Sec. Cristina Roque during her speech at the Propak Philippines.

Pasay City, Philippines–Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Cristina A. Roque reaffirmed the government’s unwavering support to Filipino entrepreneurs at the 5th edition of ProPak Philippines on February 12. Secretary Roque emphasized the importance of local enterprises in driving sustainable economic development, aligned with President Marcos’ vision of a “Bagong Pilipinas.”

“We envision a future where micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are the key drivers of sustainable economic development. A future where innovation meets tradition, and where every Filipino entrepreneur is equipped with the tools, knowledge, and support needed to thrive in an ever-evolving global market,” Secretary Roque underscored.

During the event, the trade secretary outlined key government initiatives to bolster local industries, including the enactment of One Town, One Products (OTOP) Philippines Act. This Act provides comprehensive assistance to Filipino businesses by promoting indigenous raw materials and traditional craftsmanship to boost economic growth across the country.

Additionally, Secretary Roque underscored the DTI’s leadership in the Philippine delegation to the 31st International Processing and Packaging Exhibition for Asia, held in Bangkok, Thailand last June. The event gathered over 2,000 exhibitors from 45 countries to showcase cutting-edge technologies in processing and packaging.

In photo from L to R: Malaysian Ambassador To The Philippines His Excellency Dato Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino, Informa Markets Asia Chief Financial Officer Suzanne Wang, Asian Packaging Federation President Joseph Ross Jocson, Dti Secretary Cristina A. Roque, Informa Markets Asia Vice President Ian Roberts, Department Of Agriculture Deputy Director – High Value Crops Program Engr. Anne Glyn F. Lisbo, Informa Markets – Philippines Country General Manager Rungphech Rose Chitanuwat during the Propak Philippines opening ceremony.
In photo from L to R: Malaysian Ambassador to the Philippines His Excellency Dato Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino, Informa Markets Asia Chief Financial Officer Suzanne Wang, Asian Packaging Federation President Joseph Ross Jocson, Dti Secretary Cristina A. Roque, Informa Markets Asia Vice President Ian Roberts, Department Of Agriculture Deputy Director – High Value Crops Program Engr. Anne Glyn F. Lisbo, Informa Markets – Philippines Country General Manager Rungphech Rose Chitanuwat

These initiatives aim to enhance product development, branding, and market access of Filipino businesses, especially the MSMEs.

“We are not merely launching an exhibition; we are opening doors to a future of innovation, collaboration, and sustainable growth. This event embodies our shared commitment to revolutionizing the processing and packaging industries,” Secretary Roque emphasized

“To our MSMEs: The government stands with you. Through initiatives like OTOP and our continued participation in international platforms like ProPak, we are committed to providing you with the resources, support, and opportunities you need to succeed. Together, we will turn challenges into opportunities and dreams into reality,” she concluded.

The 5th edition of ProPak Philippines gathered industry professionals and key stakeholders to feature the latest developments in the processing and packaging technology. In attendance were Informa Markets Vice President Ian Roberts and Commissioner Joseph Ross Jocson,

Participation in international platforms like ProPak provides Filipino entrepreneurs with valuable exposure to cutting-edge technologies and global best practices, ultimately fostering innovation and boosting their competitiveness in domestic and international markets. ♦

Date of release: 17 February 2025

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