DTI validates Philippine fashion and textile roadmap

By Francis Allan L. Angelo

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has taken a significant step forward in shaping the future of the Philippine fashion and textile industries by holding a validation session for its draft roadmap.

On April 16, 2024, at the Valero Grand Suites in Makati City, the Bureau of Industry Planning and Innovation (BIPI) conducted this vital gathering as part of its Creative C.H.A.T.S. (Collaborative Huddles and Townhall Sessions) Series.

The session brought together industry champions and experts to critique and enhance the roadmap developed from extensive research. This initiative seeks to chart the past performance, current status, and future directions of these industries while addressing challenges to progression.

Outlined in the roadmap are strategic D.R.E.A.M Pillars aimed at empowering artisans and designers, investing in raw materials, establishing supportive policies and infrastructure, promoting archiving and documentation, and stimulating market growth and expansion.

Undersecretary Rafaelita M. Aldaba, of DTI’s Competitiveness and Innovation Group, underscored the challenges and opportunities brought forth by global trade dynamics and how these factors are propelling the local industries towards innovation and a stronger competitive stance on the world stage.

She highlighted the Philippine government’s commitment to enhancing industry competitiveness and bolstering the supply chain with sustainable practices.

Usec. Aldaba expressed optimism for the sectors’ growth, “The prospects for growth and development in the Philippines are promising because of our diverse cultural heritage, skilled labor force, and the support of government initiatives that assist local designers and develop sustainable practices,” she added.

The validation session saw contributions from a diverse group of stakeholders, including intellectual property officials, United Nations representatives, members of the Philippine Fashion Coalition, and various government and private sector experts.

Participants from various sectors actively provided insights during the open forum, underscoring the importance of improving raw material sourcing, capacity building for creatives, heritage documentation, market expansion, infrastructure investment, and the development of business-friendly policies.

DTI-BIPI Director Lilian Salonga expressed appreciation for the invaluable expertise shared, stating, “Throughout our sessions today, it has become abundantly clear that the challenges facing the Philippine fashion and textiles industries are multifaceted and complex. Yet, equally evident is the tremendous potential that exists within these sectors.”

This roadmap is part of the DTI’s Malikhaing Pinoy Program, supporting evidence-based policymaking and industry-driven development as stipulated in the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act or Republic Act No. 11904.

For more information, stakeholders are encouraged to follow the DTI Competitiveness and Innovation Group and DTI Bureau of Industry Planning and Innovation on their Facebook pages.