Los
 Angeles, CA – May 5, 2024 – Last night, the 24th Beverly Hills Film 
Festival was set ablaze with the premiere of “Bare-Knuckle,” an 80’s 
throwback Hong Kong-style action film that not only thrilled audiences 
but also broke new ground in cinematic representation. Directed by Alex 
De Ocampo and written by the acclaimed Mark Labella, whose notable 
credits include producing the 2022 international hit Labyu with an 
Accent, the film has already sparked considerable interest and 
anticipation for its full-feature version, with funding firmly in place.
 

Starring
 Kevin Kreider of “Bling Empire” fame, Devon Diep, and led by promising 
newcomers Jordan Mahr and Michael Naizu, “Bare-Knuckle” introduces a 
groundbreaking Asian action lead who is openly gay, challenging 
long-standing Hollywood stereotypes and offering a fresh perspective on 
heroism. The film’s premiere saw a packed house and received rave 
reviews, signaling a strong appetite for diverse and dynamic 
storytelling. 

The
 cast also features memorable cameos from Tommie Mopia in his big-screen
 debut and Celebrity Chef Marvin Aritrangco, adding to the film’s 
unique flair and appeal. “It was an honor seeing Filipinos lead this 
action film with powerful male and female Asian characters,” said Mopia,
 reflecting the sentiment of empowerment and pride that permeates the 
project.


 “At its core, ‘Bareknuckle’ is a mirror reflecting the harsh reality 
faced by AAPI LGBT youth, echoing the struggles that persist in a 
society that is meant to be progressing towards acceptance and 
understanding,” stated Director Alex De Ocampo. This poignant message 
resonates deeply with audiences and critics alike, positioning 
“Bare-Knuckle” as a film that transcends its action-packed sequences to 
touch on significant social issues. 

The
 Beverly Hills Film Festival, known for attracting major stars like 
Sharon Stone, Al Pacino, and Jeff Goldblum, touted “Bare-Knuckle” as one
 of its most well-attended showings, further solidifying its status as a
 must-see film. With the script for the full feature already underway, 
the filmmaking team, led by De Ocampo and Labella, is gearing up for an 
exciting journey ahead, pushing boundaries and setting new benchmarks in
 the industry. 

“Bare-Knuckle”
 is not just an action movie; it’s a vital commentary on the challenges 
and triumphs of the AAPI LGBT community, offering both exhilaration and 
enlightenment to its viewers. 

“Bare-Knuckle” is an innovative action film directed by Alex De Ocampo and written by award-winning screenwriter Mark Labella. The film stars Kevin Kreider, Devon Diep, Jordan Mahr, and Michael Naizu, and features cameos from Tommie Mopia and Marvin Aritrangco. Set against the backdrop of the 1980s, the film blends thrilling action with deep social commentary, challenging stereotypes and championing diversity.Los
 Angeles, CA – May 5, 2024 – Last night, the 24th Beverly Hills Film 
Festival was set ablaze with the premiere of “Bare-Knuckle,” an 80’s 
throwback Hong Kong-style action film that not only thrilled audiences 
but also broke new ground in cinematic representation. Directed by Alex 
De Ocampo and written by the acclaimed Mark Labella, whose notable 
credits include producing the 2022 international hit Labyu with an 
Accent, the film has already sparked considerable interest and 
anticipation for its full-feature version, with funding firmly in place.
 Starring
 Kevin Kreider of “Bling Empire” fame, Devon Diep, and led by promising 
newcomers Jordan Mahr and Michael Naizu, “Bare-Knuckle” introduces a 
groundbreaking Asian action lead who is openly gay, challenging 
long-standing Hollywood stereotypes and offering a fresh perspective on 
heroism. The film’s premiere saw a packed house and received rave 
reviews, signaling a strong appetite for diverse and dynamic 
storytelling. The
 cast also features memorable cameos from Tommie Mopia in his big-screen
 debut and Celebrity Chef Marvin Aritrangco, adding to the film’s 
unique flair and appeal. “It was an honor seeing Filipinos lead this 
action film with powerful male and female Asian characters,” said Mopia,
 reflecting the sentiment of empowerment and pride that permeates the 
project.
 “At its core, ‘Bareknuckle’ is a mirror reflecting the harsh reality 
faced by AAPI LGBT youth, echoing the struggles that persist in a 
society that is meant to be progressing towards acceptance and 
understanding,” stated Director Alex De Ocampo. This poignant message 
resonates deeply with audiences and critics alike, positioning 
“Bare-Knuckle” as a film that transcends its action-packed sequences to 
touch on significant social issues. <img style="width: 100%;" src="https://vritimes-public.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/production/838b984f439d2dbfb2d0676e4fb2f71fa0ca860931c2ef02199f3590ced47763/2.jpg" alt="Image" />The
 Beverly Hills Film Festival, known for attracting major stars like 
Sharon Stone, Al Pacino, and Jeff Goldblum, touted “Bare-Knuckle” as one
 of its most well-attended showings, further solidifying its status as a
 must-see film. With the script for the full feature already underway, 
the filmmaking team, led by De Ocampo and Labella, is gearing up for an 
exciting journey ahead, pushing boundaries and setting new benchmarks in
 the industry. “Bare-Knuckle”
 is not just an action movie; it’s a vital commentary on the challenges 
and triumphs of the AAPI LGBT community, offering both exhilaration and 
enlightenment to its viewers.

Film / Drama

Love / Marriage

Advertising / Promotion / PR

International activity

Show Business

“Bare-Knuckle” is an innovative action film directed by Alex De Ocampo and written by award-winning screenwriter Mark Labella. The film stars Kevin Kreider, Devon Diep, Jordan Mahr, and Michael Naizu, and features cameos from Tommie Mopia and Marvin Aritrangco. Set against the backdrop of the 1980s, the film blends thrilling action with deep social commentary, challenging stereotypes and championing diversity.

Bare-Knuckle Shatters Stereotypes with Groundbreaking Premiere at Beverly Hills Film Festival

Singapore is one of the Philippines’ top sources of foreign direct investment inflows and a major trading partner. With more than 1 million business enterprises and 1,430 accounting firms in the Philippines, ISCA and PICPA will work together to train and strengthen the professional development of accountants to support businesses. 

PICPA will partner ISCA in developing accountancy talents and providing upskilling opportunities for accountancy professionals in the Philippines. Aspiring Chartered Accountants who would like to know more about the internationally recognised Singapore Chartered Accountant Qualification and other ISCA programmes such as the ISCA Professional Business Accountant Programme, the ISCA Financial Forensic Accounting Qualification, the ISCA Sustainability Professional Certifications and the recently launched Board of Directors Masterclass Programme can reach out to PICPA to find out more.

Through these programmes which are developed in Singapore and aligned with international standards, accountancy professionals will be equipped with relevant skills and competencies to meet business demands. This professional development collaboration between PICPA and ISCA will strengthen the capabilities of accountancy professionals, reinforce and support the capacities of businesses and the expansion plans of professional services firms. 

ISCA and PICPA will also be exploring collaboration through joint-membership pathways, joint events, and conferences, aimed at promoting the attractiveness of the accountancy profession. 

Atty. Randy Blanza, CPA, National President of PICPA, said, “It’s an exciting time for the practice of accountancy in the Philippines. This agreement will open more opportunities to Filipino CPAs to practice their profession in international markets, including Singapore and other international territories.”

Ms Gladeys Jill A. Santos, ISCA Philippines Chapter Chairperson, said, “We are very pleased to be able to mark another milestone in ISCA’s efforts to develop the accountancy profession across the region. This agreement will bring the SCAQ and other ISCA programmes further, not only opening doors for accountants in the Philippines to gain internationally recognised credentials, but also growing and strengthening the accounting profession and businesses in both countries."

Singapore, 5 March 2024 – The Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA), to foster international collaboration and support the accountancy profession and businesses in Singapore and the Philippines.Singapore is one of the Philippines’ top sources of foreign direct investment inflows and a major trading partner. With more than 1 million business enterprises and 1,430 accounting firms in the Philippines, ISCA and PICPA will work together to train and strengthen the professional development of accountants to support businesses. PICPA will partner ISCA in developing accountancy talents and providing upskilling opportunities for accountancy professionals in the Philippines. Aspiring Chartered Accountants who would like to know more about the internationally recognised Singapore Chartered Accountant Qualification and other ISCA programmes such as the ISCA Professional Business Accountant Programme, the ISCA Financial Forensic Accounting Qualification, the ISCA Sustainability Professional Certifications and the recently launched Board of Directors Masterclass Programme can reach out to PICPA to find out more.Through these programmes which are developed in Singapore and aligned with international standards, accountancy professionals will be equipped with relevant skills and competencies to meet business demands. This professional development collaboration between PICPA and ISCA will strengthen the capabilities of accountancy professionals, reinforce and support the capacities of businesses and the expansion plans of professional services firms. ISCA and PICPA will also be exploring collaboration through joint-membership pathways, joint events, and conferences, aimed at promoting the attractiveness of the accountancy profession. Atty. Randy Blanza, CPA, National President of PICPA, said, “It’s an exciting time for the practice of accountancy in the Philippines. This agreement will open more opportunities to Filipino CPAs to practice their profession in international markets, including Singapore and other international territories.”Ms Gladeys Jill A. Santos, ISCA Philippines Chapter Chairperson, said, “We are very pleased to be able to mark another milestone in ISCA’s efforts to develop the accountancy profession across the region. This agreement will bring the SCAQ and other ISCA programmes further, not only opening doors for accountants in the Philippines to gain internationally recognised credentials, but also growing and strengthening the accounting profession and businesses in both countries."

School / University

Accounting

Qualifications / Study Abroad / Language

Singapore, 5 March 2024 – The Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA), to foster international collaboration and support the accountancy profession and businesses in Singapore and the Philippines.

ISCA Signs MOU with PICPA to Train Chartered Accountants in the Philippines

On November 11th, Leave a Nest Philippines will have its exciting annual Hyper Interdisciplinary Conference in the Philippines. This conference is dedicated to the coming together of people from different academic disciplines, professions, and sectors of the society to offer their varying expert point of views.&nbsp; With this, we are thrilled to reveal our Keynote Speaker and esteemed Panelist-Commenters for the Keynote Session titled "Convergence of Reformative Technologies For Localized Solutions."

This captivating keynote session will delve into the heart of the conference theme, exploring transformative technologies to address the distinctive challenges confronting the Philippines. We'll discuss how knowledge and technologies from across Asia have been, and will be, harnessed to solve our local and unique issues.&nbsp;

This session holds great appeal for companies, startups and academes eager to harness the power of global technology within the dynamic landscape of the Philippines. It promises to arm them with the essential insights and expertise required to seamlessly navigate the intricacies of introducing and harnessing cutting-edge technology in this vibrant market. In this inspiring session, we aspire to ignite the creativity and ingenuity of Filipinos with the usage of foreign technology, in the hopes of fostering a collective spirit to address and revitalize enduring challenges in the Philippines, for a brighter future. Don't miss out on this enlightening conversation!

Stamina4Space Maya 3 &amp; Maya 4 Satellite Team Member

Engr. Lorilyn P. Daquioag is a distinguished figure in Philippine space technology, known for her role in developing the brains of the first Philippine university-built satellites, Maya 3 and Maya 4, at the University of the Philippines - Diliman. Her contributions have advanced space technology, making history in Philippine science. In addition to her pioneering work in space technology, Engr. Lorilyn is the founder and CEO of Waste4Good Technologies, a dynamic social enterprise specializing in agri-tech. She addresses food insecurity, championing sustainable waste management, and empowers the adoption of Good Agricultural Practices, benefiting the environment and local communities. Notably, Engr. Lorilyn's achievements have gained international recognition, as she is set to be featured on NHK-World Japan's "Asia Insights'' program from October 20 to November 20, 2023. This broadcast, reaching 118 countries, further highlights her remarkable contributions and global influence in the fields of technology, innovation, and sustainable development.

Executive Member, National Innovation Council

Director of Center for Innovation, National University

Dr. Ria Liza C. Canlas is a highly accomplished professional with a background in civil engineering, materials engineering, and patent law. She holds multiple degrees, including a doctorate in technology, and has 30 years of experience in innovation and tech startups. Dr. Canlas is known for her work in data-driven research and the creation of the ASEANA system. She is a strong advocate for green construction and is the CEO/Founder-Inventor of Po Lite Technology Inc. She is the Director of the Center for Innovation of National University – Philippines. Also the Intellectual Property Expert of Spruson and Ferguson (Asia) Ltd. Dr. Canlas mentors professionals and students, emphasizing patent commercialization and the protection of Filipino intellectual property. She is a key figure in the field of "Filipinovation" and serves in various professional and civic roles, including as an Executive Member of the National Innovation Council in the Philippines

Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines

Engr. Kevin Ubaldo Facun is an Electronics Engineer by profession. He finished his master’s degree at the University of the Philippines – Diliman specializing in the development of biomedical devices and software at the Innovation and Research Center of the UP Electrical and Electronics Engineering Institute. He then pursued his Master of Intellectual Property and Development Property (MIPD) at the Korea Development Institute – School of Public Policy and Management at Sejong City, South Korea graduating Summa Cum Laude and batch salutatorian. He presently works as a Senior Specialist at the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) and he has recently finished his MBA at Quantic – School of Business and Technology which is based in Washington DC.

Acting Chief, Planning and Project Management Division (PPMD)

Mr. Vicente is currently the acting chief of the Philippine Space Agency’s (PhilSA) Planning and Project Management Division (PPMD), leading the provision of centralized and consolidated research administration support services to PhilSA’s technical research bureaus by deploying project managers (PM) to manage the agency’s projects. The PPMD also facilitates the preparation of PhilSA’s budget proposals for the establishment of vital space infrastructure to be submitted to the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) and the Department of Finance for foreign-assisted funding and/or public-private partnerships. Through these efforts, PhilSA was able to secure funding to continue the development of the Multispectral Unit for Land Assessment Satellite (MULA), a sovereign Earth Observation satellite that can capture images to support the periodic updating of land use, agricultural crops, water resources, and built infrastructure maps in the country. Prior to joining PhilSA, Mr. Vicente was previously affiliated with the Department of Science and Technology – Advanced Science and Technology Institute (DOST-ASTI) where he handled the establishment of the Philippines’ satellite ground stations and facilitated the acquisition of NovaSAR-1, a synthetic aperture radar satellite for augmenting the country’s capabilities in maritime domain awareness.

We're excited to highlight that the Hyper Interdisciplinary Conference in the Philippines 2023 is an on-site event, and the vibrant University of Santo Tomas will serve as our venue. Join us for an immersive and engaging experience that promises to ignite innovation and collaboration right at the heart of this esteemed institution!

For more information, you may find the conference details and read the full article through this link:&nbsp;<a href="https://global.lne.st/news/ph/2023/10/26/hicph2023-keynote/">https://global.lne.st/news/ph/2023/10/26/hicph2023-keynote/</a>. We also have the registration for Conference Attendees still on-going until November 8, 2023 through this link:&nbsp;<a href="https://global.lne.st/HICPH2023">https://global.lne.st/HICPH2023</a>

For questions and concerns, please contact the person cited below.

<h1>Hyper Interdisciplinary Conference in the Philippines 2023 Keynote Session: Convergence of Reformative Technologies for Localized Solutions</h1>We welcome guests from academe, industry, government, researchers and innovators to join Leave a Nest Philippines' Hyper Interdisciplinary Conference in the Philippines 2023 with the theme of "Convergence of Reformative Technologies for Localized Solutions". This will be held at the Benavides Hall of University of Santo Tomas on November 11, 2023 from 9:30AM. Food and refreshments will be served.On November 11th, Leave a Nest Philippines will have its exciting annual Hyper Interdisciplinary Conference in the Philippines. This conference is dedicated to the coming together of people from different academic disciplines, professions, and sectors of the society to offer their varying expert point of views.&nbsp; With this, we are thrilled to reveal our Keynote Speaker and esteemed Panelist-Commenters for the Keynote Session titled "Convergence of Reformative Technologies For Localized Solutions."This captivating keynote session will delve into the heart of the conference theme, exploring transformative technologies to address the distinctive challenges confronting the Philippines. We'll discuss how knowledge and technologies from across Asia have been, and will be, harnessed to solve our local and unique issues.&nbsp;This session holds great appeal for companies, startups and academes eager to harness the power of global technology within the dynamic landscape of the Philippines. It promises to arm them with the essential insights and expertise required to seamlessly navigate the intricacies of introducing and harnessing cutting-edge technology in this vibrant market. In this inspiring session, we aspire to ignite the creativity and ingenuity of Filipinos with the usage of foreign technology, in the hopes of fostering a collective spirit to address and revitalize enduring challenges in the Philippines, for a brighter future. Don't miss out on this enlightening conversation!<h2>Keynote Speaker</h2><img style="max-width:100%;height:auto;" src="https://vritimes-public.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/production/6a0482e490c86e40130ed5bbd8f861bf363ca21b32c76aa405107ed0a87d48e8/1Keynote%20-%20Engr.%20Daquioag.png" alt="Image"/>Engr. Lorilyn P. DaquioagWaste4Good Founder and CEOStamina4Space Maya 3 &amp; Maya 4 Satellite Team MemberEngr. Lorilyn P. Daquioag is a distinguished figure in Philippine space technology, known for her role in developing the brains of the first Philippine university-built satellites, Maya 3 and Maya 4, at the University of the Philippines - Diliman. Her contributions have advanced space technology, making history in Philippine science. In addition to her pioneering work in space technology, Engr. Lorilyn is the founder and CEO of Waste4Good Technologies, a dynamic social enterprise specializing in agri-tech. She addresses food insecurity, championing sustainable waste management, and empowers the adoption of Good Agricultural Practices, benefiting the environment and local communities. Notably, Engr. Lorilyn's achievements have gained international recognition, as she is set to be featured on NHK-World Japan's "Asia Insights'' program from October 20 to November 20, 2023. This broadcast, reaching 118 countries, further highlights her remarkable contributions and global influence in the fields of technology, innovation, and sustainable development.<h2>Panelists-Commenters</h2><img style="max-width:100%;height:auto;" src="https://vritimes-public.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/production/b26eca649e2958d1cafe297b0a9ff23a87f1132ae50d083336d0b73a7e36cb97/1Keynote%20-%20Dr.%20Canlas.png" alt="Image"/>Dr. Ria CanlasExecutive Member, National Innovation CouncilDirector of Center for Innovation, National UniversityDr. Ria Liza C. Canlas is a highly accomplished professional with a background in civil engineering, materials engineering, and patent law. She holds multiple degrees, including a doctorate in technology, and has 30 years of experience in innovation and tech startups. Dr. Canlas is known for her work in data-driven research and the creation of the ASEANA system. She is a strong advocate for green construction and is the CEO/Founder-Inventor of Po Lite Technology Inc. She is the Director of the Center for Innovation of National University – Philippines. Also the Intellectual Property Expert of Spruson and Ferguson (Asia) Ltd. Dr. Canlas mentors professionals and students, emphasizing patent commercialization and the protection of Filipino intellectual property. She is a key figure in the field of "Filipinovation" and serves in various professional and civic roles, including as an Executive Member of the National Innovation Council in the Philippines<img style="max-width:100%;height:auto;" src="https://vritimes-public.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/production/c9fc57970d45808e1ab4bc914e1161954fa0d616e90f2ca9bbf324a6780e2fc1/1Keynote%20-%20Engr.%20Facun.png" alt="Image"/>Engr. Kevin FacunSenior ConsultantIntellectual Property Office of the PhilippinesEngr. Kevin Ubaldo Facun is an Electronics Engineer by profession. He finished his master’s degree at the University of the Philippines – Diliman specializing in the development of biomedical devices and software at the Innovation and Research Center of the UP Electrical and Electronics Engineering Institute. He then pursued his Master of Intellectual Property and Development Property (MIPD) at the Korea Development Institute – School of Public Policy and Management at Sejong City, South Korea graduating Summa Cum Laude and batch salutatorian. He presently works as a Senior Specialist at the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) and he has recently finished his MBA at Quantic – School of Business and Technology which is based in Washington DC.<img style="max-width:100%;height:auto;" src="https://vritimes-public.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/production/3666954d37a61ef133c0be8641550af60c44dab49d2404ac19d83645ddb38728/1Keynote%20-%20Mr.%20Rocell%20Vicente.png" alt="Image"/>Mr. Rocell VicenteActing Chief, Planning and Project Management Division (PPMD)Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA)Mr. Vicente is currently the acting chief of the Philippine Space Agency’s (PhilSA) Planning and Project Management Division (PPMD), leading the provision of centralized and consolidated research administration support services to PhilSA’s technical research bureaus by deploying project managers (PM) to manage the agency’s projects. The PPMD also facilitates the preparation of PhilSA’s budget proposals for the establishment of vital space infrastructure to be submitted to the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) and the Department of Finance for foreign-assisted funding and/or public-private partnerships. Through these efforts, PhilSA was able to secure funding to continue the development of the Multispectral Unit for Land Assessment Satellite (MULA), a sovereign Earth Observation satellite that can capture images to support the periodic updating of land use, agricultural crops, water resources, and built infrastructure maps in the country. Prior to joining PhilSA, Mr. Vicente was previously affiliated with the Department of Science and Technology – Advanced Science and Technology Institute (DOST-ASTI) where he handled the establishment of the Philippines’ satellite ground stations and facilitated the acquisition of NovaSAR-1, a synthetic aperture radar satellite for augmenting the country’s capabilities in maritime domain awareness.We're excited to highlight that the Hyper Interdisciplinary Conference in the Philippines 2023 is an on-site event, and the vibrant University of Santo Tomas will serve as our venue. Join us for an immersive and engaging experience that promises to ignite innovation and collaboration right at the heart of this esteemed institution!For more information, you may find the conference details and read the full article through this link:&nbsp;<a href="https://global.lne.st/news/ph/2023/10/26/hicph2023-keynote/">https://global.lne.st/news/ph/2023/10/26/hicph2023-keynote/</a>. We also have the registration for Conference Attendees still on-going until November 8, 2023 through this link:&nbsp;<a href="https://global.lne.st/HICPH2023">https://global.lne.st/HICPH2023</a>For questions and concerns, please contact the person cited below.Leave a Nest Philippines, Inc. was founded on March 2021 as part of the Leave a Nest Group and functioning as the 3rd subsidiary in Southeast Asia following Singapore and Malaysia. Leave a Nest Philippines is a social enterprise created by researchers for researchers to leverage science and technology in order to achieve their mission of "Harmonizing Science and Technology Stakeholders for the Empowerment of Filipinos"Bryan Foronda
+639616406449
BRYAN@LNE.ST

Legal / Patent / Intellectual Property

STEM (Science, Tech, Engineering, Math)

Startups

We welcome guests from academe, industry, government, researchers and innovators to join Leave a Nest Philippines' Hyper Interdisciplinary Conference in the Philippines 2023 with the theme of "Convergence of Reformative Technologies for Localized Solutions". This will be held at the Benavides Hall of University of Santo Tomas on November 11, 2023 from 9:30AM. Food and refreshments will be served.

Hyper Interdisciplinary Conference in the Philippines 2023 Keynote Session: Convergence of Reformative Technologies for Localized Solutions

Philippines and South Korea trade ministers have agreed to work for the signing of the bilateral free trade agreement (FTA), preferably during the 24TH ASEAN-Republic of Korea Summit next month in Indonesia.&nbsp;

Trade and Industry Secretary Alfredo E. Pascual relayed the new development after meeting with his South Korean counterpart Minister Dukgeum Ahn at the sidelines of the 55th AEM Meeting in Semarang, Indonesia over the weekend where both ministers discussed greater economic engagements between the two countries.

“Both Ministers welcomed the conclusion of the PH-ROK FTA negotiations and agreed to work for its signing, preferably at the sidelines of the 24th ASEAN-Republic of Korea (ASEAN-ROK) Summit in September 2023,” the DTI said in a statement.

In addition, the ministers agreed to work on a possible supply chain resilience cooperation to ensure stability and predictability of business operations, particularly in the manufacturing sector.

Both parties concluded the FTA negotiations on Oct. 26, 2021, two years after it was launch in June 2019.

The concluded Korea-Philippines FTA negotiations cover Trade in Goods, Trade Remedies, Rules of Origin, Customs Procedures and Trade Facilitation, Economic and Technical Cooperation, Competition, and Legal and Institutional Issues.

Both parties also agreed to further negotiate provisions for the Chapters on Trade in Services and Investment no later than one year after entry into force of the Korea-Philippines FTA. Philippines and Korea also committed to complete all necessary domestic procedures towards the signing of the Korea-Philippines Free Trade Agreement in early 2022.

The FTA would further liberalize trade in goods between the two countries, including gradual elimination of tariffs on Philippine bananas and canned pineapple exports and exports of Korean automobiles and autoparts.

Both parties acknowledged that the FTA will help contribute to the economic recovery efforts of the Philippines and Korea.

Once enforced, the FTA with South Korea will be an important vehicle for enhancing trade flows, and generating more investment and employment opportunities in the process. The bilateral FTA will be the third for the Philippines,

“We are glad that our trade negotiations with South Korea have come to a fruition. We also thank Minister Yeo and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) for their continued collaboration in facilitating a wider economic cooperation with our Philippine trade department,” Lopez said.

Both trade partners have acknowledged that the FTA can contribute to the swift recovery for the robust and resilient growth of the economies of the two countries.

At the conclusion of the trade talks, both parties called the deal mutually beneficial and paving the way for high level of liberalization on trade in goods.

Following the conclusion of negotiations, both parties were looking at signing the PH-ROK FTA during the 40TH AND 41ST ASEAN Summits and Related Summits in November last year in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

The signing, however, did not materialize as both parties were still reviewing text and provisions of the trade deal.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Conclusion of the trade deal has been delayed for quite sometime already, largely due to market issues for goods, particularly on the exports of Philippine bananas and pineapples to South Korea. The Philippines fruits are being levied a 30-percent tariff, putting them a disadvantaged against competing exports from Vietnam which tariff rate will eventually reduce to zero.

The PH-ROK FTA Negotiations was launched in June 2019 in Seoul by former Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon Lopez and South Korea's Minister for Trade Yoo Myung-hee.

<h1>PH-SKorea eye FTA signing next month</h1>Philippines and South Korea trade ministers have agreed to work for the signing of the bilateral free trade agreement (FTA), preferably during the 24TH ASEAN-Republic of Korea Summit next month in Indonesia.&nbsp;Trade and Industry Secretary Alfredo E. Pascual relayed the new development after meeting with his South Korean counterpart Minister Dukgeum Ahn at the sidelines of the 55th AEM Meeting in Semarang, Indonesia over the weekend where both ministers discussed greater economic engagements between the two countries.“Both Ministers welcomed the conclusion of the PH-ROK FTA negotiations and agreed to work for its signing, preferably at the sidelines of the 24th ASEAN-Republic of Korea (ASEAN-ROK) Summit in September 2023,” the DTI said in a statement.In addition, the ministers agreed to work on a possible supply chain resilience cooperation to ensure stability and predictability of business operations, particularly in the manufacturing sector.Both parties concluded the FTA negotiations on Oct. 26, 2021, two years after it was launch in June 2019.The concluded Korea-Philippines FTA negotiations cover Trade in Goods, Trade Remedies, Rules of Origin, Customs Procedures and Trade Facilitation, Economic and Technical Cooperation, Competition, and Legal and Institutional Issues.Both parties also agreed to further negotiate provisions for the Chapters on Trade in Services and Investment no later than one year after entry into force of the Korea-Philippines FTA. Philippines and Korea also committed to complete all necessary domestic procedures towards the signing of the Korea-Philippines Free Trade Agreement in early 2022.The FTA would further liberalize trade in goods between the two countries, including gradual elimination of tariffs on Philippine bananas and canned pineapple exports and exports of Korean automobiles and autoparts.Both parties acknowledged that the FTA will help contribute to the economic recovery efforts of the Philippines and Korea.Once enforced, the FTA with South Korea will be an important vehicle for enhancing trade flows, and generating more investment and employment opportunities in the process. The bilateral FTA will be the third for the Philippines,“We are glad that our trade negotiations with South Korea have come to a fruition. We also thank Minister Yeo and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) for their continued collaboration in facilitating a wider economic cooperation with our Philippine trade department,” Lopez said.Both trade partners have acknowledged that the FTA can contribute to the swift recovery for the robust and resilient growth of the economies of the two countries.At the conclusion of the trade talks, both parties called the deal mutually beneficial and paving the way for high level of liberalization on trade in goods.Following the conclusion of negotiations, both parties were looking at signing the PH-ROK FTA during the 40TH AND 41ST ASEAN Summits and Related Summits in November last year in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.The signing, however, did not materialize as both parties were still reviewing text and provisions of the trade deal.&nbsp;&nbsp;Conclusion of the trade deal has been delayed for quite sometime already, largely due to market issues for goods, particularly on the exports of Philippine bananas and pineapples to South Korea. The Philippines fruits are being levied a 30-percent tariff, putting them a disadvantaged against competing exports from Vietnam which tariff rate will eventually reduce to zero.The PH-ROK FTA Negotiations was launched in June 2019 in Seoul by former Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon Lopez and South Korea's Minister for Trade Yoo Myung-hee.