PAGASA's STC was invited to attend an emergency online meeting in the morning of 7 November 2024 to clarify DTI's recent switch in price monitoring system and regulations in view of the Department's newly-appointed leadership and redirected thrust.

PAGASA held its 4th Quarter GenMeet on 6 November 2024 at Top of the Glo's Mitsuyado Ramen Shokuda in Japan Town at Glorietta roofdeck. Serious topics regarding shifts in regulation by the Department of Trade and Industry were discussed as DTI is slowly transitioning from price monitoring of items on SRP List to the creation of a Price Guide and later on into Price Ranges of Commodities.

PAGASA's STC was interviewed live over Zoom in the program "Business Roadshow" by veteran journalist & business anchor Stanley Palisada in the afternoon of 30 October 2024. Questions revolved around the price freeze announced after Typhoon Kristine hit the Bicol region badly, stability of prices/supply and sales outlook this Yuletide Season.

Sharing with you the livestreaming link during guesting of STC at Business Roadshow on 30 October 2024: https://www.youtube.com/live/3dQ_jIdimBA?si=bH_TaD9OwtAIZ94e STC comes out at the 23.30 mark of this video.

On 23 October 2024, PAGASA's STC was invited to speak via Microsoft Team at a Webinar organized by Retail Associates looking into the future of Philippine retailing.

On 19 October 2024, PAGASA Executive Director Steven T. Cua was a guest at ABS CBN studios live and in-person after a real long time since the pandemic. Topic centered on the -ber months and the supply/prices of goods for the Yuletide Season.

PRA held its third and last General Membership Meeting for 2024 at Okada Resort & Casino on 17 October 2024. DTI Undersecretary Mary Jean Pacheco was invited as keynote speaker. She presented initial results of the Foc5us Group Discussion at the BGC Campus of the University of the Philippines just a week earlier.

In the morning of 10 October 2024, PAGASA's Executive Director Steven T. Cua attended the Opening Ceremonies of the Three-fold Trade Show featuring the latest in packaging, printing and plastics. DTI Head for Regional Operations Usec. Blesila Lantayona, Federation of Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry Pres. Cecilio Pedro, PhilExport Pres. Sergio Ortiz-Luis headed the delegation of VIPs who graced the occasion. The Show was a collaboration of the stalwarts of the three industries represented by their exhibitors. The supermarket industry stands to gain from the innovative and attractive packaging designs, clearer and smarter labelling and the introduction of sustainable packaging materials used to push FMCG.

A VISIT BY DIPLOMAT FROM INDIAN EMBASSY IN MANILA

PAGASA Office was visited on the afternoon of 9 October 2024 by a dignitary. Counsellor Dr. Sadre Alam is the Head of the Economic & Commerce Wing of the Embassy of India in Manila. He briefly served as Chargè d'affaires (acting as Ambassador to the Phils.) in the early part of 2024. He visited the Office to commence commercial ties with PAGASA. India is now 5th in the world's GDP rankings. Dr. Alam, a medical doctor trained in New Delhi, also studied in The American University in Cairo. He speaks Arabic, English, Hindi & Tamil.

FOCUS GROUP DISCUSSION INITIATED BY DTI FOR RETAILERS ON HOW TO GROW THE INDUSTRY

PAGASA's Executive Director Steven T. Cua was invited on 8 October 2024 to participate in DTI's FGD: "Section G: Job Blueprint on Wholesale & Retail Trade" for non-specialized retail store category held at the University of the Philippines, BGC Campus. This was a two-day project run by 3rd party consultants.

Brainchild of Usec. Mary Jean Pacheco, DTI's e-Commerce Lead for the e-Commerce Group (ECG) which includes managing the E-Commerce Bureau (ECB) and the Office of Supply Chain and Logistics (SCL), this Supermarket Session was moderated by (former DTI Usec.) Ed Sunico and Mike Dimagiba. Other retailers included in Section G were representatives from SM Retail, Robinsons Retail, Alfamart, Globe Telecom, Francorp & DILG.