Trade-Related Technical Assistance (ARISE Plus – Philippines)
ARISE Plus Philippines is a four-year project funded by the European Union (EU) with a total project cost of EUR 5.8M. It started on 1 March 2021 with the aim to foster inclusive economic growth and poverty reduction in the Philippines through improved international trade performance and competitiveness. The project will focus on enabling the Philippines to take advantage of EU market access and the trade privileges granted under the Generalized System of Preference (GSP+) and support the overall EU-Philippines trade relationship trade-related policies.
Specifically, the project aims to facilitate the identification and leveraging of export priorities, support the establishment of a National Quality Infrastructure (NQI) as well as internationally aligned quality management and control systems for exported food products, and strengthen institutional and private sector capacities on trade facilitation for the implementation of national legislation and international trade commitments.
ARISE Plus Philippines is a project of the Government of the Philippines, with the Department of Trade and Industry as lead partner together with the Department of Agriculture, Food and Drug Administration, Bureau of Customs, the Department of Science and Technology, as well as the private sector. It is funded by the European Union with the International Trade Centre (ITC) as the technical agency for the project.
Ultimately, the project is expected to benefit MSMEs in the Philippines through awareness-raising and capacity building on global trade opportunities, food quality management and standards, and improved business environment, policies, and processes through quality infrastructure and trade facilitation reforms.
Overall Objective:
Foster inclusive economic growth and poverty reduction in the Philippines.
Specific Objective:
Improve the Philippines’ trade performance and competitiveness.
Expected Results:
Government and private operators are better able to identify and implement export priorities (including to the EU);
A National Quality Infrastructure that promotes export competitiveness is in place;
Quality management and control systems for exported food products are better aligned with international best practices;
Strengthened trade facilitation capacity to implement the Customs Modernisation and Tariffs Act (CMTA) and the World Trade Organization (WTO) Trade Facilitation Agreement;
Achievements of the EU-Philippines Partnership are monitored and advertised widely to the Philippine public.
Project Updates as of December 2021
Project implementation commenced with a nine-month Inception Phase from March to November 2021. The DTI and ITC jointly organized an Inception Mission in April 2021 to present, review and validate proposed project activities and work plans with beneficiary agencies and project partners. The description of activities, including the work plan for Year 1, have been proactively adjusted, following inputs from the relevant public and private stakeholders. The description of activities and the work plan for Year 1 were finalized and approved by the Project Steering Committee (PSC) in July 2021.
A number of technical assistance activities were carried out during the project’s Inception Phase in line with the project work plan. An export potential assessment (EPA) was conducted to determine the export products that the project will support. A draft EU GSP+ Business Guide was also developed to orient prospective exporters on the processes and requirements of exporting to the EU market. The project has also developed a customized manual on export management coaching that will be used to train exporters in the selected priority sectors. Trade and market intelligence workshops were also conducted to help government agencies and exporters identify export opportunities. The project also conducted an entrepreneurship ecosystem mapping and launched the Youth Entrepreneurs (Ye!) Boost Accelerator program to support the development of Philippine startups.
A review of the National Quality Infrastructure (NQI) bill and its ancillary laws has been started in collaboration with relevant trade regulatory government agencies and the institutions mandated to carry out the various functions comprising the NQI, including standards development, accreditation, and metrology. Related to this, the first draft of guides entitled “Quality Handbook for Philippine SMEs” and “Export Quality Management” was also already completed, and a survey and assessment of Philippine conformity assessment bodies (CAB) was also conducted.
The project also conducted training on EU food safety and quality regulations and standards for government agencies, the food industry, and relevant sector associations. The training aims to build the capacity of government regulators and concerned food industry stakeholders about key theoretical principles of the EU regulations on food hygiene and food safety and official controls regulations and import control requirements.
Under the project’s component on trade facilitation, a workshop to support the development of the Philippine Trade Facilitation Committee’s Operational Plan was conducted. Studies on the development of an integrated risk management system, enhancement of the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program, and identification of e-commerce tax regime have also been initiated.
To promote the EU-Philippines partnership, the project has also already produced two feature stories of Philippine MSME exporters to the EU, which aim to encourage Filipino companies to explore business opportunities in the EU and get maximum benefits from the GSP+ preferential market access.
Amazing Food Corp. achieves success by going organic. Dreaming better Nestled 72 kilometers south of Manila, the quaint farm in Sta. Maria, Laguna, holds more than just childhood memories for Jessica R Gutierrez, CEO of Amazing Foods Corp. It's where her passion for nature and the dream to transform the
A tale of vision, resilience, and unwavering commitment to the Pinoy legacy. A diamond in the rough Amid the idyllic backdrop of Davao del Norte's hinterlands, a tale of chocolate unfolds. In a time when roads remained unpaved, and the journey from bustling Davao City to the tranquil haven of
GameOps Inc. is part of the gaming future, at home and abroad. A summit of Innovation In February 2024, the picturesque shores of Boracay—a small island in central Philippines—became the epicenter of the gaming world with the GameDev Summit. Amidst this confluence of creativity and tech, GameOps Inc. emerged as
Betty and Ervin went from strength to strength as their exports to the European Union empowered communities in Panabo, Davao del Norte. A tale of transformation Back in the early 2000s Betty and Ervin More, both development workers, bought a one-hectare coconut farm and embarked on a journey to cultivate
Kablon Farms extends its export endeavors into Europe. Child entrepreneur Leonor Pantua, 58, is a co-owner of a family business in Tupi, South Cotabato. The company, Kablon Farms, has achieved export success in the European Union (EU). “I have always been entrepreneurial, selling fruits at school at an early age.
A look at how Philippines Virgin Coconut Oil is gaining recognition the world over. AG Pacific Nutriceuticals Corporation is not just another name in the food and cosmetics industry. Winner of the Best Coconut Industry MSME during the World Coconut Awards 2022, presented by the International Coconut Community (ICC), it
Coffee from the Philippines receives attention from niche customers abroad. The connoisseur Pacita “Chit” Juan wears many hats, but her day no matter what it may have in store for her, starts with coffee. Upon meeting her, it does not take long to notice that Chit is passionate about the
Transforming handmade paper into durable exports to Europe Long-term plan Lolita B. Cabanlet put her four children at the center of her dreams when she decided to start her own business Oro Handmade Innovations Inc. in 1993. “My dream was to start a business for my children to take over
Trendy PH handbags impress fashionistas in Europe Jennifer Lo is a living proof that an eye for aesthetics can be inherited. Based in Makati City, Metro Manila, the third-generation entrepreneur has carried on her family’s business of handicrafts—the Larone Crafts, registered in 1984. Growing up, she helped her mother during
Delicious fruit products from the Philippines are best-sellers in the EU market. The relaxed charm of fourth-generation farmer 35-year-old Raymund Aaron does not show the hard work he puts into successfully running his small family business of manufacturing food products. The company Villa Socorro Farm and their factory are situated
Conducted meeting with EU Delegation to the Philippines regarding the revival of the deferred TRTA4 project. The EU delegation and RGMS agreed to revisit the old TRTA4 proposal to validate if the components and activities identified previously are still relevant.
July
Conducted consultation meeting with concerned DTI bureaus—Export Marketing Bureau (EMB), Philippine Accreditation Bureau (PAB), Bureau of Philippine Standards (BPS), Bureau of International Trade Relations (BITR) —and partner agencies Bureau of Customs (BOC), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and Department of Agriculture (DA) to finalize the expected outputs and indicative activities of the project ASEAN Regional Integration Support – Philippines Trade-Related Assistance (ARISE Plus – Philippines).
ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN 2018
Coordinated the Inception Mission for the TRTA3 Final Evaluation which was held from January 15 – 19, 2018. RGMS organized the following activities:
A Discussion Workshop held on 18 January 2018 at Crowne Plaza Hotel, Ortigas Center and attended by members of the TRTA3 Project Steering Committee, Technical Working Group, and lead agencies of the different components of the TRTA3 project. The workshop was aimed to gather feedback from project beneficiaries and stakeholders including their views and opinions on the project performance, key achievements, success stories, gaps, and lessons learned.
Interviews with key agencies/beneficiaries (i.e. Department of Agriculture, Department of Justice, Food and Drug Administration, Bureau of Customs, Philippine Competition Commission and concerned Department of Trade and Industry bureaus such as Bureau of International Trade Relations, Export Marketing Bureau, Bureau of Philippine Standards, and Philippine Accreditation Bureau) to obtain their views and assessment of the various activities that they have implemented with the support of the TRTA3 project. The meeting focused on the following evaluation criteria: relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, sustainability and impact, plus coherence and added value.
Coordinated second evaluation mission for the TRTA3 Final Evaluation:
DTI (Bureau of Import Services, Export Marketing Bureau, Export Development Council, Philippine Accreditation Bureau);
DA (International Affairs Division, Bureau of Agriculture and Fishery Standards, Bureau of Animal Industry, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Bureau of Plant Industry);
DOJ (Office for Competition);
Arranged meetings and interviews of the Evaluation Team with the following agencies:
Arranged provincial visit to Capiz for an interview with the Provincial Agriculturist Office, a recipient of capacity building on the Philippine National Shellfish Sanitation Manual and the pilot implementation of a national shellfish sanitation program
Arranged meetings/interviews with short-term experts (STEs) based in Manila.
Coordinated second evaluation mission for the TRTA3 Final Evaluation:
DTI (Usec. Ireneo Vizmonte, Philippine Trade Training Center, Consumer Policy and Advocacy Bureau, Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau)
FDA (Center for Food Regulation and Research, PhilRASFF Team)
Bureau of Customs (Revenue Collection and Monitoring Group, Training and Development Division)
Mindanao Development Authority (MINDA)
Philippine Competition Commission (PCC)
National Telecommunications Commission (NTC)
DOST (National Metrology Laboratory of the Philippines)
DOE (Electric Power Industry Management Bureau, Energy Policy and Planning Bureau)
Development Partners (USAID, DFAT-Australia, JICA, GGGI, GIZ, Embassy of Canada)
Key Expert for Component 5 – Ms. Maria Fe Esperanza Madamba
TRTA3 Short-Term Experts (Ms. Cirila Botor, Mr. Peter Damary, Dr. Arjun Ansay, Mr. Roberto Domondon)
Project beneficiaries (T’nalak Tau Sebu Foundation, Guimaras Mango Growers and Producers Development Cooperative)
Project Management Team
Arranged meetings and interviews of the Evaluation Team with the following agencies/officials:
Arranged Final Debriefing Workshop for the TRTA3 Final Evaluation; Facilitated invitation and confirmation of participants; Facilitated review and comments of project beneficiaries and stakeholders on the preliminary report of the Evaluation Team.
Disseminated draft TRTA3 Final Evaluation Report to partner agencies and project beneficiaries for their comments.
Comments of partner agencies and project beneficiaries on the draft TRTA3 Final Evaluation Report consolidated, approved by TRTA3 Project Chair Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo, and submitted to European Union-Philippines.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN 2017
Component 1: Trade Policy Development
The “Media Training for the CALABARZON” and “Briefing for Journalists on the ASEAN Economic Community and Philippines-Europe Strategy” were conducted consecutively on 7-8 February 2017. The objective of the media training was to enable key DTI officials and information personnel in CALABARZON to convey messages of the Department of Trade and Industry to the public. The desired outcome was to sustain communications in the DTI regions through good practice.
The objective of the “Briefing for Journalists on the ASEAN Economic Community and Philippines-Europe Strategy” on the other hand, was to highlight the micro, small and medium enterprises’ role and their integration in the global value chains with the help of DTI’s provision of Shared Service Facilities, corps of volunteer mentors, Negosyo Centers and increased engagement with business associations.
Component 3: National Quality Infrastructure (c/o DA and FAO)
The first batch of the “Simulation on Developed Inspection Plan for Market Surveillance” training was conducted last 13-14 February 2017 in Davao City, while the second batch was conducted last 20-21 February 2017 in Cebu City. The objective of the training was to advance the capability of the Philippine Market Surveillance Enforcers i.e. the DTI- Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau (FTEB) and DTI Regional and Provincial Offices, and improve their coaching to other DTI personnel. The outputs of the workshop were: (i) market Inspection Plan for 3 low voltage electronic products; (ii) report on the simulation of the inspection plan by laying out the data and information generated and their flow from inspection results to database; and (iii) coaching on methods and tactical skills on market surveillance
The Workshop on “Legal, Technical and Conformity Assessment Requirements to Access the European Market for Indigenous Textiles,” was conducted last 23 February 2017 at Pasig City. The objectives of the workshop were to: (i) discuss the characteristics of the EU market; (ii) present the procedures in accessing the EU market; (iii) provide the Philippine manufacturers, traders and exporters of indigenous textiles of the legal, technical and conformity assessment requirements in order to access the European Market; and (iv) look at the current environment of the Philippine sector in accessing the EU Market.
The first batch of the “Simulation on Developed Inspection Plan for Market Surveillance” training was conducted last 13-14 February 2017 in Davao City, while the second batch was conducted last 20-21 February 2017 in Cebu City. The objective of the training was to advance the capability of the Philippine Market Surveillance Enforcers i.e. the DTI- Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau (FTEB) and DTI Regional and Provincial Offices, and improve their coaching to other DTI personnel. The outputs of the workshop were: (i) market Inspection Plan for 3 low voltage electronic products; (ii) report on the simulation of the inspection plan by laying out the data and information generated and their flow from inspection results to database; and (iii) coaching on methods and tactical skills on market surveillance
The Workshop on “Legal, Technical and Conformity Assessment Requirements to Access the European Market for Indigenous Textiles,” was conducted last 23 February 2017 at Pasig City. The objectives of the workshop were to: (i) discuss the characteristics of the EU market; (ii) present the procedures in accessing the EU market; (iii) provide the Philippine manufacturers, traders and exporters of indigenous textiles of the legal, technical and conformity assessment requirements in order to access the European Market; and (iv) look at the current environment of the Philippine sector in accessing the EU Market.
Component 4: Sanitary and Phytosanitary Conformity Measures – Department of Agriculture
The “Development of Laboratory Project Documents for the Department of Agriculture (DA) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Food Control Laboratories” workshop was conducted last 8-9 February 2017 at Pasig City. The objectives of the workshop were to: (i) finalize the Draft National Contaminant Monitoring Plan, and; (ii) prepare and consolidate laboratory project documents for DA and FDA laboratories.
The Seminar on the “Implementation of the Shellfish Sanitation Programme” was conducted last 23-24 February 2017. The objectives of this workshop were to: (i) upgrade the official food control in the Molluscan Shellfish Production Sector; (ii) introduce a National Shellfish Sanitation Programme in the country; (iii) capacitate the local government units (LGU) to implement a zoning plan through local legislation and provide necessary technical assistance in the classification of the shellfish growing areas; and (iv) promote safe and good quality shellfish products for consumers.
Component 6: Rapid Response Facility
The “Charting the Mindanao Collective Trademark (MCT) Mechanism” workshop was conducted last 25-26 January 2017 in Davao City. The objectives of this workshop were to: (i) generate and consolidate the relevant stakeholders’ views on the application of the Mindanao Collective Trademark; (ii) educate the stakeholders on the benefits, differences and application of various voluntary standards; (iii) review and finalize the Mindanao Collective Trademark mechanism manual.
The project was completed and concluded on March 2017. The closing ceremony of the was held on 28 March 2017 at Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria, and was graced by several officials from the implementing agencies such as Department of Health, Department of Trade and Industry, Bureau of Customs, and Department of Agriculture.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN 2016
Component 1: Trade Policy Development (c/o DTI)
Provided technical assistance in the preparation of the Philippine Export Development Plan (PEDP) 2014 – 2016
Prepared the Philippine Export Development Plan (PEDP) 2014 – 2016
Provided support to the preparation of Industry Roadmaps for shipbuilding, processed marine, processed meat, health and wellness, and IC design
Conducted ISO 140001 & 50001 Training for the Philippine Plastics Industry
Promotion and Protection of Collective Trademark
Regional Seminars on the Approved Export Development Plan 2015-2017
Capacity Building Workshop on the Philippine Export Development Plan
Component 2: Competition Policy Development (c/o DOJ-OC)
Undertaken three sector studies to assess the competitive behavior of electricity market
Forum on the Legislative and Institutional Set-Up in the Philippine Telecommunications Sector
Component 3: National Quality Infrastructure (c/o DA and FAO)
Developed National Accreditation Strategy
Developed National Standardization Strategy
Conducted seminar on Awareness of NQI Benefits and NQI Institution Services
Formulated National Quality Infrastructure (NQI) Advisory Platform
Developed Market Surveillance (MS) Procedures
Training on Standards and Conformity Assessment for Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau (FTEB)
On-the-Job Training on Market Surveillance Best International Practice for DTI Regional and Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau (FTEB) Monitoring and Enforcement for Officers
Training on FTEB and Regional Offices Information Exchange Procedures
Training on Data Gathering for Market Surveillance
Train-the-Trainers on Market Surveillance (MS) Procedures and Practice
Provided support to Department of Agriculture (DA) on the implementation of ISO 17025 principles
Component 4: Sanitary and Phytosanitary Conformity Measures (c/o DA and FDA)
Provided support to pilot project upgrading (SPS aspects) production of Bivalve mollusks in-line with EU requirements
Provided support to the upgrading of SPS control procedures for feeds and veterinary medicines and residues in aquaculture and livestock
Conducted assessment of organizational and administrative structure of the existing DA Quality Seal
Conducted a training on increasing risk-based inspection in seaports and airports for the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) regulatory division in Manila and other relevant stakeholders
Provided support to Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to Improve Risk-Based SPS for Fruits and Vegetables
Conducted workshops on upgrading of Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Control Procedures for Feeds in Aquaculture and Livestock
Training and mentoring of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) staff in the Conduct of Inspection, Monitoring and Surveillance of Veterinary Drugs used in Aquaculture and Conduct of Sanctions in case of Violations
Training of Feed Millers on HACCP-based (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points) Control System in Feedmills
Training for Field Surveillance Officers on Pest Surveillance and Forecasting for Tropical Fruit Crops
Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) Certification Training
Training on Inspection Procedures Related to Processed Foods which are Exported
Review of Laboratory Quality Manual and SOPs and International Accreditation Procedures
Training on Traceability Including Draft Guidelines for Inspectors
Training on Laboratory Safety
Training on Testing of Residues (Pesticides, Drugs, Antibiotics) in Processed Food
Training on Measuring Uncertainty in Microbiology
Seminar on Veterinary Drugs Residues, use of veterinary drugs, application of veterinary drug withdrawal periods, labelling of veterinary products and use
Training on Inspection of Veterinary Drugs Manufacturers Developing Inspection Manuals and Procedures
Component 5: Trade Facilitation (c/o BOC)
Conducted Orientation Seminar on Customs Bonded Warehousing Automation System
Workshop on the drafting of the implementing rules and regulations on the “Treatment of Different Types of Stores, Clearance of Postal Items, Traveller and Passenger Baggage Clearance’’
Workshop focused on the “Treatment of Different Types of Stores”
Assistance in the drafting of the Implementing Rules and Regulations for 16 chapters of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA)
Workshops in relation to the “Customs Clearance of Accompanied and Unaccompanied Baggage of Travellers and Crew:
Monitoring and Reporting System (December 2-3, 2016)
Infrastructure (Physical Structure, Manpower, Training and Other Resources Required) – CMTA Drafting Team Writeshop on Abandonment, Kinds, Effects and Treatment (December 6-7, 2016)
Business Process and Manual of Operations (December 8-9, 2016)
Baggage Declaration and Other Forms (December 12-13, 2016)
Component 6: Rapid Response Facility
Conducted training on Voluntary Standards (VS) and Intellectual Property (IP) Tools for Agricultural Products
Workshop on the Drafting of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) for the Republic Act No. 10667 (Philippine Competition Act (PCA))
Public Consultation on the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act No. 10667 or the Philippine Competition Act
Stakeholders Assembly to Validate Literature Review on Artisanal Fisheries in International Trade
Training Workshop on “Building and Converging Institutional Support for Trade Promotion under the Philippine Context
Workshops on Free Trade Agreement on Investor State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) System
Application is Now OPEN for ARISE Plus Philippines’ Export Management Coaching Initiative (EMCI)!
The International Trade Centre (ITC) is pleased to invite Philippine micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) to participate in the Export Management Coaching Initiative (EMCI) under the ARISE Plus Philippines.
The EMCI offers practical and action-oriented advisory services to selected Philippine MSMES through the delivery of on-the-job coaching to support them in resolving day-to-day problems related to export and import procedure management.
ARISE Plus Philippines is a project of the Government of the Philippines, with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) as the lead partner together with other key government agencies as well as the private sector. It is funded by the EU with the International Trade Centre (ITC) as the technical agency for the project.
