DTI Secretary Cristina A. Roque delivering her speech at the launch event for the SheTrades Philippines Exporters’ Handbook, with a podium and event branding in the background.
DTI Secretary Cristina A. Roque during her speech at the launch of the groundbreaking SheTrades Philippines Exporters’ Handbook

Makati City, Philippines—Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Cristina A. Roque called for women’s economic empowerment at the launch of the groundbreaking SheTrades Philippines Exporters’ Handbook, March 27.

“Under President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s Bagong Pilipinas agenda, we are determined to create an economy that empowers every Filipino, especially our resilient women, our innovative MSMEs, and our vibrant communities at the margins. Through initiatives like this, we are not just envisioning change, we are acting on it,” said the trade chief.

Held in collaboration with the British Embassy Manila and the UN-WTO International Trade Centre (UNITC), this event underscored the pivotal role of women-led micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in driving the Philippines’ trade agenda.

The SheTrades Philippines Exporters’ Handbook is a vital tool developed through close collaboration between the UNITC and the DTI.  It aims to simplify export requirements and procedures for women-led MSMEs, with a focus on high-potential sectors such as agriculture, processed agri-food, and fish. 

This vital resource provides targeted information on exporting key products, including tuna, pineapple, banana chips, coconut products, and fruit juices.  Notably, it also features the UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme, which offers the Philippines preferential access to the UK market.   

Secretary Roque acknowledged the invaluable support of partners, particularly the British Embassy Manila and the UNITC, in advancing the role of Philippine women in trade through the SheTrades Commonwealth Plus program, funded by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. Since its launch in the Philippines in 2021, the program has been instrumental in shaping a more inclusive trade landscape.

Apart from the handbook, the SheTrades Commonwealth Plus program has supported impactful initiatives like the SheTrades Outlook Policy Tool and the SheTrades Philippines Hub. These resources have empowered thousands of women entrepreneurs by enhancing their capabilities, facilitating crucial market connections, and providing access to essential resources.

The SheTrades Philippines Hub, launched during National Exporters Week in December 2024, serves as a central resource for women entrepreneurs, offering capacity-building programs, policy insights, and vital market linkages.

In closing, Secretary Roque reiterated the DTI’s commitment to creating a level playing field for women in trade. 

“Together, let us continue to build a Philippines where women are not merely participants in trade, but visionary leaders, architects, and thriving champions. In Bagong Pilipinas, we don’t just promise inclusivity; we deliver it where no one is left behind,” Secretary Roque declared.   

The launch was attended by key dignitaries, including Her Excellency Ambassador Laure Beaufils of the British Embassy Manila, Ms. Rosemarie Rafael of the Women’s Business Council Philippines, and Ms. Ma. Aurora “Boots” Geotina-Garcia of the Philippine Business Coalition for Women Empowerment. ♦

Date of Release: 31 March 2025

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