Ms. Deborah Sy, Research Assistant working for Dr. Mitzie Conchada from School of Economics, De La Salle University and in partnership with the Philippine Institute of Development Studies (PIDS, an agency under NEDA) conducted research on a project which aims to present and examine the current state of competition in supermarkets, groceries and hypermarkets considering the slotting arrangements the retailers may have with the manufacturers.  Interview at PAGASA office took place on 23 January 2019.

DTI Sec. Ramon Lopez chaired the first National Price Coordinating Council Meeting on 17 January 2019 at the penthouse of the DTI International Building. The Chairman wanted to reign in inflation. The usual industry associations and government agencies attended the meeting ending with a press conference. DTI, DA & BSP presented at the this Meeting.

 

Upon the formal invitation of the Trade Promotion Council of India, PAGASA sent a delegation to India’s 2nd Indus Food Tradeshow at the India Exposition Mart In Greater Noida on 14-15 January 2019.

 

Continuation of the Congressional Hearing on Single-Use Plastic Bags on 10 December 2018 with PRA Chairman Atty. Paul Santos and Phil. Plastic Industries Assn. (PPIA) Pres. Danny Go.

 

STC was invited once more to the morning program of Teleradyo> Konsumer, atbp. on 8 December 2018 at the ABS CBN studios hosted by Alvin Elchico and DTI Usec. Ruth Castelo. This episode included officers of the Food & Drug Administration commenting on attractively packaged alcoholic drinks to lure the young into the drinking habit.  A post-program group pic included FDA Dir.-Gen. Nela Charade Puno (in white and cap).

 

Cong. Hearing on Plastic Bags on 5 December 2018 under Environment Committee Chairperson Estrellita Suansing and Members of her Committee specifically her husband Horacio Suansing of Sultan Kudarat.  This is a review whether to ban or Continuously regulate the use of plastic bags.

 

Series of Congressional TWG Meetings with the Committee on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises on 20 Nov. 2018 under Chairman Limkaichong to the Committee on Trade & Industry on the Proposed Amendment to the Retail Liberalization Act on 26 Nov. 2018 under Rep. Arthur Yap of Bohol.

 

Nov. 26, 2018 Senate Hearing on the further banning of cigarettes through additional excise tax and packaging and merchandising measures under Comm. Chairman Sen. Sonny Angara and Comm. Member Sen. Gordon.

 

Nov. 21, 2018 ASEAN Affair on Global Warming and Climate Change Consciousness Week at the Multi-function Hall of Ayala’s Glorietta Mall in Makati.

 

 

The Bureau of Investments has requested PAGASA to kindly entertain Mr. Robin Yao’s request for inquiry.  He is the Head for Overseas Investment & Dev’t. of New Hope Liuhe Co., Ltd. of China. STC requested the assistance of Phillip Ong/Pres.-Phil. Chamber of Agriculture & Food, Inc. (PCAFI) and associate at this encounter.