Acting Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque underscored the government’s commitment to revitalizing the Philippine manufacturing sector through the “Tatak Pinoy” initiative during an event hosted by the Philippine Manufacturing Team on August 16.
The initiative, she emphasized, will drive economic growth, innovation, and global competitiveness under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration.
“The manufacturing industry serves as an engine of growth, providing millions of jobs, driving innovation, and contributing significantly to our gross domestic product,” Roque stated. She highlighted the administration’s goal to make “Made in the Philippines” synonymous with industrial quality, innovation, and competitiveness.
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is capitalizing on the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy Roadmap 2.0 (NAISR 2.0) to promote innovation and attract investments, with a focus on manufacturing.
The Center for AI Research (CAIR) will play a pivotal role in positioning the Philippines as a regional leader in AI research and development.
Further supporting these efforts, the DTI is establishing an Industry 4.0 Pilot Factory and an Industry 4.0 SME Academy to help businesses, including micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), adopt advanced technologies.
Additionally, the Promoting Research and Innovation to Strengthen Transformation of Industries and Enterprises (PRISTINE) Project, in collaboration with the Asian Development Bank, aims to bridge industry and academia, fostering the development of complex products and services.
The National Innovation Gateway, set to launch in 2027, will serve as a platform connecting startups, MSMEs, and large industries with the global market, further bolstering the country’s industrial growth.
Industry leaders expressed strong support for Roque’s initiatives. SteelAsia Chairman Ben Yao commended the Secretary and reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening the Philippine steel industry, a vital component of the nation’s socio-economic transformation.
Roberto Fabella “Bobby” Batungbacal, Executive Director of the Makati Business Club, and Dan Lachica, President of the Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines, Inc., also voiced their enthusiasm for collaborating with the DTI.
They praised former Trade Secretary Fred Pascual for laying the groundwork for a more conducive business environment and streamlining bureaucratic processes.
The Tatak Pinoy Act, aligned with the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028, aims to strengthen the local economy by fostering public-private partnerships and prioritizing the use of Filipino-made goods and services.
As the government pushes forward with this initiative, the future of the Philippine manufacturing sector looks promising.
