The 2020 Summer Quarterly

I N S I D E : I N T H E S E E X T R A O R D I N A RY T I M E S

N O. 67 I VOLUME 11 MAY I JUNE I JULY 2020 SUMMER QUARTERLY ISSUE

The Economic Resilience of the Philippines

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Your Land. Your Home. Your Country.

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AGR ICULT U R AL I R ESID ENTI A L I COM ME RCI AL I IN DU ST RI AL PremierAsiaPacific.com I Info@PremierAsiaPacific.com (PH) +63-905-453-7004 I (USA) +1-213-596-5970 ISSUE 67 I BalikbayanMagazine.com I The 2020 Summer Quarterly— 03

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE I KEEPING A JOURNAL

In These Extraordinary Times Combating COVID-19 these past few months has certainly been quite challenging—and possibly the most challenging not only for our company’s nearly 30 year history but in our respective, individual generations. We have lived through 9/11, survived our way through the Great Economic Recession, Earth shaking typhoons in the Philippines, geopolitical wars, and the digital revolution disrupting our beloved print industry, amongst other pressing social matters. As the pandemic grows and more people require critical news and information, we want to take this time to let you know that we are here for you.

Whether you’re a small, medium, or large business giving your all to keep the doors open, or if you lost a loved one, or are struggling mentally and physically.

Reach out to us. Although we may be socially distant at this time, it’s important to be emotionally, spiritually, and intellectually connected.

This is a challenge of unprecedented proportions—unknown terrain. We remain profoundly grateful to each of you— all of your tireless work that you are doing every single day whether you are simply staying home, on the frontlines, donating to your local community, or simply sending money back home to the Philippines so that your loved ones can get through this crisis. Thank you for reading and interacting with us.

We began our career in the news media industry for the opportunity to inform, empower, uplift, and entertain you—the Global Filipino Community—to be a part of something greater than ourselves. At times, in normal day-to-day life, it can be hard to see the difference you make and the lives you touch. That you do make a difference should now be tremendously clear to you all. Being a part of the Asian Journal has always meant being a part of something larger—something beyond just a job or your go to news platform—that bayanihan spirit. It is in extraordinary moments like these when the world recognizes how much factual news and information truly matters—that agenda-less, credible journalism still exists.

You are now part of something that will be remembered forever in history, and each day you contribute or pick up our community newspapers at your local supermarket or our magazine at your regional Philippine Embassy, that every moment an article is printed and published online, you are making a massive difference. We need you, the Filipino community needs you, our business associates and partners need you—now more than ever.

What comes in the days, weeks, and months ahead are unknown, and storms of fear and anxiety may abound. But we shall stand together. There is also an opportunity to rise to these new and unprecedented challenges of human endeavors. It is within these days that the names of you—the everyday heroes may be forgotten in the chaos of it all but your actions will echo in history—the effort you put forth every day will inspire for all to follow. These are the days when people become heroes, newspapers become necessary elements of saving society, and communities become the beacons for hope. You are those heroes.

Together, we will create those sanctuaries and we will lead and support.

Let’s think about all those health care professionals fighting on the frontlines— the doctors, the nurses, the caregivers who migrated around the World knowing that they have a trusted news platform to support them and give them confidence.

Realise this: we will get through this just as we have. We will push forward.

But we need your strength and resolve to do it. Every member of the Asian Journal family from audience to editorial team is important—no matter your role, you are absolutely vital and we are in this together.

During moments like these, we have never been prouder of the global Filipino community for your resilience and courage. The work you do is as inspiring to us as it is to all.

As always, we are here for you as you are here for us, and it is our top priority to support you in your invaluable work. But you must also take care of yourself and your loved ones, and kababayans. Every aspect of our lives is being turned upside down.

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So, if you need anything at all, reach out to us. Let’s remember to take the best care of ourselves and each other as best as we possibly can.

The work you are doing is sustaining our community together as we always have out of every challenging time. The Filipino community across the World indeed see our collective efforts and deeply appreciate the resiliency. We hope that you feel, as we do, tremendous pride.

We have never been prouder to take on and share these challenges with you at the Asian Journal.

God Bless you all and your families and friends.

Marching on,

Roger Oriel CEO & Publisher Asian Journal Media Group

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History I Through the Lens President Rodrigo Roa Duterte holds a meeting with members of the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Emerging Infectious Diseases at the Malago Clubhouse in MalacaĂąang on May 25, 2020.

Ace Morandante, Presidential Photo

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Features I Leaders

Solidarity & Cooperation in the Battle Against Coronavirus —Leadership

Speech of Former Speaker Jose de Venecia, Founding Chairman and Chairman of Standing Committee, International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP) Co-Chairman, International Association of Parliamentarians for Peace (IAPP); Special Envoy of the President to the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) and for Intercultural Dialogue at the ICAPP Special Conference on May 22, 2020.

TOPIC The Impact of the COVID-19 and the Role of the Asian Political Parties Excellencies, Dear Friends: The 21st Century can be described as a period of transformations, a stage of epochal changes.

Every aspect of ordinary life is being challenged: our security by extremist terrorism; conventional economics by the unintended consequences of globalization; accustomed politics by a great wave of populist rebellion; familiar environment by climate change; and most recently, our health and well-being by a deadly global plague.

GLOBAL IMPACT OF CORONAVIRUS As of today, the Covid-19 pandemic has infected some 4.8 million people and claimed more than 320,000 human lives in 216 countries and territories worldwide, and they are increasing.

The pandemic has also slowed down global trade and tourism as a result of the lockdown imposed by our respective countries in order to contain the spread of the virus. The move is necessary as lives are of utmost importance, but it has resulted in economic downturn, massive unemployment and loss of livelihood.

The World Trade Organization (WTO), in a report last April 8, 2020, stated the following: “(1) World merchandise trade is set to plummet by between 13 and 32% in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic; “(2) Nearly all regions will suffer double-digit declines in trade volumes in 2020, with exports from North America and Asia hit hardest; “(3) Trade will likely fall steeper in sectors with complex value chains, particularly electronics and automotive products; “(4) Services trade may be most directly affected by COVID-19 through transport and travel restrictions; “(5) A 2021 recovery in trade is expected, but dependent on the duration of the outbreak and the effectiveness of the policy responses.”

For its part, the U.N. World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), in a statement last May 7, 2020, said that “international tourism was down 22%” during the first quarter of this year “and could decline by 60-80% over the whole year,” that would result in the loss of millions of jobs worldwide.

It added that “arrivals in March dropped sharply by 57% following the start of a lockdown in many countries, as well as the widespread introduction of travel restrictions and the closure of airports and national borders. This translates into a loss of 67 million international arrivals and about US$80 billion in receipts (exports in tourism).”

The World Trade Organization, however, pointed out that “If countries work together, we will see a much faster recovery than if each country goes it alone.”

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A ‘BORDERLESS’ WORLD Dear friends: The state of the world today is far different than what it was when it last experienced a pandemic of this magnitude, which many say is the so-called “Spanish flu” in 1918, which reportedly killed some 40 million people worldwide.

Today, global supply chains, rising technology, and unparalleled tourism, among others, have in essence rendered our world “borderless.”

We now live in a global community and face a unique set of challenges and opportunities. Defeating Coronavirus, therefore, requires global effort.

SOLIDARITY AND COOPERATION IN THE BATTLE AGAINST COVID-19 In the face of this deadly threat which transcends national, regional and even hemispheric boundaries, there is a greater need for regional organizations like ours, the International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP), to promote solidarity and cooperation among countries, as no nation can solely face this global health emergency.

Our role as political parties is essential as we serve as the vehicles of people’s participation and aspirations. We constitute the government and parliament.

We are the bridge between policy and people.

We must work together if we are to contain, and surmount, this gigantic clear and present lethal danger to the health and well-being of the peoples around the world and the global economy.

ICAPP to Facilitate Sharing of Information and Best Practices We in ICAPP, through the Seoulbased ICAPP Secretariat headed by the able and hardworking Secretary General Park Ro-byug, can facilitate the sharing of information, experience and best practices among countries in the fight against Covid-19 and other pandemics and health emergencies that may arise in the future.

Through ICAPP, our respective countries can also exchange strategies and measures on rebuilding lives, communities and economies that have been shattered by the Coronavirus scourge, as it is the next gargantuan challenge to countries and the international community.

“Through the law that our Congress enacted, called the “Bayanihan to Heal as One,” the government is spending Two Hundred Seventy-Five Billion Pesos (P275 billion) or some Five point Forty-Three Billion Dollars (US$5.43 billion) to provide emergency cash aid for two months to 18 million low-income families; grant wage subsidies to embattled local workers and overseas Filipino workers who have lost their jobs due to the worldwide pandemic; give health workers a special risk allowance; and provide financial assistance for the medical costs of Filipinos who are infected by the Coronavirus.”

Perhaps our 350 member-political parties may serve as our “contact points” in the 52 countries in Asia.

COOPERATION AMONG INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS Dear friends: We are pleased to point out that last April 14, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) and the Asean Plus Three (China, South Korea and Japan) conducted a video conference on how to strengthen cooperation, especially in the areas of health and economy, in battling the Covid-19.

We have seen similar efforts by other regional organizations like the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), European Union (EU), African Union (AU), and our ICAPP partner-organization, the Permanent Conference of Political Parties of Latin America and the Caribbean (COPPPAL).

The International Association of Parliamentarians for Peace (IAPP), where we are privileged to serve as Co-Chairman with former 30-year U.S. Congressman Dan Burton, is also undertaking ways and means of cooperation among parliamentarians in the fight against the Coronavirus plague.

ECONOMIC STIMULI ALONGSIDE HEALTH AND SAFETY MEASURES We also wish to underscore the importance of fiscal incentives and economic programs to be tackled alongside safety and health measures by governments and parliaments around the world.

In my country, the Philippines, our government has declared a state of health emergency and placed our na-

tion’s capital, Metro Manila, and other areas of the country, under lockdown since midnight of March 15 to curb the spread of Covid-19. Strict measures, like curfew from 8 PM to 5 AM daily, have been enforced.

Community quarantine facilities for Coronavirus patients who are asymptomatic and with mild symptoms as well as for persons who may be required to undergo the mandatory 14-day quarantine; and Covid-19 testing laboratories have been established in Metro Manila and across the country, through partnerships between the government and private sector.

Through the law that our Congress enacted, called the “Bayanihan to Heal as One,” the government is spending Two Hundred Seventy-Five Billion Pesos (P275 billion) or some Five point Forty-Three Billion Dollars (US$5.43 billion) to provide emergency cash aid for two months to 18 million low-income families; grant wage subsidies to embattled local workers and overseas Filipino workers who have lost their jobs due to the worldwide pandemic; give health workers a special risk allowance; and provide financial assistance for the medical costs of Filipinos who are infected by the Coronavirus.

An economic stimulus package, amounting to One point Seventy-Four Trillion Pesos (P1.74 trillion) or some Thirty-Four point Thirty-Five Billion Dollars (US$34.35 billion) is being discussed to address the impact of the pandemic on the country’s economy.

The planned program includes funding for health care, education, agriculture and infrastructure; and providing

assistance to distraught Filipino workers and businesses, especially the micro, small and medium enterprises.

Our President Rodrigo Duterte also offered a reward of Fifty Million Pesos (P50 million) or around One Million Dollars (US$1 million) to embolden Filipino scientists who are trying to develop a vaccine against Covid-19.

The Philippines has also joined 100 other countries in the “Solidarity Trial” spearheaded by the World Health Organization (WHO) to test the safety and effectiveness of possible vaccines that can treat Covid-19.

THE WORLD WILL NEVER BE THE SAME AGAIN Dear friends: Medical experts say that the Coronavirus “may never go away and peoples around the world will have to learn to live with it.”

Indeed, the post-Covid-19 world will never be the same again.

Strength in Unity and a Sense of Shared Purpose Excellencies, dear friends: “These are the times that test men’s souls” wrote philosopher and political theorist Thomas Maine.

In these moments of enormous challenge and uncertainty, we seek strength in unity—and a sense of shared purpose born out of our common history.

Today, we join hands, and together, we shall overcome this pandemic. Together, we shall triumph over this global crisis.

Together, we shall see the dawning of a better future for our peoples, countries, and the world.

Thank you and good day.

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Business I Insights

Professor Enrique Soriano is a World Bank/IFC Governance Consultant, Columnist, Book Author, former Chair and Professor of Global Marketing at the ATENEO Graduate School of Business and a Senior Fellow at the IPMI International Business School in Jakarta. He is a member of the Singapore Institute of Directors and presently sits as Independent Director of Publicly listed Emperador Distillers and Travelers Hotel International (Resorts World Manila). He also sits as Board Advisor to 25 Family Businesses in Asia.

Business Owners Must Never, Never Give Up —Entrepreneur writer Professor Enrique Soriano

As the world economy grounds to a complete halt, a looming recession is at our doorstep and deaths and infections continue to surge everywhere, it is time for business owners to assess the impact of an agonizingly painful journey towards normalcy both on the family and the business aspect.

Looking beyond this lockdown, we can expect that losses will be staggering. We also acknowledge that this unprecedented crisis is wrought with uncertainty. Yes, we can see the tip of the iceberg but we do not know how deep it is. If the infection spread decelerates, we can anticipate that the crisis will be severely felt in the third and fourth quarter of 2020. However, if the pandemic worsens, the economic impact will extend until the end of 2021. While we are all in a state of shock and making sense of this unheard-of disruption, it is important for business leaders to take a step back and make a full assessment on the severity of the impact and immediately plan on how to navigate, weather and hopefully bounce back as quickly as possible.

UPSIDE-DOWN WORLD In a well written Forbes article by globally recognized family business expert and author Prof Dennis Jaffe, he highlighted that “today’s pandemic crisis is turning everyone’s world upside-down in ways that couldn’t have been anticipated just a short time ago. After a half-century of observing and sometimes resisting the increasing pace of change and the many innovations disrupting our behavior, we are now encountering a situation that makes it impossible not to change. However, there appears to be no clear way to reasonably plan what to do next or how to manage the extent of the upheaval. Yet every day we must act and even make some tough choices—despite the lack of any reliable information about the best direction to take.” He further added that “every business, large and small, is feeling threatened, and every family faces deep challenges just to stay afloat.

Without being able to go to work or attend school right now, we cannot imagine how life will return to some sense of normalcy.

That uncertainty and inability to control makes us anxious. And when we’re anxious, we can do impulsive, short-sighted things.”

As a family business advisor, my advise to entrepreneurs and business leaders is straightforward: Never, never give up even when the going gets tough. Sail along despite the headwinds and manage your emotions! When we help turnaround businesses, our go-to-mindset will always be on a long term view but in our current situation, it’s nothing but crafting a short term future. Time can be our friend or foe and speed in decision making is paramount.

Additionally, alignment of strategies with well defined roles within the ownership and management team is extremely important. Every owner must learn how to adapt by constantly tinkering with business models outside his industry.

FOCUS ON SOLUTIONS At this juncture, it is in the best interest of owners to break down the issues so ICU’s (Important, Critical, Urgent) that need immediate intervention is prioritized.

As you start sorting the problems, you can now rationally focus on how you can move forward with a certain degree of confidence. One of the first few items that are usually raised is the current financial state of the business. Understandably, when the lockdown restriction was imposed, most companies experienced a sharp downturn in their top lines. When sales dropped, the natural reaction was to preserve cash while maintaining a workforce. By default, the leadership team should have stepped

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up and prepared a financial and workforce contingency plan outlining the operational aspect of cash flow and human resource management during and post lockdown.

In my ICU interventions since March, sadly most companies did nothing, and their leaders were passive all throughout the lockdown.

INTERVENTIONS Moving forward, any decision that can impact cash must be studied. But preserving cash is one thing, managing the workforce is another significant and sensitive variable in the equation therefore any decision that will impact people must always be thoroughly planned with a strategic intent in mind. Owners must demonstrate empathy toward its employees as work reduction and termination are highly likely options for as long as the crisis continues to compromise business operations. I commiserate with the owners as they are wrestling with many tough decisions – including being forced to let some employees go especially when the same employees may have spent a significant part of their careers in the organization. It is a very delicate balancing act and requires really tough decisions. Apart from cash and workforce planning, there are other key metrics that must be considered. Some of them are highlighted below: 01 Capability and commitment of the leadership team 02 Control of Operating expenses 03 Managing inventory levels 04 Compensation cuts of the senior team 05 Temporary or permanent layoffs 06 Elimination of dividends 07 Rationalizing or deferment of capital acquisitions 08 Communication plan for partners, employees, customers and suppliers For skeptical leaders who think their businesses are so small and feel that contingency planning has no place in their companies, I urge you to think and reflect on this critical initiative. We are experiencing an uncertain environment out there and your inaction coupled with the impact of the COVID-19 virus on most sectors can lead to irreversible damage to your business. Believe me, without a plan, this crisis can take your business out overnight! It does not distinguish between big or small businesses. Just like when you were starting your business, every day was all about survival. That instinct must be reactivated. You must take action, move fast, rise to the challenge and decide on things that you need to do. Now!

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The 2020 Summer Quarterly I The Balikbayan Global Briefing on Global Affairs

6 0 C O U N T R I E S . 101 C I T I E S .

As part of our continued mission to connect, uplift, and empower international Filipinos, Balikbayan Magazine is available for your reading pleasure at 101 local and foreign Philippine embassies, consulates, offices, and outposts through a collaboration with the Department of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines.

— Balikbayan Magazine’s Media Center serves a global audience in 60 Countries throughout the World in order to ignite, drive, and fuel the economic development, progression, and modernisation of the Philippines. Our Media Center curates some of the most critical, vital, useful, entertaining, and sometimes amusing information released from both the public and private sector. Our editorial team strongly believes that a well-rounded and well-informed society is a thriving society.

I) USA 2) CANADA 3) MEXICO 4) PHILIPPINES 5) JAPAN 6) AUSTRALIA 7) EAST TIMOR 8) VIETNAM 9) INDONESIA 10) MALAYSIA 11) INDIA 12) NATION OF BRUNEI 13) CAMBODIA 14) PAPUA NEW GUINEA 15) SOUTH KOREA 16) BANGLADESH 17) NEW ZEALAND 18) MYANMAR 19) LAOS 20) CHINA

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QATAR ISRAEL EGYPT SYRIA IRAQ PAKISTAN SAUDI ARABIA BAHRAIN KUWAIT OMAN IRAN TURKEY LIBYA LEBANON KENYA SOUTH AFRICA NIGERIA CHILE BRAZIL ARGENTINA

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The Briefing I The Economy

Economic Reform Bill ‘CREATE’ Aims to Fuel Investments, Save and Create New Jobs for the Philippines —Taxes Department of Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said on Tuesday, May 26 that now is the best time to reform corporate taxation and modernize the country’s investment incentives system by way of the economic team’s ‘recalibrated’ tax reform package—known as the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises Act (CREATE).

This system is designed to be the largest fiscal stimulus program for businesses in the Philippines’ history. Unlike in past years, CREATE aims to not waste incentives that are extended to businesses—a notion largely considered a win-win situation for both the public and private sector.

Secretary Dominguez said CREATE, which he described as the “most important economic reform in decades,” aims to address the challenges that businesses face in this era of the COVID-19 crisis, by tackling the majority of the concerns raised by business and industry groups regarding Package 2 of the Duterte administration’s comprehensive tax reform program (CTRP).

“Hence, there is no better time to reform our corporate income tax (CIT) system and modernize our fiscal incentives than now.

This could be the most important economic reform in decades.

As the statements of our partners in industry and civil society show, the economy can no longer bear any delay in this reform.

Now is the time do it,” said Philippine Department of Finance Secretary Dominguez.

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The CTRP’s Package 2, or the original Corporate Income Tax and Incentives Rationalization Act (CITIRA), has been dubbed CREATE and reconstructed to make the measure more responsive to the needs of businesses ravaged by the economic devastation brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic and thus improve the country’s ability to attract “highly desirable investments that will serve the public interest,” Dominguez said.

“There are weaknesses in our economic and fiscal policy that constrain our growth and hamper our people from realizing their full potential. If there is anything we have learned from past crises, it is that difficult times train people’s sights on what is necessary and important,” Dominguez said in a virtual press briefing held on May 26 via Zoom.

“Hence, there is no better time to reform our corporate income tax (CIT) system and modernize our fiscal incentives than now. This could be the most important economic reform in decades.

As the statements of our partners in industry and civil society show, the economy can no longer bear any delay in this reform. Now is the time do it,” he added.

Also joining the virtual press briefing were Senator Pia Cayetano and Albay Rep. Joey Salceda, both of whom are the chairpersons of the Senate and House ways and means committees, respectively. >>>

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The Briefing I The Economy

Dominguez thanked the Senate for committing to do its best in getting the recalibrated CREATE bill passed before the sine die adjournment of the Congress next month in June, and the House of Representatives for expressing its openness to adopting a “fiscally responsible Senate version” in order to speed up the approval of the measure and get it implemented by July.

“At this point, every session hour counts, and we thank the Congress for working hard on this historic reform,” Dominguez said.

With CREATE, Dominguez said the economic team has introduced four major reforms under CTRP Package 2, which is topped by the outright cut in the CIT rate from 30% to 25%, making it “the first-ever revenue-eroding package proposed by the Department of Finance (DOF).”

The country’s CIT rate of 30% is the highest in the region.

The CIT will be reduced further by 1% point every year from 2023 to 2027 until it reaches 20% under the CREATE bill.

Another key feature of the CREATE bill is the extension of the sunset period

for current incentive recipients from 2 to 7 years provided under the original CITIRA to 4 to 9 years, to help businesses adjust in this difficult time.

However, incentive recipients who believe that the new system under CREATE is more beneficial may transition to the new system immediately, Dominguez said.

The CREATE bill also extends the net operating loss carryover (NOLCO) for non-large taxpayers from the current three years to five years, which will be credited for losses incurred in 2020.

Dominguez said this enhanced NOLCO will allow as much as 99% of corporate taxpayers to utilize net losses in 2020 as additional deductions to their taxable income from 2021 to 2025.

A fourth feature that the economic team has introduced in the CREATE bill is the flexibility of the Fiscal Incentives Review Board (FIRB), which will be allowed to recommend to the President the grant of longer incentives and additional non-fiscal incentives for deserving investments.

“The rigidity of existing tax incentives system has kept our hands tied in competition for super-investments in

the region. The provision will allow us to tailor-fit our incentives according to the unique needs of specific investments with exceptional benefits to the public interest,” Dominguez said.

“Allow me to emphasize that these changes are made in recognition of the exceptionally tough challenge we face today. Overall, CREATE is a generous proposal that addresses most, if not all, of the concerns raised with us before by businesses and industry groups,” Dominguez added.

However, he made it clear that while there is a need to “proactively make adjustments to help businesses from the taxation side, the proposed amendments outlined in the CREATE bill are for only for a limited period.”

“Once the country’s economic situation improves, our policy response will change accordingly. These amendments, in other words, are on offer for a limited time only,” Dominguez noted.

He said this difficult period triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic might soon see the final stages of nearly 30 years of work to reform the fiscal incentives system and make it performance-based, time-bound, targeted, and transparent.

“Though it has been painful, this crisis has allowed us to see more clearly our country’s strengths and weaknesses,” Dominguez said.

As for the immediate 5-percent cut in the CIT, Dominguez said this will result to a reduction of government revenues in the second half of this year alone estimated at P42 billion pesos that all firms, especially the country’s micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), can use to fund their operations and retain their employees.

For the succeeding 5 years, the DOF’s total estimate is P625 billion in foregone government revenues that these firms can invest in to revitalize their businesses and create more jobs for the country’s young and highly skilled workforce, he added.

“The economic team has been forthright about where the needs of the economy and the means of our government meet. That is why we have introduced changes to the original CITIRA bill to respond to our present difficulties, without compromising the reform’s fundamental principles,” Dominguez noted.

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The Briefing I The Economy two most important resources. Other countries have either, but not both the gift that can propel the economy of any nation like ours. The two most important resources are rich human and natural resources which are both endowed and present in the Philippines. It makes us unique amongst others,” Plaza pointed out during the webinar.

Philippine Economic Zone Authority Director General Charito “Ching” Plaza, PEZA Photo

Philippines’ Investment Advantage for Economic Recovery: The People & Natural Resources —The Economy “The Philippines will be an investment haven in Asia once its two biggest wealth, its human and natural resources, are tapped and responsibly utilized,” said Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) Director General Charito “Ching” Plaza in her speech during the May 20 virtual forum “Free Zone 4.0: The Way Forward, Road to Recovery,” organized by the World Free Zones Organization that tackled the global economic impacts of COVID-19 pandemic.

With 350 international participants from around the globe during the webinar, Plaza discussed how the current COVID crisis affected the Philippines and the measures being taken by the government and particularly by PEZA to cope with the ‘new normal.’

The PEZA Chief has likewise promoted the country’s advantages relatively to other countries in the world and why it is best to invest in the Philippines.

“The Philippines is blessed with the

PH RICH HUMAN CAPITAL, NATURAL RESOURCES According to Plaza, “The Filipino work force is the most sought-after by foreign investors for being young, dynamic, intelligent, equipped with global-knowledge and skills, and English speaking which altogether make them easy to be trained in various industries.

Likewise, Filipinos are known to be friendly, hospitable, and helpful.”

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) data states that in 2019, there is “44.7 million economically active population comprising of either employed or unemployed persons.” Likewise, about a million Filipinos reach the working age of 18 annually.

Plaza stated that “Half of this population are college graduates but, their skills or professional degrees do not match the needs of the industries.” To help better train our workers, PEZA devised a program for the Filipino workforce to cope with the demands of the advancing world.

Under the leadership of Director General Plaza, PEZA’s Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Institute project, in partnership with the state and private universities and colleges, hopes to make our workforce as our nation’s asset. “SEZ institute program seeks to transform our young talented workforce as rich human capital, multi-knowledge, and multi-skilled world-class workers which will surely attract more investors to the country,” Plaza stated.

Plaza added that “The Philippines is

likewise endowed with fertile soil and rich natural resources, which can become different finished products for export. This will allow the completion of the country’s supply chain and sustain the food and other basic needs of the people.”

“It is time for our country to benefit on our own rich resources and to establish ourselves and eradicate our importdependence,” noted the PEZA Chief.

OTHER FACTORS THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED Despite the said two advantages, Plaza lamented that there are other lacking factors that need to be addressed in the country that requires the whole of government approach or support or crucial government agencies. Such includes public works and IT infrastructure, logistics and transportation hubs, and lower power and utilities rates, among others.

“Notwithstanding, PEZA’s incentives have been tried, tested, and proven over the years to attract investors in the country despite our lacking factors. Precisely, it is this context that incentives need to be enhanced to enhance our competitiveness and cope with global crisis, instead lessening it.”

“An investor-friendly incentives and economic policies that will entice huge capital investments, create huge number of jobs, bring in the transfer of technology, develop our millions of hectares idle lands, and create smart towns and cities and new metropolitan areas in the countryside are needed to fill in the lacking factors and help fully industrialize the Philippines,” explained the PEZA Chief.

“Once these efficiency factors are addressed, the skills of our human resources are enhanced, and our natural resources are utilized responsibly, the Philippines will rise as Asia’s investment haven,” said Plaza.

“The Philippines is blessed with the two most important resources. Other countries have either, but not both the gift that can propel the economy of any nation like ours. The two most important resources are rich human and natural resources which are both endowed and present in the Philippines. It makes us unique amongst others,” Plaza pointed out during the webinar.

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The Briefing I The Economy

Report Finds Philippines 7th Best Country in the World to Invest in for 2020 —The Economy

The Philippines scored high in terms of: 1) Constitutional Framework (94.9) 2) Education & Research (94.8) 3) Market Potential (92.8) 4) Trade Openness (91.3) Also measured were: 1) Economic Stability (69.8) 2) Skilled Labor Force (64.61) 3) Government Policies (62.54) The top 10 list of most appealing nations for the investors and business community in the report are: 1) Singapore 2) United Kingdom 3) Poland 4) Indonesia 5) India 6) Australia 7) Philippines 8) United States 9) Malaysia 10) Czech Republic

According to CEO Magazine, the Philippines ranks as the 7th best country in the world to invest in or do business for 2020.

In an article published on April 29 on CEO Magazine’s website, the Philippines scored 81.5 based on their report findings released back in February—a time when several countries were already reporting confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus.

The report, which analyzed 80 countries in terms of business and investment environments. Corruption, freedom, workforce, investor protection, infrastructure, taxes, quality of life, red tape and technological readiness were also among the several factors that were taken into consideration.

The United Arab Emirates ranked 12th, Germany at 16th, China at 31, and Japan at 32nd among the world’s best countries to invest in or do business this year.

“The UK was ranked second followed

by Poland, Indonesia and India; however, it’s important to note the results do not take into consideration the current pandemic and any effects the health crisis may have on the economy,” the CEO Magazine article said.

The Government of the Philippines attributes the country’s top 10 investor ranking to its hard-working workforce, inclusive growth momentum, stable monetary policy, strong anti-corruption drive, and the ambitious “Build, Build, Build” infrastructure program.

President Rodrigo Duterte has also assured that the country remains a safe place to invest in having devoted to ensure the ease of doing business by cracking down on red tape and corruption.

And has continuously exclaimed to the business community to immediately report to his office any bribery attempt or irregularity hounding their investments in the country.

According to the United Nations World Economic Situation and Prospects (WESP) mid-2020 report, the global economy is projected to contract by 3.2 percent this year due to the COVID-19 global pandemic. Reporting that world trade is projected to shrink by nearly 15% this year amid significantly reduced global demand and disruptions of global supply chains. Further added in the UN’s report was that the pandemic will cut global economic output by upwards of USD8.5 trillion over the next two years.

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The Briefing I The Economy

‘Balik Probinsya’ Program Projected to Ignite Real Estate Developments Outside of Metro-Manila —Real Estate

Philippines Projected to Benefit from Ongoing US-China Trade War —The Economy Although the US and China trade war is anticipated to have a minimal impact on the Philippine economy, the overall long-term outlook is seen to be beneficial.

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Benjamin Diokno said bilateral trade with both countries accounts for over 25%t of Philippines’ total exports and imports since last year, primarily on electronics and machinery exports.

Further adding that “even in the context of retaliatory tariffs between the US and China, the country’s exports have remained broadly stable.”

Citing recent data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Diokno said electronics exports account for more than half of the country’s goods exports which “continued to perform well in 2019, notwithstanding its link with global production networks.”

“This phenomenon can be attributed to the Philippines’ low exposure to products targeted directly by US tariff actions against China. The exposure is estimated at a low of 0.5 percent,” he said.

Diokno said this situation explains why the country is among the least impacted economies in the ongoing trade dispute between the world’s largest economies and “supports IMF’s (International Monetary Fund) view that the country’s low participation in global trade as well as in global value chains relative-to-peers seems to explain why the Philippines has not been negatively impacted by the US-China trade war.”

In turn, this as noted by Diokno, “in the long run, the escalation of the USChina trade war and the coronavirus pandemic, could have a positive impact on the Philippine economy.” Adding that “both events have prompted a reevaluation across countries of the existing global supply with firms possibly moving toward reducing dependence on any single country.”

“This current wave of revamping global supply chains opens a window of opportunity for the Philippines to benefit from trade redirection and relocation of production sites,” he said.

Diokno added that “while the Philippines has been recognized as one of the top investment destinations post-COVID-19, the Executive, Congress, and the private sector have to unceasingly do more to further boost the country’s attractiveness to foreign investors.”

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With the Philippine government’s ‘Balik Probinsya’ program, the real estate industry eyes development opportunities outside of Metro Manila in order to create more liveable cities for employees in a post-COVID-19 society.

In a virtual briefing held on May 12, KMC Savills Managing Director Michael McCullough noted that the current work-from-home arrangement adopted by many companies to combat the COVID-19 outbreak will allure property developers to build projects that are more convenient for employees.

The ‘Balik Probinsya’ program was proposed by Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go. The program aims to decongest the National Capital Region (NCR)—a necessary initiative for the government to undertake post-COVID-19.

McCullough also cited that the program will help slow down urbanization in Metro Manila and create more liveable cities in the provinces.

“We are seeing a lot of clients scrabble for decentralized locations. Many of our call center clients have contacted us saying, “We need locations closer to our agents,” he said.

With the COVID-19 global pandemic, McCullough also added that leasing activity is expected to slow down while vacancy rate in office space is projected to increase in Metro-Manila. Metro Manila only delivered new office space supply of 36,500 square meters during this quarter due to construction delays.

For 2020, new office supply in Metro Manila’s central business districts is projected to reach nearly 300,000 square meters, a downgrade from over 700,000 square meters new supply in office spaces the previous year.

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The Briefing I The Economy

Collaborative Efforts Needed to Boost Philippine Trade Industry —Trade As the Philippines continues to overcome the extraordinary impact of the COVID-19 global pandemic and thus the resulting challenges of a significant global economic slowdown, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said the government must intensify trade sector reforms for the economy to be able to prevail.

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported on April 8 that the country’s total merchandise trade contracted by 5.9%, reaching USD 12.5 billion in February 2020.

In a statement, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia said that “The public health emergency we are experiencing emphasizes the need to fast track reforms to facilitate trade by reducing transaction costs. We must

be creative in finding ways to ease the movement of goods and services while we continue to implement measures to combat Covid-19.”

February’s trade performance was primarily caused by the 11.6% decline in imports, even as exports managed a positive growth of 2.8%.

“We must aggressively pursue and prioritize the digitization of import and export documents, with the institutionalization of the TradeNet system as well as the utilization of cashless payments for all government services,” he said.

In February of this year, merchandise exports did continue to expand although slower, but with increased exports of agro-based products, mineral products, petroleum products and manufactured products.

Import performance on the other hand, fell due to lower orders for capital goods, mineral fuels and lubricants, consumer goods, and raw material and intermediate goods.

“While the government has eased the burden to businesses by allowing rent, bills and utilities payment extension, efforts should also be given to help them restart their operations and defray the cost of lost revenues,” he said.

Secretary Pernia said this can be done in the form of temporary reprieve of demurrage and customs fees or waiving of navigational charges for the airline industry—the hardest hit industry as a result of the restrictions placed on travel.

Further, businesses should be advised to formulate and act on their contingency plans that will specifically provide protocols for arising different emergency situations, he said.

“The country’s experience in responding to the Covid-19 pandemic has brought home the crucial importance of synergy of efforts of the government, private sector and citizens. Such cooperation in making limited resources work should be part of the new normal that will emerge after this pandemic,” he added.

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The Briefing I The Economy

The Financial Strength of the Philippines Among the Highest in the World —The Economy A report from The Economist ranks the Philippines 6th out of 66 select emerging world economies with the highest level of financial strength. As recently remarked by Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Benjamin Diokno who said that the report identified the Philippines as among countries with high financial strength validates the authorities’ belief in a robust economic recovery from the COVID-19 global pandemic.

Leading the way on the list was Botswana followed by Taiwan, South Korea, Peru, and Russia. Thailand, Saudi

Arabia, Bangladesh, and China rounded out the Top 10, placing seventh to 10th.

These economies were measured based on the percentage of public debt to gross domestic product (GDP), foreign debt, cost of borrowing, and reserve cover.

Diokno, in a Viber message to journalists on May 1, said the country’s ranking on the list “is consistent with what we’ve been saying all along: the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic hit the Philippines from a position of strength.”

“The Philippines before the COVID-19 crisis was on the road to Arating. We’re not saying that the Philippines has not suffered from this crisis, together with the rest of the world. But our relative position among emerging economies gives us confidence that the Philippines would have a U-shaped bounce-back once the pandemic fades,” he said.

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Diokno accords the strength of the Philippines to the current administration’s “well-crafted economic plan, the close coordination and competence of President (Rodrigo) Duterte’s economic team, and the President’s strong leadership in getting the much-needed legislation passed by Congress.”

Data from the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) indicate that the national government’s total outstanding debt at the end of March reached PHP8.177 trillion with the bulk being accounted for by domestic debt with 33% sourced from external fund sources.

The proportion of the country’s debtto-domestic output also stood at 44.2% as of 2019, down from as high as 78.3% in 1986.

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The Briefing I The Economy For more information about the OBS Global Report visit internationalbudget.org.

Philippines Remains No.1 in Southeast Asia for Budget Transparency —The Economy The Philippines secured the top spot in Southeast Asia for budget transparency after the results of the 2019 Open Budget Survey (OBS) were released last April 29, 2020. The country received an Open Budget Index (OBI) score of 76, maintaining its position as the most fiscally transparent country in the region while ranking 10th place worldwide.

The country’s 2019 OBI score climbed nine notches higher to 76 (out of 100) from 67 in 2017, exceeding the 2019 and 2021 OBI target scores of 67 and 71, respectively, under the Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022. A transparency score of 61 and above implies comprehensive, timely and online publication of all eight (8) key budget documents, including the Mid-Year Review, a feat achieved twice by the country since the onset of the OBS. Said score is also notably higher than the global average score of 45, as well as that of other Asian countries such as Indonesia (70), Japan (62), South Korea (62), and Thailand (61). In terms of global ranking, for the first time, the Philippines made it to the top 10 out of 117 countries surveyed worldwide by the International Budget Partnership (IBP), a substantial jump from its 19th spot in the previous OBS. The OBS is a global biennial survey

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conducted by the IBP which assesses transparency based on the amount and timeliness of information governments make available to the public in eight (8) key budget documents such as the prebudget statement, executive’s budget proposal, enacted budget and citizen’s budget, among others.

For the 2019 round, 7 out of 8 budget documents improved their scores, signifying a more comprehensive and highquality budget information that help support public debate on the national budget.

Aside from transparency, the OBS likewise evaluates public participation in the budget process and budget oversight. The country’s participation score is the sixth highest score worldwide (31 out of 100) and is significantly above the global average score of 14. This implies that the country should increase opportunities for meaningful and inclusive public engagement in the different stages of the budget process.

Moreover, budget oversight remained strong in the Philippines with a composite oversight score of 74 (out of 100), which implies adequate oversight by the Congress and the Commission on Audit during the budget process.

“We are pleased with the results of the OBS and we are very thankful to everyone who exerted extra effort in the process. May we continue finding value in transparency in our work,” Sec. Wendel E. Avisado said.

Moving forward, the Department plans to create an Inter-Agency Task Force on Fiscal Openness for effective and efficient inter-agency coordination on fiscal matters to further improve fiscal transparency and the country’s OBI score.

For more information about the OBS Global Report through this link https:// www.internationalbudget.org/openbudget-survey.

Stay updated with news and information from the Department of Budget and Management by visiting their website at https://www.dbm.gov.ph.

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35

The Briefing I Entrepreneur

Innovate or Die —Entrepreneur writer Professor Enrique Soriano

Business, owners must never give up!

That was the title of my article last week.

It was meant to challenge business owners to do whatever it takes to survive.

With the outbreak getting worse and consumer confidence ebbing, the impact across all industries is expected to stretch for years, forcing many companies to close down and some desperately hanging on to a lifeline by bridging capital to survive the crisis. In emerging Asia, the March quarter results for businesses showed a sharp drop. April and May will be worse and the expected contraction in June will result in a recession for most economies. The domino effect has begun, starting with the economic downturn in China, the world’s secondbiggest economy, contracting for the first time since 1976, right after the cultural revolution. Economies in Europe and the U.S. will follow with a delay of a month or two given that the pandemic started late. But the outbreak has picked up speed and is expected to cause more economic damage.

Even with the impending lifting of the lockdown and the reopening of our economy, the challenge is how owners can overcome the overwhelming pressure of keeping the business afloat despite tremendous losses as opposed to the natural reaction of stopping the bloodbath and closing down the business permanently. We know that companies big and small and in large numbers are declaring a significant drop in profits, net losses, and closures everywhere.

Should owners just preserve cash and let go of their workforce? These decisions are tough and challenging and can test one’s character. With the social and economic disruption happening everywhere, business owners are feeling helpless and in a bind.

WHAT SHOULD OWNERS DO? My challenge is this: Change or be changed! Innovate or die, repurpose or you get left behind! Everything you initiate now is always based on a short term future. Every single day of inaction will further damage the company that you grew from blood, sweat and tears.

I used these quotes to provoke business owners to act swiftly and decisively and to be authentic leaders while leading an impacted organization. In my recent advocacy webinar talk organized by Anvil Business Club, I reiterated the call for business owners to focus on change and

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speed if they are to overcome this crisis.

While exhibiting strong and compassionate leadership, owners should at all times manifest objectivity, plan short to long-term goals, question the current business practices and relentlessly innovate by looking beyond their industries.

The title “Facing Adversity and Thinking Ahead” is attributed to an esteemed academic colleague, Prof. Hiten Muchhala who has written an exceptional article worth reading with the same title.

PLAN AHEAD BEYOND COVID-19 Looking beyond the global health crisis, we recognized that the economic losses will be staggering. We also acknowledge that this prolonged fight to mitigate the impact is wrought with uncertainty. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) warned of “the possibility of severe financial turmoil and financial crises cannot be discounted.” It also raised alarm bells for the Philippine economy forecasting the country’s GDP would lose 0.59 percent or about $1.94 billion (P98.29 billion) and 252,130 would lose their jobs.

With all these extreme uncertainties as the only certainty, the key is to immediately assess the impact, plan your cash flow and your workforce, evaluate the risks, revisit your vision, innovate, implement and pray. This may be the hardest battle you will ever fight!

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The Briefing I Retirement

As Overseas Filipinos Continue Losing Jobs Abroad, Remittance to Drastically Decline —The Economy

American Citizens Giving Up Citizenship Reaches All-Time High —Retirement According to recent data by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Americans renouncing their citizenship has reached a record high this year.

Data released in early May indicated that over two-thousand Americans, 2,909, who currently live abroad have given up their citizenship in the first three months of 2020, a 1,104% increase from the previous three months of 2019 in which total 261 cases were recorded.

In order to let go of citizenship, Americans must pay a $2,350 government fee and must do so in person at the US Embassy in their country.

Presently, it is estimated that 9 million American citizens live outside of the USA.

As per the Newswire.com website, 2,072 Americans ended their citizenship in 2019, with Bambridge Accountants New York, saying that the coronavirus pandemic motivated American expats to cut ties and avoid “onerous” tax reporting.

Alistair Bambridge, partner at Bambridge Accountants New York, said the surge was due to the pandemic, which “allowed individuals to get their affairs in order and deal with an issue they may have been putting off for a while.”

“For US citizens living abroad, they are still required to file US tax returns, potentially pay US tax and report all their foreign bank accounts, investments and pensions held outside the US,” said Bambridge. “For many Americans this intrusion is too much and they make the serious step of renouncing their citizenship as they do not plan to return to live in the US.”

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For the Philippines, remittances are among the significant growth drivers of the economy—accounting for roughly 9% of annual domestic output. However, remittance from overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) this year has been further reduced to 2% by Philippine monetary officials due to the impact of the COVID-19 global pandemic.

On May 15, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Benjamin Diokno said the initial projection of 3% has been slashed to 2.2% – 2.8% or an average of 2.5% last March.

He noted that the earlier cut was made after monetary executives earlier forecasted about 2-8% contraction of remittances from the original target.

“To be on the conservative side, BSP adopted an amended forecast of two percent, which is less than 2.5%. That’s BSP’s latest forecast,” he said.

As a result of the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), thousands of OFWs have been repatriated after losing their jobs overseas.

Diokno noted that “the government has now allowed OFWs to leave the country, except health workers who are most needed at home.” This in turn, is seen to be a good indicator of the remittance inflows, which already posted slower growth last February.

Data released by the central bank Friday showed a 2.5% annual expansion of cash remittances last February to USD2.358 billion, slower than the 6.6%t growth for the previous month of January.

However, Diokno noted that the average remittances to date has grown by 5.6% year-on-year.

“Of course, BSP will continue to closely monitor the level of remittances sent by Filipino overseas workers in addition to other inflows of foreign currencies. And we will continue to release monthly data on such foreign trade and incomes numbers,” he said.

Total cash remittances to the Philippines grew by 4.1% to USD30.133 billion in 2018, higher than the 3% forecast.

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The Briefing I Health

For Global Travel Market, Health Standards to be Deciding Factor for Choosing a Destination —Tourism

In Post-COVID-19 World, Philippine Health Tourism Primed for Significant Growth —Health

As the global travel industry places a particular emphasis on health wellbeing, the Philippines medical tourism industry finds itself in a position for significant growth in a post-pandemic era.

“The DOT right now is looking at health and wellness tourism as one of the niche products that the Philippines can really count on once we recover from this coronavirus disease,” Tourism Assistant Secretary Roberto Alabado III said during the virtual Philippine Health and Wellness Forum 2020.

Alabado further added that niche tourism doesn’t require significant capital in order to generate revenue given that most visitors, particularly foreigners,

are willing to spend large amounts of money to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Although the recovery of the global tourism industry will take months, Alabado said the DOT is now building capacity programs for health and wellness tourism front-liners as well as stakeholders.

“We’re looking at developing new products which would be more on capacity building—we would like to have a Philippine Brand of Service for all frontliners,” he said.

Moreover, wellness establishments will have to adapt to the “new normal”, such as stringent disinfection and sanitation protocols along with compliance of physical distancing guidelines and efficiency of online appointments and consultation.

“For the Department of Tourism, we are looking at a good recovery, not this year, next year pa siguro magsisimula ang international markets natin na pumasok (the entry of our international markets might be some time next year),” he said.

As a result of the COVID-19 global pandemic, health and hygiene standards will be the deciding factor for the global tourism market.

Travel restrictions related to the novel coronavirus are still enforced and constantly evolving for all travel destinations around the World. The great majority of destinations have completely stopped international tourism with some even enforcing curfews amongst other rules and regulations.

Depending on the rapid actions of containment, the length of travel restrictions and closing of borders, the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) projects international tourism to decline from 78% to 58% year on year for 2020—resulting in a loss of USD910 billion to USD1.2 trillion in revenues from international tourism.

Since tourism is one of the most labor critical industries of the global economy, the COVID-19 crisis is projected to put at risk anywhere from 100 million to 120 million tourism jobs directly.

The tourism sector has certainly entered a tremendously difficult era with uncertainty regarding the determination of health rules for the new normal and how to apply them not withstanding the pains of reservation cancellations, personnel management, and financing restructures.

However, tourism is expected to see signs of recovery by the final quarter of 2020 with the gradual opening of international borders and easing of travel restrictions.

While domestic tourism is projected to recover faster than international tourism, the industry hopes to rejuvenate, but in 2021.

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The Briefing I Technology

‘Buy Local’ Campaign Revived in the Philippines —Entrepreneur The Philippine government is reviving the “buy local” campaign due to the Covid-19 pandemic which is transforming the entire business landscape said Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon Lopez.

In an interview with DZRH radio station on May 22, Secretary Lopez said the “buy local” campaign aims to promote products and services of domestic enterprises to help them recover from losses during the two-month lockdown to curb the virus outbreak.

“We will revive the ‘buy local’ campaign to stimulate buying Filipino products. It’s a big help to Filipino entrepreneurs,” he said, noting that the procurement office of the Department of Budget and Management prioritizes buying supplies for COVID-19-related products from the local industry.

Further, Secretary Lopez added that many companies have repurposed their businesses in order to produce critically needed products such as face masks and other personal protective equipment (PPE) to help combat the pandemic.

Also noting that this is also the industry’s actions as a result of several countries’ banning their exports of COVID19-related products to cater to their own needs. Some distilleries have even moved to producing isopropyl and ethyl alcohol to serve the surging local demand.

Garments exporters are now making medical-grade PPE coveralls and face masks while electronics companies are also producing ventilators.

Textile factories, garment plants, yarning spinning mills, electronics assembly plants, injection molding facilities, and prototyping shops are also seen to be repurposed to produce examination and surgical gloves, protective gowns, face shields, particulate respirators, and surgical masks.

Automotive product lines, aerospace manufacturing plants, specialized engineering service, testing facilities, manufacturing technology, and innovation centers, vacuum cleaner assembly, and machining shops can also augment the supplies for clinical care equipment, such as pulse oximeters, nasal oxygen cannula, adult and pediatric ventilators, and mechanical suction pump.

No Digital Platform is Simply Unacceptable for Businesses —Technology Senen M. Perlada, Director of the Department of Trade and Industry-Export Marketing Bureau (DTI-EMB) during a webinar held on April 22 dubbed “Market Adjustments and Sustainability: Where do We Sell from Here?” recommended businesses must look into developing marketspaces, like online platforms, more than geographic spaces during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

“If there’s one thing that the Enhanced Community Quarantine taught us, it’s that we can explore the possibilities in the digital space,” said Perlada.

In the fourth episode of #ResilienceandRecoveryPH eforum series, fellow panelists included Roberto Amores, President of the Philippine Food Processors and Exporters Organization (PHILFOODEX); Sherill Quintana, President of the Philippine Franchise Association (PFA); and Janette Toral, a digital influencer, coach, and trainer.

Philippine Exporters Conferederation, Inc. (PHILEXPORT) Assistant Vice President Ma. Flordeliza Cusi-Leong moderated the discussion.

“We are now driven to accelerate our digital transformation. To thrive during this time, businesses should strengthen their online-to-offline platforms. Customers can buy online and then just have their orders for pickup or delivery,” he added.

Perlada suggested the power of having a winning narrative for your products.

He cited the viral Facebook post last March 11, 2020 that sold 1,600 kg mangoes en route to Manila for the National Food Fair.

In addition to being present in online marketplaces, he also advised that all businesses should have their own website—citing the results of a recent survey conducted by the DTI-EMB, Perlada said that only 40% of exporters have a website.

“Not having a website is okay if you’re selling products or services domestically.

But it is unacceptable if you are exporting to other countries,” he said.

The director disclosed that Philippine exports will see a decline as a result of the global pandemic. “We will get there again, but the focus is domestic,” he explained. On the other hand, he shared that sectors like agriculture, healthcare, logistics, and financial services stand to grow during this quarter.

In terms of export markets, he said that China and South Korea are slowly getting back on track and that exporters to the US are the most impacted. The demand for electronics exports is still high, as the demand for healthcare devices continue on the upswing.

The e-forum was organized by the PHILEXPORT, Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP), Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PRDF), and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI).

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The Briefing I Education

The Philippines Ranks 2nd Best Overall in 2020 Asia Girls’ Leadership Index —Education

#1

SINGAPORE

#2

PHILIPPINES

#3

VIETNAM

#4

THAILAND

The Philippines’s rank is second best in terms of girls’ leadership, this is according to the 2020 Asia Girls’ Report conducted by Plan International, which is a girls’ rights organization.

Despite ranking second overall, the Philippines ranks only 12th and the second lowest in ASEAN in the health domain. The Index attributes this to its very high adolescent birth rate (ranking 16th out of 19 countries) and low rate of family-planning needs met through modern methods (11th of 18). The study reveals that while the Philippines ranks first in laws and policies domain, it is lagging behind with respect to girls’ health— and this is seen to have a long-term impact on its ability to make progress on the sustainable development agenda. The high incidence of adolescent pregnancy is said to account for the inaccessibility of education and economic opportunities for girls, and a significant proportion of maternal and child mortality.

However, the overall rankings still place Philippines in the top 3, next to Singapore (1st) and ahead of Vietnam (3rd).

The 2020 Asia Girls’ Report urges all countries in the region to develop and adopt adolescent girl development frameworks modeled on the groundbreaking work of Lao PDR. Further, the study claims that despite

remarkable progress across the region, targets on gender equality and women empowerment would not be met if urgent investments are not made in all domains contributing to girls’ leadership. Findings show that although some countries are faring better than the others on certain domains, no country is excelling across all domains. Singapore, although ranking highest overall, is behind most of the ASEAN countries when it comes to laws and policies that guarantee girls’ rights.

“With only ten years before time runs out on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals in 2030, Plan International is calling on all countries in Asia to invest in girls now. That is why we are sharing a ground-breaking tool that highlights the specific needs of girls across the region. We invite national governments and multi-lateral bodies to use this tool to take action,” says AnneBirgitte Albrectsen, CEO of Plan International.

Analysing 19 South and Southeast Asian countries’ achievements in girls’ education, economic opportunity, protection, health, political voice, and legal standing, the 2020 Asia Girls Report and Girls’ Leadership Index, launched

by Plan International on March 2, is the first of its kind to consolidate regional data highlighting important investment areas for girls across the region.

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The Briefing I Travel

‘New Normal’ Safety Measures Implemented at Mactan-Cebu International Airport —Traveler GMR MEGAWIDE Cebu Airport Corporation (GMCAC) is ramping up preparations for the “New Normal” travel experience at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) in adherence to the guidelines of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATFEID) and the Department of Transportation (DOTr).

The guidelines issued by both agencies are intended to protect the well-being of the public against the continuing threat of COVID-19.

“GMCAC and the Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA) are implementing stringent preventive health and safety measures at MCIA. This is in preparation for the lifting of travel restrictions and the resumption of flight services in line with airline schedules,” said GMCAC Chief Executive Advisor Andrew AcquaahHarrison.

STRINGENT SAFETY MEASURES Harrison asked for the public’s cooperation in the implementation of these measures at the airport. In particular, he requested for the public’s support in limiting the number of well-wishers for departing passengers to one companion

per passenger. “This will go a long way in helping us avoid close proximity crowding anywhere on the airport premises,” he said.

Among the other safety measures to be implemented at MCIA are the following: 1) Compulsory use of face masks for all passengers and airport employees within the vicinity of Terminal 1, Terminal 2 and adjacent areas All passengers and airport employees are required to always wear face masks and other Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) inside the airport premises.

2) Mandatory body temperature checks All passengers and airport employees must undertake a body temperature scan by airport security staff using handheld thermal devices at all airport entry points. The Bureau of Quarantine will continuously monitor the body temperature of arriving passengers through thermal imaging systems.

3) Hand sanitizing and shoe disinfection for all passengers and employees prior to terminal entry Passengers and airport staff must sanitize their hands and disinfect their shoes before entering the airport terminals. Hand sanitizers and footbaths are provided at all entry points.

4) Social distancing protocols will be strictly enforced in all terminal areas Required social distancing of three (3) to six (6) feet in queuing points and a one-seat-apart policy in waiting areas will be implemented. There will be visible floor markings to guide the passengers while queueing at high-traffic areas such as entry gates, ticketing booths, check-in counters, F&B and retail stores, boarding gates, escalators and stairs. Moreover, the use of the elevators will be regulated to conform to social distancing protocols.

Airport procedures such as security checks and check-in will be modified to adopt “no-touch measures” to reduce any means of contact.

Passengers will be asked to follow gradual aircraft boarding and disembarkation procedures to avoid any queue formation and congestion. All passengers and employees are reminded to always keep right when traversing walkways and lanes.

5) Regular disinfection of passenger areas and terminal facilities High-touch surfaces on escalators, in elevators, stairways, passenger boarding bridges, restrooms, and items that are physically handled by passengers such as baggage trolleys and security trays at the security screening points will be regularly sanitized.

Passenger areas such as departure boarding gates, arrival reclaim halls, and

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The Briefing I Travel immigration passport control area will be disinfected at regular intervals.

Additional alcohol-based hand sanitizers will be installed in public areas of the terminals for the use of passengers and airport employees. Moreover, liquid hand soap in all restrooms will be replaced with medical-grade handwash soap for thorough disinfection.

6) A protective clear shield will be fitted and installed in all check-in counters to serve as a protective barrier between the passenger and the check-in agent.

7) Medical Isolation Room The isolated holding areas that have been in place since the onset of the COVID-19 outbreak will continue to be used as a medical isolation room where personnel from the Bureau of Quarantine can conduct quarantine assessment.

8) Posting of health information materials and safety reminders in strategic locations Health advisories based on guidance materials from the IATF-EID, Department of Health, and the World Health Organization will be displayed in strategic locations to provide passengers with ample information on COVID-19.

Health announcements and reminders on social distancing will be made every 30 minutes inside the airport terminals. Information, education, and communication campaigns will be continuously conducted for airport employees to build a culture of safety against COVID-19.

GMCAC is in close coordination with the MCIAA and relevant government authorities, airlines, and other MCIA community stakeholders for the organized implementation of the “new normal� measures. Harrison also requested airport stakeholders to review and modify their policies and procedures to adhere to the IATF and DOTR guidelines.

With these measures in place, GMCAC and the entire MCIA community look forward to welcoming passengers and tourists as they travel again to and from Cebu.

Infographic by Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority

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The Briefing I Culture

At a Time of Crisis, the World-Renowned “Filipino Brand of Service” Rises to the Occasion —Culture The Department of Tourism, in close coordination with several government agencies have assisted 35,502 tourists, of which 26,550 are foreign and 8,952 are domestic, either in getting them home, whether by land, sea and air travel, or providing them with food and accommodation. All of which stays true to the government’s commitment to sustaining its well regarded and internationally renowned Filipino brand of hospitality and service.

This, after the DOT earned words of appreciation from the stranded foreign tourists and their respective embassies for assistance provided during this COVID-19 pandemic.

“We welcome these kind words and take upon ourselves the challenge to continue showing our tourists the unique Filipino hospitality even in these trying times,” Tourism chief Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said. “The collective effort of the DOT made all the difficult tasks possible,” she added.

According to Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Teodoro L. Locsin Jr., foreign embassies and consuls said that “’the Philippines stands out for the care and concern and help that they did.”

The DOT-NCR Team hands out MalasaKITS to arriving passengers at NAIA

British national Kelly Matthews retrieves her passport with the assistance of DOT-MIMAROPA and the Bureau of Immigration.

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The DOT Region 10 assists both local and foreign tourists departing via sweeper flights.

“We showed goodwill when we have the chance to demonstrate it, they are so grateful to Secretary Berna for the extraordinary work she did to get the stranded nationals out,” Secretary Locsin added.

The Netherlands Embassy relayed that “we are immensely grateful for the dedication that these Philippine organizations have shown to getting people on their way to their homes in Europe.”

“Thank you for trying to help us and helping so many other travelers get to Manila. You and your team provided an incredible service. You are a hero.

From the bottom our hearts, THANK YOU!!!” said Gwylym White, a rescued Canadian citizen.

In some cases, the DOT took the extra mile in ensuring that the guests did not miss their flights, such is the case of Kelly Matthews, a British national who sent a letter of appreciation to the DOT- MIMAROPA Team. “Thank you for your assistance in retrieving our passports from the Bureau of Immigration in Puerto Princesa. “ On the other hand, the Australian Embassy relayed that “the tourists are so impressed and grateful for all your efforts. It has been truly inspiring to see you and all your team at work. And what a brilliant result! Thank you all so much!”

Earlier last month, the DOT in cooperation with private airlines mounted sweeper flights for local tourists carrying some 1,000 strandees to Metro Manila and other provinces.

“We are also not forgetting our kababayans, the local tourists, wanting to get home. We are in close coordination with the different local government units and national agencies on how to help them,” Secretary Puyat added.

Qualified local tourists whose air and land tickets were cancelled due to the quarantine were also provided with one-time financial assistance through the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) and the various Regional Offices of the DOT throughout the country.

“We are hopeful that in spite of being in the middle of these trying times, the guests that we have helped will remember the fun that they had when they were here, and that when all of this is over, the Philippines will still be on top of their bucket lists to revisit,” enthused Puyat.

Photos by the Department of Tourism

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The Briefing I Travel

Government Helps Over 20,000 Tourists Stranded in the Philippines Return Home —Traveler Well over 1,000 domestic tourists who were stranded in various tourist destinations in the Philippines have safely returned home to mostly in Metro Manila through the valiant assistance of the Department of Tourism (DOT).

Last April 28, the DOT was given approval by the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) to charter and fund sweeper flights for qualified stranded local tourists from other regions to the National Capital Region (NCR).

“We are thankful for the opportunity to respond alongside the front-liners who persevere to attend to the needs of the public under these difficult circumstances. The DOT prioritizes the safety and security of stranded international and local tourists as they return home,” said Secretary Puyat.

A total of 1,049 distressed travelers reached Manila in succeeding schedules.

180 tourists arrived from Puerto Princesa, 60 from El Nido and 144 from Boracay.

136 tourists from Region 13 flew in from Butuan, including stranded visitors in Siargao, Surigao City and Cagayan de Oro City. 150 tourists who returned from Region 6 arrived from Iloilo City, including travelers from Bacolod, Antique and Capiz, and from Region 7, while 177 arrived from Mactan-Cebu.

The biggest group of travelers came from the combined collection from Region 11 and Region 12. A total of 201 stranded domestic tourists in Davao and Soccsksargen Regions boarded the

A rapid anti-body test is administered to a traveler, as part of the measures to ensure easy tracing of possible case of COVID-19 infection.

Arriving domestic tourists undergo a briefing

by Jennifer O. Factora, Head, NCR Airport Reception and Information Unit of DOT-NCR before they board their respective buses.

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Davao-Manila sweeper flight sponsored by the DOT. The 169 passengers from all over Davao Region and 33 passengers from Soccsksargen Region had been stranded in Mindanao for a total of 48 days since the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) was enforced in Manila and in Mindanao, said Director Tanya Rabat-Tan of Region 11.

DOT-NCR Regional Director Woodrow C. Maquiling, Jr., added that the returning travelers were subjected to rapid anti-body testing at the airport.

None of them tested positive for the Coronavirus.

Seven buses, complete with DOT-accredited tour guides on board, chartered by the regional office brought home those residing in Metro Manila areas.

Complementing the chartered buses were three buses from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and five e-jeepneys from the Department of Transportation Sec. Puyat assured that the domestic tourists were given the Unimpeded Pass to use all the way to their respective residential communities, in coordination with the different local government units (LGUs) of Metro Manila through the NCR-Tourism Officers Association (NCR-TOA), the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the Office of the Civil Defense-NCR (OCD-NCR).

Bus stops were designated as drop-off points including: Manila City Hall, for those residing in Manila; SM Hypermarket (formerly Gotesco) in Caloocan; Centris, Quezon City; Makati Ave. corner Paseo de Roxas, Makati; Mandaluyong City Hall; and Muntinlupa City Hall.

Buses bound for SM Clark shuttled all Northbound passengers, with the following bus stops: Balintawak toll gate; NLEX Shell gas station in Balagtas, Bulacan; and Dau exit.

Meanwhile, non-NCR residents were transported by their respective local government units’ services.

As of this writing the DOT has assisted some 22,264 foreign visitors and 2,505 local tourists stranded in the past month-and-half under ECQ, by arranging sweeper flights from various domestic gateways and facilitating repatriation flights mounted by foreign governments.

Photos by the Department of Tourism

Photo by the Department of Tourism

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Features I Arts & Culture

FAIREST

By Meredith Talusan

7 New Filipino-American Books to Read for 2020 —Books Now approaching thee months into stay-at-home orders, people all around the World have found ways to fill their “free time,” whether through learning a new language, painting, cooking, or gardening.

Another method has been diving into a good book as a means to escape the outside world. Book purchases grew 777% in the first half of April, compared to the same period in March, according to Rakuten data.

At the beginning of this year, the Asian Journal published a list of titles

by Filipino and Filipino American authors to watch out for in 2020. Already, the following books we mentioned have been released: “The Vanished Birds” by Simon Jimenez ( January 14); “Wicked as You Wish” by Rin Chupeco (March 3) ; “How to Make Friends with the Sea” by Tanya Guerrero (March 31); and “Any Day with You” by Mae Respicio (May 5).

Additionally, we’ve seen the releases of “Once Upon a Sunset” (March 3) by Army nurse turned romance novelist, Tif Marcelo; “The Easy Filipino Cookbook: 100 Classics Made Simple” (March 24) by chef Roline Casper; “Raising Multiracial Children: Tools for Nurturing Identity in a Racialized World” (April 28) by Filipina-Pakistani author and diversity and inclusion specialist Farzana Nayani; and “We Dream of Space” by Newbery Award-winning children’s author Erin Entrada Kelly.

As there’s no end in sight (yet) for when quarantine measures will be lifted, here are several books — from fiction to memoirs — by Fil-Am authors set to hit shelves and e-readers this summer.

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This coming-of-age memoir by award-winning author and journalist Meredith Talusan chronicles the journey of a precocious boy with albinism in the Philippines who would migrate to the United States, study at Harvard and transition to become a woman. Navigating through race, class, colorism and belonging within the gay community, “Talusan shares poignant and powerful episodes of desirability and love,” according to publisher Viking. “Her evocative reflections will shift our own perceptions of love, identity, gender, and the fairness of life.”

WHERE DREAMS DESCEND

By Janella Angeles In “Where Dreams Descend” — the first book in Fil-Am writer Janella Angeles’ Kingdom of Cards fantasy duology — readers will be transported to a city covered in ice and ruin where a group of magicians embarks on a series of games in search of the next headliner of the Conquering Circus. There’s romance, secrecy and unseen danger along the way as we meet Kallia, a powerful showgirl out to prove she’s the best no matter the cost; Jack, the enigmatic keeper of the club and more than one lie told; and Demarco, the brooding judge with a past he can no longer hide.

THE GROOM WILL KEEP HIS NAME

By Matt Ortile The debut collection of essays covering topics, such as dating, identity and sexuality, comes from Matt Ortile, managing editor of Catapult magazine. Releasing this June by Bold Type Books, an imprint of Hachette, “The Groom Will Keep His Name” charts Ortile’s journey moving from Manila to Las Vegas and the experience of being bullied for his skin tone, Filipino accent and femininity. The essays explore the idea of social media personas and ultimately, lead to a realization of “radical self-love.”

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Features I Arts & Culture

YOU CAN’T DO IT ALONE: A WIDOW’S JOURNEY THROUGH LOSS, GRIEF, AND LIFE AFTER

By Maria Quiban Whitesell When faced with her husband Sean Whitesell’s terminal brain cancer diagnosis, FOXLA’s morning meteorologist Maria Quiban Whitesell found herself having to explain the loss to their young son, figure out how to respond to inappropriate questions, and learn how to deal with the day-to-day throughout her husband’s harrowing treatments, death, and life after. In “You Can’t Do It Alone: A Widow’s Journey Through Loss, Grief, and Life After,” Quiban Whitesell teams up with licensed clinical social worker Lauren Schneider to provide readers with the roadmap for dealing with illness, death, and grief she wished she’d had.

VANESSA YU’S MAGICAL PARIS TEA SHOP

By Roselle Lim Inspired by her Filipina-Chinese culture and cooking alongside her father, novelist Roselle Lim’s forthcoming title “Vanessa Yu’s Magical Paris Tea Shop” is a dreamy and magical trip centered on heritage and food. The story centers on protagonist Vanessa Yu, who has an ability to predict scenarios, though she thinks it’s a curse. Unhappily single and after delivering the worst misfortune to someone she loves, Vanessa finally decides she’s had enough—it’s time to get this “gift” under control. She enlists the help of the family fortune telling expert, her aunt Evelyn. The only catch? Aunt Evelyn is moving to Paris to open a teashop. Vanessa has no choice but to journey to the city of love to change her destiny.

VAMPIRES OF PORTLANDIA

By Jason Tanamor

AMBOY: RECIPES FROM THE FILIPINO-AMERICAN DREAM

By Alvin Cailan and Alexandra Cuerdo Famed Fil-Am chef Alvin Cailan — founder of popular breakfast sandwich purveyor Eggslut and host of online series “The Burger Show” — has teamed up with “Ulam” documentary director Alexandra Cuerdo for a cookbook illustrating the dual identity as an “amboy,” a Filipino growing up in America.

Set to be released by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt in late summer, this cookbook narrates Cailan overcoming “cultural traditions and family expectations to find his own path to success.”

Expect Filipino comfort classics from the lens of a Fil-Am upbringing and anecdotes about Cailan’s rise as a chef.

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Based on Filipino folklore (aswang), “Vampires of Portlandia”

by Jason Tanamor is a fantastical tale of different monsters coexisting in the weirdest city in America. When Marcella Leones relocates her family of aswang vampires from the Philippines to Portland, Oregon, she raises her grandchildren under strict rules so humans will not expose them. Her only wish is to give them a peaceful life, far away from the hunters and the Filipino government that attempted to exterminate them.

Before she dies, she passes on the power to her eldest grandchild, Percival. He vows to uphold the rules set forth by Leones, allowing his family to roam freely without notice. However, when the aswang covenant is broken, the murder rate in Portland rises drastically. Who is behind the murders? And who is behind the broken covenant? Along with sensie Penelope Jane, Percival must find the truth.

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Features I The Environment

Sardines is Comfort Food for Filipinos, Needing Protection too —The Environment In times of crisis, sardines are a staple in relief packs.

To those who are not allowed to go out because of the enhanced community quarantine, sardines have become a staple in the pantry, whether canned, bottled, or smoked and dried.

In the survey by the Social Weather Station together with Oceana in 2017, 70 percent of Filipinos eat fish or any seafood for five days in a month; three out ten (30%) Filipino adults nationwide ate sardinas/silinyasi/ tunsoy each month.

Yet, maybe because of its size, it is one of the most undervalued fishes in the Philippines, in terms of protection and management mechanisms. It is one of the least pricey seafood sources of protein for most Filipinos.

The sardine industry is also an important economic driver providing jobs and livelihood, for small scale entrepreneurs in the dried and smoked sector, and for factory workers in the canning and bottling sectors.

Ecologically, sardines are important part of the marine food chain being a major forage species of many predatory fish species, mammals, and cetaceans.

Given the significance of sardines to the Filipinos, it is imperative that these resources should be sufficiently managed for its harvests to be forever.

International non-government organization, Oceana, honors sardines with the attention it deserves, dedicating one of its campaigns to sardines protection. The advocacy organization calls on the Department of Agriculture and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources to promulgate the long- overdue National Sardines Management Plan.

“Fisheries Management Plans are an excellent way to organize the existing biological, economic, and social information about sardines. It is also an ideal platform to make sure that all present and future governance and management mechanisms are coordinated, and part of a cohesive framework especially as we now have the Fisheries Management Area system. It also provides opportunities to set realistic goals for a fishery. Those who participate in a fishery can decide, for example, that their medium-term objective is to recover the population of the target species, maintain employment structure in a community, or achieve the maximum economic yield,” explained Atty Gloria Estenzo Ramos, Oceana Vice President.

According to Oceana, there is ample evidence that the fisheries with the best results are the ones that are governed through

participative processes. Given the goals and objectives, the Fisheries Management Plan (FMP) for sardines allows for the creation of a framework for monitoring and evaluation of its progress for the sardine fisheries managers and users to have information for timely decisions to be made. Good FMPs are living documents, which contents are revised and adapted every so often, ideally three to five years.

“Aside from being the preferred food for our urban households, our poor fisherfolks have been dependent on sardines their food and livelihood. It is an important fish for the Philippines as we take pride in nine species found in different parts of the country. However, their life is finite. It is one of the victims of overfishing caused by the lack of a sciencebased, cohesive, sustainable management of sardines fisheries,” said Ramos.

The National Sardines Management Plan went through several public hearings and consultations for the past three years. The National Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council has recommended its approval.

Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) show that 15 percent (aver-

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age of 333,743 metric tons) of total marine fisheries production came from sardines in the past 15 years. Municipal fisherfolks contributed 35 percent of this production and the other 65 percent was from commercial fishing sector.

“The approval of the National Sardines Management Plan is not only imperative for the sectors dependent on this industry for their economic interests. With the COVID19 pandemic, we saw again how important this is for our food security and health.

Without sustainable management in place for this very important fish, our children may not be able to experience and even know that there is this nutrients- packed favorite food of our generation,” said Ramos.

Oceana is an international advocacy organization dedicated to protecting the world’s oceans. Since 2014, Oceana has been working closely with national and local government agencies, civil society, fisherfolk and other stakeholders to restore the abundance of Philippine fisheries and marine resources.

For more information on the work of Oceana, visit their website at ph.oceana.org.

ISSUE 67fishing I BalikbayanMagazine.com I The 2020 Summer Quarterly— 059 The Philippines has nine sardine species that are found in the different grounds around the country.

In Focus

MEDICAL TOURISM IN THE PHILIPPINES What you need to know Analysis

The Cost of Healthcare HOW DOES THE PHILIPPINES COMPARE TO OTHER COUNTRIES?

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REDISCOVERING DIVING IN NEGROS OCCIDENTAL Destinations

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INSIDE: SPECIAL REPORT ON THE 2015 ASEAN ECONOMIC INTEGRATION

S P E C I A L R E P O RT: P O P E F R A N C I S V I S I T S T H E P H I L I P P I N E S

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JUNE & JULY 2014

THE ASIAN JOURNAL TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

Issue 39, Volume V

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OCTOBER - NOVEMBER 2014

DECEMBER 2014 / JANUARY 2015

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EARTH-BAG HOUSE Andres P. Tamayo Sr. Foundation, Inc. joins hand with DataLand, Inc. and DDT Konstract, Inc. in rebuilding Lajala, Coron

Issue 41, Volume VI FEBRUARY / march 2015

MORE THAN JUST THE BASICS, MORE THAN JUST BUSINESS

THE SILK RESIDENCES The Finer Things In Life THE OLIVE PLACE Balanced Living Defined

Exploring the Treasures of

pangasinan Reviving Urduja

THE TRANSFORMATION OF THE CAPITAL

ART WALKS

Galleries. Restaurants.

the economy

IS PANGASINAN READY FOR TAKEOFF?

MANILA CATHEDRAL

Restoring Historical Emminence

bangus

NOT JUST ANOTHER FISH IN THE SEA

FORTITUDE ON A FRIDAY Meeting with the Families at the SM MOA Arena

MUTYA NG PILIPINAS BEYOND THE BEAUTY…

agriculture tourism

More Than The Crown

A COMING OF AGE

G TÖNGI

OUR LADY’S CALL

THE PERFECT STORM Pope Francis visits Tacloban, Leyte

Her Passion. Her Craft.

VISITING MANAOG

Her True Calling.

RIZAL’S ROOTS

TACLOBAN A Year After

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN

BELIEVE IN THE GOODNESS Encounter with the Youth at the University of Santo Tomas, Manila

GINA DE VENECIA

THE QUINTESSENTIAL FILIPINA

dasoland family adventure park AN UNEXPECTED EDEN

america in our hearts

A LANDMARK BOOK ON IMPORTANT FILIPINOS IN THE UNITED STATES

Eastwood City

A pioneering township and the country’s first cyberpark

060 — The 2020 Summer Quarterly I BalikbayanMagazine.com I ISSUE 67

PALAWAN

THE ANCIENT ART OF BATOK

The Luxe Life at Princesa Garden Island Resort & Spa

An ongoing series about the indigenous tribes in the Philippines

POPE APPETIT Chef Jessie Sincioco talks about her experience cooking for Pope Francis

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Issue 41, Volume VI

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FEBRUARY / march 2015

APRIL / may 2015

AMORITA

DISCOVER BOHOL’S “LITTLE DARLING” AND BE CAPTIVATED BY PANGLAO’S BREATHTAKING CHARM

BALESIN

INSIDE QUEZON PROVINCE’S EXCLUSIVE, LUXURY RESORT

AN ISLAND HIDEAWAY IN THE TROPICAL PARADISE OF BUSUANGA, PALAWAN

MALASIMBO

PUERTO GALERA’S ANNUAL FEAST OF MUSIC, ART, AND NATURE ISSN 2012-4589

9 772012 458001 >

JUNE / JULY 2015

SPECIAL IN-DEPTH FEATURE: PHINMA PROPERTY HOLDINGS CORPORATION

OUTLOOK: ALL THINGS CONSIDERED, THE INTRICACIES OF POLITICS

IN-DEPTH: THE GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY FOR THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY

Issue 47 , Volume VII FEBRUARY / MARCH 2016

BALIKBAYANMAGAZINE.COM

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THE TRIBES CALLED MANGYAN

MANAOAG

PUERTO GALERA’S CULTURE SHAPERS

THE COUNTRY’S NEWEST MINOR BASILICA

INSIDE: MORE THRILLING REASONS TO COMEBACK HOME

THE FORECAST: LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL, BUT FOR EVERYONE

S P E C I A L R E P O RT: T H E E M E R G I N G M E D I CA L TO U R I S M I N D U S T RY I N T H E P H I L I P P I N E S

Issue 47 , Volume VII

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Issue 51, Volume VII

FEBRUARY / MARCH 2016

APRIL & MAY 2016

JUNE & JULY 2016

OCTOBER & NOVEMBER 2016

Where luxury meets serenity

ESSENCE OF PLACE

SOUL SEARCHING: BALAY SAN JOSE

KEEPING A JOURNAL LABOR POLICY AS FOREIGN POLICY

TRAVERSING THE PHILIPPINE COUNTRYSIDE

OUTLOOK

ONE-ON-ONE WITH

FROM THE EXECUTIVE’S DESK ALEJANDRA “DADING” CLEMENTE

MISS UNIVERSE, PIA WURTZBACH

PROFILES AMBASSADOR JOSE L. CUISA, JR.

TECHNOLOGY

CULTURE MALASIMBO: OF NATURE, MUSIC, & ARTS

MODERN FILIPINO

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GUIDEBOOK

THE PERFECT GETAWAY

GREAT ESCAPES 01 CATCHING THE PALAD SANDBAR 02 TIPS FOR A BUDGET TRAVELER

MARKETING TO THE

HEALTH

ADVENTURE WHAT TO PACK

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

TECHNOLOGY ARE WE MOVING FORWARD OR STANDING STILL?

NEWSMAKERS

TABLE FOR TWO

ISABELA, STA. MARIA: THE STAR OF THE NORTH

COVER

THE ECONOMY 01 UNINTERRUPTED, ROBUST TOURISM GROWTH 02 MORE JOBS, MORE FUN IN THE PHILIPPINES

ANOTHER UPGRADE FOR THE PHILIPPINE ECONOMY

INFRASTRUCTURE

DISCOVERY

INFRASTRUCTURE GETTING THERE

GREAT GETAWAYS

3

AMAZING GETAWAYS 01 SHANGRI-LA, THE FORT 02 SHANGRI-LA, MACTAN

BATANES PORTFOLIO

RESTAURANTS & BARS 01 OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE 02 ABV: ALCOHOL BY VOLUME

HISTORY PAL’S 75TH YEAR BRINGS LOS ANGELES TO CEBU FLIGHTS

BALIKBAYANS+FRANCHISING: THE BUSINESS OWNER

INSIGHTS & ANALYSIS RETIREMENT, MORE FUN IN THE PHILIPPINES

RESORTS WORLD MANILA BRINGS BACK THE BELOVED MUSICAL FEATURING AN ALL-FILIPINO CAST

EXECUTIVE’S DESK RALPH SANTOS AND THE CASHLESS SOCIETY BALIKBAYANMAGAZINE.COM

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PORTFOLIO: THE 2017 INVESTMENT ISSUE IN-FOCUS: THE BENEFITS FOR SENIOR CITIZENS AND RETIREES IN THE PHILIPPINES

S P E C I A L R E P O R T: T H E P H I L I P P I N E ’ S Q U E S T TO B E T H E B E S T D E S T I N AT I O N I N T H E WO R L D F O R M E D I C A L TO U R I S T S

SPECIAL REPORT: IS MEDICAL TOURISM THE RIGHT OPTION FOR YOU?

Issue 55, Volume VIII I June & July 2017

Issue 54, Volume VIII

Issue 52, Volume VII

APRIL & MAY 2017

DECEMBER 2016 & JANUARY 2017

BUSINESS

How to balance work and summer vacation as a family.

AMAZING ESCAPES LIMA PARK HOTEL: REVEL IN EVERYTHING LUXURIOUS

INSIGHTS & ANALYSIS

Do you have what it takes to be a successful entrepreneur?

ON THE COVER

LEADERS Dr. Edgardo ‘Gary’ Cortez GREAT ESCAPES It’s More Fun In Batangas AESTHETIC How To Haggle Like A Filipino INVESTMENT Don’t Just Ask Why, Ask When RETIREMENT Staying Fit As We Age HEALTH Cost Analysis (USA vs Philippines) LIFESTYLE From Employee To Entrepreneur

ON THE COVER

Savoy Hotel Boracay Newcoast Experience A Luxury Beach Lifestyle

AT LEISURE NURTURE WELLNESS VILLAGE: EVERY BALIKBAYAN’S SANCTUARY

BUSINESS INSIGHTS & ANALYSIS: BECOMING A BETTER BUSINESS LEADER & INVESTOR

Issue 56, Volume VIII I August - October 2017

GREAT ESCAPES 8 Things To Do In Davao DISCOVERY 72 Hours In Batanes PORTFOLIO Lombard By The Bay, The Next Big Thing In The Philippines THE ECONOMY A Tribute To Filipino Workers LEADERS Norman Agatep WINE & DINE Izakaya Kenta Japanese Restaurant

St. Luke’s Medical Center

I N - F O C U S : T H E F I R S T A N N UA L LOV E O F C O U N T RY G LO B A L A M B A S S A D O R S P R O G R A M S TA R T I N G I N T H E U S A

Issue 57, Volume VIII I November-January 2018

LEADERS

A Conversation with Batangas Governor Hermilando Mandanas

Q&A Pocholo Paragas, COO & GM of TIEZA CULTURE Religious Tourism on Limelight THE NATION The First PH Subway System FASHION Rene Salud BUSINESS Social Media Trends for 2018 HISTORY How Do Filipinos Celebrate Christmas?

AMAZING ESCAPES Club Balai Isabel

N O . 58 I VOLUME 09 FEBRUARY I MARCH I APRIL 2018 SPRING QUARTERLY ISSUE

ON THE COVER

Inside One Of The Best Medical Institutions In The World

Montemaria, Batangas, the Philippines

The Mother of All Asia and the Rise of Batangas’ Religious Tourism

CULTURE FILIPINO SUPERSTITIONS ON NEW YEAR’S EVE

Q&A JOJI GREGORIO: OFFICER-IN-CHARGE OF THE TOURISM PROMOTIONS BOARD

TECHNOLOGY STARMOBILE KNIGHT SPECTRA: A WORLD-CLASS FILIPINO FLAGSHIP SMARTPHONE

LEADERS GOVERNOR OF LA UNION, EMMANUEL “PACOY” ORTEGA III INDUSTRY RANG-AY BANK’S CEO, IVES NISCE

BREATHTAKING WEDDING DES TINATIONS IN THE PHILIPPINES (AND THE ICONIC CHURCHES TO GET MARRIED IN)

BUSINESS 10 MODERN WAYS TO STAY FOCUSED AND PRODUCTIVE

RADAR MANILA HOSTS MISS UNIVERSE

OUTLOOK THE PHILIPPINES, FILIPINOS, AND THE INCOMING TRUMP ADMINISTRATION

TRAVELER

THE ECONOMY #NEWPHILIPPINES & THE MODERN LANDSCAPE

24 MUST DO’S FOR AN INCREDIBLE 2017 BALIKBAYANMAGAZINE.COM

Inside This Issue

INSIGHTS & ANALYSIS WHAT IT TAKES TO BE A CREATIVE ENTREPRENEUR

1

S P E C I A L A DV E RT I S I N G F E AT U R E

N O. 61 I VOLUME 09 NOVEMBER I DECEMBER I JANUARY 2018 WINTER QUARTERLY ISSUE

Enriching Filipino Hospitality

I N S I D E : OV E R 1 T R I L L I O N P E S O S I N A P P R OV E D I N V E S T M E N T S F O R T H E P H I L I P P I N E S

N O. 64 I VOLUME 10 AUGUST I SEPTEMBER I OCTOBER 2019 FALL QUARTERLY ISSUE

A Vibrant Standard of Hotel Living

the asian journal’s bi-monthly briefing on the growth, development, and progression of the philippines.

ISSUE 55 — 01

the asian journal’s quarterly briefing on the growth, development, and progression of theISSUE philippines.

56 — 01

I N F O C U S : P R E S I D E N T X I J I N P I N G ’ S H I STO R I C V I S I T TO T H E P H I L I P P I N E S

I N F O C U S : P R E S I D E N T D U T E RT E I N KS M O N U M E N TA L L E G I S L AT I V E M E A S U R E S

ISSUE 58 — 01

the asian journal’s quarterly briefing on the growth, development, and progression of the philippines.

S P E C I A L A DV E R T I S I N G F E AT U R E

N O. 62 I VOLUME 10 FEBRUARY I MARCH I APRIL 2019 SPRING QUARTERLY ISSUE

N O. 61 I VOLUME 09 NOVEMBER I DECEMBER I JANUARY 2018 WINTER QUARTERLY ISSUE

IN FOCUS: THE PHILIPPINES AND CHINA REAFFIRM FRIENDSHIP

N O. 63 I VOLUME 10 MAY I JUNE I JULY 2019 SUMMER QUARTERLY ISSUE

N O. 63 I VOLUME 10 MAY I JUNE I JULY 2019 SUMMER QUARTERLY ISSUE

The Philippines: A World Tourism Powerhouse

Indulge in Asia’s Top Luxury Hideaway Resort

ISSUE 61 — 01

R E P O R T: A N I N - D E P T H LO O K AT T H E OV E R S E A S F I L I P I N O C O M M U N I T Y

(1) Tourism Outlook & Development I (2) Lombard By The Bay I (3) Spring Fashion & Makeup Trends (4) The State of Marriage In The Philippines I (5) Amazing Weight-Loss Transformations (6) The Filipino Invention Saving The Environment & Your Money I (7) The Current Landscape Of Business In The Philippines (8) Goodbye Cash? I (9) Unconventional Date Ideas For Couples I (10) Ultimate Wedding Planning Guide (11) The Philippines Now Ranks #1 In Budget Transparency In All Of Asia

GREAT GETAWAYS 24 THINGS TO DO IN BATANGAS

ISSUE 61 — 01

ISSUE 61 — 01

ISSUE 63 — 01

ISSUE 63 — 01

I N S I D E : H O W KO B E B RYA N T I N S P I R E D A G L O B A L C O M M U N I T Y O F F I L I P I N O S O N A N D O F F T H E C O U R T

N O. 65 I VOLUME 10 NOVEMBER I DECEMBER I JANUARY 2019 WINTER QUARTERLY ISSUE

A Modern Marvel for the World in Batangas, Philippines

N O. 66 I VOLUME 11 FEBRUARY I MARCH I APRIL 2020 SPRING QUARTERLY ISSUE

The Return! 8 Great Travel Rediscoveries in the Philippines for 2020

I N S I D E : I N T H E S E E X T R A O R D I N A RY T I M E S

N O. 67 I VOLUME 11 MAY I JUNE I JULY 2020 SUMMER QUARTERLY ISSUE

The Economic Resilience of the Philippines

ISSUE 64 — 01

ISSUE 65— 01

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