‘(Filipino) talent is a million times better than the others’

The Philippines has been cited as one of the emerging companies in Asia and the only country that recently posted an impressive economic growth.

People are taking notice. One independent production house did an investment feature on the Philippines entitled “Philippines Moves Forward,” to be aired through Singapore-based cable Channel News Asia.

Asia Business Channel is coming up with a two-part series which will focus on various industries and sectors that helped the Philippines gain momentum on economic growth.

“The Philippines is the only country in the world upgraded by the IMF (International Monetary Fund),” said Carleen Krug, program manager of Asia Business Channel. “It shows an economic prosperity we haven’t seen for quite some time.”

The first part of the investment feature, which will be aired in January, focuses on energy and tourism. The Philippines has been aggressive in promoting the country as a tourist destination with international campaigns aimed to entice different nations to visit.

The focus on the energy sector was triggered by what Krugg has described as “unexplored opportunities” and the need for more investments in places like Mindanao.

The second part, which is hoped to be completed by the first quarter of next year, puts the spotlight on banking and finance, health, information and technology, property development, telecommunications, trade and industry, and transportation.

“We are lucky to have a ringside seat of Philippines transformation,” Krug said, “And we feel that it is imperative that the country capitalize on investors’ renewed interest by presenting a clear picture of the strides that have been made in the Philippines.”

“Philippines Moves Forward” features the country’s challenges and successes during the present administration. “There is too much good happening in the country to fit in just 30 minutes,” Krug said.

Francisco “Kit” Reyes, is a Filipino who migrated to Canada when he was 14, is the producer of the feature. He and filmmaker Stefan Herbruger shot for three months in different locations in Metro Manila and other provinces. The whole production lasted for almost half a year.

Reyes said that they didn’t have any problems with access to the Philippine government and cabinet secretaries.

Reyes said that he is proud to promote his birth country to the rest of Asia. The main objective of the feature is to prompt investors take a closer look at the Philippines to continue on its positive performance.

Reyes, who has a degree in radio and television from Ryerson University in Toronto, Canada, said that a lot of people come to the Philippines because “the labor is cheap.” But what other countries and companies overlook is the enormous talent Filipinos have. “(Filipino) Talent is a million times better than the others,” he said.

Asia Business Channel is an independent production company specializing global developments with Asian perspectives and jointly works with Channel News Asia in airing its productions. Channel News Asia airs in 24 Asian territories and other cities including London, Moscow, New York, and Washington, D.C.