DTI expands logistics hub to drive down business costs
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is expanding its initiative aimed at promoting accessibility and affordability in the logistics sector by welcoming nine more private sector partners across the supply chain.
Trade Secretary Cristina Roque onboarded the third batch of partners under the Supply Chain and Logistics Center (SCLC) network on Tuesday, July 21, to strengthen the logistics ecosystem for businesses, particularly micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
The SCLC is a partnership among companies in the logistics sector that serves as a go-to hub for supply chain and logistics needs, helping MSMEs make informed decisions when shipping their products locally or abroad.
The new partners of the initiative include AC Logistics Holding Corp., United Parcel Service (UPS) Philippines Inc., AP Cargo Logistics Network Corp., Crystal Cold Storage Inc., DSV Contract Logistics Inc., Magsaysay Logistics and Transport Corp., Oriental Freight International Inc., Robinson Logistix and Industrials Inc., and SyCip Gorres Velayo & Co. (SGV).
This brings the total number of SCLC members to 39 since the initiative was launched in June last year. It also expands the partnership’s scope to include cold chain specialists and compliance advisors.
Roque said the SCLC is the government’s response to the gap between the ability of MSMEs to produce high-quality goods and their access to high-growth markets.
She noted that having a platform that offers the best prices for logistics and supply chain services is a “game-changer” in transforming MSMEs into major market players.
The SCLC also acts as a nationwide support system that connects businesses with appropriate service providers, helping reduce transaction costs and enhance market access.
The partnership includes an online portal where MSMEs can access real-time logistics information and a centralized hub of logistics resources and references.
These include a directory of logistics providers, packaging standards, warehousing resources, and regulatory and compliance requirements.
As part of the initiative, MSMEs can also secure advisory support from the SCLC Guild, which comprises industry veterans who provide pro bono technical support to MSMEs.
The guild helps smaller businesses improve their logistics efficiency and supply chain resilience across a wide range of sectors, including agriculture, cold chain management, and artificial intelligence (AI) adoption.
To help lower logistics costs further, Roque said the DTI’s partners under the SCLC may consider registering projects with investment promotion agencies to secure government incentives.