President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. led the launch of the “Bagong Pilipinas Marketplace” e-commerce platform on Wednesday to connect micro, small and medium enterprises directly with big importers across the globe.
The platform will be maintained, managed and supervised by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and is expected to significantly expand the market reach and boost the profits of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through their deals with global institutional buyers.
The president was accompanied by First Lady Liza Marcos and son Vincent Marcos during the opening of the five-day “Bagong Pilipinas National Food Fair” and the “Bagong Pilipinas Marketplace,” both held at the SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City.
Also present were Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Frederick Go and Pampanga Vice Governor Lilia Pineda.
The president said the Bagong Pilipinas Marketplace is an initiative that will become a robust business-to-business e-commerce platform by highlighting the products and services that are “proudly Filipino-made,” especially those in the food and manufacturing industries.
“The platform will empower our MSMEs by providing them a space where their products can be seen, recognized, and valued by a wider market,” he said.
The president added that the platform validates the local producers’ capability to create high-quality products that can be marketed internationally.
“But beyond that, it will also focus on sustainability, on product innovation, and the adoption of new technologies in food processing and manufacturing. (The DTI) will lead the implementation of a sustainable framework that aims to ensure the long-term functionality and support for MSMEs in today’s digital economy,” the president said.
The initiative will provide local entrepreneurs with the knowledge and resources needed to navigate the new digital landscape, and protect both entrepreneurs and consumers through the use of secured cashless payment systems.
“Indeed, the DTI Bagong Pilipinas Marketplace is designed to create greater opportunities for our MSMEs, for them to thrive and to expand their reach … Such initiatives and support stand as essential pillars in ensuring that our MSMEs remain competitive in an ever-changing market. With these efforts to strengthen our local industries, we are indeed positioning the Philippines as a prime investment destination,” Marcos said.
The president reiterated his invitation for more potential investors — Filipinos and foreigners — to take part in the opportunities that the Philippine market offers.
“Let us continue to champion our homegrown products, elevate them to new heights, and embrace the brilliance of Filipino craftsmanship and ingenuity. Patuloy nating tangkilikin ang sariling atin. Palakasin pa natin ang industriyang Pilipino (Let us continue to champion our homegrown products, elevate them to new heights, and embrace the brilliance of Filipino craftsmanship and ingenuity. Let us continue to support our own products. Strengthen the Filipino industries),” he added.
