Parents and guardians help children shop for school shoes at a Bazaar in Marikina City on July 11, 2024 as the first day of classes nears. Classes for academic year 2024-2025 are set to start on July 29 as the Philippines starts its gradual return to the traditional school year. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News

MANILA — Government agencies and the private sector should start prioritizing Filipino-made products and services during procurement, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said on Monday.

• Marcos signs Tatak Pinoy Act, expanded centenarians benefits into law 

During the Tatak Pinoy forum held in Pasay City, DTI urged stakeholders especially government procurement to source from local enterprises.

DTI Undersecretary Rafaelita Aldaba reminded that under the Tatak Pinoy Act, government agencies are mandated to give priority to locally-made products for procurement activities. 

“Sa government procurement ang mandate siyempre kailangan tayong magsource ng mga produktong available locally na nami-meet naman ang price, quality, standards. Malaking opportunity na ‘yong market ng produkto mo ay gobyerno,” Aldaba said. 

Aldaba stated that some SMEs face tough competition from importers who bid at lower prices, but government patronage will help boost businesses to be globally competitive.

• Tatak Pinoy implementing rules signed 

“Ang hirap magcompete kung imported products na napakababa ng presyo nila kasi malaki na ang scale. Pero at the same time, kailangan naman nating matulungan ‘yong mga small and medium-sized enterprises,” Aldaba said. 

“Kung mas maunlad na ang mga kumpanya natin, mas ma-stimulate ‘yong pagnanais na magdevelop ng iba pang produkto. Doon papasok ang innovation,” Aldaba added. 

Aside from a whole-of-government approach in pushing for industrialization, government spending on domestic products and services will invigorate the economy, according to Aldaba. 

Priority sectors for Tatak Pinoy are Industrial, Manufacturing and Transport, Technology, Media, and Telecommunications, Health and Life Sciences, and Modern Basic Needs, including renewable energy, food security, and infrastructure. 

The Tatak Pinoy Act was formulated to enhance the global competitiveness of Filipino products in hopes of improving the country’s export industry. 

Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual highlighted the need to produce “complex and sophisticated” exports that will lead to higher income. 

“Ang objective talaga ay magkaroon tayo ng mga produkto na magpapaangat sa export performance. Ang layo natin sa mga kapitbahay na basa sa volume ng exports. Mga 76 billion dollars a year ang export natin. ‘Yong ibang countries, umaabot ng 200-259 plus billion dollars,” Pascual said. 

Among the mandates of the new industrial policy are skills and innovation training that will match the demands of the industry.

RELATED VIDEO