The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) affirmed the Philippines’ commitment to a digital-first future detailing key strategic initiatives to strengthen the nation’s role in the evolving global digital landscape.
Addressing a gathering of industry leaders and innovators at the Manila Tech Summit 2025, on Wednesday, August 27 Trade Secretary Cristina A. Roque said that DTI is at the forefront of boosting the competitiveness of Philippine industries, in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to embrace digital transformation as a vital tool for nation-building.
“We at DTI are striving to make this happen by ensuring that every Filipino, from the small sari-sari store owner to the next tech startup founder, can thrive in a digital economy,” Secretary Roque said in her keynote message.
Roque outlined several initiatives aimed at empowering businesses and attracting strategic investments, including the continued implementation of the 5-Point MSME Strategy, which helps small businesses go digital, diversify their products, and gain access to financing.
The trade chief also emphasized that through reforms like the CREATE MORE Act and Green Lanes for Strategic Investments, the DTI is opening doors for projects in high-growth sectors to empower local communities and create jobs.
To build a secure and trustworthy online environment, the Secretary also highlighted the launch of the E-Commerce Philippine Trustmark, a voluntary certification for online businesses that meet government standards for transparency and security.
Roque stressed that technology is a key driver for an inclusive economy, with a direct impact on the nation as a whole.
“Inclusivity should not be an afterthought—it is the heart of what we do. We recognize that technology can be our game-changer. That is why we see every fintech innovation, every e-commerce breakthrough, as a chance to uplift more Filipinos—especially women, youth, and small entrepreneurs,” she affirmed.
The Manila Tech Summit 2025, organized by Fintech Alliance PH, brought together top industry leaders, innovators, and cross-sector organizations to explore actionable solutions and forward-thinking strategies to thrive in a complex and rapidly changing digital environment.
