What's On & Expat - Philippines

THE DEPARTMENT OF Tourism has indicated openness at getting back its licensing powers in order to upgrade the standards of certain tourism-oriented establishments. But the department admitted there are obstacles that require such a move.
  A leading tourism official declared that the issue would require a “huge U-turn” in government operations as she expects the local government units (LGUs) to resist the move and majority of the establishments to protest.
  According to Tourism Regional Director Dawnie Roa, very few LGUs would be willing to give up such powers since this would translate to a severe loss in revenues, thereby leaving less funds for their operations and basic services.
  “The establishments would also protest the move since DOT standards are quite

demanding in order to cater to the expectations of the international market,” Roa declared during the recent Central Visayas Regional Tourism Assembly held at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino.
  To recall, licensing of various commercial establishments was transferred to the LGUs from the DOT in 1989 for faster processing of documents and bigger increase in local revenues.
  While LGU heads did experience higher income due to the rise in the applications of mayor’s permits, the overall quality of the industry nationwide experienced a downslide since the DOT accreditation process was considered optional and strict in nature—leading to compliance for only a small percentage of the total number of establishments.
  LGU heads are perceived to be lax in granting permits since any denial would
 

translate to loss of prospective income.
  Many establishments in Cebu have opted to comply with DOT standards in order to upgrade their facilities and services, as well as embark on international sales missions with the government body as well.
  Businesses adhering to DOT standards include Shangri-La Mactan, Hilton Cebu,

Maribago Bluewater, Plantation Bay, Badian Island Resort, Port Seafood Restaurant, Café Laguna, The Spa at Cebu, etc.
  Earlier, Roa declared that only DOT-accredited establishments can go on overseas trade fairs and sales missions with the DOT in order to assure the global customers for high-quality products and services. Recent sales missions included Russia, Ja

Amway Joins Showcase of American Brands

Amway Philippines, a global direct-selling company providing the Amway business opportunity to Filipinos, participated in the recent “American Showcase 2007”, a trade show organized by the U.S. Embassy’s Commercial Service office to reinvigorate business ties among U.S. and Philippine companies.
  Amway joined subsidiaries of many other U.S. companies in the Philippines, including distributors, agents and representatives of U.S. manufacturers and suppliers of equipment and technology, which participated in the said event.
  The event was also meant to help strengthen the positioning of participating American brands in business districts outside

Metro Manila through series of road shows which included Cebu City, Davao City and Cagayan de Oro City.