Government Allocates P5 Billion Budget to Support Sugar Industry in Negros Occidental

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has approved a substantial budget of P5 billion aimed at directly purchasing sugar from farmers in the Philippines, particularly in Negros Occidental. This decision comes amidst a troubling decline in millgate sugar prices in the region.

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DTI Sets Ambitious 2024 Export Targets Amidst Market Challenges

Trade Secretary Alfredo “Fred” Pascual set a higher target for Philippine exports in 2024 to align with last year’s export target under the Philippine Export Development Plan (PEDP) 2023-2028. The country needs to attain about 40% growth in export value from 2023 to catch up with the PEDP target; however, market projections suggest an increase of approximately 10% this year. The 10-percent export growth target surpasses the 5 to 6-percent export growth that the Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. (PHILEXPORT) had projected.

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BOC Implements Full ATIGA e-CO Form D Issuance and Acceptance

Following Customs Memorandum Circular (CMC) 212-2023, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) started implementing the full issuance and acceptance of the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA) Electronic Certificate of Origin (e-CO) Form D by the start of the year, 2024.

All exporters are advised to create an account in the eCO portal.

In reference to Indonesia’s Priority Economic Deliverbale (PED), under its ASEAN 2023 Chairmanship, ASEAN Member States (AMS) may only issue and accept e-FORM D to claim or grant ATIGA tariff preference. Paper-based CO may only be used in case of system downtime in the National Single Window (NSW) or the ASEAN Single Window (ASW). 

The EDC Networking Committee on Trade on Policies and Procedures Simplification fully supports the implementation of ATIGA e-CO Form D issuance as part of BOC’s modernization and trade facilitation initiatives. AGPM

PBBM inks the Ease of Paying Taxes Act

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has officially signed the Republic Act No. 11976, also known as the Ease of Paying Taxes Act, into law. This legislation aims to enhance government revenue collection by implementing digitalization initiatives. It introduced administrative tax reforms and amended various sections of the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997. Additionally, it modernizes the Philippine taxation system by adopting best practices and replacing outdated procedures.

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PNP-Firearms and Explosives Office: Advancements, Achievements, and Future Initiatives in Explosives Regulation

The Philippine National Police-Firearms and Explosives Office (PNP-FEO), through the Explosives Management Division (EMD), recently provided crucial updates on the Regulations and Control of Explosives, Explosive Ingredients (EEIs), Controlled Chemicals (CCs), and Firecrackers and Pyrotechnic Devices (FCPDs).

The EMD highlighted their Accomplishments for the CY 2023. Notably, there was a significant increase in the issuance of licenses and permits, totaling 5,924 and amounting to PHP 28,164,221.38. This represents a noteworthy surge compared to the fees collected in 2022, which amounted to PHP 25,798,680.88.

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Transforming Trade: The Intermodal Revolution in the Philippines’ Logistics Landscape

Intermodal Transportation is a transformative approach in the movement of goods, it is a significant progress towards enhancing the Philippines’ logistics infrastructure and advancing its global trade competitiveness.

It is defined as transporting goods in a single container using two or more modes of transportation (ex., rail and truck, airfreight, and sea freight). This innovative initiative will heighten efficiency and cost-effectiveness in the transportation of goods across the archipelago.

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DTI-PTTC Leads Trainings for Nation Building Program

The Training for Nation Building Program, organized by the Department of Trade and Industry’s Philippine Trade Training Center (DTI-PTTC), encompasses a range of training initiatives designed to assist MSMEs as well as emerging entrepreneurs. 

PTTC–Global MSME Academy, serving as the training arm of DTI, is dedicated to delivering extensive training and capacity-building programs. These initiatives are designed to foster MSMEs’ development, growth, and innovation. Throughout its existence, PTTC-GMEA has been a leader in providing growth-oriented MSMEs with essential skills and knowledge. Doing so empowers them to attain global entrepreneurial excellence, positioning them at the forefront of the international business landscape.

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PH continues toward a robust economic future

The Philippine economic growth is anticipated to maintain a promising performance despite facing a challenging economic and financial environment throughout 2023. Economic managers, such as the Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC), assume a Philippine growth rate of 6.5 to 7.5 percent in 2024. The projected growth is expected to be driven by strong private consumption, supported by the expected return of inflation within the target range, falling oil prices, robust public spending, more significant investments lured by the country’s sound macroeconomic fundamentals, investment-grade credit rating, and the implementation of structural reforms, and increased demand for Philippine exports as supply chain bottlenecks ease.

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Fostering Economic Growth: ARTA’s Drive for Efficient Partnerships and Investment Opportunities

The Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) recently conducted an Economic and Ease of Doing Business briefing to strengthen strategic investment and promote economic opportunities. The event featured Secretary Frederick D. Go, the newly appointed Special Assistant to the President (SAPIEA) for Investment and Economic Affairs.

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