Export Development Council

𝐄𝐃𝐂 𝐥𝐚𝐮𝐝𝐬 𝐁𝐎𝐂 𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐄-𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐂 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬!

The Export Development Council lauds BOC's initiatives toward export competitiveness. The Bureau of Customs issued a memorandum order on 30 March 2026, amending Section 4.3 of CMO 4-2020 to exempt AEO-accredited exporters from the Electronic Tracking of Containerized Cargo (E-TRACC) system. By lifting this requirement for Authorized Economic Operators (AEOs) that are also Registered Business Enterprises (RBEs), the BOC has effectively removed a key source of delays and costs, in response to exporters’ call for practical solutions to low-hanging trade barriers. This reform, formalized through a Customs Memorandum Order, ensures smoother cargo movement to and from Free Zones and strengthens the incentive framework for AEOs.

Further, the Assessment and Operations Coordinating Group (AOCG) Memo No. 188-2025, which directs all ports to recognize the Export-Oriented Enterprise (EOE) Certificates issued by the DTI-Export Marketing Bureau (EMB) and clarifies operational issues about the said certificates was also issued by the BOC.

The issuance provided clarity and consistency across all ports in the implementation of Republic Act No. 12066, otherwise known as the CREATE MORE Act. The EOE Certificates grant exporters with at least 70% export sales to avail of VAT exemptions on imports directly attributable to its export activities without the need for a Tax Exemption Indorsement (TEI) from the Department of Finance (DOF). This reduces regulatory burden and enhances exporters’ operational efficiency.

Recognizing their importance on the implementation of the strict enforcement of the 90-day container dwell time rule under Customs Administrative Order No. 8-2019. As a key partner in trade facilitation, the EDC highly regards these efforts of BOC to ensure the timely movement and disposition of overstaying containers. 𝑭𝑨𝑴𝑫

𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭: 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐀𝐠𝐫𝐢-𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐦 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝟗𝐭𝐡 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐅𝐚𝐫𝐦 𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐦 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞

The 9th International Farm Tourism Conference, held on 4–6 March 2026 in Baguio City, gathered farm tourism stakeholders, government agencies, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and industry leaders under the theme “Highland Harvest: Cultivating Sustainable Agriculture and Tourism.” Organized by the International School of Sustainable Tourism (ISST), co-presented by the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the City Government of Baguio, and funded by the Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc., the nationwide event aims to raise awareness and promote the development of Filipino farms into sustainable and globally competitive agri-tourism destinations.

On its first day, it featured a panel discussion on highland coffee innovation, and presentations anchored on farm tourism, including six pillars of sustainable farm tourism, digitalization, preservation of natural and cultural heritage, and market trends and insights.

The second day revolves on topics about scientific and technical contributions covering sustainable food systems, brand storytelling and marketing, climate adaptation, resilient community building, and upland freshwater technologies.

One of the highlights of the conference was the 5th Asian Farm Tourism Awards (AFTA), which recognized and awarded local and Asian entrepreneurs for their innovative initiatives on farm tourism. Charinee Chaiyochlarb of Mini Murrah Farm in Thailand and Raymond Aaron of Villa Socorro Farm from Pagsanjan, Laguna, were awarded Best Farm Tourism Enterprise.

For the Outstanding Youth Entrepreneur, it was given to Agus Wibowo from Indonesia’s PT-Agro-Lestari-Merbabu. Further, the Outstanding Farm Tourism Advocate awards were received by Tariq Tanveer, CEO of Agri Tourism Development Corp. of Pakistan, and Fang Tzu Wei, chairman of The Morning Market in Taiwan.

The 9th International Farm Tourism Conference concluded with the passing of the Torch Ceremony, where Bacolod will be the next host. It established renewed calls to strengthen collaboration among stakeholders in fostering sustainable farm tourism in the Philippines. Through the 3-day knowledge sharing and networking, the event amplified the growing role of farm tourism in empowering rural communities and making the nation a competitive agri-tourism destination. 𝑲𝑭𝑺

𝐏𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐋𝐨𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐬 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔: 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐫𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞, 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬

The Philippine Ports and Logistics Conference and Expo 2026 held on 11 March 2026 gathered maritime, transport, and logistics stakeholders to participate in strengthening the country’s transportation and logistics sector. The event emphasized the importance of collaboration among industry leaders, policymakers, and investors as the Philippines continues to welcome overseas investments into key areas of transportation and logistics infrastructure. These initiatives are expected to enhance the country's capacity to support trade, improve connectivity, and promote sustainable economic growth.

The first session, titled “Transforming the Philippine Port Industry to Global Standards: The Race for Economy of Scale within ASEAN Ports,” focused on the modernization of port infrastructure, freight management, and supply chain systems. The discussion highlighted ongoing efforts to upgrade port facilities to meet international standards, improve cargo handling efficiency, and optimize logistics operations. Speakers emphasized the need to advance strategic plans for port infrastructure and logistics facilities that will support both national and regional supply chains. These efforts are essential in ensuring the efficient movement of goods across the Asia-Pacific region and strengthening the Philippines’ competitiveness within the ASEAN port network.

Another key session, “Infrastructure Development That Sets Ports Apart: How Special Economic Zones and Business Parks Create Opportunities for Ports to Become National Economic Contributors,” examined the role of infrastructure development in enhancing the functionality and economic value of ports. The session emphasized how the integration of ports with special economic zones and business parks creates synergies that attract investments, generate employment, and stimulate industrial growth. By aligning port development strategies with economic zone planning, ports can serve not only as transportation hubs but also as drivers of regional development and national economic productivity.

The discussion on “Intermodal Logistics as a Value Factor: The Integration of Road, Rail, and Sea Supply Chains and Logistics Management” highlighted the importance of connectivity across multiple transport modes. ensure the successful implementation of integrated transport systems.Speakers emphasized that the integration of road, rail, and maritime networks plays a crucial role in improving supply chain efficiency and reducing transportation costs. Effective intermodal logistics systems enable seamless cargo transfers, minimize delays, and enhance overall logistics reliability. The session also addressed the importance of strong logistics management practices, including data-driven decision-making and coordination among stakeholders, to

Overall, the Philippine Ports and Logistics 2026 event demonstrated the country’s commitment to modernizing its port infrastructure, strengthening logistics capabilities, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders. The insights shared during the sessions highlighted the need for continuous investment in infrastructure, digitalization, and intermodal connectivity to support trade facilitation and economic development. As the Philippines continues to position itself as a strategic logistics hub in the region, initiatives such as these play a critical role in shaping a more efficient, resilient, and globally competitive port and logistics sector. 𝑭𝑨𝑴𝑫

𝐄𝐃𝐂-𝐍𝐂𝐋𝐀𝐌 𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐤𝐞𝐲 𝐌𝐒𝐌𝐄 𝐫𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦 𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐬

The Export Development Council – Networking Committee on Legislative Advocacy and Monitoring (EDC-NCLAM) participated in the organizational meeting of the Senate Committee on Trade, Commerce, and Entrepreneurship held on 10 March 2026 at Pecson Hall, Senate of the Philippines in Pasay City.

The meeting was chaired by Sen. Rodante D. Marcoleta, who led the deliberations on Senate Bill Nos. 492, 761, and 931. These proposed measures seek to amend the provisions of Republic Act No. 6977, as further strengthened by Republic Act No. 9501, collectively known as the Magna Carta for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

The proposed amendments aim to enhance support mechanisms, improve access to financing, and strengthen institutional frameworks to promote the growth and resilience of MSMEs in the country.
Meanwhile, counterpart legislation at the House of Representatives, House Bill No. 1490, authored by Representatives Rufus Rodriguez and Maximo Rodriguez Jr., was approved and adopted at the lower house on 2 December 2025. The bill is currently pending with the Committee on Appropriations for the preparation of its committee report.

EDC-NCLAM’s participation in the meeting underscores its continued commitment to actively engaging in legislative processes that advance a more enabling environment for exporters and MSMEs, in line with national development goals. 𝑴𝑴

𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗢𝘂𝘁𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸: 𝗨𝗦$𝟭𝟭𝟲.𝟭𝗕 𝘁𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀

The Philippines remains on track to achieve its revised 2026 export target of US$116.1 billion, signaling continued opportunities for local exporters despite ongoing global demand softness and trade policy uncertainties.

Recent performance underscores this optimism. In November 2025, Philippine goods exports surged 21.3% year-on-year to US$6.91 billion, driven largely by strong global demand for electronics, agro-based products, and consumer goods—key sectors where Philippine exporters remain competitive.

A major boost comes from improved access to the US market. According to DTI–Export Marketing Bureau Director Bianca Pearl Sykimte, the lifting of US tariffs on a wide range of agricultural products—including coconut, coffee, tea, tropical fruits and juices, cocoa, spices, bananas, oranges, tomatoes, beef, and selected fertilizers—has leveled the playing field for Philippine food exporters. This policy shift enhances price competitiveness and opens wider market space for exporters seeking to scale up in the US.

Looking ahead to 2026, the government, through the DTI and partner agencies, is strengthening export diversification, market promotion, and strategic development initiatives to help exporters navigate global headwinds and capture new growth opportunities.

For exporters, the message is clear:
market access is improving, demand is stabilizing, and government support remains strong—making the 2026 export target not just achievable, but actionable. 𝘼𝙊𝘽