The government is encouraging Filipinos to participate in efforts to make the Philippines a regional hub for smart and sustainable manufacturing, innovation, creativity, and sustainability.
“Let us establish the Philippines as a regional hub for smart and sustainable manufacturing, and a place where innovation, creativity, and sustainability shine for future generations to come,” said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in a speech read by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin at the 2024 Gawad Yamang Isip Awards Night, hosted by the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) on Monday.
Marcos said with programs like the National Innovation Agenda and Strategy Document, Filipinos can harness the “transformative power of science and technology.”
Alfredo Pascual, secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) for his part urged micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to continue pursuing pioneering sustainable products and technologies, drawing investments, and penetrating new markets.
But Pascual noted safeguarding MSMEs’ intellectual property rights is essential, as it augments their market presence and enhances their company valuations.
In a sectoral meeting yesterday, Marcos ordered DTI to equip and upscale MSME by introducing them to digitalization and artificial intelligence (AI)- powered systems to help them adapt with the changing technological demands.
“Our MSME Development Plan will equip businesses with the tools for digitalization and AI, boosting sectors that drive over 65 percent of jobs,” the President said following the sectoral meeting In Malacanang.
Marcos said the government is not aiming to teach or even turn the MSMEs into AI engineers but to just learn how to use and take advantage of the AI-powered systems.
The President also said that by introducing MSMEs to the AI-powered system, it would help “ensure the ease of doing business, and to make it as easy as possible, as simple as possible for them”.
In 2022, MSMEs comprised 99.59 percent of total establishments in the Philippines.
MSMEs contributed 65.10 percent to total employment, highlighting their huge impact on jobs and livelihood in the country.
