Joint Briefing on Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA)-Department of Health (DOH)-Food and Drug Administration (FDA)’s Initiatives on Medical Drug and Device Manufacturers | 01 July | Photos

The ECCP Healthcare Committee was represented at the Joint Briefing on Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA)-Department of Health (DOH)-Food and Drug Administration (FDA)’s Initiatives on Medical Drug and Device Manufacturers, held at Novotel Manila on 01 July 2024. The said briefing, which was joined by key representatives from ARTA, DOH, FDA, as well as the Office of Secretary Frederick Go (Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs), provided updates on the government’s achievements and plans in streamlining processes and improving ease of doing business in the healthcare sector, in particular, the medical devices sub-sector.

The Chamber was represented by Mr. Eric Sajor III, ECCP Director and Sanofi Philippines Head of Corporate Affairs, and Ms. Jovita S. Parado, RPh, Roche Pharma Regulatory Affairs & Quality Assurance Manager.

DTI Launch of the National AI Strategy Roadmap 2.0 and CAIR | 03 July | Photo

The ECCP was represented at the Launch of the National AI Strategy Roadmap 2.0 and the Center for AI Research (CAIR), organized by the Department of Trade and Industry, last 03 July 2024. Mr. Paulo Duarte, ECCP President and Bosch Philippines Managing Director expressed his support to this initiative via a video message, citing shared goals towards unlocking economic opportunities, as well as emphasizing the industry’s commitment to continue collaborating with the Philippine government.

ECCP Food and Beverage Committee Meeting | 04 July | Photo

On 04 July, the ECCP Food and Beverage Committee convened for a committee meeting at the ECCP Office in Makati City. During the meeting, the committee members discussed salient points regarding the Philippine Nutrient Profile Model as well as several pressing industry concerns raised by the body such as undue regulatory burdens faced in several bureaus/government agencies.

Moreover, the ECCP also shared updates on recent and upcoming engagements including the FDA Industry Kapihan Session held last 15 April, the ECCP’s position paper on the latest version of the Philippine Nutrient Profile Model submitted to the DOH-Nutrition Council last 14 May, and the 2024 ECCP Nutrition Forum happening on 30 July.

Introduction to the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Code and its IRR for Private Sector | 05 July | Photo | Photo from PPP Center

The ECCP was represented at the session titled “Introduction to the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Code and its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR)”, organized by the PPP Center on 5 July 2024 at the Asian Development Bank, Mandaluyong City. This initiative is one of the capacity building activities (CBAs) of the Center to enable implementing agencies (IAs) and other PPP stakeholders to pursue PPP projects. Moreover, this also aims to disseminate information to national and local IAs, the private sector, and other relevant PPP stakeholders on the salient features of the PPP Code and its IRR, and to provide guidance on the new roles of national and local government bodies in the updated PPP process under the new law.

Representing the Chamber at the event were ECCP Healthcare Committee Chairperson Dr. Ma. Teresa Dioko; Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Committee Co-Chairperson Atty. Jay Layug; Environment and Water Committee Vice Chairperson Atty. Jo Kristine Celera; and member Ms. Joy Aballe of Holcim Philippines.

5th Customs Industry Council and Advisory Council (CICAC) Meeting | 05 July | Photos

The ECCP was represented by its Customs and Logistics Committee Chairperson, Mr. Michael Raeuber, at the Fourth Customs Industry Consultative and Advisory Council Meeting last 05 July. This meeting served as a platform for public and private stakeholders to gather and exchange pertinent developments on customs-related matters.

Women in Business Committee Gathering | 11 July | Photo

Last July 11, the ECCP held a Women in Business Committee Gathering at the Fullerton Health Clinic BGC in Taguig City. The committee members were able to discuss recommendations and priority topics that they would like to be tackled at future engagements.The ECCP also shared updates on recent and upcoming activities such as the Wellness Month Event happening on 20 August 2024 which will focus on women’s mental, physical, and financial wellness. Further, the gathering also had a short networking portion in the program to allow the attendees to get to know each other over some snacks and refreshments.

ECCP RE&EE Committee Meeting with DOE Asec. Capongcol | 12 July 

On 12 July, the ECCP Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Committee had a virtual meeting with Assistant Secretary Mylene Capongcol of the Department of Energy - Renewable Energy Management Bureau. The group had a productive discussion on energy sector updates and developments, particularly the Philippine government’s energy policy and program priorities.

Bureau of Customs Grand Launching of the ATA Carnet System | Photos

The ECCP attended the Grand Launching of the ATA Carnet System last 15 July 2024. ATA Carnet, also known as passport for goods, is an internationally accepted customs document to temporarily import and export goods into over 80 carnet countries and territories, allowing cross-border movement of goods duty- and tax-free. In the Philippines, the ATA Carnet System will be implemented on 15 July 2024 for the following: 1) commercial samples; 2) professional equipment; 3) and good for display at exhibitions, fairs, and meetings.

The Philippines is the 81st country to implement the ATA Carnet. This shall expand opportunities for industries and further facilitate cross-border trade and investments. The Philippine Chamber of Commerce (PCCI) is the duly authorized National Issuing and Guaranteeing Association (NIGA) in the Philippines. Carnet validity shall not exceed one (1) year from the effective date of the security furnished to PCCI.

During the event, the BOC also officially signed a Customs Memorandum Order, implementing the ATA Carnet across the Philippines.

ECCP Healthcare Committee Meeting | 17 July | Photo

Last 17 July, the ECCP Healthcare Committee convened for a regular committee meeting at the ECCP office. During the meeting, the group had a productive discussion on suggested approaches and next steps regarding the industry’s advocacy recommendations relating to procurement and health technology assessment, among other pertinent matters. The members also had an exchange on their recent initiatives and opportunities to collaborate in several sector initiatives.

ECCP Water Challenge Forum 2024 | 17 July

On July 17, the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, together with its Environment and Water Committee, organized a forum aiming to gain insight into the water sector’s current landscape as well as the proposed plans, regulations, and frameworks to realize a water-secured Philippines.  

With the theme, “Flowing Forward: Harmonizing Efforts for Water Security,” the forum featured discussions underscoring the pressing water challenges in the country and government priorities to address them, including the establishment of the Department of Water Resources (DWR).

Esteemed speakers and panelists included Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Undersecretary Dr. Carlos Primo David, National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Assistant Secretary Roderick Planta, Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) Assistant Weather Services Chief Ms. Ana Liza S. Solis, and Manila Water Company Enterprise Regulatory Affairs Director Atty. Jo Kristine Celera. 

Also joining the program as the session moderator was Mr. Christopher Ilagan, Chair of the Global Water Partnership – Southeast Asia. The event was hosted by Mr. Francis Macatulad, Project Director of Asia Society for Social Improvement and Sustainable Transformation (ASSIST).

State of the Nation Address 2024 | 22 July | LinkedIn post

ECCP President, Mr. Paulo Duarte, attended the State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on 22 July 2024. At the SONA, President Marcos Jr. tackled the topics boosting the agriculture sector, advancing environmental protection and the fight against climate change, promoting industry growth, accelerating infrastructure development and digital transformation, advancing human capital development, promoting job generation, and ensuring social welfare.

“The Chamber recognizes the administration’s commitment to fostering a robust economic environment through significant reforms and initiatives. The implementation of green lanes and the modernization of government procurement processes are substantial strides towards enhancing the ease of doing business in the Philippines. We also appreciate the emphasis on healthcare and education. The ECCP firmly believes that continued investment in health and education is crucial for developing human capital, which is key for sustained economic growth. Furthermore, we look forward to continuing our collaboration with the government to ensure sustainable growth and competitiveness in the region.” ECCP President Paulo Duarte shares.

ECCP Statement on the Re-Election of H.E. Ursula von der Leyen as European Commission President | LinkedIn post

The European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) extends its sincerest congratulations to H.E. Ursula von der Leyen on her re-election as President of the European Commission. Last 18 July, she secured the majority of votes in the European Parliament in Strasbourg, confirming her leadership for another five-year term.

ECCP Post-SONA Briefing 2024 | 24 July | Photo

On July 24, the ECCP and Asia Group Advisors (AGA) Philippines hosted a virtual briefing to delve into the key points of President Bongbong Marcos' third State of the Nation Address (SONA) This comprehensive event aimed to provide a clear summary of the major themes, priorities, and announcements made by the Philippine government.

This event covered exchanges on the potential implications of the SONA on the business landscape, regulatory environment, and investment opportunities within the Philippines. It also featured an interactive Q&A session on specific industry concerns, as well as delved further into the economic prospects and priorities of the government.

Speakers at this event were Mr. Ricky Carandang, Senior Advisor of the Asia Group Advisors Philippines, and Mr. Aris Dacanay, ASEAN Economist at HSBC. The session was moderated by Atty. Stephanie Denise Dos Santos, Associate at Quisumbing Torres.

Navigating EU Regulations on Sustainability and Due Diligence | 24 July | Photo

The ECCP, in partnership with the Royal Danish Embassy in Manila, organized a joint committee session and mini-forum last 24 July via Zoom. With the title “Navigating EU Regulations on Sustainability and Due Diligence,” this event provided valuable insights regarding key EU legislative initiatives seeking to address the impacts that businesses have on the environment and on human rights throughout global value chains.

The mini-forum featured presentations by Ms. Jennifer Pham, Regional Advisor on Sustainable Value Chains of the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Mr. Michael Kurt Raeuber, Chairman & Group CEO of Royal Cargo Inc. and Co-chairperson of the ECCP Customs and Logistics Committee. The session was moderated by Ms. Gie Garcia, Co-Managing Director & Chief Sustainability Officer of NEO and Chairperson of the ECCP Sustainability Committee.

Hosting the event was Ms. Reza Dadufalza-Goyeneche, Senior Commercial Officer at the Danish Embassy in Manila, with a wrap-up discussion by Mr. Roderick de Castro, ESG Director of PwC Philippines. Among the ECCP committees involved include the Customs and Logistics Committee, the Environment and Water Committee, the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Committee, and the Sustainability Committee.