Latest news with #PCCI
GMA Network
a day ago
- Business
- GMA Network
Sweet taste of home: Philippine mangoes now sold in Italy
Ambassador Nathaniel Imperial and Agricultural Attachè Josyline Javelosa with Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry Italy (PCCI) President Dennis Carrascoso and members, CNA (Confederazione Nazionale dell'Artigianato e della piccola e media impresa) representative Indra Perera with Oscar Calolot Jr. the owner of Pinoy Saver's Mart. Photo by Boyet Abucay The world-renowned sweet Philippine mangoes has officially reached Rome, Italy! With the collaborative efforts of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry Italy (PCCI) and the Philippine Embassy in Rome — led by H.E. Ambassador Nathaniel Imperial and Agricultural Attaché Josyline Javelosa, the first commercial export of Philippine mangoes to Italy has landed and is now being sold in Filipino stores in the city. On Monday, June 2, PCCI officials and members, together with Ambassador Imperial and Agricultural Attaché Javelosa, celebrated this milestone at Pinoy Saver's Mart Battistini, one of the official distributors of Philippine mangoes in Rome. The historic shipment weighed nearly half a ton and marks the beginning of what stakeholders hope will be a long-term presence of Filipino agricultural products in Europe. Ambassador Imperial said, 'This is only the beginning of a broad effort to lessen our country's wide trade deficit with Italy. We aim to export more fresh agricultural produce and processed foods to Italy where there is a growing market for Philippine-sourced food products.' Representatives from Artigiani Imprenditori d'Italia (CNA) joined the event and expressed support for stronger agricultural trade ties between the Philippines and Italy. Dennis Carrascoso, chairman of PCCI Italy and the key figure behind the initiative, shared the group's vision of promoting Filipino products not just in Italy, but across Europe. 'This project is the fruit of teamwork. With the financial support coordinated by Benford Fortuna of Sarap Restaurant and the documentation handled by Jocelyn Tupino of Pacific Cargo, we were able to turn this dream into reality,' Carrascoso said. He added, 'On behalf of PCCI, we are truly grateful to the Philippine Embassy and to all our fellow Filipinos who supported — and continue to support — this initiative. This is just the beginning.' This achievement is more than just a successful shipment — it is a proud symbol of the Philippines' agricultural excellence. It also opens doors for more opportunities for Filipino farmers, exporters, and entrepreneurs to compete in the global market. The good news? More stores in Rome are now offering Philippine mangoes, including Mancini on the Go and Sarap Restaurant. For Filipino farmers and agribusinesses back home, this is a clear message: our harvests are world-class, and the world is ready for more. — BAP, GMA Integrated News
3 days ago
- Business
Oman-Philippines ties on good ground: Ambassador
Ambassador of Philippines to Oman, H E Raul Hernandez sees a bright future for the vibrant relationship between Oman and the Philippines. 'Oman is fast becoming my second home. At last year's National Day celebration, we proudly served Philippine mangoes – known for being among the sweetest in the world. We plan to continue this tradition,' he tells Anirban Ray in an exclusive chat Oman and Philippines have shared a long-standing relationship that is cordial, economically beneficial, culturally vibrant, and politically deep-rooted in mutual trust. Taking over as the new ambassador of Philippines to Oman, H E Raul Hernandez has a series of cultural, business-related, and people-to-people contact events lined up. This in view of the fact that the two countries have a long-standing relationship based on mutual respect, cultural exchanges and economic ties, he said. Both nations have a history of trade and co-operation dating back to centuries. In recent times, Philippines and Oman have continued to strengthen their relationship through diplomatic dialogue and collaboration in various fields, such as energy, infrastructure and art. The appointment of a new ambassador signals a commitment to further strengthening these ties and exploring new avenues for collaboration. Excerpts from an interview with H E Hernandez: What is your immediate focus as Ambassador of the Philippines to Oman? Since assuming office in September 2023, my focus has been clear and multifaceted. First, I am committed to strengthening economic diplomacy between the Philippines and Oman. Oman is currently our 65th largest trading partner, and in 2024, we saw key trade items exchanged such as electrical machinery, mineral fuels, and edible preparations from the Philippines, while Oman's exports included ores, cereals, and similar machinery components. We also aim to introduce more of our agricultural products into the Omani market – bananas, pineapples, tuna, and desiccated coconuts, among them. On the investment front, we are working to finalise agreements related to reciprocal protection of investments, double taxation avoidance, and agricultural and fisheries cooperation. A proposed MoU between the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) and the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) is also in the pipeline. Moreover, we are promoting the Philippines as an ideal investment and tourism destination. I'm pleased to hear from Omanis who have already visited the Philippines and enjoyed their stay. We hope to see more such visits through planned familiarisation tours. Secondly, connecting with our Filipino community in Oman is a key priority. With more than 48,000 Filipinos residing here, spread across various professions – from healthcare and engineering to hospitality and household services – I've been keen to listen to their experiences and extend embassy services where needed. Their stories of success and gratitude for the opportunities Oman has given them are truly inspiring. Lastly, I've dedicated efforts to deepening ties with the Omani community. We're celebrating 45 years of diplomatic relations with Oman this year, and I see this as an opportunity to express our gratitude for the friendship and support the Sultanate has shown. Oman is fast becoming my second home. At last year's National Day celebration, we proudly served Philippine mangoes – known for being among the sweetest in the world – and we plan to continue this tradition. How many visas were issued to Omanis who travelled to the Philippines last year? Technically, Omanis don't require a visa for visits to the Philippines of up to 30 days. In 2024, over 4,000 Omanis visited the Philippines, a number that doesn't include expatriates residing in Oman who also travelled to our country. Most of them visited for tourism, to enjoy our famous Filipino hospitality, food, and beautiful coastlines. Destinations like Boracay and Palawan remain top choices. We're also seeing increased interest in wellness tourism, thanks to our world-class health centers offering excellent diagnostics and care. Yes, we are working on a familiarisation tour for Omanis and expatriates in Oman. Also, Oman Air's direct daily flights to the Philippines make travel convenient and position our country as an ideal leisure and wellness destination. Are there any new initiatives/projects to be undertaken by the Embassy or Philippines in Oman this year? Yes, several memoranda of understanding between the Philippines and Oman are under discussion in fields of mutual interest. We're also excited about celebrating the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations with cultural and business initiatives, possibly featuring performances from Filipino talent. We aim to strengthen our visibility in Oman through participation in local government-led programmes that showcase Filipino products, talents, and culture. Are there plans for new Filipino schools in Muscat? Currently, the Philippine School in Oman has over 900 students and enjoys strong support from both, Filipino and expatriate, families. While there are no formal expansion plans yet from the school administration, we remain open to opportunities. We are also hopeful that the Omani government may one day provide land for a new and larger campus. Education is a key pillar of our commitment to Oman's future. What's the latest on investments, trade, and business exchanges in Oman? Today, there are over sixty Filipino-owned micro and small enterprises in Oman, primarily in food and retail – industries that reflect our culture's love for shared meals. These businesses not only serve our community but introduce Filipino cuisine to other cultures here. Oman's investor-friendly policies have helped our entrepreneurs thrive. Additionally, we are promoting the Philippines' sovereign wealth fund and are exploring potential investment collaborations in Oman. Progress in this area has been encouraging. How would you describe the people-to-people relationship between Oman and the Philippines? The people-to-people connection between our two nations is warm, dynamic, and growing. Filipinos and Omanis have built meaningful friendships over the years, evident not just during embassy events but also through community initiatives. A recent vaccine drive, where many of the nurses assisting Filipino clients were Omani, was a touching example of cooperation and solidarity. Filipino professionals – doctors, nurses, engineers, teachers – are respected contributors to Omani society. We continue to empower them, ensuring they feel supported in their roles, and proud of the impact they make here. These human connections are the foundation of our enduring partnership with Oman.
GMA Network
23-05-2025
- Business
- GMA Network
Makati Business Club, PCCI laud retention of economic team
Two of the country's most influential business groups, Makati Business Club (MBC) and Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), have welcomed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s decision to retain the composition of his administration's economic team. At a press conference, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin announced that the President, 'after careful evaluation,' decided to retain Trade Secretary Cristina Roque, Finance Secretary Ralph Recto, Economy Planning and Development Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, and Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Frederick Go. The announcement came a day after Marcos' call for his Cabinet secretaries to submit their courtesy resignations as the results of Eleksyon 2025 showed that the people are "tired of politics and they are disappointed with the government.' Members of the President's economic team have immediately complied with his call. 'The Makati Business Club is relieved and satisfied that the Cabinet Secretaries in the Economic Cluster have been retained. This strengthens the continuity and stability of economic policies and initiatives,' MBC executive director Rafael 'Apa' Ongpin said in a statement. 'The private sector has had productive and encouraging engagements with the departments in the Economic Cluster that have demonstrated the open and collaborative character of this administration. We are glad that these relationships will continue,' Ongpin said. The MBC earlier backed the retention of the economic team, describing them as 'the best people for the job' and 'are well qualified for the position.' PCCI, for its part, said, 'We welcome the retention of the members of the economic team of President Bongbong Marcos.' 'They have been instrumental in the continued growth of the economy despite global economic whirlwinds. Their retention signals commitment to the continuity of reforms and stability in governance, and boosts confidence in the administration,' the business group said. PCCI also backed the Cabinet overhaul as it called for 'accountable and merit-based appointments' as well as the retention of 'those who delivered and performed.' Meanwhile, PCCI expressed support for Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla, who will be transferred to head the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). 'With respect to Secretary Popo Lotilla, he has proven his competence and integrity as head of the Department of Energy (DOE). His stint at the DOE was characterized by his commitment to accelerate the transition to clean energy while still ensuring security and affordability of electric power - the two critical components to industrial growth and economic development,' the group said. 'We are optimistic he will bring the same balanced perspective and pragmatic approach that considers both environmental and industrial perspectives, at the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR),' it added. Bersamin said that the DOE will be temporarily headed by Undersecretary Sharon Garin as officer-in-charge. —LDF, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
22-05-2025
- Business
- GMA Network
PCCI, MAP want appropriate, merit-based talents as Marcos revamps Cabinet
The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) and Management Association of the Philippines (MAP), two of the country's most influential business organizations, are backing President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s move to revamp his Cabinet. Marcos earlier announced his sweeping call for his Cabinet secretaries to submit their courtesy resignations after his pronouncement that the results of Eleksyon 2025 showed that the people are "tired of politics and they are disappointed with the government." Notably, members of the President's economic team — Finance Secretary Ralph Recto, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, Economic Planning and Development Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, Trade Secretary Cristina Roque, and Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Frederick Go — have complied with the call of the President. 'We want to continue fostering economic growth and investor confidence. And so we hope that the courtesy resignations will bring in accountable and merit-based appointments. That those who delivered and performed well will be retained. And that new and re-appointments be done the soonest possible time to avoid uncertainty and instability and so as not to derail economic continuity,' the PCCI said. MAP, likewise, said, 'We hope the President will find the appropriate talents for those he decides to replace —people who can effectively execute his government's plans.' 'We trust that capable, proactive, and committed individuals will be empowered and work together as a cohesive team to execute the nation's plans to uplift the lives of all Filipinos and move us closer to the outcomes our people deserve,' MAP said. The President, in giving his directive, said he wanted to have an elbow room 'to evaluate the performance of each department and determine who will continue to serve in line with his administration's recalibrated priorities.' MAP said that Marcos' initiative to reset key leadership roles in his administration underscores the value of principled leadership and accountability in driving progress and delivering meaningful results. 'We understand the President's actions and intentions as this happens in business and the private sector. A CEO needs to make difficult calls, such as replacing talents, with the primary objective of improving the performance of the organization. Difficult as it may be, the call of leadership is to make such hard decisions in the interest of establishing meritocracy and encouraging performance,' MAP said. The PCCI, meanwhile, said the President's call for the courtesy resignation of his Cabinet secretaries was 'quite surprising given that the government has been performing relatively well in managing the economy.' The business group said that it was unfortunate that economic growth has been "undermined by developments at the political front." 'We are trying to get more investments for the country especially with the passage of the CREATE MORE Act and the PPP Code,' it said. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News
