DOT: US$5.8-B quota on tourist spending for '08 achievable

Cebu City (5 February) -- Tourism Secretary Joseph "Ace" Durano expressed confidence that the US $5.8B quota on tourist spending for 2008 will be achieved as the Department of Tourism (DOT) has already surpassed its quota on tourist spending three years ahead of time.

Durano said under the Medium Term Philippine Development Plan, the DOT was given a quota of US $4.8B tourist spending by 2010; which means that the total amount of money spent by tourists coming into the country must reach at least US$4.8B by the year 2010.

The tourism secretary however proudly bared that last year alone, the tourist spending already amounted to US$ 4.88B or a little over P200B which means the department has already surpassed its target three years ahead of the deadline.

Durano said they are looking at maintaining the eight to 10 percent growth in tourist volume and increasing the average length of stay of the foreign visitors to meet their self-imposed quota of tourist spending of US$1B dollars more.

Because at the end of the day, what matters most is how important these dollar inputs are to the growth of the economy, Durano further said.

The DOT is looking at a three-pronged approach to meet their tourist spending quota that are tourist volume, length of stay and what these tourists spend for, this is learned.

Durano said it is important to know where tourists spend their money so the tourism sector could offer more on these preferred services as the tourism chief cited the need to promote high-value services like health and wellness, education, sports diving and shopping. Tour operators on the other hand, can charge higher for high-value services, this is said.

Asked whether a strong peso will affect the country's tourism growth, Durano replied that "we have never positioned the Philippines as a cheap destination" but rather "a value-for-money" tourist vacation haven. The focus is more on the value of tourist spending rate and not on volume, Durano stressed.

Durano said the tourist arrivals from Europe were a big help in achieving their target quota on tourist spending three years ahead of the deadline. Much of our 8.7 percent growth in tourist arrivals was helped by the strong growth of the European market where Scandinavians posted a double digit growth while Russia was the fastest growing market with a growth of 16 percent last year alone, Durano revealed.

Although Europe only constituted about nine percent of total tourist arrivals last year but they spend more going for high-end services, this is said.

The DOT is closely coordinating with the Middle Eastern Airlines as these air carriers are the ones that offer direct access to the European market which can support the momentum of the European tourist market coming in to the Philippines, Durano ended. (PIA-Cebu/FCR)

Cebu to host 6th World Tourism Forum in October

Cebu City (5 February) -- Cebu takes the global center stage as the chosen venue to host the 6th United Nations World Tourism Organization (WTO) Forum where at least 400 members of Congress from at least 100 countries worldwide are expected to attend this coming October.

Tourism Secretary Joseph "Ace" Durano in the 888 News Forum this morning bared to Cebu reporters that China would have bided for the hosting of the 2008 WTO Forum but retracted its intent to give way to the Philippines and instead will host the same event in 2010.

The international tourism forum for parliamentarians held every two years is the first time that will be held outside the country's capital and gives Cebuanos again the opportunity to showcase to the world the natural tourism wonders of the place, according to Durano.

Three important issues will be the major focus of discussion namely climate change, poverty reduction and role of women in tourism.

Dominique Bernadette, UN-WTO Conference Secretariat Chief said Cebu has been chosen as the venue of the international forum because it meets the UN Conference's criteria of certain standards in terms of facilities such as an international air service connectivity which is highly important.

Bernadette added that Cebu being the most favored international tourism destination is also a factor behind the decision as it serves as a role model in giving more awareness to local authorities on their significant role in the development of communities through tourism.

Durano said shaping global tourism needs policy changes and adjustments to have a substantial impact which is basically the essence of the forum but local chief executives likewise have a critical role as they are the ones that implement these policies in the local level.

A technical tour to Bohol is also part of the itinerary to showcase how the local government unit (LGU) of the province managed to balance development and sustained eco-tourism growth together, Durano said.

Bohol is the fastest growing destination in the country because of the efforts of the LGU to strike a balance between development and the preservation of nature, the tourism secretary added.

The WTO Forum is an additional economic activity for Cebu and Bohol on top of what it is enjoying right now, Durano claimed. Cebu and Bohol are the top tourist destinations among foreign visitors.

Tourism Usec. Edu Jarque in the same forum said they together with Bernadette will inspect some top hotels and resorts in Cebu today for the venue of various socials while the group went to Bohol yesterday for an ocular inspection.

The forum will not purely be all work which is where our challenge starts because for the socials, we only have three days for the entire duration of the event to showcase what we have here in Cebu to impress our foreign delegates, Jarque said.

Jarque said they are closely coordinating with the Cebu Tourism Commission for the socials and expressed optimism that Cebu can and will deliver the best for the participants.

A post conference tour will also be offered to the delegates if they want to travel anywhere in the country like in Boracay, Palawan, Cagayan, Davao and Manila among other tourist destinations, Durano said. (PIA-Cebu/FCR)

Education congress assesses RP's education system

Cebu, Philippines (3 February) -- The recent 1st Biennial Education Congress in Manila that was attended by some 400 stakeholders had assessed the country's educational system to be more development oriented and globally competitive.

The congress had also provided the leaders and movers in the education sector to meet in one summit who are in the best position to discuss and share with one another experiential learning and best practices in implementing some of the sustainable development measures in education.

The gathering also raised a wide range of education issues that included quality assurance and monitoring and evaluation of private schools; TESDA's Ladderized education; classrooms-students ratio; teachers exam and trainings; standards in curriculum development and poverty alleviation through education programs.

In the President's message to the attendees, she underscored the value of education in Philippine society and family life.

"The best gift any family can give to a child and any nation can give to its people is access to a good education. It is the foundation of economic prosperity and individual liberty, justice and self-worth," the President told the gathering.

As can be gleaned from the various reports during the congress, the Arroyo administration has scored high marks in its bid to improve school attendance.

Firstly, access to education was improved tremendously. The Presidential Task Force for Education reported that DepEd through its various programs has encouraged millions of children to go to school by minimizing the cost of going to school.

It stopped the collection of miscellaneous fees on enrollment day and improved classrooms-students ratio to 1:50 on double shifts and the construction of schools in the far-flung barangays.

The government also had a more direct incentive to school attendance through the implementation of "Food for School" program that gives a kilo of rice per day to pupils.

The "Ahon Pamilyang Pinoy" is another unique program that provides conditional cash donations to poor households that comply with rules that enhance learning and health.

Secondly, harmonizing day care centers and pre-schools as part of the Basic Educational System is being worked out by the DepEd and upgrade knowledge of workers and curriculum in Math, English and Science education.

According to the task force, in 2006, 100,000 Math and Science teachers were trained. DepEd also improved its target of one is to one textbook/student ration. In 2007, DepEd has distributed more than 14-million textbooks and other instructional materials.

Thirdly, the government has expanded its public-private partnerships. It provided high school scholarships through voucher system and the government assistance to teachers and students in private education program (GATSPE).

According to the report, the government also increased the number of scholarship grants and loans to tertiary and vocational education through the TESDA's training program and its ladderized education whose allocation already reached to one billion.

Finally, the task force reported that it is only in the Arroyo administration that teachers have been given at least the same increasing bonus that other national government workers receive.

They have been given additional compensation in 2006 and a 10% salary increase in 2007 and another third round of salary standardization has been included in the administration bill. (PIA-Cebu/MBCN)

Global engagements administration's cornerstone

Cebu, Philippines (3 February) -- Global engagement remains a cornerstone of the Arroyo administration to ensure the country's security, economy and promote its social advancement.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, in her speech during the joint NEDA-Cabinet Group Meeting in Malacanang recently said that her trip to Switzerland and the Middle East was an important part of that engagement process.

The President told her cabinet that "Everyone is positive about the Philippines," that included the heads of the CitiCorp, the biggest bank in America; Hongkong and Shanghai Bank; Credit Swisse; United Bank of Switzerland; Dubai Investment Authority; Dubai World; Dubai Holdings; Abu Dhabi Investment Authority and Qatar Investment Authority.

Moody's upgrading its sovereign credit outlook on the Philippines from stable to positive that was announced during the President's attendance at the World Economic Forum, only confirmed what the government has been saying all along that the country has some of the best economic fundamentals in Asia, Arroyo further said.

"That we have created a new business environment that offers one of the best investment destinations in the world," the President added.

The President's trip to Switzerland and Dubai yielded benefits in terms of new trade and investment opportunities; strengthened relations with multi0lateral agencies and donor agencies to support the country's development programs and better working conditions for the overseas Filipinos.

Arroyo reported that in her meeting with Dubai's senior government officials and its business community, there will be new investments coming in to the country beginning this year. Duabai Ports has expressed its intention to expand its operations in Manila, Subic, Olangapo and Cebu. (PIA-Cebu)

Education congress assesses RP's education system

By Minerva BC Newman

Cebu, Philippines (3 February) -- The recent 1st Biennial Education Congress in Manila that was attended by some 400 stakeholders had assessed the country's educational system to be more development oriented and globally competitive.

The congress had also provided the leaders and movers in the education sector to meet in one summit who are in the best position to discuss and share with one another experiential learning and best practices in implementing some of the sustainable development measures in education.

The gathering also raised a wide range of education issues that included quality assurance and monitoring and evaluation of private schools; TESDA's Ladderized education; classrooms-students ratio; teachers exam and trainings; standards in curriculum development and poverty alleviation through education programs.

In the President's message to the attendees, she underscored the value of education in Philippine society and family life.

"The best gift any family can give to a child and any nation can give to its people is access to a good education. It is the foundation of economic prosperity and individual liberty, justice and self-worth," the President told the gathering.

As can be gleaned from the various reports during the congress, the Arroyo administration has scored high marks in its bid to improve school attendance.

Firstly, access to education was improved tremendously. The Presidential Task Force for Education reported that DepEd through its various programs has encouraged millions of children to go to school by minimizing the cost of going to school.

It stopped the collection of miscellaneous fees on enrollment day and improved classrooms-students ratio to 1:50 on double shifts and the construction of schools in the far-flung barangays.

The government also had a more direct incentive to school attendance through the implementation of "Food for School" program that gives a kilo of rice per day to pupils.

The "Ahon Pamilyang Pinoy" is another unique program that provides conditional cash donations to poor households that comply with rules that enhance learning and health.

Secondly, harmonizing day care centers and pre-schools as part of the Basic Educational System is being worked out by the DepEd and upgrade knowledge of workers and curriculum in Math, English and Science education.

According to the task force, in 2006, 100,000 Math and Science teachers were trained. DepEd also improved its target of one is to one textbook/student ration. In 2007, DepEd has distributed more than 14-million textbooks and other instructional materials.

Thirdly, the government has expanded its public-private partnerships. It provided high school scholarships through voucher system and the government assistance to teachers and students in private education program (GATSPE).

According to the report, the government also increased the number of scholarship grants and loans to tertiary and vocational education through the TESDA's training program and its ladderized education whose allocation already reached to one billion.

Finally, the task force reported that it is only in the Arroyo administration that teachers have been given at least the same increasing bonus that other national government workers receive.

They have been given additional compensation in 2006 and a 10% salary increase in 2007 and another third round of salary standardization has been included in the administration bill. (PIA-Cebu/MBCN)

Moody's upgrade pleases PGMA as local bizmen welcome Cebu City's top 10 rank among Asian cities

Cebu, Philippines (3 February) -- Moody's Investors Service upgrade of the country's credit rating to positive from stable pleased President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

More so because it was announced while the President was on a "global engagements" with leaders and businessmen in a World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland recently.

Moody's cited the government's "easing dependence on external financing; economic conditions and financial performance are mutually re-enforcing each other, as some of the reasons for its upgrade.

In similar developments, the Finance Direct Investment magazine of the Financial Times Group cited Cebu City as no. 8 in the list of Top 10 Asian Cities of the future.

The local business community was obviously pleased with the news. They say it is encouraging and a welcome development, specifically to all those sectors that work together to make Cebu City as one of the top cities of the future.

The Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) led by its president, Francis Monera said, the chamber has a strong partnership with the government in pursuing advocacy and promotion of the city as an investment haven.

Monera further said that Cebu City was also ranked 4th as most cost-effective city; 7th in best quality of life and the only Philippine City that is listed for best development and 2nd in best promotion.

The local businessmen agreed that the rankings were the results of the hard work of both the local government units and the business community in promoting Cebu as an attractive investment hub.

However, Monera said that Cebu City got low marks in the list of best infrastructure, most business friendly, best human resources and best economic potential.

The chamber further said that Cebu City can improve on those areas, specifically on the infrastructure because "we are talking about cities of the future."

According to the businessmen, Cebu City enjoys an advantage compared to other Philippine cities because it is not so small nor too big; it has beautiful beaches, fresh mountain air and malls tat are very accessible.

It also has several good colleges and state universities. "We can nurture children better in Cebu than in other cities," Monera added.

The CCCI said that if businessmen, government and the private sector work hard together, "we can make our ranking higher in those areas where Cebu City is lacking. (PIA-Cebu/MBCN)

DepEd reports 1:50 classroom achievement

Cebu, Philippines (01 February) -- The Department of Education (DepEd) reported that by 2006, the government had achieved its medium plan target ratio of one classroom for every 50 grade school students on double shift.

This was included in the progress report of the Presidential Task Force for Education during the 1st biennial Education Congress in Manila recently.

In 2001, DepEd's goal was to reduce the time and money spent by students to actually travel from their homes to the schools; and to build classrooms in the far-flung barangays unserved by nearby schools.

It was reported that within a year, the government completed more than 1000 of those needed school buildings.

In 2007, according to the DepEd, the government added another 15,000 classrooms and this year, it will start the construction season for 10,000 classrooms. A series of groundbreaking activities will start this Saturday, Feb. 2.

In Cebu City, Governor Gwen Garcia and Barangay Lahug Captain Mary Ann de Los Santos joined the DepEd officials, parents, teachers and students in the inauguration of the 20-classroom building at the Lahug Elementary School compound.

Lahug Barangay captain De Los Santos told the media that the 20-classroom school building was funded through the fund raising activity of the Lahug residents called "Piso Mo, Eskwelahan ko," after its school building was hit with a fire in 2007.

The campign yielded some P168,000 and Provincial Governor Gwen Garcia, upon seeing the hapless conditions of the students donated a P5-million allocation for the school construction.

Out of the 20 classrooms, only four (4) classrooms are completed so far and these were turned over to the principal, PTCA of the Lahug Elementary School at Baranagy Lahug, Cebu City.

De Los Santos further said that out of the P5.168-million, only P2.2-million was spent for the 4 classrooms. She hopes that the remaining program of works for the entire 20-classroom building will be fast tracked and "we will see the completion of the project before the year ends," she added. (PIA-Cebu/MBCN)

DTI-Cebu helps push Cebu products out to market

Cebu City (1 February) -- In an aggressive move to help push Cebu's best products in the market, the Department of Trade and Industry - Cebu Province (DTI-Cebu) is facilitating the opening of an outlet display in one of the malls in Cebu City and will soon showcase these locally-made products in a video presentation to be shown in fast crafts.

DTI-Cebu's Elias Tecson bared they are currently negotiating with Kultura Pilipina, a boutique located at SM City Cebu that sells distinctively native products and items ideal as 'pasalubong,' to display and promote the popularly known products of various towns and cities in the province under the 'One Town, One Policy' (OTOP) Program spearheaded by the DTI.

Tecson, OTOP Cebu program coordinator said there is already an existing outlet in Ayala, the Natalie Shop that displays OTOP Cebu products but that most of these are handicraft items.

OTOP is a flagship program of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo that aims to promote entrepreneurship and create livelihood opportunities for the local community. The program encourages local chief executives of every city and municipality to take the lead in identifying, developing and promoting a specific product or service which has a competitive advantage.

Some of the local products distinctively well known in particular municipalities and cities in the province include the shoes of Carcar City, guitar of Lapulapu City, wooden beads of Asturias, Sinamay of Carmen, ceramics of Boljoon, deboned bangus of Pinamungahan and bamboo craft of Alegria.

Tecson said the OTOP Program is in line with the thrust of the national government to assist micro, small and medium scale enterprises (SMSEs) to manufacture, offer and market distinctive products or services through the use of indigenous raw materials and local skills and talents and provide a sustainable source of livelihood for the local residents largely contributing to the economic growth of the locality.

SMSEs constitute about 99 percent of the country's economy but only provides direct employment of about two percent as government sees the need to provide technical, financial and marketing assistance to small and medium enterprises to further their growth and offer more jobs, it is learned.

Employment generation is a priority thrust of the President to fulfill a previous promise she made to provide 10M jobs until her term ends in 2010.

DTI-7 Regional Director Asteria Caberte also recently disclosed to tour guide operators of the negotiations with the Mactan Cebu International Airport Authority to put up a corner outlet at the airport where popular products from various towns and cities of Cebu will be made available.

Tecson further said that they have ink an agreement with the management of Super Cat, a fast craft bound for neighboring island provinces to show to passengers a 36-minute video presentation on the best products Cebu has to offer per municipality and city.

Showing the video can have more impact to better appreciate what Cebu has to offer which in part is also promoting local tourism, Tecson added.

Caberte proudly boasted that Region 7 is way ahead compared to other regions in its efforts to help market OTOP products. (PIA-Cebu/FCR)