As the country’s economy recovers from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the world’s longest lockdown, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) is calling on Filipino consumers and industry users to sustain patronizing Philippine-made products to help local industries and small businesses recover faster and stronger.
“We are still reeling from a crisis that is unparalleled in recent history. In the face of losses from reduced economic activity, we are calling on all consumers and industry users to support Philippine-made products. This is to help local businesses survive, rebound and continue providing jobs for the Filipino people,” PCCI President, Amb. Benedicto V. Yujuico, said.
PCCI, which was one of the key players behind the #PinasMunaTayo! movement at the height of the enhance community quarantine last year, acknowledged the effort by government to promote the consumption of local products specifically the Buy Local! Go Lokal! campaign of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the oneStore.ph website for local products by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).
To accelerate and strengthen business and economic recovery, PCCI encouraged local contractors, manufacturers, enterprises, and even multinationals in this campaign - to source their raw materials within the country, unless there are no local alternatives.
Expressing support to the Build Lokal campaign of the DTI, PCCI’s Director for Industry, Mr. Alfredo Yao said, “The PCCI recognizes that the Build Build Lokal campaign of the DTI aligns with our strategic thrust to support policy initiatives which will improve the overall local business climate and contribute to socio-economic development. As such, we fully support this campaign by the government to promote the consumption of locally-produced, quality building materials for public and private sector construction projects.”
An offshoot of Buy Local! Go Lokal! Campaign, Build Lokal promotes prioritizing proudly Filipino-manufactured building materials, including cement and steel.
“With the ongoing global pandemic, continuing to prioritize locally manufactured building materials will not only boost the Philippine economy but also help preserve jobs and boost job creation,” Perry Ferrer, Chair of the Industry Committee of PCCI, added.
Supporting local industries also protects Filipino consumers from the safety risks associated with some imported building materials which have been found to be of substandard quality based on Philippine National Standards, PCCI further emphasized. For its part, the national government continues to make good on its promise to lead by example. Based on the recently passed General Appropriations Act (GAA), government agencies are now mandated to prioritize local building materials for infrastructure projects and all other activities.