DTI Chief outlines Tatak Pinoy-driven industrialization strategy, reaffirms continuous support for manufacturers and MSMEs | Department of Trade and Industry Philippines

DTI Acting Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque addressing industry leaders and government officials at the Philippine Manufacturing Team Reception on August 16

Makati City, Philippines—Department of Trade and Industry Acting Secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque reaffirmed the government’s continuous effort to bolster the country’s manufacturing sector through the Tatak Pinoy Act. The trade chief announced this during the reception hosted by the Philippine Manufacturing Team on August 16.

“The manufacturing industry serve as an engine of growth, providing millions of jobs, driving innovation, and contributing significantly to our gross domestic product,” Secretary Roque said.

“To further elevate our manufacturing sector, we take guidance from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s direction to champion Tatak Pinoy. The ‘Made in the Philippines’ must become synonymous with industrial quality, innovation, and competitiveness,” she added.

DTI Acting Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque during her keynote speech at the Philippine Manufacturing Team Reception on August 16

To capitalize on this promising growth opportunity, Secretary Roque is leveraging the National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy Roadmap 2.0 (NAISR 2.0), which seeks to advance innovation and attract investments, specifically in manufacturing.

Central to the implementation of this roadmap is the Center for AI Research (CAIR) that will spearhead AI research and development, and position the Philippines as a regional leader in the field.

In parallel with CAIR’s research focus, the DTI is taking proactive steps to accelerate technology adoption, particularly within the country’s manufacturing sector. The establishment of an Industry 4.0 Pilot Factory and an Industry 4.0 SME Academy will offer a learning space for businesses, including micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), to grasp and implement Industry 4.0 technologies.

Moreover, the DTI is collaborating with the Asian Development Bank on the Promoting Research and Innovation to Strengthen Transformation of Industries and Enterprises (PRISTINE) Project. By fostering stronger ties between industry and academia, this project will stimulate the development of more complex, sophisticated, and diverse products and services.

Ultimately, the National Innovation Gateway is set to operate in 2027 as the convergence platform for all these innovation efforts, connecting startups, MSMEs, and large industries to the global market.

SteelAsia Chairman Ben Yao congratulated Secretary Cristina Roque on her appointment and reiterated his dedication to President Marcos’ vision for a strong Philippine steel industry. He highlighted the crucial role of public-private partnership in achieving this vision and fostering socio-economic transformation.

Other industry leaders, such as Makati Business Club Executive Director Roberto Fabella “Bobby” Batungbacal and Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines, Inc. President Dan Lachica, similarly expressed full support for Secretary Roque.

They underscored the private sector’s eagerness to partner with the DTI in showcasing the country’s diverse manufacturing sector and creating a conducive business environment through the implementation of the Tatak Pinoy Law.

Moreover, they also lauded former trade secretary Fred Pascual for his pivotal role in establishing a conducive business environment and expediting the bureaucratic procedures for Philippine manufacturing.

Aligned with the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028, the Tatak Pinoy (Proudly Filipino) Act is aimed at strengthening the local economy by fostering public-private partnerships and prioritizing the use of Philippine-made goods and services. ♦

Date of release: 21 August 2024

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