DTI expands logistics hub to support more MSMEs

More micro, small, and medium enterprises can gain real-time logistics information, business support, and potentially lower operating costs after the Department of Trade and Industry added nine industry partners to its Supply Chain and Logistics Center.

The expansion could help smaller businesses overcome costly shipping delays, limited access to service providers, and supply chain gaps that restrict their ability to reach customers and compete in domestic and overseas markets.

Better logistics access is particularly important for enterprises in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas, where high transport costs and limited information can reduce incomes, raise consumer prices, and prevent local products from reaching larger markets.

The new partnerships were formalized during the SCLC Pledge of Commitment and Ceremonial Signing at the Office of the Secretary Conference Room in Makati City on July 21, 2026.

The DTI’s Supply Chain and Logistics Group has steadily expanded the center’s industry network since its launch in June 2025.

The center provides MSMEs with real-time access to logistics services, supply chain information, and business support.

The nine new partners are AC Logistics, AP Cargo, Crystal Cold Storage Inc., DSV Contract Logistics Inc., Magsaysay Logistics and Transport Corp., Orient Freight International Inc., Robinsons Logistix and Industrial Inc., SyCip Gorres Velayo & Co., and United Parcel Service Philippines Inc.

Trade Secretary Cristina A. Roque said the center’s continued expansion reflected growing private-sector confidence in the Marcos Jr. administration’s efforts to strengthen the country’s logistics system through sustained public-private collaboration.

“Since its launch in 2025, the SCLC has evolved into an active collaboration platform where government, logistics service providers, and industry experts work together to improve logistics accessibility, affordability, and reliability for local enterprises and MSMEs. As we continue to grow this community, we are also strengthening the Philippines’ capacity to improve supply chain resilience, and enhance our competitiveness within ASEAN and the global marketplace,” Roque said.

The latest group represents the center’s third batch of industry partners.

The first batch consisted of 18 major industry leaders who helped establish the SCLC Online Portal and SCLC Hotline.

A second batch added 12 signatories and led to the creation of the SCLC Guild.

The guild is a pool of 33 industry experts who provide pro bono advice and specialized lessons on artificial intelligence adoption, agrilogistics, customs compliance, and cold chain management.

Roque emphasized in her opening message that the center’s continued expansion showed the private sector’s growing confidence in the government’s vision for a stronger Philippine logistics ecosystem.

The partnership between the government and industry can improve access to information, service referrals, and direct government assistance for MSMEs in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas.

The program’s impact has been experienced by businesses such as Alvin Project Beans, a Cavite-based enterprise founded in 2017 by CEO Alvin Causing.

Causing sources raw materials from Cavite, Batangas, Benguet, and Mindanao.

He said the DTI supported the business from its early stages through the Kapatid Mentor ME program and various trade fairs.

The company eventually became a full-fledged exporter that now ships products to Canada, Belgium, China, and Spain.

“During the time na nag-eexport kami, may time na ang laki ng nawala na pieces, ng items. So humingi ako ng tulong sa DTI, specifically logistics kay Ms. Sandina David. Bago ako lumapit sa kanya, nakipag-coordinate na ako noon sa logistics company. Ilang linggo nila akong hindi pinansin, walang nangyari. Lumapit na ako sa DTI, and after 1 week lang, may kasagutan na.Yung losses ko, napalitan naman nila,” Causing shared.

AP Cargo Logistics Network Corp. President and Chief Executive Officer Enrique “Ike” Castillo said the company’s nationwide network helps address the operational difficulties faced by smaller enterprises.

“At the core of the concern is actually the solution that AP Cargo provides kasi we’re actually the only one from North to South. Even in Tawi Tawi, we have a branch there. In addition to that, we have hundreds of trucks doing pick-up and delivery. And if you look at the customer base that AP Cargo has, 99.9% is actually MSMEs. That is why we are known for shipping all forms of shapes and sizes,” Castillo said, noting that these clients consist of resellers, entrepreneurs, and business owners across the Philippines.

AC Logistics Holdings Corp. CEO Erry Hardianto said the partnership could also help improve the movement of agricultural goods from producers to consumers.

“For us investing in this partnership, our ultimate goal is to increase the efficiency of the farm-to-table. Of course, with the various stakeholders, including the DTI, the producers and the retailers. We want to streamline those by making strategic nodes where we can make a difference,” Hardianto explained.

An efficient farm-to-table supply chain can help reduce spoilage, improve farmers’ access to buyers, and limit unnecessary logistics costs that may eventually be passed on to consumers.

Supply Chain and Logistics Group Undersecretary Mary Jean T. Pacheco said logistics is fundamentally about human and economic connectivity.

“It is about connecting producers to markets, helping businesses grow, strengthening food security, supporting disaster resilience and ensuring that every Filipino entrepreneur, regardless of location, has access to opportunities,” Pacheco noted.

The DTI aims to sustain the center’s expansion by permanently embedding it in the government’s administrative structure.

The Supply Chain and Logistics Group is pursuing the formal institutionalization of the SCLC under the proposed Supply Chain and Logistics Bureau.

The group is also coordinating with the Department of Budget and Management to secure permanent plantilla positions.