Opportunities abound in the electric vehicle (EV) market as industry sales have been rising dramatically in recent years, accounting for more than a third of all car imports last year and signifying a possible new direction in the global trade of transport equipment, according to a new report.

The World Trade Organization (WTO) in a new blog post revealed that import data between 2017 and 2023 show a significant shift towards EVs in general. Initially, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and battery electric vehicles represented a modest fraction of total car imports by value, starting at about 2.5%, 0.8%, and 1%, respectively. However, trade in EVs has grown significantly since then, the post said.

Beyond 2020, hybrids and plug-in hybrids have shown consistent growth, with hybrids initially experiencing more dynamic growth. However battery EVs have begun exhibiting the highest growth, bringing the value of their imports close to that of hybrids, indicative of a significant shift towards fully electric models, said the WTO report.

“By the end of 2023, EVs accounted for more than a third of all car imports in value terms. Although the growth rate appeared to slow down in 2023, the pronounced upward trend for EVs, particularly battery EVs, signifies a substantial change in demand and could suggest the direction in which the global automotive industry may go in the future,” it continued.

In the Philippines, Republic Act No. 11697 or the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA) lapsed into law on April 15, 2022. EVIDA establishes a comprehensive roadmap for the EV industry designed to accelerate the development, commercialization and utilization of EVs in the country.

The Asian Development Bank early last year noted that like its Southeast Asian neighbors, the Philippines has a huge potential as a market and manufacturing hub for EVs since the country is the world’s second biggest supplier of nickel, which is used to make EV battery cells.

The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development in a report last year urged developing countries like the Philippines to act swiftly to leverage the new opportunities presented by the booming market for green technologies, including those relating to EVs.

“We are at the beginning of a green technological wave in which early adopters of new technologies can rapidly move ahead and create lasting advantages in related economic sectors,” the publication said. “Therefore favourable conditions to catch up technologically and economically are available only for a short time.”

According to the WTO post, the United States was the leading global importer of EVs last year, with battery, hybrid and plug-in hybrid EVs recording imports of US$19 billion, $17.8 billion and $6.9 billion, respectively. “These figures represent more than one-fifth of total US car imports by value and signal an increasing adoption of electric mobility,” said the report.

Imports of EVs have also grown considerably in some European countries and in the Republic of Korea. In Belgium, the Netherlands, Sweden and Switzerland in particular, the import value of electric cars has overtaken that of traditional internal combustion engine vehicles.

“As Belgium and the Netherlands are home to the two busiest ports in Europe, they may act as a transit point into other European countries,” the post commented.

Meanwhile, the total number of EVs exported has remained relatively stable, with over 43 million units sold in 2023 from over 40 million units exported in 2017. However, the types of vehicles exported underwent a dramatic change.

In 2017, Germany and Japan were the top exporters of passenger vehicles, but the proportion of EVs they exported was negligible. In contrast, in 2023 about one-third of the car exports from these countries were EVs. By increasing its emphasis on the export of hybrids, Japan has become the top global exporter of these vehicles, said the report.

In 2023, China became the leading exporter of passenger vehicles overall, with over 5.4 million units exported, of which roughly 1.8 million units, or about a third, were EVs. It exported over 1.5 million battery EVs, meaning that one out of every four battery EVs exported in 2023 originated in China, the post said.

International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) is building a new international container terminal in Bauan, Batangas, Philippines. The new terminal will be the largest privately-funded marine terminal investment in the country’s history and will ultimately be the second-largest container facility after the Manila International Container Terminal (MICT) in the Port of Manila.

With design and engineering studies well underway, ICTSI will begin construction in the first quarter of 2025. With the first berth scheduled for completion by the end of 2027, the terminal will become a catalyst for economic growth across Southern Luzon, creating jobs and accelerating regional development. The terminal is also expected to play a role in providing the marine handling needs required by the country’s renewable energy transition strategy for Southern Luzon.

Construction will begin in 2025 with an estimated US$800 million investment. Upon completion, the terminal will feature up to 900 meters of quay and at least 8 ship-to-shore gantry cranes and an estimated capacity of over 2M TEUs per annum. Critically, the terminal will have direct and unencumbered access to Southern Luzon’s expressways. This was made possible by the completion of the Bauan-San Pascual-Batangas-STAR tollway diversion road. Additional expressway projects from Cavite to Bauan by Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation and San Miguel Corporation are expected to further enhance the new port’s connectivity making it the most efficiently connected maritime facility in Luzon by both capacity and route access.

Christian R. Gonzalez, ICTSI executive vice president, said: “The new terminal represents a significant leap forward for Southern Luzon. We are building a world-class facility that will unlock a wave of economic benefits for the region and the country.  It will create new employment opportunities, improve the quality of life for our host communities and the industries located around the terminal, and solidify Southern Luzon’s position as a key player in global trade. We are grateful to Batangas governor Hermilando Mandanas for his support and vision for critical infrastructure in the province. We likewise wish to thank the Department of Public Works and Highways and more specifically, former Senator and current Finance Secretary Ralph Recto and former Deputy Speaker and Batangas Representative Raneo Abu for their vision to efficiently connect Bauan to Southern Luzon’s tollways network.”

He added that the new terminal complements ICTSI’s strategy of providing a national network of ports with ICTSI’s brand of operational synergy that would further improve the country’s supply chain and competitiveness in global trade.

Strategically located 120 kilometers south of Manila and nine kilometers west of Batangas City, the Bauan facility will become the premier international gateway for shippers based in the CALABARZON region (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon), and the most modern container terminal in the country.  Situated within a natural cove, Bauan is a first-class municipality in Batangas province known for its agro-industrial strength.

CALABARZON continues to be one of the Philippines’ fastest-growing regions, reaching a 5.2 percent growth rate in 2023, according to latest figures from the Philippine Statistics Authority. The region’s gross domestic product stands at Php3.10 trillion, representing 15 percent of the Philippines’ total GDP. Per capita Household Final Consumption Expenditure (HFCE) meanwhile, grew by 4.3 percent, exceeding the national average. The facility will likewise allow ICTSI to efficiently balance capacity needs across both the Metro Manila consumption center and CALABARZON through the new Bauan terminal and the MICT. – International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI)

Technical and vocational education and training (TVET) will soon be integrated into the senior high school curriculum to equip students with the industry-relevant skills and knowledge needed to succeed in their chosen fields of work.

This developed after the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) signed a joint memorandum circular (JMC) on May 10, 2024 to embed technical skills among senior high school (SHS) students in the country. The JMC was co-signed by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and Commission on Higher Education (CHED).

JMC No. 01 Series of 2024 was issued to “attain the goal of Filipino workforce readiness and employability by strengthening the embedment of TVET in SHS tracks.”

According to the United Nations, TVET is the education or training process that involves, “in addition to general education, the study of technologies and related sciences as well as the acquisition of practical skills, attitudes, understanding, and knowledge relating to occupations in various sectors of economics and social life.”

The joint circular states that DepEd, TESDA, DOLE, and CHED must collaborate to strengthen the SHS curriculum by embedding TVET across SHS tracks. “This comprehensive approach will significantly enhance workforce readiness and employability for all SHS graduates, equipping them with industry-relevant skills and knowledge for successful careers,” it said.

Specifically, the JMC intends to align SHS specializations with applicable and appropriate TVET qualifications and implement an efficient mechanism for certifying the students who graduate from SHS with the acquired TVET qualifications.

Under the JMC, all students who complete the TVET program will undergo an assessment for free. If they pass, they will be given national certificates from TESDA that they can use to apply for work.

A technical working group (TWG) composed of representatives from the four agencies will be established to oversee and implement the program. Among other responsibilities, the TWG will consult stakeholders and government agencies to ensure it develops a comprehensive implementation plan; recommend policies, programs, and strategies, including the linkage of SHS offerings to key employment generators; and develop and implement strategies to connect SHS graduates with employment opportunities through the PhilJobnet and PESO Employment Information System.

Program implementation calls for DepEd to take the lead in curriculum development and revision, oversee implementation and monitoring, and facilitate partnerships and collaborations.

For its part, TESDA will develop and align TVET qualifications, provide technical expertise and support, certify the SHS graduates, and promote TVET and industry partnerships.

DOLE is tasked to facilitate employment linkages and promote TVET and career development support, while CHED will be providing the technical expertise and support through its panel of experts.

At the same event, the DepEd and TESDA also inked another JMC prescribing a standardized assessment and certification of SHS students who complete the program.

Industry leaders and experts have for some time now been calling for the further skills development of students, noting the poor quality of TVET programs and their lack of relevance to the skills required by industry. They have been pushing for greater effort to upskill the workforce to perform new and more sophisticated roles in view of the higher skills required by the Fourth Industrial Revolution or Industry 4.0.

The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) can boost its gross domestic product (GDP) by closing the gender gap in economic participation as its economies continue to evolve, according to the APEC bulletin.

“Women’s economic empowerment is central to our mandate in APEC. Not valuing the participation and contribution of women costs economies billions in lost revenue,” Chantelle Stratford PSM, chair of the APEC Policy Partnership on Women and the Economy, said.

Citing an earlier study, Stratford said closing the global participation gap alone will deliver USD28 trillion in GDP annually, which equates to USD17 trillion in the Asia-Pacific.

“We are leaving USD46 billion on the table every day in lost productivity,” she said.

”If women are not at the center of our thinking in APEC –whether we are considering matters of trade policy, skills frameworks, new technologies, structural and institutional reform, the green transition, artificial intelligence, disaster recovery etc. –then we are choosing bad policy and even worse economics,” she added.  

Stratford said APEC must leverage its influential platform to set ambitious targets and foster collaborative efforts among its member economies.

“By prioritizing gender-responsive legislation, supporting women-led businesses, and advocating for equitable economic policies, APEC can create a ripple effect that will enhance the economic and social well-being of women throughout the region,” she said. 

Stratford further said that with an agenda firmly rooted in economic inclusivity, APEC has the opportunity –and the responsibility– to reshape the economic landscape for the 1.5 billion women and girls within its member economies.

She said the integration of gender equality measures into all aspects of economic policy and decision-making will be key to achieving sustainable and inclusive growth.

“The time is ripe for APEC to not only continue its advocacy but also amplify its efforts, ensuring that the future is equitable for all, especially for the women and girls who are the backbone of our economies,” she added.    

Mabel L. Buted

“Ease of doing business” is multi-faceted. It does not begin and end in enabling individuals and entities to register, establish, and start their businesses. The more important aspect is the support and help given to businesses, in the most effective and efficient ways for them to continue and grow their operations, achieve their goals, and contribute to the economy.

Over the past few years, we saw the government’s initiatives in easing the doing of business in the country in relation to taxation – both through legislations and administrative issuances. The recently enacted Ease of Paying Taxes Act (“EOPT”) made it easier for taxpayers to comply with their tax-related obligations, including the transfer, updating, and cancellation of registrations.

Also, to recall, in the year 2021, the BIR relaxed some of the procedures required from taxpayers when they seek approval to adopt their own accounting system. Our tax authority simplified the requirements in the registration of computerized accounting systems and books of accounts by removing the prior requirement of system demonstration or pre-evaluation of the system before the same gets to be approved. With the revised procedures, taxpayers only need to submit the requirements for the evaluation by the BIR and the latter will only conduct a post-evaluation check on the system.

The government went on to remove the requirement of prior application or approval of the tax exemption or incentives to which the taxpayers are already entitled pursuant to the provisions of the applicable law. In the same year, when the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (“CREATE”) Act was enacted, in tax-free mergers and transfers or exchanges of assets or properties not subject to tax, the previous requirement of a prior confirmation or tax ruling for purposes of availing the tax exemption was eliminated.

Also, early this year, the tax authority, through a circular, clarified that the retirement fund set up by the employer can enjoy the tax benefits (exemption from income tax of the retirement benefits and the income of the fund and the deductibility of the contributions), pending the application with the BIR that the fund qualifies as a reasonable private benefit plan.

For registered business enterprises (“RBEs”) to avail of the VAT zero-rating on their purchases of goods and services, prior application or approval from the BIR before they can enjoy the said benefit was already dispensed with. Qualified RBEs can now avail of VAT-zero rating on their local purchases on the basis of the Certification of VAT-Zero Rating issued in their favor.

With EOPT, taxpayers may transfer their registrations by merely filing an update, either electronically or manually. This is a huge improvement from the previous process where the transfer of office of taxpayers needs to be approved first by the BIR district office in which the taxpayer is registered. Previously, transfer of registrations took time because a number of procedures must have to be completed. For instance, both the old and the new RDO offices need to conduct ocular inspections of the business premises before the transfer is completed.

The same is true with the cancellation of registration. Under EOPT, cancellation is effected by the mere filing for business closure or dissolution, either electronically or manually. With the new rule, procedures for closure are not dispensed with, such as the examination of the taxpayer. These can proceed even after the filing for closure. But the concerned taxpayer need no longer comply with the requirements for an active taxpayer, as its closure is effected upon application.

We appreciate and welcome all these kinds of initiatives. There are still many other areas where our government, especially our tax authority, needs to introduce changes. For instance, the present policies and procedures on the availment by our taxpayers of the benefits under tax treaties and of the tax-sparing rule on dividend income could be relaxed. Since the exemptions and preferential rates are already provided in the tax treaties and/or in the Tax Code, the benefits should be enjoyed with less hassles on the part of the taxpayers.

The goal is for taxpayers to see that our government is their partner, and the procedures required by our government should not serve as hindrance to doing businesses. Para piliin nila ang Pilipinas.

Making investments in disaster resilience is not a waste of resources because it is more expensive not to have mitigation measures amidst intensifying climate change and extreme weather phenomena, according to disaster risk reduction (DRR) experts.

“The primary benefit of investing in disaster risk reduction for businesses is that it’s too costly not to invest,” said DRR consultant Timothy Colin Wilcox in a recent webinar hosted by the Asian Productivity Organization (APO).

Wilcox painted a “grim picture” for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that do not invest in DRR, including how it can undermine their competitiveness and lead to market share loss. He also bared the following statistics:

•   40% of businesses do not reopen after a disaster
•   75% of businesses without a business continuity plan (BCP) fall three years after a disaster
•   25% of businesses close a year after a disaster
•   Companies that can’t resume operations within 10 days of a disaster’s first impact are not likely to survive

He called on SMEs to invest in disaster resilience and mitigation strategies to reduce damages as well as to put in place a BCP to stay as close to normal operations as possible following a hazard or disaster.

Wilcox said DRR investment can include, among others, getting insurance, drafting a BCP, bolstering and diversifying supply chains, strengthening hard infrastructure (e.g., retrofitting to have cyclone-resistant buildings), and introducing staff welfare programs to build a resilient workforce and workplace.

There is business value to disaster resilience, with the primary reason being to protect the company’s investment, both for the short and long term. “For a lot of small business owners, their life savings have gone into their businesses and by investing in risk reduction, you are protecting that investment,” stressed Wilcox.

He added: “With climate change affecting things, we’re seeing more and more hazards and disasters in terms of more frequency and more intensity. It’s not a matter of if the disaster is going to happen but a matter of probably when, so that investment in the long term is very important.”

Investing in DRR also lowers earnings fluctuations. “A lot of small business go from month to month or week to week with their income, and with disasters, if you don’t have insurance, you don’t have access to financial resources to fall back on to reopen. By having these resilient infrastructure and resilient business you are reducing the volatility of your earnings.”

Other reasons to build disaster resilience are to reduce damages and losses and provide peace of mind to residents that they have shops open to buy essentials from when disasters hit.

Moreover, a resilient company can seize the opportunity to innovate and develop technology, products and services for DRR such as relief items and financial products, Wilcox said.

Disaster resilience is also advantageous because it bestows a positive reputation and image on the company, imbues employee confidence in the workplace, promotes faster economic recovery and enables the firm to provide post-assistance to the community, the residents of which are also its customers and employees. 

Meanwhile, Shohei Matsura, a top official at the National Research Institute for Earth Science and Disaster Resilience in Japan, underscored the importance of exploring partnerships among the public sector, private sector, and academia to support disaster risk reduction initiatives in the community.

The public sector can take on the role of planning and funding for disaster recovery and preparedness, developing and enforcing DRR regulations and policies, and ensuring social safety nets are in place.

The private sector’s role can center on business continuity planning, providing physical, technological and financial resources and tools, protecting and expanding the regional economy and livelihoods, and ensuring risk-informed investments prior to disasters.

The academia’s role can focus on providing scientific data and analysis, developing technology and innovation, capacity building in DRR, and cross-sectoral engagement and field practice, said Shohei.

Government financing institutions are making available financing programs and facilities which exporters and aspiring exporters as well as micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) can tap to start or expand their business.

The Small Business Corporation (SBCorp), Land Bank of the Philippines (LandBank) and Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) presented these financing programs and facilities during the Usapang Exports session organized by the Department of Trade and Industry-Export Marketing Bureau.

Yvonne Diala, program officer of the Programs Management Department II at LandBank, said the Bank offers tailored-fit financial solutions that meet the needs of the exporters.

Diala said these credit facilities include short-term loan/line, term loan, export packing credit and line/export bills purchase line. 

“We offer a short term loan/line, or this is a project facility to augment the working capital requirements of our borrowers. We also offer the term loan which provides financing of capital expenditures such as acquisition of machinery and equipment, construction of your manufacturing, office building or warehouse, among others, except for land acquisition, and for the financing of your permanent working capital requirement,” she said.

Diala said export packing credit line is a short-term loan that provides assistance to exporters who are beneficiaries of a letter of credit (LC) for their pre-shipment working capital requirement such as for production of goods for export and cost of labor.

She said the bank can also finance the borrowers’ working capital requirement of up to 80 percent of the borrower’s project cost, with 20 percent as borrower’s equity.

“LandBank offers a range of loan facilities, providing the necessary financial support to expand your operations, enhance competitiveness and seize new market opportunities,” she added.

Diala further said the bank also has special lending programs which include the high value crops and value-chain lending program, poultry and livestock value chain lending program, aqua lending program, innovation and technology lending program, ecozone lending program, and renewable and efficient alternative energy financing program.

“For the non-agri(culture)-based lending program, you have the innovation and technology lending program. This one is a program in partnership with DOST (Department of Science and Technology)-Technology Application and Promotion Institute which aims for those who are inventors who want to commercialize their patented inventions and innovations,” she said.

Wally Calderon, SBCorp vice president for Innovation and Advocacy, said there are three products they offer –the Micro Multi-Purpose Loan for multi-sectoral microenterprises with at least one year business track record; SME Multi-Purpose Loan First Timers for MSMEs with at least two years business track record; and MSME Multi-Purpose Loan Suki for existing borrowers of SBCorp in good standing with at least six months repayment track record.     

“We have increased our loanable amount from P10 million previously to P20 million, and loans up to P3 million are collateral-free for first-time borrowers. For our existing borrowers, our collateral-free loan is up to P5 million,” he said in mixed English and Filipino.

Calderon said the actual interest rate is less than 1 percent per month as based on diminishing balance, while loan term is payable monthly for up to three years.

Myra Almogino-Calara, head of SME NCR Department at DBP, said export products and services offered by the bank include the commercial letters of credit (LC)/standby LC advising, inward export proceeds, outward bills for collection and export bills purchase.

She also cited the Bureau of Customs (BOC) collections and remittance of customs duties.

The bank has an agreement with the BOC to automate the collection and remittance of customs fees and charges that are generated through the 17 customs districts nationwide. 

Aside from LC and standby LC, Almogino-Calara said other modes of payment include documents against acceptance, documents against payment, open account, direct remittance and advance payment.

While SM Center Pulilan continues to provide a great shopping experience for Bulakenyos, the mall also takes pride in bringing exciting food concepts for mallgoers to enjoy. In addition to the shopping center’s wide array of food tenants, SM Center Pulilan introduces its latest specialty brands that are certainly worth a try on your next visit.

Sweet tooth or not, no one can resist Caramia’s premium cakes, gelato, and shakes, which are ultimate favorites regardless of the season. You may now get Caramia’s bestseller cakes, such as ube, midnight dream, pistaccio cioccolato, and salted s’mores, at their branch located at the ground level of SM Center Pulilan. Also check out their bestselling gelato flavors, which include pistachio, chocolate therapy, and cookies & cream. While indulging in their latest offerings—mango cream pie and gelato in maltesers and peach mango caramel flavors.

Korean food fans may rejoice as SM Center Pulilan welcomes Min’s Korean Grilling Station. This dining nook offers over 60 authentic Korean dishes and the best deals on meal selection, complete with the finest variety of side dishes and special sauces, for just P599 per person! From savory bulgogi to flavorful bibimbap, every bite promises an oriental taste of Korea. Visit them now at the ground level of SM Center Pulilan.

Bring back the simple pleasures of eating snacks with Potato Corner at SM Center Pulilan. Grab your favorite flavorful fries at their bigger branch located at the second level of the mall.

Plan your next food crawl and visit the latest food destinations only at SM Bulacan malls. Stay on the loop, as the malls will unveil some of the best store concepts in the coming days. Follow the social media pages of SM City Marilao, SM City Baliwag, and SM Center Pulilan for updates.

On 21 May 2024, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) brings its human rights education caravan, known as Lakbay Karapatan Tungo sa Kamalayan or “LaKarAn” (Human Rights Journey towards Consciousness), in MIMAROPA, specifically in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan.

“LaKarAn aims to bolster CHR’s education and promotion efforts within grassroots communities. It is designed to educate, raise awareness, and promote active participation in human rights issues among grassroots communities. We look forward to bringing the caravan to MIMAROPA,” CHR Chairperson Richard P. Palpal-latoc explained.

Part of the caravan are lectures on the basics of human rights and an orientation on establishing Human Rights Action Centers (HRAC) for local government units and community leaders in the region. Chairperson Palpal-latoc will also pay a courtesy visit to Palawan Governor Victorino Dennis Socrates and Puerto Princesa City Mayor Lucilo Bayron.

For the security sector, there will be an orientation session on applying a human rights-based approach in their policies. Chair Palpal-latoc shall also meet with Vice Admiral Alberto B. Carlos and his delegation during a visit to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Western Command.

Chairperson Palpal-latoc stressed the objective of the caravan to bring human rights to the ground.

“LaKarAn underscores the importance of understanding and involving local communities in ensuring a fair and just society. Further, it seeks to reaffirm the commitment of all duty-bearers, particularly within local governance and the security sector, to the steadfast promotion and protection of human rights,” he said.

Since its launch, LaKarAn has expanded to various regions including the Cordillera Administrative Region, Western Visayas, Northern Mindanao, and Central Visayas. Through the program, CHR has conducted Human Rights 101 Training for over 210 members of the AFP and the Philippine National Police. Paralegal Training and Workshops have also been provided by the Commission to 296 Barangay Human Rights Action Officers, city officials, and 166 representatives from local civil society organizations. Human Rights Defenders Ordinance and other human rights and gender-related local ordinances have also been enacted in key cities through the caravan.