Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Acting Secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque has outlined initiatives designed to strengthen the country’s manufacturing sector, create jobs, foster innovation, and stimulate economic growth.
In a statement on Wednesday, Aug. 21, Roque announced her plan to enhance the manufacturing sector by leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and fostering collaborations with the country’s development partners.
“To further elevate our manufacturing sector, we take guidance from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s direction to champion Tatak Pinoy. The ‘Made in the Philippines’ must become synonymous with industrial quality, innovation, and competitiveness,” Roque said.
In particular, Roque said she will utilize the National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy Roadmap 2.0 (NAISR 2.0), to drive innovation and attract investments in the manufacturing sector.
At the heart of this initiative is the Center for AI Research (CAIR), which will lead AI research and development, positioning the Philippines as a regional leader in the field, Roque said.
Aside from CAIR's research efforts, she said the DTI will actively promote technology adoption in the manufacturing sector.
According to Roque, the establishment of an Industry 4.0 Pilot Factory and an Industry 4.0 SME Academy will provide businesses, including micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), with valuable resources to understand and implement Industry 4.0 technologies.
Moreover, Roques said that the DTI is working with the Asian Development Bank for the PRISTINE Project, which seeks to promote research and innovation to enhance the transformation of industries and enterprises.
She also stated that this project will encourage the creation of more intricate, advanced, and varied products and services by strengthening the relationship between industry and academia.
Ultimately, the National Innovation Gateway is set to operate in 2027 as the convergence platform for all these innovation efforts, connecting startups, MSMEs, and large industries to the global market.
Meanwhile, SteelAsia Chairman Ben Yao commended Roque on her new position and reaffirmed his commitment to realizing President Marcos’ vision for a thriving Philippine steel industry.
He emphasized the significant role of collaboration between the public and private sectors in making this vision a reality and promoting socio-economic transformation.
Other business leaders, such as Roberto Fabella “Bobby” Batungbacal, Executive Director of the Makati Business Club, and Dan Lachica, President of the Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines, Inc., also voiced their strong endorsement of Roque.
They emphasized the private sector's eagerness to collaborate with the DTI to showcase the country's diverse manufacturing sector and to establish a favorable business environment through the implementation of the Tatak Pinoy Law.