Philippine Ambassadors and Consuls General Strengthen Public-Private Partnerships
for Global Competitiveness

23 March 2007 – The Philippines’ global competitiveness received a boost on 22 March 2007 with plans for enhanced partnerships around the world between the public and private sectors.

At the continuation of the First Policy Consultations with Heads of Posts at the Renaissance Hotel in Makati, 71 Philippine Ambassadors and Consuls General actively participated in discussions on strengthening Public-Private Partnerships to improve the Philippine economy and the welfare of the Filipino people.

Task Force on Global Competitiveness Chairman Cesar Bautista reported on the importance of Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) to Philippine competitiveness in the global economy.  He noted the changing texture of Philippine exports during the last 15 years, with the country growing more competitive in sectors such as electronics where there is strong PPP.

According to Mr. Bautista, “Government enables, but the Private Sector drives.” 

Mr. Bautista cited E.O. 372 that created the PPP Task Force over the I.T. enabled services, Health and Wellness, and Logistics services sectors, and E.O. 571 that created the National Competitiveness Council.  These directives bring together government agencies and private sector champions to implement priority projects for areas such as human resources, management, infrastructure, financing, transactions and energy.

To maintain the country’s competitive advantage, Mr. Bautista called on Philippine posts abroad to establish clusters of experts in relevant fields, link up with PPP advocates, maintain competitive intelligence, and become the Number One Salesman of the Philippines .  He also called attention to the potential of the Overseas Filipino Worker as a key PPP tool.

“The OFW is our leading competitive edge if we utilize them properly” said Bautista.

The vital role of OFW’s remittances was underscored by Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Deputy Governor Diwa Gunigundo.  He pointed out the substantial increase in remittances over the recent years and its positive effects on investment and consumption goods spending.

Mr. Gunigundo outlined the BSP’s program to improve the remittance environment, including promotion of competition and transparency, improvement of payment and settlement systems, greater access to financial services, and establishment of advocacy programs to cultivate financial literacy among OFWs and their families.  The BSP is also looking for ways to increase the presence of Philippine banks abroad and engage in bilateral negotiations to liberalize market access and promote interconnectivity.

Meanwhile, DFA Undersecretary for International Economic Relations Edsel T. Custodio emphasized the importance of PPP in the development of Philippine Trade in Services.  The services sector, Undersecretary Custodio explained, is the fastest growing component of international trade.  To develop the sector, the Philippine Services Coalition drafted a Roadmap that has been incorporated into the National Export Strategy and the Action Agenda of the National Competitiveness Council.  Undersecretary Custodio then called on the Foreign Service Posts to help implement the Roadmap by supporting international trade services negotiations and promotion activities.  

Ambassador Albert del Rosario, President of the Management Association of the Philippines , also shared his professional experiences in PPP.   He cited the expanded sphere of Philippine influence in the U.S. through the establishment of the Philippine Friendship caucus in the U.S. Congress, enhanced ties with the media, and extensive networking with the Filipino-American community.   Ambassador del Rosario stated that proper execution and delivery of the country’s goals and objectives require a certain mindset and resolve.

“At the end of the day, if we fully place country above self and couple this with leadership by example, isn’t this what effective governance is all about?” said Ambassador del Rosario.

Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano elaborated on public and private linkages in promoting the Philippines as an ideal tourist destination.   He cited the DOT’s priority markets and development plans identified through PPP that maximize the country’s   efforts and resources.  For instance, DOT has focused on promoting Philippine dive destinations in certain countries and made corresponding collaborations with travel wholesalers and retail agents. 

Secretary Durano also reported on the country’s improved tourism infrastructure, including the 3,000 hotel rooms coming online, increased air seat capacity, and development of the Central Philippine Super-Region tourism cluster.   

“The boost in tourism is a collective effort with the indispensable support of our Foreign Service Posts” said Durano.

The medical tourism phenomenon was also recognized at the consultations.  Dr. Jaime Galvez-Tan, President of Health Futures International, discussed the rapid rise of cross-border health services, and set forth the Philippine objectives of developing proper business models and concrete proposals to retain doctors and nurses in the country.

Dr. Galvez-Tan discussed the Philippine strengths in human resources, traditional medicine, health facilities and educational institutions, and healing conducive environment.  He anticipated opportunities for the Philippines in tele-health, medical and retirement zones, knowledge centers, and research outsourcing.  He stressed, however, that the market for medical tourism must be managed equitably so as to truly benefit the Filipino. 

The First Policy Consultations with Heads of Post was organized by the Department of Foreign Affairs to set the policy directions and promotion priorities of the Department for the next three years.  The consultations will continue until March 23, with upcoming discussion panels on Promoting Philippine Culture for National Development and Promoting and Protecting the Welfare of Overseas Filipinos.  END

/epa

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