Uncategorized | Department of Trade and Industry Philippines

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test diamond

The Zoom-based seminar was moderated by RJ Ledesma, a serial entrepreneur, real estate developer, columnist, writer, host, and a partner at EnterPH, an emerging name in the field of business consultancy, specializing in investor relations and helping companies conveniently establish an enterprise in the Philippines. Supervising Undersecretary of the DTI-Regional Operations Group, Bles A. Lantayona, continue reading : test diamond

DTI R2 bags award as top performing trade promotions officer at IFEX Philippines 2025

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 2 headed by Regional Director Ma. Sofia G. Narag, CESO V, and Acting Assistant Regional Director Atty. Michael B. Paggabao, proudly showcased the best of Cagayan Valley through the Padday na Lima Booth at International Food Exhibition (IFEX) Philippines on 22-24 May 2025 at the World Trade continue reading : DTI R2 bags award as top performing trade promotions officer at IFEX Philippines 2025

Message of Trade and Industry Secretary Alfredo E. Pascual for Integrated Rice Supply Chain Development Program Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Signing

02 February 2024, 3 PM | NIA Central Office, EDSA, Diliman, Quezon City DA USec. Atty. Alvin Balagbag, NIA Acting Administrator Eduardo Eddie Guillen, colleagues from the government, esteemed guests, champions of agriculture, and advocates for change, good afternoon. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the Integrated Rice Supply Chain Development Program that we signed continue reading : Message of Trade and Industry Secretary Alfredo E. Pascual for Integrated Rice Supply Chain Development Program Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Signing

2023 National Food Fair draws strong support for food entrepreneurs

MANDALUYONG CITY — The recently concluded 2023 National Food Fair, with its theme “Go Discover, Taste, Enjoy!” ended on a high note after a five-day run from July 12 to 16, 2023, at the Megatrade Hall in SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City. Based on the Department of Trade and Industry’s preliminary reports, the fair generated sales continue reading : 2023 National Food Fair draws strong support for food entrepreneurs

DTI Flag Ceremony

Isang mapagpala at mapagpalayang umaga sa inyong lahat. Napansin ko lang noong kinakanta natin ‘yung DTI Hymn, dapat nagpakita tayo ng sigla para tayong nagdadasal. Tama rin naman na kailangan isa-puso, pero kulang lang sa sigla ang tingin ko. So ulit, kapag kumakanta tayo medyo may palakpak, para naman lalong mapasigla ang ating organisasyon. Unang-una, continue reading : DTI Flag Ceremony

Coffee. Coconut. Chocolate: DTI showcases premium PH F&B products in Osaka

Osaka, Japan (12 September 2022) – Consul General Voltaire D. Mauricio of the Philippine Consulate General in Osaka and Commercial Counsellor Michael Alfred V. Ignacio of the Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Osaka (PTIC-Osaka), joined the representatives of Philippine Brands and Philippine sourced products at the official opening of the FoodPhilippines booth at the continue reading : Coffee. Coconut. Chocolate: DTI showcases premium PH F&B products in Osaka

Philippine Startups join the 29th Annual Pistahan Parade and Festival in San Francisco

The presence of Philippine startups was strongly felt at this year’s Pistahan Festival, in San Francisco held from 13 to 14 August 2022 at Yerba Buena Center. Philippine Startups who showcased their products and services to the public were: BayaniPay www.bayanipay.com, fintech offering banking products and services provided by East West Bank, as well as continue reading : Philippine Startups join the 29th Annual Pistahan Parade and Festival in San Francisco

DTI continues to boost MSME digitalization in MIMAROPA, links small businesses to secure payment gateways

In order to meet the growing demand and expectation from the increasing number of digital-savvy consumers, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) MIMAROPA has partnered with Paynamics, one of the Philippine’s most trusted and accessible payments providers, in conducting the virtual PayBiz Bootcamp on 18 April 2022. The masterclass session focused on updates about continue reading : DTI continues to boost MSME digitalization in MIMAROPA, links small businesses to secure payment gateways

DTI Sydney invites Fil-Aussies to invest in franchising

Are you looking for a new start and exciting business opportunities in 2022? The Philippine Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) overseas trade office in Sydney is inviting Filipino-Australians to invest in franchising in the Philippines and support the expansion of Philippine brands in Australia. In partnership with the Australia Philippines Business Council (APBC) – continue reading : DTI Sydney invites Fil-Aussies to invest in franchising

DTI Sydney invites Fil-Aussies to “flex” gawang Pinoy every Friday

The Philippine Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) overseas trade office in Sydney invites Fil-Aussies to support Philippine-made products and local Filipino businesses down under by participating in an online campaign called #flexPHridays. #FlexPHridays, a call-to-action campaign launched by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) last year aims to encourage Filipinos to support local businesses continue reading : DTI Sydney invites Fil-Aussies to “flex” gawang Pinoy every Friday

[su_lightbox type=”inline” src=”#bles”]Blesila A. Lantayona[/su_lightbox]

Undersecretary and Supervising Head
Regional Operations Group (ROG)

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Undersecretary Blesila A. Lantayona is the Supervising Head of the Regional Operations Group (ROG). As member of the Department of Trade and Industry Executive Committee headed by DTI Secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque, she is expected to contribute among others, to policy formulation in the development of the country’s MSME sector, trade and industry particularly bringing to core the regional/provincial viewpoints.

Under her supervision are some of the key bureaus and offices at the Head Office including the Bureau of Small and Medium Enterprise Development (BSMED), the Bureau of Market Development Promotions & OTOP (BMDPO), the DTI-Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program Management Office, and the Negosyo Center Program Management Office. She supervises as well the Department’s 17- Regional and 81- Provincial Offices ensuring that the policies, programs and projects of DTI are understood and effectively implemented at the local level where our offices serve as the face of DTI, providing critical frontline services to its customers as they personify the agency’s core values of Passion, Integrity, Creativity, Competence, Synergy, and Love of Country.

Prior to her appointment as Undersecretary, Usec. Lantayona held various technical and managerial positions within the Department. She started in DTI Region XI (Davao Region) as technical staff, then moved up as Provincial Director of DTI- Davao Del Sur and Assistant Regional Director of DTI Region XI. She was eventually promoted to Regional Director in DTI Region III (Central Luzon) and Assistant Secretary of the DTI- Regional Operations Group based at the Head Office.

From 2019 to 2023, she was designated as Acting Chairman of the Small Business Corporation, Ex- Officio Board Member of the Cooperative Development Authority, Board Member of the Philippine Guarantee Corporation and the DTI GAD Focal. In 2023, Usec. Lantayona served as the Chairperson of the ASEAN Coordinating Committee on MSME (ACCMSME), a body comprised of high-level representatives from ASEAN Member States tasked to formulate policies, programs and activities on SME development and reports to the Senior Economic Officials Meeting under the mandate of the ASEAN Economic Ministers.

She also served briefly as Chief of Staff at the Office of the DTI Secretary under the leadership of Secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque. Recently, Usec. Lantayona was

designated as the Supervising Undersecretary of the Rural Agro-Enterprise Partnership for Inclusive Development and Growth (RAPID Growth) Project, a value chain-based and market-driven initiative of the DTI, funded by IFAD.

Usec. Lantayona holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture, Major in Economics (Cum Laude) from Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan in Cagayan de Oro City; and an MBA in International Business from the European School of Management (Ecole Europeene des Affaires) in Paris, France as scholar of the EU-ASEAN Scholarship Program.

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[su_lightbox type=”inline” src=”#ablan”]Atty. Michel Kristian R. Ablan[/su_lightbox]

Assistant Secretary and Supervising Head
Management Services Group (MSG)

Department Legislative Liaison Officer
Liaison Office for Legislative Affairs (LOLA)

[su_lightbox_content id=”#ablan”]
Kristian Ablan is a career public servant, having been in government service for 18 years. He currently holds the post of Assistant Secretary and Supervising Head of the Management Services Group.

Prior to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI),
Mr. Ablan was undersecretary for administration at the Department of Education (DepEd), and assistant secretary and undersecretary at the Presidential Communications Office (PCO).

His other government stints were at the Commission
on Elections (COMELEC), Public-Private Partnership Center (PPP Center), Provincial Government of llocos Norte, and Office of the Solicitor General (OSG).

Mr. Ablan concurrently serves as alternate director at the National Development Company (NDC), and the Philippine Guarantee Corporation (PHILGUARANTEE).

Kris is a lawyer by profession, and holds degrees from Ateneo de Manila University, the University of the Philippines, the University of Auckland, and the National Defense College of the Philippines. Kris holds the rank of CESO I and is a 2021 Presidential Career Executive Service awardee for his work in freedom of information (FOl). [/su_lightbox_content]

[su_lightbox type=”inline” src=”#roque”]Ma. Cristina A. Roque[/su_lightbox]

Secretary
Department of Trade and Industry

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Ma. Cristina A. Roque currently serves as the Secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), where she is responsible for advising the President on trade and investment matters, establishing policies, supervising departmental activities, and ensuring effective operations across all DTI offices and attached agencies.

Ms. Roque’s leadership is characterized by her unwavering commitment to the growth and development of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), recognizing their essential role in the Philippine economy. Her extensive experience in government and a 30-year entrepreneurial career uniquely position her to lead projects that foster a more inclusive and prosperous business environment for all Filipinos.

Before becoming the Secretary, Ms. Roque made significant contributions as Trade Undersecretary from February to July 2024. She led the MSME Development Group (MDG) and was instrumental in advancing MSMEs through various initiatives. She also managed key bureaus, including the Bureau of Small and Medium Enterprise Development (BSMED) and the Bureau of Marketing Development and Promotions (BMDPO), as well as the One Town, One Product (OTOP) Program Management Office and the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program Management Office (CARP-PMO). In addition, she supervised the Small Business Corporation (SBCorp), the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), and the Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC).

Ms. Roque introduced groundbreaking initiatives like the OTOP Retail and Learning Center, transforming OTOP hubs and Go Lokal stores into dynamic spaces that blend retail with mentorship. She is a champion of the DTI’s 5-Point MSME Agenda that advances digitalization, market diversification, enhanced access to financing, franchising, and a strong focus on mentorship and training. Her efforts are reshaping the MSME landscape, driving innovation and creating more export opportunities for the Philippine market.

Expanding market opportunities for local MSMEs, Ms. Roque pushed for digitalization and e- commerce in the DTI-Bagong Pilipinas National Food Fair and Trade Fair in 2024. She also launched the first-ever Beauty Fair organized by the DTI, offering new support and opportunities for MSMEs in the beauty and wellness sector.

As Chairperson of the Small Business Corporation, Ms. Roque implemented new policies to make SBCorp’s financing programs more accessible and beneficial for MSMEs. She also launched the DTI-Bagong Pilipinas Marketplace, the country’s largest B2B e-commerce platform, which promotes Filipino MSMEs’ products and services both locally and globally.

Looking ahead, she plans to establish more SME hubs through the Philippine Trade and Investment Centers and in close collaboration with our Embassies worldwide. These hubs will serve as platforms to showcase and market Filipino products to international audiences, thereby stimulating the manufacturing sector and contributing to job creation.

Ms. Roque holds a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Management Engineering with a minor in Chemical Engineering from De La Salle University.[/su_lightbox_content]

Portrait of ASec. Nylah Rizza D. Bautista

[su_lightbox type=”inline” src=”#nylah”]Nylah Rizza D. Bautista, MBA[/su_lightbox]

Assistant Secretary and Supervising Head
Competitiveness and Innovation Group (CIG)

Supervising Head
Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM)

Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP)

Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP)

Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC)

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ASec. Nylah Rizza D. Bautista brings over 15 years of expertise in commercial retail management, operational strategy, and stakeholder relations. As a former executive of Ayala Land and the Ayala Malls Group, she led transformative initiatives that enhanced foot traffic, optimized operational expenses, and drove sustained revenue growth across multiple commercial centers and malls. Her strategic approach to tenant relations and marketing consistently exceeded annual sales targets.

An advocate for sustainability and innovation, ASec. Bautista spearheaded redevelopment and renovation projects that enhanced customer experiences while driving overall revenue growth. Known for her organized, results-oriented leadership style, she thrives in dynamic and fast-paced environments, delivering measurable outcomes with a focus on excellence.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in organizational communication from De La Salle University Manila and a master’s degree in business administration from Ateneo Regis, Rockwell. Dedicated to public service, ASec. Nylah Rizza D. Bautista combines her professional expertise with a commitment to fostering a balanced and active lifestyle.

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[su_lightbox type=”inline” src=”#uvero”]Atty. Agaton Teodoro O. Uvero[/su_lightbox]

Assistant Secretary and Supervising Head
Fair Trade Group (FTG)

Supervising Head
Construction Industry Authority of the Philippines (CIAP)

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Agaton Uvero is currently an Assistant Secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in charge of the Fair Trade Group as well as the Supervising Head of the Construction Industry Authority of the Philippines (CIAP). He has previously worked in various capacities in the House of Representatives, Senate, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and Department of Finance (DOF).

Early in his career, he worked as an international trade manager at PricewaterhouseCoopers before setting up a consulting partnership which specializes in international trade, logistics and supply chain. He has provided advisory services and training for many of the Top 1000 corporations, multinational firms, professional and industry associations and business chambers.

He has worked on various technical assistance programs funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and USAID. In 2017, he authored the book “Understanding International Trade, Tariffs and Customs”. A lawyer and a licensed customs broker, he has degrees in Philosophy and Law (Juris Doctor) from UP Diliman and is an alumnus of East West Center (New Generation Program). He is a lecturer at the UP Law Center and Ateneo School of Law (MCLE Program) on topics such as international trade, tariff and customs.

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[su_lightbox type=”inline” src=”#gepty”]Atty. Allan B. Gepty[/su_lightbox]

Undersecretary
International Trade Group (ITG)

Supervising Head
Philippine International Trading Corporation (PITC)

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Allan B. Gepty is the Undersecretary for International Trade Policy Group (ITPG) at the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) where he supervises the Bureau of International Trade Relations, Bureau of Import Services, and the Strategic Trade Management Office. From December 2018 to November 2023, he was the Assistant Secretary of the DTI’s Industry Development and Trade Policy Group (IDTPG) where his main portfolio was on trade policy and trade negotiations at the bilateral, regional and multilateral level. He is the country’s Senior Economic Official at the ASEAN.

He also served as the country’s chief trade negotiator in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Agreement, considered as the largest free trade deal in the world. Prior to his appointment at the DTI, he was a Commissioner of the Philippine Tariff Commission. From 2010 to 2017, he served as Deputy Director General of the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) of the Philippines, and from January 2015 to October 2015 as its OIC- Director General. As such, he represented the country at the General Assembly of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). He is a lawyer by profession with diverse experience in international trade, intellectual property, public international law, commercial law, and litigation.

He is a Senior Fellow in Public Service at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore. He is also a graduate of the Advanced Management Program at The Wharton Business School, University of Pennsylvania, U.S.A. He finished his law degree from the San Beda College, Manila in 1997, and his Master of Laws degree from the University of Santo Tomas, España, Manila, where he graduated Summa Cum Laude in 2016. He also holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce major in Economics from the same university, where he graduated Cum Laude in 1992. He is a member of the Supreme Court of the Philippines Sub Committee for the Revision of the Rules of Procedure for Intellectual Property Rights Cases. He is an active member of the Academe at the College of Law and Graduate School of Law. He is an author of a book, Intellectual Property Law Compendium. He is a recipient of many awards including the prestigious Presidential Medal of Merit from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., and the Gawad Dr. Pio Valenzuela for Government Service both in 2023. He is a reserved officer of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) with the rank of Major.
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Address

[su_gmap address=”Metro House Sen. Gil J. Puyat Ave Makati Metro Manila” responsive=”yes”]
2F Metro House Bldg. 345 Sen. Gil J. Puyat Ave., Makati City

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A

Accomplishing the Impossible: The Arts and Crafts Company of Alexandro Condat

Every day, we see a growing number of entrepreneurs taking the leap and starting their own businesses. For many, this
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Beating the odds: How Bagnos Multi-Purpose Cooperative Roasted the Perfect Blend for Victory

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Chocolate Champions: Tirso and Rosana Lisbos’ Cacao Conquest

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Davie to the Rescue: Maco’s Femme Power

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Empowering the Community: How JCS Beatus Trading Evolved to Focus on Local Products and Skilled Workers

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Fabricating Fortune: Regina Madio’s Handwoven Accomplishments

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Flourishing with Food Fusion: How Glenn Villacin Combined Cultures to Suit the Filipino Palate

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Gloom to Bloom: The Healthy Pursuit of Green Thumb Farm and Al Fresco Restaurant

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Hopeless to Hopeful: Sweet Moh Bakeshop’s Persistence During the Pandemic

Zamboanga City is a province in the southern Philippines severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Many businesses were forced to
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Inclusive Enterprise: Carmelita Rejano-Reyes becomes Marinduque’s Modern-day Good Samaritan

How do you keep a business afloat during one of the most difficult times in our history while extending a
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Juicy Outcome: Young Owner of BcDc Agricultural Products becomes a Role Model for MSMEs

When we were young, our parents usually asked us what we wanted to be when we grew up. While most

Journey to Prosperity: The Jedidiah Food Industry’s Story

It’s not often that you hear a success story about a business that started in jail, but Jedidiah Food Company
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Keep Educating Yourself: Sandria Cadusale’s Side Hustle Come Full-Time Business

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Lean to Lucrative: Prime Innov8’s Thriving Legend

Celia Pajel was once a successful career woman, but she gave it all up to be with her family in
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Melting Failure to Forge Success: The Story of MELTS Bakeshop

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No Veggies Left Behind: The Heroic Adventures of KTCM Enterprise

When we were young, our parents told us not to waste the food on our table. But imagine seeing mountains
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Online Presence: How Improving His Social Media Activity Helped Arnold Lasay’s Business

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Padayon! How Mama Da’s Legacy Combined Tradition with Fashion

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Prospering through Online Promotion: Binuhat Arts & Crafts’ Woven Triumph

When the world is crumbling down, it’s the entrepreneurs who pick themselves up and rebuild. Lynn Sheryl Reasol is one
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Quintissential Creations: Rolling the Mat for Basey Association for Native Industry Growth (BANIG)

All seemed a lost cause until the Basey Narrative Industry for Growth (BANIG) was formed. BANIG is a federation of
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Road to Fame: Adjie Dajac’s All-Terrain Sandals Weathers the Pandemic

The pandemic brought a lot of changes to the way we live our lives. Businesses had to close down, people
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Seamless Triumph: How the SAMAPA Producers Cooperative Reached Success One Stitch at a Time

What do you do when your business venture fails? Do you quit? For Veronica “Vicky” C. Tejido, quitting is definitely

Sweet Success: The Story of JBM Food Products’ Premium Goal

A family-owned establishment, JBM Food Products has always been concerned with the well-being of its staff and the people they
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Thriving with Tasty Treats: Golden Treats’ Gold Standard of Entrepreneurship

They say that gold is the metal of kings. But for Joahna and Lester Delfin, the owners of Golden Treats,
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Unwavering Determination: Health 100 & 101Restoreants’ Invigorating Achievement Unwavering Determination:

It’s not easy to be a pioneer. When Igorot restaurateur Elmer Macalingay decided to open a vegetarian restaurant in Baguio
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Victorius Designs: The Evolution of Marianito Jojo Vito’s Art Pieces

Marianito “Jojo” Vito is not your average jack-of-all-trades. He is a teacher, blogger, plantito, and artist-slash-entrepreneur. His business — Vito’s

Valuing Loyalty: Estela Robles-Villareal’s Commitment to Her Employees

In a world where businesses come and go, one bakery has managed to stand the test of time and crisis.
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Work from Home: Mori Creation’s Unique Impact

In these uncertain times, many people are working from home for the first time. For some, this is a new
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X-Factor of the YAMmy Ube Cake: Julieto Mendoza’s Secrets to Prevailing through the Pandemic

Julieto ‘Oyos’ Mendoza knew that he had to act fast when the pandemic hit. His business, Purple Yam Homemade Cakes
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Yardstick of Sustainable Fashion: The Rise of MUSA Fabric from a Simple Project to an International Brand

Who would’ve thought that a graduation project would become an opportunity to shed light on someone else’s life? Gleizl Joy
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Zealous Mission: Rem Herceda’s Revival of a Family Business

In the Philippines, calamansi juice is a staple beverage. It is refreshing and flavorful, and it’s packed with Vitamin C

[su_lightbox type=”inline” src=”#Sunico”]Jose Edgardo G. Sunico[/su_lightbox]

Undersecretary
Communications Group (CG)

[su_lightbox_content id=”Sunico”]

Ed Sunico currently serves as the Undersecretary for Communications at the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). In his capacity, he develops and implements strategic communication initiatives to promote the department’s policies and projects, enhancing the public image and reputation of DTI.

Since taking office, Usec. Ed Sunico has developed and executed the 1-DTI’s Communications Framework, guiding all departmental communications and aligning DTI’s leadership agenda with the country’s revitalized vision of a Bagong Pilipinas.

Undersecretary Sunico concurrently sits as a Member of the Board of Governors of the Board of Investments (BOI), the country’s primary industry development arm and lead investment promotion agency (IPA).

Prior to his current roles, Undersecretary Ed had an extensive career at Unilever, where he led the Communications and Corporate Affairs function across Southeast Asia. He was instrumental in positioning Unilever as a leader in sustainable business practices, driving growth, and fostering a purpose-led corporate culture.

Undersecretary Ed holds an MBA and a BS in Architecture from the University of the Philippines Diliman. He was recognized as a University of the Philippines Distinguished Alumnus Awardee for Corporate Social Responsibility in 2023, highlighting his significant contributions to both corporate and public sectors.

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[su_lightbox type=”inline” src=”#pacheco”]Mary Jean T. Pacheco[/su_lightbox]

Undersecretary
Supply Chain and Logistics Group (SCLG)

[su_lightbox_content id=”pacheco”]

A highly motivated, dedicated Career Executive Service Officer (CESO) with significant contribution and experience in public sector management, specifically in planning, monitoring & evaluation, performance management, public administration, and public policy formulation. As a CESO, USEC Pacheco is a 2015 CES VIP (Very Innovative Person 2015) awardee for introducing innovation and institutionalizing good governance initiatives in the DTI and a Gawad CES nominee in 2023. Last 2021, she participated the Lee Kuan Yew Senior Fellowship in Singapore and became a Lee Kuan Yew Fellow. Lastly, on 2022, she received two significant awards from her alma mater, the University of Santo Tomas. First is the Commerce Outstanding Alumni 2022 by the College of Commerce Alumni Foundation (Cocafi) in the field of government service as a graduate the UST College of Commerce and Business Administration. Second as one Of the Most Distinguished Thomasian Alumna conferred by the UST Alumni Association and nominated by PMT/CAT alumni association. And just recently, she was an awardee of Institute for Solidarity of Asia’s (ISA) 2024 College of Fellows as champion and leader of governance reform.

Appointed last December 6, 2023 as DTI Undersecretary, Usec Pacheco now manages the DTI Supply Chain and Logistics Group (SCLG).

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[su_lightbox type=”inline” src=”#nograles”]Atty. Amanda Marie F. Nograles[/su_lightbox]

Undersecretary
Consumer Affairs and Legal Services Group (CLG)

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Atty. Amanda Marie F. Nograles is the Assistant Secretary and Supervising Head of the Consumer Protection Group of the Department of Trade and Industry. Prior to DTI, she was also the Assistant Secretary for Legal and Legislative Affairs of the Department of Education.

Atty. Amanda graduated with second honors from Ateneo Law School. After taking the bar, she worked at Romulo Mabanta Buenaventura Sayoc & delos Angeles and thereafter at Nograles Law Offices.

She graduated from Ateneo de Manila, magna cum laude with a degree in Management Economics. She is set to complete her Masters in National Security Administration from the National Defense College of the Philippines by June 2024.
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	USD 2,269,859M
Total Trade (2015)

	628,937.3
Population (in thousand, 2015)

	USD 2,431,969M
GDP (current prices, 2015)

	10 ASEAN members
Members