CEBU – The DTI Region 7 Central Visayas successfully conducted the first info session of the Philippine Export Development Plan (PEDP) 2023-2028: Cascading Government Programs and Services on August 20, 2024, in Cebu City.
This info session, led by the Export Development Council (EDC), marks the beginning of a nationwide effort to cascade the PEDP’s strategic framework, aimed at enhancing the country’s export performance and global competitiveness.
The inaugural info session brought together key stakeholders, including exporters, would-be exporters, industry leaders, and government offices, to discuss the PEDP’s goals and the various government programs and services designed to support the export sector.
In her welcome remarks, DTI 7 Industry Development Chief Ma. Theresa Sederiosa emphasized the significance of the PEDP 2023-2028, describing it as a strategic plan that will guide the country’s export strategies amidst the evolving global trade landscape.
“The PEDP is not just a plan; it is a strategic framework designed to guide us through the evolving dynamics of international trade. This plan outlines our commitment to enhancing our export capacities, diversifying our export base, and ensuring that our products and services reach new heights of excellence and market reach,” Sederiosa stated.
The development and alignment of the PEDP were further strengthened by the implementation of Memorandum Circular No. 23 (s. 2023). This directive mandated all concerned agencies to submit their respective Programs, Activities, and Projects (PAPs) to the EDC in alignment with the PEDP. In response, the EDC Secretariat conducted various workshops to ensure that these PAPs were sufficient to meet sectoral targets and address the specific needs of the export community.
The EDC, in collaboration with the DTI Export Marketing Bureau (DTI-EMB) and the Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. (PHILEXPORT), spearheaded the info session for the Visayas regions, with online participants joining from Iloilo City. The session, which was also streamed live via DTI 7 Facebook pages, highlighted the government’s commitment to empowering exporters through capacity-building initiatives, access to new markets, and the provision of essential resources and services.
A key highlight of the session was the presentation of the PHX Source platform, an innovative digital marketplace supported by DTI designed to connect Philippine exporters with international buyers. The platform offers a streamlined process for product sourcing and provides exporters with enhanced visibility in the global market, underscoring DTI’s dedication to leveraging technology to support the growth and global reach of Philippine exports.
During the session, the DTI also presented a range of programs and services under the EMB, Regional Operations Group (ROG), and the Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC). The comprehensive presentations aimed to equip exporters with the tools needed to thrive in the global market supported by the department.
Key government agencies present at the session included the Department of Agriculture – Food Development Center (DA-FDC), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Bureau of Customs (BOC), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL), among others. Their participation highlighted the collaborative effort to support the export sector through a whole-of-government approach, as these agencies presented their programs and services.
The session also served as a platform to gather insights from exporters through one-on-one consultations and the Needs Assessment Survey, ensuring that the PEDP aligns with the current challenges and needs of the export community.
The Cebu info session is the first of many planned across the country as EDC continues its efforts to engage with local stakeholders and ensure that the benefits of the PEDP reach exporters nationwide. Upcoming info sessions are scheduled for Davao on September 18, 2024, and Cagayan de Oro on October 2, 2024.
This initiative is supported through DTI-EMB’s Usapang Exports, a series of information sessions under its Philippine Export Competitiveness Program (PECP). The program aims to enhance the competitiveness of Philippine manufacturers and exporters through seminars, information sessions, and other export-related activities that provide valuable insights into productivity, innovation, and the latest updates on export regulations and trends. For more information, visit the EDC website: http://www.edc.net.ph/ and DTI-EMB Tradeline website: https://tradelinephilippines.dti.gov.ph/. (DTI7/PR) ♦
Date of release: 22 August 2024