By Shane F. Velasco
MALOLOS CITY (PIA) — Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque is pushing to expand the reach of Tatak Bulakenyo products to the global market by empowering micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to take advantage of international trade opportunities and digital platforms.
During the inaugural leg of the ‘DTI Goes to the Regions’ Caravan held in Malolos City, Roque highlights the agency’s thrust to make locally made products more competitive and visible in the global market.
“This initiative supports President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s top priorities for the next three years including strengthening international trade and foreign investments, safeguarding consumer protection and fair trade, and accelerating MSME digitalization,” she stressed.
To boost global competitiveness, DTI plans to launch regular roadshows that will guide Bulakenyo MSMEs on how to maximize the benefits of various free trade agreements (FTAs).
These include the recently ratified Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP)—the world’s largest FTA involving ASEAN members and countries such as Australia, China, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, and India; as well as the Philippines-South Korea Free Trade Agreement.
In addition, ongoing negotiations with the European Union (EU) and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) aim to further broaden market access for Filipino products.
Roque also cited Bulacan’s readiness to attract more foreign investments with the recent passage of Republic Act 11999 or the Bulacan Special Economic Zone and Freeport Act, along with the construction of the New Manila International Airport (NMIA) in Bulakan town. These are integral parts of the proposed Luzon Economic Corridor, a development corridor spanning Subic Bay Freeport, Clark, Bulacan, Metro Manila, Cavite, Laguna, and Batangas.
“These developments will open new opportunities for MSMEs to tap into bulk buyers, not just retail consumers. With digitalization, they can participate in various digital trading platforms and reach broader markets,” she explained.
Roque further encouraged MSMEs to diversify their ventures to reduce risk and build resilience.
To support this vision, she mentioned that SB Corporation, DTI’s financing arm, now offers online applications and accepts e-money accounts for small loan disbursements.
This year, SB Corp. has allocated P3 billion in loan funds for MSMEs, with P319 million already released to Bulakenyo enterprises since 2020.
Moreover, to enhance competitiveness, Roque called for more targeted mentoring, focusing on digital transformation, proper accounting, and operations management, enabling MSMEs to meet global standards.
“By strengthening MSMEs through trade access, financing, and mentorship, we are positioning Tatak Bulakenyo as a mark of world-class quality,” she concluded.(MJSC/SFV, PIA Region 3 – Bulacan)
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