The first Wholesale and Retail Trade Forum was held last 2 December at the AIM Conference Center in Makati City.
The event was part of the initiatives towards the Section G Job Blueprint for Wholesale and Retail Trade, a groundbreaking partnership between the Department of Trade and Industry, the Philippine Retailers Association and the Supply Chain Management Association of the Philippines. This was made to advance the end-to-end retail ecosystem – including retailing, manufacturing and logistics – by promoting job development and provide further avenues for collaboration between the public and private sectors.
The event, which saw roughly 150 participants from across various industries, was the culmination of several focus group discussions with stakeholders held over the last few months. Apart from presenting its initial findings, representatives from various government agencies were at hand to provide their insight and expertise to those taking part.
DTI secretary Ma. Cristina Roque led the speakers of the program, with PRA president Bobby Claudio Sr. and SCMAP president Dennis Llovido jointly opening the events.
Also among the moderators of the breakout sessions were SCMAP vice president Pierre Carlo Curay, director Jennifer Alcano, and marketing and communications director Henrik Batallones.
Work continues on the final jobs blueprint, with the DTI aiming to unveil them during an event in March 2025.