By Anna Leah Gonzales

MANILA – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Philippine Retailers Association (PRA), and the Supply Chain Management Association of the Philippines (SCMAP) entered into an agreement on Friday to address challenges and lay out a roadmap for the wholesale and retail industry.

The memorandum of understanding (MOU), signed by DTI Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque, PRA president Roberto Claudio, and SCMAP president Dennis Llovido, at the DTI office in Makati City, aims to address the policies and regulatory challenges that impact wholesale and retail operations and the entire supply chain.

"This memorandum of understanding goes beyond formality. It embodies a shared commitment to nurturing a dynamic, resilient, and competitive wholesale and retail sector. This partnership aligns perfectly with the goals of our Philippine Development Plan and Ambisyon Natin 2040," said Roque.

“AmBisyon Natin 2040” serves as a guide for development planning from 2016-2040 to enable Filipinos to attain a “matatag, maginhawa at panatag na buhay (stable, comfortable and peaceful life).”

"It also resonates with the vision of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. and his aspiration for a Bagong Pilipinas (New Philippines). This vision seeks economic growth and a brighter, more inclusive future where no Filipino is left behind," she added.

Roque said the partnership with PRA reinforces aims to foster a competitive retail market that values innovation, enhances consumer experience, and upholds fair trade practices.

"Meanwhile, with SCMAP, we are advancing logistics practices that make retail more accessible and efficient, ensuring that our supply chains are reliable and resilient," she said.

Under the MOU, all parties will collaborate to develop the Section G Job Blueprint for the wholesale and retail trade sector to foster job creation within the wholesale and retail trade sector.

The blueprint will prioritize strategies for enhancing supply chain integration and leveraging digital technologies to improve efficiency and competitiveness.

The 1st Wholesale and Retail Trade Forum on Dec. 2 will highlight the Section G: Job Blueprint.

Data from the DTI showed that in 2023, the wholesale and retail trade and repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles sector contributed approximately PHP4.4 trillion to the country's gross domestic product, up from PHP4.2 trillion in 2022. (PNA)

PHOTO CAPTION:

SIGNED AGREEMENT. Philippine Retailers Association president Roberto Claudio, Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque (middle), and Supply Chain Management Association of the Philippines president Dennis Llovido (from left) sign a memorandum of understanding at the DTI office in Makati City on Friday (Nov. 8, 2024). The deal aims to address the policies and regulatory challenges that impact wholesale and retail operations and the entire supply chain. (Screenshot from DTI Philippines livestream)