The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), in collaboration with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), successfully conducted a timely two-part webinar series titled “Optimizing Tools for Quality Infrastructure” on November 6 and 7, 2024. Supported by the Global Quality and Standards Programme (GQSP) and funded by the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) of Switzerland, the event aimed to equip Philippine stakeholders with essential tools for strengthening the National Quality Infrastructure (NQI) to advance global competitiveness and compliance.

The event gathered over a hundred participants, including representatives from government, industry, academia, exporters, and manufacturers. The webinar explored the use of two key UNIDO tools: the Quality Infrastructure for Sustainable Development (QI4SD) Index and the Standards Compliance Analytics Platform. Both tools are instrumental in supporting sustainable development and expanding market access for Philippine products.

Session 1: National Quality Infrastructure (NQI) and the QI4SD Index

The first session, held on November 6, introduced participants to the QI4SD Index, which evaluates a country’s capacity to support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through robust quality infrastructure. Ms. Nora Dei-Anang, a Technical Expert from UNIDO Headquarters, presented the QI4SD Index, offering insights into the Philippines’ current NQI framework. Dr. Annabelle V. Briones, Director of the Industrial Technology Development Institute, and Engr. Cirila Botor, Trustee of the Philippine Metrology, Standards, Testing, and Quality Inc. (PhilMSTQ), shared their perspectives, emphasizing the practical applications of the QI4SD data in advancing NQI.

Participants engaged in an interactive Question-and-Answer session moderated by Ms. Celia Elumba, Chief Technical Advisor for UNIDO GQSP, which highlighted stakeholder enthusiasm and commitment to strengthening the NQI.

Session 2: Rejection Data from the Standards Compliance Analytics Platform 

The second session on November 7 focused on the use of trade rejection data to enhance compliance with global standards. Mr. Churchill M. Lacuesta, Supervising Agriculturist of the BPI-National Plant Quarantine Services Division, discussed the challenges and gaps in the country’s food and feed trade compliance. Industrial Expert Mr. Nima Bahramalian from UNIDO demonstrated the Rejection Data Platform’s applications, emphasizing how the tool aids in identifying rejection causes and improving trade standards compliance.

Reactions and insights were shared by Ms. Melanie M. Moraga-Leaño of the UP Institute for Small-Scale Industries, and Dr. Evelyn Mae-Tecson from the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) and the University of The Philippines Los Banos. Their feedback underscored the importance of data-driven approaches to improve compliance and enhance the competitiveness of Philippine exports.

The “Optimizing Tools for Quality Infrastructure” webinar series represents a significant step toward bolstering the Philippines’ quality infrastructure and trade compliance, laying the groundwork for sustainable development and economic resilience.

Webinar Series’ Key Remarks and Speakers

  • Mr. Teddy Monroy, UNIDO Country Representative, highlighted the role of inclusive and sustainable industrial development in strengthening the NQI.
  • Ms. Celia Elumba, Chief Technical Advisor for UNIDO GQSP, provided continuity between sessions and stressed the relevance of NQI in various sectors.
  • Engr. James E. Empeño, Director of the Philippine Accreditation Bureau (PAB), outlined the current state of the NQI in the Philippines. He defined NQI as the comprehensive system covering policies, regulations, and institutional arrangements that ensure compliance with standards for products and services.

DTI and UNIDO look forward to continued partnerships with local stakeholders to fortify the national quality infrastructure and advance the country’s position in global trade. Atty. Agaton Teodoro O. Uvero, Assistant Secretary of DTI’s Fair Trade Group, concluded the event with a message reinforcing the importance of a resilient NQI. He expressed confidence in the Philippines’ potential to meet international standards through collaboration with partners like UNIDO and Swiss SECO. He stressed the importance of a robust NQI framework that supports consumer protection, sustainable practices, and ethical sourcing. He pointed to Senate Bill 628, the NQI Development Act, alongside other key legislation on metrology, standardization, and accreditation, as crucial steps for creating a cohesive system to ensure Philippine products meet global standards.

Hosted by Ms. Japhet T. Celis of the Philippine Accreditation Bureau, the event reinforced the significance of collaborations, such as those between DTI and UNIDO, as a cornerstone in the journey towards a resilient and competitive Philippine economy.

For more information on the UNIDO’s QI4SD Index and the Standards Compliance Analytics Platform, please visit the UNIDO Hub at https://hub.unido.org/hub-tools.

Release Date: 15 November 2024.

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