DTI pledges digital-first strategy at Manila tech summit

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) reaffirmed its commitment to a “digital-first future” on Wednesday, unveiling major policy initiatives designed to empower Filipino businesses and drive inclusive growth in the global digital economy.

Speaking at the Manila Tech Summit 2025, Trade Secretary Cristina A. Roque said the agency is aligning national competitiveness with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to embrace digital transformation as a core pillar of development.

“We at DTI are striving to make this happen by ensuring that every Filipino, from the small sari-sari store owner to the next tech startup founder, can thrive in a digital economy,” Roque said in her keynote address.

The DTI’s roadmap focuses on upskilling micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), expanding access to digital tools and finance, and promoting responsible innovation to foster trust in the online marketplace.

Key among these programs is the ongoing rollout of the 5-Point MSME Strategy, which helps entrepreneurs digitize operations, develop diversified product offerings, and secure financing options.

Roque also cited key reforms such as the CREATE MORE Act and the Green Lanes for Strategic Investments, both designed to fast-track approvals and attract high-impact projects in sectors like e-commerce, fintech, and artificial intelligence.

“These reforms are opening doors for projects in high-growth sectors to empower local communities and create jobs,” Roque said, noting that tech-driven investments are critical to sustaining long-term growth.

To ensure a safe and credible digital marketplace, the DTI is implementing the E-Commerce Philippine Trustmark—a voluntary certification awarded to online businesses that meet government standards for security, transparency, and accountability.

“Inclusivity should not be an afterthought—it is the heart of what we do,” Roque added. “We recognize that technology can be our game-changer. That is why we see every fintech innovation, every e-commerce breakthrough, as a chance to uplift more Filipinos—especially women, youth, and small entrepreneurs.”

The Manila Tech Summit 2025, hosted by Fintech Alliance PH, gathered key stakeholders from across government, industry, and civil society to discuss forward-looking strategies to boost the country’s resilience and competitiveness in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

The summit also underscored the Philippines’ growing role as a regional innovation hub, with participants calling for stronger public-private partnerships and sustained investment in digital infrastructure.

As of 2024, MSMEs comprise over 99 percent of all Philippine businesses and employ more than 60 percent of the country’s workforce, according to DTI data.

Analysts see the DTI’s digital-first pivot as a necessary move to ensure inclusive recovery post-pandemic and to close the digital divide in rural and underserved communities.