The texts below are excerpts from the paper "Clean Development Mechanism: New Challenges for the Philippines" (Anna Mae Tuazon, June 2008):

Download the complete version of the paper from the AIM Policy Center website.

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"The Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) is one of the “flexibility mechanisms” provided by the Kyoto Protocol to help developed countries or “Annex 1” countries comply with a prescribed global greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction target set to be achieved by the end of year 2012 through projects implemented in developing nations. CDM projects may range from developing clean energy sources to spearheading waste management initiatives, as well as agricultural and afforestation/reforestation-related activities."

The CDM is only one of many "carbon credit" schemes/mechanisms in the world, but is the one designed for and most entered into by developing nations.  

"Policy Recommendations

1.      Our (The Philippines') CDM potential is quite high, but we need to evaluate net effects. We potentially have a substantial amount of natural resources, particularly for renewable energy projects. Aside from this, our country is a very good candidate for CDM projects because most of our laws do not have strict mandates related to the use of clean technology; as such it is not very difficult to prove the additionality of CDM projects.  On the other hand, there is perhaps a need to reflect on whether this lack of policy that provides opportunities for more CDM projects to be registered, should in fact be a cause for jubilation. This inadequacy or weakness, which CDM projects are able to “take advantage of”, should, in fact, be sounding an alarm that in our country clean energy and technology continue to be treated as an exception rather than the rule. CDM will not always be present to carry the slack.

2.      Take CDM seriously, but only as part of a transitional phase. CDM should indeed be taken seriously. It helps LGUs and other units of the government to comply with the law (just as CIGAR[1] has done in helping communities comply with RA 9003) and to do even more than what it calls for. It allows LGUs to acquire  state-of-the-art technologies, serve the public’s needs, save the environment, do our share and cooperate with the global community, and earn extra from CERs. However, consider that CDM may be a temporary solution, one that gives developing countries and extra edge or handicap. It only aims to give countries training-wheels until such time that they can run clean technologies and implement adequate policies to support the inherent social and environmental development goals of CDM on their own.

3.      In the meantime, let’s make the most of this transitional phase. The CDM ushers developing countries into the world of carbon trading and carbon financing with the benefit of safety nets. Developing countries who participate actively in CDM stand to gain ample understanding of carbon markets which they can apply in post-Kyoto Protocol markets and other mechanisms. For now, let us make CDM work by harmonizing our actions. We can do this by allowing CDM PPs to go through their CDM registration without too many hitches in the national level. Through the leadership of the Designated National Authority (DNA), the criteria on economic, social, and ecological development of the project’s concerned community should be the primary consideration for government’s support for a proposed CDM project. Other entities should consult with the DNA before impeding a potential CDM project, especially if the bases for their contention are not considered in the national approval process guidelines. Support for LGU and private sector CDM partnerships should be permitted to thrive.

4.      Policies and other actions that show government support for the goals of CDM are critical. National laws do more than just run in the background of CDM projects. As discussed in a previous section, PPs have used both the adequacy and inadequacy of the content of laws to strengthen their justification of additionality. The complete implementation of existing laws (ex. EPIRA’s open access) and the enactment of those pending in the congresses (ex. Renewable Energy Bill) may variably affect the ease or difficulty of getting Philippine CDM projects approved by the CDM EB. As proven in the case of RA 9003, laws that provide general direction (e.g. area-based solid waste management) but do not mandate specific activities (e.g. RA 9003 does not mandate composting, garbage flaring and conversion to electricity) prove to be advantageous for PPs in proving a project’s CDM eligibility. However, what the country lacks are specific inter-departmental and multi-sectoral policies that support CDM. Some of these collaborative policy endeavors could be the establishment of a local carbon fund or a common pool of financial resources which can help jumpstart clean technologies that are CDM-worthy or the provision of local tax incentives for organizations running CDM projects.

5.      Study the implications of passing certain laws on the additionality of potential CDM projects. For instance, the Renewable Energy Bill proposes a concept which Mr. Larry Asera, one of the speakers in the May 2008 lecture-forum, emphasized in his talk – the Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS). RPS refers to a mandated percentage of energy used, which should come from renewable energy sources. Once this bill is passed, renewable energy projects will have more chances for rejection because of additionality – that is, if the final version of the bill will be very specific about the energy mix or the contribution of each type of energy source. The same scenario is also very likely if the bill on Energy Efficiency and Conservation is passed. The passage of bills may reduce CDM-potential (unless otherwise explicitly stated as non-prejudicial to the CDM in a special clause) but are the first steps towards moving out of the “transitional phase.” Again, evaluate the net benefits of CDM as a short-term solution vis-à-vis long-term policy or legislative reforms.

6.      Communicate the value of CDM and climate change efforts. It is good to understand additionality not only in its technical aspect, as a concept coined by the UNFCCC to screen CDM projects, but as a concept that guides us in becoming more aware and discerning of how developing countries such as ours can respond to the challenges of global climate change. In the micro-level, we, whether through CDM projects or otherwise, are challenged to demonstrate that our local-based efforts respond to the social and economic demands of our local communities, while contributing to the sustainability of the environment. The CDM as a mechanism gives us that extra boost to pursue what we, in fact, already ought to do in terms of protecting and adapting to our changing environment. This is the message that should resonate from advocates of CDM, lead by the Philippine Designated National Authority (DNA)."

Overview

Three interlocking global challenges are increasingly threatening the security and stability of nations across continents. The combination of rising food and energy prices, as well as the worsening impact of climate change have now reached alarming levels and are causing many to press panic buttons.

United Nations experts warned that rising food prices could spark worldwide unrest and threaten political stability. A recent World Bank Report similarly revealed that at least “33 countries are facing political and social unrest because of skyrocketing food and energy prices.” It also noted that “riots and unrest have already erupted in 22 countries”.

Meanwhile, the International Alert (IA), a London-based peacebuilding organization, released its own report in November 2007 highlighting the risks of conflict and instability as a consequence of nations’ inability to adapt to climate change. According to the report: “There is a real risk that climate change will compound the propensity for violent conflict, which in turn will leave communities poorer, less resilient, and less able to cope with the consequences of climate change.”

The IA Report identified 46 countries facing a high risk of armed conflict as a knock-on consequence of climate change. The list includes India, Indonesia, Pakistan, and the Philippines, among other Asian countries. Another 56 countries, including Cambodia, Laos, Taiwan, Thailand, and Timor-Leste in East Asia, are threatened by a high risk of political instability due to the impact of climate change”.

Clearly governments cannot singlehandedly address these pressing concerns. The circumstances confronting us today require international cooperation and call upon the business sector and civil society to help prevent these global challenges from spinning out of control. But what can they actually do? How can the business sector and civil society become part of the solution rather than the problem?

Driven by its mission to foster greater public-private partnership in addressing obstacles to development and competitiveness, the AIM Policy Center, as a regional think tank, has taken the lead in organizing this very timely conference. The Konrad Adenauer Stiftung, UN World Food Programme, the International Alert, the Philippine Business Leaders Forum, Congressional Committee on Science & Technology and Engineering, ABS-CBN News Channel (ANC), BusinessMirror, BusinessWorld, the AIM Alumni Relations Office, and Philstar.com supported the conference.


Conference Objectives

The conference sought to:

• Raise greater public awareness on pressing global challenges by providing updates and forecast on the food, energy and climate security situation;

• Engage the business sector and civil society in the food, energy, and climate security dynamics debate;

• Identify ways to enable the business, civil society, and other stakeholders to respond to these three interlocking global challenges; and

• Push for regional cooperation in addressing these issues.

For more information, visit the AIM Policy Center Website

PHILIPPINE CITIES COMPETITIVENESS 2007 NATIONAL PRESENTATION
4 July 2008, Grand Ballroom, Intercontinental Manila Hotel, Makati City
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

25 top-performing Philippine cities in competitiveness study awarded

Twenty-five cities that ranked at the top of three categories in a competitiveness survey conducted across the country were recognized in ceremonies held July 4 in Makati City.

The awards rites were the highlight of the presentation of the official results of the Philippine Cities Competitiveness Ranking Program (PCCRP), a flagship research undertaking of the AIM Policy Center, which seeks to identify the best cities in the Philippines in which to live, work and operate a business.

For its 2007 Round, the survey covered 90 cities, and rated them on the basis of the following competitiveness drivers: dynamism of local economy, cost of doing business, infrastructure, human resources and training, responsiveness of LGU to business needs and quality of life.

The cities were classified into metro, mid-sized and small. 25 cities were chosen as top performing based on the criteria. Among the 25, four cities are in the National Capital Region, 11 in Luzon, 4 in the Visayas, and 6 in Mindanao.

The top performing for metro cities category, in alphabetical order were: Davao, Lapu-Lapu, Makati, Manila, Marikina and Quezon City.

Among the 25 mid-sized cities, the top-performing cities in alphabetical order were Cabanatuan, General Santos, Lucena, Olongapo, San Pablo, Tagum and Tarlac.

And the top performing cities from among 45 small-sized cities were (in alphabetical order): Bayawan, Calapan, Calbayog, Dagupan, Dipolog, Laoag, San Fernando (La Union), Malaybalay, Naga, Surigao, Tagbilaran and Tuguegarao.

The PCCRP is a biennial independent study conducted throughout the archipelago, which aims to rank cities on the basis of economic performance and responsiveness to business enterprise.

Launched in 1999, the Program envisions to promote national competitiveness by encouraging healthy competition among highly urbanized and emerging cities, emphasizing the crucial roles of small and medium enterprises as the backbone of local development. By gathering and compiling strategic data and providing focused analyses of the results, the PCCRP also seeks to cultivate competitive industries, promote healthy communities and maximize the economic potentials of the cities.

Over the years, the PCCRP results have served as benchmarks for local chief executives, city planners, and economic and development managers in improving their development strides in their cities.

This latest survey was launched and completed in collaboration with the German Technical Cooperation (GTZ), the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the International Labour Organization (ILO), SM Investments Inc., and the Petron Corporation.

LECTURE 1: Clean Development Mechanism and the Energy Sector

Summary of activities

Energy-related technologies are the major sources of Global Greenhouse Gases (approximately 54% of total GHGs) and are thus the largest contributors to climate change. On the other side of the equation, just as energy poses the greatest threat to the climate, it, too, provides us with the greatest opportunities in improving the state of the climate.

On 29 May 2008, representatives from local government units (Baguio, Dagupan, San Fernando Pampanga, Antipolo, Tagaytay, Quezon City, Navotas, Malabon, Bacolod, Iloilo, Bais, Silay), government agencies, the senate and the house of representatives, participated in a whole day event discussing issues on the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) and its relation to energy at a gathering organized by the Asian Institute of Management Policy Center (APC), along with its institutional partner the Konrad Adenauer Foundation.

The Manila Observatory (MO) presented to the group a review of the science of climate change, the Kyoto Protocol, and the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM). After which, the MO discussed how the carbon market works and what its current status is. Equipped with a better understanding of the CDM, the group successfully simulated international emissions trading through MO’s carbon trading game.

To further enrich the discussion, Pangea Green Energy Philippines, the organization that designed, maintains and operates the Biogas Emission Reduction Project (i.e. through the conversion of waste to energy) in Payatas, Quezon City, shared their experience in planning for and undergoing the process of registering a CDM project. To date, this joint project of the local government of QC and Pangea  is expected to produce the most number of CERs (certified emission reductions) or carbon credits among the 17 registered CDM projects in the Philippines. Based on the questions and comments raised by the group in response to the presentation, it was evident that many LGUs were inspired to look into tapping the potential waste and energy projects in their localities, not only to increase their revenues but, most especially, to also push the boundaries in fulfilling their public duties to their constituents. Representatives from the government agencies and legislative bodies were supportive with the LGUs perspectives as well.

On May 30, APC invited CDM experts/specialists and some private sector representatives to join the public sector group in a half-day discussion on exploring opportunities for CDM in the country through the experiences of Mr. Larry Asera. Mr. Asera was conferred the Pamana ng Pilipino award by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in recognition of his accomplishment as the founder of an international energy and environmental technology company specializing in the development of renewable energy resources to promote sustainable communities, among other achievements. Indeed, Mr. Asera’s presentation on renewable energy (RE) and his RE projects in Palawan, Aurora, Albay, and Panay Island further ignited the desire of LGUs to adopt clean technologies through renewable energy sources. As Ms. Marina Mallare, Program Coordinator of klima (Manila Observatory) clearly expressed, Mr. Asera’s presentation has allowed the audience to re-assess their perceptions on renewable energy technology. Shifting from conventional and “dirty” technology to clean technology can be viable and feasible through private-public partnerships and the private sector’s commitment to their SRIs or Social Responsibility Investments. In response, alluding to the literary classic Dante’s Inferno, Professor Bagadion of the AIM pronounced, “The portals of the future have opened.”

To culminate the event, the group forwarded to APC some excellent policy recommendations on CDM which the APC commits to carefully studying. The participants have committed as well to preserve their ties and to actualize their plans promoting clean technologies and supporting CDM.

December 2002

            The Clean Development Mechanism is not a new topic for the AIM Policy Center (APC). In 2002, almost six years ago, the Infrastructure Policy Program of the APC hosted an event entitled “Clean Development Mechanism: Transforming the Energy Economy in the Philippines.” For most of the participants in the said event, the Kyoto Protocol and the CDM were new concepts. In fact, while we were one of the first signatories to the Protocol, it would take almost a year after the event (Nov 2003) before the Philippines would ratify the Kyoto Protocol. Thus, the event’s highlights were workshops on “Mobilizing for the Kyoto Protocol” and “Challenges in the framework and implementation of CDM” and the discussion of CDM opportunities in renewable energy projects. Former secretaries of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Department of Energy (DOE), Hon. Heherson Alvarez and Hon. Vincent Perez, Jr. respectively, graced the occasion, as well as representatives from other government agencies, NGOs, and academic institutions.

            To enrich the event, the APC released a policy paper on CDM in January 2003[1]. The paper highlights the following comments from the said event:

1.       It was deemed important to establish the Philippines’ Designated National Authority on CDM to facilitate the CDM process, and to respond to the following concerns:

a.        Ownership and valuation of Carbon Emission Reductions (CERs)

b.       CDM national application process

c.        Lack of information on the CDM by potential project proponents

d.       Compliance with existing environmental regulations

2.       There is a need for the Philippines to look for more potential areas for carbon emission reduction.

3.       A concern on the need for integrating projects was flagged.

4.       There should be a preferential option to improve the conditions of the marginalized sectors.

5.       Incentives for research should be part of the CDM criteria.

6.       It is imperative that the Philippines be able to send a competent representation to the Council of Parties.

7.       There is an urgent need to ratify the Kyoto Protocol while ascertaining that we can protect the national interest of the Philippines as we comply with our international obligations.

a.        A combined effort among civil society and government is needed to study the implications of ratification, to identify the next steps, and to ensure that the necessary resources are in place.

 May 2008

            The Kyoto Protocol has gone a long way since APC’s event in 2002. The Philippines has already ratified the Protocol and has been running almost 20 CDM projects, of which some have already earned Certified Emission Reductions. It has established the DENR as the CDM Designated National Authority who has laid down the rules and regulations of the CDM National Approval Process. One of the most salient features of the approval process is the inclusion of criteria for a potential CDM project’s ability to contribute to the country’s sustainable development in the following aspects:

1.       Economic dimension (provide economic opportunities, provide safety nets for stakeholders who may be aversely affected, promote cleaner technologies)

2.       Environmental dimension (comply with environmental policies set in Philippines laws, improve quality of the environment, promote sustainable use of natural resources)

3.       Social dimension (build up the capacities of local stakeholders, provide local resources and services to vulnerable groups, encourage local participation in CDM projects)

Impressively, the abovementioned policy recommendations from the 2002 event have been successfully responded to over the past years.

            In this year’s event, the APC hopes to follow up on that success by providing incumbent local government officials and legislators with inputs on the CDM process both internationally and nationally. A value-added feature of this year’s event is the inclusion of a discussion of actual Philippine CDM experiences, particularly landmark CDM cases that incidentally are relevant to the energy sector, from the project proponents themselves. This allows the participants to assess the CDM process more practically – beyond predictions and theory. In addition, foreign students from the Asian Institute of Management will also be invited to the event to give the event a more Asian perspective.

Through the years, the reading materials on CDM have expanded from merely discussions on procedures and rules to the exploration of various CDM financing schemes and to addressing the countless facets of social development. This provides current decisions-makers with the benefit of having a wider range of information from different countries, giving them more opportunities to derive and analyze statistical data, make comparisons, and to deduce lessons from other countries’ experiences. 

L-R: Coratec Jimenez, associate director, AIM Policy Center; Rep. Liway Vinzons-Chato; Dr. Mahar Mangahas, president, Social Weather Stations; Ed Chavez, vice president, Freedom from Debt Coalition; Margo Mercado, program manager for communications, Konrad Adenauer Foundation; and Jess de la Cruz, program manager, AIM Policy Center

                                   City Competitiveness Program Manager Ronald Cartagena

with Palawan Chamber of Commerce President Col. Pacifico Lumauag (Ret.)

Makati/ Puerto Princesa- The City Competitiveness Program of the Asian Institute of Management- Policy Center (CCP) has partnered with the Palawan Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the implementation of the 5^th round of the Philippine Cities Competitiveness Ranking Project (PCCRP)- Puerto Princesa Phase from January 21 to 25.

For two consecutive rounds, the city of  Puerto Princesa was once again put under close scrutiny as researchers from AIM’s public policy think- tank visited the city to carry out data gathering activities in various government offices, disseminate executive survey questionnaires to SME owners and managers, and conduct a focus group discussion (FGD) for businessmen.

In the 2005 round, Puerto Princesa City ranked 22^nd out of 35 small cities.

To date, 90 urban centers classified according to three categories namely Small, Mid- sized and Metropolitan cities are being evaluated by the AIM alongside its 15 academic partners. Approximately 5,400 owners and managers of Small and Medium Enterprises around the country are expected to participate in this biennial project.

The PCCRP measures the overall competitiveness of cities based on six drivers patterned after the  International Management Development’s World Competitiveness Yearbook- the Cost of Doing Business, Dynamism of Local Economy, Human Resources and Training, Infrastructure, Responsiveness of LGUs to Business Needs and Quality of Life. Results of the 2007 ranking will be presented during a national conference by the second quarter of this year.

Aside from this, a supplemental survey conceived by the Palawan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, through their External Vice- President, Mr. Bart Duff, was also conducted by the CCP to measure the efficiency of eight public and private agencies in the city namely the Bureau of Internal Revenue, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Palawan Electric Corporation, Palawan  City Business One Stop Shop, Palawan Council for Sustainable Development, Puerto Princesa City Water Disctrict, Department of Trade and Industry- MIMAROPA and the Barangay.

Ronald Cartagena, City Competitiveness Program’s manager, leads the assessment group with three other research assistants.

SWS SURVEYS: 2007 IN REVIEW

PRESS RELEASE-- For seven years now, it has been a tradition of the Asian Institute of Management Policy Center and the Social Weather Stations (SWS) to review the major lessons in the past year from the unique perspective of SWS survey respondents.

The year 2007 saw Hunger at its highest since SWS started monitoring it quarterly in 1998, the domination of the opposition and how Filipinos voted rationally and independently in the 2007 elections, and the recovery of people’s faith in the workings of Philippine democracy. The Social Weather Surveys of 2007 also obtained national opinions on the contemporary issues of the Estrada Plunder case, the ZTE Broadband deal, the alleged Palace Bribery, and the Senate investigations. As always, the quarterly Social Weather Surveys tracked the people’s sentiments on the states of governance, public safety and security, and on their own economic and social well-being. The SWS 2007 Survey of Enterprises obtained evaluations of the state of corruption in both the public and the private sectors.

An integrated presentation will be made by Dr. Mahar Mangahas, president of SWS. This shall be followed by reactions from a distinguished panel of guests such as Representative Liwayway Vinzons-Chato, Camarines Norte; Edwin Chavez, executive director of Center for Popular Empowerment and vice chairman of Freedom from Debt Coalition, and more. The forum will be opened by Dean Victoria Licuanan of the Institute and will be closed by Dr. Federico Macaranas, executive director of the AIM Policy Center.

This event is slated on the 31^st of January 2008 (Thursday), 2:00-4:00 PM at the Stephen Fuller Hall, 3F Asian Institute of Management, 123 Paseo de Roxas, Makati City. It is open to the public and free of charge.

If you wish to attend this event, contact the AIM Policy Center at aimpolicycenter@gmail.com.

As the first installment of the year to the Globalization Lecture Series (GLS), the AIM Policy Center featured “Connecting with the New 360° Consumer” presented by Junie del Mundo, managing director of EON, The Stakeholder Relations Firm.

The lecture kicked off with the question, “who is this creature we call the 360° Consumer?” According to del Mundo, we must first examine the communication landscape of today. The practice of marketing is evolving to a more complex discipline in the face of an ever-changing technological environment. It goes beyond the 4 P’s of product, price, promotion and place. Now, we are enting the “You” era, where each consumer has command in all aspects, from product development to promotion.

The center of the “You” era is what del Mundo calls the “millennial generation” (youth born during the 1980’s-1990’s). This consumer generation leads a busy lifestyle touched by the traditional (advertisements) and the modern (online) media. This consumer generation is enthusiastically exploring the conveniences and wonders the new media brings. More importantly, although young and still at the onset of their careers, this category has a spending power worth Php 37 billion, del Mundo reports.

The five characteristics of a 360° Consumer

Some adjectives mentioned to describe the 360° Consumer were: technology savvy, trust-suspicious, fickle-minded, easily distracted and can afford. Del Mundo delves deeper into their personality:

1.      The 360° Consumer, first and foremost, demands for personalization. Obtaining a certain product or service is not enough. It’s about having one that is customized too. The most obvious example is the mobile phone as a representation of one’s personality and style. With accessories, frou-frous and extra features, one can tailor his gadget according to his preference.

2.      Second, the 360° Consumer wants to belong, share and be heard—the very reason why online social networking sites and blogs have become a hit among the millennial generation. Citizen journalists rate anything and everything from products they’ve used, to restaurants and countries they’ve visited. Because the 360° Consumer is trust-suspicious, they believe more on the testimonies of “people like me” instead of the typical celebrity or expert endorser.

3.      Third, the 360° Consumer is a lot smarter and more aware than the past generation because of the accessible information. Thus, they desire to improve themselves because they know that it is possible with the new technology around.

4.      Fourth, the 360° Consumer is helping shape what brands and products are about and how they are communicated. They are involved.

5.      Lastly, the 360° Consumer has a global social conscience. He is not only aware with his inner self, but also with his surroundings. Thus, he opts to buy products with a cause. He feels good that charities and foundations benefit from his purchase. Case in point: cosmetic companies in support of breast cancer warriors or cloth bags replacing plastic for environmental causes

In summary, del Mundo bases his lecture from top PR agency executive Richard Edelman’s 3D model wherein the consumer and your ideas, NOT the product is at the heart of it. Next to the core is credibility-building “to differentiate your products and services and build trust.” Next, use advocacy-building tactics “to spur evangelism and word-of-mouth by consumers and influential audiences around your brand.” Then comes relationship-building tactics “to foster consumer involvement, sustainability and to build brand loyalty.” Last is the use of experience and presence tactics “to build awareness and stimulate action.”

Perspectives

Following del Mundo were reactions from guests, Frederick Alegre, outgoing president of the Philippine Marketing Association and Professor Jose Faustino of the Institute.

Alegre, who is also in the print media business (he is the executive vice president of Philippine Graphic Publications), affirmed that indeed more people are turning to the internet even just to catch up with the news because aside from being convenient, it is also interactive. Articles posted are commented by readers instantly. Print media, Alegre admits, whether they like it or not, must build an online counterpart.

For Professor Faustino, the keyword is to engage. To be able to do so, one must differentiate his product because due to the numerous choices, similar goods are becoming mere commodities. Another tactic is to be “whole-brained.” He admits that business people, himself included, are more left brained, leaning toward the rational and quantitative. But there’s the other side of the brain that business people can leverage on to continue to engage consumers, and that is by appealing to their right brain, where creativity and emotions lie. It has to be a balance between IQ and EQ. Because 360s are trust-suspicious, fickle-minded and easily distracted, engaging them has become a challenge and admittedly a headache for marketers.

Synthesis

For his synthesis, Dr. Federico Macaranas, executive director of the AIM Policy Center, left some points to ponder.  First, he leaves a challenge to the marketing practitioners. The 360° consumer is not only be the millennial generation. They could be the gray market too, as Leslie Stokes (chairman of the British Chamber of Commerce) from the audience mentioned, are new retirees with plenty of time and money, eager to enjoy life after years of hard working. Or they could be the recently educated who are longing to connect. This realization opens another window of opportunity.

Finally, we continue to reinvent concepts to keep up with the modern times. However, in the Philippines, there is a lag in regulations by the government. Because there is no clear-cut jurisdiction in cyberspace yet, many will continue to abuse their freedom. As Dr. Macaranas mentioned, technology is both a boon and a bane.

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