Stakeholders Unite to Advance a Stronger National Quality Infrastructure for the Philippines

Manila, Philippines, October 29, 2025: The First National Quality Infrastructure (NQI) Conference, jointly organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) with support from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), brought together leaders from government, industry, and the private sector to strengthen the country’s foundation for quality, innovation, and global competitiveness.

The event marked a key milestone under the Global Quality and Standards Programme (GQSP), implemented by UNIDO in partnership with DTI and funded by the Swiss Confederation through the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO).

More than 250 stakeholders—including policymakers, industry champions, development partners, and technical experts—participated in plenary and technical sessions covering the core dimensions of NQI: standardization, accreditation, and metrology. The discussions underscored the importance of an integrated NQI system in enhancing the competitiveness of Philippine industries and supporting the goals of the Tatak Pinoy Act (RA 11981).

A key outcome of the conference was the signing of a Manifesto of Support for the proposed NQI Development Act, a legislative measure that seeks to institutionalize a comprehensive NQI framework. The Manifesto reflects a unified call for policies that enable Philippine enterprises to meet international standards, expand trade opportunities, and strengthen the country’s reputation for quality. As a follow-up action, the Manifesto will be formally transmitted to the legislative offices of both Houses of Congress to advocate for the immediate passage of the NQI Development Act. DTI expressed its strong commitment to work toward the immediate passage of the proposed law and to support further initiatives under the GQSP and related NQI efforts to ensure long-term institutional and industry impact.

Together, stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to building a robust and inclusive quality infrastructure, contributing to a more competitive and proudly Tatak Pinoy (Proudly Filipino) future.