The GIZ, or the Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit, conducted on 27 February 2013 a one-day workshop on “PV-Hybrid Systems in the Philippines.“

The workshop provided German renewable energy companies the overall energy policy framework, as well as technical challenges in the integration of photovoltaic into existing energy networks. The workshop also provided time for discussions on the potential for PV-hybridisation and market potential for promoting solar energy solutions for off-grid areas.

H.E. Ambassador Maria Cleofe Natividad gave her welcome remarks, where she noted positively that Philippine and German companies are working together for the expansion of installed PV output in the Philippines. The Ambassador also informed the participants that German Foreign Minister Westerwelle – in his official visit to Manila on 07-08 February 2013 – had discussed with Secretary del Rosario the need for closer cooperation to “exploit opportunities in energy, manufacturing, BPO, tourism and other infrastructure projects under the PPP and other schemes.”

Mr. Dante Briones, President of the Philippine Solar Power Alliance, was invited to share his views on market segments and opportunities for use of PV on the on/off grid/ captive market and missionary areas. Mr. Briones noted that in certain islands and remote areas of the Philippines, the concept of commercial tourism is fast catching on, and resort hotels are now considering the use of a PV/Diesel generator hybrid systems and generator sets (gensets). He also noted the potential for big agri/poultry companies to blend PV with existing and planned biomass and genset facilities.

The Philippines currently has the highest retail tariffs in Asia (average of $0.18/kWh), and it is precisely because of such high prices that there is growing interest in increasing private sector participation in RE development across the Philippines. Local officials are also becoming seriously interested in RE development because it is a potential source for job creation in the Philippine countryside.

The German Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology (BMWi) and its operational arm, the GIZ, has been actively cooperating with the Philippine government and the private sector in promoting development cooperation in the Philippines. The GIZ operates on behalf of the BMWi, as well as other German ministries such as the Federal Foreign Office, the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development and the Federal Ministry for the Environment, in developing markets and in setting up structures and developing capacity for good governance with partner countries such as the Philippines. (end)

Berlin (9 February 2013).

The Philippine Embassy in Berlin reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs that four globally-established Philippine companies have joined the Fruit Logistica at the MESSE-Berlin, Germany, on February 6-8, 2013. 

The Fruit Logistica is considered the leading trade fair for the international fresh fruit trade. Four Philippine fruit exporters – AgriNurture Inc., Flora Integrated Farms Inc, Raspina Tropical Fruits Inc., and Refmad-V Enterprises – took part in the three-day international fair, which attracted more than 58,000 trade visitors from 130 countries and 2,500 exhibitors from across the entire fresh produce value chain.

The Philippine exhibition, dubbed “Food Philippines: A Feast of Flavors” was made possible by the Philippine Department of Agriculture. The main Philippine products featured were carabao-variety mangoes, red lady and solo papayas, Cavendish bananas, organic coconut water, queen pineapple and red-fleshed dragon fruit.  Many of these products were seen by European visitors only for the first time at the trade fair, and not surprisingly, they were the subject of much curiosity and attention.  All of the Filipino exhibitors expressed confidence that many of their high-quality agricultural products will be making their debut in the European market very soon.

Ms. Jocelyn Tago-Mallari, Vice President for Marketing, Raspina Tropical Fruits, said that their company made the right choice to join the trade fair as it gives them the chance to bring to Europe the fresh tropical fruits that are naturally-grown from the farmlands and pasteurs of Mindanao. Their product line include bananas, papayas and pineapples.

Ms. Flora Abadesco, President of Flora Integrated Farms Inc., expressed confidence that their organic products – notably the Queen Pineapple (Formosa variety) that is grown in the province of Camarines Norte – will be reaching consumers in Italy, Russia and France in the near future.  Mr. Inti Jaramillo, Vice President of AgriNurture Inc., said that in keeping up to the goal of his company to further explore other horizons abroad, they are now set to introduce organic coconut water in major eco-shops in the Netherlands.     

Ms. Mildred Dacuycuy, who is representing Refmad-V Enterprise, which owns the fist dragon fruit plantation in the Ilocos Norte region of the Philippines, noted that quite a number of distributors were impressed by the distinct appearance and taste of the Saniata dragon fruit.

Ms. Karen Adecer, the Official Representative of Messe Berlin to the Philippines, revealed that the Fruit Logistica organizers “were especially excited that the Philippines had joined the trade fair for the first time.”  “Joining trade fairs is a commitment,” according to Ms. Petra Keitz, project coordinator for the Fruit Logistica, “and I hope to see more Philippine exhibitors in the coming years.”

For next year’s Fruit Logistica, efforts are underway to expand the number of participating Philippine exporters, to include companies that are involved in cut flowers, aerial plants and vegetables.

Based on statistics from the Department of Agriculture, assorted Philippine fresh fruit products (e.g, bananas, mangoes, coconut and pineapple) have made its way to various parts of Europe, including Russia, the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Greece, Italy, and the UK.  (end)