Makati City, Philippines– The first Chemicals Industry Stakeholders’ Meeting, convened today at the Board of Investments (BOI) Headquarters, saw the active participation of the Philippine Paint and Coatings Association Inc. (PPCAI), emphasizing the vital discussions on the recently completed Philippine Chemical Industry Roadmap (PCIR)* and strategies for its implementation.
The PCIR, a comprehensive document finalized in 2023, outlines the current state of the chemicals industry, identifying the numerous changes and challenges that have emerged due to technological advancements, global disruptions, and the COVID-19 pandemic's lasting impacts. It advocates for a collaborative approach involving government bodies, the local industry, and academic institutions to undertake the recommended actions and strategies aimed at overcoming these hurdles.
Highlighting the meeting, PPCAI representatives — President Reginald Yu of Times Paint, Director April Ramos of BASF Philippines, and Director Avon Martin of Getz Advance — presented a compelling argument for the need for regulatory simplification. The delegation pinpointed several regulations that they believe hamper the competitiveness and productivity of the chemicals sector, particularly for paint manufacturers. Among these are the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) licensing and registration requirements for Household/Urban Hazardous Substances (HUHS), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources' (DENR) *Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Act, the Philippine Regulatory Commission's implementation of the Professional Chemistry Law, and the Department of Energy's (DOE) Energy Efficiency and Conservation Law.
The PPCAI's call to action urged the BOI to facilitate a comprehensive review of these existing regulations, assessing their impact and exploring opportunities for deregulation or simplification. The goal is to eliminate trade restrictions and outdated measures that currently stifle innovation and growth within the industry. The association proposed benchmarking local regulations against those in place within ASEAN's Department of Trade and Industry agencies, aiming to streamline processes and enhance the Philippine chemical industry's global competitiveness.
Chaired by Ms. Corazon "Corieh" Halili-Dichosa, BOI Executive Director for Industry Development Services, the meeting was a significant platform for dialogue and collaboration. In addition to PPCAI, the event was attended by representatives from various industry stakeholders, including the Progressive Association of Philippine Ink Makers (PAPIM), Samahan sa Pilipinas ng mga Industriyang Kimika (SPIK), and the Fertilizer Industry Association of the Philippines (FIAP), among others.
This inaugural gathering marks a crucial step towards addressing the challenges faced by the Philippines' chemicals industry, setting the stage for more coordinated efforts and meaningful progress in the years to come. Through initiatives like these, stakeholders aim to ensure the industry's sustainable growth and resilience against future challenges, ultimately contributing to the nation's economic development and prosperity.
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