The Intellectual Property Satellite Office (IPSO) - Cebu recently opened at the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Central Visayas Office to cater to entrepreneurs and IP generators in the Visayas who want to protect their intellectual creations for business benefits.
In cooperation with DTI, the IPSO Project is part of IP Philippines' strategic move to promote intellectual property such as patent or invention, utility model, industrial design, trademark and copyright as a strategic tool for business success.
At present, the IPSO in Cebu only accepts applications for trademarks and patents including utility models and industrial designs, IP Philippines' IPSO Area Manager for Visayas Cecilio M. Fernandez said.
Fernandez explained that his Office's initial assessment of the response of businessmen in the Visayas towards the Project indicates a positive feedback as reflected in the increasing trend of IP filings in the region, and that all IP documents will still be processed at the IP Philippines Head Office in Manila.
Processing time for trademarks is within 4 to 6 months if all requirements are met; while that of patents is within an average of about 4 ½ years which is good enough based on IPOs' international standards, and that of utility models and industrial designs is within an average of about 9 months, Fernandez added.
Fernandez underscored that the primary goals of the IPSO Project are to bring IP Philippines' services to the countryside and to build an IP inspired culture of innovation and creativity that will bring about countryside and national development.
With Cebu and Davao IP Satellite Offices launched, IP Philippines will likewise launch its satellite offices in Luzon where the bulk of applicants are also based.
To encourage entrepreneurs' adherence to IP creation, IP Philippines has provided seminar workshops, promotional information campaign, partnership and networking collaboration and commercialization assistance.
Recently, IP Philippines conducted a seminar on strategic management and use of Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Cebu City.
Experts from the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), the European Patent Office (EPO) and the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) provided the necessary expertise and experience.
During a break in the seminar, the Cebu Gifts, Toys and Housewares; Cebu Fashion Accessories, Manufacturers and Exporters; Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Cebu Furniture Industry Foundation and Association of Negros Producers signed a Memorandum of Understanding with IP Philippines in support of intellectual property rights and the IPSO project.
Monday, December 15, 2008
NERBAC 7 staff adopts Knowledge Management
In order to better serve its clients, the staff and governing board of the National Economic Research and Business Assistance Center (NERBAC) Region 7 recently underwent a Knowledge Management Workshop in Cebu.
The workshop was made possible with the joint efforts of the Department of Trade and Industry Central Visayas Office and the German Technical Cooperation known as Deutsche Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ) under the Private Sector Promotion Program called the Small and Medium Enterprise Development for Sustainable Employment Program (SMEDSEP).
According to NERBAC 7, Knowledge Management is a method of organizing the sharing of experience and knowledge efficiently.
For the client, adoption of knowledge management at NERBAC can improve efficiency of service and quality of information given, particularly in the area of business counseling.
The Knowledge Management Workshop was participated by representatives from the Department of Trade and Industry, National Economic Development Authority, Department of Agriculture, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Bureau of Internal Revenue, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG, Social Security System, Cebu City LGU, Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Bohol Investment Promotion Center, Negros Oriental Investment Promotion Center and the University of San Carlos.
NERBAC, located at the ground floor of the LDM building, Lapu-lapu and Legaspi Sts. in Cebu City, was created In line with Republic Act No. 7470 to facilitate business transactions in Cebu and fast track investment entry in Central Visayas.
It houses representatives from different government agencies that are tasked to process business permit and licenses.
The NERBAC provides prospective entrepreneurs/investors basic information on various business options that are open to them in accordance with the government's IPP (Investment Priorities Plan).
The SMEDSEP is a technical cooperation project between the Republic of the Philippines and the Federal Republic of Germany conceived to help improve the Philippine business and investment climate for Small and Medium Enterprises.
The workshop was made possible with the joint efforts of the Department of Trade and Industry Central Visayas Office and the German Technical Cooperation known as Deutsche Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ) under the Private Sector Promotion Program called the Small and Medium Enterprise Development for Sustainable Employment Program (SMEDSEP).
According to NERBAC 7, Knowledge Management is a method of organizing the sharing of experience and knowledge efficiently.
For the client, adoption of knowledge management at NERBAC can improve efficiency of service and quality of information given, particularly in the area of business counseling.
The Knowledge Management Workshop was participated by representatives from the Department of Trade and Industry, National Economic Development Authority, Department of Agriculture, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Bureau of Internal Revenue, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG, Social Security System, Cebu City LGU, Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Bohol Investment Promotion Center, Negros Oriental Investment Promotion Center and the University of San Carlos.
NERBAC, located at the ground floor of the LDM building, Lapu-lapu and Legaspi Sts. in Cebu City, was created In line with Republic Act No. 7470 to facilitate business transactions in Cebu and fast track investment entry in Central Visayas.
It houses representatives from different government agencies that are tasked to process business permit and licenses.
The NERBAC provides prospective entrepreneurs/investors basic information on various business options that are open to them in accordance with the government's IPP (Investment Priorities Plan).
The SMEDSEP is a technical cooperation project between the Republic of the Philippines and the Federal Republic of Germany conceived to help improve the Philippine business and investment climate for Small and Medium Enterprises.
OTOP Visayas trade fair rakes in Php 26.3 million
The 3rd One-Town One-Product (OTOP) Visayas Island Fair has proven the Visayas entrepreneurs' flair for business by generating total sales of Php 26.3 million.
Held recently at the SM City Cebu Atrium, the OTOP Fair showcased products ranging from gift items, home decors, natural fiber, processed food to fashion accessories produced by 116 small and medium sized firms from regions 6, 7 and 8.
According to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Central Visayas Office, the top seller for non-food category is Bohol Beads and Fibers; while top seller for food category is Maexel Chi Cha Bites.
Among the exporters and merchandisers that visited the trade fair include 33 Point 3, Angelique's Craft, Ran Bros Incorporated, Atin Ito Handicrafts, CTC Export Philippines and Manex Handicraft.
Special guests during the opening ceremony included Cebu Provincial Governor Gwendolyn Garcia and DTI Undersecretary Merly Cruz.
More than just a regular buy-and-sell event, the fair showed the originality and uniqueness of Central Philippines – the intricate designs of ethnic decorative ornaments, the distinctive native touch in classy fashion jewelry and the bursting flavors of local delicacies, DTI said.
The OTOP trade fair is an annual marketing event that aims to generate significant sales; train producers in dealing and negotiating with local and foreign buyers and exporters and develop new exporters from among the participants.
The OTOP Philippines project is a government program to strengthen countryside development by promoting entrepreneurship and creating jobs.
Under the OTOP, local chief executives take the lead by identifying a unique product or service offered by local folks, as well as developing and promoting these.
They have the task of consolidating services needed by industries to develop as a trademark for their respective localities, the DTI explained.
OTOP-Philippines provides a comprehensive assistance package through a convergence of services from LGUs, national government agencies and the private sector. This includes business counseling, skills and entrepreneurial training, product design and development, appropriate technologies and marketing.
The DTI said the OTOP-Philippines is designed to support micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME's) in the manufacturing and marketing of distinctive products and services to a much better level and achieve measurable results.
Held recently at the SM City Cebu Atrium, the OTOP Fair showcased products ranging from gift items, home decors, natural fiber, processed food to fashion accessories produced by 116 small and medium sized firms from regions 6, 7 and 8.
According to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Central Visayas Office, the top seller for non-food category is Bohol Beads and Fibers; while top seller for food category is Maexel Chi Cha Bites.
Among the exporters and merchandisers that visited the trade fair include 33 Point 3, Angelique's Craft, Ran Bros Incorporated, Atin Ito Handicrafts, CTC Export Philippines and Manex Handicraft.
Special guests during the opening ceremony included Cebu Provincial Governor Gwendolyn Garcia and DTI Undersecretary Merly Cruz.
More than just a regular buy-and-sell event, the fair showed the originality and uniqueness of Central Philippines – the intricate designs of ethnic decorative ornaments, the distinctive native touch in classy fashion jewelry and the bursting flavors of local delicacies, DTI said.
The OTOP trade fair is an annual marketing event that aims to generate significant sales; train producers in dealing and negotiating with local and foreign buyers and exporters and develop new exporters from among the participants.
The OTOP Philippines project is a government program to strengthen countryside development by promoting entrepreneurship and creating jobs.
Under the OTOP, local chief executives take the lead by identifying a unique product or service offered by local folks, as well as developing and promoting these.
They have the task of consolidating services needed by industries to develop as a trademark for their respective localities, the DTI explained.
OTOP-Philippines provides a comprehensive assistance package through a convergence of services from LGUs, national government agencies and the private sector. This includes business counseling, skills and entrepreneurial training, product design and development, appropriate technologies and marketing.
The DTI said the OTOP-Philippines is designed to support micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME's) in the manufacturing and marketing of distinctive products and services to a much better level and achieve measurable results.
Cebu will benefit from weak global economy
Cebu is considered as one of the few "recession proof" economies in the world that will benefit from the global economic meltdown, according to the world's largest commercial and real estate services firm CB Richard Ellis Group, Inc.
Based on its extensive survey, CB Richard Ellis Group, Inc. projected that Cebu's economy will be saved by its booming Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) and tourism sectors.
Officials of the CB Richard Ellis Group, Inc, headed by chairman Rick Santos, were in
According to CB Richard Ellis Philippines chairman Rick Santos Cebu is seeing "life" amid the gloomy global economic prospects, and Cebuanos will expect abounding opportunities for employment and other money-making activities next year.
Tourism and BPOs have increasingly made
“For the past couple of years,
The terror attacks in Mumbai, India where terrorists occupied the Taj Mahal and Oberoi Hotels and the political turmoil in Thailand where protestors took over Bangkok's two international airports present rare opportunities for more investments in the IT and tourism industries in the Philippines, particularly Cebu.
CB Richard Ellis officials also dismissed speculations that the United States (US), under the leadership of President-elect Barrack Obama, will impose restrictions on companies outsourcing or off-shoring certain services to keep jobs within the US.
Victor Asuncion, director for research and consultancy of CBRE Philippines, said it is “politically correct” for Obama to declare that jobs in US-based companies should be for Americans, but the issue of whether to outsource or not is a matter of economic viability on the part of companies.
“Unless Obama provides margins (for these companies), which he cannot do (at this time), he cannot stop them from (establishing) global operations,” he said in the same press conference.
He pointed out that the US Government has to deal with multi-billion dollar bailouts of its financial sector.
CB Richard Ellis is a Fortune 500 company with headquarters in
resort to off-shoring or outsourcing.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
OTOP Visayas Island Fair boosts business of small entrepreneurs
"Dako kaayo ug natabang ang kining OTOP trade fair sa akong negosyo," (The OTOP Trade Fair has been a big help to my business), thus enthused Christina Angana, a small-time exporter of fashion accessories in Cebu City.
Angana is one of the 160 entrepreneurs coming from Regions 6, 7 and 8 that is joining the five-day '3rd One Town, One Product (OTOP) Visayas Island Fair' in Cebu City.
During a PIA forum this morning that featured the marketing event, Angana bared that since the annual OTOP Trade Fair was launched three years ago, her establishment called Hanas has since then participated in the yearly activity.
Last year, Hanas was able to sell all its displayed products in Boracay Island in Aklan during the 2nd OTOP Trade Fair held in Region 6.
Angana said that last year, she paid P5,000 for the booth and displayed an array of products mostly fashion accessories and bags made of local raw materials from Cebu worth P120,000. After the fair, her capital grew by 60 percent more, Angana added.
Angana said her small company is still very new of about five years so she needs all the promotion and marketing she could get to attract new and potential buyers.
The annual OTOP Visayas Island Fair is initiated by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) from Regions 6, 7 and 8 as an effective marketing strategy to provide an avenue for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) to showcase their products using raw materials indigenous to their hometown or services that promote their area as a tourism destination.
As the trade fair kicked off today that will last until Sunday, Angana said she paid P4,000 for the booth displaying products worth P150,000 as she is optimistic that all her items will be sold and since the venue is Cebu City, she will have no problems getting stocks once all her items will be sold out.
Angana said her products are made of raw materials found in Cebu's various towns like the coco shells of Pardo, the wood from Asturias and other local materials from Bohol, Carmen and Badian.
Some of her bags are already exported to Japan and Dubai, according to Angana.
Through the annual OTOP Trade Fair, "my products will be able to get more attention and attract the local market," claimed Angana.
Elias Tecson, DTI-Cebu Project Management Division Chief said the OTOP Program said there are 33 MSMEs from Cebu that are participating in the trade fair while the total participants from Central Visayas number 57.
Tecson said the OTOP Program which basically supports MSMEs to manufacture, offer and market distinctive products or services through the use of indigenous materials and local skills and talents is designed to encourage entrepreneurship and local patronage of native products as well as generate employment in the countryside.
Business counseling, skills and entrepreneurial training, product design and development, appropriate technologies and marketing are the assistance provided to MSMEs under the OTOP Program, Tecson further said.
In case a small entrepreneur lacks capital to go into mass production, the DTI also helps in facilitating a financial loan to the government financial institutions, Tecson said.
The DTI is the OTOP project's marketing arm although it is a collaborative effort among national government agencies like the Department of Science and Technology, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Department of Tourism, government financial institutions and the private sector as most importantly, the local government units (LGUs), this is learned.
Tecson urged the public to patronize local products to help the MSMEs as this will also have an impact to the local economy and help provide jobs. (PIA)
Angana is one of the 160 entrepreneurs coming from Regions 6, 7 and 8 that is joining the five-day '3rd One Town, One Product (OTOP) Visayas Island Fair' in Cebu City.
During a PIA forum this morning that featured the marketing event, Angana bared that since the annual OTOP Trade Fair was launched three years ago, her establishment called Hanas has since then participated in the yearly activity.
Last year, Hanas was able to sell all its displayed products in Boracay Island in Aklan during the 2nd OTOP Trade Fair held in Region 6.
Angana said that last year, she paid P5,000 for the booth and displayed an array of products mostly fashion accessories and bags made of local raw materials from Cebu worth P120,000. After the fair, her capital grew by 60 percent more, Angana added.
Angana said her small company is still very new of about five years so she needs all the promotion and marketing she could get to attract new and potential buyers.
The annual OTOP Visayas Island Fair is initiated by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) from Regions 6, 7 and 8 as an effective marketing strategy to provide an avenue for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) to showcase their products using raw materials indigenous to their hometown or services that promote their area as a tourism destination.
As the trade fair kicked off today that will last until Sunday, Angana said she paid P4,000 for the booth displaying products worth P150,000 as she is optimistic that all her items will be sold and since the venue is Cebu City, she will have no problems getting stocks once all her items will be sold out.
Angana said her products are made of raw materials found in Cebu's various towns like the coco shells of Pardo, the wood from Asturias and other local materials from Bohol, Carmen and Badian.
Some of her bags are already exported to Japan and Dubai, according to Angana.
Through the annual OTOP Trade Fair, "my products will be able to get more attention and attract the local market," claimed Angana.
Elias Tecson, DTI-Cebu Project Management Division Chief said the OTOP Program said there are 33 MSMEs from Cebu that are participating in the trade fair while the total participants from Central Visayas number 57.
Tecson said the OTOP Program which basically supports MSMEs to manufacture, offer and market distinctive products or services through the use of indigenous materials and local skills and talents is designed to encourage entrepreneurship and local patronage of native products as well as generate employment in the countryside.
Business counseling, skills and entrepreneurial training, product design and development, appropriate technologies and marketing are the assistance provided to MSMEs under the OTOP Program, Tecson further said.
In case a small entrepreneur lacks capital to go into mass production, the DTI also helps in facilitating a financial loan to the government financial institutions, Tecson said.
The DTI is the OTOP project's marketing arm although it is a collaborative effort among national government agencies like the Department of Science and Technology, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Department of Tourism, government financial institutions and the private sector as most importantly, the local government units (LGUs), this is learned.
Tecson urged the public to patronize local products to help the MSMEs as this will also have an impact to the local economy and help provide jobs. (PIA)
160 exhibitors join OTOP Visayas Island Fair in Cebu City
Around 160 exhibitors are showcasing their products and goods made of raw materials distinctively found in the Visayas in the five-day '3rd One Town, One Product (OTOP) Visayas Island Fair' that kicked off today until Sunday at SM City Cebu.
Several booths have been set up displaying an array of products such as souvenir and novelty items, gift items, home decors, natural fiber, processed food, footwear and wearables that include fashion accessories, bags, shawls and head gears among others.
Organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Regions 6, 7 & 8, the annual trade fair is a marketing event that aims to assist the small and medium entrepreneurs to showcase and promote their products and boost sales revenues as well as find potential buyers for their items.
Elias Tecson, DTI-Cebu Project Management Division Chief during the Kapihan sa PIA this morning that featured the trade fair, bared there are 57 participants coming from Central Visayas and of this figure, 33 entrepreneurs from Cebu are joining the annual event.
Tecson said this is the second time Cebu has hosted the annual OTOP Fair, the first time was when the event was launched in 2006 while last year, the trade fair was held in Boracay Island, a popular tourist destination located in Region 6.
Lea Gonzales, DTI-6 Business Development Division Chief in the same forum disclosed there are 27 participating entrepreneurs from Western Visayas occupying 22 booths.
Well-known products and goods from Region 6 on display include delicacies such as biscocho, baked specialty products, casoy nuts from Guimaras, Barong Tagalog made of pina cloth from Kalibo in Aklan, cut foliage from Capiz and a mixture of gift and home items.
The annual trade fair is an identified marketing strategy under the OTOP Program of the DTI, which is a flagship program of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to promote entrepreneurship and create jobs, according to Tecson.
Through the program, local chief executives tale the lead in identifying, developing, and promoting a specific product or service that has a competitive advantage, Tecson added.
The essence of the program is basically to help and support the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to manufacture, offer and market distinctive products or services through the use of indigenous raw materials and local skills and talents, it is said.
Apart from encouraging entrepreneurship and local patronage of native products and generate jobs, the program also provides the means to experience their culture and heritage through the various towns and their specialties or delicacies, this is learned.
Tecson said the OTOP Program is a comprehensive assistance package through a convergence of services from national government agencies, local government units and the private sector. DTI is responsible for the advocacy of the program and marketing of the OTOP products while the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) focuses on the technology development assistance while the Department of Tourism takes charge in the tourism promotion of the cities and municipalities that are selling their areas as tourist destinations like Moalboal in Cebu, a world-class diving spot while the government financial institutions provide the financial aid to entrepreneurs.
Specific assistance given to entrepreneurs is business counseling, skills and entrepreneurial training, product design and development, appropriate technologies and marketing, Tecson revealed.
The program however, targets MSMEs with an asset size of not more than P100M which accounts for about 99 percent of business establishments. (PIA)
Several booths have been set up displaying an array of products such as souvenir and novelty items, gift items, home decors, natural fiber, processed food, footwear and wearables that include fashion accessories, bags, shawls and head gears among others.
Organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Regions 6, 7 & 8, the annual trade fair is a marketing event that aims to assist the small and medium entrepreneurs to showcase and promote their products and boost sales revenues as well as find potential buyers for their items.
Elias Tecson, DTI-Cebu Project Management Division Chief during the Kapihan sa PIA this morning that featured the trade fair, bared there are 57 participants coming from Central Visayas and of this figure, 33 entrepreneurs from Cebu are joining the annual event.
Tecson said this is the second time Cebu has hosted the annual OTOP Fair, the first time was when the event was launched in 2006 while last year, the trade fair was held in Boracay Island, a popular tourist destination located in Region 6.
Lea Gonzales, DTI-6 Business Development Division Chief in the same forum disclosed there are 27 participating entrepreneurs from Western Visayas occupying 22 booths.
Well-known products and goods from Region 6 on display include delicacies such as biscocho, baked specialty products, casoy nuts from Guimaras, Barong Tagalog made of pina cloth from Kalibo in Aklan, cut foliage from Capiz and a mixture of gift and home items.
The annual trade fair is an identified marketing strategy under the OTOP Program of the DTI, which is a flagship program of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to promote entrepreneurship and create jobs, according to Tecson.
Through the program, local chief executives tale the lead in identifying, developing, and promoting a specific product or service that has a competitive advantage, Tecson added.
The essence of the program is basically to help and support the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to manufacture, offer and market distinctive products or services through the use of indigenous raw materials and local skills and talents, it is said.
Apart from encouraging entrepreneurship and local patronage of native products and generate jobs, the program also provides the means to experience their culture and heritage through the various towns and their specialties or delicacies, this is learned.
Tecson said the OTOP Program is a comprehensive assistance package through a convergence of services from national government agencies, local government units and the private sector. DTI is responsible for the advocacy of the program and marketing of the OTOP products while the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) focuses on the technology development assistance while the Department of Tourism takes charge in the tourism promotion of the cities and municipalities that are selling their areas as tourist destinations like Moalboal in Cebu, a world-class diving spot while the government financial institutions provide the financial aid to entrepreneurs.
Specific assistance given to entrepreneurs is business counseling, skills and entrepreneurial training, product design and development, appropriate technologies and marketing, Tecson revealed.
The program however, targets MSMEs with an asset size of not more than P100M which accounts for about 99 percent of business establishments. (PIA)
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
Raw materials showcase highlighted in 3rd OTOP Visayas Fair
To attract more exporters, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) will set-up a special setting showcasing different raw materials and how it can be transformed into novelty artworks.
"We would like to show to the public, especially our institutional buyers, what other natural resources the Visayas has to offer thru the "Raw Materials Showcase", DTI
Raw materials on display at the trade fair will include Kawayan Tinik, Gmelina or Melina, Ipil-ipil, Fibers of Banana plant, Fossilized Flowers, Corn, Recycled Materials, Woven Fibers, Coconut Husk, Bayog, Tinik, Tickling, Bolo, Lanao, Buho, Fossilized/ Skeletonized Leaves, among others.
Caberte added that for this year's trade activity, new products and new designs will be offered for sale and order-taking. "We hope to generate robust sales with the coming holiday season."
Several new products/designs coming from the different MSMEs were developed thru the product development efforts of the DTI. "Products under the One-Town-One-Product (OTOP) program will be the main feature in this fair," Caberte said.
More than a hundred entrepreneurs from Central, Eastern and
A side activity during the trade fair is a financing forum on November 14 at the SM City Cebu function room.
The financing forum will have representatives from DBP, LBP, Quedancor, SB Corp. and Planters Bank as speakers.
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