10 Most Dangerous Cities in The Philippines to Drive In

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 1.25 million people die in road accidents annually, while 20-50 million suffer minor to permanently debilitating injuries. In the Philippines, a daily average of 37 Filipinos lost their lives in road incidents last 2017. Aside from harming people, road accidents also result in huge financial losses, costing most countries 3% of their gross domestic product (GDP). Last 2017, the Philippines’ GDP was $313.6 billion, and using the previous data as a guide, the country lost a total $9.408 billion in road crashes.

From these numbers, you can immediately tell how much road incidents are costing the country in terms of money and lives. With hotheaded drivers, heavy traffic and a blatant disregard for the unspoken rule of “pedestrians first,” the Philippines has always been a dangerous country to drive in. Most of the danger is, unsurprisingly, centered in Metro Manila due to the high congestion of automobiles.

According to Data for Road Incident Visualization Evaluation and Reporting (DRIVER), the government’s incident data gathering tool, 11,816 road incidents have already occurred the last 365 days, costing the country hundreds of lives and incurring billions of pesos in damages.

Below are the top ten most dangerous cities to drive in the Philippines ranked accordingly to the number of incidents from the last 90 days (October 28. 2018):

As the data shows, Quezon City, Mandaluyong, and Makati are the most dangerous cities to drive in the Philippines. The most dangerous, Quezon City, is the most populous in the country and has more than quadruple the amount of incidents than the second most dangerous, which is Mandaluyong. Eight of the top 10, including the top five, are cities in Metro Manila.

In short, anyone living within the National Capital Region (NCR) is at risk of getting in a road accident, whether they are a driver or a pedestrian. What’s worse is that even if you’re careful, it’s impossible to be 100% sure that you will avoid all accidents. After all, you can’t control the people around you. The best you can do is to follow all the traffic regulations to ensure you aren’t at fault for any violations, and protect yourself and, if you’re a driver, your vehicle.

With that in mind, you might want to secure your ride (and finances) better, especially when the unthinkable happens. Cebuana Lhuillier’s AutoCARE Insurance is a Standard Comprehensive Car Insurance that covers Own Damage (OD), Theft, Loss and/or Damage, Excess Bodily Injury (EBI), Excess Property Damage (EPD), and Acts of God/Nature (AOG/AON). So what are you waiting for? Visit your nearest Cebuana Lhuillier branch and inquire now – we promise a fast, easy and secure transaction.

5 Smart Buys for the Future

Often, our elders or our more financially-savvy friends will advise us not to waste money on things we never plan to use. And really, that’s great advice! However, there are always exceptions to every rule. Here are a few things you might want to consider purchasing before there’s ever a need for them.

Security System

Investing in a few CCTV cameras, an alarm system, or even just a guard dog could very well save your property and life one day. Burglars don’t just target rich households; to them, any house is fair game. A security system serves as a strong deterrent for any would-be thief.

First Aid Kit

Prevention may be better than cure, but accidents do happen. As long as you know how to use it, having a fully-stocked first aid kit at hand will keep injuries from worsening before you can get professional help.

Home

While you might think that you don’t need a house right now, remember, land is one of the few assets that appreciates in value over time. Buying early will save you money in the long run. Also, owning your own house takes a huge chunk of burden called rent off your shoulders. Even if you don’t plan on settling down now, you might want to start making plans for your future home.

Insurance

As mentioned before, accidents happen. As careful as you may be, there will be times when you won’t be able to avoid damaging your health, your car or, in the worst case scenario, your life.

Health, car and life…all of these can be insured. And really, if you can afford it, you should. Insurance is one of your first lines of defense should the unthinkable happen. It will keep you from drowning in fees should you, your home, or your car get into trouble.

Memorial Plan

If you’re getting on in the years, it may be time to think about getting a memorial plan. Loss is inevitable, but you can make it easier on your family by giving them the time and chance to properly mourn for you. Leave the planning to the experts. It’s the practical and thoughtful decision to make.

With all of these in mind, you may want to weigh in your insurance options. Look no further than Cebuana Lhuillier’s Microinsurance Services, affordable and innovative insurance products for every Juan that promise to minimize the impact of distress and misfortune on your financial position. Visit your nearest branch for more information.

Cebuana Lhuillier chairman and founder featured on Diplomacia Magazine

Cebuana Lhuillier founder and Philippine Ambassador to Spain Philippe Jones Lhuillier graces the cover of Diplomacia Magazine. In this October 2018 issue, the ambassador highlights his diplomatic work, the thriving relationship between the Philippines and Spain, and his enduring love for the Filipino community.

 

INTERVIEW WITH H.E. AMBASSADOR PHILIPPE J. LHUILLIER

(Pages 6-14)

 

How is the Philippines doing?

The Philippines has been enjoying a period of continuous economic growth of over 6 percent annually for the past several years. In fact, the country just recorded 6.8 percent GDP growth in the first quarter of 2018, which makes the Philippines one of the best performers not just in Asia but in the world. This is the tenth consecutive quarter that the Philippine economy was able to achieve an output expansion of 6.5 percent or above. This performance demonstrates that the groundwork for reforms in many of our country’s sectors has been sustaining growth.

Under Build! Build! Build!, the Philippine Government’s landmark infrastructure program, we continue in our forward trajectory in providing jobs, enhancing connectivity, and ensuring dependable delivery of public services.

With the outstanding showing of the economy, our Economic Planning Ministry has reported that the Philippines is poised to become an upper-middle income economy as early as next year.

President Rodrigo Duterte, in his State of the Nation Address, stated his desire to focus on the country’s safety and security, and at the same time, its prosperity. The President invites the establishment of more businesses and wishes to simplify all government agency processes and cut red tape.  He also reiterated his promise to reform the tax system and ensure reliable, affordable, and secure telecommunications services. The Philippine government remains committed to achieving our goals and to making this growth inclusive for all.

 

How do you characterize the relations between the Philippines and Spain?

Last year we celebrated a milestone in our relations when we celebrated the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations. Since then, we have concluded over 60 bilateral agreements in various fields.  These include agreements on education and sports, cultural cooperation, tourism, technology, investments and other equally important areas. The most recent of these is the Air Transport Agreement, signed on 12 June 2018. These agreements attest to the fact that the Philippines and Spain have been striving together to strengthening our relations through the years.

It is also worth mentioning that, on top of these agreements, the Philippines enacted a law on 22 July 2002 marking the 30th of June of every year thereafter as “Philippine-Spanish Friendship Day.”  The law (Republic Act No. 9187) was approved on February 5, 2003, and it further sealed the bond of friendship between the Philippines and Spain.  “Philippine-Spanish Friendship Day” commemorates the cultural and historical ties of friendship and cooperation between our two countries.  It is declared as a national special working holiday and a special non-working holiday in Aurora Province in the Philippines.

Through the years, we have also seen high-level visits from both countries. We had Queen Sofia visiting the Philippines in 2012 and former President Aquino visiting Spain in September 2014.

We have a mechanism that takes stock and looks into the future of the bilateral relations through a high-level political consultation between Spanish and Philippine diplomatic officials.

Overall, the Philippine-Spanish relations can be characterized as strong and vibrant.

 

What is your vision for PH-Spain relations? How can PH-Spain relations move forward?

The level of engagement between the Philippines and Spain, as well as its quality and quantity, speaks volumes concerning the direction that we want to take as far as our bilateral relations are concerned.

These past years, we have seen the emergence of Philippine investments in Spain, notably in wine manufacturing and real estate. We feel confident about the strong possibility of major Philippine brands coming into Spain in the next few years. Likewise, Spanish investments and presence have been growing in the Philippines.

But there is much that remains to be done. The Philippines wants to maximize existing mechanisms that will further boost our trade and investments with Spain. We welcome the participation of Spain in the implementation of President Duterte’s 10-point socio-economic plan. We look forward to the entry of more Spanish firms, particularly those involved in infrastructure development, as the Duterte administration ushers in the Golden Age of Philippine Infrastructure Development through its “Build! Build! Build!” Policy.

During my tenure as Ambassador of the Philippines to Spain, I will also work towards the establishment of a Philippine Center. The Center will be a one-stop shop of services for Filipinos in Spain, while also serving as a venue where Spanish-Filipinos can go in order to reconnect with their heritage, and where Spanish tourists can go whenever they wish to learn about anything related to traveling in the Philippines.

The coming years will surely be an exciting time for Philippine-Spanish relations. Spain remains one of our most valued friends. The special relationship built on years of mutual respect and admiration will certainly be reinforced in the years to come.

 

What ways can Philippines and Spain collaborate in?

The Philippines and Spain share so many things in common that it is easy for both countries to collaborate on issues and projects of mutual concern.We recognize Spain’s many development assistance and projects in the Philippines. I am also aiming for more economic cooperation and activities between the two countries. The value of Philippine investments in Spain is considerable. I hope that Spain will likewise look to the Philippines’ potential to host more Spanish firms and companies.

 

What’s your dream for Filipinos in Spain?

I want them to be proud of their identity, to be comfortable with their place in society while maintaining affinity for the Philippines. Our citizens here should be the Philippines’ambassadors in Spain. This is why I am working hard to have the Casa Filipina, which will showcase the best in the Philippines. This will be a source of pride for the Filipinos because they will have a space that is devoted for their social, cultural and economic growth, as well. I am also in the talks with the Catholic Church to give the Filipinos their own church.

 

The 500th anniversary of the circumnavigation of the globe by Magellan and Elcano is coming up soon, what does this mean for the Philippines and how can both countries take advantage of such a historic event?

This is truly an important event in many ways—in the fields ofgeography, world politics, global economy, etc., but we also see it asa chance to reflect on how our two countries have changed, and to see that we are now both equal sovereign states and nations. It is also important to learn about each other’s understanding of this event that ties our nations together, and to consider what that says about our respective countries’ values, and how important it is to reconcile these narratives to arrive at an understanding of what that point in history meant to each country.

We are privileged to be part of this historic event, and we are planning a series of activities are planned to commemorate it.

 

You’ve been an Ambassador for close to twenty years, now, and you’re also a very successful businessman. What drives you to continue towards the path of public service?

Service to the people is what drives me. Although my family has told me many times to just quit the foreign service and devote myself to my personal and business interests, I tell them that my intention to help my country is what pushes me. For as long as I can, I will continue doing what I think is best for my people and country.

 

What are your priority projects right now?

Aside from the aforementioned Casa Filipina, I am pushing for a Philippine-Spain Dual Citizenship Treaty as well as more academic exchanges between the Philippines and Spain. We also wish to increasing bilateral trade, and we hope that Spanish tourist arrivals to the Philippines will double in the next few years.

The Filipino Community is of great importance to me, as well. I want to further engage the Filipinos here in Spain. The Casa Filipina is for them. They will want a center that speaks proudly of their proud heritage and exciting future. I want the Filipinos in Spain to be better integrated into the host country, so they can develop to their fullest.

 

What’s something about the Philippines that Spanish people don’t know?

There’s a lot! We have a country of over 106 million population and over 150 languages and dialects. We are a unique melting pot of cultures. It is worth nothing that many Philippine languages have borrowed a lot of Spanish words, so I think a Spaniard who has never been to the Philippines would find so many surprisingly familiar things. In a sense, once Spain left, the Philippines became a time capsule of Spanish customs and languages, so going to the Philippines could allow a Spaniard to learn so much about his or her own history.

 

PHILIPPINE-SPANISH BILATERAL RELATIONS

(Pages 20-22)

 

Last year, the Philippines and Spain celebrated an important milestone in their bilateral relations, in which we marked the 70th anniversary of the establishment of our diplomatic relations. The signing of the Treaty of Friendship in 27 September 1947 strengthened the already-strong historic bonds between our two countries. Since then, the Philippines and Spain have concluded over 60 bilateral agreements in various fields.

These include agreements on education and sports, cultural cooperation, tourism, technology, investments and other equally important areas.  The most recent of these was the Air Transport Agreement signed on 12 June 2018. These agreements attest to the fact that the Philippines and Spain have been working hard towards strengthening our relations through the years.

It is also worth mentioning that, on top of these agreements, the Philippines passed a law on 22 July 2002 marking the 30th of June of every year thereafter as “Philippine–Spanish Friendship Day.” The date coincides with the anniversary of the end of the Siege of Baler where the last remnants of Spanish colonial forces held out for 11 months against Filipino revolutionaries. As a gesture of friendship, and in recognition of their valor, then-President Emilio Aguinaldo granted the survivors safe passage to Manila, en route to their return to Spain.

This law was approved on 05 February 2003 and further sealed the bond of friendship between the Philippines and Spain.  “Philippine-Spanish Friendship Day” commemorates the cultural and historical ties of friendship and cooperation between our two countries.  It is now a national special working holiday and a special non-working holiday in Aurora Province in the Philippines.

On 30 June 2011, the Spanish Congress of Deputies, through Speaker Jose Bono Martinez, made a historic Institutional Declaration on the occasion of the 9th Philippine-Spanish Friendship Day. A similar declaration was made by the Spanish Senate, through Senate President Pio Garcia-Escudero Marquez, a year later.

Through the years, our countries have also seen exchanges of high-level visits, with the latest being Queen Sofia’s visit to the Philippines in 2012 and President Benigno Aquino’s visit to Spain in September 2014.

In addition, there is a regular high-level political consultation mechanism between Spanish and Philippine diplomatic officials to take stock and plan for the future of our bilateral relations.

This level of engagement, its quality and quantity, speaks volumes about the direction both countries want to take as far as our bilateral relations are concerned.

Beyond the political sphere, Philippine investments in Spain, notably in wine and brandy manufacturing and real estate, is on the rise. We are upbeat about the huge possibility of major Philippine brands coming into Spain in the next few years. Likewise, Spanish investments and presence have been growing in the Philippines.

We have made much progress, but there is still more that remains to be done. In 2017, Spain ranked as the Philippines’ 27thlargest trading partner, 26thexport market and 26th import source. Total bilateral trade reached USD602.60 million, of which exports to Spain amounted to USD 195.30 million and imports to the Philippines pegged at USD407.30million. The Philippines has expressed its desire to take full advantage of existing mechanisms to further boost Philippine-Spain trade and investments.

It is hoped that more Spanish businesses, particularly in infrastructure development, will come to the Philippines in line with the thrust of President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration to usher in the Golden Age of Philippine infrastructure development through its “Build, Build, Build” program.

The coming years will surely be an exciting time for Philippine-Spanish relations. Spain remains a most valued friend of the Philippines. The special relationship built on years of mutual respect and admiration will certainly be reinforced in the years to come.

 

INVESTING AND DOING BUSINESS IN THE PHILIPPINES

(Pages 24-31)

 

The Philippines is one of the fastest-growing economies in the Asia-Pacific region, and there has never been a better time to invest than now. With a population of over 100 million, the Philippines aims to sustain its sound macroeconomic fundamentals and investor confidence with a comprehensive national strategy focused on creating globally competitive, value adding, innovative industries. To this end, the Philippine government has placed great importance on partnership with the private sector and maintainingan enabling business environment, especially in view of the challenges posed by regional integration.

To fast-track efforts in boosting key growth industries, the government is strengthening its collaboration with the business community, to keep the country’s economic momentum and to realize a truly inclusive, innovation-led growth that spurs economic prosperity from the bottom of the pyramid.

Teeming with natural resources and boasting staggering landscapes, the Philippines does not disappoint those who go the extra mile to reach it. Indeed, nothing compares to the abundance of diverse natural resources offered by the Philippines.

However, it is the Filipino citizen that makes the country truly wonderful. Even when faced with adversity, Filipinos are the warmest and most easy-going people anywhere. Filipinos are noted for their courtesy, hospitality and, most of all, talent. Competent, multi-skilled and highly trainable, the Filipino worker can surpass any other in dedication and hard work.

The country is blessed with an educated, multi-cultural, bilingual and skilled labor force. In the 2017 World Bank – International Finance Corporation Doing Business Report, the Philippines once again improved its ranking, placing 99th compared to 103rdin the previous year. Since 2011, the country has climbed 49 spots in the Doing Business Report.

The 2017 report measured regulatory factors that have an impact on the areas of the life of a business. The Philippines boosted its ranking in protecting minority investors, dealing with construction permits, paying taxes and enforcing contracts. The country also sustained its position in registering property and trading across borders. These indicators show that the Philippines has a low-cost, economically-sound, and cosmopolitan environment in which to do business.

The Philippines is set to achieve the status of upper-middle-income economy in 2019. In addition, with its favorable demographics and rapid growth in global trade, the Philippines is expected to become the 16th largest economy in the world by 2050, according to estimates by HSBC.

 

Economy overview

The Philippine economy has consistently grown between 6 and 7 percent per year for the majority of the last decade. It has enjoyed a string of upgrades in recent years from credit raters recognizing the country’s improving fundamentals. The Philippines continues to enjoy investment grade status since its upgrade by Fitch Ratings, Standard & Poor’s (S&P), and Moody’s Investor Service in 2013. The country’s rapid growth is fueled by higher investment opportunities and consumption as well as the growth of manufacturing, trade, and real estate, renting, and business activities.

Philippine exports have substantially grown over the last decade, earning $69 billion in 2017, from only $41 billion in 2005. And after averaging $1 billion in foreign direct investment inflows annually in the first decade of the 2000s, in 2017 the Philippines attracted more than 10 times as much. There is also evidence that the country’s growth has become more broad-based, and its benefits more inclusive. Whereas private consumption spending had predominantly driven the economy’s growth in the past, investment spending, which has grown consistently at double-digit annual rates since 2010, now contributes much more to GDP growth.

 

Offshoring and outsourcing

The Philippines is among the world’s top outsourcing destinations, thanks in large part to low business costs and a large pool of university-educated, English-speaking and highly adaptable workers. The Philippine business process outsourcing sector grew at 19 percent a year from 2011 to 2015. The IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) targets US$40 billion in revenues and a 15 percent global market share in 2022. The World Bank also anticipates the sector’s expected revenues of US$35 billion in 2018 to overtake the projected value of remittances.

Collectively, the industry provides services for a wide range of prominent Fortune 1000 firms in North America, Asia, and the European Union. The Philippines is the global leader for voice business process management services and the second most-preferred location for non-voice services, showing capability in areas such as healthcare, IT, finance and accounting, human resources and creative processes.

In 2016, a Tholons study ranked Metro Manila second and Cebu seventh among the “Top 10 Outsourcing Destinations,” while Davao City, Sta. Rosa, Bacolod, Iloilo City, Dumaguete, Baguio, and Metro Clark were in the Top 100. The IT-BPAP also seeks to provide 500,000 jobs outside of Metro Manila by 2022. Among the activities eligible for Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) incentives are: IT-enabled services such as BPO, call centers, data encoding, transcribing and processing; software development and application; and content development for multimedia or internet purposes.

As of October 2016, there are 243 operating IT Parks or Centers in the Philippines. These zones serve as one-stop shops for e-services investors who may want to locate in the Philippines. Manila, Baguio, Cebu and Davao are known as the country’s information and communications technology (ICT) hubs. Outside Metro Manila, there is also the rapid development of regional ICT hubs in locations such as Bacolod, Bohol, Cagayan de Oro, Clark, Dumaguete, Iloilo, Legaspi, Lipa, Naga and Rizal. Many of these, along with those cited by the Tholons report, have also been proclaimed by the IBPAP as Next Wave Cities beyond the capital that are conducive for investment.

 

Tourism

Tourism is another bright spot in the economy. Foreign visitors to the Philippines in 2017 reached an all-time high record of more than 6.6 million, marking an unprecedented growth in the country’s tourism industry.

There are 10 international airports in the country with several slated for major renovations via Public Private Partnerships (PPPs). Key gateways include those in Manila, Cebu, Davao, Clark, Pampanga and Laoag. The Ninoy Aquino International Airport is the country’s main airport. It has five terminals, some servicing domestic routes, and other servicing international flights to Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and North America.

The country has been upgraded to a Category 1 rating in Aviation Safety by the US Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration, allowing local airline companies to expand their operations in the US.

The European Union (EU) has also allowed local carriers Philippine Airlines and Cebu Air, Inc. to fly into European airspace as recognition of the airlines’ commitment to safety and full compliance with international aviation safety standards.

The Mactan International Airport in Cebu has regular flights from Busan, Doha, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore and various other cities in Korea, China and Japan. The Davao International Airport has regular flights from Indonesia and Singapore, and seasonal flights from Macau.

The Clark International Airport in Clark has regular flights from Hong Kong, Doha, Dubai, Macau, Singapore and various cities in Korea and Malaysia. The Subic International Airport in Zambales has regular flights from Korea and Macau, while Laoag International Airport in Ilocos Norte has regular flights from Macau. Kalibo International Airport in Aklan has regular flights from Taiwan and various cities in China and Korea.

Other international airports in the country are the Puerto Princesa International Airport in Palawan, Zamboanga International Airport and General Santos International Airport, which are both in Mindanao. By sea, major cruise ships and international container vessels call at the port of Manila. Interisland ships connect Manila to major ports in other provinces.

 

Manufacturing

The National Statistical Coordination Board reported that manufacturing growth has continued to accelerate. The manufacturing industry posted a 14.4% growth in 2016. This comes as the government has rolled out the inter-agency Philippine Manufacturing Industry Roadmap, which aims to have the industry account for 30% value added to the economy and generate 15% of total employment by 2025 compared to 22% and 8%, respectively, back in 2012.

Phase I of the roadmap from 2014 to 2017 focused on automotive and aerospace parts, electronics, garments, food, resource-based industries, chemicals, furniture, tool and die, and shipbuilding. Phase II from 2018 to 2021 shifts to high value-added activities and investments in upstream industries such as chemicals, iron and steel, med-tech basic and fabricated metal, link and integrate industries, small- and medium-sized enterprises and large firms, and the innovation ecosystem.

From 2022 to 2025, Phase III will move to high-tech activities, transport, electronics and chemicals as well as participate as manufacturing hubs in regional and global production networks for automotive, electronics, machinery, garments and food. Foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Philippines as of 2017 reached USD 10 billion, up from USD 7 billion received in 2016, with the bulk of equity capital investments channeled to manufacturing. This growth in FDI is expected to continue, as a result of the Philippine economy’s upgrade into investment-grade territory.

 

Construction

The construction sector remains a top growth contributor on the back of strong private real estate development activity as well as the government’s Public-Private Partnership program, strategic infrastructure projects, and disaster reconstruction. In the fourth quarter of 2016, the construction industry grew by 11.1%, compared with the 8.2% growth in the past year. Public investment in infrastructure expanded by 23%, which is higher than the 20.1% growth rate in the third quarter, while the private sector grew significantly by 16.2%.

The outlook for the Philippine construction industry remains positive as it is expected to continuously grow over the forecast period between 2016 and 2020. The Philippine construction industry is expected to record 9 percent real growth in 2017 and 8.5 percent in 2018. This is largely due to the Philippine government’s flagship Build, Build, Build(BBB) infrastructure program, which aims to spend more than USD 144 billion in infrastructure between 2016 and 2022, as well as the USD 24 billion worth of financing and investment deals signed in October 2016 during President Rodrigo Duterte’s visit to China.

Key infrastructure projects under the BBB Program include the Subic-Clark Railway; the North-South railway projects connecting Los Baños, Laguna to Tutuban, Manila and Clark Freeport in Pampanga; a 1,500-hectare industrial park in Clark, Pampanga; and an expanded Clark International Airport also in Pampanga. Other projects include four new energy facilities; 10 water resource projects and irrigation systems; five flood control facilities; and three redevelopment programs.

Industry growth will emerge from the country’s development plan, Vision 2021, as well as population growth, urbanization, and favorable government policies with regards to PPPs. A total of 26 major public-private partnership (PPP) projects were awarded in December 2017.

 

Mining

According to the Philippine Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the country’s estimated mineral reserves are placed at about 14.5 billion metric tons of metallic minerals and about 67.66 billion metric tons of non-metallic minerals. It is also the fifth most mineralized country in the world, third in gold reserves, fourth in copper, and fifth in nickel. In the mining statistics released by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau in February 2017, the gross production value in mining amounted to a total of PhP100.6 billion.

The Philippines currently hosts 41 operating metallic mines consisting of 27 nickel mines, six gold mines (with silver as co-product), three copper mines (with gold and silver as co-products), four chromite mines and one iron mine.

 

Renewable energy

The Philippines is already the world’s second largest producer of geothermal energy, with a still untapped resource potential of 2,600 megawatts. There is an untapped potential of 70,000 megawatts for wind energy and 13,097 megawatts for hydropower.

A total of 724 renewable energy service contracts with aggregate potential capacity of 14,498 megawatts were awarded as of the first half of 2016, while the total installed capacity was 4,132.5 megawatts. Of these contracts, 398 were hydropower projects and 160 were solar projects, 144 of which were on-grid and 16 were own-use.

The Philippines has a high-profit potential from biodiesel exports and is a large producer of coconut and sugarcane, two major sources of biofuels. With a total of 11 ethanol plants operating in the Philippines this year, the production is estimated at 322 million liters.

The 2012-2030 Philippine Energy Plan prepared by the government estimates that under a low carbon scenario, renewable energy’s contribution to the country’s total power mix will grow by an annual average of 3.2 percent and comprise a 37.1 percent share.

 

Agriculture

The Philippines has about 10 million hectares of agricultural land and is a major exporter of banana, coconut, pineapple and fishery products, with farming outputs contributing around 10 percent of the country’s gross domestic product. Sugarcane and coconut are major sources of renewable biofuels such as bio-ethanol and coco-diesel. The agriculture sector accounts for 27 percent of the total labor force.

The sector as a whole grew by 3.9 percent in 2017, exceeding the target annual growth rate set by the government. The total production value of Philippine agriculture was valued at USD 9.6 billion for 2017, up by 9.32 percent from the previous year’s record as the crops, livestock and poultry subsectors registered significant gains.

 

Competitive human capital resources

The Philippines offers a highly educated and literate workforce, with most people having a good command of the English language. The UNESCO Institute for Statistics records an adult literacy rate of 96.62% among Filipinos aged 15 years and older while according to the UN Population Division, the median age is 24.2. The country’s labor market is one of the most competitive in the world, ranked 4th out of 61 economies in the 2016 International Institute of Management Development (IMD) World Competitiveness Report.

In the World Talent Report also released by the IMD, which focuses on countries’ ability to develop, attract and retain talent based on three factors, the Philippines ranked 23rd in the readiness factor. Among all criteria, the country performed well in terms of the availability of skilled labor (4th), the availability of competent senior managers (14th), language skills (18th), and the international experience of senior managers (21st). It also ranked in the upper half of economies when it comes to the sufficiency of apprenticeships (23rd) and the importance given to employee training in companies (25th) under the appeal factor.

 

Out of 138 countries, the country ranked well in the higher education and training pillar of the World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness Index 2016-2017, with the extent of staff training (31st), quality of management schools (41st), quality of the education system (44th), and local availability of specialized training services (48th) as contributing factors. It is also on track to meet its Philippine Development Plan targets related to enhancing the knowledge and skills of the workforce as higher education graduates as well as technical vocational education and training (TVET) graduates continue to increase.

 

Growing bilateral investments

The Philippines-based company Emperador, Inc. is a major beverage producer with significant investments in Spain. In 2015, the company acquired Fundador Pedro Domecq, Spain’s largest and oldest brandy. The Emperador brand is now the world’s number one selling brandy by volume and the company has gone on to acquire a 500-hectare vineyard in Toledo in 2013.

Spanish firms with investments and interests in the Philippines include Inditex, which opened its first Zara branch in Manila in 2005 and continues to expand; Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles (CAF), which is set to supply the Philippine government with 30 light rail vehicles; Acciona, which is currently undertaking major infrastructure projects such as bridge construction between Philippine islands;and Leche Pascual, which has partnered with Asia Brewery, one of the Philippines’ leading beverage manufacturers.

 

“FILIPINOS ARE THE PHILIPPINES´ BEST ASSETS”

A TRIBUTE TO THE LONGEST-STAYING FILIPINO WORKERS

IN SPAIN AND ANDORRA

(Pages 54-57)

 

“The best assets of the Philippines are its people.” Philippine Ambassador to Spain Philippe J. Lhuillier said during the awarding ceremony of the ten longest-staying Filipino workers in Spain and Andorra in June 2018 which was held in Madrid at the colorful Fiesta Filipina 2018 to commemorate the Philippine National Day.

The award was the first in the 70th year history of the Embassy and was the brainchild of the Ambassador. “This award has long been overdue, I always believe that we should honor those who were there before us who served as inspiration and strength, not only to their families but also to overseas Filipino workers all over the world, particularly to those in Spain and Andorra”, said the Ambassador who was visibly very excited to meet the ten longest-staying Filipinos in Spain and Andorra.

The Ambassador, who was obviously beaming with pride, continued, “this recognition speaks of us as Filipinos. We are committed and loyal, we work hard, we persevere, we always do our best and we can easily adjust and assimilate in the culture, particularly in Spain.  We are a part Spanish, that is why we endure. I can say that, we are considered one of the best workers and the best people in the world because we always give our hearts and soul no matter what the circumstances are.  We never give up easily on any challenges, we take the challenge and make the best in any situation.  We can easily adjust to language, culture, skills, working hours and other difficulties.”

Mr. Eduardo Alvarado Fernandez was recognized this year as the longest-staying Filipino worker in Spain having been in Spain for 45 years. He arrived in 1972, initially to work in London, but decided to stay in Barcelona where he worked until his retirement.

The story of Mr. Alvarado was echoed by the nine other awardees. All of them came to Spain to provide better future for their families. They all shared their grief, fears, and uncertainties of being in a foreign land on their own, away from their families.  At very young age (most of them were in their early 20s when they arrived in Spain) , they braved home sickness and difficulties when they first came to Spain.  Some almost gave up but they all won their battles and now shared their love for the country and the people that adopted them.

Mr. Reynaldo Rojas Manzano has been in Spain for 38 years. He was hired in 1979 to work as a key puncher but when his company closed, he took any work he could find, including in farm lands where he would eat left over apples for lunch and dinner to survive while waiting to be paid by his previous company. Since he was exceptionally good, he was then offered a job in Hacienda where, at first, he thought that he would take care of animals and work in the farm, only to find out that it was the Ministerio de Hacienda, as key puncher.  Hacienda is always known in the Philippines as a large estate where people work as farmers or animal care takers.  This is one of the Spanish influences in the Philippines.  Mr. Manzano never stopped and pursued his education while working and he is currently a computer system manager.

Another awardee, Mr. Armando Gabriel came to Spain in 1978 with his wife and worked with the same employer for more than 20 years until their employer passed away, a story of loyalty and care which is shared by majority of Filipinos.

The same situation was shared by another awardee when she took care of her employers for three years until she passed away without any salary or compensation because she said that her employer was family.

There were of course funny and entertaining experiences such as that of nanny who during her first week of work heard her seven-year old ward shouting “socorro, socorro”.  The child was climbing the fence but the nanny thought that she was calling a neighbor whose name was “Socorro”, which is a very popular name in the Philippines. There was this Filipino who firstthought that taxi cabs are free in Spain when she rode for the first time since there was a sign “libre”, which means “free or no payment” in Filipino.

“It is heart-warming to hear their stories” said Ambassador Lhuillier. “I am very proud that I represent the people who are caring and loving and whose heart goes beyond their call of duty. But these stories are not uncommon of Filipinos”.

The Philippine Embassy in Madrid paid tribute to these heroes with the first-ever Gawad Ambassador Philippe J. Lhuillier Para sa Pinakamatagal na Manggagawang Pilipino sa Espanya at Andorra (1st Ambassador Philippe J. Lhuillier Award to the Ten Longest-Staying Filipino Worker in Spain and Andorra).  The Ambassador himself donated the specially designed trophies, certificates of recognition and cash prizes to the following recipients:

 

Mr. Eduardo Fernandez Alvarado, 45 years in Spain.

Ms. Adelaida Abrero Suyat, 42 years in Spain.

Ms. Francia Berdalosa De Villa, 40 years in Spain.

Ms. Editha Cariño Etrata, 40 years in Spain.

Ms. Concepcion Piñon Zaragoza, 40 years in Spain.

Ms. Leonida Honrada Hipolito, 40 years in Spain.

Ms. Marjoling Madrid De Leña, 40 years in Spain.

Mr. Armando Tiro Gabriel, 39 years in Spain.

Ms. Ma. Luzviminda Roque Ramos, 38 years in Spain.

Mr. Reynaldo Rojas Manzano, 38 years in Spain.

 

There are approximately 50,000 Filipinos living in Spain, in addition to Filipinos who are already Spanish citizens. Philippines and Spain relations goes beyond its 70 years of diplomatic relations.  Philippines or “Las Islas Filipinas” was named in honor of the King Philip II of Spain when the earliest recorded European expedition landed in the Philippines in 1521. The three hundred and thirty (333) years of Spanish influence in the Philippines is evident in the country´s cuisine, names, language, and many social and cultural aspects of the Philippine society.  It is not surprising that the Filipinos can easily learn the Spanish language and assimilate to Spanish culture.

“We are a universal people” said Ambassador Lhuillier as he narrated the influences brought about by the Chinese, Dutch, Portuguese, Japanese, Indians, Americans and many other cultures. “It is for this reason that we, as people, are at home in any culture.” He added.

Spain is particularly important for Filipinos because of its historical connection. With more than three decades under Spanish rule, the Philippines is partly Spanish and its influence left a lasting impact to the Filipinos even to present times.

It cannot be denied that Spanish is embedded in the Filipino culture. Numerous Spanish words are in the Filipino language.  In fact, in the southern part of the Philippines, Chavacano which is a criollo language based largely on Spanish vocabulary is still widely spoken. In the same manner, several Filipino cuisines are of Spanish influence such as valenciana, adobo, estofado, adobo and many others.

Most Filipinos have Spanish surname because the Spanish government decreed in 1849 the distribution of surnames and implementation of the “Spanish naming system” or the Catálogo alfabético de apellidos (“Alphabetical Catalogue of Surnames”).

Dr. Jose Rizal, the Philippine National hero, studied in Spain. Paulino Alcantara Riestrá who played for FC Barcelona, who later became doctor was a Spanish-Filipino football player. Numerous professionals, artists and educators spent their time in Spain.  Today, according to official statistics, there are more than 100,000 Filipinos who are Spanish citizens and around 5,000 Spanish citizens living in the Philippines.   Filipinos are embedded in Spanish society as engineers, educators, businessmen, artists, sportsmen and other workers.

Recently, Grupo Emperador Spain S.A., a wholly owned subsidiary of Emperador, has signed an agreement to acquire an additional 230 hectares of vineyard land in Toledo. It is owned by Filipino businessman Mr. Andrew Tan, who also owns the Torre Espacio in Madrid.  Mr. Lucio Co, another Filipino businessman became a shareholder of Spain´s Williams & Humbert Wineries by acquiring a significant stake in the Jerez winery.  The newly-appointed Philippine Honorary Consul in Barcelona, Atty. Chona Abiertas Tenorio, is a Filipino-Spanish Lawyer.

“The Filipinos are certainly present in Spain. You see us work in restaurants and various establishments, educational institutions, business world, art circles, medical field and many other areas of the Spanish society. We are not only good and hard workers, we are also achievers, leaders and most of all, we have a big heart who loves what we do and do what we love.  These ten awardees represent the love, dedication and commitment that I am talking about,” Ambassador Lhuillier said with a smile as he walked down to personally congratulate the awardees.

 

THE PHILIPPINES IN SPANISH CULTURE AND SOCIETY

(Pages 58-59)

 

While reasons vary for many people to choose Spain as their new home, one thing remains constant – Spain´s long history of embracing and welcoming peoples and ideas is a known fact.

Even though the Philippines ceased to be a part of the Spanish empire, the Filipinos are among the many who have chosen to settle in Spain. Integration of Filipinos has made settling easy due to deeply intertwined common and familiar cultures and history.  Some of those who found a new home in Spain have left marks in the Spanish society and popular culture.

Isabel Preysler is one such Filipina whose celebrity persona continues to grace pages of magazines and TV programs. Her style and fashion remain to be a topic of discussion, along with her family life. She is the mother to the famous pop singer, Enrique Iglesias, who, in several instances, has recognized his Filipino roots.

In the field of sports, Paulino Alcántara Riestrá, the Philippine-born football player, held a record for themost number of goals for FC Barcelona. His record was broken by Messi only after 87 years in 2014. Another Filipino-born football athlete was Marcelino “Chelin” Galatas who once played for the Spanish national team in 1927.

Philippine-born singers Luis Eduardo Aute Gutiérrez and Antonio “Junior” Morales, father Shaila Durcal, have likewise left imprints in the Spanish music scene.

Many other Filipinos are slowly making names for themselves in their own fields. It is estimated that there are over 40,000 Filipinos in Spain; however, the number is expected to be higher when one will include second and third generation Filipinos. The Filipinos in Spain are concentrated in the cities of Madrid and Barcelona, bringing their ways, ideas, care and talent into the Spanish society.

They did comment, however, that the language barrier was the most difficult challenge faced by Filipinos coming to Spain in the past 30 years. Spanish was removed from among the official languages in the Philippines in the 1987 Constitution, leaving the current population with some understanding of Spanish but lacking the facility to communicate in it. It can be said that the Filipinos with superior Spanish competence are those born before 1945. Those who continue to speak it comprise the small yet active number of Spanish speakers.

While some would lament about the state of the Spanish language in the Philippines, Filipinisms still found their way into the Spanish language since they were admitted by the Real Academia de Española. Amongthem are tuba (licor de palmera), yoyo (un juguete), abaca (cañamo de Manila) and dalaga (mujer soltera).

The Filipinos´ lack of Spanish linguistic abilities is offset by their competence in the English language which is a prized skill for employment in Spain. More and more Filipino nannies are hired by Spanish families not only to care for their children but also to supplement their children´s training in the English language. We shall soon be seeing a generation of Spanish kids reared by Filipinos, whose nurturing attribute is known throughout. Furthermore, the contribution of Filipino workers in the tourism and service sectors in Spain is appreciated.

Philippine companies and entrepreneurs have also found their way in Spain. The famed Sotogrande, the largest privately-owned residential development in Andalusia and playground of the rich, was founded by Filipino-Spaniards in the 60´s. Soon, a fifth tower in the Cuatro Torres Business Area in Madrid will rise thanks to a substantial investment by the Philippine real estate company Megaworld Corporation in partnership with Villar Mir Group. The addition of the new tower increases Philippine presence in the world of real estate. Torre Espacio, which houses several embassies in Madrid and is found in the Cuatro Torres Business Area, is also owned by Filipino magnate Mr. Andrew Tan of Megaworld.

The city of Cuenca, some 160 km southeast of Madrid, is home to the Museo de Arte Abstracto Español, a museum founded by Philippine-born Fernando Zobel. His contribution to the growth of Spanish abstract art is widely recognized, impacting his adopted city of Cuenca and generations of abstract artists all over the world. A trip to this mountain city via the train would take you to the train station named after him.

Five hundred years of interaction between the Spain and the Philippines have created influences over each other´s cultures and societies that go beyond family names and cuisines. The links established seal the bonds between the two countries and is worthy of a toast over San Miguel Beer, which, by the way, was originally brewed in the Philippines.

 

TRIBUTE TO SENATOR EDGARDO ANGARA

(Pages 60-63)

Former Philippine Senator Edgardo Angara left a legacy in rekindling the already friendly and vibrant relations between the Philippines and Spain when he authored the law that institutionalized the celebration of Philippine-Spanish Friendship Day.

 

Republic Act No. 9187 states:

June 30 is a day when President Emilio Aguinaldo commended the besieged Spanish soldiers in the Church of Baler for their loyalty and gallantry. To mark this momentous occasion, there is a need to declare said day a national holiday to remember the act of benevolence which has paved the way in bridging better relations between Philippines and Spain.

The 30th of June of each year is hereby declared as Philippine-Spanish Friendship Day to commemorate the cultural and historical ties, friendship and cooperation between the Philippines and Spain. It is hereby declared as a national special working holiday and a special non-working holiday in Aurora Province.

 

Every 30th of June in the Philippines, series of events commemorate that turning point in Philippine-Spanish history.

It can be said that in recent years, no other Philippine legislator had championed Philippine-Spanish relations more than the late Senator Angara did.

His demise on 13 May 2018 was not only a sad note in the lives of his family but also to the promoters of the relations of the two countries.

Tributes all around poured in. During this year´s celebration of the Philippine National Day in Madrid on 12 June 2018, then Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs of Spain, Mr. Ildefonso Castro, in his speech, recognized the notable contribution of Senator Angara in advancing the Philippine-Spanish relations.

Even days before he passed, Philippine Ambassador to Spain Philippe Lhuillier remembered meeting the senator in the Philippines to discuss the Embassy´s projects in Spain.

“He supported all the proposed projects. He was excited at the possibility of a one-stop shop in Madrid,” Ambassador Lhuillier recalled his meeting with the senator.

Among the recognitions received from Spain are Premio Casa Asia in 2010 and the Order of Isabel the Catholic, Great Cross, in 1995 when he was Senate President.

His absence was palpable last October 8, when the world celebrated the International Day of the Galeon. He was one of the main actors who pushed for the UNESCO proclamation to institutionalize the celebration of the Galleon Day, which was a Philippine initiative. Since the start of the celebration in 2010, he had spearheaded activities in the Philippines that highlighted the Galeon Trade as a forerunner of globalization, and one of the longest-running successful shipping routes ever.

He recognized that other than economic benefits, the galleon trade also brought interchanges of cultures, traditions and ideas among the peoples of the four continents.

He may have left the world without a visible successor, among the current legislators, to champion Philippine-Spanish relations, but he left more than enough for future generations to appreciate the lasting relations that the Philippines and Spain have.

 

FINDING COMMON MEANING IN THE 500TH ANNIVERSARY OF

THE ARRIVAL OF SPAIN IN THE PHILIPPINES

(Pages 64-66)

 

The 500th Anniversary of the arrival of Europeans to the Philippines means different things to different countries and their people. To Spain, the voyage commissioned by the Crown since 1518 meant a celebration of the its role in the marvels of nautical science, astounding foresight toreach previously unknown lands, and the beginning of a glorious empire that was to last four centuries.

To the Philippines, that first contact meant the beginning of its opening to the rest of the world, and unintentional it may be, the impetus in the eventual formation of nationalism—a common consequence of empire building—and the beginning of its journey towards nation-building.

To the rest of the world, as some would argue, this was arguably a key milestone in the history of globalization, and thereafter the exchange of cultures, ideas, technology was spurred to unprecedented heights.

Not surprisingly, the eventual disconnect in the narrative surrounding Spanish arrival in the country developed as each narrating country was constructing its national identity. Certain events are highlighted by storytellers, in this case the states, and proselytized among their respective local audience.

One such example of this is the marked difference in the retelling of the story of Ferdinand Magellan’s death. Antonio Pigafetta, the Italian scholar who kept a detailed journal of the events of the voyage, wrote of how Magellan was besieged by natives in Cebu while attempting to help a recently Catholicized local ruler convert other rulers to Catholicism. Magellan believed that his display of force would convince the chieftains to become Catholics. That fateful decision and his miscalculation of enemy forces, led by LapuLapu, resulted in Magellan’s death when he was struck in the face by a Mactan warrior using a local scimitar, and the retreat of Spanish ships from Cebu.

Forty-four years later, Spain would be back to successfully establish its first settlement in the islands, but that very first encounter in 1521 was marked by indigenous resistance.

Few mainstream, Spanish reading materials make mention of how Magellan died. A book on Spanish history found at a popular museum souvenir shop in Madrid, for instance, note that he “died en route,” and often times if you ask a Spaniard what they know of how Magellan died, they would tell you that as taught in school, he died from a poisoned arrow. The emphasis on poison, often associated with cowardice, seems an allusion to the impossibility of a larger-than-life character like Magellan being killed by indigenous peoples living in a far-away land.

In contrast, in the Philippines, Magellan’s arrival in the country is presented as the arrival of an interloper. His story begins upon arrival, and quickly ends in his death at the hands of a local warrior. That Filipinos highlight this fact is a constant reminder of their rare victory against colonial Spain and is rooted in, of course, nationalism, that has in turn, largely been shaped by Filipinos’ colonial experience. Unlike in Latin America, it is rare to find, in the Philippines, a public monument of a non-religious, political historical figure with Caucasian features. Filipinos are immensely proud of the fact that Magellan was killed in the Philippines. It is not the death of Magellan that is celebrated, but that Filipinos, through Lapu-Lapu, resisted. Lapu-Lapu is a hero, Magellan the villain is a story that every Filipino child can retell by heart.

The difference in our retelling of a single history brings to fore what ought to be underscored by both countries as we celebrate the Spanish and Filipino encounter in 1521. This is a story that, in reaching 500 years, has a number of iterations but whose two leading ones—those respectively told by the Spaniards and Filipinos—should be reconciled.

From the Filipino perspective, it is important to recall crucial elements in this story that have often been overlooked by Western historians in the past 500 years. When Magellan reached the archipelago, the island of Luzon to the north of Cebu was already home to societies for close to 17,000 years. Several “Datus” in Cebu who worked with the Europeans were clearly operating on their own network—of trade and familial relations—that enabled them to interact with Magellan and his crew confidently. From the 10th to 13th centuries, the archipelago hosted societies that were able to cultivate the talents of goldsmiths who crafted jewelry, regalia and other artifacts made from gold.

These recent discoveries of a pre-colonial antiquity in a country whose climate and earthquake-prone geography often doesn’t allow for preservation of artifacts and architecture, evoke the precolonial past that Filipinos continuously seekas basis for a national identity that is free of colonialism.

This is why Filipino nationalists are vexed when Westerners refer to the arrival of Magellan as the “discovery of the Philippines.” This fallacious, Western-centric phraseology has been repeated so many times in history textbooks that it will take several generations to expunge such language from educational materials, but also, crucially, the national mindset that this presentation of events helped to mold. For a group of people, it creates a conviction of inferiority to be told through Western-oriented social science classes that your country was discovered by someone else, and your heritage began from that discovery.

Perhaps there is no stronger evidence of the strength of pre-colonial identity than in the existence and uninterrupted use of Filipino languages. Unlike Latin America, the Philippines has never been a fully Spanish-speaking country. This is another thing, perhaps, that makes this country different from the rest of Spain’s former colonies. People like to say that Spain never truly taught Spanish to the people of the country but this may only be partly true.

What is remarkable though is that Pigafetta wrote a vocabulary of the Butuanon and Cebuano languages, with most of the words still widely used to this day by native speakers of that language. The fact is, after 333 years of Spain, and almost 50 years of American rule, the Philippines can still account for more than 175 of its languages. One may therefore argue that Spanish did not become a lingua franca because in the same way that Tagalog is not widely spoken outside of Luzon and parts of Mindanao dominated by Tagalog settlers, the local languages were more than sufficient in communicating effectively among each other.

The Philippines is a country of passing conquerors and politics, but what remains constant through it all is its local languages.

It is important to note that the Philippines has only ever been independent for 120 years, versus the 333 years of Spanish rule from 1521-1898. There are so much in the Filipino psyche, language and traditions that come from Spain and that Filipinos are little aware of as they’ve been entrenched so irrevocably in the Filipino way of life. It is also hard to speak of the Filipino-Spanish relationship without mention of Catholicism, which was wholeheartedly embraced by Filipinos much more so than they did the Spanish language.

The 500-year-old ties that bind the Philippines and Spain are long, enduring, rich and complex.

As Spain and the Philippines celebrate 500 years of knowing each other, it is important to take stock of the things that define this relationship and find relevance and common meaning from this crucial, watershed moment in world history. Understanding the reasons behind certain narratives through a pragmatic view of history will surely allow both sides to learn more from each other, and from there, further develop bilateral and people-to-people relations that is forward-looking but fully acknowledges the past.

 

5 Things You Didn’t Know About Pawnshops

Being more accessible than banks, pawnshops have been a prevalent presence in the lives of Filipinos for many years. They have stood against the test of time and have continued to provide funds for any struggling kapwa Pilipino at a reasonable cost. Despite this, there are a lot of things not known about them. Below are a few lesser-known facts about pawnshops that might just surprise you.

1. Regulation

Licensed Philippine-based pawnshops, like Cebuana Lhuillier, are regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) through the Registration of Pawnshops and Money Service Business. This is to ensure the physical and financial safety of all pawnshop customers.

2. Responsibility

Aside from regulation, pawnshops also work with various establishments to ensure that the items they accept aren’t stolen goods. Pawn brokers are trained to identify their customers and keep records of the people they deal with.

In fact, all personnel in charge of pawnshops are screened and required to attend a seminar as per the orders of the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLA). This is to ensure that they are knowledgeable about customer identification, record keeping, and reporting of covered or suspicious transactions.

3. Authenticity

Pawnshops disregard age, style and brands when appraising jewelry. Instead, they pay attention to the actual value of the item. The prices of precious metals, such as gold and platinum, and precious stones, like diamonds, tend to fluctuate in the international market. Pawnbrokers monitor these and will adjust their prices accordingly to the weight and karat of your item. This means that, no matter how old your item is, you’ll still get a fair price according to the world market.

4. Accessible

According to the BSP, 86% of Filipino households don’t have a bank account. That means that these Filipinos cannot apply for a bank loan should the need arise. Also, most lending establishments will require you to present a credit report, something that is not at all easy to keep spotless nowadays.

Pawnshops, on the other hand, do not require you to have a good credit score. They only need two things to conduct a transaction: a valid ID and collateral.

That’s not to say that pawnshops are unsafe because of their availability. The essence of their business, to ‘hold’ an item in exchange for a loan, protects the establishment from losing money by taking ownership of said item should the pawner default on their payments. But as long as you stick to the agreement, you’ll get your item back at the end of the loan period.

This is good news for people outside the financial mainstream. Sure, temporarily losing your precious ring or laptop may not feel good, but going to a pawnshop is a much safer bet than borrowing from an unscrupulous lender and falling in an unending cycle of debt.

5. History

What may come as a surprise to most people is that St. Nick, Father Christmas, or more commonly known as Santa Claus, is the patron saint of pawnshops. The pawnshop industry started out as charitable organizations that helped the needy known as montespietatius. They would give low-interest loans to the poor to help them buy food and other necessities. Santa Claus’ well-known generosity and selflessness cemented his place as the patron saint of the montespietatius.

In the context of the Philippines, not much has changed. While most people who go to pawnshops are not in such dire straits that they are lacking in food, they still receive the help they need at an affordable cost.

With all of that said, you may be looking for a pawnshop that can provide you with some help during this Christmas season. No worries, as Cebuana Lhuillier has got your back. With their Pawning Service, you can be sure that you’ll never go short on any amount, as they accept an array of items, from jewelry to gadgets, as collateral. They also lead the pawning industry by offering safety and the highest appraisal rate with close to 2,500 branches nationwide. Visit your nearest Cebuana Lhuillier branch now – for a fast, easy and secure transaction.

Bank Loans vs Pawn Loans: What’s the Difference?

Let’s admit it. Sometimes, we want things we can’t afford. Most of the time, we can curb such destructive desires because we know better. However, there are rare times when that thing we want is actually also a thing we need. If that’s the case, then maybe it’s time to think about getting a loan.

There are several ways to get a loan in the Philippines, but let’s compare two of the most common methods: loans from banks and loans from pawnshops.

Who can get a loan?

To apply for a bank loan, you must have an account in a bank. You also need to meet a certain financial standard depending on the type of loan (housing, business or car) and the amount of money you want to borrow.

Pawn loans don’t need any sort of membership. As long as you have something valuable enough to pawn, you’re good to go.

How much can I get?

Bank loans can readily give higher amounts of funds. More often than not, people take out bank loans to pay for large expenses like cars, a house, or to start a business.

The amount of money you can get in a pawn loan depends on the value of the pawned item. Likely, it won’t reach the same amount than that of bank loans’.

How long does it take?

Typically, the entire process of applying, reviewing, and approving a bank loan takes around seven days. In some cases, it may even take a little longer.

On the other hand, as long as everything is clear, a pawn loan won’t even take you an entire day. This is good news for people who are in urgent need of money.

Which is best for me?

It depends on your needs really. If you plan on getting a loan for a business, a bank loan might be more suitable as it’s likely that you’ll need a large amount to get your startup running. However, pawn loans are more convenient if there’s an emergency, if you’re in a hurry, or if you just need a certain amount to tide you over the next few weeks.

With that in mind, if you are in need of no-fuss quick cash, Cebuana Lhuillier has got your back. With our Pawning Service, you can feel at ease that you’re getting your collateral’s worth. Our expert appraisers will provide you with the highest appraisals and the fairest terms. Visit your nearest Cebuana Lhuillier branch now – we assure a fast, easy and secure transaction.

Cebuana Lhuillier participates in disaster-resilience activities

Taking off from the launch of Cebuana Rapido, an employee volunteer group for disaster resilience-related activities, Cebuana Lhuillier has participated in a number of projects and activities meant to promote disaster resilience (DR) across the Philippines.

“I’m pleased to say that Cebuana Rapido members have taken to heart the company’s disaster resilience advocacy. In the recent months, many of our employees have volunteered in various DR-initiatives,” said Jean Henri Lhuillier, President and CEO of Cebuana Lhuillier, Inc.

 

Flood safety training, relief donation, and fire response

Cebuana Rapido is comprised of 4 teams, namely: Donation, Rehabilitation, Response, and Counseling. A number of activities have kept Cebuana Rapido members busy.

Last quarter, 40 employee volunteers from Cebuana Lhuillier already attended the two-day Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Flood Incident Response and Safety Training (FIRST) at the MMDA Training Center.   FIRST is part of MMDA’s disaster management initiatives for capacity building in life and rescue operations.

The delegation from Cebuana was trained on disaster response, water safety training, and lifeboat handling, all of which are focused on a primary mission which is to save lives during calamity or disaster such as flooding.

Another set of employees has volunteered to participate in the disaster response initiatives of GMA Kapuso Foundation. The Cebuana Rapido Donation team helped re-pack and sorted relief goods for typhoon victims. For Iren Bello, a Cebuana Lhuillier employee, the experience was very fulfilling. “In my own little way, I want to help those who are in need especially victims of calamities” she said.

Carlo Y. Santana, CLIS Claims Lead, sees his participation in Cebuana Rapido as his contribution to educating Filipinos about the importance of preparing for unexpected catastrophes in life. Carlo joined Cebuana Rapido’s onsite response to a massive fire incident in Quezon City which has affected hundreds of families.

 

“Being part of the Rapido team is a selfless advocacy. You have to risk your life to reach out and help people in times of disasters. As a volunteer, you also need to help the victims be physically, mentally, and emotionally strong,” said Carlo. “Being prepared and resilient to any disaster is important. That it is the only way we can survive and save families and friends,” he added.

The Cebuana Rapido team’s most recent activity was the activation of its Donation team which quickly responded to the havoc caused by typhoon Ompong in North Luzon. Employee-volunteers went to Brgy. Lecaros Extension, Ugac Sur, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan and distributed relief goods. Led by Jonathan D. Batangan, First Vice President and Group Head of Cebuana Lhuillier Insurance Solutions Inc., the team also handed over their donation to representatives of Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF).

Art Relief Mobile Kitchen: Feeding the hungry in times of disasters

Food is one of human’s most basic needs. In times of disasters however, many families – traumatized, worried, and confused – find themselves with nothing, not even a simple meal. Art Relief Mobile Kitchen knew this too well and thought of a solution.

Since 2012, the non-profit group has been setting up community kitchens across the country to cook for people affected by disasters. Through the help of volunteers, Art Relief prepares warm meals at disaster sites and/or evacuation centers instead of just distributing relief goods typically comprised of dried and packed meals.

“Sometimes, all that people need to start bouncing back is a decent meal,” said Alex Baluyut, Art Relief Mobile Kitchen co-founder and president. People need something to warm their stomachs and energize their tired bodies,” Alex added.

 

The start of a mission

In November 2013, at the height of post-typhoon Yolanda operations, journalists and artists pulled their resources together to help feed families who were evacuated from Leyte to Villamor Airbase. Led by the couple Alex Baluyut and Precious Leano – who transported their entire kitchen to Villamor Airbase – the volunteers cooked warm meals for disaster victims.

“People were willing to help. Within 30 minutes upon reading my Facebook post about cooking for the evacuees, I received calls from friends offering money, food, kitchen stuff, and their own time to help us feed the hungry at Villamor,” said Alex.

Art Relief Mobile Kitchen was born. The group camped at Villamor for 22 days, and cooked non-stop for typhoon Yolanda victims.

 

Challenges and difficulties

Art Relief has fed the hungry during most of the worst disasters that hit the Philippines. Recently it has mobilized teams to cook for families and individuals affected by typhoon Ompong in Itogon, Benguet and the tragic landslide that took many lives in Naga, Cebu.

Finding the people who will cook is not a concern. While Art Relief only has 15 volunteers as part of its core, the organization is able to immediately set up mobile kitchens and cook for disaster victims because community members and even the evacuees themselves volunteer to take part in cooking and meal distribution. It has also been easy to call for help. Thanks to social media, Alex said he is able to cascade information and ask for assistance in just a few click.

The major challenge is logistics. Alex explained the difficulty in transporting kitchen equipment to disaster sites and how gathering donated food ingredients from supporters could cause logistics concerns as well.

The mission in Marawi has been the most difficult to date because of logistics and security concerns. “We were in Marawi at the height of efforts to free the city, just a few days before Philippine Independence Day. It was hard to move stuff from point A to point B. The chances of us getting caught in the cross fire was high,” Alex explained.

Despite these challenges, Art Relief vows to continue feeding the hungry in times of disasters. It has survived 6 years and is going strong.

 

Photo Credit: Art Relief Mobile Kitchen

DRRM stories from the regions

Post ‘Ompong’ rehab plan pushed for CAR

Office of Civil Defense Administrator Ricardo Jalad recommended the conduct of a comprehensive post typhoon Ompong recovery and rehabilitation plan for the Cordillera Region. The plan, he said, will play an important role in securing government funding support for the region’s rehabilitation efforts. Typhoon Ompong in CAR caused billions worth of damages in infrastructure and agriculture, affected the lives of 102,371 families, and claimed the lives of 114 people.

Source: PIA story, October 22

 

Disaster preparedness platform launched

In Cebu, more than 20 representatives from the public, private, and civil society sectors gathered to sign a memorandum of agreement for regional collaboration on disaster risk reduction and management. The event saw the launch of the Asia Pacific Alliance for Disaster Management (A-PAD) Central Visayas Regional Platform on disaster preparedness and response. A-PAD Philippines is jointly convened by the Citizen’s Disaster Response Center (CDRC) and the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF). The former is an NGO that promotes community-based disaster management through its 16 regional centers in the Philippines, while PDRF is the country’s major private sector vehicle and coordinator for disaster risk reduction and management.

Source: Manila Bulletin, October 15

 

Disaster-related projects in Negros OKd

The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) in Negros Occidental approved the funds for disaster-related projects in the province. These projects include the establishment of a two-hectareresettlement site in Hinobaan town, establishment and operations of Task Force Buglas Humanitarian and Disaster Response and Coordination Center, climate resilience in fisheries through access to insurance, and training of the Negros Occidental Special Rescue Unit as well as city and municipal fire marshals.

Source: PIA story, September 27

 

Photo credit: Philippine Information Agency Cebu

House approves disaster insurance for vulnerable and marginalized groups

Legislators hope vulnerable and marginalized groups can better prepare for disasters through insurance coverage.

The House of Representatives approved on third and final reading House Bill No. 8165, also known as the Department of Disaster Resilience Act on 1 October 2018. Chapter 10, Section 32c of the said bill provides that the “Department shall oblige the local government units the mandatory insurance coverage of assets, properties, and livelihood of vulnerable and marginalized groups for unforeseen or contingent potential losses, damages, and disruption from natural hazards and human-induced disasters.”

Funds for the mandatory insurance shall be charged against the Local Disaster Risk Funds (LDRF). HB No. 8165 provides that no less than 7% of the local revenues must be allocated to the LDRF.

The Department of Disaster Resilience shall oversee local government units’ compliance to this provision, including all climate and disaster risk-transfer and risk–sharing instruments and initiatives to ensure the protection of both public and private institutions. The Department is also mandated to ensure that all assets and properties of government agencies including government owned and controlled corporations are insured.

“Despite the Philippines’ vulnerability to extreme weather and natural disturbances, Filipinos still have a long way to go in terms of appreciating the value of insurance. Mandatory insurance for vulnerable and marginalized groups is a major step towards educating Filipino communities on how insurance can help them prepare for natural or human-induced calamities,” said Jonathan D. Batangan, First Vice President and Group Head of Cebuana Lhuillier Insurance Solutions.

Cebuana Lhuillier annually convenes the Cebuana Lhuillier Disaster Resilience Forum as part of its advocacy to empower, capacitate, and educate Filipinos to be disaster-ready and resilient. The third Disaster Resilience Forum was held in July 2018 at the Shangri-la at The Fort, Taguig City.

 

Department of Disaster Resilience

The Department of Disaster Resilience is mandated to “oversee and coordinate the preparation, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of disaster and climate resilience plans, programs, projects, and activities.” To be led by a Cabinet Secretary, the Department shall lead the continuous development of strategic and systematic approaches to make the country disaster resilient.

The Department however will only be created once the bill proposing it is signed by President Rodrigo R. Duterte. Under Philippine laws, both the House of Representatives and the Senate must approve their respective version of the bill, deliberate and draft a joint version, and submit it to the Office of the President for signature. To date, the Senate still has to approve its own version of the Department of Disaster Resilience bill.

 

Source: HB 8165

Photo Credit: Art Relief Mobile Kitchen

CORPORATE AGENT PARTNERS

  • ACTION.ABLE, INC.
  • ALL ACCESS GATEWAY INC.
  • ANTRECCO (AGUSAN DEL NORTE TEACHERS, RETIREES, EMPLOYEES & COMMUNITY COOPERATIVE)
  • ACM VIP
  • ALL CASH
  • AGRILIFE/ AGRIVET
  • ASENSO PINOY STORE, INC. (EASY DAY SHOP)
  • AVICOM ENTERPRISES
  • AYALA ALABANG VILLAGE ASSOCIATION
  • BAUG CARP MULTI PURPOSE COOPERATIVE
  • BAGUIO BENGUET COOP
  • CARD BANK INC
  • CARD MRI RIZAL BANK INC
  • CARD SME BANK
  • CARITAS BANCO NG MASA, INC.
  • CEBU PEOPLE’S MULTIPURPOSE COOPERATIVE
  • CIS BAYAD CENTER, INC
  • COOPERATIVE BANK OF BOHOL, INC
  • COUNTRY BUILDERS BANK
  • CREDENCE FINANCING, INC.
  • CURAMED PHARMACY
  • DALTON PAWNSHOP AND JEWELRY INC.
  • DANIELA PAWNSHOP
  • DIRECT AGENT 5 (DA 5)
  • DEVELOPMENT BANK OF THE PHILS.
  • EXPRESSPAY INC.
  • EVRIJEM FOREIGN EXCHANGE AND MONEY REMITTANCE
  • FILHAI MULTI PURPOSE COOPERATIVE
  • GLOBAL PINOY REMITTANCE AND SERVICES (GPRS)
  • GEMARY PAWNSHOP AND JEWELRY (CORP.)

OVER 600 BILLER PARTNERS NATIONWIDE

  • 123 FINANCE CORPORATION
  • 123 LENDING CORPORATION
  • 2C2P
  • 8AMC (VIA ECPAY)
  • ABEJO WATERS CORP.
  • ABRA
  • ACOM CONSUMER FINANCE CORPORATION
  • ACTIVE REALTY & DEVELOPMENT CORP.
  • ADA MANUFACTURING CORPORATION (VIA ECPAY)
  • AEON CREDIT SERVICE
  • AETERNITAS CHAPELS AND COLUMBARIUM (VIA ECPAY)
  • AFC SME FINANCE INC
  • AFTERWEST MICROLOANS INC
  • AGODA – DRAGONPAY
  • AGRIBANK
  • AGRO-INDUSTRIAL FOUNDATION COLLEGE OF THE PHILS.
  • AGUSAN DEL NORTE ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC.
  • AIR YOU GO TRAVELS PHILIPPINES CO.
  • AKLAN ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC.
  • ALAMINOS CITY WATER DISTRICT (VIA ECPAY)
  • ALLIANZ PNB LIFE INSURANCE INC.
  • ALPHA FUND SAVINGS & CREDIT COOPERATIVE (VIA ECPAY)
  • AMADEO WATER DISTRICT (VIA ECPAY)
  • AMYA POLYTECHNIC COLLEGE, INC. AND FINANCING CORPORATION (LENDPINOY)
  • ANGAT WATER DISTRICT (VIA ECPAY)
  • ANGELES ELECTRIC COMPANY ANGELICUM SCHOOL , INC. ILOILO CITY (VIA ECPAY)
  • ANJELMAN REAL ESTATE LEASING
  • ANTIQUE ELECTRIC COOP, INC ANTRECCO (BILLS PAYMENT)

OVER 600 BILLER PARTNERS NATIONWIDE

  • 123 FINANCE CORPORATION
  • 123 LENDING CORPORATION
  • 2C2P
  • 8AMC (VIA ECPAY)
  • ABEJO WATERS CORP.
  • ABRA
  • ACOM CONSUMER FINANCE CORPORATION
  • ACTIVE REALTY & DEVELOPMENT CORP.
  • ADA MANUFACTURING CORPORATION (VIA ECPAY)
  • CREDIT SERVICE
  • AETERNITAS CHAPELS AND COLUMBARIUM (via ECPAY)
  • AFC SME FINANCE INC
  • AFTERWEST MICROLOANS INC
  • AGODA – DRAGONPAY
  • AGRIBANK
  • AGRO-INDUSTRIAL FOUNDATION COLLEGE OF THE PHILS.
  • AGUSAN DEL NORTE ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC.
  • AIR YOU GO TRAVELS PHILIPPINES CO.
  • AKLAN ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC.
  • ALAMINOS CITY WATER DISTRICT (via ECPAY)
  • CREDENCE FINANCING, INC.
  • CURAMED PHARMACY
  • DALTON PAWNSHOP AND JEWELRY INC.
  • DANIELA PAWNSHOP
  • DIRECT AGENT 5 (DA 5)
  • DEVELOPMENT BANK OF THE PHILS.
  • EXPRESSPAY INC.
  • EVRIJEM FOREIGN EXCHANGE AND MONEY REMITTANCE
  • FILHAI MULTI PURPOSE COOPERATIVE
  • GLOBAL PINOY REMITTANCE AND SERVICES (GPRS)
  • GEMARY PAWNSHOP AND JEWELRY (CORP.)

List of Accepted Government/ Valid IDs

  • Passport
  • Driver’s License
  • Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) ID
  • National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Clearance
  • Police Clearance
  • Postal ID
  • Voter’s ID
  • Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) ID
  • Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) e-Card
  • Social Security System (SSS) ID
  • Senior Citizen’s ID
  • Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) ID
  • OFW ID
  • Seaman’s Book
  • Alien Certification of Registration (ACR)
  • Barangay Certificate or ID (with picture and signature)
  • Birth Certificate (applicable to minors only)
  • Firearm License
  • Immigrant Certificate of Registration
  • Marriage License
  • National Council for the Welfare of Disabled Persons
  • New TIN ID
  • OWWA ID
  • Student ID
  • Alien Certification of Registration (ACR) / Immigrant Certificate of Registration
  • Government Office or Government Owned and Controlled Corporations (GOCC) ID (e.g. AFP ID, HDMF (Pag-ibig Fund) ID, etc.
  • Certification from the National Council for the Welfare of Disabled Persons (NCWDP)
  • Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Certification
  • Integrated Bar of the Philippines ID (IBP)
  • Company IDs issued by private entities or institutions registered with or supervised or regulated either by the BSP (Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas), SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) or IC (Insurance Commission)

IDs Accepted

As required by Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), clients who engage in a financial transaction with covered institutions for the first time shall be required to present the original and submit a clear copy of at least ONE (1) valid photo-bearing identification document issued by an official authority. For our clients’ convenience, Cebuana no longer requires submission of the photocopied ID. IDs are captured using a webcam in all branches. Clients are also required to submit an updated photo and other relevant information whenever the need for it arises.

Forms of identification accepted are the following;

Pawn Accepted IDs
1. Passport
2. Driver’s License
3. Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) ID
4. National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Clearance
5. Police Clearance
6. Postal ID
7. Voter’s ID
8. Philippine Identification (PhilID) card
9. Social Security System (SSS) Card / Unified Multi-Purpose ID (UMID)
10. Barangay Certification
11. Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) e-Card
12. Senior Citizen Card
13. Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) ID
14. OFW ID
15. Seaman’s Book
16. Alien Certification of Registration/Immigrant Certificate of Registration (for foreigners)
17. Government Office and GOCC ID, e.g., Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP ID)
18. Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF ID)
19. Certification from the National Council for the Welfare of Disabled Persons (NCWDP)
20. Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Certification
21. Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) ID
22. Company IDs issued by private entities or institutions registered with or supervised or regulated either by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Securities and Exchange Commission or Insurance Commission
23. ID issued by the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA)