Sun.Star Economic Forum

ESTABLISHING a security department or team in a company should not be seen as a “drag on the company’s profitability” but as an important support that helps protect employees and properties from workplace violence or disasters, a security expert said.

Stephen Cutler, president and chief executive officer of the Official Global Control Corp. (OCG Corp.), said that while security is considered one of the areas where companies cut back as they face economic problems, top management officials should realize its worth on a long-term basis.Read full story

AT least P2 million has been earmarked by the Cebu-based Gift, Toys and Houseware (GTH) Foundation Inc. export sector for the establishment of Tindahang Pinoy, a storehouse of all export products in the region.

Cebu GTH past president Jenifer Cruz said in a recent interview that the Tindahang Pinoy, which will be formally opened to the public in two to three months, will become a showcase for local souvenir items with export quality.Read full story

CEBUANO business leaders who joined the official delegation during President Benigno Aquino III’s recent trip to China said it sent a clear message that the country is indeed open for business.

“The trip signifies that the country is open to foreign investments and sends a clear message of a level playing field. The Aquino administration is seriously acting as an enabler of business and economic development,” said Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Eric Mendoza.Read full story

CEBU saw a 10 percent growth in its tourist arrivals for most of the first half of the year, figures from the Department of Tourism showed.

A total of 810,673 foreign and local tourists visited Cebu from January to May this year, 10.37 percent higher than the 734,531 visitors it had for the same period last year. Read full story

TO INCREASE regional participation in the country’s stock market, the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) will expand to Cebu this September.

Kathleen Therese Buenaobra of PSE’s Market Education Department said in an interview on Friday that PSE will open a marketing office here to encourage more Cebuano investors to participate in the country’s trading market. Read full story

FROM just 32 rooms in a resort in Mactan, a resort group has expanded beyond Mactan and now, beyond Cebu.

The Bluewater Panglao opened its first phase yesterday, with the promise of something “exciting” as it further develops its resort. Read full story

WHILE most in Cebu’s furniture industry are exporters, a trade show organizer hopes they will not shut out domestic buyers.

Eduardo Zuluaga, who chairs the Manila Now show of the Chamber of Furniture Industries of the Philippines, urged Cebuano furniture companies to sign up for the country’s first co-located furniture show, called the Manila Fame International. Read full story

FIFTH Avenue Development Corp. says the Ciudad project will further strengthen Cebu’s title as an Asean City of Culture.

Fifth Avenue public relations consultant Jonjie Gonzales said the project would help Cebuanos reconnect with the past and tourists understand Cebu’s rich heritage. Read full story

GLOBE Telecom recently proposed a three-year plan to reduce interconnection rates in support of the National Telecommunications Commission’s (NTC) request for telecommunication companies to lower interconnection charges.

In a statement, Globe Telecom submitted a position paper detailing its proposal on reducing fees for subscribers calling and sending texts outside their respective networks. Read full story

IN promoting an area to foreign clients, there is a difference when it comes to promotion for tourism and for investments, the marketing director of the Cebu Investment Promotions Center noted.

Joel Mari Yu, in a recent presentation on emerging industries, admitted that the Philippines has lost its competitive advantage in attracting foreign direct investments in manufacturing to China.Read full story