Rebisco is Platinum Sponsor of PNVF Champions League

Rebisco, a staunch supporter of Philippine volleyball from the grassroots, campus, professional and national levels, is going all out for the Philippine National Volleyball Federation’s volleyball tournament this November.

The snacks and biscuits company is the Platinum Sponsor of the Champions League, the first national league ever organized in volleyball with men’s and women’s events.

The men’s and women’s volleyball event will take place from November 20 to 25 for the women’s division and from November 29 to December 4 for the men’s division.

Rebisco’s professional volleyball teams, the Creamline Cool Smashers and the Choco Mucho Flying Titans, will not participate in the event. Rebisco team managers Alan Acero for Creamline and Rolando Delfino for Choco Mucho said the two teams were given time to rest and recharge, mentally and physically, and for them to reconnect with family after their very hectic training and playing schedule since April this year.

“We commend the PNVF for this competition that brings together the country’s top caliber teams, not just from the PVL but from the regions as well. Metro Manila teams will be competing with provincial volleyball teams and is a big step in our common dream to grow the sport. Next year the PNVF intends to welcome more teams across the country as well. We at Rebisco are happy that our national volleyball program is moving in the right direction,” said Noric Ng, Business Unit Head of Rebisco.

Let’s Talk About Sex with Durex’ SEXducated

 

In the past few years, Filipinos have started opening up and talking about sex and how it is an important conversation to have in order to engage in safe, healthy, and satisfying sexual activities. But despite the inroads that have been made in normalizing conversations about sex, barriers remain when it comes to discussing Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) including the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) as the feelings of shame and stigma remain which prevent people from accessing information and resources that can help Filipinos develop safe sex habits.

The lack of access and conversation contributes to the continued rise in the number of people who test HIV-positive in the country. July 2021 data from the HIV/AIDS & ART Registry of the Philippines (HARP) showed that 1,045 Filipinos tested HIV-positive while 60 people died of AIDS-related complications. This means 33 people tested positive every day from January to July 2021.

 

HIV cases in the Philippines continue to rise especially for youths aged 15-24 years old

 

 

Faced with these numbers, Durex continues to strengthen its mission to promote safe sex with its new SEXducated video series available on the Durex Facebook and YouTube channel.

 

 

SEXducated with Durex

Targeted toward millennials and Gen Zs, singles, and stay-at-home couples, the SEXducated with Durex video series is a fun and creative treatment to lessons on practicing safe sex. The show gives light to HIV awareness and how to improve one’s overall sexual health.

 

“It’s part of our responsibility as a brand to empathize with our consumers’ needs and give them safe and practical solutions,” said Matt Davis, Reckitt Marketing Director. “Through SEXducated with Durex, we aim to provide a safe space and have a thoughtful discussion on topics that beg to be talked about.”

 

Singles and young people can learn from the boys of Boys Night Out (Sam YG, Slick Rick and TonyToni) and Elijah Canlas as the four debunk HIV myths with hard facts. They can also learn from Dr. Kilimanguru, as he addresses need-to-know information about HIV. While couples can find ways to rekindle their relationships as they explore the topic of seeking pleasure through intimate acts with Dr. Rica Cruz.

 

With Durex’s SEXducated series, Boys Night Out and Elijah Canlas debunk HIV myths and learn hard facts about safe sex

 

 

Dr. Kilimanguru or Winston Kilimanjaro Tiwaquen is a doctor who gained fame on TikTok for his medical advice videos known for being easy to understand and entertaining because of his use of hugot lines and jokes. Through his videos, delivered in colloquial Filipino, viewers learn about the simplest medical issues from the common cold to HIV, and even COVID-19. Meanwhile Dr. Rica Cruz is a sexologist and media personality whose expertise is on sexual pleasure and sexual behaviors. Dr. Rica believes that sexual ownership is sexier than sex.

 

  

Together Dr. Kilimanguru and Dr. Rica Cruz, viewers learn need-to-know facts about HIV and having sex safely, intimately, and pleasurably

 

 

Protection, Preparedness, and Education (PPE)

Enabling Filipinos to “Always Come Prepared,” Durex fulfills its role as a responsible brand through ongoing partnerships with various organizations. To date, Durex is distributing condoms to the beneficiaries of the Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM), San Lazaro Hospital - Nagasaki University Collaborative Research and Laboratory, Positive Action Foundation Philippines Incorporated (PAFPI), Pasig City Government, Sustained Health Initiatives of the Philippines (SHIP), The Red Whistle, and LoveYourself, Inc.

 

The need to connect is very human and so is the need for open conversation about something as natural as sex. And with the isolation possibly triggering more intense feelings, it’s important to protect oneself from risks that can be otherwise prevented.

 

With its SEXducated campaign, Durex encourages Filipinos to always come prepared and enjoy sex safely. Learn more about practicing safe sex with Durex via their Facebook page.

 

Bring Holiday Cheer to Your Home with These Must-Have Filipino Christmas Staples

MANILA, OCTOBER 29, 2021 - Yuletide is celebrated in most parts of the world, but there’s nothing quite like a Pinoy Christmas. We celebrate it longer than most countries—for over a hundred days, in fact.

What makes a Pinoy Christmas so special? For Filipinos, it’s the sumptuous holiday spread, twinkling lights and decor, meaningful gifts, and Christmas carols, all made even more special with precious memories of enjoying them with our loved ones. 

To make this year’s Christmas celebrations even more memorable, stock up on Pinoy Pasko essentials below at Shopee’s 11.11 Big Christmas Sale, Shopee’s biggest sale of the year:

Deck the halls and fill your home with holiday cheer using colorful Christmas trees and lights. After hanging up your parols, don’t forget the star of the show—the Christmas tree. Homehuk Hakone Christmas Tree stands 1.8 meters tall, perfect for smaller rooms. Decorate it with a string of multicolored Firefly Christmas Lights, which runs on seven watts and lights up with eight different effects.

When it comes to Filipino holiday parties, the hapag-kainan is always the focal point. Filipinos forge stronger bonds over meals, after all. It’s when we reconnect with our loved ones, share milestones, and crack jokes. For that big holiday spread, prepare a mouthwatering serving of naturally smoked Swift Festival Ham and top it off with a honey pineapple glaze. Next, cook some spaghetti with Royal Pasta + Spaghetti Sauce, which comes in a sweet flavor Pinoys will love, and plenty of chopped hotdogs. 

A truly Pinoy Christmas wouldn’t be complete without a lot of music. Belt out your favorite hits with the whole fam using Platinum Karaoke, which comes with thousands of songs and two wired microphone input jacks. Or play classic holiday tunes in the background with Zeus x Fujisan Desk Speakers. These bluetooth speakers feature 60 watts of bold sound and a strong bass.

One sure-fire way to make holiday parties even more fun? Dress up in themed apparel. Slip on a pair of cute and comfy BEAR LEADER Cotton Socks, which come in a variety of Santa Claus- and snowman-themed designs. For a cool, casual look, go for MetroSunnies Sunglasses. This pair features a holiday-ready color, stylish cat eye frame, and UV protection lens.

For more deals at the 11.11 Big Christmas Sale, visit https://shopee.ph/m/christmas-sale. New to Shopee? This 11.11, it’s the perfect time to join! Enjoy big savings on your first purchase with exclusive promos for new users such as free gifts, free vouchers, and ₱1 deals. Invite your friends and family to join Shopee as well for a safe, fun, and rewarding shopping experience.

 

You can also use ShopeePay to buy load, pay bills, and scan to pay at thousands of merchants nationwide. Get up to 50% discount on load for all networks. Pay your bills with ShopeePay to avail of the special 30% cashback this Oct 30 Payday Sale. You can use it to pay Meralco, Maynilad, PLDT, BPI, and a growing list of partner billers. Lastly, buy ShopeePay ₱1 Deals on the app and enjoy exclusive discounts when you pay via ShopeePay QR at Puregold, Potato Corner, Bonchon, Fruitas, and other partner merchants. Make sure to activate your ShopeePay wallet and cash in through online banking, debit card, and over-the-counter partners to enjoy these exclusive perks.

Download the Shopee app for free via the App Store or Google Play.

###

About Shopee

Shopee is the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia & Taiwan. Shopee connects shoppers, brands, and sellers across Asia and other fast-growing markets, empowering anyone to buy and sell anywhere and at any time. 

Shopee offers an easy, secure, and engaging experience that is enjoyed by millions of people daily. It offers a wide product assortment, supported by integrated payments and logistics, as well as popular entertainment features tailored for each market. Shopee is also a key contributor to the region’s digital economy with a firm commitment to helping brands and entrepreneurs succeed in e-commerce.

Shopee is a part of Sea Limited (NYSE:SE), a leading global consumer internet company. In addition to Shopee, Sea’s other core businesses include its digital entertainment arm, Garena, and digital financial services arm, SeaMoney. Sea’s mission is to better the lives of consumers and small businesses with technology.

About Shopee Mall

Shopee Mall is the region’s leading online mall offering one-stop access to a wide range of international and local brands and retailers. Shoppers can enjoy three guarantees delivered by Shopee Mall -- 100% authentic products, free returns and free shipping. With always-on deals, entertainment and a robust loyalty programme, Shopee Mall offers an unparalleled online shopping experience and best value all year round.

About ShopeePay

ShopeePay is an integrated mobile wallet that offers users easy access to digital payment services. Launched in the Philippines in 2019, ShopeePay enables a seamless shopping experience by allowing users to make online payments on Shopee, top-up their wallets, and transfer and withdraw funds.

ShopeePay makes it easier to shop and do business. It provides users with a convenient, secure, and rewarding payment option; it empowers businesses and helps them capture new opportunities. 

ShopeePay is part of SeaMoney, the digital financial services arm of Sea Group. A leading digital payments and financial services provider in Southeast Asia, SeaMoney’s mission is to better the lives of individuals and businesses in the region with financial services through technology.

High-speed data for less: DITO launches DITO 39 and Starter Pack

Manila, Philippines – Heeding the call of Filipino consumers for more affordable data promos, DITO Telecommunity announced the launch of its DITO 39 and DITO Starter Pack offers. Available from October 15, 2021 to January 31, 2022, these two ‘sulit’ deals provide high-speed data and more at value-for-money prices so that everyone can enjoy stronger connectivity for all their surfing needs.

For those who are looking to move to DITO, the DITO Starter Pack is for you! For only P49, you can get your DITO SIM card and 3GB of high-speed, open data, unlimited texts to all networks, unlimited DITO-to-DITO calls, and 100 minutes of calls to other networks.
The DITO 39 on the other hand is perfect for DITO subscribers on a budget. For only P39, you can enjoy 3GB worth of data, unlimited texts to all networks, unlimited DITO-to-DITO calls, and 100 minutes of calls to other networks. What’ good about both offers is they are valid for 15 days!

What are you waiting for? Head out to the nearest DITO Experience Store and retail partner or add to cart on Lazada and Shopee to avail of these ‘sulit’ deals from DITO. Aside from the DITO Experience Stores and retail partners, you can also avail of the DITO 39 promo via the DITO App, MyDITO, SMS 185, Alipay, and WeChat.

For more information, check out www.dito.ph or @DITOPhOfficial on social media.

ShopeePay Partners with GHL to Drive Digital Payments Ahead

MANILA, OCTOBER 27, 2021 - ShopeePay, Shopee’s integrated mobile wallet, partners with GHL Systems Berhad, to expand digital payment acceptance in the Philippines, bringing cashless payment solutions for businesses and consumers to over 83,000 merchant points nationwide.

GHL, ASEAN’s leading payment solutions provider, with a vast footprint of 383,600 payment touchpoints across the region, teams up with ShopeePay to drive digital payments in the Philippines as more Filipinos continue to shift towards safer and more convenient options. ShopeePay users can now pay at establishments such as Phoenix Petroleum, Family Mart, Three Sixty Pharmacy, Prince Retail, and more chains nationwide. 

The future of digital financial services in Southeast Asia sees great potential. The region’s gross transaction value will experience a 15% increase, expecting to reach U$1.2 trillion dollars from digital financial services by 2025. With more Filipinos embracing cashless payment methods, the total transaction value for digital payments is expected to have an annual growth rate of 14.67% in the next four years. With this, ShopeePay continues to expand its roster of partner merchants to serve more individuals anytime and anywhere. 

Ruoshan Tao, Head of ShopeePay Online Philippines, said, “As more consumers adopt digital and contactless payments, it’s essential for ShopeePay to provide easier ways for our consumers to transact online. With our partnership with GHL, we can scale up our network of partners and offer our customers access to a wider variety of partner merchants. We will continue to collaborate with other organizations to support Filipino consumers embracing digital payments.” 

The collaboration between ShopeePay and GHL aims to encourage Filipinos to embrace digital payments. ShopeePay will work with new partners to boost both financial and digital inclusion throughout the country, and will push for initiatives that will support the easier adoption of finance digitalization.

Rey Maria R. Chumacera, Chief Executive Officer at GHL Systems Philippines, said, “Adding ShopeePay to our range of digital payment acceptance is definitely the way forward to allowing our merchants to reach a larger consumer base. With ShopeePay’s expansive reach, we can continue growing together, reaching immense scalability in time. At the end of the day, consumers are the clear winners from an enhanced payment experience.”

 

Users can activate and cash-in their ShopeePay wallets through online banking, debit card, and over-the-counter partners to enjoy a safe and rewarding cashless experience. For more information about ShopeePay and its perks and benefits, visit https://shopee.ph/m/shopee-pay. 

Download the Shopee app for free via the App Store or Google Play.

###

About Shopee

Shopee is the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia & Taiwan. Shopee connects shoppers, brands, and sellers across Asia and other fast-growing markets, empowering anyone to buy and sell anywhere and at any time. 

 

Shopee offers an easy, secure, and engaging experience that is enjoyed by millions of people daily. It offers a wide product assortment, supported by integrated payments and logistics, as well as popular entertainment features tailored for each market. Shopee is also a key contributor to the region’s digital economy with a firm commitment to helping brands and entrepreneurs succeed in e-commerce.

 

Shopee is a part of Sea Limited (NYSE:SE), a leading global consumer internet company. In addition to Shopee, Sea’s other core businesses include its digital entertainment arm, Garena, and digital financial services arm, SeaMoney. Sea’s mission is to better the lives of consumers and small businesses with technology.

 

About ShopeePay
ShopeePay is an integrated mobile wallet that offers users easy access to digital payment services. Launched in the Philippines in 2019, ShopeePay enables a seamless shopping experience by allowing users to make online payments on Shopee, top-up their wallets, and transfer and withdraw funds.

ShopeePay makes it easier to shop and do business. It provides users with a convenient, secure, and rewarding payment option; it empowers businesses and helps them capture new opportunities. 

ShopeePay is part of SeaMoney, the digital financial services arm of Sea Group. A leading digital payments and financial services provider in Southeast Asia, SeaMoney’s mission is to better the lives of individuals and businesses in the region with financial services through technology.

Follow these Self-Care Tips to Keep Yourself Happy and Healthy During the Busiest Time of the Year

MANILA, OCTOBER 27, 2021 - The holidays bring us joy, but the season also marks one of the busiest and most demanding times of the year. While we look forward to our loved ones’ company, there are still plenty of tasks at hand: virtual parties to plan, a holiday shopping list to organize, and work to wrap up before we go on vacation. 

If you want to maximize the holiday festivities, take some time to focus on your well-being. This is supposed to be the happiest time of the year, after all! Take it slow, decide which tasks to prioritize, and ask for help if you’re struggling with all the responsibilities on your plate. 

Here are a few other tips to help you take it easy during the holidays:

Get enough sleep

A good night’s sleep equips you with enough energy to face the day. Wake up to better mornings by indulging in a luxurious at-home massage with Rest Easy Massager, which comes with an advanced heating function. Then snuggle in bed and relax any tense muscles with the ergonomic Hosh Memory Foam Pillow. Lastly, improve the air quality and add a relaxing ambiance to your room with the Fresh Air Wooden Humidifier. 

Get your mind off work

It’s difficult to relax when your phone keeps pinging. If you can, disable notifications after working hours and try out new hobbies to take your mind off work. For instance, spend more time outdoors and try gardening. Ace Hardware Garden Tool Set, which includes a trowel, transplanter, and pruning shear, is perfect for budding green thumbs. If you’ve always wanted to explore the art of baking, Oster 6-Speed Hand Mixer will make each culinary experiment easier with its powerful 250-watt motor and chrome-plated beaters and dough hooks. Meanwhile, those interested in dabbling in photography should invest in Paperang Portable Thermal Printer for high-quality instant photos.

Build a self-care routine

Each day, take the time to pamper yourself and melt the stress away with personal care products. With glowing, hydrated skin, you’ve got one less thing to worry about! Start your skincare routine with the Garnier Cleanse Glow Trio. This serum, micellar water, and day cream set contains a concentrated Vitamin C formula to help even out your skin tone. Don’t forget to  treat your legs and arms to some loving too. Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion protects dry skin with natural colloidal oatmeal blended with rich emollients.

Indulge in guilt-free me-time

Sometimes all you need to destress is leisurely me-time. Take a much-needed breather and release your pent-up stress using Nintendo Switch Console V2. Its new system features a vibrant seven-inch OLED screen, wide adjustable stand, dock with a wired LAN port, 64 GB of internal storage, and enhanced audio. Or sit back and binge-watch your favorite K-dramas on Avision Smart Digital LED TV, which features a 1366x786 display resolution. For quality audio, you can’t go wrong with Xiaomi 11T Pro. With its Dolby Atmos dual speakers, you can unwind while listening to your relaxation playlist. 

Self-care means getting the best bang for your buck, too! To enjoy more deals at Shopee’s Oct 30 Payday Sale, check out with ShopeePay for safe and cashless payments. Get free shipping vouchers with no minimum spend, 30% off discounts, and 30% cashback on your self-care purchases, exclusively with ShopeePay.

 

You can also use ShopeePay to buy load, pay bills, and scan to pay at thousands of merchants nationwide. Get up to 50% discount on load for all networks. Pay your bills with ShopeePay to avail of the special 30% cashback this Oct 30 Payday Sale. You can use it to pay Meralco, Maynilad, PLDT, BPI, and a growing list of partner billers. Lastly, buy ShopeePay ₱1 Deals on the app and enjoy exclusive discounts when you pay via ShopeePay QR at Puregold, Potato Corner, Bonchon, Fruitas, and other partner merchants. Make sure to activate your ShopeePay wallet and cash in through online banking, debit card, and over-the-counter partners to enjoy these exclusive perks.

 

For more deals this payday, visit https://shopee.ph/m/payday-sale. 

Download the Shopee app for free via the App Store or Google Play.

###

About Shopee

Shopee is the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia & Taiwan. Shopee connects shoppers, brands, and sellers across Asia and other fast-growing markets, empowering anyone to buy and sell anywhere and at any time. 

Shopee offers an easy, secure, and engaging experience that is enjoyed by millions of people daily. It offers a wide product assortment, supported by integrated payments and logistics, as well as popular entertainment features tailored for each market. Shopee is also a key contributor to the region’s digital economy with a firm commitment to helping brands and entrepreneurs succeed in e-commerce.

Shopee is a part of Sea Limited (NYSE:SE), a leading global consumer internet company. In addition to Shopee, Sea’s other core businesses include its digital entertainment arm, Garena, and digital financial services arm, SeaMoney. Sea’s mission is to better the lives of consumers and small businesses with technology.

About Shopee Mall

Shopee Mall is the region’s leading online mall offering one-stop access to a wide range of international and local brands and retailers. Shoppers can enjoy three guarantees delivered by Shopee Mall -- 100% authentic products, free returns and free shipping. With always-on deals, entertainment and a robust loyalty programme, Shopee Mall offers an unparalleled online shopping experience and best value all year round.

About ShopeePay

ShopeePay is an integrated mobile wallet that offers users easy access to digital payment services. Launched in the Philippines in 2019, ShopeePay enables a seamless shopping experience by allowing users to make online payments on Shopee, cash in their wallets, send money, and do bank transfers. 

ShopeePay makes it easier to shop and do business. It provides users with a convenient, secure, and rewarding payment option; it empowers businesses and helps them capture new opportunities. 

ShopeePay is part of SeaMoney, the digital financial services arm of Sea Group. A leading digital payments and financial services provider in Southeast Asia, SeaMoney’s mission is to better the lives of individuals and businesses in the region with financial services through technology.

STRONGER ECONOMIC TIES, NEW AREAS OF COOPERATION PURSUED BETWEEN THE PHILIPPINES AND HUNGARY AT THE 3RD JOINT COMMISSION ON ECONOMIC COOPERATION MEETING

BUDAPEST, HUNGARY (18-19 October 2021) – The Philippines and Hungary successfully convened the 3rd Meeting of the Joint Commission on Economic Cooperation (JCEC) under the co-chairmanship of Dr. Ceferino S. Rodolfo, Undersecretary for Industry Development and Trade Policy of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Deputy State Secretary for Export Development István Joó of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary. The two-day meeting was held in hybrid format with the first day conducted virtually and attended by Philippine-based government officials and representatives. The second day was a physical meeting in Budapest.

During the meeting, both the Philippines and Hungary agreed to pursue new collaborations in the areas of information and communications technology/digitalization, science, technology and innovation, energy, environment and TVET. Follow-through discussions were made on the progress in earlier areas of cooperation covering trade, investments and manufacturing, water management, agriculture, food safety, education, transport, healthcare, culture and sports.

Undersecretary Rodolfo said “This 3rd JCEC is not just an opportunity for both sides to follow through our earlier agreements and decisions, but more importantly, to sustain our collaboration in enhancing our relations to benefit our economies and our people. While there are many challenges arising because of the pandemic, we have to bear in mind that these strategic partnerships are necessary elements in building a strong foundation towards recovery.”

The JCEC showcased the robust cooperation in the field of agriculture not only among respective ministries and departments but also with the academe and private organizations. The Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences (MATE) concluded a material transfer agreement of vegetable seeds for testing and experimentation with the Bureau of Plant Industry and Barangay Don Bosco in Paranaque City. An intent for a machinery donation of a grader to PhilRice was also made during the visit of the JCEC delegation to MATE.

Hungary has been internationally recognized as having the expertise and technology in water management and treatment. At the JCEC, discussions continued to finalize the relevant agreements to avail of a tied aid loan package to implement the projects of the Laguna Lake Development Authority and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council. The projects include an online water quality monitoring system in Laguna de Bay and its tributaries and the purchase of compact water treatment units for use during disasters and other emergencies. These projects are becoming increasingly important as the country responds to various environmental challenges and meet national sustainability goals.

The JCEC also recognized the full utilization in the academic year 2020 of the allocated slots for Filipino students under the Stipendium Hungaricum scholarships. Thirty-four (34) Filipino students were awarded the scholarship and will pursue undergraduate, master and doctoral studies in various universities in Hungary specializing in agriculture and sustainable development, medicine, water management, engineering and hydrology, architecture and the protection of cultural heritage, natural sciences and environmental studies. Philippine utilization of the scholarships has been increasing with a total of 93 recipients since the implementation in 2016. The Philippines likewise invited Hungary to encourage their students and researchers to avail of the various programs offered in selected Philippine higher education institutions (HEIs). With the recent success of Filipino national athletes during the Tokyo Olympics, the Philippines also proposed for both sides to explore cooperation in sports education for tertiary-level sports coaches. With the passage of the Transnational Higher Education Act or Republic Act 11448, the Philippines also took the opportunity to invite Hungary to explore possible partnerships with HEIs providing opportunities for the conduct of higher education programs in niche priority areas, twinning arrangements, and even establishment of Hungarian universities campuses in the country.

The meeting also paved the way for discussions on TVET cooperation and science, technology and innovation through MOUs being finalized by relevant agencies with their Hungarian counterparts. Discussions on transport cooperation are expected to commence soon with a draft MOU already tabled for consideration. Areas of cooperation were also firmed up in the areas of environment and ICT/digitalization.

Towards the conclusion of the JCEC, three agreements were announced. These include the Material Transfer Agreements of the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences with the Bureau of Plant and Industry and Barangay Don Bosco, Paranaque City and the Partnership Agreement between Startup Campus Inkubator Plc., Hungary and QBO Innovation Hub. The latter aims to capitalize on the rapidly growing start-up ecosystems in the country with government support in high-growth services such as AI, Big Data, and fintech, among others.

Clearly, Undersecretary Rodolfo stated that there remains to be a lot of opportunities for both countries to take advantage of. As we face the task of economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, we hope to foster synergies based on each other’s strengths and our shared interests in the areas being discussed in the JCEC.”

Further to the areas of cooperation agreed upon, Hungary reiterated their strong support to the Philippines as a beneficiary to the Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) of the European Union (EU). The EU GSP+ is a unilateral trade arrangement that offers zero tariffs on more than 6,000 products to beneficiary countries exporting to the EU. The country is also supportive of the resumption of the negotiations on the PH-EU Free Trade Agreement and remains as one of our strongest supporter in the EU.

Hungary is ranked as the PH’s 49th trading partner (out of 225) in 2020. It is the country’s 11th largest export market in the EU. Additionally, Hungary is the Philippines' 13th largest export destination in the EU for GSP+ products. Out of EUR 144 Million worth of PH products exported to HU, EUR 10.83 Million worth of PH exports used GSP+ preferences. Top export products to Hungary include electronics, machinery parts and accessories, and storage units, among others.