Bank conducts forum to help local SMEs grow businesses

The SME Speaker Series was a Planters Development Bank event promoted by PRWorks.

A BANK that caters to the needs of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) launched in Cebu a series of symposium as part of its commitment to uplift the status of the country’s SMEs, particularly those in the export sector.

Ambassador Jesus Tambunting, also chief executive officer of Planters Development Bank (Planters Bank), said the bank has decided to have the first of five SME speaker series in Cebu since most of the world-class exporters come from the province.

“We believe that Cebu is the center of excellence for export,” Tambunting said during an interview.

Being a choice bank for SMEs, Tambunting said that Planters Bank has already released P1.4 billion in loans to SMEs in the Visayas. Another P3.8 billion was availed of by SMEs in Mindanao.

One of the things that they looked into to attract SMEs is to simplify the paperwork needed for loan applications. The current processing time for loans from the point of application to the release of loan proceeds would take about two to three weeks.

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Filed under: News, Cebu, Planters Bank, Planters Development Bank, Small and Medium Enterprises, SME speaker series, SMEs

Cebu ranks 8th for investors

By Linette C. Ramos

CEBU CITY — Foreign investment experts have again noticed Cebu City’s potential for business and ranked it as eighth of the Top 10 Asian Cities of the Future, in a list by the Finance Direct Investment (fDi) magazine of the Financial Times Group.

Only two other Philippine cities, Quezon City and Davao City, made it to the top 10, ranking seventh and 10th place, respectively.

Cebu City also ranked fourth in the list of 10 most cost-effective cities, seventh in the best quality of life category and second in development and promotion, next only to Singapore.

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Filed under: News, Business, Cebu, Cebu City, Commerce, Economy, Philippines, Small and Medium Enterprises, Top 10 Asian Cities of the Future, Visayas

Launching a web resource for entrepreneurs in Cebu

The decision to re-launch SME.com.ph in Cebu, in central Philippines, shows PR savvy for Planters Development Bank marketing strategi

sts in reaching out to small and medium entrepreneurs in the Visayas and Mindanao.

The web site provides entrepreneurs with a wealth of resources and other support services online. “SME.com.ph connects you and your business to the world market the quick, easy and affordable way,” says bank officials.

Aiming to reach out to the growing number of SMEs in southern Philippines, Plantersbank demonstrate its commitment to be a relevant player in the development of the countryside.

Located some 500 kilometers south of Manila, Cebu is considered an engine of economic growth in the south largely fueled by small and medium enterprises in the export, import, IT and service industries.

Filed under: Case Studies, Business, Cebu, Commerce, Economy, Mindanao, Philippines, Plantersbank, Small and Medium Enterprises, SMEs, Visayas

Naga: At the Crossroads

The following speech was delivered by Naga Mayor Valdemar Chiong during the inauguration of the country’s first ever SME Industrial Park:

Naga: At the Crossroads

For years, Enan – my brother the late mayor Ferdinand Chiong – and I dreamed of a progressive and sustainable industrial city of Naga.

Maybe Enan thought he would be more effective up there. Everything seems to be falling in place.

Right after my election as mayor – I based the successful campaign on the 15-point strategic platform that Naganhons now refer to as Vision and Leadership 2020 or VAL 2020 – and I immediately proceeded to Manila to push hard for the first priority as mayor-elect: that of making Naga a city.

With the enthusiasm Naganhons expressed in welcoming the “photo-finish” Senate approval, come the plebiscite this August, I am looking forward to a huge turnout and an overwhelming YES.

Today, July 11, 2007, we are officially opening the country’s first SME Industrial Park here in Naga.

Filed under: Views, , Cebu, Commerce, Economy, Naga, Naga Citihood, Philippines, Small and Medium Enterprises, SME Industrial Park, SMEs, VAL 2020, Visayas, Vision and Leadership 2020

SME Industrial Park Launching Photo Documentation

Filed under: Events, Business, Cebu, Commerce, Economy, Naga, Philippines, Plantersbank, Small and Medium Enterprises, SME Industrial Park, SMEs, Visayas

SME Industrial Park

Plantersbank has, in effect, observed the principle “Act local, think global” when it contracted PRworks Inc. as its event and public relations partner in the unveiling of the 40-hectare SME Industrial Park at the 120-hectare Naga Township in Cantao-an, Naga town on July 11, 2007.

Prworks Inc. is more than an event organizer. As a public relations firm, it has close access to the local Cebu media as well as the local government leadership under Naga Mayor Valdemar Chiong. (Refer to our work for Salcon Power Corp., which included close coordination with the local government unit).

Filed under: Case Studies, Business, Cebu, Commerce, Economy, Naga, Philippines, Plantersbank, Prworks Inc, Small and Medium Enterprises, SME Industrial Park, SMEs, Visayas