2011 SME STAR PROGRAM

DTI search for outstanding entrepreneurs now open for nominations


DTI Secretary Gregory L. Domingo has announced that the 2011 SME STAR Program is now officially starting its search for the country’s outstanding entrepreneurs as part of the administration’s development agenda to strengthen and support micro, small and medium enterprises. The latest statistics show that MSMEs represent 99.6% of all registered businesses in the country, and can thus be considered as the backbone of the Philippine economy.

The SME STAR Program is seen as an important component in MSME development and promotion, as it recognizes outstanding entrepreneurs that have shown remarkable achievements in growing their businesses to become globally competitive enterprises. Three award levels are included in the SME STAR Program, corresponding to stages in enterprise growth.

For enterprises in the start-up and capability-building stage, the SME Rising Star Award will be conferred to outstanding MSMEs at the provincial level, with one winner each for the micro, small and medium enterprise categories. Local MSMEs are encouraged to vie for this award, by submitting the required nomination forms and other documents to the Provincial MSMED Council c/o the DTI Provincial Offices. The Provincial MSMED Council determines the winners based on judging criteria. For 2011, there will be 264 SME Rising Star Award winners who will receive a DTI Citation.

Enterprises at the domestic market penetration and export awareness stage are eligible for nomination to SME Star Elite Award, which is conferred at the regional level. Provincial MSMED Councils may endorse one nominee for each of the micro, small and medium enterprise categories. The Regional MSMED Council or an equivalent body screens and determines the winners of the SME Star Elite Award. A total of 51 outstanding enterprises from 17 regions are expected to earn the 2011 SME Star Elite Award, consisting of a DTI Citation.

For highly successful enterprises that have reached the export and expansion stage, the highest recognition is given through the SME Star Presidential Award. Chosen from the pool of current SME Star Elite Awardees, the National MSMED Council executive committee determines the qualifying finalists who are then submitted to a distinguished board of judges. There will be 1 winner for the 2011 SME Star Presidential Award. The winner will receive a Presidential Trophy during the awarding ceremonies to be held as part of the SME Week celebrations in July 2011.

Nomination forms as well as other details about the nomination process are available from local DTI offices. Deadline for submission of nomination forms is March 31, 2011. For inquiries, please contact Ms. Glady Aquino or Ms. Michelle Rea of the Bureau of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development (BMSMED) at telephone numbers 751.0384 local 2509 and 751.5061 or email: bmsmed@dti.gov.ph.

AVT Navigation Systems at Manila International Auto Show; special 50%-off promo

Road-trippers will have the opportunity to avail of a special 50%-off promo on a portable GPS navigation device, the AVT Navigator P900, at the Manila International Auto Show to be held from April 7-10, 2011 at the World Trade Center Complex in Roxas Boulevard, Manila.

The AVT Navigator was introduced in the Philippines in early 2009, the first-ever portable GPS navigation system with extensive local support for updated maps of Metro Manila and the country’s key cities and major travel destinations. Since its first launch with the AVT Navigator A800, the product range has expanded to include the upgraded AVT Navigator A820 and the AVT Navigator P900, as well as the latest models AVT Navigator PN301, AVT Navigator PN401, and AVT Navigator PN501 with Bluetooth function.

All AVT Navigator devices feature a high-resolution color touch-screen, SD card slot, multi-media functionality, and voice-prompt technology. Extremely portable, the AVT Navigator range can be set-up in any car in minutes. Users can add favorite locations and set their home location so it’s easy to get back from unfamiliar places.

The strength of all AVT Navigator products is the strong local support provided by iNav, a company dedicated to updating and verifying the accuracy of local maps. Comprehensive iNav map coverage now includes over 100,000 points of interest and close to 100% of road networks for Metro Manila, as well as updated maps for over 200 key cities and municipalities in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. The latest iNav upgrade incorporates the unique junction view, which provides a street-level depiction of critical waypoints. For Metro Manila, users can now input house or building numbers for more accurate route information.
During the Manila International Auto Show, visitors to the AVT booth will be able to purchase the AVT Navigator P900 for only P9,000, marked down by 50% from the original SRP of P18,000. BPI cardholders who avail of the zero-installment plan will enjoy an additional discount. The special discounted price is only applicable to MIAS purchases, and is good while supply lasts.

As a mark of approval, BPI has chosen the AVT Navigator for its Free GPS Promo, where qualified brand-new personal vehicles financed by BPI Family Auto Loan receive a free AVT Navigator PN301. AVT navigation devices have also received the thumbs-up from leading local car manufacturers, and are factory-installed as OE (original equipment) for certain high-end models.

AVT (which stands for Audio-Video Technology) specializes in premium audio-visual entertainment systems for mobile applications. In addition to navigation systems, the company will soon be launching a range of mobile tracking devices for vehicle and personal security. AVT offers a wide range of in-car mobile electronics, including display monitors, DVD players, digital and analog terrestrial receivers, sound processor/high-power amplifiers, specialist speakers, and AV controllers and accessories to suit all types of in-vehicle installations. For the mobile entertainment market, it also carries all-in-one LCD DVD players in various screen sizes to meet every budget and application. Aside from consumer products which retail in car dealer accessories shops, AVT is also an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) for many of the country’s leading car brands. iNAV is a subsidiary company dedicated to providing mapping support exclusively for AVT navigation devices.

Petron EnerTripid promotes fuel savings and road safety

Petron Corporation is coming out with a series of quick and catchy reminders for the motoring public as part of its Petron EnerTripid campaign, a public information advocacy for fuel efficient driving and road safety. These fuel conservation tips have become more relevant in the light of high oil prices.

Petron EnerTripid educates motorists on how to optimize their resources and get the most value from their fuel expenses. Some Petron EnerTripid tips that can help us save on fuel consumption are:

1. Beating the red light consumes more gas. We tend to accelerate as we approach an intersection, particularly when trying to avoid getting caught at a stop light. More often than not, this effort is futile and just wastes gas.

2. Don’t go heavy on the pedal. To save gas, step lightly on the pedal. A heavy foot on the accelerator is not only a gas-guzzler, it can also produce an uncomfortable, jerky ride with short bursts of speed and constant braking. Save yourself and your passengers from a high-stress ride, keep your foot light on the pedal.

3. Life is not a race. To save gas, maintain a steady pace. Even race drivers know that a smooth drive is also a fast drive. Maintaining a constant speed at the recommended speed limit is often the quickest way to get to your destination. Enjoy the drive.

4. The longer you stay in low gear, the more gas you spend. Shift up to save gas. Be a mindful driver and take note of your engine rpm. Shift up at the earliest possible time, not only to save gas but also to keep your engine running at the most efficient gear.

5. Maintain the recommended tire pressure. Studies have shown that under-inflated tires result in higher gas consumption. Make sure to have your tire pressure checked each time you gas up.

6. Plan ahead and combine several trips into one. Each time you start your car from a cold start consumes more fuel. Instead of running several short trips, try to schedule all your errands into one longer trip to save gas.

7. Giving your car a regular tune-up saves gas. Follow your vehicle’s recommended service maintenance schedule to keep it in tip-top shape. A well-tuned vehicle is more fuel-efficient than a run-down one.

The Petron EnerTripid campaign is a fuel conservation advocacy in cooperation with the Department of Energy, and consists of a series of radio plugs and newspaper ads containing different energy saving tips.

German expert to conduct Liqui Moly service workshops and car club day

European Advanced Technik Corporation, the exclusive Philippine distributor of German automotive brands Liqui Moly and Varta, has announced that a German technical expert will be conducting a series of Liqui Moly service workshops on March 31 to April 1, 2011, and a car club day on April 2, 2011.

Flying in from Germany to share his expertise is Steffen Niemietz, a technical application engineer from Liqui Moly’s R&D. Niemietz, was part of the development team of the Mercedes Benz “Smart” car, and was intimately involved from the prototype phase to road-testing. He was a member of the “Smart” task force deployed worldwide to address problems on-site. Starting out as a master craftsman, Niemietz also has extensive experience in all aspects of service workshop operations. He is currently one of nine full-time trainers with Liqui Moly’s Technical R&D department.

Liqui Moly holds the patent for the production of molybdenum disulphide, a chemical additive that improves the lubricating ability of engine oil and lengthens the life of the engine. Liqui Moly now has a range of over 4,000 products including engine and gear oils, additives and vehicle care products, workshop equipment and service parts. It is the market leader for additives in Germany, and is sold in more than 90 countries worldwide. All Liqui Moly products are manufactured in a single plant in Germany, for consistent quality control.

In the Liqui Moly Service Workshops, Niemietz will show how the use of high-quality products can positively impact service operations and ensure customer satisfaction. In the face of competition, the most successful service workshop is usually the one perceived by clients as offering the best value-for-money, not the cheapest products or services. The Liqui Moly Service Workshops are open to car dealers, independent workshops, service managers, and other interested automotive workers. These will be held on March 31 and April 1, 2011, at White Space in Makati City. Attendance is free of charge; reserve your slot by sending an email to service.eatc@gmail.com.

Niemietz will also be available for more informal discussions with car enthusiasts at the Liqui Moly Car Club Day to be held on April 2, 2011, at the Ortigas Home Depot parking lot at Julio Vargas Ave. in Pasig City. Car owners and motoring enthusiasts who want to learn about the latest European car care products and trends are welcome to drop in from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Car club members may get tickets from their club officers, or email service.eatc@gmail.com. There will be hourly raffle draws as well as a Grand Raffle Draw to all attendees.

European Advanced Technik Corporation (EATC) is the exclusive Philippine distributor of Liqui Moly motor oils, additives and car care products. It also distributes another German brand, Varta automotive batteries.

ArtPetron wins Anvil Awards of Excellence

ArtPetron, the national student art competition of oil industry leader Petron Corporation was recognized in the 46th Anvil Awards held last 18 February 2011 at the Edsa Shangri-la Hotel.

ArtPetron 10, with the theme Alay sa Natatanging Pamayanan, received Excellence Awards in the Special Publications and External Publications categories, recognizing the ArtPetron 10 collaterals as well as the ArtPetron Folio 2010 Celebration Issue, respectively.

ArtPetron seeks to promote Philippine art, culture, tradition and values among the youth, through an annual painting and photography contest open to students enrolled in regular college or university programs, or in a museum-based or private tutorial art or photography course.

Over the years, ArtPetron has received numerous Anvil Awards, endorsing the project’s ideals of reaching out and nurturing young Filipino artists. Since 2001, when ArtPetron first won a Bronze Award of Excellence, the program has earned a total of 20 Anvil Excellence Awards and 10 Anvil Merit Awards.

The Anvil is an award given by the Public Relations Society of the Philippines (PRSP), as a symbol of the highest level of excellence in the practice of public relations in the Philippines. Its multi-sectoral jury chooses winners that reflect and promote public interest, good values, and real public service.

Cetane boosters optimize performance of Petron Turbo Diesel

Petron, the country’s leading oil company, is making its mark as a fuel innovator with the introduction of specially formulated fuels, such as the new Petron Turbo Diesel.

A high-performance diesel designed to deliver that optimum driving experience, Petron Turbo Diesel contains a technologically-advanced cetane booster, resulting in a cetane number higher than other diesel fuels in the market.

According to Wikipedia, “Cetane number or CN is a measurement of the combustion quality of diesel fuel during compression ignition. It is a significant expression of diesel fuel quality…”

A high cetane number indicates that the diesel fuel has a shorter ignition delay from the start of injection to start of combustion. It causes lower rates of pressure rise and lower peak pressures, thus lessening combustion noise and vibration, and resulting in increased efficiency. The cetane boosters in Petron Turbo Diesel ensure better ignition quality for quicker engine start-up, improved fuel economy and reduced exhaust emissions.

Petron Turbo Diesel also contains a robust multifunctional detergent additive that delivers non-stop cleaning action. This keeps the fuel system and the engine clean by preventing residue build-up and removing deposits and contaminants.

A premium organic combustion enhancer that promotes more efficient and complete combustion is part of the special formulation of Petron Turbo Diesel. This unique fuel conditioner crates a catalytic reaction that enables more oxygen to combine with carbon molecules to produce a more complete fuel burn, thus generating more power and faster acceleration.

With its enhanced and advanced additive technology, Petron Turbo Diesel offers motorists a high-performance diesel fuel that delivers the following benefits: Superior acceleration and performance, reduction of engine noise and ignition delay, cleaning of fuel injectors, protection against engine corrosion, improvement of cold start performance, and reduction of exhaust emissions.

Petron Turbo Diesel is the ideal fuel for high-end vehicles with common rail direct injection (CRDI) diesel engines, as its multi-additive formulation has been customized to deliver extraordinary diesel engine performance and a more enjoyable driving experience. At the same time, older diesel engine types can benefit from its detergent and combustion-enhancing properties, for more optimized performance.

Following its highly-successful launch at a few service stations in mid-2010, Petron Turbo Diesel is now more widely available in select Petron service stations nationwide.

Petron Corporation is the largest oil refining and marketing company in the Philippines. Its oil refinery produces a full range of petroleum products to supply nearly 40% of the country’s total fuel requirements. Through more than 1,500 service stations nationwide -- the largest service station network in the country -- Petron retails gasoline, diesel and kerosene to motorists. Petron will continue to be at the forefront of product innovations aimed at giving the motoring public environment-friendly fuels that provide more value for money.