Trade, Commerce and Entrepreneurship

Sen. Bam: Better Opportunities for Mindanao Youth

A bright future awaits Mindanao youth with the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) expected to provide them more educational and employment opportunities.

“The CAB signing will open more opportunities to the Mindanao youth that will help them chart their future, especially in terms of education and employment,” said Senator Bam Aquino, chairman of the Senate Committee on Youth.

In the past, Aquino said thousands of students were restrained from going to school because of armed conflicts in different parts of the region.

“Many of these students were forced to stay in evacuation centers far from conflict areas, depriving them a chance to finish their studies and become productive citizens,” he added.

Aquino said students could expect continuous education because the new agreement is focused on achieving long-term peace and order in the region.

“Students now have the chance to acquire the knowledge they need to have a brighter future without worrying about their safety,” Aquino stressed.

Aquino added that more employment opportunities await youth workers with the expected influx of businesses and investments in the region.

As of 2012, the senator said 300,000 of the country’s more than 1.4 million unemployed youth are in Mindanao.

“With new businesses and investments expected to put up shop in Mindanao, our young workers will have the chance to put their skills and knowledge to good use,” Aquino said.

Also, Aquino said his “Go Negosyo Act” could help young workers become entrepreneurs through the establishment of their own small business.

The Act, which was passed on third reading by the Senate, calls for creation of Negosyo Centers, under the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), in each city and municipality around the country.

Aquino said these Negosyo centers are designed to make it easier for entrepreneurs to register and start up their businesses, as well as gain access to sources of financing.

The Negosyo Centers will also provide courses and development programs, training, give advice on business conceptualization and feasibility, financing, management, capability building, human resources, marketing and other support services.

 

Photo source: The Feed (http://tinyurl.com/l573t5m)

Sen. Bam: Mindanao to Become Magnet for Investors

With the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), Senator Bam Aquino expects Mindanao to become a magnet for businesses and investments that will boost its long-awaited economic development.

“Now that the CAB is signed, sealed and delivered, Mindanao will be an attractive destination for businessmen who will provide jobs and other livelihood in the region,” said Aquino, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Trade, Commerce and Entrepreneurship.

Aquino also called the signing as “the start of the long-awaited development of the region known for its rich natural resources.”

“With peace and security now at hand, the region’s journey from decades of infamy to prosperity and economic growth now begins,” the senator said.

The senator believes that the expected economic development will help uplift the lives of our brothers and sisters in the region, especially those living in war-torn areas.

“The arrival of businesses and other investments in the area will give them a chance to revive lost opportunities and due to the conflict,” Aquino noted.

Aquino added that the government’s quest for inclusive growth would be achieved, with Mindanao on its way to economic development.

At the same time, Aquino emphasized the importance of his “Go Negosyo Act” in helping Mindanao in development, saying it will open opportunities for small businessmen and entrepreneurs in the region.

The Act, which was passed on third reading by the Senate, calls for creation of Negosyo Centers, under the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), in each city and municipality around the country.

Aquino said these Negosyo centers are designed to make it easier for entrepreneurs to register and start their own businesses, as well as gain access to sources of financing.

The Negosyo Centers will also provide courses and development programs, training, give advice on business conceptualization and feasibility, financing, management, capability building, human resources, marketing and other support services.

Photo source: Rappler.com

Go Negosyo Act Passed on 3rd Reading: To Address Massive Unemployment – Sen. Bam

The Go Negosyo Act (SBN 2046), which was passed by the Senate on third and final reading on Monday afternoon, is envisioned boost job creation and cut unemployment.

This was shared by Go Negosyo Act author, Sen. Bam Aquino, as he thanked colleagues in the Upper Chamber for supporting the swift passage of the bill.

“With the Go Negosyo Act, we can boost job creation in many parts of the country, by ensuring the success and growth of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).”

“Kapag mas maraming negosyo ang nagbukas at lumago, mas marami silang mabibigyan ng kabuhayan at trabaho sa kani-kanilang mga komunidad,” the senator explained.

According to figures cited by Aquino, at least 66 percent of jobs in the labor force are generated by the MSME sector, which in turn comprises 99 percent of all enterprises in the Philippines.

“Sa bawat sari-sari store, bakery, o talyer na magbukas at lumago, halimbawa, kakailanganin nila ng mga empleyado, supplier, at mga partner na magkakaroon rin ng pagkakataong kumita at umasenso. Magkakaroon ng kita’t kabuhayan ang mas maraming pamilyang Pilipino.”

“Sa paglago ng mga maliliit na negosyo, lahat tayo panalo,” Aquino stressed.

The bill mandates the creation of Negosyo Centers, under the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), in each city and municipality around the country. These Negosyo centers are meant to make it easier for entrepreneurs to register and start up their businesses, as well as gain access to sources of financing.

The Negosyo Centers are also meant to provide courses and development programs, training, give advice on business conceptualization and feasibility, financing, management, capability building, human resources, marketing and other support services.

“With the support of our colleagues in government and the private sector, we can make the Go Negosyo Act a game-changing piece of legislation that can cut unemployment in the country by half–or even more,” Aquino said.

Senate, House Committees on Trade Seal Cooperation

The chairmen of the Senate and House Committees on Trade and Commerce have agreed to synchronize their respective legislative agenda, to hasten the passage of important measures that will help boost the economy.

In a meeting, Senator Bam Aquino and Las Piñas Rep. Mark Villar agreed to pursue the same direction and fast-track the approval of measures that will help create jobs; boost micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs); and strengthen the government’s push for inclusive growth.

This marks the first time in the history of the two committees that their chairmen have agreed to harmonize their respective legislative agenda to speed up the passage of crucial bills into law.

“It is important for the two committees to pursue the same direction so that we can hasten the passage of bills that will support the MSME sector and open job opportunities,” Sen. Aquino said.

If these crucial bills will be enacted into law, the senator said it will be easier for the government to pursue its inclusive growth advocacy and make the country’s economic growth felt by every Filipino.

The two lawmakers forged the alliance after both saw the need for legislative measures to boost the economy and create additional jobs.

However, they both expressed concern that these bills will not gain ground and gather dust at the committee level.

“Now that the House and Senate have one legislative agenda in terms of trade and commerce, these important bills have a strong chance to be passed into law at the soonest possible time,” Aquino said.

Among the measures that will be prioritized by the two committees are the Go Negosyo Bill, the Fair Competition Bill, the Coastwise Trade Bill, the Exact Change Bill, and the Lemon Law Bill.

The two committees are also planning to pursue amendments in the Consumer Act and Price Act, where it was proposed that construction materials be put under price control during calamities.

The two lawmakers are also planning to conduct a joint oversight committee hearing regarding the challenges of financing small businesses.

Aquino and Villar both have extensive background in business before joining politics. Sen. Aquino is a multi-award-winning social entrepreneur, while Rep. Villar is the son of former senator Manny Villar and present senator Cynthia Villar, who are known as entrepreneurs.

Smuggling an “Ongoing Scandal” — Sen. Bam

Senator Bam Aquino calls smuggling “an ongoing scandal” and calls on the government to crack down on smuggling to protect local businesses and the interest of workers.

The senator warned that many businesses will close shop and thousands of workers will lose their livelihood if the government fails to curb smuggling.

“The government should launch a serious and aggressive drive against smuggling because it is a big threat to legitimate businesses in the country,” said Aquino, chairman of the Senate Committee on Trade, Commerce, and Entrepreneurship.

The Federation of Philippine Industries (FPI) recently revealed that, from 2002 to 2011, the government lost P1.33 trillion or P133 billion a year in revenues due to smuggling in different ports all over the country.

“If the people were indignant over the PDAF scam because at least 10 billion was taken away from the people’s money, the amounts we’re losing to smuggling are over ten times that amount. Smuggling is an ongoing scandal that needs to be addressed urgently,” Aquino said.

The senator emphasized that many businessmen, majority of them from the agriculture sector, have been weighed down by losses due to smuggling. This is also a deterrent for many investors who would otherwise be interested to invest in the Philippines.

“The never-ending issue on smuggling sends a negative signal to potential investors.  Mahirap magpasok ng mga bagong negosyo at trabaho sa bansa kung tingin ng mga investor ay mahina tayo laban sa smuggling,” Aquino said.

In line with this, Aquino called on the Bureau of Customs (BoC) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to work more closely together and intensify their campaign against the illegal entry of goods into the country. The senator likewise extended his cooperation and support to other government agencies working to curb smuggling in the Philippines.

“There is no ‘magic bullet’ to solve smuggling but if there is a tighter convergence of efforts, especially for our law enforcement agencies, we can end this menace to protect and strengthen our local industries and livelihood,” Sen. Aquino asserted.

Also, Aquino also batted for the modernization of the Bureau of Customs, which could also help curb smuggling.

“It’s about time that we modernize our systems to streamline the process that will eventually eradicate corruption and smuggling,” Aquino emphasised.

Photo source: Philstar.com

Lower Prices still Possible – Sen. Bam

Lowering the prices of goods is still possible, if key reforms in the shipping industry are undertaken, including a review and amendment of the Cabotage Law.

This was stressed by Senator Bam Aquino, chairman of the Senate Committee on Trade, Commerce, and Entrepreneurship, at a hearing conducted by the committee on Thursday morning.

“Reviewing and amending the Cabotage Law is one of the many reforms that need to be pushed in the shipping industry. Ultimately, this will benefit millions of Filipinos because it will help bring down the prices of goods in the country,” the senator emphasized.

During the hearing, Aquino explained that high shipping costs around the country

largely contribute to the high prices of goods.

In fact, Sen. Aquino noted that it is cheaper to send products from other countries to the Philippines than to ship goods within the country.

For example, the cost of shipping a 20-foot equivalent unit (TEU) from Kaoshiung, China to Cagayan de Oro is $360 or P16,000.

However, the cost of shipping the same cargo from Manila to Cagayan de Oro will take $1,120 or almost P50,000.

“If we look at it, local shipping costs are more than three times the cost of shipping costs to and from overseas.Hindi tama na mas mahal pa ang presyo ng local shipping sa pagbiyahe ng mga lokal na produkto,” he stressed.

With the current prices, local businesses have no other choice but to increase the prices of their products to cover for the high transport costs.

“Kung magsasagawa tayo ng mga kinakailangang reporma sa shipping industry, bababa ang halaga ng pagbiyahe ng produkto na mauuwi naman sa mas murang bilihin,” Aquino explained.

Aside from lowering prices, local businesses and the agriculture sector will be strengthened as farmers and local traders will be encouraged to transport their products to different parts of the country.

“We are confident that, with the help of our colleagues in government and the private sector, we will be able to find more ways to lighten the burden of our countrymen caused by high prices,” Aquino said.

“Our goal here is really to lower the prices of goods, but we also need to consider the welfare of our local shipping companies who will be affected by the proposed amendments,” the lawmaker added.

In his 2013 State of the Nation Address, President Benigno Aquino III asked Congress to amend the Cabotage Law, as it will lower the transport cost of products.

 

Photo source: Subic Bay Official Website

Sen. Bam: Go Negosyo Bill to Boost MSMEs, Inclusive Growth

Senator Bam Aquino has urged fellow lawmakers to pass the “Go Negosyo Bill”, which aims to facilitate ease of doing business; enhance support for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs); and create more jobs to boost inclusive growth.

During his sponsorship speech for Senate Bill No. 2046, under Committee Report No. 10, which he authored, Sen. Aquino emphasized the need for the passage of the Go Negosyo Bill, stressing that it is one of the “foundational bills” needed to achieve inclusive growth.

“The Go Negosyo Bill is a piece of legislation created to help our countrymen out of poverty and towards a path to prosperity. We humbly ask for our esteemed colleagues’ support and consideration,” said Aquino, chairman of the Senate Committee on Trade, Commerce and Entrepreneurship.

The Go Negosyo Bill is one of the inclusive growth bills that Aquino had filed in the Senate.

The lawmaker pointed out that the Go Negosyo Bill provides the framework for delivering services to our MSMEs, especially for the micro enterprises that comprise 92 percent of all businesses and 66 percent of all jobs in the country’s labor force.

“The numbers show that boosting the MSME sector will help us create more decent, sustainable jobs that can lift many Filipinos out of poverty,” Aquino stressed, adding that MSMEs should be looked as a “pipeline for development.”

“We need programs that will enable micro enterprises to enter the formal economy; our goal should be to help them ‘graduate’ into SMEs so that they grow and generate revenue and jobs for our communities,” he added.

Through the Go Negosyo Bill, Sen. Aquino said MSMEs will be provided infrastructure and support at the city and municipal level “so that local government is able to boost MSME growth and provide jobs and livelihood for their constituents”.

The measure also provides MSMEs access to grants and other forms of financing, shared service facilities and equipment, and other kinds of support.

The bill is also designed to build local support networks and establish market linkages for MSME development, support private sector activities relating to MSME development, and organize programs or projects for entrepreneurial development in the country aligned with the MSME development plan.

Mentoring programs for prospective and current entrepreneurs and investors, as well as services on training, financing, and marketing will be offered and organized. This includes mapping out information and services related to key value chains and economic sub-sectors within an LGU’s jurisdiction.

In order to boost youth entrepreneurship, the Go Negosyo Bill also aims to strengthen coordination with schools and organizations on the development of a youth entrepreneurship training program.

Sen. Bam: Help Agri Workers Affected by Storm

Senator Bam Aquino calls on the government to provide temporary livelihood to agriculture workers, especially coconut farmers, who lost their main source of income to super typhoon Yolanda.

The senator said majority of workers who lost their livelihood are involved in agriculture, which is the primary source of income in Leyte and other provinces destroyed by the storm.

“Around four million workers lost their jobs because of Yolanda. More than half of them are fishermen, farmers and coconut workers,” Sen. Aquino said.

The coconut industry suffered the biggest devastation as more than 2.5 million coconut trees were brought down in Eastern Samar and Leyte.

“Even if there were some trees left, our coconut farmers will still not be able to benefit from them immediately. According to studies, coconut trees that were shaken up by a storm will bear fruit after one year,” the senator explained.

Sen. Aquino added that rice farmers were also affected by the storm as Yolanda hit during the start of the planting season, leaving them with nothing for the harvest season.

“Our fishermen also suffered heavy losses because their fishing boats and other equipment were damaged by the storm,” he added.

With the widespread devastation, Sen. Aquino said it will take some time for the agriculture sector to fully recover.

In the meantime, the senator underscores the need to give agriculture workers other sources of income to help them and their families survive.

One of the possible forms of assistance the government can give them is to engage them in livelihood opportunities immediately.

Aside from this, the government can give them the needed capital to start up some micro enterprises.

The senator added that the government can prioritize farm workers in “food-for-work” efforts, to help them more quickly get back on their feet.

PH leaps 30 spots in WB report

The Philippines has made significant strides in Ease of Doing Business, leaping 30 spots to 108th place out of 189 countries in the latest joint World Bank-International Finance Corporation report.
The report cited the Philippines as among the 10 best economies that has put inroads in making it easier to do business, together with Ukraine, Rwanda, Russia, Kosovo, Djibouti, Ivory Coast, Burundi, Macedonia and Guatemala.
Also, the report noted that the Philippines made it easier for businessmen to deal with construction permits, get credit, and pay taxes.
Senator Bam Aquino commended concerned government agencies for the country’s vast improvement from the 138th spot last year.
 “I commend the government’s inter-agency task force on Ease of Doing Business for its success in implementing the gameplan for competitiveness that was put forth by the National Competitiveness Council last year to improve our global ranking in the ease of doing business survey,” said Aquino, chairman of the Senate Committee on Trade, Commerce, and Entrepreneurship.
“Our goal to be pro-negosyo and the most business-friendly country in the region is still a ways off, but this is a good indication that we’re headed in the right direction,” the senator added.
The inter-agency task force is composed of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Department of Finance (DOF), the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), and the National Competitiveness Council (NCC).
Also included in the task force are the Bureau of Customs (BOC), Land Registration Authority (LRA), Credit Information Corporation (CIC), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Social Security System (SSS), Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF), and Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PHIC).
Aquino’s committee has been conducting regular hearings, dialogues, and consultations with different stakeholders, government agencies, including DTI and the NCC to find ways to further improve the country’s Ease of Doing Business ranking.
“Going from 138th to 108th is a big jump, a break in inertia that we’ve been experiencing. Let’s keep this momentum going,” the young senator stressed.
At the same time, Aquino emphasized that the positive result of the new survey underscored the importance of cooperation between government agencies.
“If agencies work together, with clear and focused targets, we can successfully undertake the necessary reforms that can promote SME development and inclusive growth in the country,” Aquino said.
However, Aquino stressed that government agencies should not rest on their laurels, saying there’s still much work to be done to re-engineer the country’s business systems in a way that will truly benefit entrepreneurs and investors, specifically in terms of improving the simplicity and inter-operability of regulatory systems for greater ease in starting a business.
“For this, greater convergence among agencies needs to happen. Ultimately, our goal for 2016 is to take the country to the top third of the global table,” he added.

Sen. Bam to Traders: Follow Price Freeze

Senator Bam Aquino urges Cebu and Bohol traders to consider the welfare of those affected by the magnitude 7.2 earthquake that hit Central Visayas on Tuesday, and to strictly follow the price freeze that is currently imposed on those areas.

“We should not be taking advantage of the victims who have already suffered enough due to the earthquake,” the lawmaker said after receiving reports that some traders are selling basic goods at a higher price despite the existing price freeze.

“In fact, businessmen who are financially capable should even help the government’s relief efforts,” added Aquino, chairman of the Senate Committee on Trade, Commerce, and Entrepreneurship.

At the same time, Aquino also called on the public to immediately report violators of the price freeze to authorities.

“We ask the public to help us monitor and report unscrupulous businessmen who are taking advantage of the situation and thinking only of profit,” Sen. Aquino emphasized.

Aquino said the public can contact the Department of Trade and Industry’s local offices in Bohol (038-501-8260),Cebu (032-253-2631 and 412-1863) and Region 7 (032-255-0036/255-0037) for their complaints.

The DTI recently implemented a price freeze in quake-damaged areas in Bohol and Cebu, under Republic Act No. 7581 or the Price Act.

With this, the prices of basic goods in an area placed under a state of calamity must remain at prevailing levels for no more than 60 days.

Price control covers the following basic products: rice; corn; bread; fresh, dried and canned fish and other marine products; fresh pork, beef and poultry meat; fresh eggs; fresh and processed milk.

Also included in the price freeze are fresh vegetables; roots crops; coffee; sugar; cooking oil; salt; laundry soap; detergents; firewood; charcoal; candles; and drugs classified as essential by the Department of Health.

A fine of up to P1,000,000 and a maximum 10-year jail sentence await violators of the Price Act.

Recently, President Aquino signed Republic Act 10623, expanding the coverage of the Price Act to include bottled water, fruits, instant noodles, kerosene and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) but DTI has yet to draft the implementing guidelines.

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