History

 

Established to address local industry and foreign trade growth, The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) traces its history back to the creation of the Department of Commerce in 1898. At the time, its primary mandate involved supporting the Department of Agriculture and Commerce towards developing national trade and industry. Nearly 75 years following its inception, changes in government and agency functions would make possible the establishment of the Ministry of Trade and Industry, and, following the People Power Revolution, the Department as it is presently known.