Thursday, November 21, 2024

Tag: MSME

DOT-10 showcases Mindanao’s 1st travel hub in Bukidnon to boost tourism, MSMEs

Posted on by cmn

MALAYBALAY CITY (July 15, 2024/PIA) — The Department of Tourism (DOT)-10 reported that the opening of the tourist rest area (TRA) in the scenic town of Manolo Fortich in Bukidnon marks the first TRA in Mindanao to enhance the travel experience for local and international visitors

Marie Elaine Unchuan, DOT regional director for northern Mindanao, said during the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas media forum on July 2 that the TRA sets a new benchmark for travelers’ comfort and convenience following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directives to enhance the country’s tourism sector by improving facilities and resources that can significantly boost the economy.

“The tourist rest area opened in August last year and promises to redefine the journey for domestic and foreign tourists. Its clean, well-ventilated restrooms and inviting seating areas create a relaxing oasis for weary travelers,” she said.

With maps, guides, and expert tips, its information center is essential for tourists exploring northern Mindanao’s attractions.

Showcasing culture and local products

Unchuan said the TRA doubles as a vibrant shop, offering a selected range of local delicacies and handcrafted souvenirs.

“Visitors can indulge in Bukidnon’s famous coffee, savor delectable pastries, or purchase unique keepsakes crafted by local artisans. It delights travelers and supports micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) along with other local businesses,” she added.

Beyond its Pasalubong center, the TRA showcases local artwork, such as paintings and intricate leaf carvings, enhancing atmospheric energy and displaying the region’s artistic talent.

Inclusive amenities for all needs

Multiculturalism and inclusivity are TRA’s design principles. It caters to diverse travelers’ needs. The lounge and charging stations provide a comfortable space for tourists to relax and recharge their devices.

The coffee shop offers a selection of beverages and snacks, perfect for a quick refreshment break.

The TRA offers family-friendly amenities such as clean restrooms with showers and a lactation room to cater to the needs of even the youngest travelers.

Strategic location for maximum convenience

Travelers exploring Bukidnon and nearby provinces will find TRA an ideal pit stop due to its strategic location at the crossroads of major travel routes. Its proximity to Misamis Oriental, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, North Cotabato, and Lanao del Sur enhances accessibility for visitors discovering the region’s natural and cultural wonders.

Emalyn Cagolcol, a traveler from Valencia City, described the tourist rest area in Manolo Fortich as truly one of a kind.

“It was more than a mere rest stop. The facilities are not only clean and well-kept. It is also scenically situated amidst the serene landscapes of Bukidnon. It provided a much-needed break during our trip, allowing us to recharge and refresh ourselves before continuing our adventure,” she shared.

Manolo Fortich TRA is the second DOT-managed rest area in the country, following the successful model established in Medellin, Cebu.

“This TRA exemplifies DOT’s commitment to providing world-class facilities nationwide, ensuring travelers have access to modern and well-maintained facilities,” the DOT-10 regional director said. (Ruby Leonora R. Balistoy/PIA-10/Bukidnon)

MinDA, DTI-10 update stakeholders on EU GsP+, free trade agreements

Posted on by cmn

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA)–As part of the continuing efforts to better prepare and strengthen industries and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to thrive and compete internationally, the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-10 conducted a forum on European Union’s (EU) Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) and other free trade agreements

DTI Misamis Oriental Provincial Director Almer Masillones said the forum aimed to bring together industries and MSMEs in Northern Mindanao to have an equal understanding of the export opportunities of the region’s products and the trading performance of Mindanao in the European market.

During the forum, the participants received updates on the Philippine Export Development Plan 2023-2028 and opportunities under free trade agreements (FTAs).

“Kani usab ang amoang way sa pag engage sa atoang private sector nga maka access pa sila ug wide incentives in their engagements sa ilang business outside,” said Director Olie Dagala of MinDA.

[This is also our way of engaging our private sector so they can access vast incentives in their business engagements outside.]

The highlight was the presentation on the status of the EU-GSP+, a special incentive arrangement that allows the country to export more than 6,200 products to any EU member country tariff-free.

The country’s exports grew from €5.7 billion in 2014 to €10.4 billion in 2022 through this preferential tariff scheme.

Among the country’s top GSP+ exports are crude coconut oil and skipjack tuna, while the top GSP+ export destinations were Germany, Netherlands, France, Italy, and Spain.

“Indeed, the GSP+ paved the way for the exporters to increase their market access and sales opportunities to the EU market, which is one of the largest markets in the world, improving their competitiveness and allowing them to sell more products and contribute to the Philippines’ economic growth leading to more jobs creation,” added Masillones.

However, this scheme is set to expire by the end of this year.

The DTI provincial director stated that the forum also serves as a platform for consulting with stakeholders to formulate the country’s position regarding the expiration of its GSP+ access and any proposed extension.

To date, MinDA and DTI have already conducted forums for other stakeholders in key cities of Mindanao island, particularly General Santos and Zamboanga.

Meanwhile, DTI, through its Export Management Bureau, continues to assist industries and MSMEs in their exporting needs.

“We have a frontline service, yung [the] Export Assistance and Business Matching Division. We guide yung mga [our] exporters natin ano yung mga [what are the] steps and ano yung mga [what are the] requirements needed for each of the markets. We have a lot of market officers who can provide market requirements that can guide our exporters. We also have product officers who can guide them from the domestic up to the export market. In terms sa mga [of the] certification, we have export enablers that we can refer to our exporters. We try to connect everyone para easy and okay yung exporting journey nila [so that their exporting journey is easy and okay],” said the bureau’s Chief Trade Industry Specialist, Rudolph Jay Velasco. (APB/PIA-10)