The 4th Quarter General Membership Meeting of the Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc., held last 8th of October 2024, focused on “Design Mindfulness Towards Sustainability and Innovation.” According to the President’s Report delivered by Dr. Sergio R. Ortiz-Luis Jr., Philippine exports showed optimistic growth in recent months, with a notable increase in July 2024 exports, while imports remain steady. Moreover, there was a 9.4% jump from June USD5.54 billion. With the Philippines benefiting from strong trade growth, National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) estimates that the Philippines could achieve Upper Middle Income Country (UMIC) status by 2025. While the Philippine Export Development Plan may fall short of its ambitious $143.4 billion target, projections indicate that export figures could still reach $107 billion—an impressive milestone amid global economic challenges.
The 4th Quarter GMM offered a series of impactful plenary presentations and panel discussions, showcasing insights on current industry trends, innovations, and sustainable practices:
Director Lilian Salonga presented the salient points and incentives of “The Creative Industry Act.” The prominence of the app economy, streaming platforms, and e-commerce are now reshaping the production of goods. Furthermore, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) recently launched the Malikhain Pinoy Program, which aspires to be Asia’s premier hub by 2030.
Executive Director Rhea Mature spoke about the importance and role of design thinking in businesses. With the design industry contributing an estimated PHP 1.2 trillion to the Philippines’ gross value-added portfolio, ED Mature emphasized the need to foster a design-led culture rooted in Filipino values and innovation. Ms. Christina Gaston – shared the experiences of her company, Hacienda Crafts, in sustainable production and circular economy. By utilizing local crafts, materials, and designs, Hacienda Crafts creates profitable products that enhance the incomes of sugar farm workers and fisher folks in the community. Hacienda Crafts consider their community-based business model sustainable by practicing the same principles of developing livelihoods through supply chain.
Regional Director Romelen Tresvalles introduced the emerging research and development programs. RD Tresvalles highlighted the Collaborative Research and Development to Leverage Philippine Economy (CRADLE) Program, which matches businesses with suitable research and development for them.
The GMM provided an encouraging update on the Philippine exports and highlighted the essence of design sustainability. With the vital part of the design industry in the sustained trade growth in the Philippines, design sustainability becomes a call to action to several enterprises. This shift toward sustainability not only supports the environment but also strengthens the position of the country in the global market. KFOS