Makati City, Philippines—Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque celebrated the first anniversary of the Tatak Pinoy (Proudly Filipino) Act, highlighting its significant role in transforming Philippine industries and empowering micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). This legislation aims to enhance their productivity, competitiveness, and global recognition.

Enacted on February 26, 2024, under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s leadership, this landmark legislation sets the stage for industry transformation, fostering innovation, expanding market access, and creating better opportunities for Filipinos.

“Through Tatak Pinoy, we are cultivating more dynamic and strategic industries and MSMEs to spur economic development, anchored on a shared vision of a robust and more inclusive ‘Bagong Pilipinas,’ ensuring that the Filipino brand of excellence prevails and thrives on the global stage,” said Secretary Roque.

Recognizing MSMEs as the backbone of the Philippine economy, the DTI has prioritized them in its key initiatives. According to the 2023 List of Establishments from the Philippine Statistics Authority, the country has 1,246,373 operating business enterprises, with MSMEs comprising 99.63% (1,241,733). Micro enterprises account for 90.43% (1,127,058), followed by small enterprises at 8.82% (109,912) and medium enterprises at 0.38% (4,763).

The DTI also reaffirms the crucial role of innovation in enabling MSMEs to meet the demands of a highly competitive and rapidly changing business landscape.

“The challenge lies in leveraging innovation to successfully upgrade domestic capabilities, developing our own and adapting available complementary technologies, and striving towards production and operational efficiency for our MSMEs,” the trade secretary underscored.

A year since its passage, the DTI, in collaboration with government, academic and private sector stakeholders, has made notable strides in implementing Tatak Pinoy through six focus areas: Policy Development, Technology and Innovation, Human Resource Development, Investments, Market access, and Marketing and Promotions.

Laying the Foundations for Industrial and Economic Transformation: The Tatak Pinoy Strategy

In 2024, the DTI, along with its partner organizations, initiated and led nationwide consultations across various sectors and regions to form the Multi-year Tatak Pinoy Strategy (TPS)—the country’s first industrial policy institutionalized through the law. The TPS will outline priorities and action plans to support domestic enterprises in producing diverse, high-value, and globally competitive products and services. It will identify priority industries that have the potential to create positive ripple effects across other sectors, stimulating economic activity and acting as a catalyst for broader economic growth.

Additionally, Tatak Pinoy is leveraging the government’s market position as a massive buyer by developing a list of priority products and services to receive domestic preference in government procurement. The list includes various items from common-use supplies to those developed and promoted under government programs (e.g., Domestic Bidders Certification, Shared Service Facilities, One Town, One Product, and Science 4 Change), construction materials, government uniforms made with tropical fabrics, and defense materials and articles.

Catalyzing the Philippine Industrial Ambition: Focus on Manufacturing, Empowering MSMEs

Since the law’s inception, the DTI launched bold initiatives to drive industrial goals. These include exploring the feasibility of a wafer fabrication facility and an integrated circuit design lab to strengthen the semiconductor sector. Wafer fabrication facilities transform wafers into integrated circuits used in components like radio frequency amplifiers, LEDs, and microprocessors.

To support MSMEs in adapting to the fast-changing technological landscape, the Smart Industry Readiness Index (SIRI) Training and Certification Program was launched to help build local expertise in preparing businesses for Industry 4.0 technologies.

The Tatak Pinoy Market Access initiative also supported 38 projects, mobilizing PHP 51.82 million in funding. Based on reports, these projects benefitted 232 MSMEs, generating actual and booked sales of PHP 6.08 billion, with projected revenues of PHP 4.85 billion and investments of PHP 5.24 billion. Through international trade fairs, trade and investment missions, and business-to-business matching, the “Proudly Filipino” brand is being strengthened in the global market, expanding opportunities for Philippine products and services to compete and succeed on the world stage.

Looking Ahead in 2025 and Beyond

The road towards industrial transformation requires collective action from all stakeholders—government, academe, industry, and development partners. By combining our efforts, we can unlock the untapped potential of our industries, create opportunities that uplift our people, and position the Philippines as a leader in innovation, sustainability, and competitiveness.

“As we move forward, let us make ’Tatak Pinoy’ our national identity—our symbol of excellence, pride, and creativity. Every Filipino product and service should bear the mark of meeting global standards and reflecting our rich heritage and innovation,” Secretary Roque emphasized.

“With the implementation of the ‘Tatak Pinoy’ Act, we call on all stakeholders to champion this vision. Together, we will strengthen the ‘Tatak Pinoy’ brand, cultivating a thriving ecosystem where our industries and enterprises not just survive but lead. The time is now to redefine what it means to be ‘Proudly Filipino’—bold, competitive, and unstoppable in the global arena,” the trade chief urged. ♦

Date of release: 17 March 2025

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