Filipino-Australian Named Finalist In 2024 Women Changing The World Awards

Filipino-Australian Named Finalist In 2024 Women Changing The World Awards

OneNews.ph
06 May 2024

Yona Signo has masterfully integrated her IT and project management skills with her profound commitment to empowerment.

Kaya Services is thrilled to announce that its founder, Yona Signo, has been selected as a finalist for the prestigious 2024 Women Changing the World Awards. This recognition is awarded by Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, and Dr. Tererai Trent, Oprah Winfrey’s all-time favorite guest, to women achieving outstanding success in areas such as sustainability, humanitarian efforts, leadership, advocacy, technology, education, health, and innovation.

Dr. Trent explains, “These exceptional women are here to awaken hearts, give permission to recapture dreams, and inspire the women of the world to come together to forge a brighter path for all. The rising of women is the awakening of everybody.”

A Filipino-Australian entrepreneur, Yona Signo has masterfully integrated her IT and project management skills with her profound commitment to empowerment. As the founder of Kaya Services and co-founder of Vision Outsourcing, she has mobilized skilled remote teams, providing equitable work opportunities for women in the Philippines and boosting operational efficiency for global businesses. This effort strengthens her ties to her cultural roots, promotes cultural diversity, and encourages cross-border collaboration.

Yona’s multifaceted career also includes roles as a published author, course creator, and Certified SacredSpace holder. She is an advocate for entrepreneurial mothers and consistently demonstrates integrity, love, and joy in her personal and professional life.

Under Yona's leadership, Kaya Services and Vision Outsourcing have become platforms where predominantly female Filipino teams gain meaningful employment opportunities, helping Australian and international female entrepreneurs scale their businesses through strategic outsourcing. Her work enhances Filipino women's economic empowerment and provides Australian women entrepreneurs with the necessary tools and resources to succeed in a competitive market.

Reflecting on her work, Yona said, “My background provides a unique perspective that enriches our operational strategies with Filipino resilience and Australian work-life balance. This cultural synergy not only makes our approach more adaptable and empathetic but also transformative.”

Over the past year, Kaya Services has seen a 70% increase in clientele and a 40% expansion in its Philippine-based team, underscoring her impact on women's employment and empowerment. Additionally, Yona collaborated with the Pinay Girl Boss Academy to develop a Virtual Assistant Basics course. This partnership allowed her to directly impact aspiring female professionals in the Philippines, equipping them with the essential skills to thrive in the digital economy.

Extending herself both professionally and personally has also been a significant achievement. By delving into Human Design, she has enriched her ability to support individuals more effectively. This study has enabled her to tailor her approach to align with their unique needs and potentials, empowering them with this knowledge and demonstrating how they can apply it in their own lives.

Yona continues to be a significant force for change, advocating for remote work as a respected career option and promoting global collaboration without borders. Her vision for the future is centered on empowering women worldwide to lead, innovate, and inspire across all sectors. She aspires for Kaya Services' success to be measured not only by its business achievements but also by its impact on uplifting communities, transforming lives, and promoting a more equitable world.

In her advice to others aspiring to make a difference, Yona encourages, “Embrace the challenges as opportunities to manifest a life that contributes to the ripple effect of change you want to see in the world. Stay committed to your why and your purpose, and never underestimate the power of your actions to make a difference.”

Makati, finalist in WWF's One Planet City Challenge

Makati a finalist in WWF competition

Story by Nillicent Bautista 
Philstar Global 
May 5, 2024

MANILA, Philippines — Makati City has earned a spot as a national finalist in the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF)’s One Planet City Challenge (OPCC) 2024.

The OPCC, which was launched in 2011, was previously known as the Earth Hour City Challenge, a friendly competition that recognizes cities with proactive climate initiatives and commitment to sustainable urban development.

“This distinction not only celebrates Makati’s environmental achievements but also sets us as a leader in ecological responsibility among over 350 cities from 50 countries,” the Makati City government said in a Facebook post.

The cities of Baguio and Tagum were also selected as finalists out of the 15 cities in the Philippines that pitched their entries.

‘Compliance badge’

Makati Mayor Abby Binay on Friday also announced that the city has also earned a “compliance badge” from the Global Covenant of Mayors for its action on climate mitigation and adaptation.

According to the city government, the badge is awarded to cities that have “accomplished and achieved progress in their local climate action in all three pillars: mitigation, adaptation and access to energy.”

Only three other cities in the Philippines received the same distinction: Quezon City, Ormoc City and Dipolog City.

Philippines contributes $3 million to ADF

Philippines contributes $3 million to ADF

Story by Louise Maureen Simeon

Philstar Global 

05 May 2024

TBILISI – The Philippines is providing $3 million (P171 million) to the Asian Development Bank (ADB) fund meant to help poor and vulnerable economies in Asia-Pacific.

In a briefing here on the sidelines of the 57th ADB Annual Meeting, ADB president Masatsugu Asakawa said the bank and several donor countries have agreed to replenish $5 billion for ADB’s Development Fund (ADF).

As such, the Philippines has donated for the second time roughly $3 million to the ADF, which is being replenished every four years.

The Philippines joins Canada, Georgia, Germany, Hong Kong, China, Indonesia, Italy, Malaysia, New Zealand, Korea and the UK, among others, in this year’s ADF donors.

Finance Undersecretary Joven Balbosa said the Philippines maintained the contribution it released during the pandemic.

Balbosa is representing Finance Secretary Ralph Recto in this year’s ADB Annual Meeting.

“It’s a decent amount because we are also mindful of our fiscal consolidation program and the needs of our country,” Balbosa told reporters.

“But we are an ADB member country, we are a family of nations. It’s just fair that we provide a small share, it’s a balancing act,” he said.

The Philippines used to be a beneficiary of the ADF until it graduated from the status and eventually became eligible for loans.

A Filipino first: Matthew Libatique wins Schaffner Alumni Medal

Matthew Libatique, Nicole Kidman become the first Filipino, first Australian to receive AFI awards

Story by JANET SUSAN R. NEPALES 
GMA News Online
05 May 2024

It was a night to remember.

The American Film Institute (AFI) presented the 49th AFI Life Achievement Award to Nicole Kidman, the first Australian to receive the award, and the Franklin J. Schaffner Alumni Medal to cinematographer Matthew Libatique, also the first Filipino to receive the award.

It was one of the most glamorous and high-profile events we have attended this year what with celebrities like Meryl Streep, Reese Witherspoon, Naomi Watts, Zoe Saldana, Zac Efron, Aaron Sorkin, Mike Myers, Morgan Freeman, Miles Teller, Cynthia Erivo, Barry Jenkins, Lee Daniels, David E. Kelley, Joey King, Mimi Leder, Edward James Olmos, Michelle Pfeiffer, Jane Seymour, Brian Tee, Lulu Wang among others arriving at the transformed Dolby Theatre, home of the Oscars.

"Matthew Libatique is one of our generation's defining voices in the art of visual storytelling," said Bob Gazzale, AFI President and CEO. "Now, AFI is honored to shine the light on him – celebrating his impact on the art form and the pride he brings us as a graduate of the AFI Conservatory."

Libatique, who is behind such films as "Maestro," "A Star is Born," "The Whale," and "Don't Worry Darling," was born to Filipino immigrant parents Georgina "Dina" Jose from Lucena and Justiniano "Johnny" Libatique from Dagupan.

He acknowledged his family present that evening. "My mother Dina is here tonight," he said. "My mother and my late father Johnny came to this country in the late '60s from the Philippines in search of the American dream. And I'm here to tell you that through myself and my brother (David) who's also here, they found it. I love you guys. I owe you everything.

"My kid Ezekiel is here tonight as well, and my daughter Audrey in New York, I love you guys with all my heart. It's not easy having a DP dad. It really isn't. I miss so much, way too much. I'm proud of you guys. You guys make everything worthwhile for me. Finally, to my very beautiful wife, Mary Ellen, thank you so much for all the sacrifices. You follow me around this crazy world and this crazy business. You are my best friend and my muse. I love you."

The 55-year-old Director of Photography also acknowledged his schoolmate and best friend, director Darren Aronofsky, whom he met on his third day at AFI, as one of his favorite collaborators ("Pi," "Requiem for a Dream," "The Fountain," "Black Swan," "Noah," "Mother!," "The Whale").

According to Gazzale when he introduced Libatique, "Darren Aronofsky, who was also a recipient of this same medal, said of Libatique, 'He was from Queens, I was from Brooklyn, worlds apart, but we spoke the same language.'"

Libatique also thanked his directors. He said, "A multitude of thanks to the directors John Favreau, Bradley Cooper, Spike Lee, and the late Joel Schumacher, all of whom I've been able to make multiple films with. And then there's Darren. Talk about the right time, and the right place. I sat next to Darren Aronofsky on day three of AFI. And we started as spores in this incubator called AFI Conservatory. And we've gone on to have this amazing collaboration throughout our career. Literally going from boys to men. Wherever you are, man, I just want to give you a big hug. I love you."

The Schaffner Alumni Medal recognizes the extraordinary creative talents of AFI Conservatory Alumni who embody the qualities of filmmaker Franklin J. Schaffner: talent, taste, dedication and commitment to quality storytelling in film and television. Aside from Aronofsky, other past recipients include Lesli Linka Glatter, Siân Heder, Patty Jenkins, Janusz Kaminski, Mimi Leder, David Lynch, Terrence Malick, Melina Matsoukas and Rachel Morrison.

As for Kidman, the actress was celebrated for her 40-year career and became the 11th woman and the first Australian to be given what is dubbed as the highest honor in United States cinema.

Kidman, who worked with Streep in "The Hours," was introduced by Streep during the event. Streep said, "Reese (Witherspoon) told me the very first night we were up in Monterey before we started shooting, she said, 'You know what she does?' I said, 'No, Nicole?' She goes, 'She goes out at five before dawn. And she goes skinny dipping behind the hotel.' I looked at Nicole and I said, 'Are you kidding me? The Pacific is like 48 degrees in March.' She said, 'Yeah. Listen, I love it.'

"Stanley Kubrick said once, he told Nicole that he thought her a thoroughbred. And I think that only an Englishman would think that such a vaguely eugenic, blue-blooded term would be a compliment to an Aussie Sheila. Because to me, darling, you have a wild, Mongol talent. You're like a Mustang or work horse, and a champion racer all in one. But one whose spirit they will never break, never."

Kidman revealed, "The path to this sort of astonishing world tonight began in Australia with my sister who's here and we were raised by parents that let us be who we were. From the minute we were born we were allowed to just be who we were. This is so important because we were challenged, we were listened to, and we were allowed to just be.

"For me, that was being allowed to act in local plays and to do theater. My family also allowed me to read books I wanted. That was very important. A lot of those books were payment for the plays that I was in because I was too young to pay money. So, I was paid in box and I could choose players and I would leave them voraciously. I would read Chekhov and I would read Gibson. That was the most beautiful payment. I'm still happy to be paid in books. Maybe. I'll take a paycheck and buy books.

"But my family also allowed me to dream and exist in my imagination. They're a family that had no idea that I would be what we call in Australia WAG school, but basically, that would be absent, and I would sneak out and I would go and watch films. I would then forge their signatures. Please don't do this, that's not okay, and literally, that was how I saw 'A Clockwork Orange' and so many films that I would never have been allowed to see. And that was my classroom."

Finally, Kidman acknowledged the presence of the love of her life, Keith Urban, to whom she has been married for nearly two decades and her daughters with him - Sunday Rose and Faith Margaret.

The lovely and statuesque actress said, "There's an enormous amount of luck in my life, but there's also the most important thing, love. Big, big love. And then right there is the love of my life and the loves of my family.

She revealed, "My daughters have never been anywhere publicly with me on a red carpet, tonight was their first night. My mom couldn't be here, but they said there is a live stream available for her and she's watching it. So, I'm hopeful, and that's what I love about technology. And my papa who isn't here, but I feel him every day. And then there's all my nieces and nephews, and my sister and her husband who is our family now. So, there's no place for me home."

Finally, she added, "Meryl and I are always ready to roll up our sleeves. To give whatever we've got, whatever power we have to help you so that we can get there. I am here always to support those voices. So, if we get a chance to do something together, that would be great. I think it was Andy Warhol who said, 'Make art, let others decide whether it's good or bad, and while they're deciding, just make some more.' That's what I do. So, I believe art can hurt, but it can heal. And love does win, and so must forever."

The gala raised over $2 million for AFI's non-profit education program. The special will premiere on TNT on June 17.

Two PH beaches among the world's best

Two PH Beaches Voted Among 50 Best in the World

Story by the SPOT.ph team 
04 May 2024

(SPOT.ph) In case you need further proof that our beaches are among the best in the world, here you go. A new global list just named beaches in Palawan and Romblon among the World’s 50 Best Beaches, and you may just want to include them in what's left of your summer itinerary.

The World’s 50 Best Beaches, an annual list that gets travelers and "Beach Ambassadors" to vote on their favorite shores, has just named Entulala Beach in Palawan and Bon Bon Beach in Romblon as two of the world’s finest. They join other destinations that travelers love including Trunk Bay in the US Virgin Islands, which topped the list, Cala Mariolu in Italy on second place, and Meads Bay in Anguilla, coming in third.

Why these Philippine beaches got the vote

If you’re wondering why other popular destinations in the Philippines didn’t make the cut, like perhaps a beach in Boracay or Siargao, it’s because criteria for voting put a premium on seclusion and relative quiet in the beaches selected. And based on this, the two Luzon beaches trumped all other shores in the country.

The annual voting measures nominated beaches based on the following qualities, according to its website:

• Unique
• Wildlife
• Untouched
• Soundtrack of Nature
• Easy to Enter
• Often Calm Water
• Not Too Crowded
• Frequently Idyllic

Enthralled in Entulala  

The list called Entulala Beach "Palawan’s overlooked slice of heaven." You will find yourself tulala—as in enthralled—by the white sand beach set against limestone cliffs- a signature of the province’s prized coves. Its irresistible clear and calm waters are great for some undersea exploration, where visitors will enjoy the sight of coral reefs. 

It is "never crowded," according to the list, as it is accessible only by boat, making it a peaceful retreat from El Nido’s other tourist-flocked shores.

"This beach is less frequented than others in the area, offering visitors a chance to escape the usual tourist spots and truly immerse themselves in nature," the list said.

The Department of Tourism celebrated Entulala’s inclusion on the list, calling on travelers to "see for yourself" why it’s among the world’s best.

"Entalula Beach was voted based on criteria such as unique characteristics, wildlife, untouched nature, soundtrack of nature, ease of water access, calm waters, lack of crowding, and frequency of idyllic conditions," it said in a Facebook post.

No bars but a sandbar in Bon Bon

Meanwhile, Bon Bon Beach in Romblon took 45th place for being "a laid-back undeveloped paradise," according to the list. Its highlight is a natural sandbar that appears during lowtide, allowing visitors to enjoy the unique experience of walking on a stretch of fine white sand beach that comes and goes.

"Bon Bon Beach on Romblon Island is admired for its unique natural sandbar that stretches out to Bangug Island. Visible during low tide, this sandbar allows visitors to walk across the shallow, clear waters to the neighboring island," the list said.

The destination is far away from the tourist packs, "so much so that you could have this beach all to yourself," the citation read.  

The tourism department said Bon Bon’s new acclaim "reaffirms the Philippines’ reputation as one of the world's premier beach destinations."

In case you’re still planning for a summer getaway this May, you may want to book a trip to these beaches before the crowds come descending.

Tech companies relocating to PHL

Chipmakers “choosing” Phl, pulling out from China

Raffy Ayeng
Daily Tribune
May 03, 2024

Two multinational companies from Japan and the United States are choosing the Philippines to be their next country destination for operation, pulling out from China and partnering with the EMS Group.

EMS Group — a Biñan, Laguna-based electronic, semiconductor, and medical subcontracting group — offers technology and manufacturing solutions.

Perry Ferrer, the chairperson and CEO of EMS Group, said that although the deal for the transfer is confirmed and is already in a dry run phase, he cannot divulge the names of the companies as it might disrupt their current operation and production in China.

“We are looking at a total package of investment of around $800 million. It's for the semiconductor. Part of that $800 million is already here, quietly. It's already running, and the full-rate production will happen probably in 2026, as they are still testing the waters in the Philippines," Ferrer told reporters on Friday in a roundtable interview at Laguna Technopark, Inc. SEZ, Biñan, a manufacturing complex being operated by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority.

"If we complete the acquisition of a larger factory in 2025 somewhere in the Batangas area, then 2026 will be their full production,” he revealed.

He said to date, EMS runs one of the two company's factories as proof of concept and to test the high-quality workmanship of Filipino workers.

“Part of the test is the communication aspect if workers can converse technically and administratively in English, particularly to the business, technology or technical discussion, which we are very confident of,” he said.

He said with the upcoming investments, around 2,500 to 3,000 workforce will be produced by 2026.

EMS, as part of the deal, will produce power-integrated circuits, which are being used in automotive, particularly in electric vehicles.

“They are here because they want to validate what we have been selling all along in the past year about the improved business climate in the Philippines and the ease of doing business, which is the top priority of the current administration,” he said.

However, he admitted that there are still areas of improvement when it comes to the ease of doing business.

During his Manila visit this week, US Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs Ramin Toloui said the US government treats the Philippines as a significant player for semiconductors, benefiting the CHIPS and Science Act in 2022 that was passed by US lawmakers, allocating nearly $53 billion to rebuild its domestic chip supply chain and invest in future research and development.

Of the said total, $39 billion is dedicated to initiatives that boost semiconductor manufacturing, particularly the production of silicon wafers in the US.

“Part of that funding was also in deepening international partnerships. In particular, there is a need for additional manufacturing and the Philippines has been a significant player in the testing and packaging component or the downstream manufacturing of semiconductors,” Toloui said.

The EMS Group is a complete electronic, semiconductor, and medical subcontracting group that offers technology and manufacturing solutions.

Backed by its 20-year history in the field and the presence of the most credible industry experts, EMS group employs quality-driven and innovative strategies to achieve the quality, cost, and productivity targets of the customer, committed to keeping the Philippines' edge in electronics and semiconductor manufacturing.

As of March 2024, the EMS Group has more than 10,400 employees, composed of support groups, engineering and technical, and with more than 9,600 in the production segment.

BBM: Luzon Economic Corridor project draws foreign investments

Luzon Economic Corridor project draws foreign investments – Marcos

By Filane Mikee Cervantes
Philippine News Agency
04 May 2024

MANILA – Several countries are investing in the Luzon Economic Corridor project, which can elevate the global status of the Philippines, according to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

In an interview with Chang Dae-hwan, chair of South Korea's Maekyung Media Group, in Malacañang, Manila on Thursday, Marcos said the project will intensively focus on key infrastructure such as ports, railways, clean energy, and semiconductor supply chain connecting Subic Bay in Zambales, Clark in Pampanga, Manila, and Batangas.

He particularly noted that the ongoing development in Clark City, which is a vital part of the Luzon Economic Corridor, has become an attractive destination for foreign investments due to the establishment of the Clark Freeport and Special Economic Zone.

“I expect it to be mostly American companies,” President Marcos said. “They have come in, and I like to think that the reason for that is because we have set up the system that’s attractive for their investment. And so, we’ll continue to [do] that and will be able to do even better if the [Luzon Economic] corridor is completed, and the travel times and the cost of travel of transport will be brought down."

He pointed out that the ecozones offer one common tax code and incentive scheme and locator companies do not have to deal with every local government unit.

The President said the ecozones are open to all investors looking for special incentives and special tax breaks.

"We have right now economic zones where anyone can participate,” Marcos said. “It’s not specifically only for Korea, only for one industry… but it’s open for everyone and what it provides. It provides a place where there are special incentives, special tax breaks specially tariffs on importation, sales tax because they don’t sell into the country."

President Marcos noted that Philippine special zones have been successful, adding that the government is counting on them to bring more success in the country.

The Bases Conversion and Development Authority earlier said the Subic-Clark Railway Project, expansion of the Clark International Airport, and the Clark National Food Hub are pitched to American and Japanese investors under the USD600-billion Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment of the G7 countries.

BCDA said the three projects are being endorsed for the proposed Luzon Economic Corridor.

Maekyung Media Group includes the Maeil Business Newspaper and Maeil Broadcasting Network in Korea. Its printed copies have a circulation of one million while subsidiary companies have monthly magazines and Internet. (PNA)

ADB to finance energy projects in the Philippines

ADB eyes direct financing of renewable energy projects in Philippines

Story by Louise Maureen Simeon 
Philstar Global
05 May 2024

TBILISI — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is looking at directly engaging with the Philippine government on financing renewable energy (RE) projects as part of its country partnership strategy (CPS) over the medium-term.

In an interview with The STAR here, ADB country director for the Philippines Pavit Ramachandran said RE is an area that the multilateral lender is excited about as it crafts the new CPS.

“It would be a relatively new sector from the sovereign public sector side because as you know, the Philippines is a largely privatized market,” Ramachandran said.

“But given the focus and the policy ambition to increase renewable energy, there’s a lot of other aspects in the sector that need to be also strengthened,” he said.

For now, ADB is doing work with the private sector in terms of RE through loan deals such as the P5.5-billion sustainability-linked loan with ACEN Corp. of the Ayala Group in December last year.

Just last week, ADB also inked a P675-million loan agreement with Buskowitz Solar Inc. for the installation of solar panel systems on commercial and industrial buildings’ rooftops in the Philippines.

However, Ramachandran said ADB has not directly engaged on the sovereign side.

“Transmission capacity needs to be enhanced. You need to have a lot of the associated infrastructure, for example, port development for offshore wind. There’s also a need for de-risking for sectors like geothermal,” Ramachandran said.

“So that’s something we are looking at in these different areas and what would be the appropriate modality and lending scope,” he said.

In the Philippines, the government has been pushing for the use of renewable and indigenous energy sources amid the need to bring down the country’s dependence on energy imports.

Data showed that only 29 percent of the country’s current energy mix comes from renewables. The Department of Energy would like to bring it up to 35 percent by 2030 or to 50 percent by 2040, as outlined in the RE roadmap.

Further, Ramachandran emphasized that human development is another area that ADB will prioritize in the CPS 2024-2029 for the Philippines to fully tap into its demographic potential.

This is in relation to the Philippines’ goal of securing an upper-middle-income status amid the need to secure human capital foundation through education, health and social protection.

Trillion peso investments prove PH business confidence

P1.7 trillion investments show confidence in Philippines

Story by Sheila Crisostomo
Philstar Global
04 May 2024

MANILA, Philippines — For some members of the House of Representatives, the P1.7 trillion in investments infused by local and foreign traders in 2023 proved business confidence in the country and in President Marcos.

This was the consensus made by House Assistant Majority Leaders Amparo Maria Zamora (Taguig City) and Mikaela Angela Suansing (Nueva Ecija) and Deputy Majority Leaders Jude Acidre (Tingog party-list) and Faustino Dy (Isabela) on Thursday.

According to Zamora, the P1.7-trillion investments infused into the Philippine economy should silence the critics of Marcos’ frequent foreign travels.

“I think this is one of the ways of President Marcos to show his bashers that he was not taking a rest when he travels but he works (hard) for the country,” Zamora said.

Suansing noted that the Philippines is an “economic superstar” in the international community.

She cited some of the economic and investment trips of the President, including the historic trilateral meeting with the United States and Japan, and the World Economic Forum in Davos.

“That really goes to show how much of an economic superstar the Philippines has become in the international community… All of the big businessmen, all of the heads of state, want to have like a one-on-one meeting with our President, with our Speaker (Martin Romualdez). So that’s how well respected we’re becoming,” Suansing said.

The lawmaker maintained that the reason why the House is proposing Charter reforms is to make it “easier for the Philippines to be more open to business.”

PH manufacturing posted high growth

PH manufacturing growth hit five-month high in April

By JON VIKTOR D. CABUENAS, 
GMA Integrated News
May 2, 2024 

The Philippine manufacturing sector posted its biggest growth in five months in April on the back of higher output and an increase in new orders, results of the latest survey conducted by S&P Global released on Thursday showed.

The headline S&P Global Philippines Manufacturing PMI stood at 52.2 in April, up from 50.9 in March. A reading above 50.0 indicates an expansion, while levels below the threshold indicate a contraction.

"Building on growth seen in the first quarter of the year, the Filipino manufacturing sector showcased further gains in April," S&P Global Market Intelligence economist Maryam Baluch said in an accompanying statement.

"A quicker rate of expansion was observed for new orders, which in turn triggered a renewed and solid rise in production. Additionally, business from overseas markets also expanded at a stronger rate," she added.

New orders posted the biggest growth since November 2022, while new export orders expanded for the third straight month and at the fastest pace in five months. New work also posted the biggest gain in four months.

The same report found that purchasing efforts at manufacturers saw the quickest upturn in nine months, due to "favourable" demand conditions and higher production requirements, with pre-production stocks accumulated the fastest in 12 months and post-production in 17 months.

Employment continued to grow, but eased slightly from the expansion in March as some firms struggled to complete work in hand, bringing the backlog depletion at the weakest level since August 2023.

Charges for the month were broadly unchanged from March, with input price inflation modest overall.

"Looking ahead, sentiment across the Philippines manufacturing sector was largely positive with nearly a quarter of surveyed businesses predicting growth in production. That said, the degree of confidence slipped to a four-year low," S&P Global said.

The same report found that purchasing efforts at manufacturers saw the quickest upturn in nine months, due to "favourable" demand conditions and higher production requirements, with pre-production stocks accumulated the fastest in 12 months and post-production in 17 months.

Employment continued to grow, but eased slightly from the expansion in March as some firms struggled to complete work in hand, bringing the backlog depletion at the weakest level since August 2023.

Charges for the month were broadly unchanged from March, with input price inflation modest overall.

"Looking ahead, sentiment across the Philippines manufacturing sector was largely positive with nearly a quarter of surveyed businesses predicting growth in production. That said, the degree of confidence slipped to a four-year low," S&P Global said.

Young Fil-Am actor wins top award at international filmfest

Fil-Am young actor’s film ‘Camera’ captures top award at int’l film festival

Story by Hans Carbonilla
Inquirer.net
01 May 2024

At the Julien Dubuque International Film Festival, Jay Silverman’s “Camera” quietly stole the spotlight, earning the Best Feature Film (Family category) award.

During the awards night, Silverman introduced the audience to his film’s star, Filipino American young actor Miguel Gabriel, declaring, “This is the star of my film, Miguel.”

In “Camera,” Gabriel shines as Oscar, a nine-year-old navigating life without the ability to speak. The film follows his journey alongside his mother, played by Jessica Parker Kennedy. He then meets a seasoned repairman portrayed by Beau Bridges and becomes his mentor, teaching him the art of photography and imparting invaluable life lessons along the way.

This marks a significant milestone for the Fil-Am actor as it was his first lead role in a feature film. Reflecting on the win at the film festival, Gabriel expressed that he was “shocked but with so much excitement and joy.”

“I felt proud and happy,” he continued. “I’m grateful to everyone who was involved in making this movie. Winning an award proves that all our hard work to make this film come to life on the big screen for everyone to enjoy has paid off. It warms my heart.”

When asked about the feeling of being brought on stage with Silverman to receive the award, he expressed, “It was amazing! It felt like I got the biggest lifetime achievement award.”

His portrayal of Oscar holds personal significance, drawing from his own experiences with speech impediments when he was younger.

“So I went to a speech therapist and she suggested theater for me because I was expressive through my face and body language,” he told Inquirer.net USA. “So when I did theater, it helped me get over it, and now I get to use that experience, those feelings I felt, and use it to be Oscar.”

The Julien Dubuque International Film Festival is an annual event held in the heart of Dubuque, Iowa, where films from around the world are screened during the five-day event.

After JDIFF, “Camera” prepares to embark on its journey to more esteemed film festivals such as the San Luis Obispo Film Festival, the Beverly Hills Film Festival and the prestigious Cannes Film Festival.

Recto estimates up to 6.3% GDP growth for Q1

Philippines on track for strong growth: Recto estimates 5.8-6.3% GDP growth for the first quarter

BILYONARYO.COM

May 1, 2024

The Philippine economy is estimated to have grown by 5.8 to 6.3 percent in the first quarter of the year, according to Department of Finance (DOF) Secretary Ralph Recto.

While the government’s official full-year target remains six to seven percent growth, Recto emphasized a realistic first quarter figure of at least 5.8 percent based on the DOF’s analysis.

“Anything higher than 5.5 percent is a win because last year we grew by 5.5 percent, So if we grow by 5.8 percent, that’s good enough. That should be one of the highest in the region, if not one of the highest in the world,” Recto told reporters.

“There’s also a chance that it could hit six percent. If we’re lucky, (even) 6.3 percent. That depend on inflation,” he added.

Philippines on Japan's Top 10 list to do business

PH remains in Japanese firms’ Top 10

Story by Alden M. Monzon
Inquirer.net
01 May 2024

The Philippines kept its 8th place ranking in a list of countries that, for Japanese firms, are most promising to do business in, remaining one of their favorites for the fifth straight year.

This is according to the latest report from the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) posted late last month, a study which drew data and gathered responses from 534 Japanese firms from July 11 to Sept. 1, 2023.

The Philippines’ ranking was unchanged in the latest report, following its dip from seventh to the eighth place in 2022.

Also, India maintained the top position while Vietnam rose from fourth to second place.

China, which was previously in second place, fell to third place as the United States also dropped to fourth place from third.

Auto sector

At number five was Indonesia, up from the sixth spot, while Thailand went down to being sixth after previously being one rung higher.

The Philippines also was included in the Top 10 list when measured in terms of specific industries.

In particular, the Philippines was ranked eighth for the automobile industry, sixth in electrical equipment and electronics, and tenth in chemicals as well as in general machinery.

Japanese companies are among the top foreign investors in the Philippines.

According to records from the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (Peza), Japan is their top source of investments by country and accounts for about 27 percent of the total investments today in their economic hubs.

To date, there are around 884 Japanese enterprises located in the different special economic zones under the administration of the Peza. INQ

Philippines, biggest recipient of financial assistance from ADB

Philippines is top recipient of ADB aid in 2023

Louella Desiderio 
The Philippine Star 
April 30, 2024 

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines was the biggest recipient of financial assistance from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in 2023, securing around $8.4 billion.

The multilateral lender’s Annual Report for 2023 showed the Philippines received $4.51 billion worth of financial assistance from the ADB’s ordinary capital resources last year.

In addition, the Philippines received $3.86 billion worth of ADB co-financing with partners for projects and $7.2 million for technical assistance in 2023.

Of the loans received by the Philippines from the ADB last year, $1.01 billion was allocated for the Davao Public Transport Modernization Project, which is expected to serve as a pilot to modernize the country’s public road transport system.

The ADB also provided $650 million worth of loan for the Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge – Tranche 1.

Other projects in the Philippines that received loans from the ADB were the Competitive and Inclusive Agriculture Development Program-subprogram 2 ($500 million), Post-COVID-19 Business and Employment Recovery Program-subprogram 1 ($500 million), Build Universal Health Care Program-subprogram 2 ($463 million), Domestic Resource Mobilization Program-subprogram 1 ($400 million), Integrated Flood Resilience and Adaptation – phase 1 ($303.2 million), Inclusive Finance Development Program-subprogram 3 ($300 million) and Infrastructure Preparation and Innovation Facility ($200 million).

Other countries that were part of the biggest recipients of ADB financial assistance and co-financing with partners last year were Bangladesh ($6.58 billion), Indonesia ($5.35 billion) and India ($4.74 billion).

The ADB committed a total of $23.6 billion from its own resources last year to support Asia and the Pacific’s efforts to achieve sustainable development.

This amount included $9.8 billion allocated for climate action.

“ADB continued to step up as the climate bank for Asia and the Pacific, reaching our highest-ever annual financing for climate action,” ADB president Masatsugu Asakawa said.

“Our investments in adaptation and mitigation had a strong focus on climate-resilient agriculture, renewable energy and low-carbon transport,” he said.

Aside from providing financial assistance from its own resources, the ADB also mobilized $16.4 billion in co-financing through its strong partnerships last year.