Ceddfrey John Akut

MBA 216 – B (Investment Analysis and Portfolio Management)

The Philippine setting in investment has become more open to foreign investors as this will paved the
way in encouraging more investments that the country will receive worldwide. However, constraints
cannot be controlled as such limitations are also a hindrance to success. Series of implementing rules
and regulations (IRR) have been approved in order to have a guide and policies to maintain a strict
compliance regardless of the type of investments that will be created.

I personally think that our country has upgraded our foreign investment system in which of great
advantage to us. Considered as an emerging market economy, the Philippines is not only making its
name in the investment industry alone but viz-a-viz the growth of the economic scene also boost its
performance for the succeeding years.

Despite the policies issued by the government in strengthening our market to foreign transactions which
includes investments, it is a challenge for both parties as to how to adapt changes especially at this
trying times of pandemic. The change in the country’s investment policies has been a crucial factor in
building up confidence in the economic prospects of the country. Despite the reforms, however, the
country's performance in attracting foreign investment is still below its neighbors in the region. Likewise,
some aspects of the investment incentive system seem to run counter with the objectives of trade
reforms and to have some quite perverse effects.

I think that Philippines has so much to offer even up to these times. We Filipinos, being welcoming to
the foreigners is a competitive advantage that can greatly contribute to our economy. Working hand in
hand, among different ministries, in ensuring the that the guidelines and policies were still executed
well. The Bureau of Investments (BOI) in the Philippines which is an attached agency of DTI, helps in
governing local and foreign trades/investments to make sure that it will streamline the existing policies
of the country.

The country also is secured when it comes to Protection and Property Rights. I can say that we are more
than equipped when it comes to this matter. We have our own laws and provisions when it comes to
ownership of properties and intellectual property rights. So, when an idea was made or a concept was
established, it can be patented, thus officially owned without worrying that it might be copied by
someone.

Philippine Stock Exchange, which controls the stocks in the country welcomes all legit foreign
companies, good for portfolio investments and trades. I thought that this is a very good opportunity to
all the Filipinos to earn, significantly. I think that the basic that all of us need aside from awareness of
what is stocks all about is the knowledge itself. We almost hear this every now and then but overall, we
just do not know the nature of stocks and what it is all about. Like me, I have been hearing stock
exchange since college, but I only knew its function when I went to work already. We do not need to
limit ourselves to things that we considered that are more important because if we look around us,
there are things that are yet to be discovered.
Credit lines can be granted by all lending/finance institutions. But for it to be granted, pertinent
documents must be submitted, and this are just proof of ownerships as such, financial statements for a
business to also assess the overall operations and this can determine the credit rating of the borrower.
This is also in accordance with the implementing guidelines from Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) that it
should take effect.

Meanwhile, BSP has a strong support in foreign exchange. This must be allowed as it plays a very
significant role in boosting our GDP rate and it also promote a healthier relationship from country to
country to be able to create a bond with each other through foreign exchange transactions. Remittances
worldwide has also been a very great foreign transactions as it also evaluates us the value of money
from comparing the rates of it to peso.

Working in a GOCC or government owned and controlled corporations is a privilege especially that I was
able to help our farmers and the marginalize, this could benefit both parties and achieved a win-win
situation. I am also proud that our company is one of the highest in terms of tax remittances in the
country, thus able to generate more employment and help those in need.

Corruption is everywhere. From one point to another point, it is inevitable especially if the ruler or the
leader does only care about money. In the Philippines, it is a shame to say that our corruption index is
still a problem. All over the years, we did not improve. It can be attested by the latest issues we have
been facing and it is no good in our investment profile.

Overall, the Philippines is a performing country. Investment wise, the country has able to secure various
investments from the other country’s support. Thus, if we continue to be more transparent and accept
the challenges for good, we can achieve a 100% investment return if we remain optimistic and risk-
takers.