Tatak Pinoy Law to boost 'Made in the Philippines' products – DTI
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) expressed its full support for the newly-enacted Tatak Pinoy (Proudly Filipino) Law, which aligns with the agency's goal to prioritize and empower Filipino products and businesses in the global value chain.
Republic Act (RA) No. 11981, signed on Monday, Feb. 26 by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., was passed to institutionalize the patronage of Filipino products, ensure high-quality of outputs, and bolster local enterprises particularly micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), and start-up companies.
The policy, aligned with the government's Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028, aims to nurture innovation, industrialization, and science and technology in the Philippine manufacturing sector, while facilitating a competitive business industry at par with international markets.
"We are confident that this legislation will bolster our ongoing programs, propelling industries towards greater global recognition and success. It underscores our commitment to implement measures that enhance the competitiveness of our local industries, ensuring that the world gets to experience what the Philippines has to offer,” said DTI Secretary Alfredo E. Pascual in a statement.
DTI Undersecretary Rafaelita Aldaba also remarked that the Tatak Pinoy Law may enable industries to produce more complex and sophisticated products for export such as elevated electronics and integrated circuits, electrical machinery and equipment, and Information and Communications Technology (ICT) services.
Notably, the law mandates the national government to prioritize Filipino products and services in the government procurement process for upcoming small or large-scale projects, encouraging further partnerships between the public and private sectors.
The Tatak Pinoy Council, created through the law, will implement initiatives and lead programs targeting five key pillars namely human resources, infrastructure, technology and innovation, investments, and sound financial management.
On DTI's part, the agency hopes to utilize the law in developing upon its existing programs that promote products by local artisans and entrepreneurs like the "One Town, One Product (OTOP)" and Malikhaing Pinoy Program, both of which have guided vendors on increasing the quality and marketability of their products to foreign and local buyers.
Moreover, it anticipates the law will be helpful in aiding its efforts to bring the Philippines into the age of the fourth industrial revolution through the construction of an Industry 4.0 Pilot Factory, a Center for Artificial Intelligence Research (CAIR), and supporting Regional Inclusive Innovation Centers (RIICs).
"Let's work together to build a vibrant and dynamic industry ecosystem that benefits everyone, positioning the Philippines as a center of innovation and excellence on the global stage," said Pascual.