030. Reforms in the energy sector have already increased
private-sector participation. In July 2012, the Energy Regulatory Commission approved feed-in-tariff rates to encourage
renewable-energy investments.
Rolling out the red carpet for EU investors
The Philippines welcomes European investors. In June
2014, representatives from the Department of Trade and
Industry travelled to Europe to promote the Philippines as
an FDI choice. In 2013, business delegations from Belgium,
4
Central Bank of the Philippines
the Czech Republic, France, Germany, the Netherlands,
Poland, Sweden, Switzerland and the UK came to the Philippines to meet with their counterparts and discuss investment options.
In the first half of 2014 alone, the Philippines welcomed
business delegations from Austria, Belgium, Cyprus,
France, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Sweden,
the UK, Finland and Denmark. Ponciano C. Manalo, Jr.,
Undersecretary of Industry Promotions Group of the
Department of Trade and Industry, explains, “We are
confident that members of these delegation will consider
the Philippines as a manufacturing hub for the ASEAN
market and will pursue their interest in the Philippines’
priority areas for investment as well as in public-private
partnerships.”
Ponciano C. Manalo notes strong interest from French
investors in energy projects and other sectors. He says,
“Aside from promoting Philippine-design-driven products
and organic food products in France as well as French
investments in priority sectors in the Philippines, we are
also working towards establishing stronger relations with
leading French industries, particularly aerospace in the field
of aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul, and logistics.”
In September this year, the Philippines’ President Benigno S.
Aquino participated in the “PPP Infrastructure Conference”
held in Brussels, where the delegation from the Philippines
presented several big-ticket PPP projects of interest to EU
investors. These included the €2 billion Laguna Lakeshore
Expressway Dike Project of the Department of Public
Works and Highways, and the €500 million Bulacan Bulk
Water Supply project of the Metropolitan Water Works and
Sewerage System.
Cosette V. Canilao, Director of the Philippines PPP Centre,
explains, “The Philippines’ credit ratings are at an all-time
high as evidenced by major international rating agencies’
successive upgrades, and we have made significant strides in
the world competitive index. Our investment climate is ripe
for investors to bring their business to the Philippines.”
21
THE EUROPEAN TIMES
THE
MASTER
PHILIPPINES
REGIO
Number One Food Brand in
the Philippines
A. Tung Chingco, which is celebrating its 60th
anniversary this year, has a stellar reputation
for providing high-quality food products to
customers in the Philippines and worldwide.
Launched as the exclusive distributor of prestigious Ligo
products for the Filipino market, A. Tung Chingco now has
its own cutting-edge manufacturing facility and produces
a wide range of canned fish and meat products, including
top-selling Ligo sardines, mackerel, squid and corned beef. It
exports its products to the US and Europe as well as throughout Asia and the Pacific Rim.
CEO Gregory G. Tung, Jr., explains that the company’s
mission is to offer high-quality yet affordable products.
He says, “The Ligo brand is number one. It is the most
famous food brand in the Philippines and has a global reputation for excellence. No other canned sardines match
the quality of Ligo and I can’t see this changing. 60 years
on and we are still the market leader, clearly we are doing
something right.”
Philippines top source for high-quality
food products
As the global success of the Ligo brand demonstrates, the
Philippines can produce fine food products that meet the
highest international standards. Mr. Tung is committed to
enhancing the reputation of the Filipino food-and-beverage
industry. He says, “We are incredibly supportive of all the
122
initiatives of the Filipino government to promote the Philippines. We believe the private sector must play a part in
showcasing the national food-and-beverage industry to the
European community.”
A. Tung Chingco welcomes the chance to establish European
partnerships. Mr. Tung explains, “We are ready to work with
European distributors of food products and with organisations involved in manufacturing and food production. I urge
European companies to seek out opportunities in the Philippines.” He adds that the Ligo brand will continue to stand
for high quality, affordability, food safety, hygiene and exceptional taste.
A. Tung Chingco Manufacturing Corp.
19 Golden Road, Caloocan Industrial Subdivision
Kaybiga, Caloocan City, Metro Manila
Tel.: +63 2 937 4366, +63 2 938 8918
[email protected], www.ligomanila.com
THE EUROPEAN TIMES
• Construction Industry in a Boom Phase
• Voice of the Construction Industry
Construction
23
THE EUROPEAN TIMES
THE PHILIPPINES
Construction Industry
in a Boom Phase
The Philippinesʼ construction sector is booming and will continue to thrive
as the government increases its infrastructure spending from around 3.1% of
GDP this year to 5% by 2016. In fact, the Philippinesʼ construction industry is
expected to grow by a phenomenal 46% this year, according to the Philippines
Construction Market Report 2014. The construction and real estate sectors
combined contributed around one-fifth of the Philippinesʼ GDP in 2012 and
2013 by value, an especially impressive performance since GDP grew by 7.2%
in 2012 and by 6.8% in 2013.
24
THE EUROPEAN TIMES
Construction
Sector
Infrastructure projects and residential
developments
Construction-industry growth in 2012 and 2013 was
supported by public investments in infrastructure and residential construction, which are expected to continue to be
the main growth drivers for the construction industry up to
2018. Business-process-outsourcing, public-private partnerships (PPPs) and an expected rise in the number of tourist
arrivals will also drive the construction sector, with more residential properties, roads, bridges, offices and power plants
being built every year.
The Department of Public Works and Highways receives
around 44% of the Filipino government’s total infrastructure
spending, and most of this goes to the National Roads and
Bridges Programme, which has a range of projects underway
or planned. The second-highest allocation, 11% of the total
budget, goes to the Department of Education, which plans
to build more than 30,000 new classrooms by the end of this
year, among other projects.
The Department of Transportation and Communication
receives 6.7% of the budget and is currently building and
rehabilitating the country’s communications and transportation infrastructure through several big-ticket projects. The
Department of Agriculture, with a 6.6% share of the total
infrastructure budget, aims to build 1,000 km of farm-tomarket roads by the end of 2014. The budget also includes
funding for building around 167 km of roads leading to
tourism destinations this year. Major construction initiatives set to be completed by 2016 include the Metro Manila
Integrated Transport System and projects in the Sustainable
Tourism Destination Infrastructure Programme.
future. PPP construction projects already in progress
include the Daang Hari-SLEX link road, a 74-hectare
property in Taguig City’s Food Terminal Complex which
is being developed into a new business district; phase two
of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Expressway
project; several new schools; the NLEX-SLEX Skyway
Corridor; and the modernisation of the Philippine Orthopedic Centre.
Planned PPP projects include a new passenger terminal for
Mactan-Cebu International Airport, an extension of line
one of the Light Rail Transit system, the Cavite-Laguna
Expressway, new logistics terminals through the Integrated
Transport System South and Southwest Terminals project,
and new water systems through the Bulacan Bulk Water
Supply project.
Residential construction on the rise
Housing construction is also on the rise in the Philippines. Record low interest rates and lower down-payment
requirements have motivated thousands of Filipinos,
including first-time home-buyers, to purchase residential
property. Around 25,000 residential condominium units
are set to be built in Metro Manila’s top business districts
between 2013 and 2016, almost half the total number
of new condominiums built in the city over the past 40
years.
Construction of new office space is also being stepped up
to meet growing demand, especially from call centres and
other business-outsourcing-services enterprises; this sector is
expected to double its current workforce to reach 1.3 million
employees by 2016. Industry analysts predict that around 1.5
million sq m of new offices will be built in the Philippines by
the end of 2016.
Public-private partnerships are set to account for more
and more construction projects in the Philippines in the
For international construction enterprises, the Philippines is
definitely a growth market.
25
THE EUROPEAN TIMES
THE
MASTER
PHILIPPINES
REGIO
Dynamic Developer Providing
Homes for Those in Need
Top-quality affordable housing
All the houses Oneson Properties builds are top-quality,
with good ventilation and lighting, yet all are affordable.
Elizabeth G. Pablico points out proudly, “Oneson Properties
maintains high standards and has achieved all the necessary
evaluations and accreditations with flying colours.”
Oneson Properties & Development Corporation,
established in 2011, has already made a name
for itself by building affordable housing in areas
not yet targeted by other developers. President
and General Manager Elizabeth G. Pablico
explains, “Oneson Properties is a very new
company with a very bright future. We choose
the areas where we develop projects because
we believe these areas will be something special
in the future. We do not have any competition.”
A key goal for Elizabeth G. Pablico is to provide housing
for the most disadvantaged segment of the population. She
says, “Our whole philosophy is to build affordable homes for
Filipinos who would not normally be able to afford them. We
want to build for the masses.”
Oneson Properties has been building homes in Zambales
and the project is clearly a success, with most of the houses
already sold. Elizabeth G. Pablico says, “It is touching to see
how much of an effect we have had on the lives of the new
owners of these houses. With my travel business, I can make
somebody happy for maybe a week on holiday. With Oneson
Properties, I can create happiness for many generations.”
She adds that an upcoming project for Oneson is Puerto
Princessa in Palawan. She says, “I have a plan to enable
foreign buyers to actually own homes there, something that
they cannot currently do.”
126
“Even though Oneson Properties
is new with a short track record,
I have already run a successful
business.”
To reach its ambitious goals, Oneson Properties welcomes
partnerships with foreign investors. Elizabeth G. Pablico says,
“Even though Oneson Properties is new with a short track
record, I have already run a successful business, Wintrex
Travel Corporation, so potential partners can have faith in
us. I have demonstrated that I offer a wealth of experience
and reliability.”
Oneson Properties strongly supports the efforts of
the Filipino government to spur on the growth of the
country’s housing sector. Elizabeth G. Pablico says,
“The Filipino housing industry has enormous potential
and European investors should come here and see this
potential for themselves. With the right investment,
Oneson Properties is a seriously exciting prospect. We
are a new company, but we are dynamic, we are innovative, and we have a conscience.”
Oneson Properties & Development Corporation
2/F DM Bldg., Visayas cor., Congressional Ave.
Quezon City
Tel.: +63 2 426 4492/93, 709 1113/37
[email protected]
www.onesonproperties.com.ph
THE EUROPEAN TIMES
Construction
Only Authorised CAT Dealer
in the Philippines
ment to integrity. Doing business with
Monark is 100% legitimate and utterly
transparent.”
Monark Equipment welcomes the
chance to partner with European
companies and investors involved in
projects in the Philippines. Jose Antonio
Banson says, “Monark is very open to
working with private or public-sector
partners who share our values and
high quality standards. For European
investors, the Philippines offers immense
opportunities as the country continues
to upgrade its infrastructure.”
Monark Equipment, the dynamic heavy-equipment specialist
in the Philippines, grew out of a family-owned construction
enterprise founded in 1962 by Onofre B. Banson.
The company has participated in some
of the biggest projects in the Philippines, including the massive San Roque
Dam. Chosen to be CAT Equipment’s
only authorised dealer in the Philippines, Monark began to focus on heavy
equipment. Today, Monark continues to
adhere to the high standards of quality
and customer service that have made it
a success since its beginnings.
As Chairman Jose Antonio Banson,
son of the founder, points out, “So
many businesses can only function with
CAT equipment, and as we are the sole
authorised dealer of this state-of-theart equipment in the Philippines, many
companies depend on us. Our equipment
is the best in the country and we have the
1
best product-support credibility along
with an extensive network of 12 branches
in many locations.” The Philippines has
learned it can count on Monark.
Commitment to integrity
and quality
In addition to its cutting-edge
equipment, Monark has earned a
reputation for reliability, exceptional
customer service and high standards.
Jose Antonio Banson explains, “Some
companies in the heavy-equipment
sector do not operate ‘by the book’,
finding ways of avoiding taxes and
so forth. Monark distinguishes itself
from others through our commit-
As a 100% Filipino company, Monark
places a high priority on supporting the
people of the Philippines. For the past 15
years, it has operated a special school to
train workers in using heavy equipment.
Students spend eight months in the
school and 18 months being trained on
the job. “Our graduates find important
jobs in leading companies and many
choose to work with Monark,” Jose
Antonio Banson explains.
Jose Antonio Banson urges European
investors to come to the Philippines to
investigate all its opportunities for themselves. He concludes, “The Philippines
is English-speaking and shares western
values. This country has a lot going for
it, and you can count on Monark for
world-class heavy-equipment support.”
Monark Equipment
13 Economia St., Bagumbayan
Quezon City, Metro Manila
Tel.: +63 2 635 0901
[email protected]
www.monark-cat.com
27
THE EUROPEAN TIMES
THE
PHILIPPINES
MASTER
REGIO
Voice of the Construction Industry
The
Philippine
Constructors
Association (PCA), the oldest construction-industry
organisation
in the Philippines, was established
by nine Filipino heads of local
construction firms to take the lead
in rebuilding the country after
World War II. Today, this dynamic
organisation, which has been
instrumental in rebuilding the
Philippines after the destruction
of Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) in
2013, continues to play a key role
in the national economy.
The PCA is headed by CEO Lito
Madrasto and includes around 1,500
individual construction contractors as
regular members; manufacturers of construction materials as well as equipment
and service providers as associate
members; other trade organisations
allied to the construction industry as
affiliate members; and smaller construction-trade organisations of regional,
provincial or municipal constructors as
chapter members.
Around 80% of total construction in the Philippines
Construction enterprises which are
members of the PCA handle 70% to
80% of total construction activity in
the Philippines every year. Moreover, all
PCA member companies are licensed
and operate with professional manage-
28
THE EUROPEAN TIMES
Construction
Sector
ment teams, up-to-date technologies,
skilled personnel and a solid financial
base.
The PCA not only supports the
continued development of the construction industry in the Philippines
but it also provides a range of services,
including reports on the industry’s performance and information about major
events and current trends in the construction sector in the Philippines and
worldwide. Through its PCA Update
/ Bid Bulletin, circulars, letters, and
its website, members are advised on
upcoming projects open to tender bids,
including BOT projects, government
initiatives and private-sector construction developments. The PCA also
provides information on market and
product profiles, foreign and trade directories, country profiles and economic
indicators relevant to the construction
sector.
Focus on skills training
The PCA conducts regular skills-training courses as well as skills testing and
certification for construction-industry
workers, in close coordination with
the Technical Education and Skills
Development Authority of the Philippines (TESDA) and the Construction
Manpower Development Foundation
(CMDF). As a licensed Continuing
Professional Education provider for the
Professional Regulations Commission
(PRC), the PCA conducts subsidised
training, seminars and symposiums for
all its member companies to keep them
up to date on recent developments in
the construction sector.
In addition, the PCA regularly organises
conferences, training sessions and other
activities of benefit to its members,
including the biggest construction exhibition in the Philippines, the Philippine
International Construction, Building
Materials and Equipment Exhibition,
or PHILCONSTRUCT. Hundreds of
companies active in the construction
industry and related fields participate in
this major business meeting.
Active regionally and internationally
as well as in the Philippines, the PCA
is a founder and active member of the
International Federation of Asian and
Western Pacific Contractors Association
(IFAWPCA), the ASEAN Constructors
Federation (ACF), and the Confederation of International Constructors
Association (CICA).
The PCA’s main areas of interest
include promoting construction safety,
developing management skills in the
construction industry through training
initiatives, and ensuring a level playing
field for foreign construction enterprises
operating in the Philippines. The PCA
also supports joint-venture partnerships
between local and international players
as a means of encouraging technology
transfer.
In January 2014, past and current
directors of the PSA met at the organisation’s headquarters in Pasig City to
develop strategic initiatives to further
enhance the PCA’s role as the voice of
the Philippine construction industry.
Projects for the PCA in 2014 have
included a management course for
heads of construction companies,
the creation of a database of PCA
members’ projects, a database of
Department of Labour and Employment (DOLE)-accredited constructionsafety training institutions and safety
institutions, a seminar on PPPs for PCA
members, and trade missions to Timor
Leste, Myanmar, Cambodia, Vietnam,
Turkey and Iraq.
Liaison between public and
private sectors
Recognised as the voice of the construction industry, the PCA serves as a liaison
between the public and private sectors
and is represented in a number of government bodies tasked with policy formulation and implementation. PCA
representatives bring business concerns
and problems confronting the construction industry to the attention of Filipino
government leaders. PCA representatives also regularly meet with foreign
entrepreneurs and trade missions.
The PCA is occasionally requested by
the government of the Philippines to
assist in undertaking special projects,
such as rebuilding after Typhoon
Yolanda and emergency construction
of schools and roads after other natural
disasters. The PCA distributes these
projects to its members for execution.
Through its Construction Manpower
Development Committee, the PCA
is analysing trade-skills assessment of
PCA-member workers and validate
existing training regulations for Reinforced Steel Bar (RSB) Fixers. The
committee will also represent the Philippines in an effort by the ASEAN
Construction Federation (ACF) to
harmonise construction standards in the
regional industry. Over the long term,
the PCA aims to establish the Philippine Construction Academy at the
CITC Training Centre Grounds within
the Department of Trade and Industry
complex in Marikina City. Thanks to
the PCA, the Philippines’ construction
industry has put the focus on quality.
292
THE EUROPEAN TIMES
THE PHILIPPINES
Dynamic Construction Firm in a Rising Economy
The current economic boom
in the Philippines is triggering
further
demand
towards
large-scale
developments.
In the midst of it all is DDT
Konstract, Inc., one of the
leading contractors in the
country. With the construction
industry being among the
fastest growing sectors in
the country, consistency and
stability is quite a feat among
constructionʼs major players –
and DDTKI, with ISO 9001:2008
certified standards, sure is not
to be left behind.
DDTKI’s key to success is simple as it
hits the nail on the head in identifying the
primary objective of the project owners
and that is – Time, Cost and Quality.
The company’s strict adherence to these
standards never fails to win accolades
from clients, thereby creating repeat
orders. With full support from its partners
in the finance sector, sub-contractors, and
suppliers, DDTKI now has a contracting capacity of PHP12 billion or more
than €200 million, making it capable of
simultaneously conducting large-scale
project orders. Hence, DDTKI’s clients
are the most prominent corporations in
the country from different sectors; with
projects ranging from real estate developments to corporate offices to entertainment, hotels and leisure.
30
1
Engr. Danilo D. Tamayo, President & Chairman
Data Precast Systems, Inc.
Backward Integration
Innovation has become DDTKI’s mantra
and spearheading this is the recently
started operation of its very own state-ofthe-art precast plant, Data Precast Systems,
Inc., another ISO 9001:2008 certified
sister company. With advanced precast
production technique and latest generation
automated precasting equipment from
Finland, Data Precast is currently being
looked upon by other Asian countries in
terms of adopting the efficient development of top-of-the-line precast products,
quality and safety procedures. Having its
own precast plant and a fleet of reliable
heavy equipment give the company an
edge in this fast-paced industry.
DataLand, Inc.
Forward Integration
Meanwhile, signalling its foray in the burgeoning real estate industry is the launching
of its real estate arm, DataLand, Inc., in
2011. A developer focused on residential,
industrial, hotel and leisure developments,
DataLand’s motto is ‘quality beyond the
basics.’ Its main goal is to bring in exceptional quality in everything that they do –
maintaining the culture of excellence set by
its exclusive contractor and sister company,
DDTKI. Headlining the developments are
The Silk Residences, a high-rise residential
development in Sta. Mesa, Manila and
The Ivy Wall, a 120-room hotel in Puerto
Princesa, Palawan. Many projects are still
in the pipeline including other vertical
projects in Metro Manila key areas such
as The Olive Place, a mid-use high rise
development in one of the country’s busiest
business districts, Shaw Boulevard in Mandaluyong and a potential leisure development in Palawan.
Dataj Aquafarm, Inc. and
Agriwaras Company
New Ventures
Furthering its stability the company is
branching out into other enterprises outside
construction; one of which is aqua farming
and agriculture through Dataj Aquafarm
and Agriwaras based in northern Luzon.
Embracing the developments and
demand in this booming industry, Engr.
Danilo Tamayo, DDTKI’s Chairman,
welcomes partnerships with European
companies and investors. He says, “Partnerships are crucial for us. When it comes
to Europe, we are very open to creating
partnerships with all like-minded institutions with an interest in the construction
sector in the Philippines.” Quality-oriented DDT Konstract, Inc. is ready to
take its operations to the next level.
DDT Konstract Inc.
Unit 401, 4th Floor, Lancaster Hotel
No. 622 Shaw Blvd., Mandaluyong City
1151 Metro Manila
Tel: +63 2 571 8668 to 70
+63 2 571 6274
www.ddtkonstract.com
Data Land Inc.
Tel: +63 917 549 8000
+63 2 570 4409
www.dataland.ph
THE EUROPEAN TIMES
• Secretary Outlines Ambitious Education Reforms
• Education System Meeting International Standards
Education
“The private sector is our partner in
education, helping to deliver the kind
of education every Filipino child
deserves.”
Armin Luistro, Secretary of the Department
of Education
31
THE EUROPEAN TIMES
THE
PHILIPPINES
MASTER
REGIO
Secretary Outlines Ambitious
Education Reforms
when they officially opened
behind the Philippines’ decision to transition from a 10-year educational system
to a K-12 (kindergarten to grade 12)
system. This move will put the Philippines’ educational system on par with
those in other countries around the
world. The K-12 system is set to begin
officially in 2016.
elementary
Transition to K-12 system
The Department of Education
and the Department of Public
Works and Highways achieved
a major goal in February 2014
66,813 new classrooms in
public
and
schools
secondary
throughout
the Philippines. These new
classrooms will go a long
way towards providing more
and
better
educational
opportunities throughout the
country as well as combating
overcrowding.
Armin Luistro, Secretary of the Department of Education, has led the effort
to build new classrooms by bringing
together public-sector and privatesector funding as well as donations
from international financing organisations. He describes the new classrooms
as the “fulfilment of a dream”. At a
recent ceremony for new classrooms
at Carmona National High School,
the secretary said, “This is a collaborative work of private organisations and
public institutions, showing commitment to quality education for Filipino
learners. The private sector is our
partner in education, helping to deliver
the kind of education every Filipino
child deserves.”
132
Armin Luistro, Secretary of the Department
of Education
The classrooms range from one-story
structures to multi-floor buildings and
were built using national and local government funds as well as private-sector
financing. More than 35,000 classrooms
were funded by the national budget,
13,189 classrooms by local government
funds, 14,886 by local donations, 1,215
by foreign donations, and 2,242 through
public-private partnerships in the government’s “PPP for School Infrastructure” project.
The Department of Education is
building more classrooms this year in
part to prepare for the new grades 11
and 12 classes to be offered in 2016.
Secretary Luistro was a major force
In a speech he delivered in July this
year, Secretary Luistro noted the challenges and benefits of the change to
a K-12 system. He said, “We remain
committed to the Filipino learner and
we continue to address the incremental requirements of enrolment growth
and additional requirements with the
introduction of senior high school
(grades 11 and 12). In fact, this is the
first time in the history of the agency
that we are going to build classrooms
in preparation for future requirements. We are also hiring teachers at
unprecedented levels to position our
schools to provide quality education.
The continued roll-out of the K-12
curriculum sets the foundation for
lasting reform of the Philippine educational system.”
Praising President Aquino for his
support of education reform, Secretary
Luistro added, “We will leave no Filipino
child behind.
The President continues to be bound by
his social contract to the Filipino people.
We will persevere to restore people’s
faith in government by pursuing muchneeded reforms.”
THE EUROPEAN TIMES
Education
Sector
University of the Philippines
The private sector can play an important
role in helping the Philippines adopt the
K-12 system, Secretary Luistro believes.
He says, “The private sector can work
closely with the regional and divisional
offices of the Department of Education
with the goal of convergence, complementarity, and coordination – not competition or lack of contact.”
Secretary Luistro serves as the voice
of the Department of Education in
relations with the general public. In
2013, he announced a revision in the
policy statement of the Department of
Education concerning religion. Clarifying some confusion over the meaning of
this revision, he explained recently, “We
maintain that the formation of Godloving learners is a vision that we have
not surrendered. We do not have any
fundamental disagreement therefore
with the position of various groups
who wish to promote the love of God
among our learners. We affirm the longestablished constitutional principle of
‘benevolent neutrality’ towards religion
and spirituality. We also affirm that the
department will continue to promote
the spirit of inclusivity and remain open
to dialogue, as this is a part of learning
to live together.”
Praise for the Filipino spirit
Faced with financial hurdles, natural
disasters which have destroyed schools
throughout the country, and a need to
provide a top-quality education to a
rapidly growing population, the Department of Education has confronted a
© Michael Manzano - Dreamstime.com
number of challenges in recent years.
At a speech marking the graduation
of students throughout the country in
spring 2014, Secretary Luistro outlined
his goals for the education system. He
said, “Congratulations to our proud
graduates! My warmest greetings to
our school administrators, teachers,
staff, and parents who have helped and
guided our graduates to attain this sig-
nificant milestone in their lives. Today
is a testimony to the enduring and
resilient Filipino spirit, to our ability to
stand up again and conquer the odds,
to our innate optimism to see the light
at the end of the tunnel. We see the ray
of hope in the faith and joy we share
with each other even in the most trying
of circumstances. We may be battered
but definitely never defeated.”
332
THE EUROPEAN TIMES
THE PHILIPPINES
Education System Meeting
International Standards
Education has long held a central place in the
political, economic social and cultural life of
the Philippines and is highly valued by the
Filipino population.
Speaking to the Philippine Higher Education Conference in
August this year, Benigno S. Aquino III, President of the Philippines, said, “Education is the best investment that we can
make for our country’s future, which is why it receives priority
status in my administration’s development programmes.”
The Department of Education receives more government
support than any federal agency in the Philippines.
Transition to K-12 system
The Philippines recently undertook a major overhaul of its
education system to bring it in line with education systems
worldwide. Switching from a 10-year basic-education
programme to a K-12 (kindergarten to grade 12) programme
last year, the Philippines had over 20 million students enrolled
in K-12 classes throughout the country as of 2013. The
government continues to invest in the education sector to
reach the ambitious goals of its “Education for All by 2015”
initiative.
34
The K-12 basic education programme in the Philippines is
geared to providing every Filipino child with the education
she or he needs to compete in the global marketplace. Kindergarten was previously optional, and advocates of the
K-12 programme argued that students who go to kindergarten are better prepared for primary education than those
who do not.
The transition to a K-12 system is part of the Aquino
administration’s “10-Point Education Agenda”. The 10
points include K-12 basic education, kindergarten for all,
instruction in mother-tongue languages, reading ability
for each child by grade one, the Madaris (Islamic) educational system as an official sub-system, better teaching
of science and mathematics, government assistance to
private education, better textbooks, more schools, and
technical and vocational instruction in public high schools
(secondary schools).
The commitment to building more schools addresses the
overcrowding the education system has faced. In October
THE EUROPEAN TIMES
Education
Sector
2013, the Department of Education signed an agreement
with two winning consortia which will build around 10,000
classrooms. As in other sectors of the economy, the Philippines is promoting public-private partnerships for creating
more and better educational infrastructure.
The focus on vocational and technical education in
secondary schools aims to address high unemployment
among young people in the Philippines. The Philippines’
Technical Education and Skills Development Authority
(TESDA) implemented a new K-12 technical-vocational
curriculum at the beginning of the 2014 school year.
TESDA Secretary Joel Villanueva comments, “Technical-vocational education and training (TVET) will play
a central role in the new education model that prepares
students for tertiary education, middle-skills development,
employment and entrepreneurship.”
Global education hub
As it continues to upgrade its education sector, the Philippines is positioning itself as an international education hub
and a study destination of choice for students from the AsiaPacific region and beyond. In 2013, over 47,500 foreign
students were studying in the Philippines, a 14% rise over the
previous year. Some of those students chose the Philippines
to study English, and the government is hoping to boost ESL
student numbers by making it easier for these students to stay
in the Philippines as they learn.
Higher-education institutions are also being upgraded.
According to the Philippines’ Commission on Higher
Education, the country now has 2,299 higher-education institutions, of which 656 are public and 1,643 are
private. Both public and private higher-education institutions in the Philippines can apply for accreditation, which
is voluntary. As of 2013, 484 higher-education institutions
were accredited, of which 230 were public and 254 were
private.
Accreditation of all schools in the Philippines is handled
by the Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools,
Colleges and Universities (PAASCU), a private, non-profit
corporation founded in 1957. PAASCU is one of the
three founding members of the Federation of Accrediting
Agencies of the Philippines (FAAP), which was established
in 1977 and is authorised by the Commission on Higher
Education (CHED) to certify the levels of accredited
programs for the purpose of granting progressive deregulation and other benefits. PAASCU is a member of the
International Network for Quality Assurance Agencies in
Higher Education (INQAAHE) and of the Asia-Pacific
Quality Network (APQN). PAASCU also partners with the
Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and
the National Committee on Foreign Medical Education
and Accreditation (NCFMEA) in the US.
Preparing students for global challenges
Commenting on the need to continue to improve the
Philippines’ education system, President Aquino noted
in his speech in August, “We are well on our way to
making basic education in the Philippines on par with
international standards. Now we are pursuing reforms
to elevate the quality of higher learning in the Philippines.” He added, “May we equip our citizens with the
knowledge and skills that will allow them to navigate the
obstacles of our present milieu, and succeed and flourish
in a rapidly changing, exceedingly dynamic, and highly
competitive world.”
35
THE EUROPEAN TIMES
THE
MASTER
PHILIPPINES
REGIO
Physicians’ Organisation
Playing Key Role in Healthcare
Development
The Philippine College of Physicians (PCP) has long played a
crucial role in the Philippinesʼ healthcare sector. As Dr. Priscilla B.
Caguioa, President, explains, “The Philippine College of Physicians
is an exceptionally dynamic institution and is without a doubt
the premier organisation of internal medicine in the Philippines.
The PCP also differentiates itself from other healthcare groups
in that it is primarily an academic organisation.”
The PCP has helped to drive through many innovations in
the Philippines’ healthcare sector, including the reproductive
health bill to expand birth control and a current anti-smoking
campaign. In addition to its support for regulatory advances
and preventive medicine, the PCP is involved in a wide array
of community-service projects, including providing considerable assistance for the victims of natural disasters. Dr.
Priscilla Caguioa says, “The Philippine College of Physicians has done a lot of workin the provinces, where facilities and accessibility to education remain a great challenge in
poverty stricken areas. Not only do we educate students; we
also thoroughly educate teachers. This helps communities by
equipping them with the tools to help themselves.”
Strong supporter of Department of
Health’s projects
Although it is a private-sector organisation, the Philippine
College of Physicians strongly supports the Filipino government’s efforts to showcase the strengths of the national
healthcare industry. “It is crucial for both the public and the
private sector to work hand in hand in order for the Filipino
healthcare sector to improve and grow to its full potential.
It is therefore imperative for us to stand alongside Secretary
Ona of the Department of Health to promote and showcase
the healthcare industry of the Philippines to Europe, along
with the continuation of partnerships with other private-sec-
136
tor institutions, such as the Philippine Medical Association,”
Dr. Priscilla Caguioa says.
In addition to its cooperation with other Filipino groups,
the Philippine College of Physicians has formed partnerships with institutions throughout Asia and the US, however
looking towards the future, it is particularly interested in
working with European organisations. Dr. Priscilla Caguioa
points out, “We see great potential for the healthcare
industry in Europe and we would like the Philippine College
of Physicians to be better known among European healthcare professionals.”
With some 10,000 member physicians working all over the
Philippines, the Philippine College of Physicians is a true
voice of the country’s healthcare professionals. Dr. Priscilla
Caguioa concludes, “As internists we are exceptionally close
to our patients, we are a dynamic organization, we have
young and aggressive minds, and our powerful advocacy
activities are expanding.”
Philippine College of Physicians
Units 2201-2203, 22 Floor One San Miguel Ave. Bldg
San Miguel Ave. cor. Shaw Blvd.
Ortigas Center, Pasig City
Tel.: +63 2 910 2250/2252/2253/2254
[email protected], www.pcp.org.ph
THE EUROPEAN TIMES
Sector
Education
Helping Special Children
Live Fuller Lives
Prestigious University
Links East and West
The Childʼs World Foundation helps children with
De
and Director Evelina Mendoza Tan, who is herself
ago, exemplifies the high quality of education in
special needs live fuller, happier lives. Founder
legally blind, explains that the foundation she
created in 1982 aims “to foster competence in the
childʼs dealing with life, not only at the intellectual
level, but also in all aspects of the self: physical,
emotional, creative, social and cognitive.Children
are helped to live comfortably with others and to
master and safely express their feelings.”
La
Salle
University
(DLSU),
a
Catholic
university founded in France almost 400 years
the Philippines and serves as a bridge between
western and eastern cultures..
De La Salle Brother Ricky P.
Laguda FSC, President and
Chancellor, points out, “The
Philippines brings East and
West together, and DLSU
can be a perfect, adaptable
environment for all types
of people from around the
world.”
DLSU is particularly well
known for its business and
engineering programs and
for its productive partnerships with industry. The uni- Brother Ricky P. Laguda FSC,
President and Chancellor
versity stands out from others
in the Philippines through its openness to other cultures and
its presence in more than 80 countries.
Evelina Mendoza Tan
The foundation serves as a school for preschoolers, and special-needs children as well as a residence facility for persons
with disability. It offers speech, occupational, emotional,
trauma and behavioural therapy as well as supplementary programmes like diagnostic evaluation, psychometric
services, training and seminars for parents, trips outside the
school, theatrical productions, a Special Olympics, and much
more. The Child’s World Foundation supports education for
all; 75% of its students attend on scholarships.
Evelina Tan, whose inspirational leadership is a key reason
for the foundation’s success, is looking for European partnerships to help Child’s World Foundation continue to expand
its services. She says, “After 32 years, countless children have
made Child’s World special by developing themselves to their
full potential. We invite like-minded advocates to join us in
our journey, and we promise a truly fulfilling experience.”
Student and faculty exchanges
De La Salle Brother Ricky P. Laguda FSC would like to
strengthen DLSU’s international ties. He says, “I would like
to see more students from Europe studying here and more
of our students studying in European universities. I strongly
believe that our top DLSU students are on par with those
from the top 1% of Europe’s highly ranked institutions.”
DLSU also welcomes research partnerships with foreign universities and private companies and is very open to faculty
exchanges. De La Salle University aims to be a leading
learner-centered research University that bridges faith and
scholarship at the service of transforming the society.
De La Salle University, Manila campus
2401 Taft Avenue, Malate, Manila 0922
Tel.: +63 2 521 9094, +63 2 524 4611, local: 801, 802, 803
[email protected], www.dlsu.edu.ph
371
THE EUROPEAN TIMES
THE PHILIPPINES
• High-Quality Healthcare for All
Health
“The most important reform has been
to make healthcare a growth driver of
the Philippines.”
Dr. Enrique T. Ona, Secretary of Health
38
THE EUROPEAN TIMES
MASTER REGIO
THE EUROPEAN TIMES
Health
Secretary of Health Highlights
Recent Progress in Healthcare
© Department of Health
through a single insurance wherein
the poor would be enrolled through
a premium paid for and shared by
the national and local governments.
In practice, the majority of the local
governments were unable to afford
their share. As a result, many of the
poor were not enrolled. When the
new administration took over in 2010,
our mantra was to include the previously overlooked poorest segment of
the population, which included some
5.2 million households, or around 25
million people. This is one-quarter of
the population of the Philippines.”
Dr. Enrique T. Ona, the Philippinesʼ Secretary of Health, oversees
the Aquino administrationʼs ambitious healthcare projects,
including universal healthcare coverage through the Philippine
Health Insurance Corporation, PhilHealth. Singling out the most
important recent advances in the Philippinesʼ healthcare sector,
he says, “The most important reform has been to make healthcare
a growth driver of the Philippines. Essentially, our ambition is to
make sure that all Filipinos, especially the poor, are included
in our national health-insurance programme.” Today, 81% of
the countryʼs population receives healthcare coverage through
PhilHealth.
PhilHealth now covering
81% of population
The PhilHealth programme, which
replaced an earlier system protecting
workers, began in 1995 with a new law
that stated that all Filipinos should be
protected by national health insurance
1
within 15 years. In 2010, however, only
around 54% of the population was
covered.
Dr. Enrique T. Ona explains, “PhilHealth mandated that every Filipino,
meaning both the formal and
informal sector, would be enrolled
Dr. Enrique T. Ona notes that one
challenge for the PhilHealth programme
has been to inform the poorest members
of the population, many of whom have
no fixed address, that they are eligible
for healthcare protection. He adds,
“Our population counts roughly 97
million people, and it is our assumption
today that we have covered the poorest
layer of society through PhilHealth.
However, there is still a large layer, the
so-called ‘near poor’, that are not yet
enrolled. The projected number of
families from this layer is 14.7 million,
essentially 58.8 million Filipinos. We
hope to have them enrolled by the end
of this year.”
Focus on rural healthcare
services
The Secretary notes that the government
has significantly increased its healthcare
spending. He says, “Our Health Facility
Enhancement Programme (HFEP) sets
targets for budget allocation to improve
our healthcare facilities through 2016.”
39
THE EUROPEAN TIMES
THE PHILIPPINES
THE EUROPEAN TIMES
Sector
Much of this funding will go towards
improving healthcare services and
promoting preventive care in rural
areas. Dr. Enrique T. Ona says, “Rural
healthcare units are the backbone of our
primary healthcare system.” He adds,
“We are making significant amounts of
funds available to ensure the placement
of the right doctors in the right areas.
While we have sufficient doctors in the
Philippines, you will find that around
70% are in urban areas.”
Foreign partners welcome
The Philippines’ healthcare system
benefits from strong support from
partners abroad, Dr. Enrique T. Ona
explains. He says, “We will receive a
total of around €50 million in foreign
assistance for our healthcare system in
2014, mainly for capacity-building.”
The Secretary of Health welcomes
foreign healthcare enterprises to get
involved in public-private-partnership
projects in the Philippines’ healthcare
sector. He says, “The Philippines has
partnered with the United Nations
Economic Commission for Europe
(UNECE) to turn Manila, and the Philippines, into a centre for public-private
partnerships. The modernisation of
our Department of Health hospital is
one healthcare project open to PPP
investments. We are also about to start
our first major PPP for the Philippines’
orthopaedic centre. In addition to that,
we have around 25 other major government hospitals open to PPPs.”
The Department of Health continues
to set new goals, including stepping
up the fight against malaria, dengue
fever, leptospirosis, rabies, and HIV/
AIDS. “By 2016, we aim to have 40
provinces malaria-free,” the Secretary
points out. He adds, “As for HIV, we
are proposing certain amendments to
the HIV law to ensure better reporting
and prevention.” Developing medical
40
tourism is another goal for the Department of Health, although the secretary
says, “We leave the implementation to
the private sector, as all our attention
is currently required to reach universal
healthcare and help the poor. We are
pleased to note that we have several
hospitals that have received international and ISO accreditations.”
While challenges remain, Dr. Enrique
T. Ona notes the many recent successes
in the government’s drive to improve
the nation’s healthcare. He says, “We
have been able to pass a major law
on the funding of healthcare through
increased taxes on alcohol and
tobacco products, we have passed the
Reproductive Health and Responsible
Parenthood Act to address maternal
and infant mortality, and we have
made universal healthcare for all
mandatory through PhilHealth. This
administration has reached a number
of major achievements on the healthcare front.”
2
THE EUROPEAN TIMES
Health
Pharmaceutical Leader Helps
Filipinos Be Well
Global healthcare leader MSD (Merck Sharp & Dohme) is
committed to making a positive difference in the Philippines.
Dr. Beaver R. Tamesis, M.D. President and Managing Director
of MSD Philippines, explains, “At the end of the day, MSD
genuinely works to improve the health of the Filipino people
in partnership with the Department of Health and in support
of Universal Health Care. We are always mindful of what will be
relevant to Filipinos and our contribution to public health. My
job is not just to make sure I hit our business targets, but also
to make sure MSD helps the people of the Philippines be well by
living healthier and more productive lives.”
Dr. Beaver R. Tamesis, M.D. President and
Managing Director MSD Philippines
MSD has established a reputation as
a company that provides innovative
solutions in the pharmaceutical sector.
The company entered the market
with a focus on cardiovascular treatments and vaccines. In addition, MSD
was the first pharmaceutical company
in the Philippines to provide healthcare research facilities for physicians.
Dr. Tamesis notes, “In 1995 when
we started this, Internet research was
limited so we opened libraries both in
and outside hospitals to provide scientific journals and resource materials.
Other companies later copied MSD but
we were the first.”
One of the biggest healthcare challenges the Philippines faces is in its MDG
goal of reducing the rate of mothers
dying during childbirth. To help the
country meet this challenge, MSD has
introduced an innovative solution to
help mothers space their births. The
1
hormonal implant is effective for three
years and offers a cost-effective alternative to the daily pill which is difficult for
women to access particularly those living
in rural areas. Another area where MSD
contributes to public health is through
its portfolio of vaccines which prevent
death and disease such as pneumonia,
rotavirus, measles, mumps, rubella and
cervical cancer and other hpv diseases.
Outstanding investment
potential
Dr. Beaver Tamesis points out that
the Philippines has already made
great progress in improving its healthcare sector and that the country offers
excellent investment potential. He says,
“MSD Philippines has shown that it is
certainly possible to be very successful
here in the Philippines, while remaining
ethical with strong values and integrity.
The opportunities here are endless and
the Philippines is a world-class place to
do business. MSD’s success in the Philippines is a message to all the other big
players out there that the Philippines is
open and ready for investors.”
MSD has made a long-term commitment to making life better for the
people of the Philippines. Dr. Tamesis
says proudly, “A recent survey showed
something staggering. Through MSD’s
products and projects, including lifesaving vaccines, each individual Merck
employee saves 1,500 lives. Just think
about that. If I am contributing to
saving lives, I can sleep well at night.”
MSD Philippines
26 Floor, Philamlife Tower
8767 Paseo de Roxas, Makati City 1226
Tel.: +63 2 784 9500
[email protected]
www.msd.com.ph
41
THE EUROPEAN TIMES
THE PHILIPPINES
High-Quality
Healthcare
for All
Providing high-quality healthcare for all
is one of the primary goals of the Aquino
administration.
While
the
Philippinesʼ
healthcare system continues to face many
challenges, it is making impressive progress
thanks to the governmentʼs reform measures.
In June 2013, President Aquino signed a law to provide
universal healthcare in the Philippines through the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth). The law
mandates a national health-insurance program as the means
for the healthy to help pay for the care of the sick, and for
those who can afford medical care to subsidise those who
cannot. Today, over 80% of the Filipino population has
signed up for PhilHealth.
Stepping up investment in healthcare
The government is also stepping up its investment in
healthcare. According to the 2012 Philippines Health
Service Delivery Profile, a collaboration between the
Department of Health and the World Health Organisation (WHO), only four of the 17 regions of the Philippines had an acceptable hospital-bed-to-population ratio.
To cope with this and other challenges, the government’s
2014 budget for healthcare is almost 50% higher than the
2013 allocation.
health personnel in some communities. “This new system
addresses two issues: thousands of nurses and midwives
now have jobs and an opportunity to gain valuable work
experience; at the same time, millions of our countrymen now have increased access to quality healthcare,”
President Aquino pointed out in his 2012 State of the
Union speech.
The Aquino government has also developed programmes
to upgrade the quality of medical personnel. In 2012,
the Department of Health launched Registered Nurses
for Health Enhancement and Local Service (RNHeals), a
training programme to send nurses to unserved or underserved areas of the country to cope with a lack of public-
The Department of Health has also developed new programmes to deal with specific health issues, including a 2013
campaign against pneumonia. Through this initiative, free
vaccinations against the respiratory infection were given to
some 2.4 million infants between the ages of six months and
one year. The Department of Health has also added other
42
THE EUROPEAN TIMES
Health
Sector
vaccines to its Expanded Programme on Immunisation,
including a Rotavirus vaccine.
In addition, the new Mandatory Infants and Children Health
Immunisation programme requires local health centres and
public hospitals to provide free vaccinations for children
five years of age and younger to protect them against eight
specific diseases as well as others that may be determined by
the Secretary of Health in the future. The Aquino administration has also launched a new Reproductive Health law
which is designed to address the problem of maternal and
infant mortality, especially for the poor and near poor.
New “sin tax” to finance universal
healthcare
The Aquino administration’s new “Sin Tax” levies additional
taxes on alcohol and tobacco and uses the revenues from
these taxes to finance expanded healthcare coverage for the
poor through the PhilHealth programme. The income from
the new tax will also fund the construction of new clinics and
hospitals.
The Philippines has been steadily implementing world-class
standards in both public and private healthcare institutions. Highly ranked hospitals include the Medical Centre
in Alabang, the Asian Hospital, the Makati Medical Centre,
the Medical City in Ortigas, and St. Lukes Medical Centre
in Quezon City, all considered equal to hospitals in Europe
and the US. Both public and private hospitals are available
throughout the country, although private hospitals, which are
more expensive for patients, are located mainly in key cities.
The Philippines also has tertiary hospitals equipped with the
latest medical technologies.
Highly trained medical personnel
Medical practitioners in the Philippines are generally
graduates of the top universities in the country and most of
them have studied in US medical schools. Many doctors in
the Philippines have practiced medicine in the US. Filipino
nurses are also trained by nursing schools that have excellent
standards.
In the pharmaceuticals sector, the Bureau of Food and Drugs
must approve all drugs sold in the Philippines. Pharmacies
around the country are staffed by professional pharmacists
who have studied and trained in top medical schools, and
these pharmacists follow stringent regulations concerning
sales of drugs which can only be sold with a prescription.
Destination for medical tourism
With its high-quality healthcare facilities, services and
personnel, the Philippines is positioning itself as a destination for medical tourism. Medical treatments provided by top
healthcare centres in the Philippines are generally of the same
quality as in the US, Europe and other parts of the developed
world, but at much lower costs. An additional plus is that
healthcare professionals in the Philippines speak English.
The Philippines welcomes private investment in the healthcare sector and is creating public-private partnerships
for healthcare projects. As President Aquino points out,
“Ensuring that our citizens get the best medical care is the
shared task of government and the private sector.”
43
THE EUROPEAN TIMES
THE PHILIPPINES
St. Luke’s Medical Center:
Among The World’s Best Hospitals
St. Lukeʼs Medical Center has been recognised as one of the top
hospitals in the world and remains to be the standard of excellence in
Philippine healthcare. Its internationally trained physicians and medical
professionals, using the latest medical equipment and technologies,
have made St. Lukeʼs the first medical centre in the Philippines to
receive JCI accreditation for its consistent adherence to international
standards. It has likewise been awarded as one of the worldʼs “Best
Hospitals”, a recognition given by the Diplomatic Council, a Europeanbased advocacy organisation.
Dr. Edgardo R. Cortez, President and
CEO, further explains: “One thing that
really sets St. Luke’s apart from all other
hospitals in the Philippines is that we have
the widest array of modern services.”
Proving this are medical success rates comparable to and even better than those of the
best hospitals in the world. St. Luke’s has
achieved a 100% procedural success rate
in transcatheter aortic valve replacement
(TAVR), a 98% success rate in coronary
artery bypass graft surgery, a 99% success
rate in open-heart surgery, in-vitro fertilisation clinical pregnancy rate of 47%, which
is higher than the world average of 31%,
and a 98.9% survival rate for coronary
angioplasty and stenting.
Complementing its exemplary success rates
are the use of state-of-the-art equipment
like the third generation da Vinci Si Surgical
System (the most advanced robotic surgical
technology today), PET-CT Scan (the only
two existing machines in the Philippines
are found in St. Luke’s), and the 256-slice
CT Scan, are just a few examples of the
cutting edge tools at the disposal of the hospital’s world class doctors.
In addition to advanced and breakthrough
treatments, St. Luke’s focuses on excellent
patient care through its dedicated Patient
Experience Officers who provide personalised assistance to patients’ medical and
non-medical needs.
St. Luke’s is steadily moving to be the top
choice for international medical tourism.
Both hospitals of St. Luke’s were
certified for Excellence in Medical
Tourism and Quality in International Patient Care by TEMOS,
Dr. Edgardo R. Cortez, M.D., President and CEO
a German-based healthcare accrediting
organisation. Dr. Cortez adds, “We have
been named the best hospital for medical
tourism, and our facilities are the perfect
setting for healing and recovery.”
St. Luke’s also remains optimistic about
its steadily growing reputation abroad
and its partnerships with healthcare
institutions in Europe, North America,
the Middle East, Asia Pacific and other
regions. “Partnerships in healthcare can
benefit both sides and further improve
patient care.” Dr. Cortez states.
St. Lukeʼs Quezon City
279 E. Rodriguez Sr. Boulevard
Quezon City 1112
Trunk Line connecting all departments:
+63 2 723 0101, +63 2 723 0301
[email protected]
St. Lukeʼs Global City
32nd St. Bonifacio Global City
Taguig City 1634
Tel.: +63 2 789 7700
[email protected]
www.stlukesmedicalcenter.com.ph
1
44
THE EUROPEAN TIMES
• Attracting Visitors and Bringing Benefits of Tourism to Locals
• It’s More Fun in the Philippines
Tourism
“Filipinos have a genuine sense of
welcoming people and making them
feel at ease.”
Ramon R. Jimenez Jr.,
Secretary of the Department of Tourism
45
THE EUROPEAN TIMES
THE PHILIPPINES
Attracting Visitors and Bringing
Benefits of Tourism to Locals
Defining what sets this campaign apart from the tourism
marketing of other countries in the Asia-Pacific, Secretary
Jimenez says, “Our idea is not for tourists to come and watch
the Philippines but rather to come and join in. I think that our
message is authentic in the sense that we decided to only promote
what we have, nothing else. And the best asset of our country is
above all our people. Filipino people will be at the heart of any
traveller’s experience here.” He adds, “Filipinos have a genuine
sense of welcoming people and making them feel at ease.”
Tourism campaign strongly supported by
locals
The “It’s more fun in the Philippines” campaign has a big
presence on social media and has been strongly supported
by Filipinos. Secretary Jimenez says, “The Department of
Tourism has 7.49 million Filipinos following our website
and campaign. This means that all Filipinos are becoming
ambassadors of our country.”
Ramon R. Jimenez Jr., Secretary of the
Department of Tourism, is a member of the
board of the Pacific Asia Travel Association
(PATA)
and
previously
served
as
Vice
President and Executive Creative Director
at Ace-Saatchi & Saatchi advertising agency
in Manila. He has played a key role in the
success of the Philippinesʼ recent global
tourism-promotion campaign, whose tag
line is “Itʼs more fun in the Philippines”.
46
Secretary Jimenez notes that in addition to promoting the
Philippines, the Department of Tourism is focussing on
improving the country’s tourism infrastructure and on establishing new air connections to make getting to the Philippines easier. He says, “For domestic tourism, the priority
is infrastructure. Our challenge is to form as much and as
many links with other government offices as possible so as to
arrive at needed capacities. The current crowding of airports
is good news from an arrivals standpoint, but outgrowing
capacity will be a problem.”
Making sure tourism benefits Filipinos
Better tourism infrastructure will also help bring the benefits
of tourism revenues to more Filipinos. Secretary Jimenez
points out, “People in Cavite can take part in tourist booms
in Laguna and vice versa, because transport between these
two provinces is highly developed. However, even in successful tourist areas like Cebu City and Mactan, outlying regions
are still among the most depressed because they do not have
the connections and facilities to help them participate.”
THE EUROPEAN TIMES
Tourism
Sector
In fact, the Department of Tourism is currently focussing
more and more on making sure that the tourism industry
benefits the local population. Secretary Jimenez explains,
“The single biggest shift in thinking on tourism lately has
been the reassessment of how it can spread its benefits more
inclusively, create jobs and help alleviate poverty. Out of
that has come a new paradigm where inclusiveness is not
the objective but the strategy, meaning we will create jobs
at the planning stage and not expect them to be generated
afterwards.”
Part of this effort will include reorienting tourism-infrastructure development to support Filipino suppliers of
tourism-related products and services, such as producers
of souvenirs or sellers of farm-to-table produce. Another
goal for the Department of Tourism is to promote incentives for investors in locations around the country which
have tourism attractions but lack facilities to support
tourism.
High-potential niches
Secretary Jimenez highlights several tourism niches which
offer particularly strong growth potential in the Philippines.
He says, “The niche with the biggest potential for growth
is eco-tourism. Whether as an accident of history or the
result of periods of under-development, most of the country
remains well preserved. There are clusters of biodiversity that present tremendous opportunities to develop that
niche. This becomes increasingly important as social media
develop, and new generations of travellers arrive wishing to
be part of something ecologically sound. As close to Manila
as Dumaguete, the mountainous area of Twin Lakes (only a
short trip from town) is home to 345 bird species – a great
opportunity to attract a bird-watching market.”
Health tourism is another niche market with promise thanks
to the Philippines’ high-quality healthcare professionals,
state-of-the-art technologies and medical facilities, and lower
costs for medical treatments than in many other countries.
Secretary Jimenez cites opportunities in cancer care,
dentistry, orthopaedics and other specialities.
As part of its tourism development, the Philippines is
forging regional partnerships. Secretary Jimenez explains,
“The Philippines is joining hands with Singapore and
Malaysia in many ways. In marketing, for example, we sell
Singapore and the Philippines at the same time, as each is
an extension of the other’s value. As Singapore tries to get
tourists to stay longer, they are giving them the option to
visit Boracay or Cebu on the same trip, boosting jobs and
revenue for both countries. To ease border crossing, we are
working towards a smart visa or single ASEAN visa.” As
Secretary Jimenez points out, the Philippines continues to
roll out the welcome mat for visitors.
47
THE EUROPEAN TIMES
THE
MASTER
PHILIPPINES
REGIO
‘Green’ Luxury Inspired by
Mother Nature
Cocoon Boutique Hotel offers a special
kind of luxury inspired by Mother Nature.
The hotel is named for one of the most
perfect dwellings in existence: the cocoon.
Cocoon Boutique Hotel cocoons its guests
in luxurious amenities, pampers them with a
choice of food and beverage options, helps
them host successful meetings and events
of all kinds, and rejuvenates their bodies
and spirits with cutting-edge facilities that
include a swimming pool, a spa, an aesthetic
clinic and more.
What really makes this innovative property exceptional,
however, are its “green” elements, from LED lighting
to recycled rainwater, eco-insulation, recycled building
materials and natural cooling systems. Owner Gigi Vinzon
says, “Manila has a lot of hotels, so being unique is vital.
Cocoon Boutique Hotel is the definition of unique. Our
guiding principle is our ‘green’ appeal. We are the first truly
‘green’ hotel in the Philippines. The wood in our reception
area is all recycled, and the water we use for washing and
gardening is recycled rainwater. No other hotel in the Philippines can come close to that.”
148
Award-winning service
The hotel’s well-trained staff members take genuine pleasure
in providing personalised service with a smile. Gigi Vinzon
points out, “Other than the green aspect, our hotel’s competitive edge is our service, which is second to none. When you
visit Cocoon Boutique Hotel, you will experience pure luxury.
Many European tourists spend a few days in Manila before
going to the Philippines’ island resorts. Cocoon Boutique
Hotel is the perfect base for these travellers, because they
can stay in Manila yet feel that they are already in a resort
thanks to the boutique luxury that we provide.” Cocoon
Boutique Hotel has won a number of awards, including on
Trip Advisor, and has been named one of the top hotels in
the Philippines for its exemplary service.
THE EUROPEAN TIMES
Tourism
Cocoon Boutique Hotel is ideally located in Quezon City,
one of Metropolitan Manila’s most prestigious neighbourhoods. Set in the affluent South Triangle area near Timog
Avenue, the hotel is only two blocks from Tomas Morato
Avenue, known for its many shops, restaurants, cultural
attractions and entertainment venues.
The hotel offers a choice of rooms and suites, each with
top-of-the-line bedding and linens, elegant furnishings, highspeed Internet connections, a safe, a mini-bar, and many
other amenities. All rooms are non-smoking.
Wide choice of food and beverage options
Cocoon Boutique Hotel’s food and beverage options range
from Abuela’s Coffeeshop and The Deck Breakfast Venue
to The Deck Bar, Il Duello Ristorante, Paire Cocktails &
Pastries, and My SerendipiTea. The hotel also offers a
swimming pool, an exercise room, Iris Spa and Nail Art, Peps
Silvestre Salon, the Mulberry Shop of Flowers and Finds,
and the Nouvelle Aesthetic Clinic, which provides cosmetic
surgery and other services in a luxurious setting. For meetings
and events, Cocoon Boutique Hotel has a choice of flexible
rooms equipped with the latest technologies.
tination and to supporting the local community; the hotel
partners with a local school for children with special needs.
“It is very important to us to give back to the Philippines,”
Gigi Vinzon explains. She adds, “A lot of tourists come to our
country to experience the Philippines and Filipino culture.
Cocoon Boutique Hotel is a Filipino brand, an entirely Filipino-owned business. We offer the true feel of local culture.”
The hotel’s additional perks include 24-hour concierge
service, 24-hour room service, valet parking, a business
centre, laundry and dry-cleaning, and more. The hotel’s
dedicated staff members fulfil all requests promptly, from
making hotel, car-hire and airline reservations to providing
baby-sitting, arranging meetings and events, giving advice on
things to see and do in the Philippines, and other support.
Cocoon Boutique Hotel welcomes both individuals and
groups from all over the world. Gigi Vinzon notes, “We are
incredibly open to creating partnerships with European institutions. We recently welcomed a group from Greenpeace
who were very happy with their stay here. We would like
to attract more visitors who wish to experience an entirely
different kind of hotel which puts the focus on green luxury
and service.” Building on the success of Cocoon Boutique
Hotel, the hotel’s owners are currently building another
property, The Hive, which will also be exceptionally environmentally friendly and will provide outstanding service.
As a 100% Filipino-owned hotel, Cocoon Boutique Hotel is
committed to promoting the Philippines as a tourism des-
Open to international partnerships
Gigi Vinzon invites European travellers to discover the Philippines and to stay at Cocoon Boutique Hotel. To potential
visitors, she says, “When you come here, you will see that our
country’s tourism slogan is true. It really is more fun in the
Philippines! Our country is one of those places that should
be on every traveller’s bucket list. The Philippines has so
much to offer, and Cocoon Boutique Hotel is the ideal base
in Manila.”
Cocoon Boutique Hotel
61 Scout Tobias corner Scout Rallos Streets
Bgy Laging Handa, Quezon City 1103
Tel.: +63 2 921 2706 to 08
[email protected] - www.thecocoonhotel.com
492
THE EUROPEAN TIMES
THE PHILIPPINES
It’s More Fun in the Philippines
Boracay island
More and more international travellers are choosing the Philippines. Travel & Leisure Magazine named the Philippines one of
its “Hottest Travel Destinations of 2013”, while White Beach in
Boracay on the Philippine island of Visayas was named the Trip
Advisor Traveller’s Choice “best beach” last year.
Most outstanding Asia-Pacific destination
It really is more fun in the Philippines, as the
Department of Tourismʼs marketing campaign
promises. This beautiful country made up
of more than 7,000 islands offers gorgeous
beaches, a rich cultural heritage, fantastic
possibilities for eco-tourism, vibrant cities,
fabulous
food,
friendly
English-speaking
people, great shopping, opportunities for all
kinds of sports and adventure tourism, and
excellent services for executive travellers and
the MICE travel segment.
Adding to these accolades, the Philippines was recently
named the “Most Outstanding Destination in the AsiaPacific Region” by Travel Trade Gazette. When he accepted
the award, Ramon Jimenez, Secretary of Tourism for the
Philippines, commented, “This award belongs to all Filipinos.
It is the Filipino people that have made the Department of
Tourism’s marketing campaign a true and accurate description of the active role every Filipino plays in ensuring a successful and enjoyable visit to the Philippines.”
Ramon Jimenez anticipates a 15% growth in tourism revenues
for the Philippines in 2014, and the Department of Tourism
recently launched its “Visit Philippines 2015” initiative, which
includes numerous major events scheduled for next year. The
Department of Tourism has singled out five key tourism themes
to be promoted in the Philippines in 2015; these are business
meetings; history and culture; lifestyle and entertainment; music
and the arts; and sports, adventure and eco-tourism.
In boosting its tourism numbers, the Philippines is increasingly promoting its unique cultural appeal. Myrna Seguismondo, chair-person of the National Food Showdown,
recently commented on the Philippines’ winning combination of beautiful scenery and great food. She says, “Our local
cuisines will complement our scenic tourist destinations and
will translate to a robust growth in our country’s tourism
industry.” The Philippines is known for the vibrant regional
cuisines of such areas as Pampango, Illongo, Bicolano and
Ilocano, all with popular culinary specialties that reflect the
country’s multicultural heritage.
Wide range of unique attractions
Some of the top attractions for visitors to the Philippines
include Tubbataha Reef in the Sulu Sea, a marine sanctuary
50
THE EUROPEAN TIMES
Sector
The Mayon Volcano on Luzon island
protected as the Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park. The
reef is made up of two atolls, North Atoll and South Atoll,
and is one of the most popular dive sites in the Philippines.
San Agustin Church in Manila is one of the country’s most
popular historic landmarks. Built in 1589, this beautiful
church has survived earthquakes and fires and is the oldest
stone church in the Philippines. Its ceiling was painted in the
1800s by Italian artists.
Mayon Volcano, rising more than 2,400 m above sea level,
is the most active volcano in the country and has a perfectly
symmetrical cone shape. Visitors can enjoy a number of
activities in the area, including climbing, hiking, bird-watching and photography.
Malapascua Island is popular for its diving spots and for being
the only place in the world to see thresher sharks on a regular
basis, as well as manta rays and hammerheads. The island also
has beautiful, white-sand beaches and colourful coral gardens.
Sunset in El Nido, Palawan
Puerto Galera, just south of Manila, is a charming resort
town known for its gorgeous beaches as well as for its
shopping, dining, nightlife and hotel accommodations.
Another popular attraction is the natural harbour of Muelle
Bay with its shops, restaurants and bars. Visitors can also
snorkel to see some of Asia’s best coral reefs or dive among
old shipwrecks.
Ideal eco-tourism choice
Puerto Princesa on Palawa Island is an ideal eco-tourism
destination thanks to its unspoiled landscapes rich in wildlife
as well as its navigable underground river, the longest in the
world. Guided paddle-boat tours give visitors a chance to see
unique cave formations.
Donsol, in Sorsogon province, has pristine beaches, stunning
waterfalls and unexplored caves. Between November and
June, visitors can see the whale sharks that come to the area.
Tourists can also take a boat cruise along the Donsol River
through mangrove and palm trees, or participate in a traditional shrimp-catching expedition.
Boracay is a paradise for beach-lovers. This small island has
award-winning beaches, beautiful resorts and exceptional adventure-tourism opportunities, from cliff diving to parasailing, motorbiking, horseback-riding, snorkelling, kite-surfing and scuba-diving. It is also known for its stunning sunsets, volcanic caves, remote
coves bathed in turquoise water, and vibrant nightlife.
The spectacular Banaue Rice Terraces, carved from
mountain ranges about 2,000 years ago by Ifugao tribes,
are still used by locals to cultivate rice and vegetables. These
verdant green terraces reaching to the sky illustrate the long
history and exciting tourism appeal of the Philippines today.
51
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