The Philippines is navigating the complexities of economic recovery amidst global market shifts and inflation with resilience, backed by solid economic policies. The nation has achieved a 5.6% growth rate, surpassing major Asian economies such as China at 5.2%, Vietnam at 5%, and Malaysia at 3.8%. This growth is fueled by a consumer market of over a hundred million and a workforce known for excellence across various sectors. From the skilled hands of Filipino workers to the innovative minds shaping the digital landscape, the country's impact is unmistakable.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), in collaboration with the private sector and legislative department, has crafted the Tatak Pinoy Act (TPA). This act seeks to amplify the legacy of Filipino excellence, steering the nation towards a future where "Made in the Philippines" stands for quality, innovation, and sustainability.

A Glimpse into the Tatak Pinoy Act

The TPA is the Marcos Jr. administration's visionary blueprint for transforming the Philippine industrial landscape. It harnesses the innate talents of Filipinos, ensuring that locally-made products and services are synonymous with global excellence. By fostering a culture of innovation and quality, the TPA aims to elevate the Philippines' status in the international market, creating a robust and sustainable economic environment.

At its core, the TPA emphasizes the development of local industries, encouraging enterprises to build a solid domestic market base and eventually expand into the export market. This strategic approach strengthens the local economy and prepares Filipino businesses to compete globally with a reputation for producing high-quality and innovative products.

The Evolution of Philippine Industrial Policy

To fully appreciate the significance of the TPA, one must understand the historical context of Philippine industrial policy. The journey began in the 1970s with a highly restrictive trade regime, eventually leading to a more liberalized economy in the 1990s. This liberalization paved the way for foreign direct investments, particularly within economic zones, but posed challenges for domestic manufacturing to keep pace.

The early 2000s marked a pivotal shift with the introduction of the Comprehensive National Industrial Strategy and the Manufacturing Resurgence Program in 2012—initiatives aimed at revitalizing domestic manufacturing and setting the stage for the current focus on innovation. The Inclusive Innovation Industrial Strategy further cements this direction, positioning the Philippines as a critical player in the global knowledge economy.

Embracing Mindfacturing: The Fusion of Mind and Manufacturing

To sustain an innovation-driven industrial policy trajectory, the DTI is working on converging creative cognitive processes with modern manufacturing techniques, a concept it calls "mindfacturing." This approach integrates innovative thinking and problem-solving skills with contemporary methods and technologies, driving economic growth through intellectual capabilities. Guided by the TPA, the DTI aims to propel the Philippines into a competitive position in the global knowledge economy by fostering an environment that supports education, research and development, and creative work.

Strategic Priority Industry Clusters

The DTI prioritizes industry clusters with high growth potential where the Philippines can effectively compete and participate in global value chains. These clusters are:

• Industrial Manufacturing and Transport Cluster: aerospace, electric vehicles, semiconductors and electronics, batteries, and the processing of green metals like nickel, cobalt, and copper.
• Technology, Media, and Telecommunications Cluster: Information Technology and Business Process Management (IT-BPM), data centers, creative industries, and the digital economy.
• Health and Life Sciences Cluster: biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and digital health products and services.
• Modern Basic Needs and Resilient Economy Cluster: agro-industry, infrastructure, integrated steel, textile, chemicals and plastics, and renewable energy.

Elevating Semiconductor and Electronics

One of the top priorities of the DTI is the semiconductor and electronics industry, which constitutes 62% of the Philippines' exports. The goal is to elevate the industry's position in the global value chain, shifting it from assembly-package-test segments to higher-value activities like integrated circuit design, research and development, and electronics manufacturing services.

Investments in R&D infrastructure, partnerships with major global foundries, and the cultivation of PhD-level competencies are crucial to achieving this goal. Establishing a lab-scale wafer fabrication facility in the Philippines is a significant step toward supporting R&D and prototyping in semiconductor technology.

Capitalizing on the Aerospace and EV Market

The Philippines is strategically positioned at the heart of the burgeoning aerospace market in the Asia-Pacific region. With industry leaders like Collins Aerospace and Lufthansa Technik already established in the country, the DTI aims to attract new investments in the sector. The focus is leveraging the country's talented young workforce and cost-competitive business environment to supply the world's largest aircraft manufacturers.

The electric vehicle (EV) industry presents another significant opportunity for the Philippines. The EV strategy focuses on attracting investments in high-value activities such as mining and processing green metals, EV battery production, EV assembly, and charging infrastructure. By capitalizing on the country's strengths in electronics and abundant mineral resources, the Philippines aims to position itself as a central hub for automotive electronics manufacturing.

Advancing IT-BPM and Creative Industries

The services sector, particularly IT-BPM, is already a robust global player generating significant revenue and employment. The DTI aims to move this industry towards higher-value services, focusing on engineering service outsourcing, software development, AI and data science, game development, and animation.

Simultaneously, the DTI recognizes the potential of the creative industries as a significant growth driver. By prioritizing the development of entertainment and media, digital creative services, creative goods, and creative tourism, the Act envisions the Philippines as Asia's premier creative hub by 2030.

Innovation at the Core: Center for AI Research

Innovation is the lifeblood of the Tatak Pinoy Act. The establishment of the Center for AI Research (CAIR) and the launch of the National AI Strategy Roadmap 2.0 underscore the Philippines' commitment to becoming a center of excellence in AI R&D. CAIR will play a pivotal role in AI-driven innovation and investments across various industries, contributing significantly to the nation's technological advancement and economic growth.

Supporting Startups and SMEs

The DTI places a strong emphasis on nurturing startups and SMEs. Programs like IDEA and ADVanCE, along with the National Startup Accelerator Program, aim to strengthen market reach, enhance founder talent quality, and scale enterprises into sustainable businesses. The Manila Tech Sphere is a vital conduit for startups, providing a collaborative space for innovation and market success.

Promoting Research and Innovation

To develop capabilities in producing complex and diverse products and services, the DTI is collaborating with the Asian Development Bank on the PRISTINE Project. This initiative aims to commercialize R&D projects, particularly those originating from universities, enabling them to reach local and global markets. Establishing regional innovation hubs and the National Innovation Gateway further supports this goal, fostering industry-academe collaboration and international knowledge exchange.

Leveraging Government Procurement

An often overlooked aspect of industrial policy is government procurement. The Tatak Pinoy initiative strategically utilizes the government's role as the largest single buyer to bolster local industries. By prioritizing locally manufactured goods and services in government procurement, the Act supports domestic enterprises, boosts the economy, and provides employment opportunities for millions of Filipinos.

A Call to Action

The TPA is not just a government initiative; it is a national endeavor that requires the collective effort of every Filipino. From the private sector and academe to development partners and civil society organizations, the success of this visionary blueprint hinges on the active participation and commitment of all stakeholders.

Today, as the Philippines stands on the brink of a new era, it calls upon every Filipino to join this journey. Together, the nation can transform into a place where "Made in the Philippines" is a mark of excellence and pride. This moment calls for determination and unity to showcase the best that the country has to offer.

Under the TPA, the Philippines can realize its potential to thrive in the global economy. By fostering innovation, supporting local industries, and prioritizing quality and sustainability, this landmark legislation paves the way for a prosperous and sustainable future. The nation's strength lies in the collective effort of every Filipino. Together, the Philippines can build a future where it stands proud as a leader in innovation and industrial excellence.

With the DTI as a steadfast partner, every Filipino industry can rise, showcasing the true essence of Tatak Pinoy to the world—Angat Negosyo para sa Bagong Pilipinas!