(Standing: DA Asec. Genevieve E. Velicaria-Guevarra, DILG Asec. Josephine F. Cabrido-Leysa, DOLE Usec. Carmela I. Torres, Sen. Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara, NEDA Sec. Arsenio M. Balisacan, DOF Dir. Karla Espinosa, DOST Dir. Romelen Tresvalles, DICT Dir. Ma. Christina V. Abalos-Naig, Seated: DTI-CIG Usec. Rafaelita “Fita” M. Aldaba, DTI Sec. Alfredo E. Pascual, DTI-CIG Asec. Leonila T. Baluyut)

MAKATI CITY, PHILIPPINES –– On 22 May 2024, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Fred Pascual signed the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the Republic Act No. 11981, also known as the Tatak Pinoy (Proudly Filipino) Act, marking a significant step towards enhancing the competitiveness and sophistication of Filipino products and services on the global stage.

In his speech, Secretary Pascual emphasized, “We are positive about the implementation of the Tatak Pinoy (TP) Act. Through this law, we aim to address current challenges and improve the productivity and competitiveness of Philippine industries in the global market. We aspire to produce higher quality products and services and integrate them into the global value chain.”

Witnessing the signing of the IRR, Senator Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara recalled the humble beginnings that culminated in this significant milestone. He then emphasized the need for a more unified strategy aimed at getting all concerned agencies to work towards enhancing the country’s products and industries’ competitiveness.

The newly signed IRR provides a comprehensive framework to effectively implement the TP Act, propelling a new era of industrialization in the Philippines, and elevating Filipino excellence to new heights. Set to take effect 15 days after publication, the IRR of the Tatak Pinoy Act primarily aims to achieve diversification and innovation, investment promotion, strategic alignment, and technology adoption.

This IRR also clarifies the key terms and interventions enshrined in the law. It also builds on the administrative matters of the Tatak Pinoy Council (TP Council). These include enabling the TP Council to issue necessary issuances on the designation of private sector members and providing resource persons to attend council meetings, among others.

Further, the IRR provides clear guidelines on the roles and responsibilities of government agencies and industry partners for the working groups of each of the pillars: human resources, infrastructure, technology and innovation, investments, and sound financial management.  

To further support the implementation of the IRR, DTI Undersecretary Rafaelita M. Aldaba emphasized the significance of establishing the Center for AI Research (CAIR) and the Industry 4.0 Pilot Factory (I4PF). This strategic move is poised to position the Philippines in the innovation landscape amidst unprecedented technological breakthroughs, particularly artificial intelligence (AI).

The CAIR and I4PF are designed to accelerate the adoption of innovative technologies among the country’s enterprises. These facilities target to accelerate technology adoption among businesses, foster collaboration between government, industry, and academia, and improve the workforce’s skills. Ultimately, they will enhance the competitiveness and sophistication of Philippine products and services, integrating them into regional and global value chains.

“I am looking forward to our continuous and enthusiastic collaboration with the Tatak Pinoy Council, the agencies implementing the Tatak Pinoy Act, the private sector, and other stakeholders to realize and implement the objectives of this law. I believe that through our cooperation, we will achieve our aspirations for the development of our country, now and in the future. May we all be instruments in strengthening the Filipino-made products that we can be proud of all over the world.” said the DTI Secretary.

The drafting of the TP Act IRR was led by the DTI-Competitiveness and Innovation Group (DTI-CIG) under the leadership of Undersecretary Aldaba and Assistant Secretary Leonila T. Baluyut, in partnership with the United States Agency for International Development-Regulatory Reform Support Program for National Development (USAID-RESPOND) as technical consultant. Comments, suggestions, and inputs from Tatak Pinoy stakeholders from both public and private sectors were also integral in shaping the formulation of the IRR. 

Recognizing the importance of collaborative efforts among stakeholders to promote inclusive economic growth, the drafting process included four focus group discussions and two public consultations organized by the DTI-Bureau of Policy Research to ensure that the policy is holistic and conducive to address the needs of domestic enterprises and potential investors.

For more information on the TP Act and its implementation, interested parties may contact the Tatak Pinoy Council Interim Secretariat at TatakPinoy@dti.gov.ph. ♦

Date of release: 24 May 2024

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