Mandate
Under EO 133 which remains effective up to the present time, the DTI serves as the primary coordinative, promotive, and facilitative arm for trade, industry and investment activities. It acts as the catalyst for intensified private sector activity to accelerate and sustain economic growth through:
- A comprehensive industrial growth strategy;
- A progressive and socially responsible liberalization and deregulation program
- Policies designed for the expansion and diversification of both domestic and foreign trade
On July 19, 1999, President Joseph E. Estrada issued EO 124 authorizing the DTI Secretary to review the DTI systems/operations and initiate structural changes. It also deputized a senior Undersecretary as a special trade negotiator.
Consistent with President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's SONA commitments, DTI sees its role as business and consumer champion guided by its 5-point action strategy, namely:
Promoting and developing business, with focus on SMEs
Preparing for the Knowledge Economy
Lowering the cost of doing business
Ensuring consumers get the best value for money, and
Upgrading the quality of DTI governance.
The end goal is to grow and expand Philippine trade and industry as the means to generate jobs and raise incomes, so that Filipinos may enjoy continuing improvements in their quality of life.
History
The Department of Trade and Industry had its beginnings on June 23,1898 when President Emilio Aguinaldo formed four government agencies, namely the Departments of Navy, Commerce, Agriculture and Manufacturing.
In September 6, 1901, the Philippine Commission established the Department of Commerce (and Police). After World War II, President Manuel A. Roxas issued Executive Order No. 94 on October 4, 1947 creating the Department of Commerce and Industry (DCI). Cornelio Balmaceda, a much sought-after professor of economics and director of the Bureau of Commerce (BOC), was appointed acting secretary of the newly created Department of Commerce and Industry.
Prior to EO 94, the Bureau of Commerce was tasked to develop and promote the country's trade and industry, under the overall supervision of the Department of Agriculture and Commerce (Act 4007 on December 5,1932 by the Philippine Legislature).
By 1972 or 25 years later, DCI had grown into a big organization with 10 regular bureaus and 22 agencies under its direct supervision. The DCI was mandated to promote, develop, expand, regulate and control of foreign and domestic trade and industry, as well as tourism.
To have closer supervision and to ensure more effective delivery of services, President Ferdinand E. Marcos issued Presidential Decree (PD) 189 on May 11,1973 creating the Department of Tourism to handle all tourism-related matters. A year later on June 21, 1974, Marcos issued PD 488 creating the Department of Industry whose principal function was to promote and enhance the growth of the country's existing and thriving industries.
On June 2,1975, the Department of Trade was created under PD 721 to pursue efforts of the government toward strengthening the country's socio-economic development, particularly in the area of commercial activities. A key strategy of the new department was vigorous export promotion to generate much needed foreign exchange. A Bureau of Foreign Trade was also particularly established to push for domestic trade and marketing programs.
In the early 80s, the Marcos government's goal of national economic development required the need to hew industrial promotion efforts with the expansion of Philippine trade overseas. This resulted in the creation on July 27, 1981 of the Ministry of Trade and Industry which took over the functions of the subsequently abolished Departments of Trade and of Industry.
Drastic changes followed after the People Power Revolution. President Corazon Aquino signed on February 27, 1987 Executive Order No. 133 effectively reorganizing the Ministry of Trade and Industry and renaming it the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
Past DTI Secretaries
from left to right:
Juan B. Santos, February - July 2005
Cesar A.V. Purisima, 2004 - 2005
from left to right:
Manuel A. Roxas II, 1999 - 2003
Jose T. Pardo, 1998 - 1999
Cesar B. Bautista, 1996 - 1998
Rizalino S. Navarro, 1992 - 1996
Lilia R. Bautista, February - June 1992
from left to right:
Peter D. Garrucho, 1991 - 1992
Jose A. Concepcion, Jr., 1986 - 1991
Roberto V. Ongpin, 1979 - 1986
Luis R. Villafuerte, 1980 - 1981
Vicente T. Paterno, 1974 - 1979
from left to right:
Troadio T. Quiazon, 1971 - 1974
Ernesto Maceda, 1970 - 1971
Leonides Virata, 1969 - 1970
Marcelo Balatbat, 1966 - 1968
Rufino G. Hechanova, 1962 - 1963
from left to right:
Manuel Lim, 1960 - 1962
Pedro C. Hernaez, 1957 - 1960
Oscar Ledesma, 1953 - 1957
Placido L. Mapa, 1948 - 1953
Cornelio Balmaceda, 1947-1948; 1949-1953; 1963-1965
