The local chemical industry, through the Samahan sa Pilipinas ng mga Industriyang Kimika (SPIK, actively took part in a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) on May 5, 2025. It was a partnership that sought to draw up industry profile and product strategies to push through with the Tatak Pinoy initiative, a law signed to strengthen the competitiveness of local industries.

Mr. Karl Lyndon B. Pacolor, Officer-in-Charge Assistant Director of the Bureau of Policy Research and Innovation of the DTI, opened the session emphasizing the need for actual business data for improving the country’s industrial policy. Dr. Annette Pelkmans-Balaoing facilitated the discussions across five key themes: competitive despite cost disadvantages, driving innovation and technological innovation, building strong local sourcing and value networks, forming strong partnerships and strategic alliances, and securing government support and policy recommendations. Based on the combined experiences of the petrochemical, plastic and chemical industries, the participants involved towards a more open exchange on issues and best practices, and the later could provide important insights into the definition of future policy interventions.

The Tatak Pinoy (Proudly Filipino) Act, as embodied in Republic Act 11981 enacted on February 26, 2024, is not only a catalyst to advance locally-made products, but also to build the country’s industrial base. Through this collaborative effort, SPIK, BOI and DTI are working hard to keep the chemical industry and its operation inherently strong and globally competitive.