APEC Launches New Assault on Inequality

Issued by the APEC Secretariat

Clark, Pampanga, The Philippines, 28 January 2015 – On the heels of the Pope’s visit and the release of the report to the World Economic Forum that half of all wealth will be in the hands of the richest one per cent in 2016, the Philippines’ host year as APEC Chair in 2015 will open with the launch of a multi-faceted “inclusive economies” initiative to combat inequality and open the gates to a new era of regional and global growth.

Over the next 11 days in Clark and Subic, approximately 100 kilometers north of Manila, the archipelago will host some 1,700 Senior Officials and technical experts from the 21 APEC member economiestasked with getting this policy initiative underway. Set in motion by President Benigno Aquino III, focus is on joint actions that strengthen trade and investment while reconciling these traditional drivers of growth with new and underrepresented channels to improve productivity, job creation, wages and economic sustainability.

“APEC members are launching a new assault on inequality in a bid to establish more inclusive economies that level the playing field and open new opportunities for people all across the Asia-Pacific region,” declared Ambassador Laura Q. Del Rosario, Philippine Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs and 2015 Chair of the APEC Senior Officials’ Meeting tasked with directing the 12-month campaign. “Our mission is about doing what’s morally right and good for growth.”

The First APEC Senior Officials’ Meeting on 6-7 February in Clark will round out the opening salvo. Actions will center on items ranging from the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP), trade facilitation and implementation of the WTO Bali Package, and environmental goods and services liberalization, to boosting anti-corruption, counter-terrorism, disaster preparedness, human capital and SME development, resilient infrastructure and oceans and fisheries-related issues, among others.

Senior Officials will build on technical decisions made by more than 20 APEC working groups gathered to advance these shared priorities. They will also hear policy recommendations generated by senior private sector executives from the APEC Business Advisory Council, known as ABAC, during their parallel meeting taking place this week in Hong Kong, China and who are scheduled to hear from Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying on Wednesday evening.

“A ‘new normal’ has set in for Asia-Pacific economies,” explained Dr Alan Bollard, Executive Director of the APEC Secretariat. “The region continues to power much of the world’s growth but it is falling short of what we have seen in the past and, alarmingly, opening up gross discrepancies in economic engagement and wealth accumulation that jeopardize the underlying health and competitiveness of economies—both developed and developing alike.”

“Getting the most out of trade and investment is essential to lifting productivity to levels that we would all like to see but it requires a coordinated and sustained effort to address new and deepening economic, social and environmental imbalances,” Dr Bollard concluded. “Recognition of the challenges at hand is clearly there within the Asia-Pacific.”

The Philippines, a founding APEC member economy and home to 100 million people, is serving as Chair for the second time. It last held this role in 1996 during the administration of President Fidel V. Ramos.

For more:

The entire First APEC Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM1) and Related Meetings schedule can be viewedhere.

Packed with photos, synopses, data and additional planning information, the newly unveiled APEC Outcomes and Outlook 2014/2015 puts APEC’s agenda into greater context. 

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Music and Bed

The most sacred home furniture inside the home family is the bed. In fact it is outrageous ,and an attempt of sac religious to be known in the public what transpire inside the bedroom. However in the out set of lifestyle setting modern era, the design of the bed and all its accessories stories become a talk of the town via social media, magazines, newspapers and even the mainstream live television.

In fact even the lunching of the Bed , heralding the best of design attributing it to the creator is a luxurious event to be celebrated.

This is what happen to the recent lunching of the " Salem Elite " collections that was held at the Fashion Hall of the SM Megamall , today January 26, 2015. ( Australian National Day).

" Salem and Carey Santiago collaboration , is a testament of Filipino ingenuity and fine craft man ship " , in the almost timid answer of the world famous Filipino designer , to the question raised by lunching host Jim Paredes (former member of Apo Hiking Society now a solo artist ", and Angel Jacob .( wearing a dress design by Carey Santiago.

" Salem Elite collections is exportable in quality , and we are exporting it in Australia", a words coming from the son of the CEO of Salem,now in charge of VP for Marketing and Sales.

Noticeable during the lunching of the Salem Elite Collections is the saxophonist , delivering a sound of music which is quite fitting for the bedroom . Nostalgic and enticing from the run down classic hits like " when i fall in love".

Yes , indeed music and bed is a perfect match .

Asking for Jim Paredes music career and milestone for the year of 2015 , where classic music performer in on demand , due to crowds euphoria of the visiting " LoLo Francis", and the changing landscape of the U.S.A political arena where lower and upper house is now dominated by the conservatives.

The former Apo Hiking Society , doesn't believe on the later contention . What he does today is just for the sake of the music industry. He does not believe of the music industry to be associated with the out side phenomenal attributes.He creates music now for " legacy" reasons. He will be musician and creator of music for the rest of his life. In fact by March of this 2015 he will also launch his 3rd solo album.

Yes , indeed music and bed will always be a perfect match. Launching the four Elite Salem Collections like genesis, emery , empress and royal each has its own distinct , impeccable designs and technical attributes . Do you think , each bed category requires also each genre, tempo of music?

I believe so. Because each bed users have their own taste , technical or lifestyle standards . Each bed user has its own bed styles ,love making positions that requires , appropriate music . Because by not observing this bed room protocol , the bed and music will in congruently miss match.

Or else the bed scene will be be a horrendous experience an awful to see ,translating it when seeing a "love making scene in the movie".

Oh!!!! I reminisce the torrid ,passionate loving making of Tom Cruise and the "instructress" in the movie Air force One.

Ateneo Eagle Watch , " Philippine Economic Outlook 2015 " wrapped up with a positive notes today January 22, 2015 9:00 am-12:00nn at Ateneo Center for Economic Research and Development ,Justia Room Rockwell Campus , Makati . Today's Philppine Economic Outlook 2015 partners : Sunlife Financial, ChinaBank and ipc ( infrastructure .power. cooling) Data canter .Invited key speakers were as follows: Dr. Luis Dumlao , Chair, Eco Department , who spoke about Income and Job Drivers and Dampeners , Dr. Alvin Ang, professor, Eco. Department expounded the topics on Philippine Financial Markets... Holding Despite Headwinds, and Dr. Cielito Habito , Professor , eco Dept tackled about Elections 2016 and the Philippine Economy.

The Forum:

1. Why do the Philippines still sluggish in attracting FDI ( foreign direct investments?,The USA dynamic economy can be attributed to the spending power of the middle class how it is correlate with the Philippines Economy? Its has been said , that there is 1.3 trillion ( U$ 80 B) , stand by funds in the Philippines coffer how do we utilize this big amount?

Ans. Yes , the Philippines have a guaranteed huge fund reserve deposits, in a form of US treasury bonds, securities . This is to hedge and safe guard the peso on its currency standing against the inflationary and foreign exchange differential adjustment to (US Dollar as a super power currency in the world). Every currency of every nation is peg to dollar, and its central banks is mandate to have a foreign reserve funds as international policy of Money and Banking or International Banking Settlements .

"Yes , the middle class role in national economy will always be recognized as a engine of development. Their business segments we called SME's micro , small and medium enterprises comprises the almost 90 percent of the total registered business , now being monitored, evaluated , giving priority and funded by the Department of Trade and Industry. There is a pending bill, to create SME's trade and exchange , market systems for the middle business owners and consumers to participate in the currency and trade exchange. With the new upcoming scheme, the SME's can be able to tapped the Philippine Stock Exchange to raise capital via capital markets .Most of the middle class in the Philippines have now consolidated their population in high end premium real estate estate and condominium as investors . Through this way that we can be able to map out the best of the middle class . It is to be done , and it is necessary because SME's serve also as catalyst of not only for retail consumption ( real estate and car) but for high end , luxury items, culture and arts that in the end cultivate growth ."

Foreign Direct Investments participants in the Philippines will always be encourage. That is why , the Philippines created the PPP Private Public Partnership program. For now its has 48 projects in the Philippine PPP pipe line projects in various stages. The PPP center headed by Cosette Canilao , have awarded 3 PPP contracts in 2013, this are : NAIA Expressway (Phase II), PPP for School Infrastructure Project ( Phase II), Modernization of the Orthopedic Center. Through the years the PPP center initiated 8 major PPP policy advocacies initiatives in 2013. These are : Proposed amendments to the BOT (built operate transfer ) law, EO 136 established the PPP governing board, Guidelines for debriefing Process for disqualified bidder in PPP projects., draft implementing rules and regulations of E.O 78 on Alternative Dispute Resolutions, Proposed amendments to DILG (Dept. of interior and local govt) memorandum Circular 2011-16, roundtable discussions on identification of Bottlenecks and Solutions to fast track right of way acquisition, sector guidelines for transport , health, agriculture and education, policy briefs on contract management, monitoring, and evaluation, government share on PPP project costs and risks, optimizing PPP center and PPP department units interface, and guidelines on Pipeline development. For now there almost 100 percent of the 2013 budget for regular operations that have been obligated for which 88 percent have been paid. There are USD 60 million total PDMF fund , 56 percent of which is committed to 22 projects . Summing up to 72 % of PDMF funds is channeled to the transport sector, 12 % to water, 12% social , 3% agriculture and 2 % to power sector. Hence there were about 64 capacity building initiatives conducted, for which 28 organizations capacitated , and 1476 participants trained. After reviewing feasibility studies and the prepared inputs to bid documents and draft concessions agreement for the following PPP projects , 2015 would be a rosy year for the FDI investors to come in through this PPP projects in the pipeline :

Cavite -Laguna expressway project ( calax)
LRT Line I South Extension and O& M
Enhance O & M of the New Bohol Panglao Airport
Mass transport system Loop
New Centennial Water Source Project.
Bulacan Bulk Water supply
Integrated Luzon Railway Project.

2. The sudden shift of labor markets and its cost to a high degree in the manufacturing world of China what and how it would implicate in the Philippines economy,anticipating the possibility of exodus , transferring their manufacturing plant to Philippines?

Yes, we have been monitoring this manufacturing plant possible exodus to the Philippines. ( unfortunately a ware house in the making have just been collapse due to the past haste demand of the ware housing in the Philippines).The rising demand of the consumption of the middle class the and masses it is fitting is reconfigured the Philippines economy to be a manufacturing hub again. The labor cost in the Philippines and the demographic young laborers known to the world as the best skilled , English speaking that is world class and have been sought after even by the foreign workers hunters for being the most productive skilled workers.

3. How much is the income bracket of ( earning power ) of each market segments in the Philippines from ABCDE?

The straight line axis of the graph , referring to the graphs ( power point ) presentation made by the speaker. The income gap for each markets/consumer segments in the Philippines is a straight line parallel with a point base of 20 percent from A, B, C,D, E . That means there is consistency quite manageable to patch up and understand. For Insurance company like Sun life , the best way to concentrate for market demographic is the bulk of the market which is the C, D, E . Probably the best product that is right for them is the micro insurance, by honest answer by the panelist in today's Ateneo Eagle Watch ' Philippine Economic Outlook 2015".

MICHELLE YOUNG  on her appearance for ANC business channel about stocks reportage via Philippine Stock Exchange Ayala  , featuring guest officer from Ramon Tejero- of ATR Kim Ing for the possibility of Philippine Market Outlook ,after the successive worldwide televised PapaL visits of Pope Francis I. 

The Philippine Stocks performed a slights break up paving for the  down performances of Megaword, Ayala Land and PLDT. However the total market out for the Philippines grounded from 5.4 percents in 2014 as was predicted by the HSBC is now reviewed and changed for a hopeful , positive outlook by the ATR Kim Ing officer , Mr. Tejero. " the Philippines will command for a bullish economic performance for about 7 percent ", due to Philippines government anticipated huge infrastructure spending with in 2016. The  market out look is supported with the passage and approval of the annual Philippine budget for 2016 in the congress. From the  time that truck ban was lifted up, the Philippine economy will move forward smoothly. Factoring the continued slowing down of oil prices in the world market  it is impact in the local economy , the Philippine is surely will attain the positive 7 percent GDP , a remarkable performance for the Aquino Administration.

But , taking into consideration the Global Events, that may affect directly or indirect  from the local economy is the recent  Swizz  Francs  down beat movement ,in friction with the world market movement and perhaps with its border the European market. The quantitative easing in European style , fixing the European markets menace still lingering in the region , cascading down perhaps to the rest of the world. The upcoming Greece elections ultimately may,affect the  European markets sentiments . Given with the paradigm scenarios , European Central Bank have been expected by world market audience  on how it will behave in respect with the volatility of the European stocks ,and so with the market movement.

In summary , Mr. Tejero over all assessment with the local bourse , the Philippine Stock Market will score high at the end of the 2015 for about 8 000 .

Henry Estipona

www.on-linexpress.blogspot.com

SM MALL OF ASIA - ARENA HOST OF THE HOLY MASS OFFICIATED BY THE HOLY FATHER POPE FRANCIS I

SM Mall of Asia ,Philippines become a ground of pilgrimage as throng of people came to have a glimpse on the passing motorcade of Holy Father, Pope Francis I in the speed of (160/km per hour ). Filipino devotee have been in line for at least thirteen hours just to have to feel the presence of the passing Pope in motorcade from Papal Nunciature . 

Going direct to the SM Arena to deliver his meeting and homely to the Filipino Family . His message will revolve with todays visit " Mercy and Compassion". 

Pope Official Message:

'The Family that Prays together , Stays together'

" Say no to Colonisation that tends to destroy the Family , Learn to say No when necessary", 

The Family is a constitution of men, that is threaten by a lot of corruption. In a moment of challenge , in the growth of population please stand up for Life . The Family expression compassion in particular cases. Professors should be particulars , the distinction of Family . The world that change , the family should keep in constant to its mandate as the sake keepers in the imminent cycle of life. The future of humanity lies with the institution of family. So protect the family. Your country's greatest asset , will always the population which are forgiving. Protect life from inception with natural methods of birth family planning.

Jesus , reminds us to be prophetic in midst of the this tragedy the natural typhoon and war. By the way of Love , we look in the name of Jesus , in the prophetic nation , which derives strength from God. In God view , the family is the special milestones to care the growth of family, which are more vulnerable . Never therefore isolate , but always be reminded , that children should have a home and family to shelter and protect. To offer love and so with the loving community . 

Please don't forget that Jesus , protect the children and family. 

The Holy Father , Pope Francis delivering on his vernacular language alternately with English , Spanish and Italian is gaining applause from the full pact audience of SM Mall of Asia , Arena with special meeting with the Filipino Families.

The celebratory Mass is still on going.

Henry Estipona
Philippines

Fall Back Position:

In assessing the viability of any case analysis before considering essential elements like definition of the main problem, short and long term objectives, (swot) strength and weaknesses areas of considerations, alternative of actions , final recourse of recommendation, measured results and evaluation is the fall back position.

I admired Pinky Web, the morning news anchor of ANC channel for raising the question to Secretary Mar Roxas , what if comes to worst scenario , the anchor woman question, do you have the fall back position ? In case the first , second , third alternative action failed?

The secretary , known to have a big blooper in handling the real typhoon Haiyan scenario in Tacloban Leyte , which leads him to be rebutted by the International news reader /anchor Mr. Cooper of CNN , again by this time is on near case to case scenario on handling the over all security , management of the crowd and personal safety of the Holy Father , Pope Francis. The Holy Father which is expected to arrive in the Philippines by January 16 and will have a string of engagement in the Philippines parishes until January 19, 2015. But the main highlight of the event is His official message to be delivered at the open space at Quirino Grand Stand ,before His flocks and audience, expected to be a million crowd at Rizal
Park.

The secretary's final words ," this event is for everybody's concern. Its a pilgrimage of believers . Therefore it is expected for each brothers to look after each brothers and consider the Holy Father, fore most security as their own " true Father".

Note for the Pilgrimage:

Make sure to bring your own comfortable suites by wearing sneakers, sunglasses , light clothes with hood ( since umbrella is not allowed). Bring with you your sweet candy (chocolaite) , bottled water (if allowed), empty bottled water ( for your own urinals), anti depressant (bonamine or white flower, tiger bum).

Flash back memories of World Youth day Manila:

In one of the most historic successful staging of World Youth Day , held in Manila way back perhaps in 1995 , organized for the visitation of the then Holy Father ,John Paul the II I was one of the living testimony how it was great to be part of the event. Which I have known later , that the World Youth Day ,concept was initiated by the United Nations for its Youth Program.The purpose of the program is for each Youth to have a real encounter with his counter parts from all over the world. World Youth day, not only focuses on the Spiritual enrichment of the Youth , but for their total immersion in the new world ,as define by the rapid changes of development. Friendship, Fellowship and cultural enrichment have been cooked and served alive with the local and foreign guest. I have a closed encounter with the Malaysian delegates , coming direct from Sabah ,Borneo,( Kilantan ).I have be friends with the biggest delegation from Canada. Whom I accidentally met , on the way for a walk cultural pilgrims . They ask me , where is the Manila Cathedral. In all the overall experience and memories of the World Youth day, keeps in me alive . World Youth Day Manila have been very pleasant , peaceful experience for all of us. I am hoping , it would be the same with coming of the Holy Father , Pope Francis.

Side events in the Holy Father visits:
National Capital Region declared official non working holiday,(no schooling) from Jan. 15-19,2015, Central Bank and PSE , called off the currency and exchange trading from Jan. 15-19, 2015.

Henry Estipona;
Philippines

APRIL 24TH, 2015 - APRIL 25TH, 2015

Birmingham-Southern College's 23rd Annual Undergraduate Latin American Studies Symposium

Birmingham-Southern College, 900 Arkadelphia Road, Birmingham, Alabama 35254
Birmingham-Southern College’s Annual Latin American Studies Symposium is a multi- and inter-disciplinary undergraduate research conference showcasing original research and creative projects conducted during the preceding year by undergraduate students from approximately 30 colleges and universities, including the Birmingham Area Consortium of Higher Education (BACHE) and the Associated Colleges of the South (ACS).

Established at BSC in 1992 to foster undergraduate research, the symposium increases public awareness of Latin America and provides a forum for students and faculty to share their interests and to establish contacts with colleagues in other disciplines.

The theme for 2015 is “Extreme Events in Latin America.” The term “extreme event” tends to be associated with severe weather phenomena such as tornadoes, tropical storms, hurricanes, and floods. It is also increasingly being used to describe climate change impacts and the effects earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and landslides can have on urban areas. However, there is no precise metric for determining the extremeness of an event, and while some large-scale human events might generate positive effects or outcomes—sporting events, celebrations, commemorations, and elections, for example—extreme events are usually associated with death, destruction, misery, and mayhem. Airline disasters and bus crashes and some mass public demonstrations, strikes, and uprisings; and sudden political events such as coups, assassinations, and mass killings are also types of extreme events.

Although the 2015 theme is “Extreme Events in Latin America,” undergraduate papers on any topic relevant to Latin American Studies may be accepted: politics and culture, the global economy, literature, the environment, public health, gender, and art, for example. The symposium will run from Friday afternoon April 24th through Saturday, April 25th.

 Dr. Richard S. Olson, Professor and Director of Extreme Events Research in the Department of Politics and International Relations at Florida International University, will deliver the keynote address on Friday, April 24th. Dr. Olson’s publications are required reading for the specialized field of the politics of disaster.

 Dr. Douglass Sullivan-González, Associate Professor of History and Dean of the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College at the University of Mississippi will discuss his forthcoming book, The Black Christ of Esquipulas: Religion and Identity in Guatemala, at the luncheon on Saturday, April 25th. His talk will focus on the cholera epidemic that occurred during Guatemala’s civil war in the 1830s.

Papers may be presented in Spanish, English, or Portuguese. Please submit an abstract proposal of no more than 250 words by Friday, March 13th to:

Dr. Vincent T. Gawronski
Latin American Studies Symposium, Director
Birmingham-Southern College
900 Arkadelphia Road, Birmingham, AL 35254
Phone: (205) 226-4836
vgawrons@bsc.edu

Conference Website: http://www.bsc.edu/academics/las/symposium.cfm

Registration: All participants must register for the conference. The registration fee is $50.00.