ILOILO CITY – Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Alfredo Pascual recently held a productive meeting with business group leaders in Western Visayas. The meeting brought together officers from the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) representing Antique, Iloilo, Aklan, Capiz, Guimaras, along with the representative of the Regional Development Council (RDC) Chairperson Mayor Albee Benitez. The event took place on June 8, 2023, at the Park Inn by Radisson in Iloilo City.

The gathering marked a promising step forward in boosting the trade and industry landscape of Region 6 and served as a platform to address various crucial aspects of trade, commerce, and industry.

With PCCI members coming from different provinces in the region, RDC Chairperson representative, Regional Operations Group Asec. Leonila Baluyut, DTI R6 OIC-RD Ermelinda Pollentes, OIC-ARD Rachel Nufable and Provincial Directors actively involved, the meeting encompassed diverse perspectives and interests.

In this engaging exchange, DTI Sec. Pascual shared his invaluable insights that hold potential as prospective resolutions to be presented to the RDC-VI. Some of these insights included the regularization of support personnel for the Negosyo Centers, the harmonization and alignment of training programs conducted by various National Government Agencies (NGAs) for effective implementation, and the identification of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), and Local Universities and Colleges (LUCs) to serve as the research and development arm for priority industry clusters supported by the DTI.

During the meeting, PCCI members raised concerns about the exclusion of the Wearables and Homestyle Industry Cluster from the Philippine Export Development Plan 2023-2028. They emphasized the strong presence of this industry in the Visayas Region and sought guidance on navigating the situation effectively.  The business leaders also discussed the need to expedite loan application processes for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

The challenges faced by export products in the international market were also brought to the forefront. Business leaders highlighted issues such as high labor and electricity rates, bureaucratic hurdles at the local government level, and difficulties in attracting foreign investors with capital and new technology. They stressed the importance of coordinated efforts among government agencies to find viable solutions to these challenges. Furthermore, the concentration of investments in the service sector and urban areas was discussed. This issue discourages the establishment of factories and processing plants in rural areas, limiting employment opportunities and the potential value addition to agricultural products. The business leaders emphasized the need to promote non-growth areas to attract investors and foster economic growth, particularly in agri-based industries.

Business leaders emphasized the pressing need to address project duplication by fostering collaboration among various agencies involved in similar projects. Furthermore, specific suggestions were made to boost the indigenous fiber sector. This included promoting the patronage of Filipino-made products, addressing high logistics costs, establishing export consolidators, providing training kits for hablon weaving, providing areas for pasalubong centers since mall rentals are expensive, and supplying equipment for the shoe and bag-making sector. The need for mentoring MSMEs in marketing and business planning was also stressed as a means to enhance their overall competitiveness and growth potential.

DTI acknowledged the concerns raised by the business leaders and highlighted its commitment to finding appropriate measures. The department reiterated the need for convergence among government agencies to develop comprehensive solutions to the challenges faced by the industry.

As the discussion concluded, the business leaders and DTI expressed optimism for the future, as concerted efforts and strategic initiatives pave the way for sustained economic development in Western Visayas. ♦

Date of Release: 10 June 2023

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