Building a more competitive, innovation-driven, and future-ready nation took center stage as Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Cris A. Roque joined top policymakers, industry leaders, development partners, and academic experts at the Philippine Industrial Policy Forum 2026.
The high-level forum provided a platform to outline strategies to strengthen the country’s industrial framework and support sustained, long-term economic growth in a rapidly evolving global market.
Driving Innovation and Competitiveness
In her address, Secretary Roque emphasized the critical need for a collaborative approach to modernizing the Philippine industrial sector. She highlighted that fostering innovation, accelerating digital transformation, and upgrading domestic supply chains are pivotal to elevating the country’s global standing.
“Our goal is to build an industrial ecosystem that does not just adapt to the future, but shapes it,” said Secretary Roque. “By aligning our national policies with global technological advancements and cultivating strong public-private partnerships, we are positioning the Philippines as a prime hub for smart manufacturing and high-value services.”
The Philippine Industrial Policy Forum 2026 was co-organized by a powerful coalition of local and international institutions:
-
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)
-
The World Bank (WB)
-
The Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA)
The collaboration underscored a shared commitment to addressing pressing structural challenges, enhancing labor force skills, and implementing practical, data-driven approaches to industrial policy.
Key discussion topics included leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) in manufacturing, integrating local small and medium enterprises (SMEs) into global value chains, and adopting green industrial practices to ensure environmental sustainability.
By bringing together diverse perspectives from academia, the private sector, and international development agencies, the forum established a robust roadmap to accelerate the Philippines’ economic momentum and secure a resilient, inclusive future for all Filipinos.
