Development plans to push use of indigenous materials

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Trade and Industry intensifies the promotion of the use of indigenous and bio-degradable materials in local products to contribute to the efforts in mitigating climate change.

DTI Undersecretary for regional operations Merly Cruz said in a recent interview that they are bracing up business development plans to shift towards using materials that are not harmful to the environment.

Cruz said that they would like to share the concept of being able to minimize the pollution through injecting in their product development plans the use of indigenous materials.

“It is good not to be in the industry for the business only but also for the protection of the environment.”

Cruz said that with the current problems caused by typhoons, people are becoming more active in participating in efforts and initiatives that are geared for environment protection and they are hopeful of the participation of more industries through this reinforcement of projects.

According to Cruz, they are also partnering with other offices like the Department of Environment and Natural Resources for their projects and also the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority and the Department of Science and Technology in helping more people be educated in using materials that would not harm the environment.

Cruz said that this could also have a good effect on the exporters most especially since the efforts on environment protection is being strengthened worldwide and products that are made by indigenous materials would be highly appreciated by a lot of people.—AJ de la Torre