DISCOVER WHY CHEMICAL - BASED PRODUCTS FOR HAIR LOSS MIGHT NOT WORK FOR YOU

Desperate times call for desperate measures. When you’re losing tufts of hair or seeing bald patches on your scalp, it’s but natural to feel the need to do something about it. 

Will you tell a friend or go immediately to a doctor? Will you hide the “shame” under the guise of a wig? While it’s quite hard to decide, there’s no way but people still find themselves falling in line over-the-counter (O.T.C.). And what’s on their hands? Chemical-based hair loss products. Here are some of the reasons why they impulsively buy these items:

a.)   They claim to be effective.

b.)   They say the healing effects are felt quickly.

c.)   They are widely available.

d.)   They appear to be cheaper.

e.)   They claim to be safe.

Sounds tempting, though, be wary enough that once you delve into the nitty-gritty of these products available to allegedly promote hair growth, you’ll see why they may not exactly be a perfect fit. These are some of the negative possibilities when you use chemical treatments:

1.    Serious side effects like tightness in the chest, difficulty in breathing, rapid heartbeat (tachycardia), and swelling of the hands and feet. These are actually some of the possible side effects of the hair loss drug Minoxidil, which is said to cease hair loss and promote hair growth.

2.    Most chemical products say they can “treat” alopecia, but reading the fine print will lead you to discover that it actually just slows the progress of hair loss. Little is said as well about these chemical treatments actually promoting hair growth.

3.    These products or “treatments” usually contain a variety of chemicals that may or may not cause allergic reactions. It pays to check the labels. Some chemical-based products may actually be presenting the side effects as the main effects. Let the internet help you on your personal research.

There may be safer and effective alternatives out there, but NOVUHAIR is a stand out among the rest. It has 19 natural ingredients—standardized herbal extracts, essential oils and co-factor nutrients that work in synergy and have been clinically proven to help stop the progression of hair loss, aid in stimulating hair growth, and reduce excessive hair shedding. 

NOVUHAIR is available in the Philippines at Mercury Drug and other leading drugstores nationwide, Seafood City supermarkets and other Filipino/Asian stores in the USA and online at www.novuhair.us and at BeeOrganic in Kuwait. International online orders are also possible through regaloservice.com. For more information, you may visit www.novuhair.com or contact hotlines 4136570 and 09228830575.

Don’t make yourself fall as the next victim of the trap. Be smart; choose natural. 

 #Novuhairworks #Choosenatural #AlopeciaAwareness #Novuhaircares

Herbalife Nutrition

Herbalife Nutrition Launches New Tastes of Formula 1 Shake Cookies and Cream, Herbal Aloe Concentrate Mandarin in The Philippines

PHILIPPINES, September 04, 2017 

Herbalife Nutrition, a global nutrition company, has recently launched two new exciting additions to its product line-up in the country: a new favor of Formula 1 Nutritional Shake Mix - Cookies and Cream, and Herbal Aloe Concentrate Mandarin.

&Formula 1 Nutritional Shake Mix is our flagship product and the new Cookies and Cream flavor will surely capture the taste buds of our Filipino consumers. We’re equally excited for Herbal Aloe Concentrate Mandarin, with its refreshing taste and nutritional benefits,& said Mr. Rosalio Valenzuela, General Manager of Herbalife Nutrition Philippines. &As a purpose driven company aimed at making the world we live in healthier and happier, we will continue to offer great tasting, high-quality nutrition products to help people get the right balance of healthy nutrition everyday.”

The launch event was held at the Herbalife Nutrition Philippines Corporate Office in Bonifacio Global City Taguig. It features an exercise routine led by Herbalife Fitness Coach Dwan Abantao, a wellness evaluation, a live demonstration on how to prepare Herbalife Formula 1 Shake, and a sharing on the results of the 2017 Balanced Nutrition Survey – spanning 15 Asia Pacific countries including the Philippines.

Herbalife Formula 1 Shake provides balanced nutrition through an optimum mix of high quality protein, vitamins, minerals and fibers. It is recommended for people seeking an easy-to-prepare healthy, balanced meal to support their daily nutrition, and is also available in Dutch Chocolate, Wild Berry, and French Vanilla flavors in the Philippines.

Herbal Aloe Concentrate (HAC) Mandarin flavor is made from aloe vera concentrate with natural mandarin flavor. It complements the established Herbal Aloe Concentrate mango flavor, and likewise prioritizes healthy digestion.

About Herbalife

Herbalife Nutrition is a global nutrition company whose purpose is to make the world healthier and happier. The Company has been on a mission for nutrition - changing people's lives with great nutrition products & programs - since 1980. Together with our Herbalife Nutrition independent members, we are committed to providing solutions to the worldwide problems of poor nutrition and obesity, an aging population, skyrocketing public healthcare costs and a rise in entrepreneurs of all ages. We offer high-quality, science-backed products, most of which are produced in Company-operated facilities, one-on-one coaching with an Herbalife Nutrition independent member, and a supportive community approach that inspires customers to embrace a healthier, more active lifestyle.

Our targeted nutrition, weight-management, energy and fitness and personal care products are available exclusively to and through dedicated Herbalife Nutrition members in more than 90 countries.

Through its corporate social responsibility efforts, Herbalife Nutrition supports the Herbalife Family Foundation (HFF) and its Casa Herbalife programs to help bring good nutrition to children in need. The Company is also proud to sponsor more than 190 world-class athletes, teams and events around the globe, including Cristiano Ronaldo, the LA Galaxy, and numerous Olympic teams.

The company has over 8,000 employees worldwide, and its shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE:HLF) with net sales of approximately US$4.5 billion in 2016. To learn more, visit Herbalife.com or IAmHerbalife.com.

The company also encourages investors to visit its investor relations website at ir.herbalife.com as financial and other information is updated and new information is posted.

Media Inquiries:

Ms. Barbette A. Soliven

Corporate Communications Manager

Herbalife Philippines

+63 918 807 4323

barbettes@herbalife.com

Ms. Charmaine P. Pahate

Managing and PR Director

Eggshell Worldwide Comm. Inc.

+63 917 810 2079

charmaine@eggshell.ph

#Herbalife
#HerbalifePH
#UnitedBloggersPh

Asian Aesthetic Center: Freeze and Melt Fat Away Permanently

Is it possible to freeze and melt fat away? This is one big question that we attempt to solve but first we must understand how body fat functions in our body.

Body fat as defined in many books is categorized as adipose tissue which is a normal component of the human body. Its primary purpose is to store energy in the form of fat that is then needed for metabolic functions within the body. However, having excess body fat can be physiologically harmful and at the same time can negatively affect one’s appearance. Thus the idea of the possibility to melt fat away comes to mind when all else failed.

Can body fat be destroyed?

Unfortunately, fat cells are indestructible since our body has a constant number of fat cells that will remain in our lifetime. However, fat cells can be reduced or shrink in size through various methods like freeze and melt fat away.

You see, when people lose weight their fat cells are also reduce in size but the body will signal the need to rebuild the shrunken fat cells thus the tendency to gain more weight after slimming down is higher. This is when frustration about getting rid of body fat comes into place. This is when most people would give up the fight against being overweight and obesity. However, there is a way to melt fat away through an effective method that Asian Aesthetic Center can best provide.

What is Melt and Freeze The Fat Away?

Asian Aesthetic Center (ACC) has an effective method to slim down the body and face which can melt fat away. It is so good that ACC’s co-founder Dra. Amy Bautista has registered a trademark for “Melt and Freeze The Fat Away”.

Melt and freeze the fat away is a non-invasive procedure that slims down and will melt fat away permanently. This exclusive procedure of Dra. Amy Bautista of Asian Aesthetic Center incorporates the utilization of both controlled heat and freezing technique that will effectively melt fat away for good. As the fat cells self-destruct, it will eventually die then gradually be eliminated naturally from the body. So far, this is an effective and safest fat elimination procedure in the Philippines today that Asian Aesthetic Center can best provide.

Asian Aesthetic Center Unique Approach to Beauty

With Dra. Amy Bautista as the medical director and founder, she incorporates a personal approach in dealing with each client. Being born with artistic talent, at a very young age, she has master anatomy specifically facial and body symmetry which she as a professional medical doctor who specialized in aesthetics integrate on all Asian Aesthetic Center slimming and beauty procedures.

Being true to the fact that each person is born differently with unique set of facial/body features, Asian Aesthetic Center ‘freeze and melt fat away’ high-tech and effective fat melting treatment conforms to each individual bodily structure.

Asian Aesthetic Center adheres to the philosophy that each client deserves a tailor-made treatment that would provide natural results. Dra. Amy Bautista list of patients at ACC come up looking naturally beautiful with slimmer waist, sleeker thighs, toned arms, lesser facial lines and even with firmed well-defined chin and neck. This is what the exclusive trademarked ‘melt and freeze the fat away’ can do to anybody who wishes to become naturally good looking with youthful features.

Have you ever thought of getting rid of your body fat for good? Have you ever wonder if there is a way to melt fat away? Like many Asian people, we Filipinos are prone to storing fats in our bodies and these fatty deposits get into areas that we are not most proud of.

Asian Aesthetic Center can help and with Dra. Amy Bautista around, you can surely freeze and melt fat away. Schedule a FREE consultation with Dra. Amy Bautista now and be in your best form just in time for Christmas.

Come and visit their website at https://www.asianaestheticcenter.com/
Like and follow Asian Aesthetic Center on Facebook for updates, inquiries and appointment. https://www.facebook.com/AsianAestheticCenter/

#AsianAestheticCenter #MeltAndFreezeTheFatAway #FreezeFatAway #MeltFatPermanently #DraAmyBautista #AsianAestheticCenterAmyBautista #MeltFatAway #GandangAsianAesthetic #GandangDraAmyBautista #BestSlimmingCenterInManila #FreezeAndMeltFat

World Class Creatives Headline Design Center's First International Design Conference on 22 September

Manila,PH - Design Center of the Philippines is holding the first International Design on 22 September 2017 at The Eye, Green Sun - The Hotel in Makati City. For its maiden edition, this conference puts the spotlight on the intersection of business and design - driven culture. The conference carries the slogan,
" We Design ".

The conference will host the world's top designers, business leaders, and rising stars in the business and creative sectors to talk about the importance of integrating human behavior into design process, the balance of usability and business constraints, as well as user experience and product function.

During this event, participants will get to hear the frontrunners in the field as they share their own stories from concept to completion, and the stages in between - all harbored with deeper understanding of human needs, brand identity, and business strategy.

Keynote speakers includes: Chairmorn & Chief Creative Officer of Dentsu Jayme Syfu, Merlee Jayme, and Swedish native with a  20 year track record of brand and design management and often named among Hong kong's top studios,  Johan Persson, on the opening keynote : We Design: The Power of Design Thinking"; WGSN Trend Specialist, Charlie Clark, who will deliver " Products and Services of Tomorrow: A WGSN Live Presentation "; and consultant in design and design research with a Masters and Ph.D. in Ergonomics and Biomechanics, Dan Formosa, who will highlight the innovative ways to understand people through both qualitative methods. In addition to the keynote sessions, the conference will feature several lightning talks and panel discussions delivered by notable advocates of design thinking including Gerson Abesamis, Co-founder and Executive Director of Habi Education Lab; Sam Slapan, Senior Adviser for Communications Design and Educational Content of Mint College; and Dindo Marzan, Managing Director and Head of Voyager Business.

An annual immersive event in commemoration of Design Consciousness Week from 16 to 22 September of every year, the first International Design Conference aims to providd creative professionals, business communities, academe, policymakers, and local government officials, from all over the country who will be attending this one day thought leadership event- a platform to discuss the greater impact of design in today's world.

The International Design Conference provides an opportunity to strengthen appreciation for good design and inspire the Philippine design industry and the overall creative economy to drive the innovation quotient of the country

For more information, please visit https://designcenter.ph/international - design - conference/.

ASIAFOOD EXPO 2017

ASIAFOOD EXPO ( AFEX ) 2017, the International Expo on Food Processing, Packaging, and Handling Machinery, Equipment and Technology in conjunction with Foodserv Asia and Bakery Asia 2017, showcases the most comprehensive line of food machineries and equipment for the food and beverage industry with the participation of foreign and local exhibitors, showcasing the latest and top of the line products and services for your food and beverage ventures.

 Raw materials, flavors and fragrances, products, services, and business solution provider exhibitors are also present in AFEX 2017, an encounter with them during the event, can be an eye-opener for up-coming entrepreneurs, even the current ones, to level up their food enterprises. Technical product presentations, business seminars, and product demos are open for AFEX visitors' free of charge, to help them gather basic and current information on food packaging, prcessing, and product handling updates and trends.

In cooperation with partner exhibitors, AFEX supports the coffee and flair industries  through specialized competitions that will bring out the best in their line, The 4th Latte Art Throwdown, September 14, thursday, in partnership with Allegro Beverage, features art in coffee, with the best creative baristas to compete for the prize as the best artist with coffee.

While the 11th Philippine Grand Barista Cup, September 15, Friday, also in partnership Allegro Beverage, supports the coffee industry through the barista competition, by shaping up and discovering the best barista in the trade, and creating their unique concoctiond which will soon be served in cafe; lastly, September 16, Saturday, Blu Coffee Distributors presents the FINALS of their 1st Flair and Cocktail Championships, having their preliminaries in Food & Drinks Asia 2017 last week, both events are part of this one-of-a-kind flair and cocktails competition, in support to the mixology and flair tending industries, which Filipinos are getting aware with,and enjoying it specially.

ASIAFOOD EXPO - AFEX 2017 ( September 13-16, 2017 ) happening at the World Trade Center Manila, with all the exciting product displays, exhibit showcases, special activities, knowledge enrichment and technology transfer one can gain by visiting AFEX 2017 this will be a big boost to current food entreprenrurs and to the potentials as well.

By: Geraldine D. Amores

MCCI Launched to boost Malaysia-Philippines trade ties

September 6, 2017 witnesses the official launch of The Malaysia Chamber of Commerce and Industries Philippines (MCCI )
by the Honorable Dato' Sri Mustapa Mohamed, Minister of International Trade & Industry of Malaysiam at The Marriot Hotel, Manila. What made it a significant affair is that MCCI is the first foreign chamber of a nation from South East Asia to be established in the Philippines.

MCCI is poised to be a potential conduit to help further boost the healthy trade between Malaysia and the Philippines which grew by almost 20% to US$2.9 billion in the first semester of the year compared to same period last year. Malaysia's total exports to the Philippines increased 12.7% to US$1.8 billion as of end June 2017 compared to the previous year while imports jumped 34.6% To US$1 billion during the same period.

MCCI President and Co-Founder Edward Ling mentioned that it was the perfect timing for the incorporation of MCCI to be carried out this year as it coincides with the Philippines being the host if this year's Association of Southeast Asian Nations ( ASEAN ) Summit.

He reported that MCCI will sign three MOUs with formidable industry partners during the official launch. MOUs will be signed with The Federation of Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industries. The BangsaMoro Federal Business Council in Mindanao, and Business Network International ( BNI ) Philippines. He added, " We at MCCI believe that in order to achieve success in anything that we aim for, the key is to work in harmonious cooperation with various industry leaders, fellow Chamber counterparts and to constantly strive to achieve a win - win goal with all our partners. We believe that in sharing, whether through networking, expertise or ideas, we can move mountains," he said.

MCCI Vice President and Co-Founder Eric Yam explained, " We all felt that together we could really help extend and expand trade between the two countries since we are basically Malaysians based here in the Philippines for the long haul. And opportunities of trade between these two two nations are in abundance in almost every area one can think off such as ICT, construction, building materials, palm oil, FMCG, processed Halal food, biotech, and not forgetting the potential of technology transfers to be carried out."

The Ambassador of Malaysia to the Philippines of the Embassy of Malaysia, HE Dato' Raszlan Abdul Rashid is the Patron for the Chamber; while MCCI's Honorary Members are Exec. Chairman of Global Movement of Moderates Foundation Dato' Dr. Nasharudin Mat Isa, Chairman and President of Philtrust Bank Dr. Jaime C. Laya, President and CEO of First United Broadcasting Corp. Mr. Philip J. Chien, and Chairman of Wallace Business Forum Mr. Peter L. Wallace.

The Founding Board of Trusties for MCCI are Edward Ling ( President ), Eric Yam ( Vice President ), Azhar Mahmood  ( Treasurer ) and Alimatar "Àlli"  Garangan 11 ( Corporate Secretary ). It has under its fold, MATRADE Commissioner Nyaee Ayup as its Trade Advisor and Amir Faizal Ahmad as its Diplomatic and Protocol Advisor

WORLD TRAVEL EXPO 2017 (YEAR 2): RIDE TO THE DAWN OF TRAVEL REVOLUTION… YOUR NEXT LEVEL OF DESTINATION

WORLD TRAVEL EXPO 2017 (YEAR 2): RIDE TO THE DAWN OF TRAVEL REVOLUTION… YOUR NEXT LEVEL OF DESTINATION

PASAY CITY, PHILIPPINES – World Travel Expo aims to be the marketing platform for the travel industry. The event will serve as a channel between the international and national tour operators, airline companies, and travel authorities.

The event is coming back on its second year with a theme of“RIDE TO THE DAWN OF TRAVEL REVOLUTION… YOUR NEXT LEVEL OF DESTINATION”that will showcase at least 245 booths of Inbound & Outbound Travel Operators, Travel Agencies, Cruise Lines, Hotel/Resorts/ Serviced Apartments Accommodations, Themed Tours, Business Travel, Travel Gears and Accessories, and many more.

The three-day Exposition will consist of workshops and activities related to travel and tourism which can provide useful and helpful information for both exhibitors and visitors. Travelers, Entrepreneurs and Individuals are encouraged to participate to score exclusive travel discounts and deals during the said 3-day event. This is to bring together destinations, tourist attractions as well as organizations and business trade relations in the field of hotels, airlines, cruise and other means of travel around the world. It commits to provide effective platform that will help the Philippines for the global tourism and its development thru a one-stop solution by promoting sales and brand awareness.

For more information about the event, check out the official website at www.worldtravelexpo.ph. For Exhibitors/Sponsorship/General inquiries, call at (+632) 579 7185, (+632) 372 4014, (+632) 921 2473; (+632) 370 1438 or E-mail at info@worldtravelexpo.ph.

About AD Asia Conventions & Exhibitions International Corp.:AD ASIA CONVENTIONS & EXHIBITIONS INTERNATIONAL CORP. (AD ASIA) advocates in championing and promoting the best local and international businesses in one powerful platform such as trade shows, conferences or even large convention groups.

Battle The Five Signs of Eye Irritation With Eye Mo specially when you are travelling

Eye Mo, a leading eye drop brand that relieves minor eye irritations, has launched their new campaign entitled " Eyeritation " which aims to educate Filipinos on the five signs of minor eye irritations: red eyes, watery eyes, sore eyes, itchy eyes, and dry eyes.

The campaign proves to be very apt for Filipinos, as many of us wants to travel and explore the world. What seems to be a harmless commute can actually affect one's eyes with things that Filipinos don't always see, such as smog, dust, pollution or smoke.

" Eye Mo can be used to combat uncomfortable eye irritations. It comes in two variants, Eye Mo Red Eyes Formula and Eye Mo Moisturizing Formula. EyeMo Red Eyes Formula contains  Tetrahydrozoline HCU for quick relief of redness and minor discomforts caused by irritants. On the other hand, Eye Mo Moisturizing Formula contains Hypromellose which lubricates and soothes the eyes, easing it from eye strain and dryness. " - Earl Jayona, Marketing Manager; LF Asia Philippines, Inc., Healthcare Division.

More and more Filipinos now consider themselves as travellers, whether they be called a tourist, or a back packer, every travelling Filipino must have the single most important travel essential in their emergency kits or even kikay kits which is Eye Mo. Eye Mo the first aid for minor Eyeritations.

To distribute Eye Mo in the Philippines, Combiphar has partnered with LF Asia Philippines, lnc., who has more than 40 years worth of success as a leading healthcare distributor.

" Combiphar produces and distributes nearly 200 high quality and affordable prescription and over the counter drugs to its consumers, including Eye Mo. Eye Mo is a trademark owned by Pharma Health Care Singapore - part of Combiphar Group of Companies. Having Eye Mo in our products portfolio as a well recognized and long trusted eye care brand in the Philippines can strengthen our mission, which is to strive for a better consumers' well being through affordable-quality products or services that promote healthy lifestyles for life to its fullness." - Weitarsa Hendarto, VP Consumer Healthcare & Wellness of Combiphar-

FOOD & DRINKS ASIA 2017 a showcase of the new - -to - market food and beverage, franchising concepts and supplies!

More than two decades of serving the Filipino food and beverage industry, and the Filipino food entrepreneurs, Food & Drinks Asia opens doors to opportunities in showcasing products and franchising options for the Filipino potential and current entrepreneurs. The industry is a multi-faceted platform of business advocacies and ideas, presenting segments of the food and beverage industry at a much wider angle, giving entrepreneurs a better perspective towards their venture to entrepreneurship.

Food & Drinks Asia 2017 ( FD 2017 ) , the International expo on specialty food, delicatessen, confectionary, beverages, beers, wines and spirits; with its incorporating events, Food Franchising, Grocery Asia 2017; running for more than two decades now, twenty-one ( 21 ) years to be exact, continue to provide all levels of food entrepreneurs a diversified showcase of food and beverage products for their options to venture with: for distribution, franchising, repackaging, or even for local production.

This year, Food & Drinks Asia launches the newest incorporating shows-- Natural Health and Organic Asia, the 1st International Expo on Natural health and Organic food products, beverages, nutraceuticals, food supplements and alternative health options for nutrition and wellness; and

Coffee & Tea Asia 2017, the International Expo on Coffee and Tea products, raw materials, product innovations, and technology; to expand focus on the wide scope of the food and beverage industry. FD 2017 exhibitions, gives entrepreneurs, current and potential, the hand to choose the type of food product or venture they opt to carry as their food enterprise.

Food & Drinks Asia also provides budding entrepreneurs with the basic skills and knowledge to open your own venture; and on-site, hands-on experience provide you with the practical discernment to identify opportunities; you may also find solutions in solving various kinds of situations that you may tackle in launching a business through our exhibitors offering business solutions and ideas.

FD 2017 also gives focus on food and beverage skills specialization, as we present

"The Annual Chefs' Showdown, an extensive culinary demonstration of professional chefs, sharing tips and tricks if their trade - September 7, 2017 ( thursday ); and

FLAIR & COCKTAILS Preliminaries - A youthful competition for flair and bar tending that oozes with zest and knacks in bar and flair techniques - September 8, 2017 ( Friday );

FOOD & DRINKS ASIA Cooking Challenge 2017, a friendly competition of aspiring chefs from various Culinary schools and training centers battling with their original gastronomic creations to get the coveted title as " Champions " for their team .  September 9, 2017 ( Saturday ).

Product demos and seminars on stage and in the seminar rooms are also being presented for free, giving you basic product knowledge and information for your choice of food venture.

To date, Food & Drinks Asia 2017,  September 7 to 10, 2017 happening at the World Trade Center Manila, is truly a food event to behold, with all the exciting product displays, exhibit showcase, special activities and knowledge enriching opportunities one can gain by visiting the event, this is a big boost to existing food entrepreneurs and to the potentials as well.

By Geraldine D. Amores

PH hosts first ASEAN Inclusive Business Summit Aims to introduce, build IB cases in the region

As the promotion of Inclusive Business (IB) remains a key deliverable of the Philippines for its chairmanship of the ASEAN 2017, the Board of Investments (BOI), the industry development and investments promotion arm of the Department of Trade & Industry (DTI) is hosting the ASEAN Inclusive Business (IB) Summit today (September 6) in Manila.

With the theme “Pioneering Change in the Way We Do Business”, the Summit will serve as the first high-level dialogue on IB in ASEAN. It aims at formally introducing and building the case for IB in ASEAN through exemplary models, instrumental government interventions, and regional support initiatives. The IB Summit also emphasized synergies between the private sector and the government as it gathered ASEAN Economic Ministers, Senior Officials, business champions and IB investors.

“As the ASEAN chair for 2017, the Philippines is championing the promotion of IB as a strategic measure to achieve inclusive, innovation-led growth.  With the Summit, being the very first high-level gathering in the region, we are confident that this event will be a strategic take-off point to further promote and advocate IB and deepen engagements with low-income communities and micro-entrepreneurs as business partners,” said DTI Secretary and BOI Chairman Ramon Lopez.  

According to the trade chief, the ASEAN region is in a strategic position for growth, expanding from 4.5 percent in 2016 to 4.8 percent in 2017.  “Yet, over 300 million of our people across the region remain below subsistence levels.  Hence, the challenge we face today is more than just ensuring robust growth for the coming decades: it is ensuring that this growth is felt evenly across the region and within countries where inequality pervades,” Sec. Lopez said.  

“The Summit hopes to serve as an avenue to further stimulate ASEAN companies to develop IB models and integrate micro, small and medium (MSMEs) and underserved communities, making growth sustainable and inclusive for all. The discussions in the Summit will also serve as inputs on the way forward for IB in the ASEAN,” he said.

The Summit will have three panel sessions: Private Sector, Government, and Investor Panel Sessions. In the first session entitled Partnering for Competitive and Inclusive Business Models, IB companies from the Philippines, Thailand and Singapore to discuss how collaboration with external partners such as government contributed to the success of their IB models.

Selected ASEAN governments meanwhile will impart existing IB programs to sustain the IB agenda during the Government Panel Session: Enabling Inclusive Business Through Policy.

Business sustainability and impact experts will discuss IB financing support mechanisms during the Investor Panel Session: Inclusive Business Financing.

Sec. Lopez emphasized that by engaging low-income communities as partners, customers, suppliers or employees in value chains, IBs can transform communities into new markets and new sources of entrepreneurial talent. IBs go beyond philanthropy and invest in addressing the problems of the poor because it makes good business sense, according to him.

IB is emerging in ASEAN as strategies for MSME development continue to be supported by the ASEAN Member States (AMS). For instance, the ASEAN Inclusive Business Framework (AIBF) aims to strengthen enabling policy environments for IB in AMS, foster regional collaboration and intertwine ASEAN Economic Community Vision and ASEAN Socio-cultural Community vision. It further provides guidance for AMS to foster IB regionally and contribute to socio-economic goals. The framework also emphasizes the relevance and integration of IB to the Strategic Action Plan for SME Development (SAPSMED) goals, which collectively aims to strengthen MSME development. The BOI has also partnered with the ADB for an ASEAN+3 Inclusive Business Study to deepen understanding on the IB opportunities in the region. The study will be released in Q4 of 2017.

The Philippines, through BOI, has been pushing for the IB agenda since 2013 in pursuit of alleviating poverty by trickling down growth to the marginalized sector. Through accelerated advocacy and policy initiatives, the Philippines is recognized as an IB Champion in international fora. For instance, the G20 Global Platform on Inclusive Business launched the Philippine Case Study, which features motivations, institutional coordination mechanisms, and challenges that the country carries to foster IB. The Philippines also led the APEC High Level Dialogue on IB in 2015, following the joint ministerial statement to undertake more work on understanding IB in major sectors in partnership international organizations.

In line with socio-economic agenda of the administration to promote rural and value chain development toward increasing agricultural and rural enterprise productivity and rural tourism, the BOI continues to promote Inclusive Business especially in the sectors of agribusiness and tourism. This is complemented by the inclusion of IB in the 2017-2019 BOI Investment Priorities Plan, which provides fiscal incentives to IB projects in agribusiness and tourism.

“The exemplary models in the Philippines signal the strong potential of companies to create IB models. However, companies, even across ASEAN, needs to be further encouraged to disrupt business model and start doing business sustainably by integrating the poor at the core of their business operations,” Sec. Lopez concluded.  

PH promotes stronger participation of youth in ASEAN economic development; launches official network for young entrepreneurs across the region

The Philippines affirmed its continued support for heightened economic participation of youth in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) with the hosting of the 2nd Young Entrepreneurs Carnival (AYEC) on September 5 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC).

Spearheaded by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in partnership with the Philippine Young Entrepreneurs Association (PYEA), National Youth Commission (NYC), Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) and the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC), the event staged three panel discussions featuring topics ranging from the role and advantages of young entrepreneurs in the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) to their success stories, best practices and business models.

With the theme “Unleash the Hero in You”, the event showcased the potential of the youth in driving economic progress in the region as modern day heroes, as they provide business solutions and adopt disruptive business models that are essential to sustaining economic growth in the integrated ASEAN Economic Community.

Furthermore, the Carnival also tackled opportunities and support services that will be needed to help the participants overcome the challenges of entrepreneurship in such basic areas as access to finance, market, leadership, technology, and partnerships.

“Youth plays an integral part in sustaining economic development in ASEAN as they leverage their youthful drive to develop new business models aided by technology. While we continue to urge traditional and upcoming businesses to adopt innovative, value-adding, and demand-driven products and services, we are also encouraging more participation of the younger generation in economic ventures,” said DTI Secretary Ramon M. Lopez.

In line with the promotion of inclusivity across all sectors as part of the economic agenda of this year’s ASEAN chairmanship, the Carnival also served as an avenue for the official launching of the ASEAN Young Entrepreneurs Association.

“The Philippines supports the enhancement of networking and regional linkages among young businessmen and entrepreneurs which will help them increase their access to markets, finance, mentoring, and other key support services,” said Secretary Lopez.

Meanwhile, DTI Undersecretary Nora K. Terrado who chairs the ASEAN Committee on Business and Investment Promotion (CBIP) expressed her delight at the turnout as AYEC has become the biggest commemorative event of ASEAN’s 50th anniversary with over 2,000 local and international participants from its 10 member states and dialogue partners.

Terrado noted that the increased number of groups supporting the establishment of private sector-led regional networks is a big boost to businesses in ASEAN, especially for the micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).

“Regional networks such as ASEAN Young Entrepreneurs Association make knowledge sharing among businesses more accessible,” added Terrado.

Another highlight of the 2nd AYEC was the presentation of the 10 finalists from each ASEAN member state and the grand winners of the ASEAN Young Entrepreneur Award by the ASEAN Young Entrepreneurs Council.