Gov’t trade show revitalizes PH food exports, love for local flavors

Wazzup Pilipinas!?


Most innovative food products recognized

Government-run food trade show IFEX Philippines 2022 successfully kicked off at the World Trade Center Metro Manila on Thursday, September 22. IFEX Philippines welcomed nearly 6,000 local and foreign buyers and visitors from all over the world during the three-day event, initially generating approximately USD 100 million in export sales and PHP 56 million in domestic sales. These figures are still expected to increase. More than 300 Philippine exhibitors showcased thousands of premium Philippine food products at the event.

Sen. Cynthia Villar, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food and Agrarian Reform, and its Vice-Chairperson Sen. Maria Josefa Imelda "Imee" Marcos, graced the event to support the Department of Trade and Industry's (DTI) thrust to uplift the country's food micro, small and medium food enterprises (MSMEs).

Among those who were also present at the opening ceremony were top foreign and Philippine government officials: Undersecretary Ireneo Vizmonte, Officer-in-Charge (OIC), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI); CITEM Deputy Executive Director Ma. Lourdes Mediran; H.E. Dr. Imtiaz Ahmad Kazi, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan; Commercial Counsellor Serhan Ortaç of the Turkish Embassy; Assistant Director Jhino Ilano of the Export Marketing Bureau (EMB); Executive Director Maria Rita Matute of the Design Center of the Philippines; Executive Director Nelly Nita Dillera of Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC); Mr. Sergio Ortiz-Luis, President and CEO of PHILEXPORT; and Pangasinan 4th District Representative Christopher de Venecia.

Deputy Executive Director Ma. Lourdes D. Mediran of CITEM, the promotions arm of DTI and event organizer, said that IFEX Philippines 2022 is designed to be “a site of reunion and rediscovery” where Philippine food companies and international buyers can reaffirm their partnerships and make new connections. Visitors came primarily from the Philippines, the United States, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Japan, and Australia.

In her recorded keynote speech, Sen. Cynthia Villar highlighted the role of agriculture in uplifting the economy and the efforts being made to assist the sector. According to Villar, supporting the agriculture sector is necessary to ensure flexibility during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We should continue supporting our local produce to ensure our food security and self-sufficiency,” said Villar.

Meanwhile, Usec. Ireneo Vizmonte reiterated DTI’s commitment to the food sector. Vizmonte also acknowledged the global factors that affect the country’s economy, saying these conditions require sustainable and inclusive government response.

Vizmonte said that science, technology, and innovation are essential in building a competitive economy and will be central to the work of DTI under the leadership of Secretary Alfredo Pascual.

“The goal is to grow and develop globally competitive and innovative industries that support inclusive growth and improve environmental sustainability and the quality of life for Filipinos,” said Vizmonte.

According to Vizmonte, one of DTI’s priorities is the digital transformation of MSMEs and the growth and development of startups. Through innovation and digitalization, DTI aims to double its efforts to upgrade and scale MSMEs in order to improve their productivity growth, employment creation, and participation in global value chains.

“The MSME sector is instrumental to the growth of the Philippine economy, accounting for 99% of all businesses in the country. Needless to say, it is of utmost importance that we ensure that entrepreneurs have access to all the resources, platforms, and technologies that they need to grow their businesses," said Vizmonte.

In addition to supporting the MSMEs, he also said that to promote industrialization, DTI will reconfigure the export industry into three clusters: Industrial, Manufacturing, and Transport; Technology, Media, and Telecommunication; and Health and Life Sciences. Through this strategy, DTI seeks to further build up the country as an exporter of high-value products.

Assistant Secretary Glenn Peñaranda, OIC of DTI’s Trade Promotions Group (TPG), echoed this in his recorded welcome message by highlighting programs that help MSMEs boost their competitiveness in the global market. These programs include capacity-building like the Philippine Trade Training Center's (PTTC) Global MSME Academy; export assistance programs like RIPPLES; and market access platforms like CITEM’s signature programs and participation in overseas trade fairs.

“The Philippines is one of the most exciting destinations for quality food exports, but with stiff competition from our neighbors, and other drivers such as climate change and health crises, we must continuously adapt and reassert our place in the market,” said Peñaranda.



From left to right: H.E. Dr. Imtiaz Ahmad Kazi, Ambassador Embassy of Pakistan, Mr. Sergio R. Ortiz-Luis of PHILEXPORT, CITEM Deputy Executive Director Ma. Lourdes D. Mediran; Pangasinan 4th District Representative Christopher de Venecia; Undersecretary Ireneo V. Vizmonte, Officer-in-Charge (OIC), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)

Celebrating Filipino creativity and innovation in the food sector

Aside from providing an avenue for food MSMEs to showcase their goods, IFEX Philippines also recognized the most innovative products for each product category. CITEM named the winners of the Katha Awards for Food on the opening night of IFEX Philippines.

Katha Awards recognizes exporters that explore new galleries of flavors, original brand ideas, unique food fusions, and creative packaging methods. Through this, Katha Awards aims to strengthen the reputation of the Philippines as a go-to destination for globally competitive Asian food and ingredients.

Sen. Imee Marcos, Vice-Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food, and Chairperson of the Committee on Cooperatives, delivered a special message in which she discussed the current problems in the food and agriculture sectors, including import reliance, food shortages, and hunger. She emphasized the importance of supporting the MSME sector to address these issues. Marcos also lauded efforts such as the Katha Awards, which incentivizes businesses to develop new and innovative products for export.

“The truth of the matter is that I truly believe that in the end, all these depressing views in the agricultural and food sector can only be righted by a much more vigorous and vibrant MSME and retail population,” Marcos said.

Here are the winners of the Katha Awards during IFEX Philippines 2022.

New Product Category for Beverages

Sol's Italian Food

Rafael Cococnut Cream



New Product Category for Fine food and specialties

Miguelito's International Corporation

Instant Puto Bumbong



New Product Category for Marine/Seafood

Fisher Farms Inc.

Gourmet Fillet Sampler Box



New Product Category for Meat & Poultry Products

Gulf Pacific Integrated Exports/Elarz

Corned Lechon Lagablab



New Product Category for Snack Foods & Crisp Savoury Products

Innovative Packaging Industry

OSH Choco Dipped Mango Crisps



New Product Category for Baked Goods & Confectioneries

Theo and Philo

Dark Chocolate Covered Cashew and Honey



New Product Category for Processed Fruits and Vegetables

Century Pacific Food Inc

Unmeat Luncheon Meat



New Product Category for Natural, Healthy & Organic Products

Pasciolco Agri-Ventures

Coconut Amínos



Best Booth

Fisherfarms, Inc.



Special Citation for Sustainability

HIJO Superfoods

Quirino Young Entrepreneur's Association



To learn more about IFEX Philippines, visit IFEXConnect.com.



About CITEM

The Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) is the export promotions arm of the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

For nearly 40 years, CITEM has established the country’s image as a premier destination for quality export products and services. It continues to set the highest standards of creativity, excellence and innovation to achieve competitiveness in the home, fashion, lifestyle, food, creative, and sustainability sectors.

CITEM is committed to developing, nurturing, and promoting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), brands, designers, and manufacturers by implementing an integrated approach to export marketing in partnership with other government and private entities.



About IFEX Philippines

IFEX Philippines (formerly International Food Exhibition) is CITEM's long-running trade event and sourcing program for Philippine and global food and ingredients.

Together with IFEXConnect.com, IFEX Philippines serves as a one-stop business-to-business (B2B) platform aiming to optimize their sourcing experience of buyers from anywhere in the world.

IFEX Philippines is organized by the Center for International Trade Expositions & Missions (CITEM).

Toni Gonzaga as new Shopee brand ambassador: How many Netizens reacted negatively (14m) or positively (31m) ?

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

As many are now talking about Shopee's latest brand ambassador... many all looked back and couldn't forget? ...Move on or move forward na ba dapat?... Let's see if Toni Gonzaga is still an effective endorser...and if the 31million will give Shopee a good reason they chose the G..o Yung 14 million lang naman ang feeling?

Ano naman comments nung mga na layoff ng Shopee , ang chismis ay just to get Toni? Fake news o reality? I think only Shopee could confirm or deny. SHOPEE PH members react na!

Jesus Falcis wrote:

"Kakampinks should boycott Shopee - but not *just* because of Toni Gonzaga. 

Love her or hate her, Toni G is an effective endorser.

Among her contemporaries and peers in showbiz, Toni G (along with her sister Alex G) are comparatively more effective endorsers - they boost sales because they have high conversion rates.

They do not just increase brand awareness, they increase brand equity and consumption. Unlike some kakampink aligned celebrity endorsers who have high awareness rates but low conversion rates.

So Toni G is worth the money.

But the question is, is she worth more than the massive number of employees that Shopee has recently fired?

And that is why we should boycott Shopee.

More than identity politics and election affiliation of Shopee’s endorser, what’s wrong with Shopee is they chose to spend their money and capital on an effective but expensive endorser INSTEAD of ensuring it keeps as much of its employees who need the jobs.

Automation cannot justify the mass firing of employees. There’s so much to improve in customer service and complaints, handling of shipping and logistical problems, and other needs of the company that only humans can do.

Toni G is already rich. She does not need more money. She already has many endorsements from companies that are not laying off its employees.

Shopee’s employees may be comfortable than most Filipinos but getting fired puts them in a vulnerable position now - in a time when prices are high and good jobs are hard to find.

Even if Shopee got any other endorser, boycott is still right in the context of spending millions on an endorser rather than preventing mass layoffs.

A lot of us kakampinks also lead comfortable lives. So we have the luxury of prioritizing moral values and identity politics.

But we usually forget class politics - which is so fundamental and primordial because it affects human survival.

So let’s boycott Shopee - not *just* because of Toni G.

But because Shopee chose Toni G over its employees - who could have given us consumers better customer service."

Arnie Alesna posted this on his wall:

Now I think Shopee is banking on the saying even negative or bad news is still good news, because Toni G and Shopee is the trending talk of the town. The virality is real.

Will Lazada regain it's former glory as top online shopping portal?.. Parating pa lang tayo sa exciting part

Pinoy Ako Blog posts:

Twitter is abuzz with Kakampinks calling for the boycott of Shopee after the online shopping app hired the services of Toni Gonzaga as their latest celebrity endorser.

Jover Laurio, a Dilawan blogger and influencer tweeted to announce her last purchase from Shopee until Toni Gonzaga, which they have taken issue, is ditched.

Eto na ang magiging last order ko from @ShopeePH . Balik na lang ako pag iba na endorser nila. pic.twitter.com/bAJ33Srki6

— Jover Laurio (@PinoyAkoBlog) September 28, 2022

In light of this boycott call for Shopee because Toni Gonzaga is a PBBM endorser and enabler, to borrow their word in describing the former PBB host, Manila Bulletin writer Krizette Laureta Chu has taken to Facebook expressing with great anticipation how things will pan out for the Kakampink.

Chu, a staunch Duterte supporter, recalled the time when DDS called for the boycott of Shopee after getting Kris Aquino as endorser at the height of the issue of her funding Jover Laurio, the pro-admin netizens responded with gusto and uninstalled the app, Kris Aquino did not stay long as their endorser.

Fast forward today, Shopee is once again in the center of another controversy, this time after getting Toni Gonzaga as their latest endorser.

Chu said she can’t wait how this Toni Gonzaga boycall call will affect Shopee.

You may now read Krizette Laureta Chu’s original FB post below.

During the Duterte admin, when Shopee got Kris Aquino to endorse during the height of the issue of her funding Jover Laurio, the government supporters doubled down and uninstalled the app. Kris didn’t stay long as endorser after that. I don’t know if it had anything to do with the boycott of some supporters.

Now during the Marcos admin, as Shopee purportedly gets Marcos supporter Toni Gonzaga to be their endorser, the anti Marcos / Kakampinks are up in arms and are asking for a boycott.

Let’s see how this will affect the online shopping giant. Sayang din yung 14 m

(TBH, di ako marunong mag Shopee. Kailangan matuto ako. Parang mas nahihirapan ako sa interface nila kesa sa Lazada. Ako lang ba.)

Reaction?

Source: Krizette Laureta Chu

The post This pro-Duterte influencer is closely watching if Dilawans’ #BoycottShopeePH gets same result when DDS boycotted Shopee because of Kris A. appeared first on Pinoy Trending News.

Source: Pinoy Trending News

"May mga kakampinks business na apektado ng cancel culture, mas dadami ba ang supporters ang mga kakampinks sa cancel business or mababasawasan ang supporters nila?" - Chris Ayson

Good point..many will surely feel the "backlash" but if the 31m are avid online shoppers at Shopee, we will see... if Shopee made a good decision

Maraming tatamaan of this crazy cancel culture, not what we need right now while we try to rise above the challenges brought by the pandemic.

SSS to open two programs for members, pensioners affected by Super Typhoon Karding

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The Social Security System (SSS) announced on Thursday that the SSS will open two programs to extend financial assistance to its members and pensioners in areas affected by Super Typhoon Karding.

According to SSS President and CEO Michael G. Regino, these programs are the Calamity Loan Assistance Program (CLAP) for members, and the Three-Month Advance Pension for SS and Employees’ Compensation (EC) pensioners.

Under the CLAP, members may avail of a loan equivalent to the average of their last 12 monthly salary credit or the amount they applied for, whichever is lower. For the Three-Month Advance Pension, the proceeds will be based on the amount of the pensioner’s monthly pension.

“In response to the devastation brought about by Super Typhoon Karding, we will offer these two programs in the areas to be declared under a state of calamity by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC),” Regino said.

“We are finalizing the guidelines for these programs, and we shall release them through our website and social media channels once available,” he added.

In the meantime, members are encouraged to enroll in the My.SSS Portal of the SSS website (www.sss.gov.ph) as applications for the CLAP will be coursed through this channel.

Members and pensioners may follow the SSS on Facebook at “Philippine Social Security System – SSS,” Instagram at “mysssph,” Twitter at “PHLSSS,” and YouTube at “MYSSSPH,” or join its Viber Community at “MYSSSPH Updates.”