Taguig City, Philippines – October 9, 2024 – The vibrant and ever-evolving landscape of the Philippine chemical industry took center stage as the Philippine Chemical Industry Roadmap (PCIR) Working Group convened for its 3rd meeting at DKSH Philippines, Inc., nestled in the bustling McKinley Hill Cyberpark.
This gathering, held on a bright Wednesday afternoon, was a testament to the collective commitment of industry leaders, academic representatives, and government officials to forge a more sustainable and innovative future for the sector. The meeting was presided over by Ms. Corazon "Corieh" Dichosa, the Executive Director at the Philippine Board of Investments (BOI), whose leadership provided vital direction to the discussions.
The meeting kicked off at 1:30 PM in the Engagement Room, where passionate discussions flowed among the participants. Various chairs representing sub-working groups led the dialogue, creating an atmosphere charged with anticipation and collaboration. A significant part of the meeting involved reflecting on past agreements, which helped ensure that discussions remained cohesive, fostering continuity and a strong foundation for future initiatives.
As the meeting progressed, updates from the sub-working groups highlighted the exciting developments in the industry. Engr. Albert Samuela, leading the Sub-Working Group on Industry-Academe Collaboration, shared inspiring news about their linkage activities. The group is gearing up for the upcoming "AIM!" event in November 2024, where they plan to formally announce a partnership between industry players and higher education institutions (HEIs). This initiative aims to promote collaborative innovation projects and encourage knowledge-sharing. Samuela also discussed promising collaborations, including a case study with the Environmental Pollution Analysis Program (EPAP), tapping into the expertise of the Balik Scientist program, the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST), and the National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP).
Meanwhile, Acting Director Ronaldo Buluran of the Board of Investments, speaking on behalf of Mr. Henry Siy, chair of the Sub-Working Group on Industry Promotion, focused on identifying crucial supply chain gaps, particularly concerning raw material availability and the adoption of Best Available Technologies (BATs). With an eye on future investments, they pinpointed five key commodities for pitching to potential investors and are compiling an inventory of local chemical supplies and necessary testing equipment to support initiatives from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).
Engr. Gretchen Enarle, President of the Samahan sa Pilipinas ng mga Industriyang Kimika (SPIK), and heading the Sub-Working Group on Ease of Doing Business, brought forth pivotal updates on regulatory simplification efforts. She discussed a draft Department of Health Administrative Order regarding Household Urban and Hazardous Substances and ongoing consultations with the Philippine National Police concerning controlled chemicals regulations. Enarle’s group is also developing a Terms of Reference to establish a dedicated research and development team aimed at streamlining innovation processes.
The discussions not only revolved around updates but also delved into the broader strategies outlined in the PCIR Roadmap. Key initiatives were highlighted, such as the establishment of chemical industry clusters, improvements in supply chain reliability through cross-sector collaboration, and a strong emphasis on sustainability through the Responsible Care® initiative.
As the meeting drew to a close, participants summarized the agreements reached, ensuring clear action items for each sub-working group moving forward. The commitment to continue addressing regulatory concerns and facilitating a smoother investment environment for the chemical industry was palpable, with plans for formal partnership announcements in November and the development of inventories and databases to address supply chain needs.
The 3rd meeting of the PCIR Working Group marks a significant milestone in the ongoing journey to enhance the Philippine chemical industry. By fostering collaboration among stakeholders and aligning with the PCIR Roadmap, this collective effort is set to ignite innovation, boost investment, and simplify regulatory processes, ultimately strengthening the chemical sector and fueling national economic growth.
Looking ahead, the next meeting is slated for early 2025, where updates on these exciting initiatives will take center stage.
The Philippine Chemical Industry Roadmap (PCIR) is a collaborative initiative designed to bolster the growth and competitiveness of the Philippine chemical industry. By enhancing supply chain efficiency, fostering industry-academe collaboration, supporting innovation, and streamlining regulatory processes, the PCIR aims to create a sustainable and prosperous future for the sector. 🖌️🖌️🖌️
Commenti