Philippines Roundup: Protection of workers, monsoon, poultry imports
Increased sales
In August 2024, new vehicle sales in the Philippines rose 7% to 39,155 units compared to 36,714 units the previous year, driven by strong domestic economic activity. The country's GDP grew by 6.3% in Q2 2024, supported by government spending and stable household consumption despite a significant interest rate hike. Just Auto reports that commercial vehicle sales increased by 11%, while passenger vehicle sales fell by 6% due to adverse weather conditions. For the first eight months of 2024, total vehicle sales grew 10% to 304,765 units, with commercial vehicles up 9% and passenger cars up 14%. Major brands like Toyota and Mitsubishi reported significant sales increases, with the Philippine government promoting hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) to bolster market growth. Toyota plans to launch its new Tamaraw utility vehicle by November 2024.
Postal improvement
Japan is committed to modernising the Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) by providing expert consultancy from its Ministry of Internal Affairs, Japan Post, and Toshiba. This initiative follows the visit of Japan's State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Tsuge Yoshifumi, who emphasised collaboration in improving PHLPost's infrastructure and operational capabilities, Post and Parcel reports. With e-commerce sales in the Philippines projected to grow from USD 17 billion in 2021 to USD 24 billion by 2025, Japan aims to enhance PHLPost's digital services and technology to meet the demands of this sector. The partnership is expected to improve mail processing reliability and expand PHLPost's e-commerce operations.
Monsoon and tropical cyclones
At least 20 people have died and 14 are missing in the Philippines due to the southwest monsoon and two tropical cyclones, Ferdie and Gener. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported that nearly 600,000 people were affected across 12 regions, with significant flooding and damage to 930 houses and infrastructure. Socialnews reports that the Philippines, prone to an average of 20 typhoons annually, faces risks of heavy rains, flooding, and strong winds resulting in casualties and property destruction.
Philippines, Kuwait protection of workers
The Philippines has resumed the deployment of workers to Kuwait with new protective measures aimed at safeguarding their rights and welfare, following a suspension that began last year after the murder of a Filipino domestic worker. The agreement between the two countries includes enhanced worker protections, a joint committee for labour affairs, a whitelisting system for recruitment agencies, and the appointment of welfare desk officers. According to Arab News, The initial group of 35 experienced workers will join approximately 270,000 Filipinos currently in Kuwait. Additional measures like electronic salary payments aim to address issues of wage delays and non-payment.
UK Poultry imports
The British Embassy in the Philippines celebrated the return of UK poultry imports after a three-year ban due to avian influenza. Ambassador Laure Beaufils highlighted this milestone during a networking reception on September 17, 2024, emphasising the UK’s commitment to high safety standards in agriculture. The ban's lifting was formalised by the Department of Agriculture's Memorandum Order No. 34, restarting trade that previously made the UK the sixth-largest poultry supplier to the Philippines. Recent trade figures indicate UK-Philippines trade reached £2.8 billion in 2023. A regionalisation agreement was also established to ensure safe trade amid potential HPAI outbreaks. The event highlighted the collaborative efforts between UK and Philippine authorities and reinforced the importance of agricultural trade in meeting consumer demand.
