Negosentro | DTI Chief Roque Pushes MSME Growth, Consumer Protection, Industry Standards, and Construction Sector Reforms
MANILA, Philippines – Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ma. Cristina A. “Cris” Roque had a full slate of engagements recently, underscoring her proactive approach to inclusive economic growth, consumer protection, industrial development, and governance reforms in the construction sector.
Strengthening MSMEs in Manila
Secretary Roque met with Manila Vice Mayor Angela Lei “Chi” Ilagan Atienza, together with officials from Small Business Corporation (SB Corp.), to explore collaborations aimed at boosting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the city.
Discussions focused on financing programs, referral systems, and joint activities such as caravans and livelihood fairs. According to DTI, the effort is part of its continuing push to expand MSMEs’ access to capital, enhance entrepreneurial opportunities, and drive inclusive local economic development.
Partnership with the Senate
In another meeting, Secretary Roque sat down with Senator Rodante D. Marcoleta, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Trade, Commerce, and Entrepreneurship. Their discussion centered on strengthening coordination between DTI and the Senate on issues such as consumer protection, business growth, and regulatory reforms needed to improve the ease of doing business in the country.
The collaboration signals stronger alignment between the executive and legislative branches in advancing policies that protect consumers while empowering Filipino entrepreneurs.
Ensuring Product Safety and Compliance
The DTI also conducted an inspection visit to Hocheng Philippines Corporation (HCG), a leading local manufacturer of ceramic plumbing fixtures. Secretary Roque emphasized the critical importance of upholding Philippine National Standards (PNS) and ensuring that all products circulating in the domestic market meet the safety and technical requirements set by the Bureau of Philippine Standards (BPS).
The move is part of DTI’s mandate to safeguard consumers while ensuring fair competition among manufacturers.
Restoring Integrity in Construction Regulation
Meanwhile, in a separate announcement, Secretary Roque revealed that she has placed the Construction Industry Authority of the Philippines (CIAP) and its implementing boards—including the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board (PCAB)—under her direct supervision.
“Placing them under my direct supervision will ensure that order, transparency and accountability is restored within these agencies,” Roque said.
She stressed that “full transparency and cooperation are mandatory, and those who breach the trust and mandate entrusted to us will be held accountable.”
This intervention, she explained, is meant to prevent mismanagement and strengthen governance in an industry critical to infrastructure and public trust. The move also builds on digitalization gains already established by PCAB—including online licensing and e-payment systems, which provide a strong platform for reforms.
PCAB has already established strong digital systems during the height of the pandemic in 2020, under the leadership of the board and former Executive Director Atty. Herbert Matienzo. These include online licensing, e-payments, real-time tracking, and remote accessibility, which streamlined processes during the pandemic and remain crucial for reforms today. With Secretary Roque’s direct supervision, these digital tools provide a reliable platform to strengthen accountability, transparency, and efficiency across CIAP and PCAB. The integration of leadership oversight and digital transformation signals a new era of good governance and restored trust in the construction industry, ensuring higher standards and reduced opportunities for corruption moving forward.
A Comprehensive Agenda
The day’s series of engagements highlights Secretary Roque’s multi-pronged approach to trade and industry governance:
Supporting MSME development at the local level.
Strengthening ties with the Senate to drive reforms.
Enforcing product safety standards through factory compliance checks.
Overhauling governance in the construction sector to restore integrity.
By combining grassroots support, legislative collaboration, strict regulatory enforcement, and institutional reforms, the DTI under Roque is shaping what it describes as a “renewed focus on accountability, competitiveness, and inclusive growth.”
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