DTI Secretary Cristina Roque with fashion designer Paul Cabral and creative director Patrick Rosas during a meeting at MinebeaMitsumi headquarters in Tokyo, Japan, reaffirming PH-Japan cooperation in technology and manufacturing.
From L to R: Mr. Patrick Rosas, Mr. Paul Cabral, and DTI Secretary Cristina Roque

Tokyo, Japan—In a significant step to deepen bilateral industrial cooperation, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Cristina A. Roque met with the leadership of Japanese multinational MinebeaMitsumi Inc. at the company’s Tokyo headquarters on 20 May 2025.

The high-level engagement reaffirms the strong partnership between the Philippines and Japan in precision manufacturing, sustainable innovation, and workforce development. This aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s vision of a “Bagong Pilipinas” that is both technologically advanced and economically inclusive.

“Japan remains one of our most trusted partners in building a future-ready Philippine economy. MinebeaMitsumi’s long-standing commitment to the country is a testament to the strength of our investment climate and the capability of our workforce,” Secretary Roque said.

During the luncheon meeting and tour, MinebeaMitsumi showcased its advanced smart lighting system SALIOT (Smart Adjustable Light for the Internet of Things), which has already been deployed in prestigious sites around the world. Secretary Roque and MinebeaMitsumi Chairman Yoshihisa Kainuma discussed how the company’s state of the art of lighting systems can benefit the Philippines’ drive toward digital innovation and energy efficiency.

The trade chief was joined by key officials from the DTI and creative industry representatives, including fashion designer Paul Cabral and artistic director Robby Carmona, signaling growing intersections between advanced manufacturing and Philippine creative industries.

From left to right: MinebeaMitsumi Head of Sales Promotion Mr. Shinichi Iwai, DTI Secretary Cristina Roque, PTIC Tokyo Senior Trade Representative Dita Angara-Mathay, fashion designer Paul Cabral, creative director Patrick Rosas, artistic director Robby Carmona, and MinebeaMitsumi Chairman and CEO Mr. Yoshihisa Kainuma during a meeting in Tokyo to strengthen PH-Japan tech and manufacturing ties.
From L to R: MinebeaMitsumi Head of Sales Promotion, Lighting Products Sales Promotion Division Mr. Shinichi Iwai; DTI Secretary Cristina Roque; PTIC Tokyo Senior Trade Representative Dita Angara-Mathay; Mr. Paul Cabral; Mr. Patrick Rosas; Mr. Robby Carmona; and MinebeaMitsumi Inc. Chairman and CEO Mr. Yoshihisa Kainuma

The visit also included a walkthrough of MinebeaMitsumi’s X Tech Museum, followed by a cultural experience at the Tokyo National Museum, where the SALIOT lighting technology is currently in use—demonstrating its application in dynamic heritage spaces.

With a global reputation for ultra-precision components, MinebeaMitsumi has been a key player in the Philippines since 1980. Its local operations span several regions and employ tens of thousands of Filipinos, producing high-value parts for sectors such as automotive, electronics, and information and communication technologies.

“MinebeaMitsumi’s operations in the Philippines exemplify the kind of industrial cooperation we want to grow—high-tech, sustainable, and future-oriented,” Secretary Roque added. “As they continue to expand and upskill our local workforce, we are equally committed to supporting their efforts with responsive policies and enabling infrastructure.”

The company’s current and upcoming initiatives in the Philippines include expanded manufacturing facilities and a Global Support Center that will train engineers and professionals for deployment to international operations. These efforts will contribute to broader supply chain resilience in Asia and beyond.

The DTI continues to work closely with Japanese partners to enhance the Philippines’ role as a hub for precision manufacturing, smart technologies, and high-value innovation under the Strategic Investment Priority Plan (SIPP) and the Build Better More program.

As a next step, the DTI and MinebeaMitsumi are expected to continue technical and strategic dialogues on sustainable industrial projects and knowledge transfer, further reinforcing the enduring economic ties between the Philippines and Japan. ♦

Date of Release: 22 May 2025

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