US-Asean Business Council upbeat on Philippine Economic Prospects

In Photo: Members of the US-Asean Business Council (US-ABC) hosted a roundtable for Trade Undersecretary Nora K. Terrado on February 22 in Washington, D.C.Photo: Business Mirror

‘FOR the first time in three years, the Philippines made it to the worldwide list of top 20 investment destinations of multinational enterprises,” Trade Undersecretary for Industry Promotion Group Nora K. Terrado told participants in a roundtable organized by the US-Asean Business Council (US-ABC) on February 22 in Washington, D.C.

Terrado said with the country’s 6.8-percent GDP growth in 2016, the Philippines continues to be one of Asia’s fastest-growing economies, exhibiting resilience amid external shocks.

This message highlighted Terrado’s presentation about the country’s improving global competitiveness ranking.

Terrado discussed the current administration’s 10-point socio-economic agenda, which aims to sustain improvements in the Philippine investment climate, support rural development, and further enhance the country’s infrastructure, human capital and social-protection programs.

“The whole government is tasked to continue to improve the ease of doing business in the Philippines,” Terrado said.

As chair for Asean 2017 Summit, the Philippines is poised to highlight the region’s strengths by engaging the international business community, foreign governments and investors through the Asean Business and Investment Program (Abip).

As chairman for the Asean Committee on Business and Investment Promotion, Terrado urged the US-ABC and its members to participate in the business activities to be held in the Philippines, focusing on themes, such as regulatory coherence, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), women and youth entrepreneurship, and innovation.

Marc Mealy, vice president for policy of the US-ABC, expressed positive feedback after the dialogue with Terrado.

“With the Philippines serving as the current Asean chairman and having one of the highest GDP growth rates in Asia, the representatives from the 13 American multinational companies who participated were keen to receive the undersecretary’s update on current business trends in the Philippines and the economic priorities of the Duterte administration,” Mealy said. “The Council looks forward to conducting our 2017 senior executives business mission to the Philippines later this year.”

The US-ABC members that participated in the dialogue were Coca-Cola, Fluor, Citi and Philip Morris, among others. - BUSINESS MIRROR

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BRITISH Student “RESCUE” to Save the Philippines “Needs help”

BRITISH Student “RESCUE” to Save the Philippines “Needs help” Help students reach the Philippines as part of search and research course. Wiltshire College students practice water rescue techniques at the Old Mill in Harnham. Photo: salisburyjournal.co.uk

Help students reach the Philippines as part of search and research course

A SEARCH and rescue training course is showcasing what young people can do in Salisbury.

A group of students from Wiltshire College have been working alongside disaster response charity Serve On at Salisbury Fire Station to gain a nationally recognised search and rescue qualification.

They have also been working with Chilmark-based charity Team Rubicon UK.

This is the first time the Search and Rescue Level 1 course, which started last September, has been offered by the college.

Foundation Studies lecturer James Lewis says he has seen the students grow in confidence. He said: “What the students have done here is amazing.”

 Help students reach the Philippines as part of search and research course. Wiltshire College students practice water rescue techniques at the Old Mill in Harnham. Photo: salisburyjournal.co.uk

The students have been able to learn about different aspects of search and rescue from safety and equipment checks to practical techniques including water rescue.

Craig Elson, of Serve On, added: “What we are trying to do for these young people is to give them opportunities and experiences that they wouldn't otherwise get. These young people have a massive amount of untapped enthusiasm and potential, our goal at Serve On is to help them come to realise that fact.

“It has been testing at times, but that's what makes it so rewarding. I have seen these guys and girls grow in confidence and demonstrate some of the capabilities that they have. They can all be justly proud of how far they have come.”

Help students reach the Philippines as part of search and research course. Wiltshire College students practice water rescue techniques at the Old Mill in Harnham. Photo: salisburyjournal.co.uk

It is hoped that four of the students will be able to travel to the Philippines in May where they will help rebuild a school.

But help is needed as it will cost about £3,500 to get them out there.

Mr Lewis said: “They will work with groups of school students doing English, work on community projects, get experience of that culture and exposure to search and rescue teams. We hope to raise the profile of what young people in Salisbury can do and what they are capable of.”

Serve On, Team Rubicon UK, the Emergency Rescue Unit Foundation, Manduae City Government, the Congressman from the Philippines Government and various local surgeons and health workers are also due to be involved.

TO HELP

Anyone who would like to sponsor the students' trip to the Philippines is asked to get in touch with Mr Lewis by emailing james.lewis@wiltshire.ac.uk

Help students reach the Philippines as part of search and research course. Wiltshire College students practice water rescue techniques at the Old Mill in Harnham. Photo: salisburyjournal.co.uk

- Newsquest Media - UK

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