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, July 15.
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 mag-source 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.
She stated that some small and medium enterprises (SMEs) face tough competition from importers who bid at lower prices, but government patronage will help boost businesses to be globally competitive.
“Ang hirap mag-compete 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.
She added: “Kung mas maunlad na ang mga kumpanya natin, mas ma-stimulate ‘yong pagnanais na mag-develop ng iba pang produkto. Doon papasok ang innovation.”
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.
Among the mandates of the new industrial policy are skills and innovation training that will match the demands of the industry. (ABS-CBN News)
