DTI, San Miguel highlight packaging’s critical role in MSME growth

Posted: May 28, 2025
From left to right: San Miguel Yamamura Packaging Corporation (SMYPC) VP & Sales and Marketing Director Edita P. Molato, SMYPC President Ferdinand A. Tumpalan, DTI Regional Operations Group Supervising Head Usec. Blesila Lantayona, and SMYPC Executive Vice-president Kei Sato pose for a photo during the 7th Distributors Day event in Pasig City.
From L to R: San Miguel Yamamura Packaging Corporation (SMYPC) VP & Sales and Marketing Director Ms. Edita P. Molato, SMYPC President Mr. Ferdinand A. Tumpalan, DTI Regional Operations Group Supervising Head Usec. Blesila Lantayona, and SMYPC Executive Vice-president Kei Sato.

Pasig City, Philippines—The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) highlighted the vital role of packaging in enhancing the competitiveness of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) during the 7th Distributors Day of San Miguel Yamamura Packaging Corporation (SMYPC) held on May 22.

With the theme “Own the Future,” the event underscored the growing need for businesses to anticipate change, respond with agility, and build resilient systems amid supply chain disruptions, shifting consumer behavior, and environmental challenges. It also emphasized the evolving nature of trade, where value creation, branding, and sustainability have become key drivers of competitiveness

DTI Undersecretary Blesila Lantayona delivers a speech at the podium during the 7th Distributors Day at Marco Polo Ortigas Manila, with red and blue balloon columns in the background.

During the event, DTI Regional Operation Group Undersecretary Blesila Lantayona pointed out the importance of packaging beyond its physical form, describing it as “a first impression, a gateway to markets, and often a deciding factor in business survival” for many MSMEs.

“In today’s competitive landscape, owning the future means anticipating change, acting with agility, and building systems that can absorb shocks—whether from supply chain disruptions, shifting consumer behaviors, or environmental challenges,” she added.

Additionally, Usec. Lantayona spotlighted several DTI initiatives to support MSME growth, including the Shared Service Facilities program, which equips cooperatives and associations with packaging and printing equipment to improve product presentation and market readiness.

She also cited the Green Economic Development initiative, which promotes sustainable and circular business models, including the use of eco-friendly packaging.

The event further reinforced the crucial role of distributors as key connectors in the MSME development ecosystem, linking products to markets and driving business growth. ♦

Date of Release: 28 May 2025