As global foreign direct investments (FDIs) continue to stagnate, policymakers should look at revising their traditional strategies for economic development to focus on policies that attract FDIs and promote investment in Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), according to a new United Nations report.

The UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) launched on April 23, 2024 a report on global FDI trends and development, which has found that FDI growth has stagnated amidst the rise in protectionism, geopolitical risks and investor caution.

Among the key findings of the paper is how the growth of FDI and global value chains (GVCs) is no longer aligned with gross domestic product (GDP) and trade growth, indicating a significant shift in the global economy.

Since 2010, global GDP and trade have continued to expand at an annual average of 3.4% and 4.2% respectively, even amidst rising trade tensions. By contrast, FDI growth has stagnated by nearly 0%.

“This lag reflects increased investor caution as a result of shifts in international production and GVCs, rising protectionism and growing geopolitical tensions. It highlights the vulnerability of developing economies that are dependent on FDI,” said the report.

Additionally, there is a growing gap between the manufacturing and services sectors, with investments increasingly leaning towards services.

From 2004 to 2023, the share of cross-border greenfield projects in the services sector grew from 66% to 81%, said the report entitled “Global Economic Fracturing and Shifting Investment Patterns.”

Moreover, services-related investment within manufacturing industries nearly doubled to about 70%, driven by technological advances.

Simultaneously, FDI in manufacturing was stagnating for two decades before going down significantly, with a negative compound annual growth rate of -12% in the three years after the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The decline in manufacturing has severely impacted smaller economies, hindering their ability to participate in global production, upgrade production methods and adopt new technologies, said the research.

The good news is that investments in environmental technologies like wind and solar energy have surged, it added. Their share of total greenfield projects in non-services sectors jumped from 1% in the early 2000s to 20% by 2023.

FDI in the manufacturing of electric vehicles and batteries has likewise seen a 27% annual growth over the past decade.

“The sustainability imperative and the drive to stimulate investment in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have opened new opportunities for investment-driven industrial development, particularly in environmental technologies,” said the report. “However, these new opportunities can only compensate in part for the lack of FDI growth in other industrial sectors.”

This necessitates a re-evaluation of traditional strategies to harness FDI for inclusive and sustainable development, the report said.

To mitigate the effects of shifts in GVC investment patterns and the decline of FDI across most manufacturing sectors, the paper suggests that policymakers in developing economies focus on exceptions to the general trend and on industries and activities that are less vulnerable to the whims of GVC movements.

It also recommends that developing countries consolidate links with neighboring countries and cooperate at the regional level to strengthen regional value chains.

These nations are also advised to promote investments in sustainable and green technologies as well as in other sectors driven by the sustainability imperative and policy considerations.

The report noted, for example, how the local production of pharmaceuticals is gaining increased attention from policymakers in developing countries and from special economic zone authorities aiming to stimulate cluster development by involving both international producers and local small and medium enterprises to service local and regional markets.

“The drivers of growth are health policy considerations rather than international production logic, potentially making the activity relatively immune to the general trend,” said the report.

The El Niño phenomenon continues to weaken but its impacts—hotter and drier conditions—will continue to be felt in the Philippines until next month, even as the possible onset of La Niña is currently being closely monitored, according to a weather official.

Rusy Abastillas, senior weather specialist at the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAG-ASA), said in an online briefing that there have been signs of cooling across most of the equatorial Pacific Ocean over the last four weeks, indicating the weakening of El Niño.

But even as El Niño is waning, its effects will continue to be notable until May, Abastillas said in her update on April 25. “There is about 95% probability [that] this El Niño, although weak [already], will continue until March-April-May season.”

She added that PAG-ASA then expects the likely transition from El Niño to El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO)-neutral—referring to those periods when neither El Niño nor La Niña is present—“from April, May, June up to May-June-July, which is more than 70% probability.”

This will be followed by the increasing odds (at least 60% chance) of La Niña developing  in the June-July-August 2024 season up to November, December, and January 2025, said Abastillas.

El Niño and La Niña represent opposite extremes in the naturally occurring climate cycle referred to as El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO). El Niño refers to a periodic weather event characterized by a warming of the ocean surface or above-average sea surface temperatures in the eastern equatorial Pacific. It is associated with droughts, heat waves, heavy rainfall and other extreme weather events. La Niña is usually associated with lower-than-normal air pressure, which brings above-normal rainfall conditions.

However, Abastillas said that historically, a pre-developing La Niña is characterized by below-normal rainfall. “Therefore the possibility of a slight delay in the onset of the rainy season is likely with the combined effects of the ongoing El Niño,” she said.

“So we still expect na mas mababa ang ulan natin [lower rainfall volume] this coming rainy season,” she continued.

Abastillas said they are expecting 10 to 13 tropical cyclones to enter or develop in the Philippine Area of Responsibility from May to October 2024.

She also gave updated forecasts on prevailing temperatures from May to October, noting that “below-average to warmer-than-average surface air temperatures are expected throughout the country during the forecast period,” she warned.

Meanwhile, Miguel Adrian Garcia of the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation in his presentation noted that “we are facing extremes during this time of the ENSO phenomenon.”

He observed that even as the El Niño phase has been weakening, “we’re still expecting above-normal temperatures… and we’re still going to have dry spells and droughts all over the country.”

And as El Niño transitions to La Niña, “we’re expecting below-normal rainfall and delay of the onset of the rainy season, but with the decrease we are still expecting heavy rainfall during the habagat season,” he added.

He said above-normal rainfall could come as early as October 2024, coinciding with the peak of the tropical cyclone season. Garcia also cited PAG-ASA’s forecast that the Philippines could be visited by 13 to 16 tropical cyclones up to the end of the year, which is less than the 19 to 20 cyclones on average.

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has extended by another 90 days the imposition of withholding tax on the gross remittances made by electronic marketplace (e-marketplace) operators and digital financial service providers (DFSPs) to sellers and merchants.

The BIR issued on April 15 Revenue Memorandum Circular (RMC) No. 55-2024 extending by 90 days or until July 14, 2024 the imposition of withholding tax by e-marketplace operators and DFSPs to “provide the said taxpayers a sufficient time to comply and adjust to the requirements of RR No. 16-2023 and other government agencies.”

This is the second extension after the agency released RMC 8-2024 on January 15, 2024 that provided for a 90-day transitory period for compliance with Revenue Regulations (RR) 16-2023.

RR 16-2023, which became effective on January 11 this year, was issued last December 21 and imposes withholding tax on the gross remittances made by e-marketplace operators and DFSPs to sellers/merchants for goods and services sold or paid through their digital platforms or facilities.

Essentially, the gross remittances of e-marketplace operators and DFSPs to merchants shall be subject to creditable withholding tax rate of 1% on one-half of such remittances.

Further all existing unregistered sellers/merchants selling goods and services in an e-marketplace or DFSP are required to register with the BIR and submit a copy of the BIR-issued Certificate of Registration.

After the transitory period for registration, e-marketplace operators and DFSPs “shall not allow unregistered businesses to sell goods and services in their platform/facility.”

Exempted from the withholding tax are the following instances:
•    Annual total gross remittances to an online seller/merchant for the past taxable year have not exceeded P500,000; or
•    Cumulative gross remittances to an online seller/merchant in a taxable year have not yet exceeded P500,000; or
•    The seller/merchant is exempt from or subject to a lower income tax rate pursuant to any existing law or treaty.

Under RR 16-2023, gross remittance is defined as the total amount received by an e-marketplace operator or DFSP from a buyer or consumer for goods or services sold or paid through the platform/facility of the e-marketplace operator or DFSP.

Meanwhile, an e-marketplace is defined as a digital service platform to connect online buyers/consumers with online sellers/merchants, facilitate and conclude sales, process the payment, facilitate shipment/logistics, and post-purchase support within such platforms. It includes but is not limited to the following: marketplace for online shopping; food delivery platform; platform for booking resort, hotel, motel, inn, house, condominium unit, bed space, room for rent, and other similar lodging accommodations in the Philippines; and other similar online service or product marketplaces.

The RR describes a digital financial service platform as financial technology capable of offering a wide array of services of financial nature that are made available to the public through the internet, mobile application, or other similar means.

RR 16-2023 also declares that this withholding tax imposition is in addition to the existing withholding tax obligations being imposed on the e-marketplace operators and DFSPs such as withholding taxes on payment to transportation contractors and for commissions.

Exporters are encouraged to use no-cost online tools to access international trade data as well as market research reports as they create new and expand export markets. 

Ma. Divine Grace Derez, senior trade-industry development specialist at the Department of Trade and Industry’s Export Marketing Bureau (DTI-EMB), discussed the benefits of accessing the International Trade Centre’s Trade Map (www.trademap.org) and the Market Access Map (https://www.macmap.org).

The Trade Map is an online database on international trade statistics, providing an array of useful indicators on export performance, international demand, alternative markets and the role of competitors from both the product and country perspectives.

Derez said exporters just need to login or create an account to access and download all the information they can find in these online tools.

“In the Trade Map, what information can you get from the tool? So basically what is the level of global demand for your product, who are the fastest growing markets in the world market, who are the main importing and exporting countries (and) also exporter, the importer of your specific product that you want to look into,” she said during the recent general membership meeting of the Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc. (PHILEXPORT).

“Also which companies import my product in a given market and what is the most interesting market for my product. When you have all of these questions answered, in the end, you have a selection of the most attractive market(s) for your product,” she added.

Aside from the trade data, Derez said Trade Map also provides graphs or information about the seasonality in the target markets and the specific products which are in demand in a specific season, country perspective, and prospects for market diversification for a specific product.

“What else can you do with (the) Trade Map? Use graphs and maps to visualize your analysis. Define your own product and country groups according to your needs,” she said.

On the other hand, Derez said the Market Access Map provides the specific market requirements that need to comply to penetrate the market. 

“When you explore the tool, there are four different tabs in the macmap –access a market, compare access, analyze markets and then download data,” she said.

Derez added the Market Access Map provides customs tariffs and other market access conditions, including trade remedies and non-tariff measures.  

Further, the exporters can access ITC’s Export Potential Map (https://exportpotential.intracen.org) which identifies products, markets, and suppliers with unrealized export potential, as well as opportunities for export diversification for 226 countries and territories and 4,658 products.

Based on the ITC export potential methodology, the Export Potential Map evaluates export performance, target market demand, market access conditions, and bilateral linkages between the exporting and importing countries to provide a ranking of unrealized opportunities.

Aside from these online tools, DTI-EMB director Bianca Sykimte said they can utilize some market intelligence subscriptions through the EMB which can provide insights on their target markets.

Sykimte said the EMB has been subscribing to the Euromonitor International and Mintel, noting it considers market intelligence information important for Philippine exporters to have access as stakeholders plan or execute export market strategies.

She said Euromonitor provides global and regional overview on industries; analytical dashboards to understand key markets – market data on sales, current and projected demand; socioeconomic data in key markets; and company level information.

“…It can provide in-depth local business information to better guide you in your market strategies,” she added.

Sykimte said Mintel, on the other hand, provides market trends and consumer preferences; data on product launches, claims, ingredients, and flavors, among others; and company level information.

The insurance premiums written by the Government Service Insurance System for the first quarter hit Php2.98 billion. This is a 12% increase from Php2.65 billion in premiums from March year-on-year. The GSIS General Insurance has issued 52,644 total policies, with total sum insured amounting to Php798.4 billion.

As of end-March, net income is at Php3.3 billion, marking a 35% increase from Php2.4 billion in first quarter of 2023.

The net worth of the GSIS General Insurance Fund (GIF) for the first quarter of 2024 is up by 7% at Php54.63 billion from Php51.26 billion as of year-end.

GSIS President and General Manager Wick Veloso said “GSIS is aggressively campaigning for the protection of all government insurable assets and interests. We protect the Government’s Budget and individual programs against unexpected insurable losses such as fire, earthquakes and typhoons. And more importantly, we are able to pool long-term funds and put them in investments to help grow the overall economy.”

“The sustained momentum of the performance of the GSIS has proven to be a catalyst of the economic development of the Philippines through supporting both the public and the private sectors,” Veloso added.

GSIS Senior Vice President for Insurance Valerie Marquez said GSIS will soon be issuing a Parametric Insurance for Local Government Units. This type of insurance pays out benefits based on the occurrence of a pre-defined event, such as earthquakes of a certain magnitude or typhoon winds breaching a specific speed.

Marquez said “we believe this type of insurance will help many LGUs as this does not require the traditional process of claims adjustment after a loss event. GSIS will pay out automatically when the triggering condition is met.”

GSIS is also boosting its marketing efforts to cover insurable risks of government workers such as automobile and fire insurance.

Edrian B. Bananua, Junior Writer

Lerma Cuevas, a devoted mother who prioritizes family above all else, has steadfastly committed herself to succeed over life’s trials.

Residing in the town of Rosario in Batangas, Lerma values strong family spirit, which serves as her inspiration to face and conquer life’s challenges. Despite having only completed high school, Lerma’s unwavering determination stems from her belief that a better life awaits them at the right time.

Despite financial challenges, Lerma and her husband managed to send all six of their children to school. Through determination, hard work, and mutual support, they achieved what once seemed impossible.

Currently, Lerma’s eldest son holds a Business Administration degree, her second son is a regular employee with six years of service, the third is a full-fledged seaman, and the fourth is an Electrical Engineer. Meanwhile, her youngest twin boys are now pursuing their college degrees.

Their poultry and piggery business, coupled with determination, played an important role in supporting their children’s education. Lerma expresses gratitude for the assistance provided by CARD SME Bank, Inc., a thrift bank under CARD MRI, citing the institution’s loans as essential in growing their business and financing their children’s education.

Beyond financial aid, Lerma underscores the importance of a strong family spirit, a value she also found at CARD SME Bank. As a client of the thrift bank, Lerma appreciates the sense of family and acceptance she experienced within the bank’s community where everyone treats each other not as clients but as a newfound family, which also strengthens their bond and relationship as a group.

Lerma, along with her family, serves as an inspiration in their community, encouraging other CARD clients to strive for their children’s education. Their unity and dedication have kept the family intact and expanded their business, with haulers assisting them in transporting and selling their poultry products and pigs in the market. “Do not give up on life’s challenges, for everything has an end. The Lord will not give it to us if we cannot overcome it. Just fight and join hands with the whole family to face and overcome trials to triumph,” she said.

EmergeLocal, Inc.

EmergeLocal Inc. (Emerge) empowered businesses and individuals to leverage content and influencer marketing strategies at its second “Unwrap Your Potential” masterclass event, held with JG Worldwide on April 19, 2024. The event, titled “From Blah to Bam! Content and Influencer Marketing Workshop,” provided attendees with hands-on experience in crafting impactful content and influencer marketing campaigns.

Sharing Insights and Expertise

The workshop featured presentations from JG Worldwide co-founders Vinze Montero and Gian Eduard. Mr. Montero’s “Brand Pop: Cultural Impact on Content Creation” session explored leveraging cultural trends for content strategy. Mr. Eduard followed with “Adsthetic: The Art of Creating Content,” focusing on the visual aspects of impactful content.

Emerge’s Director of Marketing and Client Services, Jim Merino, concluded the workshop with “The Ten Commandments of Content and Influencer Marketing,” outlining a framework for successful content marketing campaigns.

“Part of the omnichannel marketing approach is getting to your customers’ heads wherever they are on the internet,” said Director Merino. “Leveraging and elevating content with different aspects like the aesthetic, the core message, and use of influential personalities can all contribute to achieving your business goals,” he added.

Putting Knowledge into Action

Participants actively engaged in the workshop, creating content based on the experts’ insights. Each group presented their work, and participants received valuable feedback and advice for improvement.

Director Jim Merino added, “We hope the participants will go home, sleep on it, go to work, and finally think, “Oh, so this is why I joined that masterclass.” Because it was something they needed.”

Expanding the Reach of Unwrap Your Potential

This workshop marks the second event in Emerge’s ongoing “Unwrap Your Potential” campaign, designed to empower businesses and individuals with the skills needed to thrive in the digital landscape.

“Building on the impactful results of the initial Unwrap Your Potential Masterclass series, Emerge is expanding the program to reach businesses across the country,” said Emerge Co-Founder Carissa Noromor. “This national expansion reflects our dedication to empowering a wider audience and fostering digital growth.”

For more information about Emerge and its award-winning digital marketing solutions, you may reach their Revenue Operations team at sales@emergelocal.com. Discover how Emerge can elevate your business’s digital presence.

IPMSDL

Gawis ay agew ken datako amin! Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed comrades, and the vibrant new generation of Indigenous activists, warmest greetings to all!

Thirteen years ago, beneath a shared sky and in a distant land, the International Indigenous Peoples Movement for Self-Determination and Liberation (IPMSDL) was born from the International Conference on Indigenous Peoples’ Rights, Alternatives, and Solutions to the Climate Crisis. Our movement’s name, though long and intricate, embodies our unwavering spirit. It proudly proclaims our aspirations for freedom, equality, and justice, our relentless fight for our right to land, and our determination to break free from the chains of discrimination, racism, oppression, and exploitation. Today, we wear this name with pride. It is a badge of honor, a testament that signifies our steadfast commitment.

As we gather here today, let us revisit our past resolutions, reflect on our accomplishments, draw lessons from our experiences, celebrate our victories, and gather new insights as we embark on this three-day journey. Most importantly, we are here to reaffirm our solidarity with each other’s struggles and our shared aspirations for genuine self-determination and liberation.

On November 9, 2010, we collectively resolved to:

1. Uphold Indigenous Peoples’ Rights to survival, self-determination, liberation, and social justice. Strengthen global solidarity among indigenous peoples beyond the conference. Organize the Indigenous Peoples Movement for Self-Determination and Liberation.

2. Defend Indigenous Lands and Resources against development aggression, resource plunder, and political impositions. Advocate for recognition of indigenous rights and involvement of youth and women in managing ancestral territories sustainably.

3. Demand Accountability from imperialist countries, multinational corporations, and financial institutions for their environmental impact. Reject market-based climate solutions, promote indigenous knowledge and practices in climate strategies, and participate in climate change discussions.

4. Push for a Proactive Climate Disaster Response of governments and international programs addressing climate disasters affecting indigenous communities. Document successful indigenous adaptation and mitigation efforts, particularly by women, and integrate these practices into disaster responses.

5. Resist Corporate Control in agriculture, promote biodiversity, and advocate for indigenous sustainable agricultural practices. Campaign against land acquisitions and military actions undermining food sovereignty.

6. Combat Human Rights Violations, condemn militarization, and State repression against Indigenous Peoples. Uphold international declarations particularly the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Combat criminalization, vilification, terrorist-labeling of indigenous activists and leaders, and the misuse of indigenous culture for counter-insurgency objectives of States in line with the US-led War on Terror.

7. Oppose socio-economic and politically motivated population transfers in indigenous territories. Work to stop cultural genocide and ethnocide of indigenous peoples.

8. Support Indigenous Peoples’ Struggles for Self-determination liberation, and sovereignty—Foster learning, collaboration, and alliances with other movements in pursuit of common goals.

The theme of our gathering, “Ignite: Keeping the Fire Alive,” is not just timely; it is profoundly fitting. This gathering reaffirms the resolutions and objectives we agreed upon a decade ago. Its purpose is to rekindle and sustain the flame ignited by our ancestors—those heroes who sacrificed sweat and blood for our people’s struggle. Our heroes, whom we honor every November 10 – a day we have declared as International Indigenous Peoples Heroes Day.

“Ignite: Keeping the Fire Alive” is more than a title or a theme. It is a call to action. This flame hasn’t dimmed, even during the years when we did not convene; it has grown stronger. Our presence here signifies our commitment to keep this fire burning. Much like a guiding torch in the darkness, our passion to effect meaningful change in the world remains indispensable, even amidst the challenges we face.

Let our stories and narratives be the building blocks of a stronger movement for self-determination and liberation. Let us fill these halls with stories of joy, struggles, and victories, of stories that look back at our history but also visions of the future. Our goal is to weave all of our narratives and experiences into a more consolidated International IPMSDL and chart the course of our movement in the years to come.

Over the years, we have established our international coordinating body, representing our membership across the global regions, and institutionalized our governing body. In 2010, the Cordillera Peoples Alliance took the lead, hosting and acting as the global secretariat for the International Indigenous Peoples Movement for Self-Determination and Liberation (IPMSDL). But in 2013-2014, we transitioned the global secretariat into a structure comprising dedicated Indigenous Peoples’ advocates based in Manila, Philippines.  

Despite our streamlined structure, our global secretariat also serves as the secretariat for three prominent international formations: the Indigenous Peoples constituency of the CSO Partnership for Development Effectiveness (CPDE), Commission 10 on the rights of Indigenous Peoples, National Minorities, and other oppressed nations and peoples of the International League of Peoples Struggles (ILPS), and the Merdeka West Papua Support Network.

Our reach has expanded significantly. Through our official website and social media accounts, we have enhanced our communication, fostering an active platform for exchanging ideas, sharing developments, and expressing solidarity. We have launched online and onsite campaigns on land and self-determination, published research materials, and organized valuable learning exchanges.

We look forward to the ICC and global secretariat’s report that shall give the details of our achievements, as well as shortcomings, and recommendations moving forward. Needless to say, we still have much to learn and do.

I am happy to see familiar faces, the stalwart leaders who have walked this path with us. But my joy is immeasurable because we are also graced by a new generation of Indigenous activists. Your presence is not just symbolic; it is pivotal. You are the pulse of our movement, the embodiment of our hopes and dreams. In your hands lies the power to shape the destiny of our communities, our movement, and our planet. The challenges may seem daunting, but remember, the solutions we seek are embedded within our traditions, our wisdom, and our collective strength.

To my fellow activists, leaders, and the elders who were with us in the founding of our movement, you stand as an inspiration to all who continue to carry out work in the name of freedom, and rights for Indigenous peoples.

Our elders and scientists warn us of a looming climate crisis, a ticking clock urging us to act swiftly. Hunger, drought, fascism, and tyranny ravage communities worldwide. The world seems divided, torn apart by the powerful few. It is easy to feel overwhelmed, but it is precisely why we are here today.

These next two days are not just a conference; they are a sanctuary of knowledge, a crucible of ideas, and a fortress of unity. Let us use this time to learn from each other, strengthen our bonds, and take decisive steps forward toward a future that is just, free, healthy, and sustainable.

Together, let us fan the flames of our shared passion and commitment. Let us ignite not just a spark but a wildfire of change that will sweep across nations, illuminating the path to self-determination and liberation. 

In our unity lies our strength, and in our determination lies our power. Let us march forward, hand in hand, and let the world bear witness to the growing force that is the International Indigenous Peoples Movement for Self-Determination and Liberation.

Josephine M. Ramos, Junior Writer

Hailing from Pagsanjan, Laguna, Sarah Jane Idang inherits a legacy that began with her grandmother in 1970. Their family business is in the production of Shing-a-ling, a beloved Filipino snack made from deep-fried mike noodles until it becomes crispy and crunchy. It is commonly found in local stores, markets, and pasalubong centers in the Philippines.

Sarah Jane took the responsibility of managing the business when her mother passed away. “My mother also inherited this business from my grandmother. I grew up seeing the business grow and right there, I knew I wanted to be a part of it. I wanted to be able to pass it on to the next generation so that the legacy could continue,” she said.

She had enjoyed managing the business, however in 2016, she was presented with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work in Malacañang. She grabbed that chance and left the business under her sibling’s control. She experienced working close with the former president which was an achievement for her.

Yet, in 2019, she decided to return to her roots and take over the family business due to her sibling’s other commitments. Aside from that, she is committed to uphold the family legacy.

Sarah Jane is grateful that through their family business, she was able to support her younger siblings’ education. Sarah Jane also acknowledges the crucial role played by her aunt in ensuring timely deliveries and expanding their reach to various cities in the provinces of Laguna and Quezon.

CARD MRI Rizal Bank, Inc. (CARD RBI), a microfinance-oriented rural bank that works towards providing financial services to economically challenged women, also helped her keep her business running. She uses the loan she obtained from the institution to buy the raw materials required for their daily production. With her commitment, passion, and the help of the institution, she is positive that she could pass on the legacy that was started by her beloved late grandmother. 

Herman Lagon, Ph.D.

The Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) signaled a significant milestone this Thursday, May 2, 2024, with the groundbreaking ceremony for its new Olympic-size sports complex at the Main Campus-Tiwi Site, Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo. The event was attended by notable figures including 4th District of Iloilo Cong. Ferjenel Biron and Uswag Iloilo Cong. Jojo Ang, who have played pivotal roles in the project’s inception and funding.

The state-of-the-art complex will feature an Olympic-size 50-meter swimming pool with a grandstand and function rooms, a 400-meter rubberized oval, and a renovated basketball court, aimed at bolstering the university’s sports and recreational facilities. 

Speaking at the ceremony attended by hundreds of students, faculty, staff, and guests, ISUFST President Dr. Nordy Siason highlighted the impact of the new facilities: “This project is not just about physical structures but fostering excellence and community engagement. We are immensely grateful for the dedication and support of Cong. Biron and Cong. Ang, which has been instrumental in making this vision a reality.”

“An additional P45 million is to be allocated to ensure the completion of this project to the highest standards,” announced Cong. Biron. “We are here not just to initiate projects but to build legacies that will endure beyond our terms. Public office is a public trust, and we must uphold accountability in every action we take. Our efforts today reflect a commitment not only to present constituents but to future generations.”

Continuing, he highlighted the significance of the legislative support that made the university’s transformation possible: “Without steadfast dedication over the past decade, transitioning ISCOF to ISUFST would have remained a vision unfulfilled. It required a singular, dedicated president [Dr. Siason] and a dedicated set of faculty to meet the rigorous CHED standards, affirming our unique role as the nation’s only fisheries university.” He specifically stressed that “our commitment to the College of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences (CFAS) is about honoring our responsibility to provide exemplary education.”

Reflecting on his diverse career and contributions, Cong. Biron added, “From founding a small pharmaceutical company to leading the largest provider of injectable products in the Philippines, my journey has been guided by a principle that good governance and quiet dedication deliver the most impactful results. In line with this, I am proud to announce that this July, Cong. Ang and I will donate audiovisual facilities and educational instruments worth P1 million, funded from our salaries, to further enhance our university’s educational capabilities.”

Through these efforts, Cong. Biron reiterated his commitment to sustainable development and education in Iloilo, driven by a belief in integrity and the transformative power of education as echoed by Nelson Mandela’s teachings.

For his part, Cong. Ang declared: “Today, as we lay the foundation for this grand sports complex, we’re not just building facilities; we are setting the stage for future Palarong Pambansa games right here in the Fourth District of Iloilo.” 

“With the Barotac Nuevo and Passi City projects, we underscore the ‘one town, one project’ initiative, aiming to replicate this model in every barangay across Iloilo, starting with our district. Moreover, to ensure our athletes and students have the best conditions, we will soon install state-of-the-art big ass fans in the gym. It’s our commitment to provide nothing but the best for our community.”

Meanwhile, DPWH Chief Engr. Allan Rey Pajinma assured those present of the department’s commitment to ensuring the timely and successful completion of the project, set to span 250 calendar days.

As the ceremony concluded, the community looked forward with anticipation to the opportunities and benefits that the new sports complex will bring, not only to ISUFST but to the region as a whole, reinforcing the university’s role as a beacon of education and athletic prowess in the Philippines. (Text by Herman Lagon/Photos by Ricky Ramos, Herman Lagon, and TST/PAMCO)