CAGAYAN DE ORO, Philippines – “The Philippine is well positioned in the ASEAN.”
This was how Regional Director Linda O. Boniao of the Department of Trade Industry (DTI)-10 explained to some 350 participants in the ASEAN multi-sectoral forum held by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA)-10 on Wednesday at Mallberry Suites Business Hotel here.
Boniao focused her discussion on the Asean Economic Community (AEC) pillar, which is pushing for single market and production base, competitive economic development, equitable economic development and Asean’s integration into global economy.
She also emphasized the benefits the Philippines may derive from Asean market integration saying, “the country is among the fastest growing countries in the Asean, has the youngest workforce with 23.3 years old median age, and it has posted a consistent upward trajectory in terms of score and global competitiveness rating.”
“With the advent of Asean integration, trade, investment and livelihood opportunities abound,” Boniao said adding “the Asean mutual recognition arrangements are being made for accountancy services, engineering services, nursing services, architectural services, surveyors, medical practitioners and dental practitioners.”
For northern Mindanao, DTI-10 has identified agribusiness, service and manufacturing sectors to benefit from Asean integration.
Data have shown that from 2013 to 2015, six of the top 10 exported commodities in the region sustained positive growth such as Oleochemicals, sintered ore, lumber, abaca fiber pulp, fresh pineapple and dessicated coconut.
Boniao also disclosed that the priority industry clusters in the region include coco coir, cacao, coffee, rubber, bamboo, poultry, abaca, processed foods and nuts, ICT and support to tourism.
Meanwhile, DTI-10 has extended its assistance to microenterprises in the region by providing shared service facilities (SSFs) to improve their productivity. It has already put up 44 SSFs in Bukidnon, 37 in Lanao del Norte, 34 in Misamis Oriental, 29 in Misamis Occidental and 17 in Camiguin.
“AEC is an immense business opportunity that must be exploited to full advantage,” Director Boniao concluded.
Trade, livelihood opportunities abound in Asean integration
