MANILA — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) on Monday welcomed the signing of Republic Act 11982, known as the Tatak Pinoy Act, a key piece of legislation aimed at propelling the Philippines towards an innovation-led industrial economy.
According to Philippines News Agency, this new law is a crucial step in fulfilling President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s vision outlined in the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028, targeting the elevation of the country's industries to produce a wider array of high-quality and sophisticated products. This move is expected to improve the Philippines' standing in the global value chain, enhancing productivity and competitiveness internationally.
The Tatak Pinoy Act is set to play a central role in the country's industrialization strategy by encouraging industrial excellence, embracing innovation, and tackling contemporary challenges head-on. With its emphasis on industrial growth and innovation, the law aims to position Philippine industries to excel in a highly competitive global environment. A Tatak Pinoy Council will be established to guide the development and execution of a multi-year strategy resting on five pillars: human resources, infrastructure, technology and innovation, investments, and financial management.
"We are confident that this legislation will bolster our ongoing programs, propelling industries towards greater global recognition and success," Pascual stated, underscoring the government's commitment to enhancing the competitiveness of local industries on the world stage. The Atlas of Economic Complexity, which ranks the Philippines 33rd out of 133 countries for the sophistication of its export products, highlights the nation's strengths in electronics, electrical machinery, and ICT services. The Tatak Pinoy Law aims to further elevate the country's rank by fostering the production of more advanced and quality products.
This legislation builds upon DTI's flagship initiatives, such as the One Town, One Product (OTOP) and Malikhaing Pinoy Program, which have been instrumental in promoting unique products and empowering local entrepreneurs. The Tatak Pinoy Act is expected to revolutionize Philippine manufacturing, particularly through the adoption of Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies, and reinforce DTI's efforts in establishing an Industry 4.0 Pilot Factory and a Center for Artificial Intelligence Research (CAIR).
A pivotal aspect of the law mandates the Philippine government to prioritize Filipino products and services in its procurement processes, enhancing public-private sector collaboration, especially beneficial for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). "This initiative serves as a catalyst for creating a robust market environment," Pascual added, inviting collaboration to build a vibrant industry ecosystem.
The enactment of RA 11982 has also been praised by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, who recognized it as a landmark legislation augmenting collaboration between the private and government sectors. Pangandaman expressed gratitude towards President Marcos for prioritizing the bill, highlighting its swift legislative process and its significance in fulfilling the vision for a new Philippines. The Tatak Pinoy Act establishes a comprehensive strategy and a council chaired by the DTI Secretary, aiming to foster a strong collaboration across sectors to advance Filipino goods and services on the global stage.