SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union  – The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) proudly completed its latest leg of the nationwide Roadshow on Capital Formation for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and startups at the La Union Convention Center on October 10, 2024. This initiative aims to introduce the capital market as an accessible funding source for business expansion. The event drew significant participation, with local business executives, government representatives, and entrepreneurs eager to learn about alternative financing options. Attendees explored various funding avenues, including crowdfunding, which has emerged as a vital resource for startups and MSMEs. SEC Commissioner Javey Paul Francisco emphasized the need to expand the financing instruments available to MSMEs, stating, “MSMEs are the backbone of a resilient national economy, as they drive domestic demand through job creation, innovation, and competition. MSMEs continue to experience credit constraints, tedious documentation, high interest rates, and mandatory collateral requirements.” The Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) and the Investment and Capital Corporation of the Philippines (ICCP) also played pivotal roles in the event, highlighting the benefits of initial public offerings (IPOs) as a means for enterprises to raise capital and expand their operations. Representatives from both organizations provided insights on how MSMEs can navigate the IPO process, detailing the steps required to list on the PSE and the advantages of becoming a publicly traded company. Governor Raphaelle Veronica “Rafy” Ortega David expressed her gratitude for the SEC’s efforts to bring this initiative to La Union. She highlighted the significance of accessible funding options as businesses continue to expand and grow. The roadshow featured presentations from the Eastern Securities Development Corporation – Round One. Ms. Charmaine Co, Marketing Head, provided insights into the benefits of crowdfunding and shared success stories from businesses that have effectively utilized these platforms to secure capital. Participants also engaged in interactive breakout sessions, where they had the opportunity to consult with SEC, Round One, PSE, and ICCP about tailored financing solutions for their ventures. The SEC has witnessed a surge in the number of businesses leveraging crowdfunding and IPOs as means to secure funding, with 744 companies successfully tapping the capital market since the first crowdfunding license was approved by the SEC in December 2020. This growing trend underscores the potential of the capital market to support the development of MSMEs and startups across the Philippines. This roadshow in La Union is part of the SEC’s ongoing commitment to encouraging small enterprises to explore the capital market as a viable financing option through its Office for the Advancement of Strategic Investments in SMEs (OASIS).      

By Dante Salvana Real estate developers and locators in various economic zones of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) have expressed support for the proposed bills amending Republic Act 7227, stressing that such measure would allow the state-run firm to continue ushering sustainable economic growth, drive investments, and generate jobs for Filipinos. Filinvest Land Inc. (FLI), Ayala Corp., Megaworld Corp., and Hann Development Corp. (HDC), delivered their respective letters of support for House Bill 8505 and Senate Bill 2647, citing BCDA’s track record as a key player in economic development and nation building. As the developer of the 288-hectare mixed-use development Filinvest New Clark City in Tarlac and the 201-hectare leisure estate Filinvest Mimosa+ in Pampanga, FLI described BCDA as a “key progress catalyst” in Central Luzon, and a “steadfast partner” in establishing townships, business hubs, and industrial zones. Hence, Filinvest believes that the continued existence and expansion of BCDA will strengthen its ability to drive economic growth and develop key areas in the country. “The renewal of BCDA’s corporate existence and expanded role under [the bill] will inspire trust and confidence from both local and foreign investors and boost the country’s economy. The extension of BCDA’s corporate existence not only ensures continued progress of the areas within its jurisdiction, but also allows the expansion of its industrial and economic footprint, attracting investors and fostering local economy,” FLI President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Tristaneil D. Las Marias said. Ayala also said its partnership with the BCDA for the development of the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig, and its subsidiary, John Hay Management Corp., for the Ayala Land Technohub in Baguio City, has helped stimulate economic growth in these areas and create more jobs for Filipinos. “Thus, we support the proposal to extend the corporate term of BCDA for another 50 years from 2042,” Ayala Corp. President and CEO Cezar P. Consing said. The company also supported the measure to convert a portion of BCDA’s economic zones to alienable and disposable lands as this will enable BCDA to “create more economic and social impact” through the sound conversion of former military bases into productive developments. Megaworld, meanwhile, said its partnership with the BCDA resulted in the development of McKinley Hill, Uptown Bonifacio, and Newport City, which it described as “prime centers of economic development key areas for employment generation.” “We thus welcome the proposal to extend the corporate term of the BCDA and we are confident that the additional term provided to the BCDA would translate to even greater benefits to the country and the Filipino people,” said Kevin Andrew L. Tan, CEO of Alliance Global Group Inc., the parent company of Megaworld. In addition, Tan said the conversion of a portion of BCDA ecozones from leasehold to freehold would make more dynamic and sustainable township developments. He said a freehold residential component would make these ecozones more attractive and competitive as investment destinations. Lastly, Hann Chairman and CEO Dae Sik Han said extending BCDA’s term is vital for project continuity, ensuring the successful execution and completion of long-term initiatives. “This stability is crucial for sustained economic growth and development, providing confidence to partners like Hann Development,”  he said. HDC is the developer of Clark’s first fully integrated development, Hann Casino Resort, and the 450-hectare luxury estate development called Hann Reserve in New Clark City. Senate Bill 2647 seeks to declare a certain percentage of the land area of each BCDA ecozone as alienable and disposable, authorizing its sale for residential use, mixed use, industrial, and institutional purposes. The bill also seeks to extend the BCDA’s corporate term by another 50 years from its current remaining corporate life of 18 years. Its counterpart bill in the House of Representatives, House Bill 8505, was approved on third and final reading in August last year.        

By Danny Estacio  TAYABAS CITY, Quezon -The one hundred fifty-eight new members of the Ang Gandang Walang Kupas Menopause Wellness Club underwent the Orientation and Open Forum at Casa Communidad this Friday, October 11, 2024. The Office of the City Mayor- Lovely Reynoso- Pontioso Mobile Health and Response Team under the leadership of Assistant City Health Officer Dr. Maria Graciela Derada-De Leon organized the orientation where there were check-up, free bone screening, anemia testing, eye screening, minor lump check-up, physical rehabilitation, consultation and distribution of free medicines. As of this time there are now 1,543 Tayabasin women who are members of Beauty Walang Kupas Wellness Club. During the event Pontioso was represented by councilors Elsa Rubio and Luz Cuadra who gave a message to the new members of the GWK Menopause Wellness Club. The Beauty Never Fades Menopause Wellness Club is a program of the Local Government through OCM-Mobile Health and Medical Response Team, in cooperation with Bio Femme The Women’s Health, UNILAB, Taptakos and Nature Med they conducted bone screening. The ‘Ang Gandang Walang Kupas Wellness Club” officers and coordinators became the partners of OCM-MHMERT for the program organizing.            

LUCENA CITY — Police Colonel Ruben Lacuesta formally assumed his post as the new Provincial Director of Quezon Police Provincial Office during the Turnover of Command Ceremony held in Camp Guillermo Nakar, Lucena City on October 14. Lacuesta replaced Col.Ledon Monte, who served as the Provincial Director for more than two years. In his assumption speech, Lacuesta reiterated to the more than 2000 strong police officers of Quezon PPO to deliver the kind of service that the people expect from the police. “We must undertake intensified stakeholder engagement and genuine development initiatives in the locality,” Lacuesta said. Further, the new Provincial Director reminded the Quezon police force to adhere to the high standard of discipline the PNP is implementing. “I also believe that one single misdemeanor or breach of discipline by our personnel will discredit our credibility or erase all our significant operational accomplishments and development initiatives on the ground,” Lacuesta added. The ceremony was graced by Col. Christopher Abecia, Deputy Regional Director for Administration, as the Presiding Officer; Hon. Gov. Angelina “Doktora Helen” DL Tan, as the Guest of Honor; and ranking officers from the Southern Luzon Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.        

URDANETA CITY — Pinangunahan ni First lady Maan Guico ang pamamahagi ng mga artwork sa Urdaneta 1 Central School, na labis ikinasaya ng mga tsikiting at mga magulang. Kasama si BM Chinky Tababa, nagsagawa sila ng storytelling kaugnay sa pagmamahal at malasakit ng isang kaibigan. Bukod sa storytelling at pamimigay ng mga artwork, ang provincial social welfare and development office ay nagsagawa ng feeding program. Namahagi rin sila ng mga artbook, at manipulative toys sa lima pang Center for Child development o’ CCD ng Urdaneta. Bukod sa mga magulang at mga mag-aaral, labis din ang pasasalamat ng mga guro. Umabot sa 328 na mga mag-aaral ng CCD Poblacion Urdaneta ang nabiyayaan ng mga learning tools. Nakibahagi rin sa programa sina BM Jan Louie Sison, 5th District Consultant Isong Basco, Pangasinan Provincial Library staff at mga barangay official.