DTI recognizes Go Lokal! retail partners

The Department of Trade and Industry held the FlexPinoy: Saludo sa Go Lokal! Retail Partners appreciation ceremony recently at the DTI Head Office in Makati City. The event recognized Go Lokal retail partners and store operators who have made significant contributions to the continued success and growth of the innovative market access program of the DTI-Bureau of Domestic Trade Promotion (BDTP).  

The following outstanding partners were presented with special recognition awards for amplifying the program’s success: 

• Enchanted Kingdom - as the first and longest Go Lokal retail partner 
• Robinsons Supermarket Corporation - for the most number of Go Lokal retail outlets, with 17 stores nationwide 
• CANDC Plants and Wood Crafts (Manila Canvas) - for their effective management of pop-up events and promotional activities 
• PopJunkLove Enterprises (Common Room PH) - for their social media initiatives promoting Go Lokal and Filipino MSMEs 

All current Go Lokal retail partners also received certificates of appreciation. 

In her keynote message, Undersecretary Blesila Lantayona of the DTI-Regional Operations Group (ROG) remarked, “In 2016, the visionary team behind Go Lokal embarked on a journey to champion Filipino craftsmanship. Over the years, Go Lokal has evolved into a beacon of hope and success for countless MSMEs. It has become a platform where innovative Filipino products and compelling stories meet the eager hearts of consumers, both locally and across the globe.” 

Gracing the event to personally show their appreciation for the Go Lokal retail partners were DTI-ROG Assistant Secretary Dominic R. Tolentino, Jr. and DTI-ROG Assistant Secretary Cristina A. Roque. 

DTI BDTP Director Marievic M. Bonoan, the main proponent of the program, expressed her gratitude to the Go Lokal retail partners, stating that their support has contributed to the “nurturing and scaling of local businesses and industries.” 

Through its collaboration with retailers and e-commerce platforms, Go Lokal! is a ground-breaking initiative that provides a free-market access platform for Philippine micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Launched in December 2016, the program was able to rollout 160 outlets nationwide, although only 112 retail stores survived the economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. As of September 2023, Go Lokal has assisted and mainstreamed 517 MSMEs, generating Php 656.29-million in sales. 

As a continuing program under the DTI-BDTP, Go Lokal remains committed to empowering Filipino MSMEs and fostering a thriving retail landscape. It counts on the continued support of its partner-retailers for collective growth. 

DTI partners with SeeMeCV to transform the bridging of industries and talent pools

MANILA, PHILIPPINES– Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) led by Secretary Fred Pascual signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with SeeMeCV Pte Ltd, demonstrating the DTI’s resolvee to continue collaborating with technology partners in utilizing the latest digital technologies to revolutionize the bridging of industries and talent pools. The DTI chief emphasized that this partnership underscored the Department’s commitment to foster an enabling business environment in line with the DTI’s science, technology, and innovation (STI)-driven industrialization strategy. 

Secretary Pascual stressed, “Central to the DTI’s industrial transformation agenda is the need for upskilling and reskilling initiatives and innovative programs that would address job-skills mismatch. We believe that a dynamic industry ecosystem requires a strongly linked relationship between competitive and innovative industries and an adaptable talent pool ready for the challenges of the evolving global market.”  

The trade and industry chief underscored that this alliance is set to boost and strengthen the DTI’s efforts in revitalizing the Philippine workforce towards industrial transformation. He elaborated that a key element of the partnership is the plan to build a digital platform that is expected to host strong, proven, and measurable jobs and careers services. It is envisioned to offer a wide array of features that can drive revenue, generate labor market trends and statistics on industry transformation, and link the talent nationwide with mentoring and coaching solutions for greater learning and training. 

Further, the DTI Secretary recognized that the partnership is expected to complement the ongoing efforts of the Department in developing skills frameworks for various industries through the Philippine Skills Framework (PSF) Initiative. He underscored that through this initiative, the DTI has been closely working with other national government agencies and cooperating with concerned industry associations and other partners from the private sector, including higher education and training institutions, to address job-skills mismatch through a whole-of-nation approach. 

During the signing, David Padgett, President of SeeMeCV, said, “We are very delighted on this partnership with the DTI as we improve the employment opportunities for Filipinos and establish meaningful and inclusive industry communities where talent and opportunity can connect, irrespective of location and background.” 

SeeMeCV Pte is a Singapore-based company that provides a range of leading-edge recruitment and CV/candidate management solutions to employers, recruiters, and educators. It has worked in partnership with various notable Singapore agencies, such as Workforce Singapore, employers and educational institutions, like theNanyang Technological University, and local partners like the IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) in developing a range of solutions to innovate and accelerate the hiring of talent. 

Highlighting the Department’s ongoing efforts to upskill and capacitate the Filipino workforce, Secretary Pascual emphasized, “With this partnership, we are advancing our efforts in realizing the President’s vision of improving the skills capacity of the Filipino workforce and matching the country’s labor workforce with the actual and future demands of the industries.”

The ceremonial MOU signing was held during the 2023 Mindfacturing and Creativity Summit, on 04 December 2023 at the Makati Diamond Residences. It was also witnessed by Mr. George Barcelon, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry President (TBC)

Philippine Department of Trade and Industry, Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology partners to develop a milestone digital platform to promote and increase FTA utilization

The Philippines’ Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology (KIAT) gears up for the development and the implementation of the "Origin Management System for the Promotion of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) in the Philippines" Project.  

The signing of the Record of Discussions (ROD) for the implementation of the Project was held on 29 November 2023 at the DTI International Building marked as the official commencement of the Project.  

DTI Undersecretary for Industry Development, Trade and Investment Promotion Group (IDTIPG), Dr. Ceferino S. Rodolfo highlighted that the "Origin Management System for Promoting FTA " is a vital tool for the Philippines to optimize the Philippines-South Korea FTA and all other Philippine FTAs and preferential trade arrangements. 

“The best time to prepare for an FTA’s entry into force is before it is even implemented or while it is being negotiated. This is the reason why, even ahead of the entry into force of the agreement, we have been intensely working with key stakeholders – from business associations, local government units and workers’ groups, among others, to ensure that we are able to realize the potential benefits from the very first year of the Philippines-Korea FTA implementation… 

With this, the DTI aims to replicate the experience with the Philippines-European Free Trade Association (EFTA) FTA where the Philippines was able to reverse the phenomenal trade deficit with EFTA in the first year of implementation,” Undersecretary Rodolfo expounded.  

“This is the first time we have undertaken such a project – mainstreaming the use of technology and digital services to make exporting and availment of FTAs more accessible to Philippine exporters. We are grateful to the Korean government for funding this Project,” Undersecretary Rodolfo added. 

This is also the first project embarked on by the KIAT outside of Korea and is a milestone achievement based on a stronger Philippines-Korea partnership. 

The project aims to enhance the international competitiveness of Philippine micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), increase the utilization of existing Philippine FTAs and preferential trade arrangements, and reduce the time and costs of Philippine manufacturers and traders to comply with rules of origin requirements of FTAs and Generalized System of Preferences (GSPs).  

Key features of the Project include the development of an Origin Management System which will enable exporters to determine whether its export product qualifies under the respective ROO requirements of FTAs/GSPs by inputting relevant information in the platform; and an artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled HS classification tool that will enable exporters to determine the appropriate HS code/s for their product/s.  

The project will run for 30 months, from July 2023 until December 2025. The Korea Trade Network (KTNET), Korean government’s designated trade automation business service provider, will serve as the implementing consortium for this project. On the other hand, the DTI- Export Marketing Bureau will serve as the implementing lead for the Philippines side. 

Details of the Project will be presented during the 2023 National Export Congress on 07 December 2023 at the Sheraton Manila Hotel, Pasay City.               

DOST Eyes PH to be the Gold Standard in Disaster and Climate Information Services

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) hosted a side event during the 28th Conference of Parties (COP) held on 01 December 2023, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and shared how Filipinos, often known as victims of disasters, can become victors through numerous science and technology (S&T) interventions.

With the title "From Victims to Victors: Accelerating Data Governance for Climate Action in the Philippines," the DOST shared on the global stage the practical use and applications of two of the most recognized multi-sectoral collaboration works led by the country’s science department: the Impact-Based Forecasting and Early Warning System and GeoRiskPhilippines Initiative.

“Disaster is a wicked problem. By this, it means that disasters have complex interdependencies so that the root of the problem defies clear-cut definitions. The associated risks cascade and compound unpredictably, and therefore there is no single solution to address the problem. My dream today as Secretary of DOST is that the Philippines will be the Gold Standard in Disaster and Climate Information Services. And I hope to share our learnings with the rest of the world,” said DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr.

Sec. Solidum shared that the inherent complexity of disasters necessitates a comprehensive approach involving both the government and society, prompting the Philippines to implement a whole-of-government strategy for building and maintaining a resilient information system. This initiative aims to bolster the country's Disaster and Climate Risk Reduction and Management policies and programs, the Secretary explained.

“Disaster is and will remain an intractable problem. But it is and will be a preventable problem if we have the right information at the right time to craft our strategies,” Sec. Solidum said.

Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change R&D agenda

For Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change R&D agenda, the DOST identified eight Key Result Areas, reflecting the Priorities for Action of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR), and identified six Dimensions of Resilience, reflecting the concerns in the SDG or Sustainable Development Goals.

Through the Agenda, the DOST encourages prospective research partners to contribute to the global agenda on climate change, disaster risk reduction, and sustainable development.

“One emerging cross-cutting priority is digital transformation. With the frequent experiences of the Philippines to disasters and the imminent threats of climate change,

there is a need for robust scientific data that allows us to prevent, adapt, and mitigate. Through data and governance, we change the Filipino narrative of resilience,” said Sec. Solidum.

GeoRisk Philippines Initiative

In her presentation, Mabelline T. Cahulogan from the DOST-Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said that GeoRisk Philippines is a platform to share hazards, exposure, and other risk information to help people, communities, local governments, and national agencies prepare and plan on how to reduce the risks from natural hazards.

Its goal is to be the country’s central source of information for accurate and efficient hazards and risk assessment that will help the government increase the nation's resilience to natural hazards.

She mentioned that the five data aspects of GeoRisk Philippines are data, technology, people, policy, and leadership.

Cahulogan explained to the attendees that GeoRisk Philippines can provide summary reports of the tsunami exposure level of barangays, municipalities, and provinces across the country. It calculates the area’s population that is exposed to tsunami risk, as well as the different heights of possible tsunami with their corresponding number of affected persons in case of the disaster.

GeoRisk Philippines consists of an integrated platform, namely; HazardHunterPH, GeoAnalyticsPH, GeoMapperPH, Map and Feature Services, 3D Earth Risk, and Plan SmartPH.

Multi-Hazard Impact-Based Forecasting in the Philippines

On 26 April 2023, the DOST-Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) officially launched the five-year Multi-Hazard Impact-Based Forecasting and Early Warning System for the Philippines Project or the GCF-IBFPh Project.

Thelma A. Cinco of DOST-PAGASA emphasized that the project aims to meet the pressing demand for a proactive and inclusive climate risk management approach in the Philippines. The initiative centers on a people-focused, multi-hazard impact-based forecasting, and early warning system, covering flood, landslide, severe wind, and storm surge.

Cinco added that this endeavor will usher in a paradigm shift, transitioning from conventional weather forecasts to a comprehensive multi-hazard impact-based forecasting and early warning system.

“Through a concentration on impacts, disaster management agencies, local government units, and the general public can enhance their comprehension of risks. This heightened awareness is more likely to prompt appropriate actions. By envisioning the potential disaster risks not just for their community but also for their families and themselves as individuals, people are empowered to make more informed and proactive decisions,” Cinco pointed out.

Sec. Solidum believes that Filipinnovation, a Pilipino word coined to describe ingenuity,  represents how knowledge drives innovation, innovation drives productivity, and productivity drives economic growth. But it is also an evolution of how Filipinos are not merely surviving disasters but instead creating solutions to face them.

“We envision redefining Filipino resilience from merely surviving to living, coping, and adapting to risks. When we recognize the power and influence of science, technology, and innovation, we realize that we are not powerless against hazards and risks. We believe that through STI, resilience is possible, and that Filipinos can come out as Disaster Victors, not disaster victims,” Sec. Solidum ended. By Allan Mauro V. Marfal, DOST-STII 

WHAT DOES AI HOLD FOR THE FUTURE OF JOBS AND MSMES?

Go Negosyo founder Joey Concepcion during the first Go Negosyo Youthpreneur event last November 25, 2023 at SM City Fairview in Quezon City.

I thought it was a coincidence that several of the activities I had participated in recently had a common intersection: digital technology. Looking back, it may not have been a conjunction of events at all, but rather a sign of the times. A few weeks ago, I joined the President at several engagements during his week-long working visit to the United States for the 30th Asia-Pacific Economic Leaders’ Meeting in San Francisco, California. Among these was a meeting between the Philippine government and leading Silicon Valley companies to discuss Artificial Intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity, specifically on how the Philippines can upskill and retrain workers given the rapid development in these fields. There was an economic briefing for US businessmen to invite them to invest in the Philippines, and a meeting with the Semiconductor Industry Association, where we expressed our readiness for collaboration and our plans to prioritize the semiconductor and electronics industries in the country. When I arrived back from the APEC meetings, I shared with the media my thoughts on our discussions with the tech companies and with investors abroad. What I realized was this: Artificial Intelligence presents both opportunities and threats for the Philippines. We have to upskill our people if in case eventually these jobs will just be given to machines. AI is accelerating at such a phenomenal phase, and we want to ensure that Filipinos continue to be employed. At the same time, the technology coming out of Silicon Valley presents many opportunities to level the playing field for small entrepreneurs. These technologies that are being brought to the whole world, including the Philippines, are going to present tremendous opportunities for our Filipino MSMEs. What most of the delegates from the Philippines found worrying, however, was the potential threats and challenges posed by AI to the country’s business process outsourcing (BPO) industry, which employs more than a million Filipinos and is worth billions of dollars for the Philippine economy. Beyond direct employment, BPOs benefit the real estate industry and the many small businesses that serve both their in-office and remote employees. Along with a few other industries, there is a real and urgent need to upskill Filipino BPO workers to ensure job security in the face of AI. This technology will have an effect, and it is only a question of when. From the discussions we’ve had, this “question of when” sounds like it’s going to happen sooner than anyone anticipated. However, I also see opportunities. During the pandemic, our MSMEs demonstrated how resilient and how willing they are to adapt to digital technology. They used e-wallets and delivery apps to continue doing business during the lockdowns. They discovered how they can use social media to promote their businesses, and many of them became influencers, a lot of whom we met during our public entrepreneurship mentoring events. It is now more important to support MSMEs by giving them access to mentoring, to capital and to markets, keeping in mind how digital technology touches all aspects of these three critical elements to successful entrepreneurship. MSMEs should be trained on effective online product marketing strategies to take advantage of the digital tools now available to them. At the same time, we have to strengthen partnerships with countries and with companies that are leading the way in digitalization and offer platforms and innovations that can benefit the MSMEs in the Philippines. Teaching more MSMEs to use digital technology will greatly contribute to greater inclusivity and economic growth. It has the potential to let MSMEs access professional backend tools like logistics management and accounting, and is an opportunity to upskill their workers to perform higher-value jobs. The other activities I had following my arrival in the country also dovetailed with our meetings abroad. Last week, we held our Digital Shift Workshop, and we focused the session on AI. With the help of experts from Microsoft, Amazon, Google and Shore Marketing, we introduced the MSME participants to the potential of AI in not just writing copy and proposals using ChatGPT, but also in product development and even backroom chores.   Then just last Saturday, we held our Youthpreneur event, where we invited senior high school students from 17 schools around the metro and introduced them to entrepreneurship. The successful turnout at our Youthpreneur event and the enthusiasm with which the students received our message of entrepreneurship is encouraging. More than 30 percent of the Philippine population is under 15 years of age, or what the social scientists and media call the Generation Alpha. They are the ones who were born into a world where the internet is as common a utility as water and electricity. They are digital-savvy, resourceful, creative and energetic; imagine how much potential they hold in becoming the next generation of entrepreneurs. Meanwhile, almost 64 percent are still in the economically active range of 15 to 64, comprising Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X and a few younger Boomers. This is a curious mix since Gen X’ers know both the analog and the digital way of doing things, while the Millennials and Gen Z’ers came of age with the internet and digital technologies already having matured. These generations give perspective to how far we’ve come, and how much potential we have once the millions of unconnected and unbanked Filipinos are finally included into the new economy. It was an intersection of the advocacy I started at Go Negosyo and the role I have as the lead of the Jobs Cluster of the Private Sector Advisory Council as well as chair of the ASEAN Business Advisory Council. These roles help me toward what I wish for every Filipino: A comfortable life free from poverty and equipped to contribute to the progress of the country. If digital technology and AI can help make this happen, then that should be good news.

Philippine Textile Congress capped off at 2023 NSTW in Iloilo City

The Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI) concluded this year’s Philippine Textile Congress at the 2023 National Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (NSTW) in Iloilo City.

With the theme “Futures Thinking for Philippine Textiles,” the congress aimed not only to convene textile academics but also to pave the way for increased economic activity and entrepreneurship in the industry, as stated by DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. on Friday, 24 November 2023.

Sec. Solidum emphasized that the knowledge created should not merely be remembered but applied to action. He highlighted the importance of research, technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship, stating, “More benefits will redound to our kababayan if we can really do research, technology, innovation with entrepreneurship.”

Beyond aesthetics, the congress underscored that the textile industry offers a stable source of income for Filipinos.

The Philippine Textile Congress served as a platform for collaboration among researchers, students, creatives, industry partners, and textile experts. It featured a 12-session research colloquium covering textile innovations, digitalization, designing, product development, education and training, as well as its significance in biomedical, security, and defense, with researchers from around the world. Innovation dialogues with textile stakeholders in various sectors were also held for potential collaboration.

Textile program to be implemented in tertiary education

De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde Fashion Design and Merchandising Chair Olivia Lopez announced that the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has approved the implementation of a Bachelor in Textile Design in their college for the academic year 2024-2025. “The degree program, although design-based—we are a design-based discipline, is ideal for those who see creativity, technology, and science as important aspects of one’s identity and culture and seek meaningful contributions for a greater cause,” said Professor Lopez.

The program will use a transdisciplinary methodology in studying textiles, including fashion design and merchandising, architecture, interior design, industrial design, arts management, production design, and export management, explained Lopez.

“These programs all involve the use of textiles, either as a material, a product, or the systems and processes and management involved in producing textiles,e curriculum will be based on CHED Memorandum Order 43 series of 2017, outlining policies, standards, and guidelines for undergraduate programs in Fine Arts and Design, requiring three years or two terms for completion, Lopez noted.

“With the passion economy becoming mainstream, new kinds of careers, drawing upon a person’s intrinsic curiosity will become the norm. And hopefully, finishing a degree in textile design in the Philippines will become a norm. Sana po,” Lopez said.

Green and sustainable textile market

Co-CEO and Chief Creative Officer of Bayo clothing, Anna Lagon, acknowledged DOST-PTRI's role as their partner in promoting sustainability and innovation in the fashion industry

“The government’s role through agencies like PTRI provides the necessary resources that cushion the financial strain of developing new supply chains,” Lagon said. “This underscores the crucial role of purposeful partnerships in creating a supportive ecosystem for the advancement of sustainable textile development in the fashion industry.”

Lagon shared that Bayo aims to achieve zero waste, zero carbon emission, and a circular economy business model. Besides locally made apparel, Bayo offers training and workshop opportunities to marginalized individuals for sustainable livelihood.

Additionally, Raymond R. Tan, a university fellow and current Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation at De La Salle University (DLSU), noted the growing interest of buyers in sustainable fashion and how Life-cycle assessment (LCA) could help certify that textile products in the Philippines are eco-friendly.

Tan explained that LCA is a methodology used to evaluate the environmental impacts, both direct and indirect, of product systems. He emphasized the potential for the Philippines to reach lucrative export markets by offering certifiably sustainable fiber and textile products at a premium price.

However, Tan highlighted the shortage of human resources, particularly LCA users and experts in the industry, government, and academia. He mentioned an agreement between DLSU and PTRI to collaborate on various research projects and conduct training for scientists and researchers in PTRI to develop LCA expertise.

To conclude this year’s congress, DOST-PTRI Director Julius L. Leaño, Jr. announced the third installment of the annual Philippine Textile Congress, scheduled for November 2024, with the theme “Fostering Transdisciplinary Textile Knowledge Generation and Translation.” (By Kristine Erika L. Agustin, DOST-STII)

DTI set to host 2023 Mindfacturing and Creativity Summit

Mindfacturing is fusion of human expertise and cutting edge technologies—Secretary Pascual 

MAKATI CITY– With the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) set to host the 2023 Mindfacturing and Creativity Summit on 04 December 2023 at the Makati Diamond Residences, Trade and Industry Secretary Fred Pascual boasts mindfacturing as transcending the traditional boundaries of manufacturing by emphasizing the fusion of human expertise and cutting-edge technologies. He added, “This empowers human intelligence to envision novel solutions and integrate technologies seamlessly.”  

With the theme, “Mindfacturing and Creativity Summit: Unlocking the Potential and Expanding the Frontiers of Philippine Industries,” the summit will serve as a platform for key stakeholders. These include representatives from various industries, government and development organizations, members of the diplomatic corps, and partners from the academe. The summit’s goal is to foster a constructive and productive discussion for participants to further appreciate the twin-concepts of mindfacturing and creativity as game-changing strategies in order to revolutionize the country’s industries allowing them to become more competitive and expand their market reach.  

“In transitioning to Industry 4.0, a shift from traditional manufacturing to mindfacturing must be initiated. From strengthening traditional factors of production, we need to leverage intellectual capital and innovation to maintain and explore new comparative advantages in the world market. Innovation is our biggest catalyst for transformation,” Secretary Pascual underscored.  

Meanwhile, Undersecretary for Competitiveness and Innovation Rafaelita Aldaba emphasized, “Mindfacturing, a term that blends ‘mind’ and ‘manufacturing’, is fundamentally a pioneering concept at the intersection of cognitive processes and modern manufacturing techniques. It embodies and underscores the idea that human intellect, creativity, and problem-solving abilities play   central roles in shaping the processes of production, design, and innovation.” 

“Overall, mindfacturing constitutes a paradigm shift in how we approach manufacturing and production such that it emphasizes the transformative potential of human creativity and intellect as indispensable assets in shaping the future of industries amidst the recent breakthroughs in automation and technology,” she added. Undersecretary Aldaba further explained that the key aspects of mindfacturing include cognitive innovation, creative problem-solving, customization and flexibility, interdisciplinary collaboration, and ethical considerations. 

The summit will feature speakers from the government, industry leaders, academic experts and development champions, and Secretary Pascual who will be offering valuable insights on crucial issues related to industrial policies. The discussion will also tackle the centrality of mindfacturing in Industry 4.0, strengthening the education system, and the convergence of creativity and innovation in driving science, technology and innovation (STI)-driven industries.  

Undersecretary Aldaba expressed that, “The mainstreaming of mindfacturing and creativity does not only form a significant part, but more importantly, it attests to the Department’s continuing and enduring commitment to rally, empower, and assist our industries as we journey towards industrialization 4.0. It is also an embodiment of our untiring and unrelenting resolve to explore innovative and upgrade our approaches, and institute reforms, where necessary, if we are to transform and usher in our industries toward an era of innovation, increased productivity, and greater participation in global economic activities.” 

She explained that, “Over the years, we have embraced and implemented strategies to revitalize our industries, generate jobs, facilitate the adoption of groundbreaking technologies, among others. When Secretary Pascual took the helm, we anchored our strategy on science, technology, and innovation (STI), which aims to grow globally competitive and innovative industries. The same inspiration binds us together, only that, we are taking it to the next level, towards a direction where human intelligence and creativity take a central role in unlocking the potential and expanding the frontiers of Philippine industries.”