From left to right: DTI-CIG Supervising Head, Assistant Secretary Nylah Rizza D. Bautista, DTI Secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque, IBPAP President and CEO, Mr. Jonathan Jack R. Madrid, and IBPAP COO, Ms. Celeste B. Ilagan, are seated at a table, holding signed documents.
From L to R: DTI-CIG Supervising Head, Assistant Secretary Nylah Rizza D. Bautista, DTI Secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque, IBPAP President and CEO, Mr. Jonathan Jack R. Madrid, and IBPAP COO, Ms. Celeste B. Ilagan

Makati City, Philippines—On April 28, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Cristina A. Roque backed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Bureau of Competitive Development and the IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP).

Following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive under the “Bagong Pilipinas” governance agenda, the initiative underscores the government’s commitment to fostering innovation, institutional synergy, and inclusive growth.

Through the DTI’s Bureau of Competitive Development, this formalized partnership aims to promote excellence and global competitiveness in the country’s thriving information technology and business process management (IT-BPM) sector.

The official signing ceremony took place at the Office of the Secretary at the DTI Headquarters in Makati City. Assistant Secretary Nylah Rizza D. Bautista, the supervising head of the Competitiveness and Innovation Group, served as the principal signatory for the DTI. Mr. Jonathan Jack R. Madrid, President and CEO of IBPAP, signed on behalf of the association. The event was witnessed by key officials from the DTI and some leaders from the IT-BPM sectors.

Under the MOU, the DTI and IBPAP will collaborate to encourage IT-BPM organizations to adopt the Philippine Quality Award (PQA) framework—the highest national recognition for organizational excellence. Furthermore, the agreement formalizes the creation of the IBPAP Quality Council, which will serve as a platform to support the sector in implementing quality standards and continuous improvement initiatives.

“This partnership marks a significant step forward in our shared commitment to elevate the quality and competitiveness of the Philippine IT-BPM sector,” said Assistant Secretary Nylah Rizza D. Bautista. “Through this collaboration, we aim to make the PQA framework more accessible and relevant to IT-BPM organizations, enabling them to pursue continuous improvement, achieve world-class standards, and create more sustainable employment opportunities for Filipinos.”

DTI Secretary Cristina A. Roque is speaking at a podium with the DTI logo on it, during the MOU signing event between the DTI and IBPAP. Several individuals are seated at a table in the foreground, listening. Other people are seated in the background, observing the event.

“This partnership is a clear reflection of our whole-of-nation approach under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s Bagong Pilipinas agenda,” said Secretary Roque.

“By prioritizing quality and global competitiveness in the IT-BPM sector, we are advancing a transformative vision of government that is dynamic, future-ready, and centered on inclusive economic growth. This collaboration with IBPAP is not just about raising standards—it is about building a resilient, innovation-driven Philippines,” the trade chief added.

The IT-BPM sector continues to be a major economic driver, employing over 1.5 million Filipinos and contributing significantly to the national GDP. Through this initiative, both DTI and IBPAP aim to equip industry players with the tools and support needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

IBPAP’s President, Mr. Madrid, affirmed the association’s commitment to quality and growth: “Our collaboration with DTI through the PQA program is a strategic move to build stronger foundations for operational excellence across the industry. It strengthens our capacity to remain globally competitive and future-ready. This is more than a document; this is a call to action.”

The MOU will serve as a non-binding but strategically important framework for collaboration between the DTI and IBPAP. It will remain in effect until formally concluded by either party. ♦

Date of Release: 29 April 2025

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