A manufacturers group expressed support for the declaration of a state of national emergency under Executive Order 110 by President Marcos Jr. stating it is timely and necessary.
The Federation of Philippine Industries (FPI) said in a statement that the UPLIFT framework as contained in the EO provides a coordinated approach to cushion industries and communities from global energy shocks.
The ongoing Middle East crisis is already driving oil price spikes, tighter shipping schedules, and rising input costs. For manufacturers, the pressure is multi-layered—hitting energy, transport, imported input materials, and production timelines.
“These pressures are expected under current conditions. Manufacturers are responding with a strong focus on continuity, cost discipline, and resilience. Businesses are built for the long term, and operations are being actively managed to withstand volatility,” said FPI Chairperson Elizabeth H. Lee.
“Firms are prioritizing uninterrupted production while safeguarding workforce stability, even as margins tighten. Mitigation measures are being intensified across operations. These include optimizing production schedules to off-peak energy hours, enhancing workforce flexibility where cross-trained team members adopt flexible roles and responsibilities, and adopting remote work arrangements for non-production functions where feasible,” added Lee.
“On the cost side, companies are renegotiating supplier contracts, tightening energy efficiency across production lines through lean manufacturing, and streamlining logistics—such as consolidating shipments and maximizing load efficiency to reduce fuel consumption ( co-loading) where applicable,” added Lee.
At the same time, the current environment reinforces longer-term strategic shifts.
Manufacturers are accelerating supply chain diversification and deepening local sourcing where viable. The adoption of renewable energy is also gaining ground, with more facilities integrating solutions such as rooftop solar.
“This crisis magnified our country’s vulnerabilities. Reforms that will deepen and expand local manufacturing as a national imperative will help the Philippines secure resilience, drive job creation, and help better shield the Philippine economy from global energy shocks. Industrial growth at scale—anchored on job creation, innovation, and sustainability—is no longer optional; it is the foundation of a more secure and competitive economy moving forward,” said Lee
