Taguig City, Philippines—Working to improve the monitoring of online marketplaces, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), through the Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau (FTEB) and E-Commerce Bureau (ECB), connected with Facebook Meta on March 7.

The meeting with Meta centered on the onboarding of its Consumer Policy Channel (CPC), a collaborative mechanism enabling regulatory agencies, such as DTI, to track online transactions on Facebook and forward identified violations for Meta’s immediate review and takedown. The CPC implements a multi-layered enforcement system that integrates user reports, artificial intelligence, and human reviews.

“It is a key challenge for us to effectively remove entities that are marketing violative products online,” DTI Assistant Secretary Agaton Teodoro Uvero said.

Taguig City, Philippines—Working to improve the monitoring of online marketplaces, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), through the Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau (FTEB) and E-Commerce Bureau (ECB), connected with Facebook Meta on March 7.

The meeting with Meta centered on the onboarding of its Consumer Policy Channel (CPC), a collaborative mechanism enabling regulatory agencies, such as DTI, to track online transactions on Facebook and forward identified violations for Meta’s immediate review and takedown. The CPC implements a multi-layered enforcement system that integrates user reports, artificial intelligence, and human reviews.

“It is a key challenge for us to effectively remove entities that are marketing violative products online,” DTI Assistant Secretary Agaton Teodoro Uvero said.

FTEB Director Regino D. Mallari Jr., present in the onboarding, remarked how the collaboration lays a strong foundation for future partnerships.

“Our goal is to engage more digital platforms not just for consumer protection, but also to enhance the integrity of e-commerce and drive sustainable economic growth,” Director Mallari said.

Meta’s Public Policy Manager Genixon David, FTEB Division Chiefs Ryan Ray Baluyot and Joel Buag, ECB Assistant Division Chief Karla Tricsha Santos, and other key personnel, were also in attendance.

The DTI has previously partnered with other major e-commerce platforms such as TikTok, Shopee, and Lazada to streamline enforcement of flagged online sales, as well as improve consumer redress.

Moving toward a more comprehensive, consumer-centered approach, the DTI also looks to incorporate open and continuous information exchange with valuable stakeholders.

Consumers are urged to report consumer and product violations on online platforms through the DTI Consumer Care Hotline at 1-DTI (1-384) or via email at [email protected] or [email protected]. ♦

Date of release: 14 March 2025

Manila City, Philippines—Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Cristina A. Roque led the inaugural Gawad Bayanihan sa Pamumuhunan Awarding Ceremony to honor top government agencies and private sector partners for their vital role in driving high-impact investments that shape the Philippines’ economic landscape, March 13.

“Today, we will not just celebrate awards; we mark a transformative leap in our journey toward a prosperous ‘Bagong Pilipinas.’ Under the visionary leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., we have ignited a whole-of-nation approach, converting aspirations into tangible action, and action into undeniable success,” said Secretary Roque.

“Through seamless inter-agency coordination, we have paved the way for a more investor-friendly environment which assures potential investors that the Philippines is not just open for investments, but actively welcoming them with efficiency and commitment. Indeed, we have replaced red tape with a red carpet for progress,” she added.

A key driver of these investments is Executive Order No. 18, signed by President Marcos Jr. on February 23, 2023, which established Green Lanes for Strategic Investments to streamline processes and improve the ease of doing business.

Since its implementation, 187 strategic investment projects valued at PHP 4.649 trillion have been facilitated as of January 31, 2025. These projects cover critical sectors such as renewable energy, food security, digital infrastructure, and manufacturing, which translate into significant job creation, strong industry support, and sustainable opportunities for future generations.

In closing, the trade chief emphasized that this progressive framework sets a new standard for investment facilitation, calling for strengthened collaboration among government agencies, local government units, and stakeholders to turn investments into concrete economic benefits. ♦

Date of release: 14 March 2025

Taguig City, Philippines— “It is my honor to welcome all of you to the Philippines-Slovenia Business Forum—a significant milestone in strengthening the economic ties between our two nations. We are not just opening a dialogue; we are building bridges of collaboration, investment, and shared prosperity,” Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Cristina A. Roque emphasized during the Philippine and Slovenia Business Forum on March 12.

“Slovenia and the Philippines may be geographically distant, but we are united by a common goal—to foster economic growth through innovation, trade, and investment. This forum is a testament to our mutual recognition that the future of trade is not just about transactions, but about partnerships—ones that create lasting economic opportunities for both our people,” the trade chief added.

Secretary Roque urged Slovenia to capitalize on the Philippines’ strengths in key sectors, including manufacturing and industrial development, technology and the digital economy, education and skills development, and sustainable business practices in the green economy.

“By investing in the Philippines, you are not only accessing a 110-million-strong domestic market but also engaging with over 680 million consumers, most of whom are young, with an average age of 25, and speak good English. Our participation in key trade agreements, including the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, positions us as a strategic hub for businesses looking to expand in Asia,” the trade chief highlighted.

Secretary Roque further underscored President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration’s efforts to establish the Philippines as one of Asia’s fastest-growing economies. This growth is fueled by consistent gross domestic product growth, a resilient industrial base, a young and highly skilled labor force, and a large consumer sector.

The Philippine government is actively driving progressive policy reforms to enhance the business environment. Key initiatives include the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy (CREATE MORE) Law, a landmark development designed to stimulate foreign trade and investment.

Beyond the ongoing investments in infrastructure, digitalization, and sustainability, the government will conduct international investment roadshows following the approval of the CREATE MORE law’s implementing rules and regulations.

Illustrating the government’s proactive approach, Secretary Roque cited her recent engagements in Japan and the United States, where she secured positive feedback from all 16 companies.

“The active dialogue, ongoing agreements, and dynamic business-matching initiatives between the Philippines and Slovenia are advancing us towards shared economic prosperity,” Secretary Roque affirmed.

“Under the ‘Bagong Pilipinas’ framework, these collaborative efforts will lead to a strong, vibrant, and lasting Philippines-Slovenia relationship,” the trade chief added. ♦

Date of release: 14 March 2025

The Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) rounds off its first-quarter overseas food projects with the FOODPhilippines participation in FOODEX JAPAN 2025, happening from March 11 to 14 at the Tokyo Big Sight in the Ariake district of Koto City in Tokyo, Japan.

CITEM expects its showcase at the 50th anniversary of FOODEX to bring to the fore authentic Filipino food and ingredients, innovative products meant to appeal to a broader spectrum of global consumers. This move is part of the agency’s contribution in further solidifying bilateral trade ties between the Philippines and Japan. In 2006, the signing of the Philippines-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (PJEPA) signified the first bilateral free trade agreement between the two countries that officially took effect in December 2008.

The FOODPhilippines exhibitors, comprising 15 food manufacturers and distributors, are among the more than 8,000 global participants looking into trade and networking opportunities from over 4,000 anticipated trade buyers for this year’s edition. These companies are: Cabadbaran Aquatech Resources; EJ Contreras Food House; Hueza Bakery; IMAI Limited; JBM Food Products; KMK Food Products; Lionheart Farms (Philippines) Corporation; Prime Fruits International, Inc.; Profood International Corporation; Sabroso Chocolate Manufacturing; See’s International Food Mfg. Corp.; Sonya Secret Garden.; Super Q; 3 Sher’s Food Products; and YanYan International Phils. Inc.

These exhibitors have integrated versatility and innovation into their products to deliver unique offerings with aspects of health and nutrition in mind, while adapting to demands for global food convenience and authentic flavors. Their products include responsibly produced and traceable whole fruits like cacao, calamansi, and coconut. 

In addition to export favorites like banana chips, coconut flower sap-based drinks and condiments, sweet crisps with nuts and grains, and vegetable chips provide more options for healthy and ready-to-eat snacks for trade buyers and visitors to enjoy at the Philippine Pavilion located at E4-U21, East Hall section of Tokyo Big Sight. 

Through FOODEX, the country can continue expanding its market share of export-ready, high value seafood products of processed fish and freshwater eel. The Philippines is already a leading exporter of tuna to the Japanese market, and among the top global producers in the Central and Western zones of the Pacific Ocean. As of November 2024, the preliminary total value of agro-based products stood at USD539M. 

The FOODPhilippines participation in FOODEX JAPAN 2025 is made possible in close collaboration with the Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Tokyo (PTIC-Tokyo). After the trade fair, the Philippine delegation will engage in visits to various establishments to gain more insights about Japan’s food merchandise market. PTIC-Tokyo stands as the representative office of the Foreign Trade Service Corps (FTSC) under the Investment Promotions Group (IPG) of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

Simultaneously, CITEM is gearing up for its major signature food event this coming May 22 to 24, 2025 with the 18th edition of IFEX Philippines at the World Trade Center Metro Manila in Pasay City. Export offerings from the country’s best and upcoming food brands will be featured, including FOODPhilippines exhibitors. Expect to see trends and learn insights that include innovations and sustainability development in the industry.

Explore ifexconnect.com for more information, or check the official website of CITEM at citem.com.ph for news and updates about the country’s export promotion activities. 

About CITEM

The Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) is the export promotion arm of the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). CITEM advances the country’s image as a premier sourcing destination for quality export products and services. It remains steadfast in setting the highest standards of creativity, excellence, and innovation to achieve competitiveness in the home, fashion, lifestyle, food, creative, electronics, healthcare, sustainability, and IT-based sectors. CITEM is committed to developing, nurturing, and promoting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), brands, designers, and manufacturers by implementing an integrated approach to export marketing in partnership with other government and private entities. ♦

Date of release: 11 March 2025

Makati City, Philippines — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has reaffirmed its commitment to position the Philippines as a global creative hub by supporting local government units of Quezon City and Dumaguete City in their bids to join the prestigious UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN).  Both cities submitted their applications on March 01, with Quezon City applying under the creative fields of Film and Dumaguete City under Literature.

It can be recalled that on October 31, 2024, the DTI, in partnership with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the Philippine National Commission for UNESCO (UNACOM), officially endorsed the selection of the two cities as the country’s nominees for the 2025 UCCN Application Cycle.

As part of the four-month preparation for the cities’ UNESCO applications, the DTI, through its Creative Industries Development Office, enlisted the expertise of Mr. Paolo Mercado, President of the Creative Economy Council of the Philippines, and a recognized leader in creative industries development.

Mr. Mercado’s guidance proved instrumental in shaping the cities’ applications to align with the UCCN’s goal of promoting creativity and the cultural industries while advancing the 2030 agenda for sustainable development.

To further strengthen the applications, a series of key stakeholder consultations were conducted to monitor progress and provide specific support for each city. Complementing these efforts, Mr. Mercado visited Dumaguete City to meet with its Application Technical Working Group, offering hands-on assistance throughout the application process.

Dumaguete City Mayor Felipe Remollo has demonstrated strong support for the city’s pursuit of UCCN recognition, underscoring his dedication to long-term initiatives that will solidify Dumaguete’s identity as a “City of Stories”. Following the advice of Mercado, the city aims to celebrate its rich literary and cinematic heritage, paying tribute to its two National Artists—Edith Tiempo for Literature and Eddie Romero for Film.

Similarly, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, through the Quezon City Film Commission led by Executive Director Liza Diño, is leading path-breaking efforts to establish the city as a premier hub for film production, exhibition, and industry workforce. With a vision to establish Quezon City as the “City of Film,” Mayor Belmonte has expressed her full support, recognizing the move as a crucial step in bolstering the local film sector and expanding opportunities for its creative development.

Set up in 2004, the UCCN fosters international cooperation among cities that leverage creativity as a driver for sustainable development. The network comprises 350 cities across more than 100 countries. In the Philippines, three cities have already earned their places in the UCCN: Baguio City (Crafts and Folk Arts), Cebu City (Design), and Iloilo City (Gastronomy).

The DTI is playing a key role in facilitating these cities’ successful bids through strategic initiatives aimed at gaining their global recognition as dynamic creative hubs. Moreover, the DTI’s continued involvement in the UCCN process reflects its efforts to enhance the country’s creative economy and achieve its goal of becoming Asia’s Premier Creative Hub by 2030. ♦

Date of release: 11 March 2025