Chemical industry submits masterplan to DTI

MANILA, Philippines – The chemical industry has submitted to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) a draft masterplan that identifies key programs and strategies for long-term growth.

The Samahan sa Pilipinas ng mga Industriyang Kimika (SPIK) said in a statement that the chemical industry masterplan for 2012 to 2030 was given to Trade Undersecretary Adrian Cristobal Jr. a day ahead of the Aug. 31 deadline for the submission of road maps by industry associations.

The masterplan focuses on strategic goals to achieve its vision for 2030 such as the creation of a wide range of products with the best customer value, satisfying domestic demand and becoming a leading contributor to Philippine exports, as well as the promotion of high level workforce productivity.

The industry also seeks to promote innovative products and processes, engage in sustainable development and management to protect the natural assets needed by the industry, as well as enhance competitiveness.

The plan was prepared by the research unit of De La Salle University with inputs from the government and chemical industry subsectors such as petrochemical, olechemical, coatings and inks, adhesives, plastics, fertilizer, cosmetic and personal care, soap and detergent.

Cristobal said the chemical industry is “a strategic sector of the country’s economy.”

The industry roadmap, he added, “reflects the commitment of the private sector and the importance of public-private partnership.”

SPIK president Roberto Batungbacal said he is optimistic that the chemical industry masterplan would enable the country to diversify and provide high value employment for more Filipinos.

“(We hope) our plans enable us to harness our abundant natural resources... and continuously improve our quality of life,” he said.

SPIK which has 64 member companies, looks after the interests of the local chemical industry.

The DTI is asking all industries to prepare roadmap that identify opportunities for increased production capacity and improves the skills of their workforce.