2023 NATIONAL ARTS AND CRAFTS FAIR Preserving Tradition in Contemporary Life

After a three-year hiatus, the 2023 National Arts and Crafts Fair (NACF) returns as a major trade fair to be held from 4-8 October 2023 at the Megatrade Hall of SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City. The NACF, which was first launched in 2016, is organized by the Department of Trade and Industry–Bureau of Domestic Trade Promotion (DTI-BDTP), in collaboration with the DTI Regional and Provincial Offices, and supported by the Office of Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda.

"The 2023 National Arts and Crafts Fair underscores the integral role of arts and crafts in our national economy. This sector, often underestimated, serves as a vibrant source of income for many Filipino artisans and MSMEs, and contributes significantly to the country’s revenue streams through domestic sales as well as exports," BDTP Director Marievic Bonoan pointed out. 

 

With over 200 exhibitors curated from the country’s 16 regions, NACF will serve as a platform to showcase the country’s rich cultural heritage and likewise gives everyone an opportunity to rediscover and appreciate Philippine craftsmanship. The products, meticulously crafted and features traditional indigenous materials, are expected to captivate a new urban consumer base in search of unique items with intrinsic beauty and value.

 

Artisans, craftsmen, and entrepreneurs from across the nation are gathered together at the fair to exhibit a rich display of traditional and indigenous materials made using contemporary methods. Visitors can anticipate textile and fiber art, mats and basketry, handcrafted jewelry, houseware and home decor, and novelty items. The fair will pay homage to the country’s diverse culture and further explore innovative methods of incorporating these skills into modern-day objects. 

 

NACF stage is set to reflect the heritage, creativity, and innovation exhibited by local artisans who have molded their skills from the essence of the country's cultural wealth. Moreover, NACF will provide a platform establish rapport with potential buyers, fostering an environment of growth and opportunity for native craft industries. This year’s National Arts and Crafts Fair is more than just a display of arts and crafts rather celebration of the age-old traditions brought to life in new, exciting ways.

 

“The National Arts and Crafts Fair is not merely an event; it is a movement that staunchly supports our local artisans, promotes our traditions, and contributes to the growth of our creative economy. The entrepreneurs exhibiting their products here exemplify our people’s resilience, ingenuity, and passion. I encourage everyone to join us in this celebration of tradition and innovation as we continue to empower indigenous skills and Filipino craftsmanship,” said Legarda, who conceptualized the fair and supported it since its inception in 2016. 

 

The formal opening ceremony of the 2023 National Arts and Crafts Fair will be on 4 October 2023. 

 

To know more about the 2023 National Arts and Crafts Fair and other programs of the DTI-Bureau of Domestic Trade Promotion, follow their social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter 

2023 NATIONAL FOOD FAIR HIGHLIGHTS INNOVATIONS AND GLOBAL FOOD TRENDS

The theme “Go Discover, Taste, Enjoy!” for the upcoming 2023 National Food Fair truly embodies this much-awaited event, as it highlights the fusion of science and tradition in bringing innovations into the Philippine food industry. Organized by the Department of Trade and Industry – Bureau of Domestic Trade Promotion (DTI-BDTP) in partnership with the DTI-Regional Operations Group (DTI-ROG), the 2023 National Food Fair will be held from July 12-16, at Megatrade Halls 1-3, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City.

Grounded on landmark research at state colleges and universities, the Department of Agriculture, and the Department of Science and Technology, the event will introduce trailblazing products generated by biotechnology as well as production techniques that have the potential to disrupt the food value chain. These will be showcased in the Philippine Food Industry Innovation Lounge as well as in the exhibits of the Innovative and Biotech Products Cluster.

The Philippines is among the world’s top coconut producers, and the 2023 National Food Fair will continue to showcase this wealth-generating product through the Philippine Coconut Industry Pavilion and Coconut-based MSME Cluster. As part of the promotional activities, a series of “Cooking with Coconut” short videos will be released on BDTP’s social media accounts ahead of the event.

Meanwhile, the Rural Agro-Industrial Partnership for Inclusive Development and Growth (RAPID Growth) Project, one of the DTI projects to be featured at the NFF aims to provide economic and sustainable development by helping smallholder farmers and stakeholders increase their income and generate employment through the value chain approach for selected products such as cacao, coffee, coconut and processed fruits and nuts.

During the five-day event, there will be a daily program of activities consisting of entrepreneurship talks, live cooking demonstrations by Chefs Claude Tayag, Boy Logro, Tatung Sarthou, Jam Melchor and Laudico Guevarra, wine-mixing tutorials, and presentations on various food and business-related topics. This is open to the public and free of charge. The daily program will also be livestreamed on BDTP social media channels for remote viewers.

“The 2023 National Food Fair is a physical show with an online counterpart on Lazada with featured exhibitors making their products available to all serviceable areas nationwide” said BDTP Director Marievic Bonoan.

To know more about the 2023 National Food Fair and other programs of the DTI-Bureau of Domestic Trade Promotion, please follow their social media accounts on Facebook (DTI.BDTP), Instagram (dti.bdtp), and Twitter (@DTI_BDTP). You may also email BDTP Director Marievic M. Bononan at bdtp@dti.gov.ph.

Philippine Fashion Lands in Seoul, South Korea

As part of its program to promote the Philippine creative sector and fashion industry in Korea, the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) in Seoul, in partnership with the Manila Fashion Festival organized and hosted the opening of PH Mode x SEL, a fashion exhibit, from 26-29 October, 2022. The Exhibition will be held at Samcheong Dong, one of the popular spots in Seoul for art and lifestyle with museums, art galleries, fashion stores, and restaurants.

Showcased in the exhibition are exclusive selections created by Philippine senior and contemporary designers by merging Korea’s unique high tech fabric and Philippine indigenous materials, paving way for creative synergy.

Started in 2014, the Manila Fashion Festival (MFF) is a bi-annual event and produced over 150 designers and brands shows with eight (8) major fashion media partners in the Philippines. The MFF is considered as the largest fashion runway event in the Philippines today and highlights the artistry of Filipino fashion talents.

Additionally, PH MODE was created as a compilation brand to showcase modern Philippine fashion design overseas. It serves as a gateway for collaboration with international suppliers and to develop an efficient supply chain for Philippine designers, as well as to provide business launching opportunities for this young emerging market.

The PH MODE x SEL by MFF is in collaboration with Korea’s leading textile company, IGS.F, which produces high tech fabric brand called GRAPHENETEX. The exhibit features an exclusive collection ensemble created by MFF selected Philippine senior and contemporary designers, showcasing a fusion of Korea’s unique high-tech fabric and Philippine indigenous material (traditional handwoven textile).

In February 2023, the MFF will return to Manila for Season 15 showcasing the Tokyo and Seoul collections with participating designers from Tokyo, Taipei, and Seoul.

Through MFF’s unique strategic international positioning, the Philippines will soon become a major player in global fashion.

DTI-12, LGU Koronadal hold Bugal Trade Fair during Negosyo Festival

KORONADAL CITY, SOUTH COTABATO – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 12 through its South Cotabato Provincial Officers forged a partnership with the local government unit of Koronadal City for the conduct of a 10-day trade fair dubbed as “Bugal Trade Fair sa Negosyo Festival” which was launched on Wednesday, October 5, 2022.

The fair, participated by 48 DTI-assisted food and non-food micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) of South Cotabato, will run until October 15, 2022 and is part of the enrolled activities in line with the celebration of Koronadal City’s 22nd Charter Anniversary and the 12th Negosyo Festival.

In an interview, DTI-12 OIC Regional Director Flora Politud-Gabunales said that the partnership with LGU Koronadal is proof of the importance viewed by the partner offices in assisting the MSMEs market their products after the more than two years of economic slowdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“After the hiatus of more than two years because of the pandemic restrictions, we are again intensifying our efforts to market the products of our local producers. By doing so, we help them pivot their businesses,” said Politud Gabunales.

Participating MSMEs in the trade fair were limited to those who have undergone business and product development interventions from DTI to ensure their readiness and safety of the marketed products.

Aside from product selling, DTI will also feature a financing forum, coffee training, orientation on Halal, food safety and good manufacturing practices, and technology development training on coconut by-products.

The public can also avail of the free brewed coffee and chocolate drink using the locally produced roasted coffee and tablea (chocolate liquor) of the South Cotabato at the Tsokokapehan booth.

The trade fair was ceremonially opened with a gong banging and breaking of cacao pod-shaped piñata by DTI-12 OIC-Assistant Regional Director and concurrent Provincial Director of DTI South Cotabato Rictoniel Reginio, South Cotabato Governor Reynaldo Tamayo Jr., and Koronadal Mayor Eliordo Ogena.

Reginio invited the public to visit and promote the trade fair, patronize the local products and participate in the free trainings and sessions.

Diskwento Caravan Continues to Roll, Moves West of the City

The Department of Trade and Industry, through the initiative of its Regional Operations Group (DTI-ROG) led by Undersecretary Blesila Lantayona, has finally run the Diskwento Caravan rolling store, heading its way to the western portion of Zamboanga City after serving four (4) barangays in the east. It first went to Barangay Sinunuc on April 24, 2020, and on April 28, it rolled to Barangay San Roque.

In Sinunuc, it served a total of eight hundred twenty-one (821) consumers generating sales amounting to PhP 252,566.00. While in San Roque, nine hundred thirty-two (932) consumers were served by the rolling store which also generated PhP 297,936.00 in sales. The number of consumers served by the rolling store in the two barangays are the highest since it started operating on April 7.

“We believe that the absence of grocery and convenience stores in Sinunuc is one of the major reasons for the large turnout of buyers during our visit in the area. Among the barangays we visited so far, it was in Sinunuc where the rolling store was the busiest. More or less, we were able to serve eight hundred twenty-one (821) consumers”, said Rowena Divinagracia of DTI-Zamboanga City’s Consumer Protection Division. “We expect higher turnouts and hope to help more consumers in other areas where it is really difficult for the people to access basic grocery items.”

Four (4) days later, new records, both in the number of consumers served and amount of sales were posted in Barangay San Roque. Of the total number of consumers reached out by the rolling store, almost a quarter were from San Roque.

“Ta puede gane kita mira, maga gente y vivientes de San Roque cay este dia ya dale gayod canaton privilegio especialmente el maga departamento de govierno - el DTI, el Department of Agriculture, el City Agriculture’s office. Alegre gane kita cay bien manada gayod ya puede beneficia el de aton maga residente taqui ahora (We can clearly see that, today, the people of San Roque are very privileged especially that various government agencies are here – the DTI, Department of Agriculture (DA) and City Agriculture’s Office. We are very glad that many, who are here, are benefitting from this event)”, Chairman Edgardo Delgado of Barangay San Roque said in an interview.

In all areas visited by the rolling store, the DA’s Kadiwa on Wheels also brings with it basic agricultural commodities such as vegetables, fruits, fish and poultry products.

The DTI, other line government agencies and the local government unit of Zamboanga City continue to provide the people of Zamboanga easier access to their basic necessities.

PH Exports Grow by 5.1% in Q3 2019

MAKATI – Amidst the backdrop of global uncertainty stemming from the US-China trade war, Philippine exports of goods and services remained resilient, as it expanded by 5.1% year-on-year (yoy) to US$ 25.0 billion in the 3rd quarter (Q3) of 2019. This export growth was even an improvement compared to its second quarter (Q2) 2019 yoy rate of 4.3%.

"President Rodrigo Duterte's directive of being a friend to all nations allowed the Philippines to grow our exports despite the ongoing US-China trade war, which may have caused the decline in exports of other countries." said Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez.

Sec. Lopez also said that the Philippines is pushing for the conclusion of free trade agreements like the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the Philippine-Korea Free Trade Agreement in 2020 to expand market access for manufactured goods as well as agri-based products.

He shared that the Philippines is also working on a free trade agreement with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and is exploring new export markets in consumer-rich Africa. The trade chief advised that export marketing should be in tandem with increasing the supply to meet the demand of foreign markets.

The Q3 export growth performance was strengthened by an 8.6% yoy increase in services exports, which totaled US$ 11.1 billion for the quarter. It was also backed by the 2.4% yoy uptick in the goods exports valued at US$ 13.9 billion.

Growth in services exports was boosted by a double-digit increase in exports of travel services due to bigger international tourist arrivals. Aside from travel services, Information Technology and Business Process Management (IT-BPM) also contributed to the services exports’ good showing.

On the other hand, exports of electronics products, bananas, and forestry and mineral products contributed to the moderate increase in the exports of goods.

Goods and services’ exports climbed 3.7% yoy to US$ 70.4 billion on a cumulative basis spanning January to September 2019. Services exports rose by 7.7% yoy to US$ 30.6 billion driven by travel services as well as technical, trade-related, and other business services. Meanwhile, goods exports increased by 0.7% yoy to US$ 39.8 billion primarily because of fruits and vegetables.

DTI PREPARES TO REVITALIZE MANUFACTURING AND EMBRACE INDUSTRY 4.0

MAKATI CITY - The DTI is in the thick of preparations to revitalize manufacturing & embrace Industry 4.0, as it surges forward with its flagship industrial strategy which it introduced in 2016, the Inclusive Innovation Industrial Strategy or i3S.

Speaking at the recently held Manufacturing Summit 2019, DTI Secretary Ramon M. Lopez provided a detailed picture of the Philippine manufacturing sector’s performance since 2013. While the country’s manufacturing sector exhibited a slowdown in growth in the recent quarters of this year due mostly to the US-China Trade War overall global slowdown in growth, and rising global protectionism, he pointed out that looking at the bigger picture, Philippine manufacturing has been growing at a respectable rate, with manufacturing share-to-GDP remaining almost unchanged for the past few years. “Despite (the slowdown), we are enjoying fast growth due to domestic demand,” Trade Secretary Lopez declared.

“The bright spot is, our investments continue to grow,” Secretary Lopez mentioned, as he noted that significant increases in approved manufacturing investments were expected to expand production capacities, address supply chains gaps, and improve Global Value Chain Participation. Data shows that IPA-approved investments in 2016-2018 were at Php 730B, 57.3% higher than during the period 2013-2015. Moreover, growth in Board of Investments – approved manufacturing investments increased 8-fold: from 82% in 2016, it grew to 95% in 2017 then zoomed to 327% in 2018.

In order to revitalize Philippine manufacturing towards a sustainable and inclusive industrial development, Secretary Lopez laid down plans to address growth constraints and leverage government support. These include: HR development to upskill workers and increase productivity; small value chain interventions to address raw materials shortage; incentivizing energy technologies to help bring down power cost; logistics interventions to cut down red tape and standardize shipping cost; and countering unfair trade practices including smuggling and substandard and counterfeit goods through mandatory product certification.

He also gave the audience a peek at industry 4.0 readiness initiatives that the DTI is planning to do to prepare firms, industries, and workers for the future. These include the SME academy as training facility for 4IR technologies to upskill and reskill our workforce to be 4IR-ready; positioning the Philippines as an AI Center of Excellence; Industry 4.0 roadmaps for specific sectors, and an Industry 4.0 pilot factory to serve as a demonstration facility. “We have to increase domestic capacity to support the growing demand of our economy. We should be prepared,” Sec Lopez reiterated. “There is a need to revitalize the manufacturing sector. This is the sector that can create more jobs, better income for our Filipinos.” Sec Lopez concluded.

Industry Policy Determines Trade Strategy – DTI Chief

MAKATI – Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez said that industry policy determines trade strategy and shared DTI’s unified approach to spurring trade and investments in DTI’s One Country, One Voice (OCOV) forum last 4 December.

“Essentially, the objective is to develop and strengthen our industries that will generate local employment. Our positions in trade negotiations have to be aligned with our plans in industry development,” Sec. Lopez said.

“What industry do we think will be strategic? What industry should be developed? Where do we have comparative advantage? Then we will put our minds, our support and our programs behind all these industries which we will be promoting” he added.

The trade chief also stressed the importance of trade agreements, since 93% of all exports go to countries with existing agreements with the Philippines.

“President Rodrigo Duterte’s independent foreign policy allowed the Philippines to pursue trade relations with both US and China and helped begin trade relations with non-traditional partners, like Russia and some countries in the Middle East. The Department of Trade and Industry is doing its part to assure that the Philippines is a friend to all,” said Secretary Lopez.

However, he added that trade relations should be fair to both countries: “We, the Philippines, are decent trading partners. We follow the rules and we expect partners to also treat us fairly. Otherwise, we will have no choice but to retaliate—but again still following the rules and procedures for negotiation.”

The Philippines has seven free trade agreements, two bilateral agreements, and 30 existing Joint Economic Cooperation agreements, and is benefiting from Generalized System of Preferences (GSPs) from 10 countries, namely US, EU, Australia, Belarus, Canada, Japan, Kazakhstan, New Zealand, Russia, and Turkey.

Ambassador Ron Sorini, Former Chief Negotiator for the Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR), said that for the US, the only serious candidate for free trade agreement negotiations is the Philippines. Amb. Sorini gave a talk on the topic “Identifying the Policy Environment for New Generation FTAs in the New Era of Globalization.”

Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo explained DTI’s “Last Touch Strategy” with the vision for the Philippines to become a strategic manufacturing and export base. This strategy aims to integrate the Philippines into the regional value chain production networks and provide the country with the greatest local value addition and best market access for its products.

To reap the maximum benefits from this strategy, Usec. Rodolfo added that the country must first ensure deep industrial capability in basic industries and have the widest network of supplying industries.

The OCOV forum informed stakeholders about the latest developments in the country’s international trade and investment engagements and revolved around three topics: Philippine development and trade policy; rising global protectionism; and forging ahead through strategic economic partnerships.

The forum’s speakers include Senators Imee Marcos and Koko Pimentel, Albay Congressman Joey Salceda, Former DTI Secretary Gregory Domingo, DTI Assistant Secretary Allan Gepty, Former USTR Director Kellie Meiman Hock, Solar Philippines President Leandro Leviste, Luen Thai Executive Vice President Sunny Tan, former National Competitiveness Council Co-chair Guillermo Luz, and Ambassador Antonio Basilio.

DTI Chief Eyes More Funds for MSMEs in Local, Int'l Trade Fairs

MANDALUYONG - Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said that the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is awaiting the Senate's approval of additional budget to send more micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to local and international trade fairs.

In his welcome remarks at the Kalakal CALABARZON Trade Fair and the National Capital Region's Metro Fiesta Trade Fair on 5 December, Sec. Lopez shared that MSMEs usually pay for their spaces at trade fairs, but if the agency's additional budget request will be approved, they would be able to provide said spaces for free.

"Market access is part of DTI's 7Ms of Successful Entrepreneurship and trade fairs give MSMEs access to a wider market for their products. We hope that exposure in these five-day fairs will be the beginning of their entry to the mainstream and export markets," said Sec. Lopez.

DTI holds several regional and national trade fairs and heads the country's participation in international trade fairs, like the China International Import Expo (CIIE). This year, Philippine exhibitors booked around USD 390 million from CIIE, and Sec. Lopez hopes that with more funds, more MSMEs can participate in CIIE and other trade fairs.

The trade chief, however, advised entrepreneurs to innovate continuously and work toward increasing their production capacity to meet future demands.

"Even if we're able to open market access to other countries, if MSMEs don't have enough products, they will still end up with nothing to sell," said Sec. Lopez.

For MSMEs looking for capital to increase production, he recommended DTI's Pondo sa Pagbabago at Pag-asenso (P3) Program, low-interest, no collateral business loan to combat "5-6" lenders. Entrepreneurs can go to any DTI Negosyo Center to know the nearest P3 conduit MFIs or cooperatives and loan amounts from PHP 5,000 to PHP 200,000. Those who wish to borrow larger amounts can go directly to the DTI-Small Business Corporation.

The Kalakal CALABARZON Trade Fair and Metro Fiesta will both run from December 4 to 8 at the Mega Trade Halls of SM Megamall. With 120 exhibitors from Metro Manila and 180 from Region 4A, shoppers can choose from a variety of products like processed food, wearables (footwear, bags, garments, and fashion accessories), and home and holiday decors.

Madame Honeylet Avanceña, a staunch supporter of MSME development and an entrepreneur herself, graced the opening of the trade expo. Also present were Senator Cynthia Villar, DTI Undersecretary Blesila Lantayona, DTI Assistant Secretary Demphna Du-Naga, DTI Regional Directors Malou Toledo, and Marcelina Alcantara, and Senator Koko Pimentel's Chief of Staff Jeffrey Yu.

DTI Targets Truckers, Forwarders to Adopt New Road Freight Transport Standards

The Department of Trade and Industry- Competitiveness Bureau (DTI-CB), in cooperation with Bureau of Philippine Standards (BPS) and DTI- Region 3 Office pushes the adoption of Philippine National Standard on Road Freight Transport (PNS 2135:2018) to fleet operators and hauling companies, in a bid to improve the competitiveness of logistics services sector in the country.

“An efficient and reliable logistics services plays a critical role in supporting the development of our industries. We are pleased to introduce our programs that can cater to the needs of trucking sector and enable us to learn and implement the best global practices and standards as a way to help improve the competitiveness of the country’s logistics services sector.” DTI Competitiveness Bureau Director Lilian Salonga said.

During the Forum on Standards and Other Concerns Affecting Logistics Sector held in Subic, Zambales, the DTI-CB in partnership with BPS presented the guidelines of the PNS 2135:2018 to the fleet operators and freight forwarders who are planning to adopt the said standard.

The PNS 2135:2018 provides indicators and targets on how to measure performance of road freight activities and initiatives to enhance road freight transport operations. It is hinged on four principles:

• Safety - Freedom from unacceptable risk of goods, humans, property, equipment and environment during road transport of commodities.
• Reliability - Ability to perform a required function under given conditions for a given time interval e.g. on time delivery, no damaged goods, preserved quality, no pilferage etc.
• Cost-efficiency - Ability to perform a required function at a minimum possible cost.
• Environmentally sustainable - Ability to perform a required function with minimal negative impact to the environment.

The PNS 2135:2018 was approved in December 2018 through the recommendation of the Technical Committee (BPS/TC 84: Logistics) chaired by DTI-CB and assisted by the DTI-BPS. The committee was composed of members from the truckers’ group, academe, consumer, professional association, research and development, and testing institutions.

The Forum was attended by stakeholders from the trucking and hauling sector, freight forwarding, government, and business community. Resource speakers include Ms. Ma. Theresa Ocampo, Sales and Marketing Superintendent of Subic Bay International Terminal Corp. (SBITC); Mr Samuel Bautista, President and Chief Learning Officer of the Academy of Developmental Logistics Inc., the first organization to adopt the PNS 2135:2018, and Mr. Michael Philip Lazaro, Assistant General Manager of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA).

The Philippine National Standards on Road Freight Transport (PNS 2135:2018) is one of the key initiatives outlined in the 10 Commitment of Philippine Logistics Services Sector that underscored the government and private sector’s role in advancing a globally competitive logistics sector.

DTI TO HOLD THE 4TH ANNUAL MANUFACTURING SUMMIT

MAKATI CITY – Continuing the effort to take the country’s manufacturing sector to greater heights and new frontiers, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), in partnership with the Federation of Philippine Industries (FPI) will hold the Manufacturing Summit 2019 on Tuesday, 3 December 2019, at The Peninsula Manila, corner Ayala and Makati Avenue, Makati City.

Now on its fourth year, the summit will once again gather stakeholders from the government, academe, industry, and various development partners to discuss pressing issues affecting the Philippine manufacturing landscape.

Amid the economic volatility, the Philippines has been growing steadily during the current decade, posting an annual average of 6.3%. This is a remarkable improvement from the 4.5% average during the 2000s. In 2018, we grew at 6.2%, one of the highest in Southeast and East Asia and exceeded only slightly by China and Vietnam.

While the country’s long-term figures looked rosy, the manufacturing industry this year only grew by 2.4 percent in the third quarter of 2019, slower compared to the 3.8 percent growth it posted in the same period last year.

The top industry contributory drivers to growth this year include the Chemical Sector with 9.7% growth, Food with 4.4%, Basic Metals with 17.2%, machinery equipment with 14.8%, and electrical machinery with 14.4%.

On the other hand, some sectors contracted, pulling down the growth of the Industry. Topping the list of decliners are Petroleum and Other Fuel Products, 28.3%; Radio, Television and Communication Equipment and Apparatus, 4.3%; Furniture and Fixtures, 11.3%; and Transport Equipment, 5.7%.

The lower growth figures this year pose as a challenge to the manufacturing sector to regroup and look at how to strengthen its core and keep its long-term growth trajectory on an upward path.

With this year’s theme being, “Preparing Philippine Manufacturing for the Future of Production,” the Summit will take stock of the performance of the manufacturing industry, highlight the changes in the domestic economy and global market; discuss the future of manufacturing and agribusiness under Industry 4.0; and consider future skills and human resource development for future production.

The Manufacturing Summit is held as part of the implementation of the government’s Inclusive Innovation Industrial Strategy (i3S). The Summit proceedings will be live-streamed via the official DTI Facebook page accessible at https://www.facebook.com/DTI.Philippines. The program details are available at https://mfgsummit2019.weebly.com/program.html. For further inquiries, you may email MFGSummit2019@dti.gov.ph.

DTI and Sakeholders Set to Discuss Trade Issues and Strategies Under the Trade War

25 November 2019, Manila – The Department of Trade and Industry will hold an international trade forum to discuss international trade policy issues, including the ongoing trade frictions between the world’s economic heavy weights. The forum is part of the DTI’s One Country, One Voice (OCOV) Stakeholder Consultation mechanism on trade policy formulation.

In particular, the forum aims to foster dialogue on how the Philippines can capitalize on the opportunities presented by the trade war and how to address the challenges that hamper Philippine industries from taking full advantage of these opportunities. The forum also aims to tackle how the DTI could enhance its international trade policy strategy, leverage its participation in regional and global value chains, and maximize trade policy tools in light of the rising global protectionism.

Economic simulations of the trade war’s impact on the Philippine economy illustrate minimal negative effects on exports. “While the Philippines is not as vulnerable as other economies, a prolonged trade war could eventually impact Philippine exports” said DTI Secretary Ramon M. Lopez.

Both the United States and China are major trading partners of the Philippines. The country currently enjoys preferential market access to the United States through the GSP scheme and also has an FTA with China under ASEAN. Secretary Lopez added that apart from these existing mechanisms, “enhanced engagement with other major trading partners as well as with non-traditional partners are also being pursued to help strengthen and diversify Philippine export markets”.

The forum, which will be held in December in Manila, will bring together international experts on trade policy, business leaders, policymakers, industry representatives, and government officials, among others.

Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo highlighted that “the One Country, One Voice consultations is an important pillar in our unified industry and trade strategy that helps ensure that our trade negotiating position remains rational, responsive to, and grounded on the needs of our stakeholders”. Launched in 2011, OCOV ensures transparency and accountability as government undertakes the process of engaging in dialogues, building mutual trust, and arriving at rational, sound and balanced trade policies in pursuit of national development.

DTI brings only the best from the Cordilleras for the 24th IMPAKABSAT Regional Trade Fair

The Department of Trade and Industry-Cordillera Administrative Region (DTI-CAR), formally launches the IMPAKABSAT Regional Trade Fair 2019, last November 15, at Festival Mall, Alabang, Muntinlupa City, which saw the gathering of around 80 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from the region’s provinces.

Regional Director for CAR, Myrna Pablo, accentuated through the opening program, IMPAKABSAT, which stands for the region’s six provinces, namely, Ifugao, Mountain Province, Abra, Kalinga, Apayao, Benguet, and the city of Baguio and is then completed with the Ilocano word “kabsat” which means brother or sister, describes the whole of the Cordilleras. This is a manifestation of the rich and vibrant culture in the region and how the products of the participating MSMEs reflect such.

One Town One Product (OTOP) Next Gen Program Manager and Regional Operations Group Assistant Secretary Demphna Du-Naga encouraged the MSMEs to continuously innovate their products through availing OTOP assistance on product development, design, packaging, branding, production capability, among others, transitioning them to be more market-oriented and innovation-driven.

“Ang mandatos ng ating Presidente ay tulungan ang lahat ng mga negosyante sa bansa. Sa pamamagitan ng OTOP Next Gen, ang simpleng produkto ninyo ay sasailalim sa product development at innovation tulad ng packaging at branding. Mas magiging marketable ang produkto, mas mabenta sa merkado.” ASec. Naga said during the opening ceremony.

The annual IMPAKABSAT aims to develop and strengthen small and medium enterprises from the region, through the promotion of its indigenous crafts, skills, resources and investment potentials. Products featured at the trade fair vary from organic and natural products, fresh & processed food, wearables and homestyles, coffee, bamboocraft, woodcraft, and furniture & furnishings.

This year’s edition of the trade fair puts the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) and OTOP Next Gen Program beneficiaries on the spotlight. Likewise, CAR being the coffee capital in the Philippines, visitors and shoppers during the fair were served the best coffee in the region through KAPEtirya.

IMPAKBSAT 2019 will run from November 15-24, 2019, with regular exhibit hours, 10:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.

DTI sets Forum on Standards in Logistics Services in Subic and Cebu: Truckers and haulers urged to adopt the PH National Standard on Road Freight Transport

The Department of Trade and Industry- Competitiveness Bureau (DTI-CB), in cooperation with Bureau of Philippine Standards (BPS) and DTI- Regional Offices 3 and 7, will conduct a Forum on Standards and other concerns in logistics services sector in Subic, Zambales (18 November) and Cebu City (22 November) with the aim to promote the adoption of Philippine National Standard on Road Freight Transport (PNS 2135:2018) to fleet operators and hauling companies in the country.

“We organized this series of fora to educate the trucking sector about the benefits of implementing the PNS 2135:2018 to their respective companies. We encourage our truckers and haulers to adopt the best global practices and contribute to improving the competitiveness of the Philippine logistics services sector. This offers them an advantage over other companies in providing world-class quality logistics services to our industries.” Competitiveness Bureau Director Lilian Salonga said.

The PNS 2135:2018 was approved in December 2018 through the recommendation of the Technical Committee (BPS/TC 84: Logistics) chaired by DTI-CB and assisted by the DTI-BPS. The committee was composed of members from the truckers’ group, academe, consumer, professional association, research and development, and testing institutions.

Last October, DTI-CB held its first Forum in Tagaytay City, with the BPS presenting the guidelines of the PNS 2135:2018 to the fleet operators and freight forwarders who are planning to adopt the said standard.

“We identified these locations (Region 3, Region 4A, Region 7) for our forum considering its strategic importance to logistics and industries. Being the home to regional gateways and fast growing in terms of economic performance, it is only necessary to advance the development of the logistics services sector in these areas.” Director Salonga added.

Aside from the presentation of PNS 2135:2018 by BPS, the Competitiveness Bureau will share updates on government programs and policies for the development of a globally-competitive logistics services sector, while the Subic Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and Cebu Ports Authority (CPA) were invited to present for Subic and Cebu City fora, respectively.

For interested parties, you may contact the Supply Chain and Logistics Management Division Program Officer Ms Maria Dalisay Alba thru phone (0632.8899.6247) or email: MariaDalisayAlba@dt.gov.ph. You may also visit DTI-Competitiveness Bureau Official Facebook page for event updates.